Patent ID: 7024145
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device for fixing an unfixed toner image formed on a sheet-shaped recording medium, the fixing device comprising: a first roller, incorporating a heat source therein; a second roller, being pressed toward the first roller; an endless belt, a part of which is wound on an outer periphery of the second roller to be circulated; and a non-rotatable belt stretcher, which stretches the endless belt together with the second roller such that the circulated endless belt is slid on a first face extending in a widthwise direction of the endless belt, and such that a tensile force is applied to both widthwise end portions of the endless belt, wherein: the circulated endless belt is nipped between the first roller and the second roller to form a first nip portion through which the unfixed toner image is fixed on the recording medium with heat from the heat source; and the first face of the belt stretcher is curved in the widthwise direction of the endless belt.