Patent ID: 7869753
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a fixing member configured to travel in a prescribed direction and apply heat to a toner image formed on a recording medium; a pressure applying member configured to pressure contact the fixing member and form a nip on the fixing member, said nip conveying the recording medium downstream; a resistance heat element secured inside the fixing member and configured to apply heat to the fixing member; and a contact member secured inside the fixing member and configured to contact the pressure-applying member via the fixing member at the nip, wherein a first portion of said resistance heat element does not pressure contact an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member, the first portion of said resistance heat element faces the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member via a gap, and the gap is void and not more than 1 mm, wherein a second portion of said resistance heat element contacts said inner circumferential surface of the fixing member by a pressure not more than a prescribed amount at a contact section.