Patent ID: 8886071
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device for fixing a toner image printed on a recording medium, the fixing device comprising: a rotatable fuser member subjected to heating; a rotatable pressure member disposed opposite the fuser member; a heater to heat the fuser member; a rotary driver to impart torque to at least one of the fuser and pressure members, the fuser member and the pressure member pressed against each other to form a fixing nip therebetween, through which the recording medium is conveyed with a first, printed surface thereof facing the fuser member and a second, non-printed surface thereof facing the pressure member, so as to fix the toner image in place under heat and pressure as the fuser and pressure members rotate together; a thermometer disposed external to the fixing nip to detect a temperature outside the fixing nip; and a controller operatively connected with the thermometer to control an amount of heat applied to the recording medium through the fixing nip according to the detected temperature, so that the recording medium exhibits a substantially constant post-fixing temperature downstream from the fixing nip.