Patent ID: 8630572
Filing Date: 2014-01-14
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium, comprising: an endless belt-shaped fixing member formed in a loop, to rotate in a predetermined direction and convey the recording medium; a pressing member disposed opposite the fixing member, to press against the fixing member to contact an outer circumferential surface of the fixing member; a nip forming member disposed inside the loop formed by the fixing member, to contact the pressing member through the fixing member to form a nip portion between the pressing member and the fixing member through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes; a heat generator disposed inside the loop formed by the fixing member outside the nip portion to heat the fixing member, the heat generator having variable heat distribution over a width of the fixing member; and a first temperature detector and a second temperature detector, the first and second temperature detectors provided as the only temperature detectors disposed inside the loop formed by the fixing member, wherein the first temperature detector contacts a lateral end portion of the heat generator in the width direction of the fixing member opposite a surface of the heat generator facing the fixing member, to detect a temperature of the heat generator, and wherein the second temperature detector contacts a lateral center portion of an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member in the width direction, to detect the temperature of the fixing member.