Patent ID: 8934824
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device configured to fix a developer image onto a recording sheet, the fixing device comprising: a flexible cylindrical member which has an inner peripheral surface and is configured to rotate about an axis; a heater arranged inside the flexible cylindrical member and extending in an axial direction of the flexible cylindrical member; a nip member, which includes: a pressure member, the pressure member and the nip member being configured to pinch the flexible cylindrical member therebetween; and a guide member arranged at least at one side of the nip member in the sheet conveying direction and including a guide surface that is configured to guide the inner peripheral surface of the flexible cylindrical member, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the flexible cylindrical member is configured to slide on the nip member, and wherein the guide member and the nip member are at least partially separated along the predetermined range of the nip member within the predetermined length of the contact surface in the sheet conveying direction.