Patent ID: 8494424
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet fed in a sheet feeding direction, the fixing device comprising: a tubular flexible member having an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space; a nip plate disposed in the internal space and having one surface and an opposite surface, the inner peripheral surface configured to be in sliding contact with the one surface; a heater disposed in the internal space and confronting the nip plate in a confronting direction; a reflection plate configured to reflect a radiant heat from the heater toward the nip plate; a backup member configured to provide a nip region in cooperation with the nip plate for nipping the tubular flexible member between the backup member and the nip plate; a temperature sensor disposed in the internal space and configured to detect a temperature of the nip plate, the temperature sensor being positioned outside of the reflection plate in the sheet feeding direction and in confrontation with the opposite surface; and a stay configured to support the opposite surface of the nip plate, the opposite surface being in opposition to the nip region, the temperature sensor being positioned outside of the stay.