Patent ID: 8983349
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a tubular flexible fusing member having an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space; a nip plate extending in the internal space of the tubular flexible fusing member; a heater extending in the internal space and confronting the nip plate in a confronting direction, the heater comprising: a reflection plate configured to reflect radiant heat from the heater, wherein the glass tube body defines an imaginary plane which is tangential to a closest generatrix of the glass tube closest to the reflection plate, the imaginary plane and the reflection plate defining a gap therebetween, the tip portion being outside of the gap, wherein the nip plate has a generally U-shape to provide a base portion extending along the heater and folded portions folded toward the heater, the base portion including a center portion and flat end portions, the center portion extending along the heater and disposed between the flat end portions, the center portion protruding in a direction away from the heater, and wherein the glass tube in its entirety overlaps with the center portion when projected in the confronting direction.