Patent ID: 8983352
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device based on electromagnetic induction heating that, when a sheet with an unfixed image formed thereon passes through a fixing nip, applies heat and pressure to the sheet in order to fix the unfixed image thereto, the fixing device comprising: an endless belt driven to rotate and including an induction heating layer; a pressing member pressing against a surface of the belt to form the fixing nip between the pressing member and the surface of the belt; a magnetic flux generator provided outside of a running path of the belt and generating magnetic flux to cause the induction heating layer to heat; a heat-control plate provided inside of the running path of the belt and including a material whose magnetic property changes with temperature; and a support member supporting the heat-control plate, wherein the heat-control plate includes a first region facing the magnetic flux generator with the belt therebetween and second regions extending continuously in a circumferential direction of the belt from opposite edges of the first region and which second regions do not face the magnetic flux generator, and inside the running path of the belt, the support member is in contact with the heat-control plate at the second regions and not at the first region so as to support the heat-control plate at the second regions.