Patent ID: 8543046
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a fixing rotary body to rotate in a predetermined direction of rotation; a pressing rotary body pressed against the fixing rotary body to rotate in a direction counter to the direction of rotation of the fixing rotary body and form a nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image passes; a heat generator disposed opposite the fixing rotary body at a section other than the nip to heat the fixing rotary body; and a moving assembly disposed opposite the heat generator to generate a magnetic force to move the heat generator with respect to the fixing rotary body so as to change one of a pressure and a distance between the heat generator and the fixing rotary body, wherein the moving assembly includes: a magnetic member attached to the heat generator and disposed opposite the fixing rotary body via the heat generator; a permanent magnet disposed opposite the magnetic member via the fixing rotary body and the heat generator to exert a force on the magnetic member; a biasing member attached to the magnetic member to exert force on the magnetic member that urges the magnetic member relative to the fixing rotary body against the force exerted by the permanent magnet; and a driver to move the permanent magnet against the force exerted by the biasing member to change a distance between the permanent magnet and the magnetic member.