Patent ID: 7657200
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device for fixing an unfixed toner image by heating and pressurizing a recording material by which the unfixed toner image is carried, the fixing device comprising: a heating member having a heat source; a pressurizing member that faces the heating member and that forms a fixing nip region between the heating member and the pressuring member; a belt member that circulates while being tensioned around the heating member and is able to transport the recording material while in contact with a surface of the unfixed toner image of the recording material; and a belt driving device that temporarily stops or decelerates the belt member after a rear edge of the recording material passes through the fixing nip region, and that restores the belt member before a leading edge of a subsequent recording material reaches the fixing nip region, wherein the belt driving device stops or decelerates the belt member when a temperature of at least one of the recording material and a part of the belt member being in contact with the recording material becomes less than or equal to a temperature at which no image defect is caused even when the toner image is detached from the belt member after fixing.