Patent ID: 6785505
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A fixing device comprising:a fixing belt configured to be endless and to convey a sheet-like recording medium on which a toner image is fixed; a heating roller configured to support a first end of the fixing belt therearound; a fixing roller configured to support a second end of the fixing belt therearound; a pressure roller provided at a position opposed to the fixing roller so that the fixing belt is passed between the pressure roller and the fixing roller; a first supporting member configured to support the pressure roller with respect to a main body of the fixing device; a second supporting member configured to support the fixing belt, the heating roller, and the fixing roller with respect to the first supporting member; an angle, formed between a line tangential to an upstream end of a contacting region of the fixing belt with the pressure roller in a moving direction of the fixing belt and an approaching direction of a sheet-like recording medium to the upstream end of the contacting region of the fixing belt with the pressure roller, which is set equal to 20Â° or larger; and a guiding member configured to guide the sheet-like recording medium by regulating the approaching direction of the sheet-like recording medium, wherein the second supporting member is pivoted about the fixing roller with respect to the first supporting member, while supporting the fixing belt, the heating roller, and the fixing roller.