Patent ID: 8489009
Filing Date: 2013-07-16
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device, comprising: an endless belt-shaped fixing member formed in a loop, to move in a predetermined direction and fix a toner image on a recording medium by heating and fusing the toner image; a rotary pressing member disposed opposite the fixing member; a stationary member provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member and pressed against the rotary pressing member through the fixing member to form a nip between the rotary pressing member and the fixing member through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes; a friction reducer disposed between the fixing member and the stationary member, to reduce friction generated therebetween; an activation device provided inside the loop of the fixing member, to move the friction reducer to change a portion of the friction reducer that comes between the fixing member and the stationary member; and a torque detector to detect a drive torque of the fixing device, wherein the activation device moves the friction reducer every time a result of detection provided by the torque detector reaches a predetermined value.