Patent ID: 9170536
Filing Date: 2015-10-27
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a first fixing member; a second fixing member opposed to the first fixing member; a support member which supports the second fixing member such that the second fixing member can approach and separate from the first fixing member; a biasing member which biases the support member such that the second fixing member is pressed against the first fixing member; and a pressure release member which releases a pressure contact state where the second fixing member is pressed against the first fixing member, wherein the fixing device is configured to move the pressure release member in predetermined movement directions relative to the support member such that the biasing member can function, the movement directions being set in advance, the support member comprises a first retaining part for retaining the pressure release member at a pressure position in the movement directions at which position the biasing member functions, the pressure release member comprises a retention element to be held in the first retaining part of the support member, when the retention element is held in the first retaining part of the support member, the pressure release member is configured to apply a biasing force of the biasing member to the support member and thereby to cause the second fixing member to be pressed against the first fixing member, and when the retention element is released from the first retaining part of the support member, the pressure release member is configured to stay at a release position in the movement directions at which position the biasing member ceases to apply the biasing force to the support member, and thereby to release the pressure contact state where the second fixing member is pressed against the first fixing member, wherein the pressure release member comprises a shaft extending in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the movement directions, and the support member comprises a guide unit which supports the shaft of the pressure release member reciprocably in the movement directions.