Patent ID: 8755725
Filing Date: 2014-06-17
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a tubular flexible fusing member rotatable about a rotational axis defining an axial direction and having an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space; a heater disposed in the internal space; a nip member disposed in the internal space for receiving radiant heat from the heater, the nip member configured to be in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface; a backup member configured to nip the fusing member in cooperation with the nip member; a restricting member configured to restrict displacement of the fusing member in the axial direction and that is tiltable about a fulcrum portion; and an inner guide member configured to be in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface to guide the rotation of the fusing member, the restricting member being tiltably supported to the inner guide member, wherein the fulcrum portion is positioned in alignment with the internal space, and wherein one of the inner guide member and the restricting member includes a protruding portion protruding in the axial direction toward the remaining one of the inner guide member and the restricting member, and the remaining one of the inner guide member and the restricting member includes a receiving portion for tiltably supporting the protruding portion, the protruding portion functioning as the fulcrum portion.