Patent ID: 8655211
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium, comprising: a flexible endless fixing belt formed into a loop; a pressing rotary body disposed outside the loop formed by the fixing belt; a nip formation pad disposed inside the loop formed by the fixing belt and pressed against the pressing rotary body via the fixing belt to form a fixing nip between the pressing rotary body and the fixing belt through which the recording medium bearing the toner image is conveyed, the nip formation pad including a protrusion disposed downstream from the fixing nip in a conveyance direction of the recording medium, the protrusion protruding toward the pressing rotary body without contacting the pressing rotary body; and a pressing rotary body mover to contact and move the pressing rotary body bidirectionally in the conveyance direction of the recording medium to move the fixing nip toward and away from the protrusion; wherein the pressing rotary body is pressed against the pressing rotary body mover from a direction opposite to the conveyance direction.