Patent ID: 7647016
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device, comprising: a heating member that rotates while it is heated by a heating unit; a driven member that is rotated by the heating member, and that conveys a sheet in cooperation with the heating member; a biasing unit that biases the heating member and the driven member in a contacting direction; a contact area forming member that contacts a portion of the driven member and causes the portion of the driven member that is contacted to come in contact with a portion of the heating member; a support member that supports at least one of the heating member and the driven member so as to be freely moved towards and away from the other member; and a fulcrum that is arranged downstream in a sheet conveying direction from the contacting portions of the heating member and the driven member, and that movably supports the support member, wherein the support member comprises a first support frame and a second support frame, the first support frame being arranged on both end portions in a longitudinal direction of the heating member and the second support frame being arranged on both end portions in a longitudinal direction of the driven member, wherein the first support frame and the second support frame are mutually connected through the fulcrum so as to be freely rotated, and wherein the first support frame supports the heating member and the second support frame supports the driven member.