Patent ID: 8160484
Filing Date: 2012-04-17
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a flexible endless belt to move in a predetermined direction to heat and melt a toner image on a recording medium; a pressing rotary member opposing the belt; a fixed member fixedly provided inside a loop formed by the belt and facing an inner circumferential surface of the belt, the fixed member being pressed against the pressing rotary member via the belt to form a nip portion between the pressing rotary member and the belt to nip the recording medium bearing the toner image as the recording medium bearing the toner image passes therethrough; a heating member fixedly provided inside the loop formed by the belt and facing the inner circumferential surface of the belt to heat the belt, the heating member comprising an opening opposing the pressing rotary member; a seal member to cover the opening in the heating member to prevent a foreign substance from entering the heating member through the opening in the heating member; and a reinforcement member fixedly provided inside the heating member and pressed against the fixed member via the seal member to reinforce the fixed member.