Patent ID: 7664447
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A fixing device comprising: a fixing member with a deformable surface; a heating unit configured to heat the fixing member; a pressurizing unit that includes an endless member and a pressurizing member, the pressurizing member including an elastic layer that presses the endless member against the fixing member to bring the endless member into pressure contact with the fixing member, wherein a recording medium carrying an unfixed toner image passes through a nip portion formed between the fixing member and the endless member, so that the unfixed toner image is fixed on the recording medium by heat and pressure, and the elastic layer of the pressurizing member has a hardness equal to or less than 30 HS (JIS-A), the elastic layer of the pressurizing member has a rubber thickness equal to or less than 3 mm, and the nip portion is formed between only the pressurizing member and the fixing member.