Patent ID: 8489008

Claim:
A fixing device comprising: an endless fuser belt looped into a generally cylindrical configuration extending in an axial direction thereof for rotation in a circumferential direction thereof; a contact member extending in the axial direction inside the loop of the fuser belt; a pressure member extending in the axial direction with the belt interposed between the contact member and the pressure member, the pressure member being pressed against the contact member through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip through which a recording medium is passed under heat and pressure; a heater disposed inside the loop of the fuser belt adjacent to an inner circumference of the fuser belt to heat the fuser belt; a heater support disposed inside the loop of the fuser belt to hold the heater in position; and a belt tensioner disposed inside the loop of the fuser belt to tighten the belt so as to maintain the belt in contact or close proximity with the heater.