Patent ID: 8781380

Claim:
A fixing device comprising: a flexible tubular member having an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space, and an axis defining an axial direction, the tubular member being configured to circularly move in a rotational direction around the axis; a heater disposed in the internal space to radiate radiant heat; a nip member that is in contact with the inner peripheral surface to transmit the radiant heat to the tubular member; a reflection plate configured to reflect the radiant heat from the heater toward the nip member; a backup member that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface to form a nip region between the backup member and the tubular member, the backup member applying a load to the nip member; and a stay disposed in the internal space to surround the reflection plate and configured to support the nip member against the load, wherein the nip member comprises: a first member that is in contact with the inner peripheral surface; and a second member disposed between the first member and the stay to transmit the load to the stay, wherein the reflection plate has a flange portion sandwiched between the stay and the second member, wherein the first member has a heat conductivity higher than the second member, and wherein the second member is formed with an opening for transmitting the radiant heat to the first member.