Patent ID: 8233833

Claim:
A fixing device comprising: an endless fixing belt traveling in a prescribed direction and configured to apply heat to a toner image on a recording medium; a pressure applying member in pressure contact with the endless fixing belt and configured to form a nip on the endless fixing belt; a contact member provided inside the endless fixing belt and configured to press against the pressure applying member via the endless fixing belt at the nip; a resistance heat element having an arc portion provided inside the endless fixing belt and configured to apply heat to the endless fixing belt via the arc portion, said arc portion rubbing an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt; and a reinforcing member provided inside the endless fixing belt and configured to engage and reinforce the contact member, wherein widthwise ends of the reinforcing member are supported by a pair of side plates, respectively, wherein contact pressure caused between the endless fixing belt and the heat resistance element is not more than 0.3 kgf/cm 2 .