Patent ID: 8737893

Claim:
A fixing device comprising: a fusing film having a tubular shape, the fusing film including an inner surface and an outer surface; a heater disposed inside the tubular shape of the fusing film; a nip member configured to contact at least a portion of the inner surface of the fusing film; a backup member configured to form a nip portion between the backup member and the fusing film with the fusing film between the backup member and the nip member; a first supporting member configured to support the heater and the nip member with a first fixed distance therebetween; a second supporting member including a movable element attached directly to the first supporting member, wherein the second supporting member and the movable element are configured to movably support the first supporting member so that the nip member is movable relative to the backup member; a reflector configured to reflect heat radiated from the heater toward the nip member; and a stay configured to support both ends of the nip member in the direction in which a recording sheet is conveyed, wherein the reflector and the stay are supported by the first supporting member with a second fixed distance therebetween, and wherein the movable element is different from the reflector and the stay.