Patent ID: 8428501

Claim:
A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium, comprising: a flexible endless fixing member to rotate in a predetermined direction of rotation, formed into a loop; a nip formation member provided inside the loop formed by the fixing member; a pressing member disposed opposite the nip formation member and outside the loop formed by the fixing member, pressed against the nip formation member via the fixing member to form a nip between the fixing member and the pressing member through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes; the fixing member and the pressing member rotating and conveying the recording medium bearing the toner image through the nip; and a non-rotating heat conduction member disposed within the loop formed by the fixing member and facing an inner circumferential surface of the fixing member to guide the fixing member sliding over the heat conduction member as the fixing member rotates and to transmit heat to the fixing member, comprising a plurality of convex portions provided on an outer circumferential surface of the heat conduction member and contacting the inner circumferential surface of the fixing member, wherein a height of the plurality of convex portions of the heat conduction member decreases toward the nip in the direction of rotation of the fixing member.