Patent ID: 8213827

Claim:
A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording medium, comprising: a flexible endless fixing belt rotating in a predetermined direction of rotation and comprising a center portion in an axial direction of the fixing belt that contacts the recording medium bearing the toner image and lateral edge portions in the axial direction of the fixing belt adjacent to the center portion that do not contact the recording medium bearing the toner image; a metal member provided inside a loop formed by the fixing belt and facing an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt to heat the fixing belt; a rotary pressing member contacting an outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt to form a nip between the rotary pressing member and the fixing belt that nips and conveys the recording medium bearing the toner image; a first lubricant applied between the metal member and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt at the center portion of the fixing belt; and a second lubricant having a viscosity greater than a viscosity of the first lubricant, applied between the metal member and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt at the lateral edge portions of the fixing belt.