Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus

The fixing device addresses reflective member deterioration and temperature unevenness by using a metal member with specific positioning to enhance heat transfer and reduce temperature variations, ensuring efficient and reliable image fixation.

JP7868402B2Active Publication Date: 2026-06-02RICOH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
RICOH CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-05-24
Publication Date
2026-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional fixing devices face issues with reflective members deteriorating due to heat accumulation and temperature unevenness within the nip section, leading to potential damage and abnormal image generation.

Method used

A fixing device design featuring a rotatable and flexible endless fixing member, a pressurizing member, a nip-forming member, a heat source, a first support member, and a reflecting member, with a metal member positioned to enhance heat transfer and reduce temperature unevenness by ensuring the metal member's length exceeds that of the second support member in the transport direction and contacting only on the nip portion side.

Benefits of technology

The design effectively suppresses reflective member deterioration and reduces temperature unevenness within the nip portion, improving energy efficiency and preventing abnormal images.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a fixing device that can suppress deterioration of a reflecting member, and can reduce temperature unevenness in a nip part.SOLUTION: A fixing device comprises: a fixing member 21; a pressing member 22; a nip forming member; a heat source 23; a first support member 25 that supports the nip forming member; and a reflecting member 28 that is in contact with the first support member and reflects heat from the heat source. The nip forming member has a second support member 24 that is in contact with the first support member, and a metal member 26 that is supported in contact with the second support member and arranged closer to the pressing member than the second support member. When a direction in which a recording medium passes through a nip part is defined as a conveyance direction, a length of the metal member is longer than that of the second support member in the conveyance direction. Portions where the second support member is in contact with the first support member are both ends in the conveyance direction of the second support member. The second support member is in contact with the metal member only on a surface on the side of the nip part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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