Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a heat conductor disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of an endless belt to heat the endless belt. A nip formation pad is disposed opposite the inner circumferential surface of the endless belt and presses the endless belt against a pressing rotary body to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the pressing rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A support is disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the heat conductor and contacts an abutment face of the nip formation pad to support the nip formation pad against pressure from the pressing rotary body. A heat insulator is interposed between the heater and the nip formation pad and the support to shield the nip formation pad and the support from the heater.
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
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inventional additional inventional
Minoru Tomohiko Shigeo Yutaka Hitoshi
Toyoda Fujii Nanno Naitoh Fujiwara