Fixing device and image forming apparatus

摘要

A fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressure member, a separation member and a separation/contact mechanism. The fixing member and the pressure member are provided so as to separate away from or come in contact with each other and to form a fixing nip. The fixing member has a flexibility and is deformable by separating away from or coming in contact with the pressure member. The separation member is disposed to face the fixing member and configured to separate a sheet passed through the fixing nip from the fixing member. The separation/contact mechanism is configured to support the separation member such that a fixing member side edge portion of the separation member is deformed along the fixing member in synchronization with the separating and contacting of the fixing member and the pressure member.

主权项

1. A fixing device comprising:
a fixing member and a pressure member which are provided so as to separate away from or come in contact with each other and to form a fixing nip, the fixing member having a flexibility and deformable by separating away from or coming in contact with the pressure member, a separation member, which is a flexible thin plate, is disposed to face the fixing member along a length direction of the fixing member and is configured to separate a sheet passed through the fixing nip from the fixing member, and a separation/contact mechanism configured to support the separation member such that a fixing member side edge portion of the separation member is deformed along the fixing member in synchronization with the separating and contacting of the fixing member and the pressure member, wherein the separation/contact mechanism deforms the separation member so that a center portion in a length direction of the separation member protrudes toward the fixing member as a fixing pressure in the fixing nip is increased.