Fixing device and image forming apparatus

摘要

A fixing device includes a fixing rotator and an opposed rotator disposed opposite the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A heater disposed opposite the fixing rotator heats the fixing rotator. A nip formation pad disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator includes a decreased thermal conduction portion having a decreased thermal conductivity to conduct heat in a thickness direction of the nip formation pad perpendicular to an axial direction of the fixing rotator and an increased thermal conduction portion having an increased thermal conductivity to conduct heat in the thickness direction of the nip formation pad. The increased thermal conduction portion is disposed opposite an overheating span of the fixing rotator in the axial direction thereof where the fixing rotator is susceptible to overheating.

主权项

1. A fixing device comprising:
a fixing rotator rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation; an opposed rotator disposed opposite the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed; a heater disposed opposite the fixing rotator to heat the fixing rotator; and a nip formation pad disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, the nip formation pad including:
a decreased thermal conduction portion having a decreased thermal conductivity to conduct heat in a thickness direction of the nip formation pad perpendicular to an axial direction of the fixing rotator; andan increased thermal conduction portion having an increased thermal conductivity to conduct heat in the thickness direction of the nip formation pad, the increased thermal conduction portion disposed opposite an overheating span of the fixing rotator in the axial direction thereof where the fixing rotator is susceptible to overheating.