Fixing device having stably positioned nip plate

摘要

A fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet includes: a flexible tubular member defining an axis extending in an axial direction; a heater; a nip plate configured to be in sliding contact with the tubular member and having an engaging portion; a backup member configured to nip the flexible tubular member in cooperation with the nip plate; and a stay configured to support the nip plate and having an end portion in the axial direction. The stay includes: a support portion configured to support the nip plate; a plurality of hook portions provided at the end portion to support the nip plate; and a protruding portion protruding toward the backup member and configured to engage the engaging portion such that the nip plate is restricted from moving in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the backup member confronts the nip plate.

主权项

1. A fixing device comprising:
an endless belt having an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space; a backup member; a heater elongated in a longitudinal direction inside the internal space of the endless belt; a nip plate elongated in the longitudinal direction inside the internal space of the endless belt, the nip plate and the backup member being configured to nip the endless belt therebetween, the nip plate being formed with a through-hole; a frame elongated in the longitudinal direction inside the internal space of the endless belt and configured to support the nip plate, the frame being recessed in a direction away from the heater to form a first recess; and a reflection member disposed between the frame and the heater and elongated in the longitudinal direction inside the internal space of the endless belt, the reflection member being recessed in a direction away from the heater to form a second recess in which at least a portion of the heater is disposed, the reflection member being configured to reflect radiant heat from the heater, wherein the frame is provided with a protruding portion protruding in a direction toward the backup member, the protruding portion having a portion disposed within the through-hole of the nip plate.