Fixing device capable of enhancing durability of endless belt and image forming apparatus incorporating the same

摘要

A fixing device includes an endless belt rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation and a nip formation assembly disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt. An opposed rotary body is pressed against the nip formation assembly via the endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed. A belt holder contacts and supports each lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof. The belt holder is isolated from the opposed rotary body with a first interval interposed therebetween in the axial direction of the endless belt.

主权项

1. A fixing device comprising:
an endless belt rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation; a nip formation assembly disposed opposite an inner circumferential surface of the endless belt; an opposed rotary body pressed against the nip formation assembly via the endless belt to form a fixing nip between the endless belt and the opposed rotary body through which a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed; and a belt holder contacting and supporting each lateral end of the endless belt in an axial direction thereof, the belt holder isolated from the opposed rotary body with a first interval interposed therebetween in the axial direction of the endless belt, the nip formation assembly including a projection disposed downstream from the fixing nip in a recording medium conveyance direction and projecting toward the opposed rotary body, wherein the projection is at a location within the endless belt and contacts the endless belt at a position where the endless belt does not contact the opposed rotary body.