US 11,940,749 B2
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same with a reflector that does not contact a stay
Yoshiki Yamaguchi, Kanagawa (JP)
Assigned to RICOH COMPANY, LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by Yoshiki Yamaguchi, Kanagawa (JP)
Filed on Nov. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/989,716.
Claims priority of application No. 2022-007144 (JP), filed on Jan. 20, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0229104 A1, Jul. 20, 2023
Int. Cl. G03G 15/20 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/2053 (2013.01) [G03G 15/2017 (2013.01); G03G 15/2064 (2013.01); G03G 2215/2032 (2013.01); G03G 2215/2035 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fixing device comprising:
a fixing rotator;
a pressure rotator being in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to form a nip, the pressure rotator to press a recording medium passing through the nip;
a heater disposed inside a loop of the fixing rotator,
a stay to receive a pressing force of the pressure rotator;
a reflector not in contact with the stay, the reflector including:
a reflecting portion to reflect radiant heat radiated by the heater toward an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator; and
a pressure receiver to receive a pressing force of the pressure rotator via the fixing rotator, the pressure receiver being thermally coupled to the reflecting portion; and
a slide between the pressure receiver and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, the slide in contact with the pressure receiver and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator, the slide having a sliding surface on which the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator slides, the sliding surface having a smaller friction coefficient than a friction coefficient of a surface of the pressure receiver with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator.