US 12,248,262 B2
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
Shinichi Hatakeyama, Nagoya (JP); and Kazuna Taguchi, Nagoya (JP)
Assigned to BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Nagoya (JP)
Filed by BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Nagoya (JP)
Filed on Mar. 21, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/187,029.
Claims priority of application No. 2022-055302 (JP), filed on Mar. 30, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0314993 A1, Oct. 5, 2023
Int. Cl. G03G 15/20 (2006.01); G03G 15/00 (2006.01); G03G 21/16 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/2053 (2013.01) [G03G 15/2064 (2013.01); G03G 15/757 (2013.01); G03G 21/1647 (2013.01); G03G 2215/2032 (2013.01); G03G 2221/1657 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fixing device to be attached to an image forming apparatus comprising a side frame, the fixing device comprising:
a heater;
a heating rotating body to be heated by the heater;
a pressure rotating body configured to form a nip in combination with the heating rotating body;
a frame made of plastic and configured to support the heating rotating body and the pressure rotating body, the frame having a first end and a second end located apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the pressure rotating body, the frame including a side wall located at the first end thereof;
a reinforcement plate made of metal and fixed to the side wall,
a first gear arranged outside of the reinforcement plate in the longitudinal direction, the first gear being attached to one end of the heating rotating body or the pressure rotating body in the longitudinal direction, and
a second gear arranged outside of the reinforcement plate in the longitudinal direction, the second gear being configured to transmit a driving force to the first gear,
wherein the reinforcement plate includes a metal rod that protrudes in the longitudinal direction and supports the second gear in a manner that allows the second gear to rotate, the metal rod including a portion protruding outward of the second gear, and
wherein the portion of the metal rod protruding outward of the second gear engages a groove formed in the side frame of the image forming apparatus to locate the fixing device in place with respect to the image forming apparatus.