US 12,353,150 B2
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
Hiroshi Yoshinaga, Chiba (JP); Yoshiki Yamaguchi, Kanagawa (JP); Takashi Seto, Kanagawa (JP); Ryohei Matsuda, Kanagawa (JP); and Ryohhei Sugiyama, Kanagawa (JP)
Assigned to RICOH COMPANY, LTD., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by Hiroshi Yoshinaga, Chiba (JP); Yoshiki Yamaguchi, Kanagawa (JP); Takashi Seto, Kanagawa (JP); Ryohei Matsuda, Kanagawa (JP); and Ryohhei Sugiyama, Kanagawa (JP)
Filed on Nov. 15, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/510,632.
Claims priority of application No. 2022-187046 (JP), filed on Nov. 24, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0176268 A1, May 30, 2024
Int. Cl. G03G 15/20 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/2053 (2013.01) [G03G 15/2064 (2013.01); G03G 2215/2029 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fixing device comprising:
a fixing belt that is rotatable;
a pressing roller to press and contact an outer circumferential surface of the fixing belt to form a nip portion;
a heat source disposed inside a loop of the fixing belt; and
a reflector includes:
a reflecting portion to reflect heat, which is radiated from the heat source to at least a portion of the fixing belt, toward an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt;
a pressure receiving portion to receive a pressing force of the pressing roller via the fixing belt; and
an extending portion extending at least from an area upstream from the nip portion to an area downstream from the nip portion in a direction of rotation of the fixing belt and facing the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt,
the reflector to be in non-contact with one or more of structures disposed inside the loop of the fixing belt, at least when the fixing belt rotates,
wherein the reflector is disposed around and in non-contact with an outer periphery of a stay.