Fixing device that alleviates a physical load on non-heat-generating regions of a heat generating layer of a fixing film

A fixing device comprising:

• (A) a cylindrical film including a heat generating layer that generates heat by energization, and an electroconductive layer electrically connected with the heat generating layer and extending along a circumferential direction of the film at a longitudinal end portion of the film, wherein a volume resistivity of the electroconductive layer is less than a volume resistivity of the heat generating layer;
• (B) an energizing member configured to energize the heat generating layer;
• (C) a roller;
• (D) a sliding member elongated in a longitudinal direction of the film and configured to slide on an inner surface of the film and to form a nip in cooperation with the roller, so as to feed a recording material through the nip, a longitudinal end of the sliding member being positioned outside of a longitudinal end of the film with respect to the longitudinal direction of the film, and the sliding member being formed of a material that is one of a ceramic and an insulation coated metal;
• and
• (E) a supporting member configured to support the sliding member from a side opposite from a side on which the sliding member contacts the film, wherein a thermal conductivity of the sliding member is greater than a thermal conductivity of the supporting member,
• wherein the recording material, on which a toner image is formed, is heated while being fed through the nip.

A fixing device comprising:

• (A) a cylindrical film including a heat generating layer that generates heat by energization, and an electroconductive layer electrically connected with the heat generating layer and extending along a circumferential direction of the film at a longitudinal end portion of the film, wherein a volume resistivity of the electroconductive layer is less than a volume resistivity of the heat generating layer;
• (B) an energizing member configured to energize the heat generating layer;
• (C) a roller being in contact with an outer surface of the film;
• (D) a nip forming member being in contact with an inner surface of the film and elongated in a longitudinal direction of the film, the nip forming member forming a nip in cooperation with the roller, so as to feed a recording material through the nip, a longitudinal end of the nip forming member being positioned outside of a longitudinal end of the film with respect to the longitudinal direction of the film, and the nip forming member being formed of a material that is one of a ceramic and an insulation coated metal;
• and
• (E) a supporting member configured to support the nip forming member from a side opposite from a side on which the nip forming member contacts the film, wherein a thermal conductivity of the nip forming member is greater than a thermal conductivity of the supporting member,
• wherein the recording material on which a toner image is formed is heated while being fed through the nip.

A fixing device comprising:

• (A) a cylindrical film including a heat generating layer that generates heat by energization, and an electroconductive layer electrically connected with the heat generating layer and extending along a circumferential direction of the film at a longitudinal end portion of the film, wherein a volume resistivity of the electroconductive layer is less than a volume resistivity of the heat generating layer;
• (B) an energizing member configured to energize the heat generating layer;
• (C) a roller being in contact with an outer surface of the film;
• (D) a nip forming member being in contact with an inner surface of the film and elongated in a longitudinal direction of the film, the nip forming member forming a nip in cooperation with the roller, so as to feed a recording material through the nip, and a longitudinal end of the sliding member being positioned between an inner end and an outer end of the electroconductive layer with respect to the longitudinal direction of the film;
• and
• (E) a supporting member configured to support the nip forming member from a side opposite from a side on which the nip forming member contacts the film, wherein a thermal conductivity of the nip forming member is greater than a thermal conductivity of the supporting member,
• wherein the recording material, on which a toner image is formed, is heated while being fed through the nip.