Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• an electrophotographic imaging unit to form a toner image on a recording medium;
• and
• a fixing device to fix the toner image in place on the recording medium, the fixing device including:
• a stationary, at least partially tubular thermal member having a tubular portion thereof extending in an axial direction and defining a closed axial cross-section, a circumference of the thermal member subjected to heating;
• a flexible fuser belt looped for rotation around the thermal member, an inner circumference thereof at least partially facing the thermal member to transfer heat from the heated circumference of the thermal member;
• a fuser pad held stationary inside the loop of the fuser belt;
• and
• a rotatable pressure member extending opposite the thermal member in the axial direction with the fuser belt interposed between the fuser pad and the pressure member,
• the fuser pad being pressed against the pressure member through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip through which the recording medium is passed to fix the toner image thereupon under heat and pressure,
• the thermal member being spaced apart from the fuser pad, so as to isolate the thermal member from pressure transmitted through the fuser pad from the pressure member.