Fixing device with resistance heating element capable of accurately generating heat and image forming apparatus with fixing device

A fixing device comprising:

• rotatable, endless, flexible fixing means for heating and fusing a toner image by rotating in a prescribed direction;
• pressing means disposed opposite the fixing means while pressing against the endless fixing means;
• means for contacting the pressing means via the fixing means and forming a nip on a front surface of the fixing means, said contacting means firmly disposed on an inner circumferential surface side of the fixing means;
• means for reinforcing the contact means against the pressing means and minimizing deformation of the contacting means;
• and
• means for generating heat, said heat generating means extending along the fixing means at a location other than the nip on an inner circumferential surface side of the fixing means,
• wherein a downstream portion of said fixing means separates from the heating means via a gap of a prescribed size while an upstream portion of said fixing means contacts the heating means with a prescribed pressure when the fixing means are rotating, wherein the upstream portion of said fixing means separates from the heating means by a prescribed distance after the fixing means stop rotating.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• a housing;
• and
• a fixing device included in the housing, said fixing device including:
• a rotatable, endless, flexible fixing member to heat and fuse a toner image by rotating in a prescribed direction;
• a pressing roller disposed opposite the fixing member;
• a contact member firmly disposed on an inner circumferential surface side of the fixing member to contact and press the fixing member against the pressing roller to form a nip on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member;
• a support member to reinforce the contact member against the pressing member to minimize deformation of the contact member;
• and
• a heating device extending along the fixing member at a location other than the nip on an inner circumferential surface side of the fixing member to generate heat,
• wherein a downstream portion of the fixing member from the nip separates from the heating device via a gap of a prescribed size while an upstream portion of the fixing member from the nip contacts the heating device with a prescribed pressure during rotation of the fixing member, wherein said upstream portion of the fixing member separates from the heating device by a prescribed distance after the fixing member stops rotating.