Fixing device, image forming apparatus, and belt-shape changing method
AssigneeKonica Minolta, Inc.
InventorAsahi EBE
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fixing device includes a first pressing member, a fixing belt, a second pressing member, a tensioning section on which the fixing belt is wound on an upstream side relative to the fixing nip in a rotation direction of the fixing belt and which is configured to impart tension to the fixing belt, and a control section configured to control the tensioning section such that the shape in an axial direction of the fixing belt is changed in accordance with a type of sheet which passes through the fixing nip.
Claims13
A fixing device comprising:
- a first pressing member;
- a rotatable endless fixing belt which is wound on the first pressing member;
- a second pressing member configured to press the first pressing member via the fixing belt and to form a fixing nip between the second pressing member and the fixing belt;
- a tensioning section on which the fixing belt is wound on an upstream side relative to the fixing nip in a rotation direction of the fixing belt, and which is configured to impart tension to the fixing belt;
- and
- a control section configured to control the tensioning section such that a shape in an axial direction of the fixing belt is changed in accordance with a type of a sheet which passes through the fixing nip.
An image forming apparatus comprising:
- a first pressing member;
- a rotatable endless fixing belt which is wound on the first pressing member;
- a second pressing member configured to press the first pressing member via the fixing belt and to form a fixing nip between the second pressing member and the fixing belt;
- a tensioning section on which the fixing belt is wound on an upstream side relative to the fixing nip in a rotation direction of the fixing belt, and which is configured to impart tension to the fixing belt;
- and
- a control section configured to control the tensioning section such that a shape in an axial direction of the fixing belt is changed in accordance with a type of a sheet which passes through the fixing nip.
A belt-shape changing method in a fixing device which includes a first pressing member, a rotatable endless fixing belt wound on the first pressing member, a second pressing member configured to press the first pressing member via the fixing belt and to form a fixing nip between the second pressing member and the fixing belt, and a tensioning section on which the fixing belt is wound on an upstream side relative to the fixing nip in a rotation direction of the fixing belt and which is configured to impart tension to the fixing belt, the method comprising:
- controlling the tensioning section such that a shape in an axial direction of the fixing belt is changed in accordance with a type of a sheet which passes through the fixing nip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.