Fixing device and fixing method

Abstract

The present invention is related to a fixing device for fusing and fixing an unfixed toner image on a recording sheet. In the fixing device, a heating member such as rollers and endless belts and the like, is heated to a fixing temperature. An endless belt is provided opposite the heating member and is pressed against the heating member by a pressure member provided inside the endless belt. The heating member is driven in rotation in a transport direction of the recording sheet and the endless belt is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the heating member. The recording sheet bearing a toner image passes between the heating member and the endless belt while in this state, and the toner image is heated by the heating member so as to be fused onto the recording sheet under the pressure produced between the heating member and endless belt while the recording sheet is transported therebetween.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.