Fixing device for fixing a toner image in an image forming apparatus

A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a transfer member comprising:

• a first roller configured to have an elastic layer with a first predetermined hardness at an outer circumference thereof;
• a heating device configured to heat the toner image on the transfer member;
• a second roller configured to contain the heating device;
• an endless belt configured to be spanned around the first roller and the second roller;
• a third roller configured to have an outer layer with a second predetermined hardness that is harder than the first predetermined hardness of the elastic layer and to press the image transfer member against the endless belt;
• a first gear configured to be coaxially mounted on the third roller;
• a one-way clutch configured to be coaxially mounted on the first roller;
• a second gear configured to be coaxially mounted on the one-way clutch and engaged with the first gear;
• and
• a motor configured to drive at least one of the first gear and the second gear,
• wherein the third roller and first gear are configured to be opened relative to the first roller, the first roller being fixed in position, for a maintenance operation.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• means for forming a toner image;
• means for transferring the toner image onto an image transfer member;
• and
• means for fixing the toner image on the transfer member, wherein the fixing means comprises:
• first rotatable means having an elastic layer at an outer circumference thereof for contacting the transfer member,
• second rotatable means for contacting the transfer member, wherein a circumferential hardness of an outer layer of the second rotatable means is harder than that of the elastic layer of the first rotatable means,
• heating means formed outside the first rotatable means and the second rotatable means for heating the transfer member,
• first driven means mounted on the rotatable means having the harder circumferential surface for delivering a driving force to the rotatable means having the harder circumferential surface,
• one-way driving means mounted on the other rotatable means for allowing rotation in only one direction,
• second driven means mounted on the one-way driving means, wherein the first driven means and the second driven means for engaging when the second rotatable means presses the image transfer member against the first rotatable means, and
• drive means for driving one of the first driven means and the second driven means,
• wherein the second rotatable means and first driven means are configured to be opened relative to the first rotatable means, the first rotatable means being fixed in position, for a maintenance operation.