Patent attributes
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator that is endless and rotates in a rotation direction and a pressure rotator that contacts an outer circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to form a nip between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator. A flange is disposed opposite each lateral end of the fixing rotator in an axial direction of the fixing rotator and contacts an inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. The flange includes a first portion disposed farthest from the nip and a second portion disposed in proximity to the nip. The flange is inclined to define a distance from the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator to the flange in a separation direction in which the flange separates from the inner circumferential surface of the fixing rotator. The distance increases from the first portion to the second portion.
