Patent ID: 6757514
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A high-speed heat and pressure belt fuser structure, said belt fuser structure comprising:an endless belt comprising at least one conformable layer; a plurality of rolls positioned internally of said belt for supporting movement of said belt in an endless path, one of said rolls comprising an internal pressure roll contacting an inner surface of said belt; an external pressure roll supported for contact with an outer surface of said belt such that said belt is sandwiched between said internal and external pressure rolls, one of said pressure rolls including at least one conformable layer; an external source of thermal energy for elevating the surface temperature in a pre-nip area of said belt means for effecting pressure engagement of said rolls whereby an elongated nip is formed through which imaged substrates pass with toner images carried thereby contacting said outer surface of said belt; said conformable layers having a combined thickness and hardness that provides said elongated nip for fusing said toner images with minimal gloss degradation and belt edge wear and without causing premature belt failure; said belt and one of said pressure members cooperating in a post-nip area for effecting stripping of said substrates; and said at least one conformable layer of said endless belt having a thickness in order of 3 to 5 mm and said at least one conformable layer of said one of said pressure rolls having a thickness in the order of 10 to 15 mm.