Patent ID: 6577837
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image forming method, comprising:transferring a toner image formed on an image bearing member onto an intermediate transfer member; and simultaneously transferring and fixing the toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto a recording medium using a transfer and fixing unit, wherein: the toner forming the toner image contains a binder resin and a colorant, and the toner has a storage elastic modulus (Gâ€²) of 2Ã—102 to 6Ã—103 Pa at a temperature at which a loss elastic modulus (Gâ€³) of the toner reaches 1Ã—104 Pa, the transfer and fixing unit has a nip between a fixing roll coated with an elastic member and a heat-resistant belt laid across in a tensioned condition with a plurality of support rolls of a belt nip unit, and the heat-resistant belt is urged against the fixing roll by a pressure roll and the elastic member of the fixing roll is twisted at an exit of a nip with the pressure roll mounted inside the heat-resistant belt through the heat-resistant belt, and a gloss level of the image is controlled by changing a pressure of the pressure roll.