Patent ID: 6327455
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
An image fixing device comprising:a) a moveable heated fusing belt fixing member and a rotatable back-up member forming a nip therebetween, which transport a recording material through said nip thereby fixing toner to create an image on said recording material;b) a ceramic heater contacting said fusing belt at said nip to heat said fusing belt for said fixing;c) means for driving said back-up member to move said fusing belt during said fixing; andd) wherein said back-up member comprises an inner cylindrical metal core, an outer hollow cylindrical metal shell surrounding said core, and a plurality of metal ribs running lengthwise between and attached to said core and said shell, wherein the outer surface of said shell carries a layer of a rubberized material having a thickness of no greater than about 5 mm and wherein the mass of said back-up member is low whereby said back-up member heats quickly during said fusing to avoid moisture condensation on said back-up member.