Electrostatographic reproduction machine having a fusing belt position changing mechanism
US6246858A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/2032
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A contact belt fusing apparatus is provided for reducing sheet edge wear defects in fused copies. The fusing apparatus includes an endless fusing belt having an external fusing surface defining a path of movement and a plurality of support rollers for supporting and moving the endless fusing belt along the path of movement. The endless fusing belt as supported has a first fusing position aligned on the plurality of support rollers at a first location, and at least a second fusing position aligned on the plurality of support rollers at a second location that is spaced axially from the first location thereon. The fusing apparatus also includes heating member for heating the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt, and a pressure roller forming a fusing nip with the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt for contacting and moving toner image carrying sheets therethrough, the toner image carrying sheets having edges that induce wear on the external fusing surface of the endless fusing belt. Importantly, the fusing apparatus includes a belt moving mechanism for controllably moving the endless fusing belt axially, relative to the plurality of rollers, from the firs…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.