Electrophotography – Image formation – Fixing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-30
2001-01-09
Braun, Fred L. (Department: 2852)
Electrophotography
Image formation
Fixing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173152
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fuser belts. More particularly it relates to multiple layer fuser belts having strain release provided by apertures in a belt layer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrophotographic marking is a well known and commonly used method of copying or printing original documents. Electrophotographic marking is performed by exposing a light image representation of a desired document onto a substantially uniformly charged photoreceptor. In response to that light image the photoreceptor discharges, creating an electrostatic latent image of the desired document on the photoreceptor's surface. Toner particles are then deposited onto the latent image to form a toner image. That toner image is then transferred from the photoreceptor onto a receiving substrate such as a sheet of paper. The transferred toner image is then fused to the receiving substrate. The surface of the photoreceptor is then cleaned of residual developing material and recharged in preparation for the production of another image.
Of the various electrophotographic printing processes mentioned above, this invention relates most generally to fusing the toner with the receiving substrate. While fusing has been performed in several ways, the most common method is to pass a toner-bearing substrate through a heated pressure nip. The combination of heat and pressure fuses the toner with the substrate. The heated pressure nip is often formed using a heated fuser roller, a pressure roller, and a conformable fuser belt that overlaps the fuser roller and that is disposed between the fuser roller and the pressure roller. When the toner-bearing receiving substrate passes between the fuser belt and the pressure roller, with the toner contacting the fuser belt, the toner is fused with the receiving substrate.
While heated pressure nips are successful, they have problems. One common problem is that the fused toner and the receiving substrate tend to stick to the fuser belt. A prior art approach to addressing the sticking problem is to use a small diameter fuser roller and/or a sharp fuser belt turn. The resulting sharp turn tends to separate the fused toner-substrate from the fusing system. Another approach is to coat the surface of the fuser belt with a release agent, thereby reducing the fuser belt's surface energy and thus reducing sticking. Yet another method of addressing the sticking problem is to use an elastic belt. Unfortunately, these methods are insufficient in some applications. Therefore, a new way of addressing the sticking problem would be beneficial.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principles of the present invention provide for fuser belts with improved release characteristics. A fuser belt according to the principles of the present invention is comprised of at least two layers, a substrate layer having cut-outs and an elastic contact layer. The substrate layer is beneficially comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as polyimide and the cutouts are beneficially orientated in the direction of fuser belt advancement. The elastic contact layer is beneficially comprised of a highly conformable, low durometer material having a low surface energy, for example, a silicone. The elastic contact layer material should be selected to survive the high fusing temperature.
The principles of the present invention further provide for printing machines with fusers belts that have improved release characteristics. A printing machine according to the principles of the present invention includes a photoreceptor having a photoconductive surface, a charging station for charging that photoconductive surface to a predetermined potential, at least one exposure station for exposing the photoconductive surface to produce an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive surface, at least one developing station for depositing a toner layer on the latent image, and a fuser that fuses the toner layer onto a receiving substrate. The fuser includes a fuser belt that is comprised of at least two layers, a substrate layer having cut-outs and an elastomeric contact layer. The substrate layer is comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as polyimide, the cut-outs are beneficially orientated in the direction of transport belt advancement, and the elastomeric contact layer is beneficially comprised of a high temperature, highly conformable, low durometer material having a low surface energy, beneficially a silicone.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5649273 (1997-07-01), Shimizu et al.
patent: 5790931 (1998-08-01), Tsuji et al.
patent: 5890047 (1999-03-01), Moser
patent: 5985419 (1999-11-01), Schlueter et al.
patent: 5-150674 (1993-06-01), None
U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 08/721,418 (Attorney's Docket No. D/96154) to Laurence J. Lynd et al., filed Sep. 26, 1996, entitled “Process and Apparatus for Producing an Endless Seamed Belt”.
U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 08/936,696 (Attorney's Docket No. D/96632) to William W. Limburg et al., filed Sep. 24, 1997, entitled “Invisible Seam Electrostatographic Belt”.
U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 09/004,636 (Attorney's Docket No. D/97525) to William A. Hammond et al., filed Jan. 8, 1998, entitled Process and Apparatus for Producing an Endless Seamed Belt.
Blaszak J. Robert
Schlueter Jr. Edward L.
Braun Fred L.
Kelly John M.
Xerox Corporation
LandOfFree
Apertured fuser belt does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apertured fuser belt, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apertured fuser belt will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2445416