Fusing Method
Paper is fed from the transfer unit into the fusing unit where a prescribed amount of heat and pressure are applied to fuse the toner to the paper. There are two fusing lamps (halogen lamps), one with the center heating element and the other with a heating element at either end of the hot roller.
In this machine, a fusing thermopile (TH2) is mounted near the center of the hot roller on the interior side. This fusing thermopile (TH2) is a non-contact heat sensor that monitors temperature. A contact fusing thermistor (TH1) is mounted at the end of the hot roller to monitor temperature. These temperature readings are used to control fusing temperature by alternately turning the fusing lamps off and on. In addition, two thermostats (TH3, TH4), one at the center and one at the end of the hot roller provide protection against overheating.
Fusing Pressure, Paper Separation, and Paper Exit
Two springs hold the pressure roller up against the hot roller to keep constant pressure on the surface of the hot roller. Paper separation pawls (strippers) strip the paper from the hot roller after fusing, and then the fusing/exit roller moves the paper out of the fusing unit.
Fusing Unit Drive
The feed/fusing motor (M4) drives the hot roller. A gear mounted on the hot roller rotates the pressure roller.