Development of energy-saving fusing technology for xerographic copying machine and printer

Abstract

In copying machines and printers using a xerographic system, most electrical power is consumed in the fusing process. Since existing fusing devices require a large heat capacity with a long warm-up time, they need to be kept at a constant temperature while printing is not conducted, resulting in large power consumption. On the other hand, using a thinner fuser roll with a small diameter for smaller heat capacity causes a roll deflection. With the deflection, it cannot form a uniform fusing nip, making it difficult to ensure fusing performance. In order to solve this problem, we have developed a Roll-in-Roll fuser for mid-to-high volume monochrome machines, and also a Free Belt Nip Fuser (FBNF) for color machines, as the fusing technology that can correct the roll deflection. Furthermore, with these two fusers, the warm-up time has been reduced substantially, reducing the energy consumption as a result.