Paper Path and Cycle Sequence

The IGS board signals the PCL board that a page of data is ready to be printed. When this happens the following sequence takes place.

Simplex Printing

1PCL software downloaded to the PCL board from the disk drive system turns on the main motor.

2The PCL board engages the paper pick clutch which causes the roller to feed a sheet of paper.

3The paper is passed to the feed roller where the PCL board has engaged the feed roller clutch.

4The feed roller passes the paper to the paper timing roller. Prior to reaching the paper timing roller, the paper passes over the paper timing sensor. (If the paper does not energize this sensor in a specified amount of time, an error 020/021 will occur.) The leading edge of the paper is registered against the paper timing roller. The paper tim- ing clutch is engaged and the paper is passed over the photoconductor for transfer. This registers the paper to the printer and the image to the paper. The paper timing sensor signal also alerts the PCL to inform the IGS that it can begin to send the data.

5The PCL board engages the paper timing roller clutch and, at the same time, turns on the transfer charger to provide a high positive voltage. The developed image on the photoconductor comes in contact with the paper and the high positive voltage causes the image to transfer to the paper.

6Because the toner is not yet fixed to the paper, a vacuum transport assembly, gripping the paper from the back side, moves the paper to the fuser unit, where heat and pres- sure bond the toner to the paper.

7Upon leaving the fuser unit, the paper comes in contact with the paper exit sensor. (If the paper does not energize this sensor in a given amount of time after leaving the paper timing sensor [step 4], an error 022 will occur.)

8The exit roller moves the paper to the exit tray. (If the exit sensor is not cleared in a specified amount of time, an error 023 will occur.)

Duplex Printing

When duplex is selected, the PCL board controls the paper motion with page scheduling assistance from the IGS board. The duplex page router is engaged. When in duplex mode, it is important to note that the printer runs multiple pages through the paper path at the same time to increase speed. (See Figure 1-2, “Paper Path,” on page 1-6 .)

1In a duplex job, the duplex router solenoid behind the fuser is engaged and mechanical fingers route the paper to the duplex area. Also, the “A” roller clutch engages to turn the “A” and “B” rollers (connected via a belt).

Printer and Troubleshooting Overview

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