Oki B4100 - Manual (Page 538)

40055101TH Rev.4 538 /
B2.3.3.1 Toner Low Detection
• Composition
The device consists of the stirring gear which rotates at a constant rate, the stirring bar and the magnet
on the stirring bar. The stirring bar rotates through the link on the protrusion in the stirring gear.
The configuration of stirring bar in the figure below may differ. The principle of toner detection,
however, remains the same.
• Operation
Toner Low is detected by monitoring the time interval between the encounter of the magnet set on the
sensor lever and the magnet on the stirring bar.
Stirring Gear Section
Sensor Lever
Toner Sensor
Sensor Lever
Stirring Bar
Stirring Bar
Operation during toner full state
•
The stirring bar rotates due to interlocking with
the stirring gear.
• Even when the magnet on the stirring bar
reaches the maximum height, since the other
side is being dipped in the toner, the stirring bar
is pushed by the stirring gear.
Operation during toner low state
•
When the stirring bar reaches the maximum
height, since there is no resnstance provided by
the toner on the other side, it falls to the
minimum height due to its own weight. Be-
cause of this, the time interval during which it is
in encounter with the magnet of the sensor lever
becomes long. By monitoring this time interval,
toner low can be detected.
Stirring Bar Stirring Gear
Magnet
Protrusion