Oki 6E - Manual (Page 46)

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2.8 Toner Low Detection
• Device
The Toner Low Detection device consists of a stirring gear which rotates at a constant rate,
a stirring bar and a magnet on the stirring bar. The stirring bar rotation is driven by the link
to the protrusion in the stirring gear.
• Operation
Toner Low is detected by monitoring the time interval of the encounter of the magnet set on
the sensor lever and the magnet on the stirring bar.
Stirring Gear
Protrusion
Stirring Bar
Stirring Gear Section
Stirring Bar
Sensor Plate
Toner Sensor
Stirring Bar
Sensor Plate
Operation during Toner Full state
• The stirring bar is rotated due to the mechani-
cal transmission of energy originating from the
interlocking with the stirring gear.
• Even when the magnet on the stirring bar
reaches the maximum height, the stirring bar is
pushed by the stirring gear, since the other end
is being dipped in the toner.
Operation during Toner Low state
• When the stirring bar reaches the maximum
height, it falls to the minimum height due to its
own weight, since there is no resistance pro-
vided by the toner on the other side. Because
of this, the time interval during which it is in
encounter with the magnet of the sensor lever
becomes longer. By monitoring this time inter-
val, Toner Low can be detected.
Magnet