Toner Near End; Toner End; Toner End Recovery - Ricoh B286 Service Manual

6.6.9 TONER END/NEAR-END DETECTION
The machine compares Vsp/Vsg with two SP settings to find when the toner cartridge is
almost empty (Toner Near End) or fully empty (Toner End).
SP2927-1: Toner near-end
!
! SP2927-3: Toner end

Toner Near End

When Vsp/Vsg is larger than SP2927-1 three times in sequence, the machine shows a
toner near-end indication. The default is 0.145. If the setting is higher, the quantity of toner
in the cartridge becomes less before toner near-end occurs. This can cause paler images
at the end of the toner cartridge's life. When toner near-end occurs, the toner near-end
indicator lights on the operation panel.

Toner End

When Vsp/Vsg is larger than the setting for SP2927-3 (Default: 0.165) three pages in a row,
the machine prints one more page and then stops immediately.
When toner end occurs, the toner end indicator lights on the operation panel and copying
stops. The machine cannot be used until:
! A new toner cartridge is installed.
! The machine recovers from toner end.

Toner End Recovery

The flow chart on the next page shows the recovery sequence when a new toner cartridge
is installed after toner end occurs. After toner end occurs, toner end recovery starts if you
open and close the toner hopper cover.
The machine makes an ID sensor pattern to detect if a supply of toner is available. If
Vsp/Vsg is less than Vref, then the machine detects recovery from toner end, and goes out
from the toner end condition. If Vsp/Vsg is more than Vref 5 times, then the machine stays
in the toner end condition, and it cannot be used. In some conditions, the machine recovers
from toner end if you switch the machine off and on.
SM 6-43
Development
B286/B289