Color Toner End Detection - Ricoh FT4430 Service Manual

Color Toner End Detection

2.
[ E ]
The toner agitator gear [A] has a cam [B] (the toner end cam) on its inner
surface, and it rotates only when toner is supplied. The cam follower on the
end of the toner end lever [C] rides on the surface of the toner end cam
(spring pressure). The opposite end of the toner end lever alternately presses
and releases the toner end arm [D] as the cam turns. The toner end plate [E],
which is in the toner hopper, is mounted on the same shaft as the toner end
arm.
When there is sufficient toner in the hopper, the toner end plate is prevented
from moving by the toner. Therefore, even when the toner end lever drops to
the lowest position on the cam (releasing the toner end arm), the toner end
arm does not move and the toner end sensor [F] is not activated.
When there is insufficient toner in the hopper, the toner end plate can move.
When the toner end lever releases the toner end arm, the toner end plate
lowers and the actuator [G] on the toner end arm moves into the toner end
sensor. The CPU receives a single pulse from the toner end sensor.
If this condition is detected by the CPU more than seven times consecutively,
the Add Toner indicator starts blinking.
After the indicator starts blinking, 50 copies can be made. If a new toner
cartridge is not added within that 50 copy interval, the Add Toner indicator
stops blinking (stays on) and copying is inhibited.
[ D ]
[ F ]
[ G
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[ A ]
[ c l
16 April '88