Toner Recycling System - Panasonic FP-7818 Service Manual & Parts Manual

2. 4 Toner Recycling System

To maximize the number of copies which can be produced for each bottle, toner
cleaned off of the drum needs to be returned to the developer for re-use. Under
normal circumstances, the copy process can damage some toner. In addition, other
undesireable materials may be cleared from the drum surface and mixed with re-
useable toner (such as paper dust, etc.).
Toner Recycling System allows us to maximize toner yield, while avoiding the potential
side effects of recycling used toner.
<Process>
There are two methods of handling the mixture of materials found in the cleaning
unit following the drum cleaning.
This handling is normally in the "Recycle" mode, but on a regular basis is switched to
the "Refresh" mode. During the "Refresh" mode, the undesireable particles are
removed from the developer unit, and forwarded to the waste toner bottle to be
discarded.
<Control>
Every programmed copies (500/1000/1500/2000 as set by F5-65), Toner Recycling
System directs the recycle solenoid to switch from Recycle to Refresh Mode for the
next 100 copies. During the refresh cycle, the cleaning unit is emptied into the waste
toner bottle, there by removing all undesireable particles from the system. This process
is completed unnoticed by the end user during regular operation.
Recycle Mode
Developer
Drum
unit
Refresh Mode
Developer
Drum
unit
Note: Toner Recycling System also monitors TDC. If the ratio becomes too high, the
system will initiate the Refresh Mode automatically.
Cleaning
unit
Cleaning Waste toner
unit
bottle
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