• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    REPLACEABLE UNIT FOR AN IMAGING DEVICE HAVING A TALL PADDLE FOR TONER LEVEL DETECTION. The present invention relates to a replaceable unit for an electrophotographic imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment which includes a housing having an internal volume forming a reservoir for storing toner. A rotating shaft is positioned inside the reservoir. A shovel is mounted on the shaft and swivels independently of the shaft. A drive member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the blade as the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to fall in front of the driving member. The paddle includes a magnetic element rotating with the paddle and detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the imaging device to detect movement of the paddle.
    公开号:BR112015013060B1
    申请号:R112015013060-7
    申请日:2013-12-17
    公开日:2022-02-01
    发明作者:Michael Craig Leemhuis；Jeffrey Alan Abler；Daniel Thomas Steinberg
    申请人:Lexmark International, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FUNDAMENTALS1. FIELD OF REVELATION
    [001] The present disclosure relates generally to imaging devices and more particularly to rotational detection for a replaceable unit of an imaging device. 2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNIQUE
    [002] During the electrophotographic printing process, an electrically charged rotating photoconductive drum is selectively exposed to a laser beam. Areas of the photoconductive drum exposed to the laser beam are discharged creating an electrostatic latent image of a page to be printed on the photoconductive drum. Toner particles are then electrostatically captured by the latent image on the photoconductive drum creating a toned image on the drum. The toned image is transferred to print media (eg paper) directly by the photoconductive drum or indirectly by an intermediate transfer member. The toner is then melted onto the media using heat and pressure to complete the print.
    [003] The imaging device's toner supply is typically stored in one or more replaceable units installed in the imaging device. When these replaceable units run out of toner, the units need to be replaced or refilled in order to continue printing. As a result, it is desired to measure the amount of toner remaining in these units, in order to warn the user that one of the replaceable units is close to an empty state, or to prevent printing after one of the units is empty, in order to prevent damage. to the imaging device. Thus, a system for measuring the amount of toner remaining in a replaceable unit of an imaging device is desired. SUMMARY
    [004] A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic imaging device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a housing having an internal volume forming a reservoir for storing the toner. A rotating shaft is positioned inside the reservoir. A shovel is mounted on the shaft and swivels independently of the shaft. A drive member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the blade when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to move away from the driving member. The paddle includes a magnetic element rotating with the paddle and detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the imaging device to detect movement of the paddle.
    [005] A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic imaging device according to a second exemplary embodiment includes a housing having an internal volume forming a reservoir for storing the toner. A rotating shaft is positioned inside the reservoir. The shaft has an agitator extending from it to agitate the toner within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted on the shaft and free to rotate independently of the shaft. The agitator is positioned to push the paddle when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to separate from the agitator. A magnetic element is connected to the blade to rotate with the blade and detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the imaging device to detect blade movement.
    [006] A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic imaging device according to a third exemplary embodiment includes a housing having an internal volume forming a reservoir for storing toner and an outlet port for withdrawing toner from the replaceable unit. The outlet port includes an opening within the reservoir for transferring toner out of the reservoir. A rotating shaft is positioned inside the reservoir. A shovel is mounted on the shaft and swivels independently of the shaft. The paddle is positioned to rotate past the opening into the reservoir. A drive member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the blade when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to move away from the driving member. A magnetic sensor is mounted on the outer portion of the housing. The paddle includes a magnetic element detectable by the magnetic sensor to detect the movement of the paddle and the magnetic sensor is positioned to sense the magnetic element at a point where the paddle oscillates when the toner level in the reservoir becomes low when the replaceable unit is in a installed position on the imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [007] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
    [008] Figure 1 is a block diagram representation of an image generation system according to an exemplary embodiment.
    [009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the image forming device according to a first exemplary embodiment.
    [010] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the image forming device according to a second exemplary embodiment.
    [011] Figure 4 is a perspective side view of a toner cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment having a portion of the toner cartridge body removed to illustrate an internal toner reservoir.
    [012] Figure 5 is a perspective end view of the toner cartridge shown in Figure 4.
    [013] Figures 6A to C are schematic diagrams of a side view of the toner cartridge illustrating the operation of a shooting paddle at various levels of toner.
    [014] Figure 7A is a front view of a blade according to a first exemplary embodiment.
    [015] Figure 7B is a front view of a blade according to a second exemplary embodiment.
    [016] Figure 7C is a front view of a blade according to a third exemplary embodiment.
    [017] Figure 7D is a front view of a blade according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.
    [018] Figure 8 is a line graph of the difference in time between detection of a magnet from a shooting shovel by a start sensor and detection of the magnet by a stop sensor (in seconds) against the amount of toner remaining in a reservoir (in grams) through the life of an exemplary embodiment of a toner cartridge.
    [019] Figure 9 is a bar graph of the number of passes of a shooting shovel in addition to a magnetic sensor per rotation of an axis against the amount of toner remaining in a reservoir (in grams) over the duration of an exemplary modality of a toner cartridge superimposed on the graphic shown in figure 8.
    [020] Figure 10 is a perspective side view of a toner cartridge according to another exemplary embodiment having a portion of the toner cartridge body removed to illustrate an internal toner reservoir.
    [021] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a toner shaker according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [022] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where like numerals represent like elements. The modalities are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. It should be understood that other modalities may be used and that process changes, electrical and mechanical, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The examples merely symbolize possible variations. Portions and aspects of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The following description, therefore, is not to be adopted in a limiting sense and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.
    [023] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a block diagram representation of an image generating system 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. The imaging system 20 includes an imaging device 100 and a computer 30. The imaging device 100 communicates with the computer 30 via a communications link 40. As used herein, the term "communications links" ” generally refers to any structure that facilitates electronic communication between multiple components and can operate using wired or wireless technology and can include communications over the Internet.
    [024] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the imaging device 100 is a multifunctional machine (sometimes referred to as an all-in-one (AIO) device) that includes a controller 102, a print engine 110, a unit scanner (LSU) 112, one or more bottles or toner cartridges 200, one or more imaging units 300, a fuser 120, a user interface 104, a media feed system 130, and input tray 140 and a scanner system 150. The imaging device 100 can communicate with the computer 30 via a standard communication protocol, such as, for example, the universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, or IEEE 802. xx The imaging device 100 can be, for example, an electrophotographic printer/copier including an integrated scanner system 150 or a standalone electrophotographic printer.
    [025] Controller 102 includes a processor unit and associated memory 103 and may be formed with one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Memory 103 can be any volatile or non-volatile memory or combination thereof such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). Alternatively, memory 103 may be in the form of separate electronic memory (e.g., RAM, ROM and/or NVRAM), a hard drive, a CD or DVD drive, or any memory device convenient for use with the controller 102. The controller 102 can be, for example, a combined printer and scanner controller.
    [026] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, controller 102 communicates with print engine 110 via communications link 160. Controller 102 communicates with imaging unit(s) 300 and processing circuitry 301 in each imaging unit 300 via communications link(s) 161. Controller 102 communicates with toner cartridge(s) 200 and processing circuitry 201 in each toner cartridge 200 via communications link(s). communications 162. Controller 102 communicates with melter 120 and processing circuitry 121 therein via a communications link 163. Controller 102 communicates with media feed system 130 via communications link 164. Controller 102 communicates with the scanner system 150 via a communications link 165. The user interface 104 is communicatively coupled to the controller 102 via a communications link 166. 121, 201, 301 may include a processor and associated memory, such as RAM, ROM and/or NVRAM and may provide authentication functions, security and operational locks, operating parameters and usage information related to the melter 120, cartridge (s) of toner 200 and imaging units 300, respectively. Controller 102 processes print and scan data and operates print engine 110 during printing and scanner system 150 during scan.
    [027] The computer 30, which is optional, can be, for example, a personal computer, including memory 32, such as RAM, ROM and/or NVRAM, an input device 34, such as a keyboard and/or a mouse and a display monitor 36. The computer 30 also includes a processor, input/output (I/O) interfaces, and may include at least one mass data storage device, such as a hard drive, a CD-ROM, and /or a DVD drive (not shown). Computer 30 may also be a device capable of communicating with imaging device 100 other than a personal computer, such as, for example, a tablet computer, smartphone or other electronic device.
    [028] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the computer 30 includes, in its memory, a software program including program instructions that function as an image generation driver 38, e.g. printer/scanner driver software, for the device 100. Imaging driver 38 communicates with controller 102 of imaging device 100 via communications link 40. Imaging driver 38 facilitates communication between imaging device 100. image 100 and computer 30. One aspect of image generation driver 38 may be, for example, to provide formatted print data to image forming device 100, and more particularly to print engine 110, to print a Image. Another aspect of the imaging trigger 38 may be, for example, to facilitate the collection of scanned data from the scanner system 150.
    [029] In some circumstances, it may be desirable to operate the imaging device 100 in a standalone mode. In standalone mode, the imaging device 100 is capable of operating without the computer 30. In this way, all or a portion of the imaging driver 38, or a similar driver, can be located in the controller 102 of the forming device. 100 to accommodate print and/or scan functionality when operating in standalone mode.
    [030] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the interior of an exemplary imaging device 100. The imaging device 100 includes a housing 170 having a top 171, bottom 172, front 173 and rear 174. The housing 170 includes one or more media input trays 140 positioned therein. Trays 140 are sized to hold a stack of sheets of media. As used herein, the term media is intended to encompass not only paper, but also labels, envelopes, fabrics, photographic paper, or any other desired substrate. Trays 140 are preferably removable for refilling. User interface 140 is shown positioned in housing 170. Using user interface 104, a user is able to enter commands and generally control the operation of imaging device 100. For example, the user may enter commands to change the modes (e.g. color mode, mono monochrome), view the number of pages printed, etc. A media path 180 extends through imaging device 100 to move sheets of media through the image transfer process. Media path 180 includes single path 181 and may include dual path 182. A sheet of media is fed into single path 181 from tray 140 by capture mechanism 132. In the exemplary embodiment shown, capture mechanism 132 includes a roller 134 positioned at the end of a pivoting arm 136. The roller 134 rotates to move the sheet of media from tray 140 and onto the path of the media 180. The sheet of media is then moved along the path of the media 180 by several rollers of transport. Sheets of media may also be fed into the media path 180 by a manual feed 138 having one or more rollers 139.
    [031] In the exemplary embodiment shown, imaging device 100 includes four toner cartridges 200 removably mounted to housing 170 in mating relationship with four corresponding imaging units 300 also removably mounted to housing 170 Each toner cartridge 200 includes a reservoir 202 for holding toner and an outlet port in communication with an inlet port of its corresponding imaging unit 300 for transferring toner from reservoir 202 to imaging unit 300 Toner is periodically transferred from a respective toner cartridge 200 to its corresponding imaging unit 300 so as to replenish the imaging unit 300. Such periodic transfers are called toner addition cycles and may occur during a print operation and/or between print operations. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each toner cartridge 200 is substantially the same, except for the color of the toner contained therein. In one embodiment, the four 200 toner cartridges include black, cyan, yellow, and magenta toner, respectively. Each imaging unit 300 includes a toner reservoir 302 and a toner adding roller 304 that moves toner from reservoir 302 to a developer roller 306. Each imaging unit 300 also includes a loading roller 308 and a drum photoconductive (PC) 310. The PC drums 310 are mounted substantially parallel to each other when the imaging units 300 are installed in the imaging device 100. For purposes of clarity, the components of only one of the imaging units 300 are marked in Figure 2. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each imaging unit 300 is substantially the same, except for the color of the toner contained therein.
    [032] Each charging roller 308 forms a nip with the corresponding PC drum 310. During a printing operation, the charging roller 308 charges the surface of the PC drum 310 to a specific voltage such as, for example, -1000 volts. A laser beam from the LSU 112 is then directed at the surface of the PC 310 drum and selectively discharges those areas it contacts to form a latent image. In one embodiment, areas on the PC barrel 310 illuminated by the laser beam are discharged to approximately -300 volts. The developer roller 306, which forms one closely with the corresponding PC drum 310, then transfers toner to the PC drum 310 to form an image of toner on the PC drum 310. A metering device, such as a metering blade assembly, may be used to measure toner onto the developer roller 306 and apply a desired charge to the toner prior to its transfer to the PC 310 drum.
    [033] An Intermediate Transfer Mechanism (ITM) 190 is disposed adjacent the PC drums 301. In this embodiment, the ITM 190 is formed with an endless belt placed around a drive roll 192, a tension roll 194 and a spare roll 196. During imaging operations, the ITM 190 moves past the PC drums 310 in a clockwise direction as seen in figure 2. One or more of the PC drums 310 applies toner images in their respective colors on the ITM 190 in a first transfer nip 197. In one embodiment, a positive voltage field attracts the toner image from the PC drums 310 to the surface of the moving ITM 190. The ITM 190 rotates and collects one or more images of the toner from the PC drums. 310 and then conveys the toner images onto a sheet of media in a second transfer nip 198 formed between a transfer roll 199 and the ITM 190, which is supported by the spare roll 196.
    [034] A sheet of media advancing through the single path 181 receives the image of the toner from the ITM 190 as it moves through the second transfer nip 198. The sheet of media with the image of the toner is then moved along the path of the toner. media 180 and into the fuser 120. The fuser 120 includes fuser rollers or belts 122 that form a nip 124 to adhere the toner image to the sheet of media. The fused sheet of media then passes through take-up rollers 126 located downstream of the melter 120. The take-up rolls 126 can be rotated in either forward or reverse directions. In a forward direction, output rollers 126 move the sheet of media from single path 181 to an output area 128 on top 171 of imaging device 100. In a reverse direction, output rollers 126 move the sheet. media to dual path 182 for imaging a second side of the sheet of media.
    [035] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an imaging device 100' that utilizes what is generally referred to as a dual component developer system. In that embodiment, imaging device 100' includes four toner cartridges 200 removably mounted in housing 170 and mated to four corresponding imaging units 300'. Toner is periodically transferred from reservoirs 202 of each toner cartridge 200 to corresponding reservoirs 302' of imaging units 300'. The toner in the reservoirs 302' is mixed with the magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads may be coated with a polymeric film to provide triboelectric properties to attract the toner to the carrier beads when the toner and the magnetic carrier beads are mixed in the reservoir 302'. In that embodiment, each imaging unit 300' includes a magnetic roller 306' which attracts the magnetic carrier beads having toner thereon to the magnetic roller 306' through the use of magnetic fields and transports the toner to the corresponding photoconductive drum 310'. Electrostatic forces from the latent image in the photoconductive drum 310' pull the toner off the magnetic carrier beads to produce a toned image on the surface of the photoconductive drum 310'. The toned image is then transferred to the ITM 190 at the first transfer throttling 197, as discussed above.
    [036] While the exemplary imaging devices 100 and 100' shown in Figures 2 and 3 illustrate four toner cartridges 200 and four corresponding imaging units 300, 300', it will be found that a monocolor imaging device 100 or 100' may include a single toner cartridge 200 and corresponding imaging unit 300 or 300' as compared to a color imaging device 100 or 100' which may include multiple toner cartridges 200 and color generating units. image 300, 300'. Additionally, although imaging devices 100 and 100' utilize ITM 190 to transfer toner to the media, the toner may be applied directly to the media by one or more photoconductive drums 310, 310', as is known in the art.
    [037] With reference to figures 4 and 5, the toner cartridge 200 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The toner cartridge 200 includes a body 204 that includes walls forming the toner reservoir 202. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the body 204 includes a generally cylindrical wall 205 and a pair of end walls 206, 207. In that embodiment, end caps 208, 209 are mounted to end walls 206, 207, respectively, such as by suitable fasteners (e.g. screws, rivets, etc.) or by a snap fit engagement. Figure 4 shows the toner cartridge 200 with a portion of the body 204 removed to illustrate the internal components of the toner cartridge 200. A rotating shaft 210 extends the length of the toner cartridge 200 within the toner reservoir 202. If desired, the ends of the rotating shaft 210 may be received in bushings or bearings 212 positioned on the inner surface of the end walls 206, 207. A drive element 214, such as a gear or other form of drive coupler, is positioned on the outer surface of the drive. end wall 206. When the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the imaging device, the driver element 214 receives rotational force from a corresponding driver component in the imaging device to rotate the axis 210. The axis 210 can be connected directly or by one or more idler gears to the drive element 214. One or more agitators 216 (e.g., paddle(s), auger(s), etc.) may be mounted on and rotated with shaft 210 to agitate and move toner within reservoir 202 as desired. In one embodiment, a flexible strip 220 (Figures 6A through 6C), for example, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, such as MYLAR®, available from DuPont Teijin Films, Chester, Virginia, USA, can be connected to a distal end of agitator(s) 216 for sweeping toner from the interior surface of one or more of the walls 205, 206, 207.
    [038] An outlet port 218 is positioned in the lower portion of body 204, such as near end wall 206. In the exemplary embodiment shown, toner exiting reservoir 202 is moved directly into outlet port 218 by the stirrer ( es) 216, which may be positioned to urge the toner towards the outlet port 218, so as to promote the flow of toner out of the reservoir 202. In another embodiment, the toner leaving is moved in the axial direction with respect to the axis 210. by a rotating auger from an opening into the reservoir 202, through a channel in the wall 205 and out of the outlet hole 218. The rotating auger may be connected directly or by one or more intermediate gears to the drive element 214 so as to to receive the rotational force. Alternatively, the rotating auger may be driven separately from the shaft 210 using a second driving element to receive the rotational force of the imaging device independently of the shaft 210. As desired, the exit hole 218 may include a wicket or a cover (not shown) which is movable between a closed position blocking outlet port 218 to prevent toner from flowing from toner cartridge 200 and an open position allowing toner to flow. Shaft 210 and rotating auger (if present) are rotated during each toner addition cycle to deliver toner from reservoir 202 through outlet port 218.
    [039] A blade 230 is mounted on shaft 210 and is free to rotate on shaft 210. In other words, blade 230 is rotatable independently of shaft 210. Blade 230 is positioned axially close to end wall 206, but may be positioned elsewhere in the reservoir 202, provided that the magnet 240 of the blade 230 is detectable by a magnetic sensor as discussed below. Blade 230 is spaced from the interior surfaces of walls 205, 206, 207 so that walls 205, 206, 207 do not impede movement of blade 230. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, blade 230 is positioned axially above the opening. from the outlet port 218 into the reservoir 202, such that the rotational path of the blade 230 passes above the outlet port opening 218 into the reservoir 202. However, if the toner level for a particular reservoir design 202 is substantially The blade 230 may be positioned at another location along axis 210. Blade 230 includes a pair of radial lugs 232, 234, each having an opening that receives axis 210. Alternatively, blade 230 may include one or more more than two sockets. In the illustrated embodiment, latches 236, 238 are positioned on opposite axial sides of one or more of the radial supports 232, 234 to limit axial movement of blade 230 along axis 210.
    [040] The paddle 230 includes the magnet 240 which rotates with the paddle 230 and has a magnetic field that is detectable by a magnetic sensor to determine the amount of toner remaining in the reservoir 202, as discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, the magnet 240 is positioned in an axially outermost portion of the blade 230 near the end wall 206 so as to allow detection by a magnetic sensor in the end wall 206 (mounted directly to the end wall 206). or indirectly in the end wall 206, such as in the end cap 208) or in a portion of the imaging device adjacent to the end wall 206 when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the imaging device. In one embodiment, a pole of magnet 240 is directed to the position of the magnetic sensor so as to facilitate detection of the magnet by the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor can be configured to detect either the north pole or the south pole of the magnet or both. Where the auto switch detects either the north pole or the south pole, the magnet 240 can be positioned such that the detected pole is directed towards the auto switch. In one embodiment, the paddle 230 is composed of a non-magnetic material and the magnet 240 is held by a friction fit in a cavity 242 in the paddle 230. For example, the paddle 230 can be formed of molded plastic over and around the paddle. magnet 240. Magnet 240 may also be secured to paddle 230 using an adhesive or fastener(s), provided that magnet 240 does not dislodge from paddle 230 during operation of toner cartridge 200. Magnet 240 may be of any size and suitably so as to be detectable by a magnetic sensor. For example, magnet 240 can be a cube, rectangle, octagon or other prism shape, sphere or cylinder, thin sheet or an amorphous object. In another embodiment, the blade 230 is composed of a magnetic material, such that the blade body 230 forms the magnet 240. The magnet 240 may be composed of any suitable material, such as steel, iron, nickel, etc. In one embodiment, the body 204 and the stirrer 216 are composed of non-magnetic material, such as plastic, so as not to attract the magnet 240 and interfere with the movement of the blade 230.
    [041] The blade 230 is aligned in the axial direction on the axis 210 with a driver member 217 mounted on the axis 210, such that the blade 230 is in the rotational path of the driver member 217. In this way, the driver member 217 is able to push the blade 230 in the rotational path of the driver member 217. paddle 230 when shaft 210 rotates. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an agitator 216 serves as the drive member 217; however, a paddle or other form of shaft extension 210 may serve as the drive member 217. In one embodiment, the shaft 210 and drive member 217 rotate at a substantially constant rotational speed when driven by drive member 214. Drive member 217 pushes the rear surface 230A of the blade 230. The blade 230 may include ribs or other contact points predefined on its rear surface 230A for engagement with the drive member 217.
    [042] Figures 6A to 6C schematically represent the relationship between the blade 230 and the driving member 217. Figures 6A to 6C represent a clock face in dashed lines along the rotational path of the blade 230, in order to aid in the description of operation of the paddle 230. When the toner reservoir 202 is relatively full as shown in Figure 6A, the toner 203 present in the reservoir 202 prevents the paddle 230 from rotating freely about the axis 210. Instead, the paddle 230 is pushed through its rotational path by the drive member 217 as the shaft 210 rotates. As a result, when the toner reservoir 202 is relatively full when the shaft 210 rotates, the rotational movement of the paddle 230 follows the rotational movement of the driver member 217. The toner 203 prevents the paddle 230 from advancing faster than the driver member. 217.
    [043] When the level of toner in the reservoir 202 decreases as shown in Figure 6B, as the paddle 230 is pushed through the upper vertical position of rotation (the "12 o'clock" position) by the drive member 217, the paddle 230 tends to separate from drive member 217 and move faster (to the "3 o'clock" position) than drive member 217 is being driven due to the weight of blade 230. As a result, blade 230 may be referred to as a falling shovel. The paddle 230 falls forward under its own weight until the front face 230B of the paddle 230 touches the toner 203, which stops the rotational advance of the paddle 230. In this way, the paddle 230 remains substantially stationary on top of (or slightly below) the surface of) the toner 203 until the drive member 217 reaches the paddle 230. When the drive member 217 advances and re-engages with the trailing surface 230A of the paddle 230, the drive member 217 resumes pushing the paddle 230 through its path. rotational.
    [044] When the toner level in the reservoir 202 becomes low as shown in Figure 6C, the paddle 230 tends to move away from the drive member 217 as the paddle passes the "12 o'clock" position and tends to swing all the way down. to the lower vertical position of its rotational path (the “6 o'clock” position). Depending on how much toner 203 is left, the paddle 230 may tend to swing back and forth in a pendulum fashion near the "6 o'clock" position until the drive member 217 reaches out to resume pushing the paddle 230. As a result, it will be seen that the rotational movement of the paddle 230 refers to the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202. Figures 6A to 6C show the shaft 210 rotating in a clockwise direction when viewed through the end wall 206; however, the direction of rotation can be reversed as desired.
    [045] The paddle 230 has minimal rotational friction different from its interaction with the toner 203 in the reservoir 202. As a result, the shaft 210 provides radial support for the paddle 230, but does not impede the rotational movement of the paddle 230. The paddle 230 can be loaded with weight as desired in order to change its rotational motion. The shovel 230 can adopt as many shapes and sizes as desired. For example, Figure 7A illustrates the blade 230 shown in Figures 4 and 5. In that embodiment, the front face 230B of the blade 230 is substantially planar and normal to the direction of movement of the blade 230 (parallel to the axis 210) to allow the face front 230B of paddle 230 strikes toner 203 as paddle 230 drops. In an alternative embodiment, the front face 230B of the blade 230 is angled with respect to the direction of movement of the blade 230 (angular with respect to the axis 210). As shown in Figure 7A, the blade 230 may include one or more weights 231 mounted on the blade 230 and positioned with respect to the axis of rotation 239 of the blade 230 as desired to control the rotational movement of the blade 230. Figure 7B illustrates a blade V-shaped 1230 having a front face 1230B forming a concave portion of the V-shaped profile for directing toner 203 away from end wall 206 and into exit hole 218. Figure 7C illustrates a paddle 2230 having a comb portion 2230C to decrease friction between the paddle 2230 and the toner 203. Figure 7D illustrates a paddle 3230 having a front face 3230B having a smaller surface area compared to the front face 230B of the paddle 230, so as to reduce the drag through toner 203.
    [046] One or more magnetic sensors 250 positioned on the end wall 206 of the toner cartridge 200 or positioned on a portion of the imaging device adjacent to the end wall 206 when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the image forming device. image can be used to determine the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202 by detecting the movement of the paddle 230 as the shaft 210 rotates. Magnetic sensor(s) 250 may be any suitable device capable of detecting the presence or absence of a magnetic field. For example, the magnetic sensor(s) 250 may be a hall effect sensor, which is a transducer that varies its electrical output in response to a magnetic field. Two magnetic sensors 250A, 250B are shown in figures 6A to 6C. A first magnetic sensor 250A is positioned between approximately the "5 o'clock" position and approximately the "7 o'clock" position, such as at approximately the "6 o'clock" position as shown. An optional second 250B auto switch is positioned between approximately the “2 o'clock” position and approximately the “4 o'clock” position. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the magnetic sensor 250B is positioned approximately at the “3 o'clock” position.
    [047] Figure 5 shows the magnetic sensor 250A positioned on an external surface of the end wall 206. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 250A is in electronic communication with the processing circuitry 201 of the toner cartridge 200, which can also be mounted to end wall 206 (directly to the outer surface of end wall 206 or indirectly to end wall 206, such as end cap 208). Processing circuitry 201 and/or magnetic sensor 250A contains one or more electrical contacts 201A that contact corresponding electrical contact(s) on the imaging device when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the imaging device to facilitate communication with controller 102. Magnetic sensor(s) 250 and processing circuitry 201 may be positioned in other portions of body 204 as desired, as long as the magnetic sensor(s) 250 is capable of detecting the presence of magnet 240 of blade 230 at a point in the rotational path of blade 230. For example, in another embodiment, magnet 240 is positioned along the outer radial edge of blade 230 and magnetic sensor 250A is located positioned along the bottom of the outer surface of wall 205.
    [048] In one embodiment, two magnetic sensors 250A and 250B are used to determine the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202. The magnetic sensor 250B is positioned to sense the presence of magnet 240 when the paddle 230 begins to move away. of the driver member 217 after the level of toner in the reservoir 202 is low enough to allow the paddle 230 to advance in front of the driver member 217. The magnetic sensor 250A is aligned at or near the lower center of gravity of the paddle 230 to sensing the presence of magnet 240 near the lower center of gravity of paddle 230 where paddle 230 oscillates when the level of toner in reservoir 202 is low. In this embodiment, magnetic sensors 250A and 250B provide time stamp data used by controller 102 or a processor in communication with controller 102, such as a processor of processing circuitry 201, to determine how long it takes for paddle 230 switch from auto switch 250B to auto switch 250A during rotation of shaft 210. In this way, auto switch 250B can be called as the start switch and auto switch 250A can be called as the stop switch.
    [049] Figure 8 shows a graph of the time difference ΔT between the detection of magnet 240 of blade 230 by the start sensor and detection of magnet 240 by the stop sensor (in seconds) during rotation of shaft 210 against the amount of toner 203 remaining in reservoir 202 (in grams) over the life of an exemplary embodiment of toner cartridge 200. The graph is divided into three "zones" to help illustrate the operation of paddle 230. In zone 1, reservoir 202 is relatively full of toner 203, as shown in Figure 6A. In zone 1, the paddle 230 moves at the same speed as the drive member 217 due to the resistance produced by the toner 203. As a result, the time difference values ΔT in zone 1 reflect the rotational speed of the shaft 210 and the drive member. 217. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figure 8, shaft 210 was rotated at 100 RPM (0.6 seconds per revolution) and magnetic sensors 250A and 250B were separated by 90 degrees resulting in a ΔT of approximately 0.15 seconds in the 1.
    [050] In zone 2, the toner level in reservoir 202 is low enough that paddle 230 falls forward in front of drive member 217 after paddle 230 passes the "12 o'clock" position, as shown in the figure. 6B. In zone 2, the paddle 230 drops forward away from the drive member 217 and reaches the start sensor ahead of the drive member 217. The paddle 230 then rests on the toner 203 in the reservoir 202 between the start sensor and the stop sensor. until the drive member 217 reaches the blade 230 and starts pushing the blade 230 again. As a result, the time difference values ΔT in zone 2 increase with respect to the values of ΔT in zone 1, due to the arrival of the blade 230 at the sensor. starting point ahead of the trigger member 217.
    [051] In zone 3, the toner level in reservoir 202 is low, as shown in Figure 6C. In zone 3, the blade 230 falls forward away from the drive member 217 and passes both the start sensor and the stop sensor as a result of its own inertia without needing to be pushed by the drive member 217. As a result, the values of the time difference ΔT in zone 3 reflects the rotational speed of the blade 230 as it falls in front of driving member 217. The time difference values ΔT in zone 3 are smaller than the ΔT values in zones 1 and 2. The ΔT values in zone 3 continue to decrease as the level of toner in reservoir 202 decreases due to lesser resistance to paddle 230 when paddle 230 drops.
    [052] The amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202 at transitions from zone 1 to zone 2 and from zone 2 to zone 3 can be empirically determined for a particular toner cartridge design. As a result, detection of these transitions can be used to determine the amount of toner 203 remaining in reservoir 202. Additionally, the nearly linear decrease in ΔT values in zone 3 can be converted to an amount of toner 203 remaining in reservoir 202 providing a measure of toner 203 remaining when reservoir 202 is nearly empty. When the toner level is in zones 1 and 2 between the transitions from zone 1 to zone 2 and from zone 2 to zone 3, the toner level in reservoir 202 can be approximated based on a feed rate empirically derived from the toner 203 from toner reservoir 202 into the corresponding imaging unit. For example, in one embodiment, the feed rate of toner 203 from reservoir 202 has been observed to decrease linearly as the level of toner in reservoir 202 decreases. The rate of toner 203 feed from the reservoir 202 can be measured as the mass of toner delivered from the reservoir 202 per each cycle of toner addition. The amount of rotation and the geometry of the stirrer(s) 216 and the rotating auger (if present) determine how much toner 203 is fed per toner addition cycle. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the use of a rotating auger to remove the toner 203 from the reservoir 202 helps to control the accuracy of the feed rate of the toner 203 exiting the toner cartridge 200. toner 203 from reservoir 202 is due to the decrease in density of toner 203 in reservoir 202 as the height of toner 203 decreases. As a result, the level of toner in reservoir 202 in zone 1 can be approximated by starting with the initial amount of toner 203 supplied to reservoir 202 and reducing the amount of toner 203 in reservoir 202 for each toner addition cycle based on the rate. empirically determined feed. The estimated amount of toner remaining can be restored when the transition from zone 1 to zone 2 is detected based on the empirically determined amount of toner remaining when this transition occurs. The level of toner in the reservoir 202 in zone 2 can then be approximated based on the empirically determined feed rate. The estimated amount of toner remaining can be restored again when the transition from zone 2 to zone 3 is detected based on the empirically determined amount of toner remaining when this transition occurs. The ΔT values detected in zone 3 can then be converted to an amount of toner 203 to provide an estimate of the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202 until the toner cartridge 200 is empty. In one embodiment, the reservoir 202 is judged empty or nearly empty and a message indicating that the reservoir 202 is empty or nearly empty is displayed on the user interface 104 and/or display monitor 106 when the detected ΔT values fall below a threshold. default value.
    [053] The transitions from zone 1 to zone 2 and from zone 2 to zone 3 depend on such factors as the geometry of the blade 230, the friction between the blade 230 and the shaft 210, the weight of the blade 230 and the speed axis 210. For example, increasing the weight of paddle 230 tends to make the transitions from zone 1 to zone 2 and zone 2 to zone 3 occur in greater amounts of toner (i.e., the transition points shown in figure 8 would move to the right). Decreasing the weight of the paddle 230 tends to have the opposite effect. Additionally, if shaft 210 is rotated too fast (e.g., at speeds above approximately 200 to 300 RPM), blade 230 may not move far enough away from drive member 217, thus preventing the ability to use the difference values. time ΔT to determine the amount of toner remaining in reservoir 202.
    [054] As mentioned above, when the toner level in the reservoir 202 is too low, the paddle 230 may tend to swing back and forth around the "6 o'clock" position until the trigger member 217 reaches out to restart push the paddle 230. As a result, the stop sensor may sense the magnet 240 multiple times when the paddle 230 oscillates before the start sensor again senses the magnet 240. The extra passes of the magnet 240 of the paddle 230 in addition to the stoppages can be ignored by software running by controller 102 (or other processor processing data from magnetic sensors 250A and 250B).
    [055] It will be found that the shaft 210 can start and stop its rotation at random times and at random points along the rotational path of the shaft 210. As a result, in zones 1 and 2, the blade 230 may be positioned between the start sensor and stop sensor when shaft 210 stops rotating potentially producing an extremely large ΔT value since paddle 230 will not reach the stop sensor until shaft 210 rotates again. In zone 3, on the other hand, the blade 230 tends to travel through both the start sensor and the stop sensor. In one embodiment, shaft 210 is rotated at least approximately 1.5 revolutions (540 degrees) each time it rotates so as to ensure that blade 230 passes both the start sensor and the stop sensor at least once per cycle. toner addition.
    [056] In one embodiment, a magnetic sensor 250A is used to determine the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202 (without the magnetic sensor 250B). Magnet sensor 250A is aligned at or near the lower center of gravity of paddle 230 to sense the presence of magnet 240 near where paddle 230 oscillates when the level of toner in reservoir 202 is low. The number of passes of paddle 230 past magnetic sensor 250A per revolution of shaft 210 can be correlated with the amount of toner 203 in reservoir 202 when the toner level is low.
    [057] Figure 9 shows a graph of the number of passes of the paddle 230 past the magnetic sensor 250A per rotation of the shaft 210 against the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202 (in grams) over the duration of an exemplary embodiment of the cartridge. toner 200 superimposed on the graph shown in Figure 8. Before the level of toner in reservoir 202 goes low, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, paddle 230 passes magnetic sensor 250A once per revolution of axis 210. resistance produced by toner 203 in reservoir 202 prevents paddle 230 from reaching magnetic sensor 250A ahead of drive member 217. Once the level of toner in reservoir 202 is low, however, as shown in Figure 6C, paddle 230 begins to oscillate or swing in a pendulum manner beyond the 250A magnetic sensor more than once per revolution of the shaft 210. As the toner level decreases, the number of passes of the paddle 230 beyond the 250A magnetic sensor p or revolution of shaft 210 increases as a result of the lower resistance of toner 203. The number of passes of paddle 230 past magnetic sensor 250A per revolution of shaft 210 can reach twelve or more when the level of toner in reservoir 202 is too low depending on the speed of the shaft 210 and the oscillation period of the blade 230. In one embodiment, the reservoir 202 is judged to be empty or nearly empty and a message indicating that the reservoir 202 is empty or nearly empty is displayed on the user interface 104 and/or or display monitor 36 when the number of passes of blade 230 beyond magnetic sensor 250A per revolution of shaft 210 exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., four passes per revolution, twelve passes per revolution, etc.).
    [058] It will be seen from Figure 9 that counting or monitoring the number of passes of the paddle 230 beyond the magnetic sensor 250A provides an indication of the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202 when the toner level is low (i.e., when blade 230 passes magnetic sensor 250A more than once per revolution of shaft 210). Before the toner level is low (i.e., when paddle 230 passes magnetic sensor 250A once per revolution of shaft 210), the level of toner in reservoir 202 can be approximated based on the empirically determined feed rate of toner. 203 of the toner reservoir 202 within the corresponding imaging unit, as discussed above. As a result, the level of toner in reservoir 202 can be approximated by starting with the initial amount of toner 203 supplied to reservoir 202 and reducing the amount of toner 203 in reservoir 202 for each toner addition cycle 203 based on the feed rate. empirically determined. This estimate of the level of toner in reservoir 202 can be used until the 250A magnetic sensor detects the passage of the vane 230 more than once during one revolution of the shaft 210. After the vane 230 begins to pass the magnetic sensor 250A more than once during one revolution of the shaft 210. that once per revolution of shaft 210, the number of pulses detected by magnetic sensor 250A per revolution of shaft 210 can be used to determine the amount of toner 203 remaining in reservoir 202.
    [059] Where a single 250A magnetic sensor is used, in one embodiment, the 210 shaft is driven at a relatively low speed such as, for example, from less than 10 RPM to approximately 80 RPM including all increments and values in between. , such as approximately 40 RPM or less so as to allow the paddle 230 to oscillate beyond the magnetic sensor 250A more than once per revolution of the shaft 210 when the reservoir 202 has little toner remaining before the drive member 217 resumes pushing the paddle. 230. The slower the shaft 210 rotates, the more the blade 230 can oscillate before the drive member 217 reaches the blade 230.
    [060] If shaft 210 rotates at a relatively high speed such as, for example, greater than approximately 80 RPM, blade 230 may not have time to oscillate beyond magnetic sensor 250A before drive member 217 reaches or blade 230 may not move away from drive member 217. However, despite the speed of shaft 210, the number of swings of blade 230 beyond magnetic sensor 250A can be measured when shaft 210 is stopped. As a result, in another embodiment, shaft 210 is rotated at a speed of at least approximately 40 RPM and periodically stopped in order to collect wobble data. It will be found that, in this embodiment, if the drive member 217 is positioned near the "6 o'clock" position when the axis 210 stops, the drive member 217 can interfere with the oscillation data of the blade 230. Thus, where the axis 210 is driven at speed above approximately 40 RPM and is stopped periodically to collect the wobble data, it is preferred to avoid rotating shaft 210 a full 360 degrees or a multiple of it every time shaft 210 rotates (i.e. 360 degrees , 720 degrees, 1080 degrees, etc.), otherwise the drive member 217 may tend to be positioned near the "6 o'clock" position every time the shaft 210 stops, thereby interfering with the blade oscillation data. 230. Similarly, if shaft 210 is rotated in half-turn increments every time shaft 210 rotates (i.e., 180 degrees, 540 degrees, 900 degrees, etc.), drive member 217 may tend to be positioned close to the “6 o'clock” position time yes, time no that axis 210 stops. Thus, in an embodiment where shaft 210 is driven at speeds above approximately 40 RPM and stopped periodically to collect wobble data, shaft 210 is rotated at least approximately 10 degrees more or less than either full or half rotation. (e.g. between approximately 190 degrees and approximately 350 degrees, between approximately 370 degrees and approximately 530 degrees, between approximately 550 degrees and approximately 710 degrees, between approximately 730 degrees and approximately 890 degrees, etc.) , so as to prevent the drive member 217 from repeatedly stopping near the "6 o'clock" position and interfering with the oscillation data of the blade 230. For example, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the shaft 210 has been rotated 550°. degrees at 100 RPM and paused for approximately 3 seconds between each 550 degree rotation to allow the blade 230 to oscillate.
    [061] In addition to the rotational speed of shaft 210, the point at which the transition from zone 2 to zone 3 occurs (the detection range when a 250A magnetic sensor is used) and the oscillation period of the blade 230 depend on the weight of the blade. blade 230 and blade swing radius 230. As discussed above, blade 230 may be weighted using one or more optional weights 231 so as to provide a desired weight distribution to define the weight and swing radius of blade 230 Specifically, control of the detection range by the weight of the blade 230 and the center of gravity of the blade 230 is governed by the initial energy state at the beginning of the fall of the blade 230 for a given weight and turning radius of the blade 230. paddle 230 encounters toner 203 in reservoir 202 with each swing, that energy is decreased by an amount that is a function of the mass of toner 203 encountered by paddle 230 during that swing. This decrease in energy occurs until the blade 230 stops oscillating (by encountering toner 203 or through other friction or resistance, such as energy lost at the friction interface between blade 230 and shaft 210). In addition to the detection range, the number of swings of the blade 230 that occur when the reservoir 202 is empty (the resolution of detection when a magnetic sensor 250A is used) also depends on the weight distribution of the blade 230.
    [062] In this way, the amount of toner remaining in the reservoir can be determined by detecting the rotational movement of a falling paddle, such as the paddle 230, mounted on a rotating and rotating shaft independent of the axis within the reservoir. Because movement of blade 230 is detectable by a sensor outside reservoir 202, blade 230 may be provided without an electrical or mechanical connection to the exterior of body 204 (other than shaft 210). This avoids the need to seal an additional connection in the reservoir 202, which could be susceptible to leakage. Because no seal of the paddle 230 is required, no seal friction exists that could alter the movement of the paddle 230. Additionally, positioning the magnetic sensor(s) outside the reservoir 202 reduces the risk of toner contamination, which could damage the sensor(s). The magnetic sensor(s) can also be used to detect the installation of the toner cartridge 200 in the imaging device and to confirm that the shaft 210 is rotating properly, thereby eliminating the need for additional sensors to perform these functions.
    [063] Although the illustrated exemplary embodiments show the magnet 240 positioned in the body of the blade 230 in line with the front face 230B of the blade 230 and the center of gravity of the blade 230, it will be apparent that the magnet 240 may be angularly displaced from the blade 230 as wished. For example, magnet 240 can be positioned on an arm or other form of extension that is angled to paddle 230 and connected to paddle 230 to rotate with paddle 230. For example, where two magnetic sensors 250A, 250B are used to To collect time difference values ΔT, if the magnet 240 is displaced 90 degrees in front of the paddle 230, the magnetic sensor 250A is positioned between approximately the “8 o'clock” position and approximately the “10 o'clock” position, as in approximately the "9 o'clock" position, to detect when the blade 230 is at or near its lowest center of gravity where the blade 230 oscillates and the magnetic sensor 250B is positioned between approximately the "5 o'clock" position and approximately the "7 o'clock" position, such as at approximately the "6 o'clock" position, to detect when the blade 230 begins to move away from the drive member 217. Similarly, where a magnetic sensor 250B is used to collect the data from oscillation, if magnet 240 is d offset 180 degrees from the blade 230, the magnetic sensor 250A is positioned between approximately the "11 o'clock" position and approximately the "1 o'clock" position, such as approximately the "12 o'clock" position, to detect when the blade 230 is at or near its lowest center of gravity where the blade 230 oscillates. Additionally, although the examples discussed sensing the time difference values ΔT to determine the amount of toner 203 remaining in the reservoir 202 use two magnetic sensors 250A, 250B to detect the movement of a magnet 240, it will be seen that the time difference values ΔT can also be determined using a single magnetic sensor 250 to detect the movement of a pair of angularly displaced magnets 240. In this embodiment, one or both of the magnets 240 may be positioned on an arm or extension connected to the blade 230 to rotate with the blade 230.
    [064] The shape, architecture, and configuration of the 200 toner cartridge shown in Figures 4 and 5 are intended to serve as examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, while the exemplary imaging device discussed above includes a pair of replaceable toner cartridge splice units 200 and imaging unit 300, it will be appreciated that the replaceable unit(s) of the forming device image can use any suitable configuration as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the main toner supply for the imaging device, the toner add roller 304, the developer roller 306 and the photoconductive drum 310 are housed in a replaceable unit. In another embodiment, the main toner supply to the imaging device, the toner adder roller 304 and the developer roller 306 are provided in a first replaceable unit and the photoconductive drum 310 is provided in a second replaceable unit.
    [065] While the exemplary embodiments discussed above utilize a dropping paddle in the toner cartridge reservoir, it will be appreciated that the dropping paddle, such as paddle 230, having a magnet can be used to determine the level of toner in any reservoir or vat. storing the toner in the imaging device such as, for example, an imaging unit reservoir or a storage area for leftover toner. Additionally, while the exemplary embodiments discussed above discuss a system for determining toner level, it will be appreciated that such a system and the methods discussed herein can be used to determine the level of a particulate material other than toner, such as, for example, grains. , seeds, flour, sugar, salt, etc.
    [066] Although the above examples discuss the use of one or two magnetic sensors, it will be seen that more than two magnetic sensors can be used as desired in order to obtain more information regarding the movement of the shooting paddle having the magnet. Additionally, although the examples discuss sensing a magnet using a magnetic sensor, in another embodiment, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, or a capacitive sensor is used instead of a magnetic sensor. In this embodiment, the shooting paddle includes an electrically conductive element detectable by the inductive or capacitive sensor. As discussed above with respect to magnet 240, the metallic element may be held in the shooting paddle by friction fit, adhesive, fastener(s), etc. or the shooting paddle may be composed of a metallic material or the metallic element may be positioned on an arm or extension which is rotatable with the dropping paddle. As an alternative to this, the shooting paddle includes an axle that extends to an external portion of the body 204, such as through wall 206 or 207. An encoder wheel or other form of coded device is attached or formed to the axle portion of the blade. shooting paddle which is outside the reservoir 202. A code reader, such as an infrared sensor, is positioned to sense the movement of the coded device (and therefore the movement of the shooting paddle) and in communication with the controller 102 or other processor that analyzes the movement of the shooting paddle in order to determine the amount of toner remaining in the reservoir 202.
    [067] Figure 10 shows another exemplary embodiment of the toner cartridge 200. In this embodiment, the toner cartridge 200 does not include the shooting paddle 230 which is free to rotate independently of the axis 210. Instead, one of the stirrers 216, such as such as an agitator 216A positioned near end wall 206, includes magnet 240. As discussed above, agitators 216 are mounted on and rotated with shaft 210 to agitate and move toner within reservoir 202. In this embodiment, magnet 240 rotates with agitator 216A as shaft 210 rotates. Referring to Figure 11, in one embodiment, the magnet 240 is positioned in an axially outermost portion of the stirrer 216A near the end wall 206 so as to allow detection by the magnetic sensor(s) 250 on the end wall. 206 or in a portion of the imaging device adjacent the end wall 206 when the toner cartridge 200 is installed in the imaging device. The magnet 240 may be oriented, formed and mounted on the stirrer 216A in various ways as discussed above with respect to the paddle 230. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor(s) 250 sense the rotation of the shaft 210 by sensing the magnet 240 as the stirrer 216A passes by. the magnetic sensor(s) 250 provided that the magnet 240 will be positioned at a discrete circumferential location along the rotational path of the stirrer 216. As discussed above, the level of toner in the reservoir 202 can be approximated based on a feed rate empirically derived from the toner from reservoir 202 into the corresponding imaging unit. For example, the toner level can be approximated by starting with the initial amount of toner supplied in reservoir 202 and reducing the amount of toner in reservoir 202 based on the empirically determined feed rate per revolution of shaft 210 (or per cycle of addition of the toner). toner) as determined by sensing the number of revolutions of shaft 210 using magnetic sensor(s) 250. Magnetic sensor(s) 250 may also be used to detect the presence of toner cartridge 200 in the imaging device and to confirm that shaft 210 is rotating properly within reservoir 202, thereby eliminating the need for additional sensors to perform these functions.
    [068] The preceding description illustrates several aspects of the present disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Preferably, it is chosen to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present disclosure, including its various modifications which naturally follow. All modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims. Relatively obvious modifications include combining one or more aspects of the various modalities with aspects of other modalities.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [0001]
    1. Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic imaging device (100, 100') comprising: a housing (170) having an internal volume forming a reservoir (202) for storing toner (203), a rotating shaft (210) positioned inside the reservoir (202); and a blade (230) mounted on the shaft (210), the replaceable unit FEATURED in that: the blade (230) mounted on the shaft (210) is rotatable independently of the shaft (210), and comprising: a drive member (217) on the shaft (210) and fixed to rotate with the shaft (210), the driving member (217) positioned to push the blade (230) when the shaft (210) rotates, the blade (230) being free to move away from the member trigger (217); and a magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) mounted in the housing (170) outside the reservoir (202), wherein the blade (230) includes a magnetic element (240) rotating with the blade (230) and the magnetic element (240). ) having a magnetic field detectable by the magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) when the replaceable unit is installed in the imaging device (100, 100') to detect the movement of the blade (230).
    [0002]
    2. Replaceable unit, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the blade (230) is positioned in the axial direction on the axis (210) close to an end wall of the housing (170).
    [0003]
    3. Replaceable unit according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) is mounted on an outer portion of the end wall.
    [0004]
    4. Replaceable unit, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the magnetic element (240) is positioned close to an axial end of the blade (230) adjacent to the end wall.
    [0005]
    5. Replaceable unit, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) is positioned to detect the magnetic element (240) near the lower center of gravity of the blade (230) when the replaceable unit is in an installed position on the imaging device (100, 100').
    [0006]
    6. Replaceable unit, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the magnetic element (240) is positioned substantially angularly aligned with the center of gravity of the blade (230) with respect to an axis (210) of rotation of the shovel.
    [0007]
    7. Replaceable unit, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the magnetic element (240) is kept in a cavity (242) in the blade (230).
    [0008]
    8. Replaceable unit according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the blade (230) has a flat front surface positioned to guide when the blade is pushed by the drive member (217).
    [0009]
    A replaceable unit according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it additionally comprises at least one weight (231) positioned on the blade (230) that affects the movement of the blade when the blade falls in front of the driving member (217).
    [0010]
    10. Replaceable unit according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the rotating shaft (210) spans a length of the reservoir (202), the shaft having an agitator (216, 216A) extending therefrom which is fixed to rotate with the shaft for agitating the toner (203) within the reservoir (202); the paddle (230) mounted on the shaft (210) being free to rotate independently of the shaft, the agitator (216, 216A) being positioned to push the paddle when the shaft rotates, the blade free to separate from the stirrer; the magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) mounted on an external portion of the housing (170); and the magnetic element (240) being connected to the blade (230) to rotate with the blade.
    [0011]
    11. Replaceable unit, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the blade (230) is positioned in the axial direction on the axis (210) close to an end wall of the housing (170).
    [0012]
    12. Replaceable unit according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) is mounted on an outer portion of the end wall.
    [0013]
    13. Replaceable unit, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the magnetic element (240) is positioned close to an axial end of the blade (230) adjacent to the end wall.
    [0014]
    14. Replaceable unit, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) is positioned to detect the magnetic element (240) near the lower center of gravity of the blade (230) when the replaceable unit is in an installed position on the imaging device (100, 100').
    [0015]
    15. Replaceable unit, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the magnetic element (240) is positioned substantially aligned at an angle with the center of gravity of the blade (230) with respect to a geometric axis (210) of rotation of the axis.
    [0016]
    16. Replaceable unit, according to claim 10, CATERIZED by the fact that the magnetic element (240) is kept in a cavity (242) in the blade (230).
    [0017]
    17. Replaceable unit according to claim 11, CATERIZED in that the paddle (230) has a flat front surface positioned to guide when the paddle is pushed by the agitator (216, 216A).
    [0018]
    18. Replaceable unit, according to claim 10, CATACERIZED by the fact that it additionally comprises at least one weight (231) positioned on the blade (230) that affects the movement of the blade when the blade falls in front of the agitator (216, 216A ).
    [0019]
    19. Replaceable unit, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the housing (170) has an outlet port (218) for toner outlet from the replaceable unit, the outlet port (218) including an opening for the reservoir (202) for transferring toner (203) out of the reservoir (202); the paddle (230) being positioned to rotate through the opening in the reservoir (202); and the auto switch (250, 250A, 250B) being mounted to an external portion of the housing (170), wherein the blade (230) includes a magnetic element (240) having a magnetic field detectable by the auto switch (250, 250A, 250B) to detect paddle motion, and the magnetic sensor is positioned to detect the magnetic element at a point where the paddle oscillates when the level of toner (203) in the reservoir (202) is low when the replaceable unit is in an installed position in the imaging device (100, 100').
    [0020]
    20. Replaceable unit, according to claim 19, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the blade (230) is axially positioned on the shaft (210) close to an end wall of the housing (170) and the magnetic sensor (250, 250A, 250B) is mounted on an outer portion of the end wall.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    BR112015012058A2|2017-07-11|
    WO2014099856A1|2014-06-26|
    MX346462B|2017-03-22|
    TWI570528B|2017-02-11|
    ZA201503703B|2016-09-28|
    AU2013363024A1|2015-06-18|
    US9152080B2|2015-10-06|
    CA2892248C|2017-09-05|
    BR112015013060A2|2017-07-11|
    MX2015006422A|2015-10-26|
    MX345523B|2017-02-02|
    AU2013363024B2|2016-11-24|
    CL2015001479A1|2015-12-11|
    CA2892263C|2018-01-09|
    US9046817B2|2015-06-02|
    BR112015012058B1|2022-02-01|
    ZA201503712B|2016-07-27|
    WO2014099860A1|2014-06-26|
    WO2014099859A1|2014-06-26|
    US20140169810A1|2014-06-19|
    US20140169808A1|2014-06-19|
    CL2015001480A1|2015-12-11|
    AR094062A1|2015-07-08|
    TW201433888A|2014-09-01|
    AU2013363028A1|2015-06-04|
    AU2013363028B2|2016-08-11|
    CA2892248A1|2014-06-26|
    MX2015006421A|2015-10-26|
    CA2892263A1|2014-06-26|
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    法律状态:
    2018-11-21| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-01-21| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-08-03| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-12-07| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2022-02-01| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 17/12/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/717,908|US8989611B2|2012-12-18|2012-12-18|Replaceable unit for an image forming device having a falling paddle for toner level sensing|
    US13/717,908|2012-12-18|
    US14/013,457|US9152080B2|2012-12-18|2013-08-29|Replaceable unit for an image forming device having a toner agitator that includes a magnet for rotational sensing|
    US14/013,457|2013-08-29|
    PCT/US2013/075569|WO2014099856A1|2012-12-18|2013-12-17|Replaceable unit for an image forming device having a falling paddle for toner level sensing|
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