Replaceable unit for an image forming device having a falling paddle for toner level sensing
US8989611B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0819
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an inner volume forming a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted on the shaft and rotatable independent of the shaft. A driving member is rotatable with the shaft and positioned to push the paddle when the shaft rotates. The paddle is free to fall ahead of the driving member. The paddle includes a magnetic element rotatable with the paddle and detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device for detecting the motion of the paddle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.