Replaceable unit for an image forming device having magnets of varying angular offset for toner level sensing
US9389582B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G21/1803
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir and has an axis of rotation. A first magnet and a second magnet are connected to the shaft and rotatable around the axis of rotation in response to rotation of the shaft. The first magnet and the second magnet pass near at least a portion of an inner wall of the housing forming the reservoir during rotation of the first and second magnets. An amount of angular offset between the first magnet and the second magnet varies depending on an amount of toner in the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.