Replaceable unit for an image forming device having magnets of varying angular offset for toner level sensing
US9983506B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2036 |
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 are detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A polarity of the first magnet is oriented opposite a polarity of the second magnet relative to the shaft. 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.