In this third installment of our "Maintenance Basics" series, we'll delve into the Photoconductor Unit of your printer or copier. This component is critical to the imaging process, playing a pivotal role in transferring the toner to the paper. Proper maintenance and understanding of the photoconductor unit can significantly enhance your device's print quality and operational lifespan.
This issue shares the working principle of the Konica Minolta color machine "Photoconductor Unit". The reference model is C364.
Drive:
In the Konica Minolta color machine, the drive of the photosensitive drum is divided into two parts.
- The K drum is driven by the transmission motor.
- The drive motor of the C, M, and Y drums is called the PC motor.
New component detection:
The bottom of the photosensitive drum unit is equipped with a DC in-place circuit board to detect whether the corresponding photosensitive drum unit is installed in place. When it passes the "in-place detection", a new component detection will be performed. Once it is determined to be a new drum, three things will happen:
1. The counter of the drum unit is reset to zero and the service life detection control is performed.
2: The new component detection record result is recorded by the machine.
3. The service life counter is used for drum units of various colors. The counter value is recorded in the machine.
Charging voltage:
The system applies a high voltage DC negative charge to the comb electrodes in the charging corona and the charging corona control plate (grid). The charge released by the comb electrodes is controlled by the grid to make the drum surface uniformly charged. The charge applied to the grid is called the grid voltage (Vg), which can be adjusted to the optimal value through image stabilization control.
Each drum is equipped with an electrode cleaning tool under it, please do not clean it during maintenance.
Cleaning/De-Charging:
After the toner is transferred to the first image transfer belt, the residual toner on the drum is removed by the cleaning blade, and the scraped toner is transported to the front of the machine by the toner collection screw, and then discharged to the waste toner box. The residual charge on the drum is eliminated by the de-charging LED.
When the environment changes are detected, the drum will rotate slightly to keep the sensitivity of the drum surface consistent.
Lifespan:
The life of the photosensitive drum unit is determined by the print counter and the photosensitive drum rotation time. If the established threshold is reached, the machine will determine that the photosensitive drum unit has entered another state.
- When the lifespan threshold is reached (printing is possible, but the image quality is beyond the guaranteed range), the lifespan arrival screen will be displayed.
- When the lifespan expiration threshold is reached (printing is prohibited), the lifespan expiration screen will be displayed.
If the color drum unit reaches the end of life condition and the machine prohibits initiating any new printing cycle, you can touch the "Continue" button on the screen to start black and white printing
Photosensitive drum precautions:
- Please avoid light, cover the drum with paper when removing it, long-term light will reduce the performance of the photosensitive drum.
- Do not touch the drum surface with your hands to avoid scratches.
- Please use the electrode cleaning tool to clean and charge during maintenance.
Conclusion:
Maintaining the Photoconductor Unit in your Konica Minolta C364 color printer is essential for optimal performance and print quality. Understanding the drum's drive mechanism, new component detection, and proper handling of charging and cleaning processes will help extend the unit's lifespan. Regular maintenance and adherence to proper care practices, such as avoiding light exposure and using the correct cleaning tools, ensure that your printer continues to produce high-quality prints throughout its service life.
The previous article: Maintenance Basics | Writing Department (PH) (II)
The next article: Maintenance Basics | Toner Supply Department (V)