This issue shares the working principle of the Konica Minolta color machine "toner collection unit". The reference machine model is C364.
The toner collection unit refers to the waste toner box, which collects waste toner and waste carriers from the three parts of the photosensitive drum, developer and transfer belt.
According to this feature, we can observe the number of collection ports on the waste toner box to determine which color developer is the automatic refining and developing system, and further know which color toner contains carriers. Isn't it a lot to know? Taking C364 as an example, there are 9 collection ports on the waste toner box, one for the transfer belt, four for the photosensitive drum, and four for the developer.
Because there are four developer collection ports, the four color developers are all automatic refining and developing systems, and the four color toners contain carriers.
Drive
The waste toner box is driven by a remote transmission motor. The driving force is transmitted to the registration roller through the registration clutch. The drive coupling gear installed coaxially with the registration roller drives the waste toner box.
Waste toner box in place detection
Whether the waste toner box is installed in place and whether the waste toner is full is detected by the waste toner box in place sensor and waste toner full sensor installed on the front side circuit board of the main machine.
When it is not installed in place, the following screen is displayed:
(a.) Typical waste toner is about to fill the screen (typical)
Waste toner box full detection
The waste toner full sensor is used to detect the amount of waste toner collected in the waste toner box.
Waste toner is about to be full condition
When the waste toner accumulated in the waste toner full condition detection window blocks the waste toner full sensor for a specified time or longer, the machine will make a judgment that the waste toner is about to be full and a full prompt will appear.
Waste toner full condition
- When the waste toner is detected to be about to be full, the value of the "waste toner full detection counter" will be increased according to the image density information of the printed image during each subsequent printing job.
- When the value of the waste toner full detection counter reaches the threshold, The machine will determine that the waste toner is full.
(b) Typical waste toner full screen (typical)
When a new waste toner box is replaced, the waste toner full sensor remains unblocked for a specified period of time, and the machine will determine that it has returned to normal.
Conclusion:
The toner collection unit, or waste toner box, plays a vital role in the maintenance of your Konica Minolta C364 color printer by efficiently collecting excess toner and carriers from various components. Understanding its operation, including the detection and management of waste toner levels, is essential for ensuring uninterrupted printing and prolonging the lifespan of your device. Proper handling and timely replacement of the waste toner box can prevent potential print issues and maintain optimal performance.