ENWW Image formation system 155
When any of the data exceeds a specified value, the DC controller judges the cartridge end of life
and sends an error message to the formatter, indicating either that the cartridge is nearing end of
life ("Warning"), or that the cartridge has reached end of life (“End”), depending on the readings of
the above data.
Toner level detection
The DC controller detects the end of toner by monitoring the time light passes through the
cartridge during printing.
There is a memory controller PCB with light emitter (LED) and light receiver (PD) on the back of
the cartridge. When a print operation starts, the DC controller emits light from the LED with
TONER LEVEL DETECTION LED DRIVE signal (TONLED). The light is let in to the toner
container through the light guide attached to the cartridge. It passes through the container and
goes back through the light guide, when the light receiver detects the light. Upon detection of light,
the receiver sends the TONER LEVEL DETECTION signal (TONSNS) to the DC controller.
Figure 5-41 Toner level detection
When the toner level is high, the light is interrupted by the toner so it does not reach the light
receiver, and vice versa when the toner level is low. The DC controller detects the toner level
based on the light amount and notifies formatter of the detected toner level.
If no light is detected by the light receiver within a specified time during toner level detection, the
DC controller judges the “toner level sensor abnormal” and sends an error message to the
formatter.
Note All color toner level is detected in full color print, and only K (BK) toner lever, in monochrome print.
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