Ricoh PE-P1 - Development Mechanism; Toner Near End and End Detection

The toner moves as shown in the above drawing. The toner agitator [A] mixes the toner so that it is
transported evenly to the mixing rollers. The upper mixing roller [B] moves toner to the center, then the
lower mixing roller [C] moves toner to the right and left sides. Finally, the toner supply roller [D] supplies
toner to the development roller. This mixing mechanism prevents toner hardening and uneven image density
in the outputs.
Development Mechanism
This machine does not use developer, so a TD sensor is not necessary. In each AIO unit, the toner supply
roller [A] supplies toner to the development roller [B]. Electrostatic attraction generated by the friction
between the toner supply roller and development roller moves toner to the surface of the development
roller, and the development blade [C] makes sure that the layer of toner on the development roller has an
even thickness.
The discharge sheet [D] removes development roller bias.
Toner Near End and End Detection
Toner Near End
To detect the toner near-end, the machine uses:
• Pixel count (memory chip on the AIO)
• AIO rotation distance (memory chip on the AIO)
AIO (All In One) Cartridge
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