Cleaning and alignment of a capacitive sensor used in an electrophotographic printer using a piezo vibrator for cleaning and capacitor plate alignment measurement device, which ensures print quality is maintained

摘要

Device for cleaning a sensor (14) surface that is coated with a layer of toner material (12). The sensor detects toner on one of the sensor surfaces (18) and a piezo-electric vibrator (30) is used to mechanically vibrate the surface so that any toner is dislodged. The invention also relates to a corresponding method. An independent claim is made for a device for alignment of a capacitive sensor for detection of toner coating on a toner marking. The capacitor comprises two capacitor plates that are aligned opposite to a counter electrode. The capacity of the plates is compared with a measurement device and the distance between the plates and the counter electrode is then adjusted until a desired measurement result is obtained. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.