Developer Replenishing Apparatus Rotational Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developer replenishment systems in image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent developer levels, leading to increased running costs due to variations in the quantity of developer remaining in the container, especially when the developer quantity is low, resulting in reduced discharging properties and unstable floating developer.
Innovation Solution
A developer replenishing apparatus that includes a container with a guide portion for scooping and conveying developer, a drive portion for rotating the container, a receiving portion for receiving discharged developer, a detection portion for monitoring developer levels, and a controller to switch between continuous and intermittent rotation modes based on detected developer quantities, optimizing the rotation speed and frequency to maintain consistent developer supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous rotation of the container is performed to enhance developer discharge, then discharging properties are improved, but the quantity of developer remaining in the container varies and increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching the container rotation from continuous to intermittent mode based on developer quantity detection. When developer quantity becomes low, the rotation is temporarily stopped to allow settled developer to accumulate near the discharge opening, then rotated again to discharge. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both discharge efficiency and developer utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through intermittent rotation cycles. The container rotates for a predetermined period to discharge developer, then stops for a predetermined period to allow developer to settle and accumulate. This periodic on-off rotation pattern ensures consistent discharge while minimizing developer remaining in the container.
2Productivity
If rotation speed is increased to improve developer supply efficiency, then productivity increases, but developer floating becomes unstable and discharging properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts rotation speed based on operational phase. During discharge phases, higher rotation speeds are used to efficiently supply developer. During settling phases, rotation is stopped completely to allow stable accumulation. This dynamic speed control balances supply efficiency with floating stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotation speed parameter according to the operational state. By switching between rotation and stop states, and adjusting rotation speed based on developer quantity detection, the system optimizes the balance between supply efficiency and developer stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces the variation in developer remaining in the container, enhances discharging properties, and lowers running costs by efficiently managing developer levels through adaptive rotation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a role of conveying the scooped developer to the discharge opening portion, by sliding down a guide portion due to the own weight of the developer
Data Source
AI summary
A replenishing apparatus includes a rotatable cylindrical-shaped container having a discharge opening through which toner is discharged, and a guide member provided rotatably with the container. The guide member has a first face on an inner face of the container and a second face which guides the toner scooped by the first face toward the discharge opening. A controller controls a drive portion to rotate the container in a first mode that performs replenishment control in a first drive condition and in a second mode that performs replenishment control in a second drive condition in which a quantity of rotation of the container per unit time is less than the first drive condition. The controller switches the mode from the first mode to the second mode based on a detection result about a quantity of developer.