Developer Supply Control for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, accumulated developer at the connection between the developer storage and the developing device hinders conveyance, leading to errors in developer supply, as the existing systems rely solely on consumption-based calculations for replenishment.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that executes a usage-amount obtaining process and implements a dual-supplying process: a first supplying process with a predetermined driving amount when the usage amount exceeds a threshold, and a second supplying process with an increased driving amount when the usage amount surpasses a higher threshold, ensuring accurate and uninterrupted developer conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the developer is supplied from the developer storage to the developing device based on consumption amount calculation, then the developer supply amount can be controlled, but the developer accumulates at the connected portion and hinders conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by executing a second supplying process with increased driving amount when the usage amount reaches a second threshold (greater than the first threshold). This proactive measure clears accumulated developer before it completely blocks conveyance, preventing conveyance errors while maintaining precise supply control based on consumption calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by adjusting the supplier's driving amount dynamically based on usage thresholds. The system transitions from a first driving amount (for normal operation) to a second driving amount (greater than the first, for clearing accumulation) when the usage amount exceeds the second threshold, adapting the supply mechanism to prevent conveyance hindrance.
2Quantity of substance
If the supplier operates continuously to maintain developer level, then the developer supply is sufficient, but accumulation occurs that hinders conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by operating the supplier intermittently based on usage amount thresholds rather than continuously. The first supplying process operates when usage reaches the first threshold, and the second supplying process operates when usage reaches the second threshold, creating periodic clearing cycles that maintain developer level while preventing harmful accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the supplier's driving amount parameter based on usage conditions. The system changes from a first driving amount to a second driving amount (greater than the first) when the usage amount exceeds the second threshold, adjusting the parameter to clear accumulation without causing harmful effects.
3Reliability
If the developer supply is increased to prevent accumulation, then conveyance is maintained, but the supply amount exceeds consumption amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by temporarily increasing the driving amount to a second driving amount (greater than the first) only when the usage amount reaches the second threshold. This excessive action is partial and conditional, clearing accumulation just enough to maintain conveyance without causing significant excessive supply, then returning to the normal first driving amount.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including: a photoconductor; a developing device; a developer storage; a supplier configured to supply developer to the developing device; and a controller configured to, when performing a printing operation, execute a developing process, a usage-amount obtaining process of obtaining a developer usage amount used in the developing process, a first supplying process of supplying the developer by operating the supplier by a first driving amount every time the usage amount becomes greater than or equal to a first threshold, and a second supplying process of supplying the developer by operating the supplier by a driving amount greater than the first driving amount when the usage amount from a time point of beginning of use of the developer storage becomes greater than or equal to a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold.