Developing Apparatus Capacitance Toner Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the remaining developer amount due to scattering developer blocking detection light, leading to reduced accuracy in toner amount detection.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a concave portion within the turning radius of the stirring member, with conductive members positioned to measure capacitance changes as toner passes through, ensuring accurate detection of the developer amount by applying voltage and detecting changes in output voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stirring member is used to stir the developer inside the developer container, then the developer is well-mixed and conveyed, but the developer scatters and blocks the detection light, reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection function from the main developer container by providing a separate detection container with its own detection light path. This separates the stirring function (in main container) from the detection function (in detection container), allowing the stirring member to operate without blocking the detection light, thus resolving the contradiction between effective mixing and accurate detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism where the stirring member periodically conveys developer from the main container to the detection container. This intermediary transfer allows the detection light to pass through a controlled amount of developer without being blocked by scattered particles, enabling accurate detection while maintaining effective mixing in the main container
2Device complexity
If detection light passes through the inside of the developer container to detect remaining toner amount, then the detection structure is simple, but scattering developer blocks the detection light causing reduced detecting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection system into two separate containers: a main developer container for storing and mixing developer, and a detection container for optical measurement. This segmentation allows the detection light to pass through a controlled environment with minimal scattering, maintaining detection accuracy while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the detection function from the main developer container by providing a separate detection container with its own detection light path. This separates the stirring function (in main container) from the detection function (in detection container), allowing the stirring member to operate without blocking the detection light, thus resolving the contradiction between effective mixing and accurate detection
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 configuration allows for stable and accurate detection of the remaining toner amount, even when the developer scatters, preventing errors in toner replenishment timing.
Implementation Method 1
a first detecting portion and a second detecting portion for detecting an amount of the developer in use of capacitance
Implementation Method 2
a conveying member that conveys the developer by rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
A developing apparatus includes: a developing chamber that has a developer bearing member bearing developer; an accommodating chamber that has a concave portion and an opening and accommodates the developer under the developing chamber; a conveying member that conveys the developer by rotation; and a first detecting member and a second detecting member that detect an amount of the developer in use of capacitance, wherein a part of the concave portion is within a turning radius of the conveying member, the first detecting member is provided on a downstream side in a rotating direction of the conveying member relative to the concave portion, and the second detecting member is provided on an upstream side in the rotating direction of the conveying member relative to the concave portion.