Developing Device Light Transmission Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light transmission-type remaining developer amount detection methods in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face accuracy issues due to developer scattering during high-speed printing, which can block detection light and affect measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a flexible developer feeding member and a cleaning member that slides on a light transmitting member, along with a receiving portion to manage developer movement, is used to improve detection accuracy by minimizing developer scattering and ensuring consistent light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the developer feeding member is rotated at high speed to feed developer during high-speed printing, then the productivity is improved, but the developer scatters and blocks the detection light, causing measurement precision to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmitting member is extracted from the main body of the developer accommodating container and positioned separately. This allows the light transmission path to be isolated from the developer scattering region, enabling accurate detection even during high-speed developer feeding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmitting member acts as an intermediary element that guides detection light through a specific path that avoids scattered developer. It mediates between the light source and light receiver, ensuring light transmission is not blocked by developer scattering during high-speed printing
2Productivity
If the developer feeding member is rotated at high speed, then the productivity is improved, but the scattered developer blocks the detection light, causing reliability of detection to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The developer accommodating container is segmented into distinct functional regions: a light transmitting region for accurate detection and a developer storage/feeding region. This segmentation allows high-speed developer feeding in one region without interfering with light transmission in another region, maintaining both productivity and detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmitting member serves as an intermediary structure that creates a dedicated light path through the container wall, isolating the detection system from the dynamic developer environment during high-speed operation, thus ensuring reliable detection
3Measurement precision
If a light transmitting window is provided on the developer accommodating container to enable detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmitting member is integrated into the container structure and serves multiple functions: it transmits light for detection, maintains container structural integrity, and defines the light transmission path. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate complex components, achieving improved detection without excessive structural complexity
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
The solution enhances the accuracy of remaining developer amount detection even during high-speed operations, reducing the impact of developer scattering and maintaining reliable measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting member mounted to a wall surface of the developer accommodating chamber
Implementation Method 2
a developer feeding member which has flexibility and is mounted to the rotation shaft at one end
Data Source
AI summary
In a developing device, a rotation shaft is provided with a developer feeding member, a cleaning member, and a receiving portion. The receiving portion is provided downstream of the developer feeding member and upstream of a light transmitting member, provided to a wall surface of a developer accommodating chamber of the developing device, with respect to a rotational direction of the rotation shaft when the cleaning member has passed through the light transmitting member.