Developing Device Toner Sensor Gap Holding Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing developing devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting toner concentration due to fluctuations in the gap between the toner concentration sensor and the stirring and transport member, leading to erroneous toner concentration readings and potential toner blow-out issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating gap holding members positioned to maintain a consistent gap between the toner concentration sensor and the stirring and transport member, ensuring precise toner concentration detection by preventing gap variations and enhancing the accuracy of toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a toner concentration sensor is used to detect toner concentration, then toner concentration can be monitored, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to gap fluctuations between the sensor and stirring/transport member
Solution Approach 1:
A gap holding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the stirring and transport member and the toner concentration sensor. This gap holding member maintains a stable, predetermined gap distance, preventing direct contact while ensuring consistent detection conditions for the sensor, thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling detection and maintaining stability.
2Productivity
If the pitch of the transport blade is large, then transport efficiency is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates because the blade size exceeds the sensor's detecting unit size
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring and transport member is designed with locally differentiated features: the transport blades have a pitch equal to or less than the sensor's detecting unit size to ensure accurate detection in the detection zone, while other portions of the member maintain sufficient transport capability. This local optimization allows both efficient transport and accurate detection to coexist.
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 ensures precise detection of toner concentration, preventing excessive toner supply and reducing the occurrence of image defects like white spots, thereby improving the overall image forming process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a toner concentration detecting unit that detects a toner concentration of the developer by a detecting unit exposed to an inner wall of the developing container
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, a developing device includes a developing container that accommodates a two-component developer, a toner concentration detecting unit that detects a toner concentration of the developer by a detecting unit exposed to an inner wall of the developing container, a transport member that is disposed within the developing container and stirs and transport the developer with a transport blade having a pitch that is equal to or less than a size of the detecting unit of the toner concentration detecting unit, and a plurality of gap holding members that is provided at a position facing the toner concentration detecting unit of the transport member and holds a gap such that a tip thereof is abutted against the inner wall of the developing container.