Developing Device Toner Detection via Light Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing developing devices struggle to accurately detect the remaining toner amount when the remaining amount detection unit is positioned downstream of the communication port in the rotation direction of the conveyance member.
Innovation Solution
The developing device includes a developing container with an accommodation chamber and a developing chamber, a conveyance member that rotates to convey toner from the accommodation chamber to the developing chamber, a light transmitting member to transmit detection light, and an abutting portion that maintains the sheet in a bent state until it passes in front of the communication port and reaches the light transmitting member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the remaining amount detection unit is provided downstream of the communication port, then the detection position can be adjusted to improve detection accuracy, but the sheet may not reach the detection unit properly causing inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light transmitting member as an intermediary component positioned between the communication port and the remaining amount detection unit. This member transmits light from the detection unit through the sheet to accurately detect toner remaining amount while ensuring the sheet maintains proper contact and conveyance path, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and sheet conveyance reliability
2Measurement precision
If the light transmitting member is positioned above the communication port, then accurate toner amount detection is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmitting member serves multiple functions: it transmits light for detection, maintains sheet contact, and guides the sheet through the communication port. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent achieves accurate toner detection without proportionally increasing device 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
This configuration allows for accurate detection of the remaining toner amount downstream of the communication port, ensuring reliable toner supply and image quality in image forming devices.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting member provided in the developing container, the light transmitting member being configured to transmit light from outside of the developing device into the accommodation chamber and from inside of the accommodation chamber toward outside of the developing device
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use in an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus includes first and second chambers accommodating a developer and which is provided with a communicating port through which the first and second chambers communicate, a roller to bear the developer accommodated in the second chamber, and a conveyance member to convey, by being rotated, the developer in the first chamber toward the second chamber through the communication port. A detecting member is provided above the communication port. The conveyance member and the container are configured so that a second end portion of a sheet is maintained in a bent state by contacting an inner surface constituting the first chamber of the container until the second end portion of the sheet passes in front of an upstream end of the communication port in a rotation direction of the conveyance member and then reaches the detecting member.