Image Forming Apparatus Agitation Control via Shutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing the supply agitation operation of the agitation member, leading to unnecessary driving of the conveyance unit, and lack control over toner supply, especially when the door is open or a jam occurs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a control unit that manages the drive portion to perform the supply agitation operation only when the operation portion is moved and the door is closed, using a shutter mechanism to control toner supply and prevent agitation when the door is open or a jam is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the conveyance unit and agitation member are driven in common to reduce drive sources, then device complexity is reduced, but it becomes impossible to restrict agitation operation when door is open or jam occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of the conveyance unit and agitation member by introducing a shutter mechanism that can independently control toner supply. The shutter is movable between a closing position (blocking toner supply) and a receding position (allowing toner supply), enabling independent control of the agitation operation from the conveyance operation even when they share a common drive source.
2Productivity
If the shutter is opened to allow toner supply, then toner can be supplied to the developing container, but unnecessary agitation occurs when door is open or jam is detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the door state via a door detection unit and the conveyance path status via a jam detection unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the shutter position: keeping it closed when the door is open or jam is detected, and opening it only when appropriate conditions are met, thereby preventing unnecessary agitation and potential jams.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the agitation member operates continuously to ensure toner availability, then developer is well-mixed, but unnecessary driving occurs when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the agitation member to operate only during specific periods when toner supply is actually needed. The shutter mechanism enables the agitation member to be driven intermittently - opening the shutter to allow toner supply and agitation, then closing it when supply is complete or conditions are not appropriate, thereby avoiding continuous operation and unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate developer mixing.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a developing container to store developer, an operation portion, an operation detection portion, a conveyance unit to convey a recording material, a detection unit, a door that is openable and closable, a door detection portion, an agitation member, a drive portion, and a control unit. The control unit controls the drive portion in such a manner that, in a case where the operation detection portion detects movement of the operation portion, a supply agitation operation in which the agitation member agitates the developer stored in the developing container is performed. The control unit controls the drive portion in such a manner that, in a case where, in a state in which the supply agitation operation is being performed, the door detection portion has detected an opened state of the door or the detection unit has detected the recording material, the supply agitation operation is stopped.