Image Forming Apparatus Toner Supply Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with toner deterioration leading to defects like fog and density non-uniformity when the number of toner supply container exchanges increases, causing a high proportion of rubbed and deteriorated toner in the developing device, which results in image defects during printing continuation modes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a controller that manages toner supply by setting a start developer amount based on the toner cartridge exchange number, providing notifications for toner exchange and operation mode end, and controlling the toner discharging device to maintain a predetermined toner amount in the developing device, ensuring continuous operation without sufficient toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the number of toner supply container exchanges is increased to extend developing device lifetime, then the developing device can operate longer, but the proportion of deteriorated toner increases causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of toner amount in the developing device based on the exchange number of toner supply containers. As the exchange number increases, the system adjusts by setting a larger toner amount to be supplied, compensating for the increased proportion of deteriorated toner and preventing image defects like fog and density non-uniformity.
2Productivity
If toner supply is continued in printing continuation mode to maintain productivity, then printing can be continued, but toner deterioration accelerates causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the exchange number of toner supply containers and using this information to adjust the toner supply amount. The controller dynamically adapts the toner amount based on the accumulated usage history, ensuring image quality is maintained even during printing continuation mode operation.
3Reliability
If fresh toner is periodically supplied from toner supply container to developing device to suppress toner deterioration, then toner quality is maintained, but the complexity of toner management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing toner supply based on the exchange number of toner containers. The controller autonomously determines the appropriate toner amount to supply without requiring manual intervention or complex external management systems, simplifying the overall toner management process.
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 effectively suppresses image defects due to deteriorated toner until the end of the operation in printing continuation mode by maintaining optimal toner levels and quality, preventing issues like fog and density non-uniformity, even when toner supply is insufficient.
Implementation Method 1
the toner in the developing device is repetitively rubbed by the supplying roller and the developing blade
Implementation Method 2
the toner in the developing device is repetitively rubbed by the supplying roller and the developing blade
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developing unit to which a supply container is detachably mountable, a first developer amount acquiring portion, a second developer amount acquiring portion, a first notifying portion, a storing portion, a setting portion, a second notifying portion, and a controller. This controller carries out control so as to be capable of executing an operation in an operation mode in which a developer image is capable of being formed by the developing unit, until the supply container connected to the developing unit is exchanged after first notification is provided by the first notifying portion. The setting portion sets a start developer amount, which is a developer amount of a developer in the accommodating portion at a time of a start of the operation in the operation mode, depending on the exchange number information.