Integrated Light Guide for Developer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting developer remaining amounts due to the separate components of light emitting and receiving guide portions, leading to reduced accuracy and increased component costs, as well as larger apparatus sizes when using parallel light or covering frames.
Innovation Solution
A developing apparatus and process cartridge with a light transmissive member integrated with both guide portions, along with a regulating member that covers the space between them, to guide detecting light effectively and prevent unnecessary light entry, enhancing detection accuracy while simplifying the structure and reducing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light emitting guide portion and the light receiving guide portion are separately provided, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the number of components and manufacturing complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emitting guide portion and the light receiving guide portion into a single integrated light transmissive member. This integration maintains the functional separation needed for accurate detection while reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall structure of the process cartridge.
2Ease of manufacture
If a light transmissive member is made of only transparent material, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the detection accuracy is reduced due to light entering from unintended portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the necessary portions of the light transmissive member transparent (the guide portions for light emission and reception), while making other portions opaque to block stray light. This selective transparency maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving detection accuracy by preventing light from entering through unintended areas.
3Measurement precision
If parallel light is used to prevent light entry from other portions, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the apparatus size and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using parallel light which would require additional optical components and increase apparatus size, the patent uses local quality by making specific portions of the light transmissive member opaque. This approach achieves the same light-blocking effect without the need for parallel light sources, thereby maintaining compact apparatus size and lower cost.
4Measurement precision
If a frame or container is used to cover portions other than guide portions, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the apparatus size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-blocking function into the light transmissive member itself by making certain portions opaque, rather than using a separate frame or container structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional external components, thereby improving detection accuracy without increasing the overall apparatus size.
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 allows for precise detection of developer remaining amounts with a simplified and downsized structure, improving accuracy and reducing costs by integrating the light transmissive member and regulating member, thus addressing the limitations of separate guide portions.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmissive member provided in the developing container, and formed integrally with a light emitting guide portion and a light receiving guide portion, wherein the light emitting guide portion is adapted to guide, into the developing container, a detecting light which is emitted from a light emitting element
Implementation Method 2
a regulating member for covering the light transmissive member, the regulating member covering at least a space between the light emitting guide portion and the light receiving guide portion
Implementation Method 3
the light receiving guide portion is adapted to guide the detecting light that has passed through the developing container to a light receiving element provided in the apparatus main body
Data Source
AI summary
A developing apparatus used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes: a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on a photosensitive drum; a developing container for containing developer; a developer conveying member for supplying the developer from the developing container to the developing roller; a light transmissive member provided in the developing container, and formed integrally with a light emitting guide portion for guiding, into the developing container, a detecting light from a light emitting element provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to detect a developer remaining amount in the developing container and a light receiving guide portion for guiding the detecting light that has passed through the developing container to a light receiving element provided in the apparatus main body; and a regulating member for covering at least a space between the light emitting guide portion and the light receiving guide portion.