Magnetic Field Generating Unit for Toner Supply Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the variation in toner supply to developing devices is not accurately controlled, leading to inconsistent image density and potential toner scattering due to toner weight-induced drops after the carrying coil is stopped, and load fluctuations during toner container rotation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a toner supplying device with a toner tank, a toner carrying section, and a control unit that manages the toner flow into a dropping route, along with engaging members on the toner container disposed at a non-180-degree angle to reduce load fluctuations and ensure consistent toner supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If toners are carried in the obliquely downward direction by toner own weight after the carrying coil is stopped, then the toner supply process is simple, but the toners drop into the developing device causing excessive toner supply and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field generating unit that produces a magnetic force to counteract the gravitational force acting on the toners in the toner supplying pipe. By applying this upward magnetic force, the toners are prevented from dropping down due to their own weight, thus eliminating the problem of excessive toner supply while maintaining the simple obliquely downward carrying structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the toner container is rotated to discharge toners, then the device design freedom is high and the apparatus can be small sized, but load fluctuations occur during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the engaging members on the toner container at a non-180-degree angle distribution (specifically at 120-degree intervals for three engaging members). This asymmetric angular distribution ensures that the toner container rotates more smoothly with reduced load fluctuations on the drive coupling, while maintaining the compact apparatus design.
3Device complexity
If engaging members are disposed at 180-degree distribution angle, then the structure is simple, but large load fluctuations occur during toner container rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple 180-degree symmetric distribution of engaging members with a non-180-degree distribution (specifically 120-degree intervals for three members). This asymmetric angular arrangement distributes the rotational load more evenly, significantly reducing load fluctuations during toner container rotation while only moderately increasing structural 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 solution stabilizes the toner supply to developing devices, minimizing variations in toner concentration and preventing toner scattering, thus maintaining consistent image quality and reducing the risk of toner drops during device operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generating unit which generates a magnetic field so as to apply a magnetic force to the toners
Implementation Method 2
apply a magnetic force to the toners contained in the toner supplying pipe
Implementation Method 3
carries the toners in an obliquely downward direction by using a toner carrying force of the carrying coil and toner own weight
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a toner supplying device, a toner container, and a developing device. The toner supplying device supplies toners stored in the toner container to the developing device. The toner supplying device includes a toner tank which stores toners discharged from the toner container, a toner carrying section which carries the toners stored in the toner tank in an obliquely upward direction, and a toner dropping route which causes the toners carried by the toner carrying section to drop into the developing device by toner own weight. The toner carrying section controls an amount of the toners to flow into the toner dropping route.