Rotary Toner Cartridge Position Sensing With an Intermediary Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in detecting the position of support members in a simple configuration, particularly when toner cartridges are attached to or detached from a rotary development system.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a support member that moves between two positions, allowing toner supply and cartridge attachment/detachment, with a detection mechanism and sensor system to track this movement, enabling precise control through a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple detection mechanism is used for the support member position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the support member position may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A moving member is introduced as an intermediary element that connects the support member to the sensor. The moving member moves in interlocked manner with the support member, allowing the sensor to detect the support member position indirectly. This approach maintains simple device complexity while achieving adequate measurement precision through the intermediary mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection systems with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor portion detects the position of the moving member (which is linked to the support member) and converts it into electrical signals, substituting mechanical detection mechanisms with electronic sensing to reduce overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
2Ease of operation
If the support member moves between two positions for toner supply and cartridge attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of toner supply timing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor portion continuously monitors the position of the moving member (and thus the support member) and provides feedback signals to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine when the support member reaches the first position (for toner supply) and the second position (for cartridge attachment/detachment), ensuring accurate timing control while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for toner supply by detecting when the support member is approaching the first position through the sensor. The controller can initiate toner supply operations in advance based on this detection, ensuring that toner is available when needed while the support member is in the correct position, thereby maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a rotary including a developing roller and a storage portion, a toner cartridge, a support member movable between a first position and a second position, a drive source configured to move the support member in a first direction and in a second direction, a detection mechanism including a moving member and a sensor portion, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine that the support member is in the second position in a case where movement direction of the support member by the drive source is the first direction and the sensor portion is in the first detection state, and to determine that the support member is in the first position in a case where the movement direction of the support member by the drive source is the second direction and the sensor portion is in the first detection state.