Toner Detection Stability in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing toner sensors in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the amount of remaining toner due to decreased flowability when the toner is not agitated for long periods, leading to reduced detection precision.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a remaining amount sensor with a light emitting and receiving unit, an agitator, and a CPU that determines the stability of toner flowability by calculating a duty ratio, allowing for precise detection of remaining toner by distinguishing between stable and unstable periods of agitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the toner is left unagitated for long periods of time, then the particle density of the toner increases and toner volume decreases, but the flowability of toner is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary agitation of the toner before detection to restore flowability. The CPU controls the agitator to rotate and mix the toner in the container unit prior to optical detection, ensuring the toner has sufficient flowability for accurate measurement even after long periods of inactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection process based on toner flowability conditions. The CPU determines whether the toner is in a stable or unstable state based on detection results, and controls the agitator accordingly to maintain optimal flowability during detection operations.
2Measurement precision
If the toner has lowered flowability, then the toner does not flow smoothly between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, but detection precision of the amount of remaining toner is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary agitation of the toner before detection to restore flowability. The CPU controls the agitator to rotate and mix the toner in the container unit prior to optical detection, ensuring the toner has sufficient flowability for accurate measurement even after long periods of inactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the optical detection to determine toner flowability state. The CPU analyzes the detection results to determine whether the toner is in a stable or unstable state, and adjusts the agitation operation accordingly to maintain optimal conditions for continuous detection.
3Ease of operation
If the agitator rotates to agitate the toner, then the flowability of toner is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator serves multiple functions: it agitates the toner to maintain flowability, mixes the toner uniformly, and prepares the toner for accurate optical detection. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate mechanisms and minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing agitator mechanism to serve the dual purpose of maintaining toner flowability and preparing it for detection. The CPU controls the agitator to perform self-service functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated components.
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 approach enables accurate and precise detection of remaining toner, improving the reliability of toner flowability assessment and ensuring timely replacement of toner cartridges, thereby maintaining print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit of the toner sensor are disposed opposite to each other across a toner container unit provided in a development cartridge and the light emitting unit emits light toward the light receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided that includes an image forming unit including an agitation unit for agitating developing agent contained in a container unit, and a sensor which includes a light emitting unit configured to emit light and a light receiving unit configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit and passing through the container unit. The sensor generates an output in accordance with an amount of light received by the light receiving unit while the agitation unit agitates the developing agent. The image forming apparatus also includes has a medium with instructions stored therein that when executed perform steps including calculating a measurement result based on the output generated by the sensor, and determining, after the agitation is started, whether a current period is an unstable period in which the measurement result is unstable or a stable period in which the measurement result is stable.