Toner Discharge Control via Container Dimension Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in the characteristics of developer supply containers and toner fluidity lead to inconsistencies in toner discharge quantities, affecting image density in image forming apparatuses, despite efforts to control toner supply through mechanisms like driving time adjustments and ID chip corrections.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a developer supply system that includes a detachable developer supply container, an information reading portion for container data, a conveyance mechanism, and a controller to adjust discharge mechanisms based on read data, ensuring accurate toner discharge by correcting for variations in toner cohesion and container dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If toner supply control is performed based on driving time and supply capability, then target toner quantity can be supplied, but actual supplied toner quantity varies due to component tolerance and physical properties causing supply error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual toner supply quantity and comparing it with the target quantity, then adjusting the driving time of the toner supply portion based on the measured supply error. This closed-loop control system continuously corrects deviations caused by component tolerance and toner physical property variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving time parameter of the toner supply portion based on measured supply errors. By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system compensates for variations in supply capability caused by manufacturing tolerances and toner fluidity changes, thereby improving supply accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If driving time of toner supply portion is adjusted based on driving duty, then supply error due to toner fluidity variation can be suppressed, but variations in container characteristics and manufacturing fluctuation still cause discharge quantity inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from supply error measurements to continuously adjust the driving time, which indirectly compensates for manufacturing variations in container characteristics. The measured supply error serves as feedback that captures the cumulative effect of all variation sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by using the measured supply error to automatically adjust its own operating parameters (driving time). This self-service mechanism allows the system to adapt to manufacturing variations without requiring external intervention or complex additional components.
3Device complexity
If developer is supplied directly from developer supply container to developing device, then supply configuration is simplified, but influence of variation factors from container characteristics and developer properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback control in the simplified direct supply configuration, allowing the system to measure supply errors and adjust driving time accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for the increased influence of variation factors that results from the simplified configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical precision mechanisms with a control system that uses feedback and parameter adjustment. Instead of relying on mechanically precise components, the system uses software-based correction of driving time based on measured supply errors.
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 configuration significantly reduces variations in toner discharge, maintaining consistent image density by accurately accounting for toner supply container-specific characteristics and fluidity changes, thereby minimizing supply errors and density variations.
Implementation Method 1
developer in a development device includes toner and carrier, is frictionally charged by agitating both components with a screw, and is transferred to a photosensitive member with an electrical force
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of a photosensitive member is developed as a toner image using a development device
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member, a toner bottle having a storage portion storing the toner and a discharge portion made of resin and discharging the toner stored in the toner storage portion, and an attachment portion attached with the toner bottle. A driving portion drives the storage portion, a controller controls the driving portion, and a memory disposed in the toner bottle memorizes information regarding component dimensions of a molded discharge portion of the toner bottle. An information reading portion reads information regarding the component dimensions of the molded discharge portion, and the controller controls the driving portion so that a discharge amount of the toner from the discharge portion becomes a specific toner amount targeted based on the information regarding the component dimensions of the molded discharge portion.