Toner Conveyance Optical Sensor Cleaning Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner conveying apparatuses in electrophotographic systems face challenges in accurately detecting remaining toner amounts due to toner adherence on light transmission portions, which obstructs light passage and affects the reliability of optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A toner conveying apparatus with a frame body, a conveyance passage, a light transmission portion, a light emission and reception system, and a rubbing cleaning member that rotates around a second axis orthogonal to the conveyance axis to remove adhering toner from the light transmission surfaces, ensuring unobstructed light passage for accurate toner detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light transmission portion is provided in the frame body for optical detection, then remaining toner amount detection is enabled, but toner adheres to the light transmission portion and shields light, reducing detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The rubbing member is configured to clean the light transmission portion before toner can accumulate and shield light. By performing preliminary cleaning action, the system prevents light shielding and maintains detection reliability throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubbing member is driven by the conveyance member itself, allowing the system to clean its own detection surfaces without external intervention. The cleaning action is automatically performed during normal operation, maintaining detection accuracy continuously.
2Reliability
If a rubbing member is added to clean the light transmission portion, then light shielding is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rubbing member is integrated with the conveyance member, combining the cleaning function with the existing toner conveyance mechanism. This merging approach adds the cleaning capability without requiring a completely separate, independent cleaning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance member serves dual purposes: it conveys toner through the passage and simultaneously drives the rubbing member to clean the light transmission portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate 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
The solution effectively prevents light shielding by adhering toner, allowing for reliable detection of remaining toner amounts and ensuring consistent operation of the toner conveying apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a light emission portion configured to emit light toward an inside of the conveyance passage through the light transmission portion
Implementation Method 2
a rubbing member configured to rub on the light transmission portion by being rotated around a second rotation axis extending in a direction crossing the first rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
A toner conveying apparatus includes a frame body, a conveyance member, a light transmission portion, a light emission portion, a light reception portion, and a rubbing member. The frame body forms a conveyance passage surrounded by a wall portion and is provided with a reception inlet for receiving toner from outside. The conveyance member is provided in the conveyance passage and rotates around a first rotation axis to convey the toner. The light transmission portion that is provided in the wall portion and has translucency. The light emission portion emits light toward an inside of the conveyance passage through the light transmission portion. The light reception portion receives the light emitted from the light emission portion through the light transmission portion. The rubbing member rubs on the light transmission portion by being rotated around a second rotation axis extending in a direction crossing the first rotation axis.