Toner Detection Sensor Angle Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toner detection sensors in image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring the amount of toner on transfer bodies, especially when the toner coverage is incomplete or minimal, leading to inconsistencies in color reproducibility and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A toner-amount detection sensor is designed with a light-emitting element and two light-receiving elements, where the light-emitting element emits light at a predetermined incident angle, and the light-receiving elements are positioned to receive both specular and diffuse reflections, allowing for accurate toner calculation based on the reflected light quantities, with specific angle configurations to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical gloss sensor is used with a single light-receiving element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot accurately detect toner amounts across different reflection types
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple light-receiving elements (first light-receiving element for specular reflection, second light-receiving element for diffuse reflection) that independently detect different reflection types. This segmentation allows precise measurement of toner amounts across various surface conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall sensor structure.
2Measurement precision
If the light-receiving element is positioned to receive only specular reflection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when toner coverage is incomplete or minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The light-receiving function is segmented between two specialized elements: one positioned to receive specular reflection (for detecting toner on smooth surfaces) and another positioned to receive diffuse reflection (for detecting toner on rough or incomplete surfaces). This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple positioning for each element while achieving comprehensive measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor detects toner amount with a single detection angle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates for varying toner coverage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent detection channels with different angles: one optimized for specular reflection detection and another for diffuse reflection detection. The control unit automatically processes signals from both channels, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high measurement precision across varying toner coverage conditions.
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 enables precise detection of toner amounts over a wider range, from no toner to small toner coverage, improving image quality by ensuring accurate toner measurement and adjustment, thereby maintaining high color reproducibility and developing properties.
Implementation Method 1
The first light-receiving element receives light reflected from the surface of the transfer body
Implementation Method 2
the first light-receiving element receives light reflected from the surface of the transfer body
Data Source
AI summary
A toner-amount detection sensor includes a light-emitting element, a first light-receiving element, and a toner-amount calculating unit. The light-emitting element emits light toward the surface of the transfer body at a predetermined incident angle. The first light-receiving element is disposed on a side opposite to the light-emitting element with respect to a plane normal to the surface of the transfer body. The first light-receiving element receives light reflected from the surface of the transfer body. The toner-amount calculating unit calculates the amount of toner from the quantity of the reflected light received by the first light-receiving element. The sensor has a relationship of A1<A2<1.5A1 where A1 represents the predetermined incident angle with respect to the plane normal to the surface of the transfer body, and A2 represents an angle of disposition of the first light-receiving element with respect to the plane normal to the surface of the transfer body.