Toner Sensor Voltage Compensation for Pause-Induced Charge Decay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses using the 2-component developing method face issues with toner concentration control due to variations in electric charge measurements during use and pause times, leading to toner scattering and non-uniform image concentration.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a toner sensor and controller that adjusts the control voltage based on change information in electric charge over time, compensating for sensor output values to accurately determine toner concentration and control supply, using equations to calculate voltage compensation values and incorporating environmental and lifespan factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the image forming apparatus is paused for a period of time, then the quantity of electric charge per unit mass in the developing unit decreases, but this causes the toner sensor to sense incorrect toner concentration leading to excessive or insufficient toner supply
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-stores reference values for the quantity of electric charge corresponding to different pause times before the apparatus is actually used. When the apparatus is activated after pausing, the controller directly retrieves the appropriate reference value based on the stored pause time information, avoiding the need for time-consuming real-time measurement and ensuring accurate toner concentration sensing from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the operating parameter (control voltage) of the toner sensor based on the pause time duration. By adjusting the control voltage according to pre-stored reference values that correspond to different pause periods, the sensor output is compensated to reflect accurate toner concentration despite variations in electric charge quantity caused by pausing
2Productivity
If the toner sensor measures quantity of electric charge without compensation, then the measurement is simple and quick, but the output value varies with pause time causing incorrect toner concentration determination
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses pre-stored reference values as feedback to adjust the toner sensor's control voltage. By comparing the actual pause time with stored reference data and applying the corresponding compensation voltage, the system maintains accurate toner concentration measurements without requiring complex real-time calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Reference values for electric charge quantity at various pause times are pre-calculated and stored in memory before actual operation. This preliminary preparation allows the controller to quickly retrieve and apply the correct compensation value during operation, maintaining both speed and accuracy
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 ensures precise toner concentration control, preventing toner scattering and non-uniform image formation by accurately adjusting toner supply based on real-time electric charge changes, maintaining optimal image quality without increasing warm-up time.
Implementation Method 1
the image forming apparatus measures a quantity of electric charge of the mixture of the toners and the carriers contained in the developing unit, and senses the toner concentration according to the quantity of electric charge
Implementation Method 2
determines a control voltage for the toner sensor using change information on a change in a quantity of electric charge which changes according to a time during which the image forming apparatus is used or paused, and drives the toner sensor using the determined control voltage to compensate an output value of the toner sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a developing unit which contains a mixture of toner and carrier, a toner sensor which is disposed in the developing unit, and a controller which determines a control voltage for the toner sensor using change information on a change in a quantity of electric charge which changes according to a time during which the image forming apparatus is used or paused, and drives the toner sensor using the determined control voltage and compensates for an output value of the toner sensor. Accordingly, toner can be prevented from being supplied excessively.