Powder detection device, image forming apparatus, powder detection method, and non-transitory recording medium
US10228632B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0132
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A powder detection device includes a detection mechanism including an oscillation unit and a vibrated member, a vibrating member, and a detection unit. The oscillation unit outputs a signal having a frequency according to a state of a magnetic flux passing a space facing the oscillation unit. The vibrated member affecting the magnetic flux and disposed inside a container to face the oscillation unit via the container is vibrated by the vibrating member in a direction of facing the oscillation unit. The detection unit acquires frequency information of the signal at predetermined periods, determines presence/absence of an error of the detection mechanism based on error information associating a type of the error with a state of the signal, detects vibration of the vibrated member based on a change in the frequency information, and detects a remaining amount of powder in the container based on the detected vibration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.