Light Guide Cover Stray Light Reduction Toner Detection

A light guide cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the light guide and the external environment. The cover includes a light blocking wall that prevents stray light from reaching the light guide, while allowing the structured light path from the incident portion to the emergent portion to function properly. This mediator blocks harmful stray light without interfering with the detection function.

The light blocking function is extracted and separated from the main light guide structure by creating a distinct light guide cover component. The cover is positioned around the light guide and includes specific light blocking walls that extract the stray light blocking function into a separate element, allowing the light guide itself to focus on guiding the detection light.

The light guide system is segmented into distinct functional components: the light guide itself with incident and emergent portions, and a separate light guide cover with light blocking walls. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the precise optical path required for accurate detection.

The light guide cover applies local quality by providing light blocking functionality only in specific areas where stray light would interfere, rather than completely enclosing the light guide. The light blocking walls are positioned strategically to block stray light paths while leaving the necessary optical paths open, achieving precision without unnecessary complexity.