Light Guide Member with Arc-Shaped Diffuser for Uniform Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing light guide members in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses have complex metal mold shapes due to multiple reflection surfaces, which complicates their formation and can lead to non-uniformity in discharging light distribution, potentially causing image memory issues and inefficiencies in toner transfer.
Innovation Solution
A light guide member with a transmitting/reflecting portion and a convex, arc-shaped diffusing portion is used, simplifying the metal mold shape and ensuring uniform light distribution by adjusting the inclination angle of the transmitting/reflecting surfaces and incorporating a diffusing portion to compensate for light insufficiencies at the ends, thereby improving the uniformity of discharging light application across the image formation region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflection surfaces are used in the light guide member, then light can be distributed to multiple positions on the photosensitive drum, but the metal mold shape becomes complex and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflection surfaces into a single integrated light guide member with a specific internal structure. Instead of using separate components for each reflection surface, the invention merges them into one piece with optimized light paths, simplifying the mold shape while maintaining the ability to distribute light to multiple positions on the photosensitive drum
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide member incorporates curved or arc-shaped reflection surfaces instead of multiple flat surfaces. This curvature allows light to be reflected and distributed to multiple positions while maintaining a simpler, more manufacturable single-piece structure with smooth transitions that are easier to mold
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflection surfaces are used in the light guide member, then light can be distributed to multiple positions, but non-uniformity in discharging light distribution occurs causing image memory issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different regions of the light guide member. Specific regions have optimized reflection angles, surface roughness, or curvature radii to ensure uniform light distribution. This local optimization compensates for natural light intensity variations and prevents image memory issues while maintaining versatile light distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The curved reflection surfaces in the light guide member naturally distribute light more uniformly across different positions on the photosensitive drum compared to flat surfaces. The arc-shaped geometry ensures that light rays are reflected at appropriate angles to achieve even illumination, eliminating the non-uniformity that causes image memory problems
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 simplifies the metal mold formation and ensures consistent light application, reducing the risk of image memory and improving toner transfer efficiency by maintaining uniform discharging light across the image formation region.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting/reflecting portion transmitting and reflecting light that is emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a transmitting/reflecting portion transmitting and reflecting light that is emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 3
a convex portion having an arc-shaped cross section and being formed outward at a position opposing the transmitting/reflecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A light guide member has a transmitting/reflecting portion transmitting and reflecting light that is emitted from a light source, to enter one end of the light guide member in a longitudinal direction, and be guided to the other end of the light guide member so that the light is applied to: a position between the developing roller and the transfer roller on the image carrier on a downstream side in the traveling direction of the transfer target member; and a position between the transfer roller and the cleaning portion on the image carrier on an upstream side in the traveling direction of the transfer target member. Furthermore, the light guide member has a convex portion having an arc-shaped cross section and being formed outward at a position opposing the transmitting/reflecting portion in a part of a predetermined specific region at one end or both ends in the longitudinal direction.