Light Receiving Element Positioning in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with impaired image forming functions due to the light receiving element separating from the movement plane of the laser light beam, leading to defects such as white sheets or entirely black images.
Innovation Solution
A restricting mechanism is introduced to position the light receiving element relative to the movement plane, using a holding plate with protruding bump portions or notches to prevent displacement and ensure proper alignment, allowing the light receiving element to receive the laser light beam accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light receiving element is positioned in the movement plane of the laser light beam, then the image forming function is maintained, but the light receiving element may become separated from the movement plane due to displacement, causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the light receiving element at the correct location in the movement plane of the laser light beam before operation begins. The holding plate with positioning protrusions and recesses ensures the element is correctly positioned in advance, preventing displacement during operation that would cause image defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding plate serves as an intermediary component between the light receiving element and the optical scanning apparatus. It mediates the position of the light receiving element, providing a stable mounting structure with positioning protrusions that prevent displacement and ensure the element remains in the movement plane.
2Device complexity
If the light receiving element is mounted without a restricting mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light receiving element may displace from the movement plane, impairing image forming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting function into separate components: the holding plate for mounting the light receiving element, positioning protrusions for precise location, and restricting mechanisms (bump portions or notches) for preventing displacement. This segmented approach achieves high position precision without overly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding plate with integrated positioning protrusions and restricting mechanisms provides self-service by automatically maintaining the light receiving element in the correct position during assembly and operation. The element's own structure interacts with the positioning features to ensure proper alignment without requiring additional active control systems.
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 solution effectively prevents the light receiving element from separating from the movement plane, ensuring accurate emission timing and position of the laser light beam, thereby maintaining the image forming function and preventing defects like white or entirely black outputs.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element that receives the laser light beam reflected by the polygon mirror
Implementation Method 2
An optical scanning apparatus typically has a laser light source that emits a laser light beam
Implementation Method 3
When the optical scanning apparatus irradiates a light beam on the circumferential face of the photosensitive drum, a potential difference arises on the circumferential face of the photosensitive drum
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a reflecting mechanism, a light receiving element and a restricting mechanism. The reflecting mechanism reflects a light beam such that the irradiation point of the light beam moves in a predetermined scanning direction. The light receiving element is arranged in a movement plane defined by the light beam reflected by the reflecting mechanism, and the light receiving element outputs a light reception signal for adjusting the irradiation timing of the light beam in accordance with reception of the light beam reflected by the reflecting mechanism. The restricting mechanism positions the light receiving element relative to the movement plane.