Low Profile Light Scanning Device Circular Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing light scanning devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving a lower profile design due to the presence of screw shafts used in automatic cleaning mechanisms, which obstruct the reduction of the device's profile.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light scanning device configuration that utilizes a circularly stretched linear member with cleaning holders and members to clean the translucent emission ports, allowing for simultaneous cleaning of multiple ports and reducing the necessary length of the linear member, thereby enabling a lower profile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If screw shafts are used in automatic cleaning mechanisms, then cleaning function is achieved, but device profile cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear cleaning mechanism (screw shafts moving along a longer side direction) to a circular cleaning mechanism where a linear member moves in a circular path. This dimensional change allows the cleaning mechanism to be compact and achieve a lower device profile while maintaining effective cleaning coverage of multiple translucent members simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The circularly moving linear member with multiple cleaning holders serves multiple functions: it cleans multiple translucent emission ports simultaneously, replaces the need for multiple separate screw shafts, and achieves both cleaning effectiveness and compact profile in a single integrated mechanism.
2Productivity
If multiple screw shafts are used to clean multiple translucent members, then simultaneous cleaning is achieved, but device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cleaning operations into a single circularly moving linear member that carries multiple cleaning holders. This unified structure cleans multiple translucent members simultaneously while occupying minimal space, eliminating the need for multiple independent screw shafts and significantly reducing the overall mechanism length.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from linear arrangement of multiple screw shafts to a circular path, the patent achieves simultaneous cleaning of multiple members without increasing the device's linear dimensions. The circular motion allows the single linear member to access multiple emission ports in a compact configuration.
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 configuration effectively cleans the translucent members while minimizing the device's height, ensuring stable and reliable cleaning of optical components and maintaining image quality, while also reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the cleaning members slides on the outer surface of corresponding translucent member
Data Source
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AI summary
A light scanning device (12) includes a housing (12a), a plurality of translucent members (52), a plurality of cleaning members (53), a plurality of cleaning holders (51), a linear member (54), and a driving unit (55). The plurality of translucent members (52) close the respective plurality of the emission ports. The plurality of cleaning holders (51) extend over the plurality of the translucent members (52) adjacent to one another. The plurality of the cleaning holders (51) each have a holding unit (51a) that holds at least the two cleaning members (53). The linear member (54) is connected to the plurality of the cleaning holders (51). The driving unit (55) causes the linear member (54) to run circularly. The cleaning members (53) each slide on the corresponding translucent member (52) in association with the linear member (54) running circularly. The cleaning holders (51) each connected to the linear member (54) at a center of the holding unit (51a) in an extending direction of the holding unit (51a).