Optical Box Labyrinth Cover for Dust and Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed operation of polygonal mirrors in image forming apparatuses leads to dust deposition, reducing reflectance and causing image density issues, while existing solutions require additional cover members to suppress dust entry, increasing costs and noise from vibrations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring an optical box with an open portion covered by an outer cover, utilizing a labyrinth structure with overlapping ribs to prevent dust entry and minimize vibration transmission, thereby maintaining dust-proof performance and reducing noise without additional caps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an exclusive cover member is added to cover the opening of the optical box, then dust-proof performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the housing cover for the image forming apparatus and the dust-proof cover for the optical box opening. By making the outer cover universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate exclusive cover member, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining dust-proof performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of the outer cover with the function of the optical box cover. Instead of having separate components, the outer cover is positioned to directly cover the opening of the optical box, combining two protective functions into one component and reducing the total number of parts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ribs are made to overlap and overlap closely to suppress dust communication, then dust-proof performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the dust-proof barrier from a two-dimensional rib structure to a three-dimensional labyrinthine path by adding multiple ribs at different positions and orientations. This multi-level rib configuration creates a complex dust barrier that is more effective than simple overlapping ribs, while the modular rib design allows for easier manufacturing and assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer cover directly covers the opening of the optical box, then dust-proof performance is improved, but vibration noise from the light deflector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the rib structure as an intermediary element between the outer cover and the optical box. The ribs create a labyrinthine air path that provides dust protection while maintaining a physical buffer zone that reduces direct vibration transmission from the rotating light deflector to the outer cover, thereby mitigating vibration noise.
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 design effectively suppresses dust entry and vibration noise, maintaining image quality while reducing costs by eliminating the need for exclusive cover members and ensuring efficient operation of high-speed polygonal mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
a first cover rib and a second cover rib which are different from each other and extend in a main scan direction of the laser beam flux L; a side wall of the optical box, the first cover rib and the second cover rib overlap with each other in a plan view, so that a labyrinth structure is formed
Implementation Method 2
the open portion of the optical box is covered with the outer cover... maintain a dust-proof performance at an inside of an optical box... suppress noise due to vibration of a light deflector
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a scanner unit configured to emit light depending on image information, the scanner unit including an optical element and an optical box provided with an opening and configured to accommodate the optical element; and an outer cover of the image forming apparatus. The optical box has an open portion uncovering the optical element. The open portion of the optical box faces the outer cover.