Optical Box Wave-Shaped Bottom for Thermal Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optical scanning device in image forming apparatuses experiences deformation due to thermal expansion caused by the heat generated from driving units, leading to a change in the relative position of optical components, which affects the quality of the output image, especially when the rotation speed of the polygon mirror is increased.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning device incorporates a wave-shaped bottom in the optical box with a connection region that has a height different from the rest, featuring a bellows-shaped deformation absorbing portion to absorb thermal expansion, reducing the propagation of deformation to the sidewalls and maintaining the rigidity of the optical box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the width of the slit is increased to absorb thermal expansion, then the deformation of the optical box is suppressed, but the rigidity of the optical box considerably decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the bottom surface of the optical box with a predetermined curvature (concave or convex shape) instead of a flat surface. This curved structure allows the bottom to flex and absorb thermal expansion forces while maintaining overall structural rigidity, resolving the contradiction between deformation suppression and strength maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the bottom surface from flat to curved with a specific radius of curvature. This parameter change enables the bottom to function as a deformation-absorbing element while preserving the rigidity of the overall optical box structure, allowing thermal expansion accommodation without sacrificing structural integrity
2Productivity
If the rotation speed of the rotating polygon mirror is increased to increase printing speed, then productivity is improved, but the amount of heat generated from driving units increases leading to increased deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The curved bottom surface design allows the optical box to flexibly accommodate thermal expansion that occurs at higher rotation speeds. The curvature provides a built-in mechanism to absorb deformation forces generated by increased heat from driving units, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining optical component positioning stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of thermal expansion into a beneficial feature by designing the bottom surface with curvature. The thermal expansion that would normally cause deformation is instead absorbed by the flexible curved structure, allowing the system to operate at higher speeds without compromising positional accuracy
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 suppresses the deformation of the optical box, minimizing the deviation of the relative position of optical components and maintaining image quality even at higher rotation speeds without the need for frequent color-shift correction processing.
Implementation Method 1
thermal expansion of an optical box occurs due to the heat produced by the motor and the IC, which leads to deformation of the optical box
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical scanning device and an image forming apparatus including the optical scanning device. The optical scanning device includes an optical box containing light source units, a rotating polygon mirror, and a motor. In order to prevent the entire optical box from being deformed by deformation occurring in the installation region due to heat of the driving unit, the optical box includes a connection region between a second sidewall and an installation region where a driving unit is installed. The optical box further includes regions provided next to the connection region and having heights different from each other. A concave portion is formed in the connection region.