Optical Print Head Cleaning Member Guiding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively cleaning the light emergent surface of the lens array due to contamination from toner, leading to reduced image quality, as previous cleaning mechanisms lack precise guidance and stability, allowing for variable movement paths that may prevent proper engagement and effective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a receiving portion on the main assembly and a portion to be engaged on the optical print head, with a guiding portion between them to direct the cleaning member's movement, ensuring engagement and stable cleaning of the light emergent surface by limiting movement to the longitudinal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cleaning mechanism is provided without guiding portions, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the cleaning member cannot be reliably engaged and the cleaning path becomes variable, reducing cleaning reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guiding portions as intermediary structures that mediate between the receiving portion and the cleaning member. These guiding portions provide lateral guidance to ensure the cleaning member engages properly with the optical print head, eliminating the need for complex engagement mechanisms while maintaining reliable cleaning paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical engagement systems with a simplified guiding structure. Instead of using intricate locking or positioning mechanisms, the guiding portions use geometric constraints to direct the cleaning member along the correct path, reducing manufacturing complexity while improving reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the receiving portion and lens array are disposed with spacing without guiding structures, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but the cleaning member movement path becomes uncontrolled, preventing proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the spacing issue by introducing guiding portions that operate in a lateral dimension perpendicular to the main cleaning motion. This allows the receiving portion and lens array to maintain their simple spaced arrangement while the guiding portions provide the necessary lateral constraint to ensure precise engagement of the cleaning member.
3Device complexity
If manual operation is used to move the cleaning member through a spaced receiving portion, then the structure is simpler, but the movement path varies depending on operator handling, reducing cleaning consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding portions enable the cleaning member to self-guide along the correct path during insertion and movement. The geometric constraints of the guiding portions automatically direct the cleaning member without requiring precise operator control, making the system operationally consistent while remaining simple to use.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly, a photosensitive drum, an optical print head, a receiving portion, a portion-to-be-engaged, and a guiding portion. The guiding portion is provided between the portion-to-be-engaged and the receiving portion with an interval from both the portion-to-be-engaged and the receiving portion. The guiding portion guides movement of a cleaning member in a direction from the receiving portion toward the portion-to-be-engaged while limiting movement of the cleaning member in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the cleaning member to engage the engaging portion with the portion-to-be-engaged.