Optical Scanner Vibration Isolation and Stray Light Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image-forming devices, such as laser printers, face challenges in reducing vibrations in the scanning optical system due to the polygon mirror unit's vibrations, which degrade image quality and increase manufacturing complexity, while also struggling to prevent stray light from reaching the photosensitive surface.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanner design with a frame featuring an opening that allows light to pass through in the main scanning direction, where the deflecting unit is positioned on one side and the scanning optical system is on the other, along with a shielding rib that restricts the light's width near the deflecting unit to prevent stray light, effectively reducing vibrations and stray light incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotational speed of the polygon mirror is increased to meet speed demands, then productivity is improved, but vibrations in the polygon mirror unit increase causing degradation of manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support frame into multiple independent sections connected by vibration isolation mechanisms. The scanning optical system is separated from the polygon mirror unit, with each section supported independently on the frame. This segmentation prevents vibration transmission from the high-speed rotating polygon mirror to the scanning optical system, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling high rotational speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration isolation mechanisms as intermediary elements between the polygon mirror unit and the scanning optical system. These intermediaries (such as vibration isolation tables or damping structures) absorb and isolate vibrations generated by the high-speed rotating polygon mirror, preventing them from reaching the scanning optical system and degrading image quality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the number of reinforcing ribs is increased to reduce vibrations in the scanning optical system, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases leading to higher manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning optical system from the vibrating environment by placing it on a separate vibration isolation table or support structure that is independent from the polygon mirror unit. This extraction eliminates the need for complex reinforcing ribs within the scanning optical system, as vibrations are isolated at the source rather than fought against structurally.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding plates are added to prevent stray light from reaching the photosensitive member, then harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shielding function with existing structural components of the optical scanner. The frame structure itself is designed to block stray light paths, and shielding elements are integrated into the support frame or optical bench rather than being separate add-on components. This merging approach provides effective stray light prevention without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 stabilizes the scanning position of the laser beam on the photosensitive drum, reducing image quality degradation and allowing for increased rotational speed of the polygon mirror without increasing structural complexity, thus enabling high-quality image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits a light
Implementation Method 2
a deflecting unit that deflects and scans the light in a main scanning direction
Implementation Method 3
a shielding rib that restricts the light's width near the deflecting unit to prevent stray light
Data Source
AI summary
An scanning unit scanner includes a light source and a polygon mirror unit. A front-to-rear rib is disposed between the light source and the polygon mirror unit and near the polygon mirror unit. An input side opening having a slit shape is formed as a cutout in the top edge of the front-to-rear rib. When laser light from the light source passes through the input side opening, the input side opening restricts the width of the light in a main scanning direction.