Optical Scanning Device Cooling Airflow and Cleaning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optical characteristics of optical scanning devices in image forming apparatuses deteriorate due to dirt and dust accumulation on the transparent cover, leading to image failures, despite existing cleaning mechanisms, which are not entirely effective in preventing foreign matter reattachment.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning device with a spiral groove screw shaft, a holding member, and a cleaning member that moves reciprocally to clean the transparent cover, accompanied by a cooling air passage, blowing part, and communication passage to effectively remove foreign matter by utilizing airflow to prevent reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning mechanism with a cleaning member is used to clean the transparent cover, then the optical characteristics are improved, but foreign matter may reattach to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blowing mechanism that supplies air flow to the transparent cover surface. This pneumatic approach prevents foreign matter from reattaching to the cleaned surface by creating a protective air barrier, complementing the mechanical cleaning action and solving the reattachment problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cleaning member mechanism with the blowing mechanism into an integrated system. The cleaning member removes foreign matter while the blowing mechanism simultaneously prevents reattachment, creating a comprehensive solution that addresses both aspects of the contradiction
2Reliability
If the cleaning member continuously moves to clean the transparent cover, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member performs reciprocal movement, alternating between cleaning the transparent cover and returning to its initial position. This periodic action allows the cleaning mechanism to be simple in structure while maintaining effective cleaning through repeated cycles rather than continuous complex operation
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing mechanism automatically supplies air to the transparent cover surface without requiring additional complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the same structural elements for both cleaning and protecting functions, reducing overall 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
The solution ensures thorough cleaning of the transparent cover, preventing foreign matter reattachment and maintaining the optical characteristics of the scanning device, thereby reducing image failures and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
The holding member is engaged with the screw shaft and moves along a predetermined reciprocal movement path according to rotation of the screw shaft. The cleaning member is held by the holing member and cleans the surface of the transparent cover while moving in the aforementioned predetermined direction according to reciprocal movement of the holing member.
Implementation Method 2
The blowing part takes in air outside of the housing from a first end portion of the cooling air passage and allows the air to be discharged from a second side portion, the first end portion facing the second side portion.
Implementation Method 3
The foreign matter falling concave part is provided adjacent to the transparent cover in the aforementioned predetermined direction such that accumulated foreign matters are fallen at a front side in a progress direction of the cleaning member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning device includes a cooling air passage that passes through inside of the housing, a blowing part that takes in air outside of the housing from a first end portion of the cooling air passage and allowing the air to be discharged from a second side portion, the first end portion facing the second side portion, a foreign matter falling concave part provided adjacent to the transparent cover in the predetermined direction such that an accumulated foreign matter is fallen at a front side in a progress direction of the cleaning member when the cleaning member reaches each moving end of the reciprocal movement path, and a communication passage that allows the foreign matter falling concave part and the cooling air passage to communicate with each other.