Optical Scanning Apparatus Plate Spring Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning apparatuses face challenges in achieving high dust-proof performance due to the inability to completely seal die cut holes, allowing fine dust to enter and affect image quality, especially with the increased presence of fine particles in the air and high-speed rotation of the polygonal mirror generating air currents that exacerbate dust accumulation.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning apparatus employs a plate spring with a pressing portion and a contact portion that forms a gap with a supporting portion within the casing, allowing elastic deformation to ensure secure engagement and prevent dust entry without the need for die cut holes, using a through hole and engaging portion to maintain sealability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sheet-type sealing members are affixed to cover die cut holes, then dust-proof performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to manual affixing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the plate spring structure itself. The plate spring incorporates sealing portions that directly seal the die cut holes without requiring separate sheet-type sealing members, thereby eliminating manual affixing operations while maintaining dust-proof performance
Solution Approach 2:
The plate spring performs multiple functions including both fixing the optical member and sealing the die cut holes. The sealing portions of the plate spring automatically seal the holes through the elastic deformation and engagement structure, without requiring external sealing components or manual intervention
2Productivity
If the polygonal mirror rotates at high speed, then image forming speed is improved, but dust accumulation on optical components increases due to air currents
Solution Approach 1:
The die cut holes are sealed in advance with the sealing portions of the plate spring before the apparatus operates. This preliminary sealing prevents air currents generated by high-speed rotation from carrying dust into the optical chamber, thereby preventing dust accumulation on optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing portions of the plate spring act as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the optical components. This barrier prevents dust-laden air currents from reaching the optical members, allowing high-speed operation without dust contamination
3Strength
If multiple ribs are installed in the casing for rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to affix sealing members
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is combined with the plate spring structure that is already present for fixing optical members. The sealing portions are integrated into the plate spring, eliminating the need for separate sealing members that would be blocked by ribs, thereby maintaining both structural strength and sealing effectiveness
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 prevents fine dust from entering the optical component, maintaining high dust-proof performance and image quality by ensuring the plate spring remains engaged and elastically deformed to press the optical member securely, reducing the risk of dust accumulation and image density issues.
Implementation Method 1
a plate spring (95) including a pressing portion (95b) configured to press the optical member (62), and a contact portion (95a) in contact with the gap forming portion (33), and configured to be elastically deformed so that a relative position between the pressing portion and the contact portion changes
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning apparatus capable of fixing an optical member using a plate spring without forming a die cut hole and thus having high dust-proof performance includes a mirror supporting portion supporting a reflection mirror, and a projecting portion configured to form a gap between the reflection mirror supported on the mirror supporting portion and itself, and to deform the plate spring with the reflection mirror, and the projecting portion is provided with a cut hole for engaging the plate spring.