Optical Scanning Apparatus Polygon Mirror Particle Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fine particles such as toner particles, paper powder, and dust can adhere to the surface of a polygon mirror in optical scanning apparatuses, leading to uneven image density due to reduced light reflection rates at the edge portions of the reflection surfaces during high-speed rotation.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning apparatus incorporates a top surface on the optical box with a convex portion and a peripheral part positioned closer to the polygon mirror than the remaining surface, creating a smaller aperture width that reduces air flow and particle adherence, maintaining the cleanliness of the reflection surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the polygon mirror rotates at high speed, then the scanning performance is improved, but fine particles adhere to the reflection surface causing image density unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The top surface of the optical box is divided into multiple surfaces (first surface, second surface, and convex portion) positioned at different locations. This segmentation creates multiple air flow paths and pressure zones that work together to prevent particle adhesion while maintaining high rotation speed performance
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the top surface are designed with different properties: the first surface is positioned closer to the polygon mirror to create a specific air flow pattern, while the convex portion protrudes to generate additional air flow that protects the reflection surface from particle adhesion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the aperture width is reduced, then air flow and particle adhesion are reduced, but the light beam transmission may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply reducing the aperture width in one dimension, the invention adds a vertical dimension by introducing a convex portion that protrudes toward the polygon mirror. This creates a three-dimensional air flow control structure that reduces particle adhesion without compromising light transmission through the aperture
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 particles from adhering to the polygon mirror, maintaining a consistent light reflection rate and preventing image density unevenness.
Implementation Method 1
a light deflector that includes a rotary polygon mirror and is configured to deflect a light beam emitted from a light source
Implementation Method 2
creating a smaller aperture width that reduces air flow and particle adherence
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning apparatus includes an optical box having a top surface that is constituted by a single lid. A first surface of the top surface is disposed closer to a rotary polygon mirror than a second surface and is disposed closer to a bottom surface of the optical box than an edge portion of a light deflector positioned farthest from the bottom surface. A third surface of a convex portion of the top surface is positioned farther from the bottom surface than the first surface. A lower edge portion of the convex portion is disposed outside a circumscribed circle of the rotary polygon mirror.