Optical Scanning Section Skew Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image skewing occurs in image forming apparatuses due to deviations in the main scanning directions of photosensitive drums, leading to color misregistration in color image forming apparatuses, which is challenging to adjust effectively with existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a cassette insertion section and a cassette guide with adjustment mechanisms that allow for easy access and adjustment of reflecting mirrors within the optical scanning section, enabling precise alignment of the main scanning direction relative to each photosensitive drum to correct skewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the position of the reflecting mirror is adjusted to reduce image skewing, then image alignment accuracy is improved, but the adjustment process becomes complex and difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning section is divided into a first optical scanning unit and a second optical scanning unit, each with independent reflecting mirrors that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows for targeted adjustment of specific scanning units without requiring access to the entire optical system, improving both precision and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A skewing adjustment mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the reflecting mirror. This mechanism includes a rotating member with a protrusion that engages with a groove on the reflecting mirror, enabling precise angular adjustment while being accessible from the cassette insertion section.
2Ease of operation
If a hole is provided in the lateral surface for tool access to adjust the reflecting mirror, then adjustment accessibility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette insertion section, originally designed solely for cassette loading, is enhanced to also serve as the access point for skewing adjustment. The skewing adjustment mechanism is integrated into the cassette guide structure, allowing the same structural elements to fulfill multiple functions without requiring additional holes or access points in the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The skewing adjustment mechanism is merged with the cassette guide structure. The rotating member and adjustment components are positioned within the cassette insertion section, combining the cassette handling function with the optical alignment adjustment function in a single integrated structure.
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 allows for straightforward adjustment of skewing in images formed on photosensitive drums, reducing inclination and improving color registration accuracy, thereby enhancing the quality of images produced.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the reflecting members directs the light to a corresponding one of the scanning targets
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes scanning targets (77BK-77M), an optical scanning section (55), a cassette (11), a cassette insertion section (12), and a cassette guide (20). The optical scanning section (55) scans the scanning targets (77BK-77M) with light. The cassette guide (20) is disposed in the cassette insertion section (12) and guides the cassette (11). The optical scanning section (55) includes a plurality of reflecting members (69BK-69M) corresponding one-to-one with the scanning targets (77BK-77M). Each reflecting member (69BK-69M) directs the light to a corresponding one of the scanning targets (77BK-77M). The cassette guide (20) includes one or more adjustment mechanisms (33Y-33M) that are equal in number to a prescribed number (Q) of reflecting members (69Y-69M) out of the plurality of reflecting members (69BK-69M). The prescribed number (Q) of adjustment mechanisms (33Y-33M) correspond one-to-one with the prescribed number (Q) of reflecting members (69Y-69M). Each adjustment mechanism (33Y-33M) adjusts a position of a corresponding one of the reflecting members (69Y-69M).