Optical Sensor Light Guide Path for Grooved Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical sensors face challenges in accurately detecting toner images on intermediate transfer bodies with uneven surfaces, such as grooves, due to interference from regularly-reflected and diffused reflection light, which affects the precision of toner detection and color reproduction in image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor configuration with a light-emitting element, a first light receiving unit for diffused reflection light, and a second light receiving unit for regularly-reflected light, mounted on a circuit board and housed in a structure with specific openings to guide light paths, ensuring that diffused and regularly-reflected light from the toner image are effectively detected without interference from the surface grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If grooves are formed in the surface of the intermediate transfer body to improve cleaning blade durability, then cleaning blade durability is improved, but regularly-reflected light from the substrate decreases and diffused reflection light from the substrate increases, making it difficult to accurately detect the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light receiving function into two separate units: a first light receiving unit for receiving diffused reflection light from toner, and a second light receiving unit for receiving regularly-reflected light from the substrate. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, with the second unit specifically detecting substrate reflection despite the presence of grooves that reduce overall regular reflection intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide path with specific openings (first opening for irradiation light, second opening for diffused reflection light) that acts as an intermediary optical system. This intermediary structure selectively guides different types of reflected light to appropriate receiving units, enabling accurate substrate detection through the second opening that is optimized for regular reflection detection.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If grooves are formed in the surface of the intermediate transfer body, then cleaning blade durability is improved, but diffused reflection light from the substrate increases, which interferes with accurate toner detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into two independent channels: one for toner detection (first light receiving unit) and one for substrate detection (second light receiving unit). This segmentation allows the system to handle the increased diffused reflection from grooved surfaces by directing it primarily to the substrate detection channel, while the toner detection channel can focus on toner-specific optical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different opening configurations for different detection purposes: the first opening is optimized for irradiation light passage, while the second opening is specifically configured to receive diffused reflection light for substrate detection. This localized optimization allows each part of the optical system to handle the groove-induced light changes appropriately for its specific function.
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 enhances the detection accuracy of toner images by isolating diffused and regularly-reflected light, improving the precision of toner detection and color reproduction in image forming apparatuses, even on surfaces with grooves.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting element that irradiates, with light, a target surface to be irradiated
Implementation Method 2
receives diffused reflection light from the toner image formed on the surface of the rotating body
Implementation Method 3
receives regularly-reflected light from the surface of the rotating body
Implementation Method 4
a first light receiving unit that receives diffused reflection light from a toner image formed on the surface of the rotating body, and a second light receiving unit that receives regularly-reflected light from the surface of the rotating body
Data Source
AI summary
A housing includes a first opening and a second opening, and encloses a light-emitting element, a first light receiving unit, and a second light receiving unit. The first opening is provided in a first light guide path arranged between the light-emitting element and a first irradiated region of the target surface, and is arranged so that light output from the light-emitting element travels toward the first irradiated region. The second opening is provided in a second light guide path arranged between the first irradiated region and the first light receiving unit, and is arranged so that diffused reflection light from the toner image passes through when the toner image passes the first irradiated region.