Rotatable Exposure Device Lens Cleaning via Dynamic Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining effective cleaning performance of the lens surface of the exposure device due to the inclination of the cleaning face, which leads to poor contact and separation issues during the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a flexible cleaning body disposed on the motion trajectory of the exposure device, which tilts its cleaning surface to maintain contact with the lens surface, supported by an exposure device holder that adjusts the attitude of the exposure device to ensure continuous cleaning contact, and optionally includes an electrical discharging member for charge neutralization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning face is disposed vertically relative to the moving direction of the exposure device, then the lens surface can contact the cleaning face during movement, but the cleaning face inclines due to contact pressure causing the lens surface to separate from the cleaning face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cleaning face rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the moving direction of the exposure device. This allows the cleaning face to dynamically adjust its angle in response to contact pressure from the lens surface, preventing inclination and separation while maintaining reliable cleaning performance throughout the movement cycle.
2Ease of operation
If the exposure device moves to approach the image bearer while maintaining attitude, then the lens surface contacts the cleaning face, but the contact causes the cleaning face to tilt and separate from the lens surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning face is configured to rotate dynamically during the exposure device movement. As the lens surface contacts the cleaning face, the cleaning face automatically adjusts its angle through rotation about a perpendicular axis, maintaining optimal contact throughout the approaching motion and preventing separation that would occur with a fixed vertical orientation.
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
Enhances cleaning performance by ensuring consistent contact with the lens surface and neutralizes electric charges to prevent image quality issues, resulting in improved cleaning efficiency and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning body has a flexible shape and is disposed on the motion trajectory of the exposure device. The cleaning body is configured to tilt a cleaning surface when contacting with the lens surface of the exposure device.
Implementation Method 2
optionally includes an electrical discharging member for charge neutralization
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer, an exposure device, a drive device, a cleaning body, and an exposure device holder. The exposure device is disposed on a motion trajectory between an exposure position and a retracted position and emits light to the image bearer via a lens having a lens surface at the exposure position. The drive device causes the exposure device to move between the exposure position and the retracted position. The cleaning body disposed on the motion trajectory of the exposure device tilts a cleaning surface when contacting with the lens surface of the exposure device. The exposure device holder supports the exposure device while changing an attitude of the exposure device such that the lens surface remains in contact with the cleaning surface of the cleaning body when the exposure device moves from the retracted position to the exposure position.