Optical Scanner Cleaning Holder for Easy Media Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical scanning devices in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses require improved workability in attaching and detaching the cleaning member, which needs replacement after a predetermined period.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning device incorporates a casing with guide rails and a cleaning holder mechanism that allows for easy installation and removal of cleaning members, utilizing a drive portion to move the cleaning holder along guide rails, with restriction portions to stabilize the holder's position and prevent rotation, and a detection system to control the holder's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning member is fixed securely to ensure stable cleaning operations, then cleaning reliability is improved, but the complexity of attaching and detaching the cleaning member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning member is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the cleaning holder. The holder includes a cleaning member holding portion with a specific structure that allows the cleaning member to be attached and detached easily while maintaining secure fixation during operation. This segmentation enables independent replacement of the cleaning member without replacing the entire holder assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning member is nested within the cleaning holder structure, specifically positioned in the cleaning member holding portion. The holder's structure is designed to accommodate and secure the cleaning member internally, providing stable cleaning operations while allowing easy access for attachment and detachment through the opening provided in the holder.
2Reliability
If the cleaning holder structure is made complex to prevent malfunction during cleaning, then cleaning stability is improved, but the ease of operation for replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning holder is divided into functional sections: a body portion providing structural support and stability, a cleaning member holding portion with controlled opening for easy access, and a movement restricting portion with guide rails. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity for user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails act as an intermediary mechanism between the cleaning holder body and the cleaning member. These rails provide a simple mechanical interface that restricts unnecessary movement of the holder while allowing easy attachment and detachment of the cleaning member, thus maintaining stability without complicating the replacement operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cleaning holder is designed with multiple restriction portions to prevent rotation and movement, then cleaning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement restriction function is segmented into specific components: guide rails formed on the holder body that extend in the main scanning direction, and corresponding restriction portions on the cleaning member that engage with these rails. This segmentation provides precise positioning and movement control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to using multiple complex restriction mechanisms.
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 workability of cleaning member replacement by ensuring stable and efficient cleaning operations, reducing the risk of malfunctions and simplifying maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
An optical scanning device irradiates a charged image carrier with light to thereby form an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning member is fixed to the cleaning holder and slides with respect to the transmissive member along with movement of the cleaning holder to thereby clean the transmissive member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning device includes a casing, a transmissive member, a linear member, a drive portion, a plurality of first guide rails, a plurality of second guide rails, at least one cleaning holder, a cleaning member, and a stopper. The casing includes a rib formed along a peripheral edge part of an upper surface of the casing and a void section formed between the rib and an end part of the first guide rails on a side of the second direction. The cleaning holder includes a first restriction portion that engages with the first guide rails in an up-down direction and a second restriction portion that is in contact with a side surface of the second guide rails.