Optical Scanner Exit Hole Cover Inversion for Dust Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dust particles accumulate on exit hole covers in optical scanners of electrophotographic image-forming devices, obstructing light beams and requiring frequent cleaning, which affects the quality and duration of image formation.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanner design with a light transmissible exit hole cover positioned on the outer surface of the casing, reducing dust accumulation by directing dust particles to accumulate outside the exit holes, and a process cartridge with a cleaning member to facilitate easy cleaning of the exit hole cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exit hole cover is disposed on the inside of the casing with the exit hole exposed on the outside, then dust particles are filtered by gaps between the cover and casing, but dust particles accumulate on the exit hole cover and obstruct the exit holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the exit hole cover on the outer surface of the casing rather than inside. This reversal changes the dust accumulation location from the exit hole cover itself to the outer surface of the casing, preventing obstruction of the exit holes while maintaining the filtering function of the gaps between the cover and casing.
2Productivity
If the polygon mirror rotates to deflect and scan light beams, then light scanning function is achieved, but air agitation produces airflow that draws external air into the casing through gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful airflow generated by polygon mirror rotation into a beneficial filtering mechanism. By positioning the exit hole cover on the outer surface, the airflow that draws external air into the casing also carries dust particles that are filtered by the gaps between the cover and casing, preventing dust accumulation on the exit holes.
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
Prevents dust obstruction of exit holes, reduces maintenance frequency, and maintains image quality over a longer period by effectively managing dust accumulation and facilitating easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The exit hole cover is formed of a light transmissible member and is disposed on the wall outer surface to cover the exit hole
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner includes a light source, a polygon mirror, an optical member, a casing, and an exit hole cover. The light source emits a light beam. The polygon mirror rotates and deflects the light beam to be scanned in a scanning direction. The optical member focuses the light beam deflected by the polygon mirror onto a scanning target. The casing houses the polygon mirror and the optical member and includes a first wall portion having a wall inner surface opposing the polygon mirror and the optical member and a wall outer surface opposing the scanning target. The first wall portion is formed with an exit hole through which the light beam is irradiated toward the scanning target. The exit hole cover is formed of a light transmissible member and is disposed on the wall outer surface to cover the exit hole.