Optical Scanner Mirror Wall Portion Ghost Image Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical scanners, reflected light from the scanning lens can reach the photoconductor drum, causing ghost images and deteriorating image quality due to the arrangement of the mirror and scanning lens.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanner design with a wall portion covering the end face of the mirror facing the scanning lens, where the wall portion's surface is tilted in the sub-scanning direction to prevent reflected light from entering the scanning lens and subsequently the photoconductor drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mirror is disposed between the light deflector and the scanning lens to direct the laser beam toward the beam detector, then the beam detection function is improved, but reflected light from the scanning lens may be further reflected at the mirror's end surface and reach the photoconductor drum, causing ghost images and deteriorating image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A wall portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the mirror and the scanning lens. This wall portion covers the end surface of the mirror that faces the scanning lens, acting as a mediator to block and absorb reflected light before it can reach the photoconductor drum, thereby eliminating ghost images while preserving the mirror's beam directing function
Solution Approach 2:
The wall portion converts the harmful reflected light into a beneficial solution by absorbing or blocking it. The structure that would otherwise cause ghost images (reflected light from the mirror's end surface) is transformed into a controlled element where the wall portion deliberately intercepts and eliminates this reflected light, turning a potential defect into a functional feature
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 effectively suppresses ghost images by directing reflected light away from the photoconductor drum, improving image quality and allowing for a more compact and cost-effective scanner design.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror disposed between the light deflector and the scanning lens in an optical axis direction of the scanning lens and configured to reflect the light beam having been deflected by the light deflector toward the beam detector
Implementation Method 2
a scanning lens through which the light beam having been deflected by the light deflector passes
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanner includes: a light source; a light deflector configured to deflect a light beam from the light source in a main scanning direction; a scanning lens through which the light beam having been deflected by the light deflector passes; a beam detector configured to detect the light beam; a mirror disposed between the light deflector and the scanning lens in an optical axis direction of the scanning lens and configured to reflect the light beam having been deflected by the light deflector toward the beam detector; and a wall portion configured to cover one end face of the mirror that faces the scanning lens, wherein the surface of the wall portion facing the scanning lens is tilted with respect to a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction.