Scanning Optics Partitioning to Keep Polygon Mirrors Dust-Free
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dust in the vicinity of the coupling lens can move and adhere to the polygon mirror in existing scanning optical devices, compromising the device's performance.
Innovation Solution
The scanning optical device incorporates a condenser lens to close the opening through which light beams pass, and additional covers and seals to improve airtightness, preventing dust from reaching the polygon mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the coupling lens and deflector are located in the same unpartitioned space, then the device structure is simple, but dust can move from the coupling lens area to the polygon mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple partitions: a first partition containing the coupling lens and a second partition containing the polygon mirror. This segmentation physically separates the dust-prone coupling lens area from the clean polygon mirror area, preventing dust migration while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
A dust-proof cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the coupling lens and the polygon mirror. This cover acts as a barrier that allows optical functionality while blocking dust particles from reaching the polygon mirror surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a partition structure is added to separate the coupling lens and deflector, then dust adhesion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple partitions: a first partition containing the coupling lens and a second partition containing the polygon mirror. This segmentation physically separates the dust-prone coupling lens area from the clean polygon mirror area, preventing dust migration while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust-proof cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier against dust, maintains the structural integrity of the partition, and allows passage of light beams while blocking particles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the condenser lens is used to close the opening, then dust is restrained from reaching the polygon mirror, but the light beam path may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
A dust-proof cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the coupling lens and the polygon mirror. This cover acts as a barrier that allows optical functionality while blocking dust particles from reaching the polygon mirror surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust-proof cover is designed as a thin, transparent or translucent structure that can block dust particles while allowing light beams to pass through with minimal interference, maintaining optical path reliability while providing dust protection.
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 prevents dust from adhering to the polygon mirror, enhancing the device's reliability and performance by maintaining a clean optical path.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam received from the coupling lens is concentrated through the condenser lens in a sub scanning direction
Implementation Method 2
The deflector includes a polygon mirror configured to deflect the light beam received from the condenser lens in a main scanning direction
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning optical device includes a semiconductor laser, a coupling lens, a condenser lens, a deflector, a scanning optical system, a frame, and a first cover. The coupling lens converts light emitted by the first semiconductor laser to a light beam. The light beam received from the coupling lens is concentrated through the condenser lens. The deflector includes a polygon mirror configured to deflect the light beam received from the condenser lens. The scanning optical system directs the light beam deflected by the deflector toward an image plane. The deflector and the scanning optical system are fixed to the frame. The first cover covers at least a portion of the frame on which the deflector is located. The frame includes a wall having an opening through which a light beam traveling toward the polygon mirror passes. The condenser lens closes the opening.