Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for image forming and optical writing device installed therein capable of reducing adhering dust

US7203444B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
5References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 24, 2004
Grant dateApr 10, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 26, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E50/30
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus of image forming includes an optical writing device and an image carrier. The optical writing device includes a housing, a dustproof member, a light source, and a shield. The housing is provided with an opening. The dustproof member is light permeable and closes the opening. The light source is installed in the housing and irradiates the image carrier with a light beam through the dustproof member. The shield is movable between a first position to cover the dustproof member and a second position to uncover the dustproof member. The optical writing device also includes a cleaner attached to the shield and contact the dustproof member. The optical writing device also includes a driver for moving the shield. The optical writing device further includes a positioning mechanism for positioning the shield to the first position by using the driver.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.