CN1573587A - Apparatus for adjusting a write unit by employing the method of evaluating characteristics of a light beam - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a writing cell adjusting method which adopts an evaluation method of the beam property, which is characterized in that: the writing cell for making the beam sent from a laser light source with an optical scanning system positioned inside form electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier adjusts the comparative moving way of the latent image carrier along the main scanning direction according to the deviation along the main scanning direction of the beam.

Description

Adopt the writing unit method of adjustment of beam characteristics evaluation method

The present patent application is 98117250.4 divides an application

Technical field

The present invention relates to the evaluating apparatus that laser printer, duplicating machine figures apparatus for converting are used, be exactly in particular, the present invention relates to the method estimated to the desired characteristic of light beam of latent image carriers such as photosensitive drums, sensitization band irradiation by the writing unit of image processing system, and be used to carry out the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus of this beam characteristics evaluation and use this evaluation method to adjust the adjusting gear of the writing unit of usefulness.

Background technology

As everyone knows, original laser printer, duplicating machine, image processing systems such as facsimile recorder, normally be arranged at place, imaging unit by using by the light beam of writing unit outgoing, surperficial upper edge main scanning direction as the photosensitive drums of latent image carrier is implemented scanning, implement scanning along sub scanning direction simultaneously and form electrostatic latent image in the mode of on the surface of photosensitive drums, implementing to write, by forming toner image being formed with the mode that adhering toner is developed on the photosensitive drum surface of this electrostatic latent image, when being transferred to this toner image on the copy paper, implement photographic fixing, and then on copy paper, form image.

In this writing unit, be provided with the optical scanning system of carrying out beam flying, surface with respect to photosensitive drums can be undertaken by this optical scanning system along the scanning of main scanning direction, and can be undertaken by the rotation of photosensitive drums along the scanning of sub scanning direction with respect to photosensitive drum surface.

Yet in these image processing systems, when on photosensitive drum surface, writing, need whether have needed characteristic to the light beam of this writing unit and estimate as reading object.

If with the duplicating machine is that example is exactly, when reading the picture information on the original copy successively and this picture information be transformed to light beam, if there is deviation predetermined reference position when light beam writing position on the photosensitive drum surface and design, just can not be at the corresponding image of picture information on this place, reference position formation and the original copy.Particularly produce the LASER Light Source that light beam is used in writing unit, being provided with two, the surface of photosensitive drums is scanned along main scanning direction with two-beam simultaneously, and on the surface of photosensitive drums, implement the image processing system that writes with the speed of conventional twice, in the process that scans along main scanning direction, if one the writing position of the writing position of light beam and another light beam has deviation, just can not verily reproduce original image, so need estimate the writing position of a light beam, and the writing position of another light beam is estimated.

For the occasion that adopts the writing unit that writes to photosensitive drums by a light beam, also to the position deviation along sub scanning direction (sub scanning direction pitch unevenness) on the position deviation along main scanning direction on each face of polygon prism (main scanning direction pitch unevenness) and each face of polygon prism be estimated by the mode of each writing position on each face of finding the solution the polygon prism that constitutes optical scanning system.

For the occasion that adopts the writing unit that is write by some Shu Guangxiang photosensitive drums, except above-mentioned evaluation, the pitch between the light beam also is one of the object that will estimate.

Extract with along 2 points on the corresponding original copy of main scanning direction Q1, and get 2 points in, the printing image on transfer paper corresponding with these 2, just can compare the distance between 2 in distance between 2 on the original copy and the printing image, this is limited to the occasion of carrying out direct reproduction, when the distance between 2 is inaccurately corresponding in distance between 2 and the printing image on the original copy, promptly produce magnification error, at this moment just can not on transfer paper, verily reproduce image, so need estimate to magnification error.For the occasion of amplifying, dwindling, if the printing image that is formed on the transfer paper is unequal with respect to the ratio of the image on the original copy and amplification, the ratio that dwindles, then there is ratio error, at this moment can not verily reproduce image, so also need magnification error is estimated for this occasion.

And for the point on the point in left side and right side along sub scanning direction occasion devious, the expression sweep trace has inclination, this inclining scanning line also should be as evaluation object.

Can take out three points by left side to the right side of original copy along main scanning direction, promptly a bit extracting remaining 2 point for equidistant position by what hit exactly, if with transfer paper on printing image in corresponding three somes the mid-point along main scanning direction be benchmark, the distance of two points is unequal about distance, then formed printing image can produce the unbalanced problem in the left and right sides, thus need to by mid-point to the distance of left-hand point with whether equate to estimate by the distance of mid-point to right-hand point.

For this occasion, if along sub scanning direction by the writing position of left-hand point to the difference between the writing position of mid-point and unequal to the difference between the writing position of mid-point by the writing position of right-hand point, promptly produce the sweep trace distortion, can not verily reproduce image for this occasion, so need estimate to the sweep trace distortion.

At present known a kind of structure form of the composition that can be used for device that light beam is estimated along the characteristic of main scanning direction is (referring to Japanese kokai publication hei 5-284293 communique) as shown in Figure 1.

In Fig. 1,1 is writing unit (optical unit), is provided with the bundle radiant (LASER Light Source), polygon prism (rotation polygonal mirror) 3 and the f θ lens 4 that are made of semiconductor laser 2 in the inside of this writing unit 1.Semiconductor laser 2 is intended modulator 5 modulation by optical mode and is driven.Optical mode is intended modulator 5 and is used for respect to original image the power of the laser that penetrated by semiconductor laser 2 being modulated.The laser that is penetrated by semiconductor laser 2 is deflection scanning by the rotation of polygon prism 3.

Be arranged at place, imaging unit, be provided with along main scanning direction a pair of components of photo- electric conversion 7a, 7b spaced apart with respective face 6 places of the surperficial suitable face that is scanned of photosensitive drums.Be provided with shadow shield 8a, 8b with the pin hole (circular aperture) that is used to improve light-receiving positional precision (writing position precision) in the dead ahead of components of photo-electric conversion 7a, 7b.Distance between this a pair of pin hole is L.

Semiconductor laser 2 is luminance usually in scanning process, rotation by polygon prism 3 makes light beam P1 scan along main scanning direction Q1, after components of photo-electric conversion 7a receives light beam P1, components of photo-electric conversion 7b can receive light beam P1, utilize difference and distance L on the time of reception, just can calculate the actual scanning speed of the light beam P1 of this writing unit 1.When the sweep velocity of this practical measurement of light beam P1 during with design predetermined sweep velocity be in a ratio of when very fast or slow, show that then there is deviation in the reference position that writes.

Estimate within the scope of the permissible error of predetermined sweep velocity when whether the sweep velocity of this practical measurement light beam is in design, when it surpasses permissible error, regulate the velocity of rotation of polygon prism 3 etc. according to the mode that the sweep velocity that makes writing unit enters within the permissible error scope.

This original beam characteristics evaluating apparatus can not directly be obtained writing position, if necessarily require it to solve writing position, then need to find the solution by components of photo-electric conversion 7a output signal output extremely by the time between the components of photo-electric conversion 7b output signal output, obtain actual scanning speed divided by distance L with this time, carry out being converted into the computing of writing position again, so finding the solution of its writing position is quite numerous and diverse by this sweep velocity.Therefore, its evaluation to the evaluation characteristic of the light beam that will estimate that can carry out is limited.

For in the beam diameter of the lip-deep light beam P1 of photosensitive drums predetermined design load occasion devious during with design, the image edge that is formed on the transfer paper will blur, and can produce sweep trace fracture, the image quality problem that descends or the like.Need thus the beam diameter or the beam shape that are scanned on the face of light beam are estimated.

Past is to the evaluation of beam diameter, is by in the surperficial suitable position with photosensitive drums pin hole or narrow slit being set, in its dead astern light receiving element being set, and the diameter of the light beam that remains static is carried out instrumentation.This original beam diameter measuring method can not be used for the beam diameter that is in scanning mode is carried out instrumentation.

In order to carry out instrumentation to the beam diameter that is in scanning mode, the someone has proposed a kind of beam characteristics evaluation method and beam characteristics evaluating apparatus (referring to Japanese kokai publication hei 4-351928 communique), promptly can be as shown in Figure 2, at respective face 6 places one dimension CCD9 is set with the surperficial suitable face that is scanned of photosensitive drums, at the object lens 10 that imaging on the respective face that makes this light beam P1 be scanned face is set in the light path of the light beam P1 that advances towards this one dimension CCD9, the hot spot S of light beam P is moved on one side to direction shown in the arrow Q1 along main scanning direction, make one dimension CCD9 carry out turntable driving n time on one side along the direction shown in the arrow Q2, and use the brightness signal of each pixel C1～Cn add up the store loop of storage by single pass, calculate beam diameter in the signal that provides by this store loop.

Yet this original evaluation method is that one dimension CCD9 is being carried out the single pass driving along the direction shown in the arrow Q2, and then one dimension CCD9 carried out turntable driving along the direction shown in the arrow Q2, for the single pass time that makes one dimension CCD9 is t1, light beam P1 is moved in the time of this sweep time of t1 along main scanning direction (direction shown in the arrow Q1).Therefore this evaluation method with as shown in Figure 3, to make hot spot S keep the constituted mode of the static and equally spaced n of disposing an one dimension CCD9 be of equal value.

As shown in Figure 3, this evaluation method is that light beam P1 was moved along main scanning direction in the time of the single pass time of one dimension CCD9 t1, and hot spot S is read by one dimension CCD9 selecting under the state.And the pixel information of implementing when the pixel Ci as one dimension CCD9 is driven scanning reads, read to being adjacent the pixel information of implementing when the pixel Ci+1 that connects is driven scanning, have driven sweep time interval Δ t therebetween, because light beam P1 moves along main scanning direction (direction shown in the arrow Q1), the image of the hot spot S that carries out when making it carry out oblique driven sweep with one dimension CCD9 with respect to light beam P1 reads of equal value mutually, so be easy to generate error when beam diameter is carried out quantification treatment.And the evaluation error that produces when quantizing of this beam diameter, will increase along with the increase of the sweep velocity of light beam P1.

Therefore this original beam characteristics evaluation method (to the evaluation method of beam diameter) has the problem of the evaluation precision that is difficult to further to improve beam diameter.

As mentioned above, for desired beam characteristics, past is to the writing position characteristic on the photosensitive drum surface, comprise that pitch between main scanning direction pitch unevenness, sub scanning direction pitch unevenness, light beam, magnification error, symmetery (magnification error deviation), sweep trace distortion, beam diameter, beam shape etc. are with the evaluating apparatus of various special uses these beam characteristicses to be handled, so the evaluation to beam characteristics is quite numerous and diverse, and can not under identical conditions, carry out comprehensive evaluation, make the Reliability of implementation evaluation be difficult to convincing.

And, still need further to improve the precision of its evaluation of under scanning mode, spot diameter or light spot shape being carried out for the evaluation method of spot diameter or light spot shape.

And carrying out to obtain the reference position when these are estimated.

If for instance, the three-dimensional image measuring device is disclosed in the Japanese kokai publication hei 8-86616 communique, it includes with can be along rotating as the center of cross narrow slit point of crossing and can be along the parallel mobile mode of direction up and down, and the laser head that is equipped with the laser head of the light that produces cross narrow slit shape on the 3 d measurement object is provided with platform; This instrumentation object is implemented to videotape the CCD gamma camera of usefulness; Handle the image treatment part of usefulness and the computing machine that the laser head operation control part constitutes by the figure signal that this CCD gamma camera is videotaped acquisition.This three-dimensional image measuring device is arranged on the front end central part of the lens center of CCD gamma camera and laser head on the X-axis in the three-dimensional absolute coordinate system, and on the plane that the face of videotaping is configured in X-Y plane parallels with the CCD gamma camera.

This visual measuring device the position of domain type (the ェ リ ア type) CCD of CCD gamma camera can be adjusted to as ad-hoc location, with the domain type CCD place that the position matches that videotapes of domain type CCD, the benchmark pixel that event has as the reference position of instrumentation is not specific, thereby can not correctly grasp the problem of the deviation between benchmark pixel and the laser position.

Summary of the invention

First purpose of the present invention provides a kind of that implement to adjust according to the evaluation result that provides with this evaluating apparatus, best writing unit adjusting gear and writing unit method of adjustment thereof.

Second purpose of the present invention provides a kind of beam characteristics evaluation method and the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus that only just can estimate the desired various beam characteristicses of light beam with a table apparatus.

The 3rd purpose of the present invention provides a kind ofly to be implemented along main scanning direction in the process of scanning at light beam, beam characteristics evaluation method and the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus also can be correctly beam diameter or beam shape correctly estimated.

The 4th purpose of the present invention provides a kind of beam characteristics evaluating apparatus that can correctly obtain the reference position.

For achieving the above object, the present invention takes following technical scheme:

A kind of writing unit method of adjustment that adopts the beam characteristics evaluation method, it is characterized in that by making the light beam that penetrates by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed on the surface of latent image carrier, form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used, according to light beam on main scanning direction deviation and implement adjustment with respect to the mode that described latent image carrier relatively moves along main scanning direction.

A kind of writing unit method of adjustment that adopts the beam characteristics evaluation method, described invention is characterised in that by making the light beam that is penetrated by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used on the surface of latent image carrier, according to light beam on main scanning direction deviation and implement adjustment with respect to the mode that the imaging unit that a described latent image carrier is housed at least relatively moves along main scanning direction.

A kind of writing unit method of adjustment that adopts the beam characteristics evaluation method, described invention is characterised in that by making the light beam that is penetrated by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used on the surface of latent image carrier, according to from the light beam direct of travel of the described imaging of this writing unit directive unit and this both direction of main scanning direction light beam deviation on the sub scanning direction of quadrature and, implement to adjust mutually along the mode that sub scanning direction relatively moves with respect to described latent image carrier.

A kind of writing unit method of adjustment that adopts the beam characteristics evaluation method, described invention is characterised in that by making the light beam that is penetrated by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used on the surface of latent image carrier, according to from by the light beam direct of travel of the described imaging of this writing unit directive unit incident and this both direction of main scanning direction light beam deviation on the sub scanning direction of quadrature and, implement to adjust mutually along the mode that sub scanning direction relatively moves with respect to the imaging unit that a described latent image carrier is housed at least.

A kind of writing unit method of adjustment that adopts the beam characteristics evaluation method, described invention be characterised in that by make by from optical scanning system is housed and determine to the latent image carrier implement to write usefulness the time main pulse the light beam that penetrates of the LASER Light Source of synchro pick-up form the writing unit of electrostatic latent image on the surface of described latent image carrier, according to respect to described latent image carrier along the deviation of described light beam on main scanning direction, by the mode that described synchro pick-up is moved along main scanning direction, the said write unit is implemented to adjust with respect to the deviation of described latent image carrier on the main scanning direction of light beam.

Described invention can be used for solving the first above-mentioned problem and second problem, it is characterized in that it be by make to be scanned face carry out bundle radiant that line scanning uses in scanning process with single-point luminous mode in luminous corresponding sweep time, desired beam characteristics is estimated.

Described invention can be used for solving the first above-mentioned problem and second problem, it is characterized in that it is to separate at least two beam detection assemblies of setting along the direction of scanning that is scanned face by preset distance, by make to described be scanned face carry out bundle radiant that line scanning uses in scanning process with single-point luminous mode in luminous corresponding sweep time, make the beam detection assembly place of light beam irradiates in scanning beginning side, by through by when design predetermined sweep velocity and described preset distance make once more after fall time of calculating described bundle radiant with single-point luminous mode in luminous corresponding sweep time, make the beam detection assembly place of light beam irradiates in end of scan side, and according to the testing result of each beam detection assembly needed beam flying characteristic is estimated.

Described beam characteristics evaluation method, make its characteristic be that further described bundle radiant is a semiconductor laser, described beam detection assembly is the domain type solid camera component, and by to described light beam described solid camera component videotape position on the face and the deviation between when design predetermined reference position is carried out calculation mode, described scan characteristic is estimated.

Described beam characteristics evaluation method, its characteristic further be described sweep time and described fall time according to by the time main pulse oscillator time main pulse signal that sends determine, and make described bundle radiant to single-point luminous implement before the counting of main pulse number is finished when corresponding luminous, with the described fall time when corresponding the counting of main pulse number implement to extinguish before finishing.

Described invention is characterised in that to have:

Make to be scanned face carry out bundle radiant that line scanning uses in scanning process with single-point luminous light emitting control loop in luminous corresponding sweep time;

Be arranged on the described beam detection assembly on the face, that the light beam that is penetrated by described bundle radiant implemented to detect usefulness that is scanned;

Needed beam characteristics is estimated the evaluation processing components of usefulness according to the testing result of described beam detection assembly.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic is that further described bundle radiant is assembled in the writing unit with optical scanning system, described beam detection assembly is the domain type solid camera component, and described evaluation processing components is calculated the writing position with required beam characteristics according to the testing result that is provided by described domain type solid camera component.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further is be provided with two described domain type solid camera components at a distance of predetermined distance at least along main scanning direction, and be provided with by when design predetermined sweep velocity and described preset distance calculate the computing assembly that the fall time uses, by after described light beam irradiates begins the beam detection assembly place of side to scanning, described bundle radiant is extinguished, through make once more after the described fall time described bundle radiant with scanning process in single-point luminous mode in luminous corresponding sweep time, make the beam detection assembly place of light beam irradiates, and desired beam flying characteristic is estimated according to the testing result of each beam detection assembly in end of scan side.

Described invention is characterised in that to have:

Make be arranged in the writing unit with optical scanning system, to be scanned face carry out bundle radiant that line scanning uses with scanning process in single-point luminous light emitting control loop in luminous corresponding sweep time;

Be arranged on the described domain type solid camera component on the face, that the light beam that is penetrated by described bundle radiant implemented to detect usefulness that is scanned;

Desired beam characteristics is estimated the evaluation processing components of usefulness according to the testing result of this domain type solid camera component.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further is along distance predetermined on the main scanning direction two described domain type solid camera components are being set at least apart, described LASER Light Source is extinguished after luminous with luminous corresponding enforcement sweep time of single-point at the domain type solid camera component that begins side towards described scanning, make described bundle radiant luminous in luminous corresponding sweep time once more after the fall time that predetermined sweep velocity and described preset distance calculate when passing through by design with single-point, described evaluation processing components is calculated by the detected writing position of domain type solid camera component of scanning beginning side to by the distance between the detected writing position of domain type solid camera component of end of scan side, and this distance is compared with described preset distance and calculates magnification error.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further is along main scanning direction by being provided with three described domain type solid camera components at a distance of preset distance, one in these three domain type solid camera components is arranged on central position, one in remaining two domain type solid camera component is arranged on scanning beginning side, another domain type solid camera component is arranged on end of scan side, and make by the distance of the domain type solid camera component that is arranged on central position and equate to other two domain type solid camera components, described LASER Light Source is extinguished after luminous with single-point luminous corresponding sweep time at the domain type solid camera component that begins side towards described scanning, through by when design predetermined sweep velocity and described preset distance after fall time of calculating towards other domain type solid camera component once more luminous in luminous corresponding sweep time with single-point, described evaluation processing components by to by the detected position of reading of the domain type solid camera component of scanning beginning side to by the distance between the detected writing position of domain type solid camera component of centre, and by the detected writing position of domain type solid camera component of centre to the mode that compares by the distance between the detected writing position of domain type solid camera component of end of scan side, to estimating as visual harmony about described scan characteristic.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further is also to have to implementing to determine the time main pulse oscillator of usefulness with luminous corresponding sweep time of described single-point and described fall time, thereby make described LASER Light Source to single-point luminous when corresponding the counting of main pulse number luminous before finishing, with the described fall time when corresponding the counting of main pulse number extinguish before finishing.

The computing assembly that predetermined sweep velocity and described preset distance calculating fall time were used when described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further were also to be provided with by design.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic is that further described writing unit is provided with the synchro pick-up that fashionable main pulse is used of writing of determining place, main scanning direction both sides, described LASER Light Source is luminous continuously before the synchro pick-up by scanning beginning side detects, and after the synchro pick-up by this scanning beginning side detects light beam, implement to be used for extinguishing of single-point light emission operation.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further are to be provided with two described LASER Light Source, thereby can implement to write to the described face that is scanned with two-beam.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic is that further described evaluation processing components calculates pitch between the light beam according to the light-receiving position of the light-receiving position of the light beam that is penetrated by a LASER Light Source, received by described domain type solid camera component and the light beam that penetrated by another LASER Light Source, received by described domain type solid camera component, and, the depth of parallelism of two light beams is estimated by in the mode that solves the pitch between this light beam at least along two on the main scanning direction positions at a distance of certain intervals.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic is that further described evaluation processing components calculates described each domain type solid camera component along the beam center on the sub scanning direction, and according to each beam center the distortion of described beam flying line is estimated.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic is that further described writing unit has the synchro pick-up that fashionable main pulse is used of writing of determining scanning beginning side, described domain type solid camera component can move along main scanning direction, and described light emitting control loop makes the luminous mode of described LASER Light Source formation single-point implement control by process and described synchro pick-up to the fall time of the distance dependent between the described domain type solid camera component.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus makes its characteristic further be to utilize described distance and theoretic predetermined sweep velocity to calculate the described fall time.

Described invention is a kind of beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, has:

Make to be scanned bundle radiant that face scans usefulness in scanning process with luminous corresponding sweep time once in luminous light emitting control loop;

Be arranged on the described domain type solid camera component face place, that the light beam that is penetrated by the luminous described bundle radiant of light emitting control circuit controls implemented to detect usefulness that is scanned;

Calculate the evaluation processing components that described light beam is used at the described beam diameter that is scanned on the face.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further are along two positions on the described beam flying direction diameter of described light beam is being estimated at least.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further is to make described light beam to implement line scanning along main scanning direction, described computing assembly calculate along the beam diameter on the main scanning direction with along with this main scanning direction beam diameter on the sub scanning direction of quadrature mutually.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic are that further described evaluation processing components according to described along the beam diameter on the main scanning direction with along the beam diameter on the sub scanning direction, solves the center of described light beam.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic are that further described evaluation processing components foundation is described along the beam diameter on the main scanning direction with along the beam diameter on the sub scanning direction, and the described beam shape that is scanned on the face is estimated.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further be described evaluation processing components by calculate described domain type solid camera component on each pixel, along the beam intensity on the main scanning direction with along the mode of the beam intensity on the sub scanning direction, solve the center of described light beam.

Described invention is a kind ofly to implement to write light beam that the LASER Light Source of usefulness penetrates for meter from the latent image carrier to being arranged on the writing unit with optical scanning system and be scanned the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus that beam diameter on the face is estimated usefulness, it is characterized in that having:

In scanning process, implement the light emitting control loop of illuminating in luminous corresponding sweep time with single-point;

Be arranged on described be scanned face suitable be scanned domain type solid camera component on the respective face, that the light beam that penetrates from the luminous LASER Light Source of described light emitting control circuit controls implemented to detect usefulness;

Calculate the evaluation processing components that described light beam is used at the described beam diameter that is scanned on the respective face.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further is to make described light beam to implement linear sweep along main scanning direction, described evaluation processing components calculate along the beam diameter on the main scanning direction with along with this main scanning direction beam diameter on the sub scanning direction of quadrature mutually.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic are that further described evaluation processing components according to described along the beam diameter on the main scanning direction with along the beam diameter on the sub scanning direction, solves the center of described light beam.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, make its characteristic further be described writing unit dispose determine to the latent image carrier write usefulness the time main pulse synchro pick-up, described optical scanning system disposes f θ lens, described domain type solid camera component is configured in described on the respective face, suitable with the optical axis position of the described f θ lens place, high position that resembles that is scanned, described light emitting control loop by through and to carry out single-point afterwards luminous described synchro pick-up to the relevant fall time of the distance between the described domain type solid camera component.

That described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further are is harmonious to writing position, magnification error, image according to described beam center position, estimate along the depth of parallelism of the distortion of the sweep trace on the main scanning direction, light beam.

Described invention is a kind of beam characteristics evaluation method, it is characterized in that by make to be scanned face carry out bundle radiant that linear sweep uses in scanning process by with single-point luminous mode in luminous corresponding sweep time, solve the diameter or the shape of light beam.

Described invention is characterised in that to have and makes the light beam that is penetrated by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used on the surface of latent image carrier, the imaging unit of described latent image carrier is housed and for adjusting the moving assembly that light beam makes said write unit and described imaging unit relatively move along main scanning direction along the deviation on the main scanning direction at least.

The adjusting gear that described writing unit is used, its characteristic further are to be provided with the developing assembly in described imaging unit.

The adjusting gear that described writing unit is used, its characteristic further be described moving assembly constitute pilot hole on the wall, that extend along the length direction of main scanning direction by the agent structure that is formed on image processing system and be formed on the said write unit and described imaging unit in one on, the anchor used with described pilot hole tabling constitutes.

The adjusting gear that described writing unit is used makes its characteristic be that further described moving assembly is by making in said write unit and the described imaging unit one adjustment screw that moves along main scanning direction and constituting to the elastic parts that this unit applies elastic force with the contacted mode of leading section that is arranged on the described adjustment screw on the unit by moving of described adjustment screw.

The adjusting gear that described writing unit is used, its characteristic are that further described moving assembly is by in said write unit and the described imaging unit one adjustment screw that moves along main scanning direction is constituted with the wheel hub that is connected with described adjustment screw thread on being arranged on the unit by moving of described adjustment screw.

Described invention is characterised in that to have and makes the light beam that penetrates from the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used on the surface of latent image carrier; The imaging unit of latent image carrier is housed at least; For adjust with by this writing unit to the light beam direct of travel of described imaging unit incident and this both direction of main scanning direction light beam deviation on the sub scanning direction of quadrature mutually, and the moving assembly that said write unit and described imaging unit are relatively moved along sub scanning direction.

The adjusting gear of described writing unit, its characteristic further are to be provided with picture display unit in described imaging unit.

The adjusting gear of described writing unit, its characteristic further be described moving assembly by be formed on the image processing system agent structure constitute pilot hole on the wall, that extend along sub scanning direction and be formed on the said write unit and described imaging unit in one on, constitute with the anchor of described pilot hole tabling.

The adjusting gear of described writing unit, its characteristic are that further described moving assembly is by making in said write unit and the described imaging unit one adjustment screw that moves along sub scanning direction and constituting to the elastic parts that this unit applies elastic force with the contacted mode of leading section that is arranged on the adjustment screw on the unit by moving of described adjustment screw.

The adjusting gear that described writing unit is used, its characteristic are that further described moving assembly is by in said write unit and the described imaging unit one adjustment screw that moves along sub scanning direction is constituted with the wheel hub that is connected with described adjustment screw thread on being arranged on the unit by moving of described adjustment screw.

Described invention be characterised in that have make by interior optical scanning system is housed and determine to the latent image carrier implement to write the time main pulse the light beam that penetrates of the LASER Light Source of synchro pick-up on the surface of described latent image carrier, form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used; For adjusting the moving assembly that described writing unit makes described synchro pick-up move along described main scanning direction with respect to described latent image carrier along the deviation of described light beam on main scanning direction.

The adjusting gear of described writing unit, its characteristic is that further described moving assembly is by the movable body that keeps described synchro pick-up, this movable body is guided to the adjusting screw thread of contacted and removable this movable body of the axis of guide, its leading section and the described movable body of described main scanning direction, and along applying the elastic parts formation of elastic force to described movable body with the contacted direction of the leading section of this adjustings screw thread.

Described invention is characterised in that by making carries out the LASER Light Source of the light beam that linear sweep uses luminous in luminous corresponding sweep time with single-point to being scanned face, and make the domain type solid camera component that detects the described described light beam that is scanned reference position on the face along the mode that the direct of travel of described light beam moves successively, utilize described domain type solid camera component to obtain the light beam image of each position.

Described invention is with beam characteristics evaluation method as claimed in claim 48, its characteristic further is each light beam image that foundation is got access to by the position of described domain type solid camera component on the direct of travel of described light beam, calculate the beam diameter of described light beam, and then the relative depth direction is estimated to beam diameter in each position.

Described beam characteristics evaluation method, its characteristic further is to solve the depth curve of expression beam diameter with respect to the relation of the degree of depth by the described beam diameter and the degree of depth, specify the beam waist diametrical position according to this depth curve, and solve the correction of beam waist diametrical position by the difference between this beam waist diametrical position and the described reference position.

Described invention be characterised in that have make to be scanned LASER Light Source that face carries out the light beam that linear sweep uses with single-point luminous single-point light emitting control loop in luminous corresponding sweep time; With the described face that is scanned is usefulness was moved and described light beam is implemented to detect in the reference position along the direct of travel of described light beam domain type solid camera component; Calculate the evaluation processing components that beam diameter is used according to each position on the direct of travel of described light beam by the detected integrating photometer of described domain type solid camera component.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic is that further described evaluation processing components is solved the depth curve of the relation between the expression beam diameter and the degree of depth by the described beam diameter and the degree of depth, specify the beam waist diametrical position according to this depth curve, and solve the correction of beam waist diametrical position by the difference between this beam waist diametrical position and the described reference position.

Described invention be characterised in that have LASER Light Source that the face that is scanned that makes in being arranged on the writing unit with optical scanning system carries out the light beam that linear sweep uses with single-point luminous single-point light emitting control loop in luminous corresponding sweep time; To be scanned face is usefulness was moved and described light beam is implemented to detect in the reference position along the direct of travel of described light beam domain type solid camera component; By the detected light beam of described domain type solid camera component, calculate the evaluation processing components that beam diameter is used according to each position on described light beam direct of travel; And in described writing unit, be provided with and determine along what the scanning of main scanning direction began to locate to write the synchro pick-up that clock is used, described LASER Light Source is luminous continuously before the synchro pick-up by scanning beginning side detects, after the synchro pick-up by this scanning beginning side detects light beam, be used for luminous the extinguishing of single-point type, described single-point light emitting control loop is by through after writing timing time the luminous mode of described LASER Light Source being controlled.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, predetermined sweep velocity calculated and writes the computing assembly that timing time is used when its characteristic further was also to have basis from described synchro pick-up to distance on main scanning direction between the described domain type solid camera component and design, with determine with luminous corresponding sweep time of described single-point and describedly write the clock pulse oscillator that the fashionable main pulse time uses, thereby make described LASER Light Source luminous before detecting light beam by described synchro pick-up, extremely implementing to extinguish in the moment that detects described light beam by this synchro pick-up to before finishing with the counting of writing corresponding clock number of fashionable main pulse time, luminous before the arrival and the counting of the luminous corresponding clock number of single-point are finished by described single-point light emitting control loop then.

Described invention is characterised in that by making LASER Light Source that the face that is scanned on the imaging unit is carried out the light beam that linear sweep uses in that to be equivalent to single-point luminous in luminous sweep time, and making detection is the mode that the domain type solid camera component of the described light beam of reference position moves successively along the direct of travel of described light beam to be scanned face, utilize described domain type solid camera component to obtain the light beam image of each position, according to each light beam image that gets access to by the position of described domain type solid camera component on the direct of travel of described light beam, by calculating described light beam solves the relative depth direction in the mode of the beam diameter of each position beam diameter, and solve the depth curve of expression beam diameter with respect to the relation of the degree of depth by the described beam diameter and the degree of depth, specify the beam waist diametrical position according to this depth curve, and solve the correction of beam waist diametrical position by the difference between this beam waist diametrical position and the described reference position, after utilizing this beam characteristics evaluation method to obtain the correction of beam waist diametrical position, in order to adjust by described LASER Light Source to the described optical path length that writes between the object face, move in these two unit at least one by the mode that increases and reduce the interval between described imaging unit and the said write unit.

Described invention is characterised in that by making LASER Light Source that the object face that writes on the imaging unit is carried out the light beam that linear sweep uses in that to be equivalent to single-point luminous in luminous sweep time, and making detection is the mode that the domain type solid camera component of the described light beam of reference position moves successively along the direct of travel of described light beam to be scanned face, utilize described domain type solid camera component to obtain the light beam image of each position, according to each light beam image that gets access to by the position of described domain type solid camera component on the direct of travel of described light beam, by calculating described light beam solves the relative depth direction in the mode of the beam diameter of each position beam diameter, and solve the depth curve that concerns between the expression beam diameter and the degree of depth by the described beam diameter and the degree of depth, specify the beam waist diametrical position according to this depth curve, and solve the correction of beam waist diametrical position by the difference between this beam waist diametrical position and the described reference position, the adjusting gear that this writing unit is used has after utilizing this beam characteristics evaluation method to obtain the correction of beam waist diametrical position, in order to adjust by described LASER Light Source to the described optical path length that is scanned between the face, move at least one optical path length adjustment assembly in these two unit by at interval the mode of increasing and reduce between described imaging unit and the said write unit.

The adjusting gear of described writing unit, its characteristic further are to change to be adjusted assembly by surface to the described optical path length of the optical path length between the described writing unit of described latent image carrier and constitutes the pilot hole on the wall by the agent structure that is formed on image processing system and be arranged on guide finger in said write unit and the described imaging unit one, that use with described pilot hole tabling and constitute.

Described invention is characterised in that by making being scanned LASER Light Source that face carries out the light beam that linear sweep uses in that to be equivalent to single-point luminous in luminous sweep time, and making detection is the mode that the domain type solid camera component of the described light beam of reference position moves successively along the direct of travel of described light beam to be scanned face, utilize described domain type solid camera component to obtain the light beam image of each position, according to each light beam image that gets access to by the position of described domain type solid camera component on the direct of travel of described light beam, by calculating described light beam solves the relative depth direction in the mode of the beam diameter of each position beam diameter, and solve the depth curve that concerns between the expression beam diameter and the degree of depth by the described beam diameter and the degree of depth, specify the beam waist diametrical position according to this depth curve, and solve the correction of beam waist diametrical position by the difference between this beam waist diametrical position and the described reference position, after utilizing this beam characteristics evaluation method to obtain the correction of beam waist diametrical position, adjust by described LASER Light Source to the described optical path length that is scanned between the face.

Described invention is characterised in that having optical path length adjusts assembly, by making to being scanned LASER Light Source that face carries out the light beam that linear sweep uses in that to be equivalent to single-point luminous in luminous sweep time, and making detection is the mode that the domain type solid camera component of the described light beam of reference position moves successively along the direct of travel of described light beam to be scanned face, utilize described domain type solid camera component to obtain the light beam image of each position, according to each light beam image that gets access to by the position of described domain type solid camera component on the direct of travel of described light beam, by calculating described light beam solves the relative depth direction in the mode of the beam diameter of each position beam diameter, and solve the depth curve that concerns between the expression beam diameter and the degree of depth by the described beam diameter and the degree of depth, specify the beam waist diametrical position according to this depth curve, and solve the correction of beam waist diametrical position by the difference between this beam waist diametrical position and the described reference position, the adjusting gear that this writing unit is used has after utilizing this beam characteristics evaluation method to obtain the correction of beam waist diametrical position, adjusts by described LASER Light Source to the described optical path length that is scanned between the face.

The adjusting gear of described writing unit, its characteristic is further that described LASER Light Source has semiconductor laser, optical beam transformation that semiconductor laser is penetrated is the collimation lens used of parallel beam and the lens barrel that keeps this collimation lens to use, this lens barrel is formed with the threaded portion along optical axis direction, be formed with the threaded portion of the usefulness that is threaded with described threaded portion at the allocation position place that constitutes the described lens barrel of wall as described writing unit structure, described optical path length is adjusted assembly and is made of these two threaded portions.

To be a kind of employing carry out light beam that LASER Light Source that linear sweep uses provides in the mode that is arranged at imaging on the domain type photography element that is scanned the respective face place by making to being scanned face in described invention, to the used beam characteristics evaluating apparatus of evaluation method that needed beam characteristics is estimated, this device has:

Determine that described light beam is at the described corresponding reference laser light source in predetermined reference position when being scanned on face upper edge main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction with design, the holding member that keeps this reference laser light source to use, keeping this holding member and be used for determining that the angle position of the rotational angle position of described reference laser light source determines parts with rotary way, by make when design predetermined light beam emergent ray and the corresponding to mode of center of rotation of the described holding member position that makes described angle position determine that positioning parts is used determine the benchmark pedestal, and, determine especially on this domain type photography element by the mode of at least two rotational angle positions receptions of described domain type photography element when described holding member is the center rotation with described center of rotation by the reference beam of reference laser light source ejaculation, the benchmark pixel suitable with described reference position.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic are that further described position determines that the benchmark pedestal extends along described main scanning direction.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic are that further described reference laser light source is a semiconductor laser.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic are that further described LASER Light Source is equipped with in the writing unit of optical scanning system in being arranged on.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus, its characteristic further be described evaluation be by make described LASER Light Source in scanning process, be equivalent to single-point in luminous sweep time luminous mode carry out.

To be a kind of employing carry out linear sweep to the face that is scanned that is arranged on the latent image carrier in the imaging unit and use by making in described invention, be arranged on the light beam that the LASER Light Source in the writing unit with optical scanning system provides, be arranged at and the described suitable mode that is scanned imaging on the domain type photography element on the respective face of face that is scanned, the used beam characteristics evaluating apparatus of evaluation method that needed beam characteristics is estimated, this device has the position determining component that described writing unit is provided with respect to described imaging cell location, determine the light beam that penetrates by the described LASER Light Source corresponding reference laser light source in predetermined reference position when described on main scanning direction and sub scanning direction is scanned on the face with design, the holding member that keeps this reference laser light source to use, keeping this holding member and be used for determining that the angle position of the rotational angle position of described reference laser light source determines parts with rotary way, be arranged on described position and determine the pedestal place by making, the emergent ray of the light beam that predetermined writing unit penetrates during by design and the corresponding to mode of center of rotation of described holding member make described angle position determine the position reference pedestal of the definite usefulness in parts enforcement location, and, on this domain type photography element, specify the benchmark pixel suitable with described reference position by the mode of at least two rotational angle positions receptions of described domain type solid camera component when described holding member rotates by the reference beam of reference laser light source ejaculation.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is the basis, and its characteristic is that further described rotational angle position is the symmetric position of 180 degree.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is the basis, and its characteristic is that further described angle position determines that parts are arranged on described position in the mode that can change configuration along described main scanning direction and determine on the benchmark pedestal.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is the basis, and its characteristic further is also to be provided with by the face of videotaping that makes described domain type photography element and is positioned at the adjusting part that the described mode that is scanned the respective face place is implemented to regulate.

Described invention is characterised in that a kind of employing carries out to the face that is scanned that is arranged on the latent image carrier in the imaging unit by making that linear sweep uses, being arranged on LASER Light Source in the writing unit with optical scanning system, to be equivalent to single-point in scanning process luminous in luminous sweep time, make the light beam that penetrates by described LASER Light Source be arranged at described be scanned face suitable be scanned the respective face place, mode along imaging on the domain type photography element of isolated at least two positions of main scanning direction, the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus of the evaluation method effect that needed beam characteristics is estimated, this device has the position determining component that the said write unit is provided with respect to described imaging cell location, determine the light beam that penetrates by the described LASER Light Source corresponding reference laser light source in predetermined reference position when described on main scanning direction and sub scanning direction is scanned on the face with design, the cylindric holding member that keeps this reference laser light source to use, have with the circular fit hole of rotary way and this cylindric holding member tabling, parts are determined in the angle position that is used for the rotational angle position of definite described reference laser light source, be arranged on described position and determine the pedestal place by making, the benchmark pedestal is determined in the position that the light beam emergent light that predetermined writing unit penetrates during by design and the corresponding to mode of center of rotation of described cylindric holding member make described angle position determine that parts are implemented to locate, and, on this domain type photography element, specify the benchmark pixel suitable with described reference position by the mode of at least two rotational angle positions receptions of described domain type photography element when described cylindric holding member rotates by the reference beam of described reference laser light source ejaculation.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is the basis, and its characteristic further is to determine that in described angle position the assembly place is provided with in conjunction with pin, is provided with at described cylindric holding member place with described in conjunction with the combine combined hole of usefulness of pin.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is the basis, and its characteristic is that further described rotational angle position is the symmetric position at a distance of 180 degree.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is the basis, and its characteristic is that further described angle position determines that parts are arranged on described position in the mode that can change configuration along described main scanning direction and determine on the benchmark pedestal.

Described beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is the basis, and its characteristic is that further described angle position determines that parts are provided with along described main scanning direction at interval in the mode corresponding with aforementioned areas type imaging apparatus.

It is the basis that described beam characteristics is estimated transposition, its characteristic is that further specially appointed benchmark pixel is after described cylindric holding member rotates on a certain domain type photography element, and the specially appointed benchmark pixel on remaining domain type photography element does not rotate around described cylindric holding member.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the figure that schematically illustrates of an original example of expression beam flying apparatus for evaluating characteristics.

Fig. 2 is the figure that schematically illustrates of an original example of expression beam flying apparatus for evaluating characteristics, the state when it utilizes one-dimensional linear CCD that the beam diameter in the beam flying process is measured for expression schematically illustrate figure.

Fig. 3 keeps static for expression makes the light beam in as shown in Figure 2 the scanning, and schematically illustrates figure when utilizing as shown in Figure 2 one-dimensional linear CCD that the beam diameter in the scanning process is carried out similar mensuration.

The summary oblique view that Fig. 4 constitutes for expression writing unit inner structure constructed according to the invention.

Fig. 5 is the figure that schematically illustrates of the principle of first embodiment in the explanation beam characteristics evaluating apparatus constructed according to the invention, its expression be example when main scanning direction is arranged at intervals with three CCD gamma cameras.

Fig. 6 is a key diagram of diagrammatically representing the domain type photography element of CCD gamma camera as shown in Figure 5.

Fig. 7 for explanation with writing unit shown in Figure 4 synoptic diagram to will be when being scanned the design of the enterprising line scanning of face predetermined desirable visual (hot spot).

Fig. 8 for the explanation single-point light emitting control of light beam as shown in Figure 5 use the time main pulse schematically illustrate figure.

Fig. 9 is formed on the figure that schematically illustrates of hot spot on the domain type photography element of CCD gamma camera as shown in Figure 5 for expression.

Figure 10 is the figure that schematically illustrates of second embodiment of explanation in the evaluating apparatus, its expression be synoptic diagram when main scanning direction is arranged at intervals with two CCD gamma cameras.

Figure 11 for expression as shown in figure 10 to light beam implement that the single-point light emitting control uses the time main pulse schematically illustrate figure.

Figure 12 is the figure that schematically illustrates of the 3rd embodiment in the expression explanation evaluating apparatus, its expression be central position on the main scanning direction synoptic diagram when being provided with a CCD gamma camera.

Figure 13 for expression as shown in figure 12 to light beam implement that the single-point light emitting control uses the time main pulse schematically illustrate figure.

Figure 14 is formed on the figure that schematically illustrates of hot spot (laser facula) on as shown in figure 12 the domain type photography element for expression.

Figure 15 finds the solution the figure that schematically illustrates that the beam intensity curve uses for explanation according to as shown in figure 14 hot spot.

Figure 16 is explanation basis beam intensity curve as shown in figure 15, the beam intensity curve map that the center that utilizes the evaluation treatment loop to find the solution light beam is used.

Figure 17 is the figure that schematically illustrates of the 4th embodiment in the expression explanation evaluating apparatus, its expression be the synoptic diagram of the CCD gamma camera formation example that can move along main scanning direction and depth direction.

Figure 18 handles the process flow diagram that example is used for one in the expression beam characteristics evaluating apparatus as shown in figure 17.

Figure 19 schematically illustrates figure for what the example of evaluation characteristic of explanation beam characteristics evaluating apparatus of the present invention was used, wherein:

(a) be the synoptic diagram of expression along the deviation of the writing position on the main scanning direction,

(b) be the synoptic diagram of expression along the deviation of the writing position on the sub scanning direction,

(c) be the schematically illustrate figure of each surface on the explanation polygon prism along the pitch unevenness on the main scanning direction,

(d) be the schematically illustrate figure of each surface on the explanation polygon prism along the pitch unevenness on the sub scanning direction,

(e) be the figure that schematically illustrates of magnification error,

(f) be the figure that schematically illustrates of inclining scanning line,

(g) be the figure that schematically illustrates of magnification error deviation,

(h) be the figure that schematically illustrates of sweep trace distortion,

(i) be the figure that schematically illustrates of depth curve,

(j) be the figure that schematically illustrates of pitch between light beam.

Figure 20 adjusts the figure that schematically illustrates that structure constitutes for writing position on the explanation main scanning direction, its explanation be beam center with respect to the schematically illustrate figure of the reference position that writes the beginning side along the bias state of main scanning direction.

Figure 21 for expression adjust writing position that beam center uses along the deviation of main scanning direction with respect to the reference position that writes the beginning side as shown in figure 20 adjust assembly an example schematically illustrate figure, it shows the part sectioned view that the position adjustment structure of synchro pick-up constitutes synoptically.

Main pulse schematically illustrated figure when Figure 22 adjusted for writing of using of explanation synchro pick-up.

Writing position is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure 1 on the main scanning direction that Figure 23 uses for expression writing unit or imaging cell moving, and it is the synoptic diagram of expression writing unit and imaging unit relative position relation.

Figure 24 for expression with respect to as shown in figure 23 writing unit, adjusts the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment structure formation of main pulse when writing beginning by the imaging unit along moving of main scanning direction.

Writing position on the main scanning direction that Figure 25 uses for expression writing unit or imaging cell moving is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure 2, and it is for adjusting the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment structure of main pulse when writing beginning by the imaging unit is relatively moved along main scanning direction.

Writing position is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure 3 on the main scanning direction that Figure 26 uses for expression writing unit or imaging cell moving, and it is for adjusting the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment structure of main pulse when writing beginning by the imaging unit is relatively moved along main scanning direction.

Writing position is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure 4 on the main scanning direction that Figure 27 uses for expression writing unit or imaging cell moving, and it is for adjusting the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment structure of main pulse when writing beginning by writing unit is relatively moved along main scanning direction.

Writing position is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure 5 on the main scanning direction that Figure 28 uses for expression writing unit or imaging cell moving, and it is for adjusting the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment structure of main pulse when writing beginning by writing unit is relatively moved along main scanning direction.

Writing position is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure on the sub scanning direction that Figure 29 uses for explanation writing unit or imaging cell moving, its explanation be beam center with respect to the schematically illustrate figure of the reference position that writes the beginning side along the bias state of sub scanning direction.

Writing position is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure on the sub scanning direction that Figure 30 uses for explanation writing unit or imaging cell moving, and it is for adjusting the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the adjustment structure of main pulse when writing beginning by writing unit is relatively moved along sub scanning direction.

Figure 31 use for expression the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus the 4th embodiment schematically illustrate figure,

(a) estimate the figure that schematically illustrates of beam characteristics evaluating apparatus that the light beam depth curve of CCD gamma camera when main scanning direction and sub scanning direction move use for explanation,

(b) be the synoptic diagram of expression by an example of the depth curve of the acquisition of the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus shown in Figure 31 (a).

Figure 32 uses the degree of depth of laser diode module for expression and adjusts the figure that schematically illustrates of structure, what its was represented is the depth curve that obtains according to by the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus shown in the 4th embodiment, adjust the position of collimation lens along optical axis direction, and then adjust the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the optical path length adjustment structure of optical path length.

The degree of depth that Figure 33 is made of writing unit or imaging unit for expression is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure 1, what its was represented is according to obtaining depth curve by the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus shown in the 4th embodiment, adjust the interval between writing unit and the imaging unit, and then adjust the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the optical path length adjustment structure of optical path length.

The degree of depth that Figure 34 is made of writing unit or imaging unit for expression is adjusted the figure that schematically illustrates of structure 2, what its was represented is according to obtaining depth curve by the beam characteristics evaluating apparatus shown in the 4th embodiment, adjust the interval between writing unit and the imaging unit, and then adjust the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the optical path length adjustment structure of optical path length.

Figure 35 shows the concrete structure of evaluating apparatus 1～4, the schematic side elevational view of the state when it is installed on the image processing system for the expression writing unit.

The schematic plan view of the state when Figure 36 is installed on the image processing system for the expression writing unit.

Figure 37 is the synoptic diagram of expression as the outer shape of Figure 35, writing unit shown in Figure 36.

The schematic front view (FV) of the state when Figure 38 is installed on the image processing system for the expression writing unit.

Figure 39 is installed in the local amplification view that configuration relation between benchmark pedestal and the CCD gamma camera is determined in position on the benchmark pedestal installation portion for expression.

Figure 40 determines the figure that schematically illustrates that the benchmark pedestal uses for as shown in figure 39 position of expression, wherein figure (a) is a planimetric map, figure (b) is the synoptic diagram that obtains when direction shown in the arrow c1 is observed figure (a), figure (c) is the synoptic diagram that obtains when the direction shown in the arrow c2 is observed figure (b), and figure (d) is the synoptic diagram that obtains when the direction shown in the arrow c3 is observed figure (b).

Figure 41 is installed in the local amplification view that the configuration relation between benchmark pedestal and the CCD gamma camera is determined in position on the benchmark pedestal installation portion for expression.

Figure 42 determines the figure that schematically illustrates that the benchmark pedestal uses for expression as Figure 39, position shown in Figure 41, wherein figure (a) is a planimetric map, figure (b) is the synoptic diagram that obtains when the direction shown in the arrow c4 is observed figure (a), figure (c) is the synoptic diagram that obtains when the direction shown in the arrow c5 is observed figure (a), and figure (d) is the synoptic diagram that obtains when the direction shown in the arrow c6 is observed figure (c).

Figure 43 schematically illustrates figure for what as shown in figure 41 LD holding plate of expression was used, and wherein figure (a) be an outboard profile, and figure (b) be a synoptic diagram of observing acquisition when scheming (a) along the direction shown in the arrow c7.

Figure 44 uses the figure that schematically illustrates that the specially appointed domain type CCD benchmark pixel of reference laser light source uses for explanation.

Figure 45 is that the local enlarged diagram that block part is used is determined in expression LD holding plate and position, wherein schemes the synoptic diagram that (a) is the preceding state of expression LD holding plate do 180 degree rotations, and figure (b) is the synoptic diagram that expression LD holding plate work 180 is spent the state after rotating.

The schematic plan view of the state when Figure 46 is installed on the image processing system for the expression writing unit.

The schematic side elevational view of the state when Figure 47 is installed on the image processing system for the expression writing unit, what its was represented is the synoptic diagram of the state before writing unit is held.

Schematic side elevational view when Figure 48 is in installment state for the expression writing unit, what its was represented is the synoptic diagram of the state before writing unit is held.

Figure 49 is installed in the planimetric map that CCD gamma camera assembly and the position between the reference laser diode on as shown in figure 47 the supporting base concern for expression.

Figure 50 determines that for expression is installed in position on the writing unit benchmark pedestal and position determine the planimetric map of piece.

Figure 51 determines the amplification view of piece for expression position as shown in figure 49.

Figure 52 carries the main scanning direction writing position that moves usefulness in the position for the expression paper is folded and adjusts the figure that schematically illustrates that structure constitutes usefulness, wherein figure (a) constitutes the summary synoptic diagram of usefulness for the inner structure of expression imaging unit, synoptic diagram that the configuration status of figure (b) LED shown in (a) for expression as figure is used, figure (c) are installed the synoptic diagram of the side guide that the folded year pallet of paper uses for expression.

Figure 53 is a synoptic diagram that example is used that is illustrated in magnification error, implements adjustment when inclining scanning line is bad, wherein figure (a) expression is the adjustment example of using when estimating magnification error, and what figure (b) represented is according to an example of the evaluation of inclining scanning line being implemented adjust.

The embodiment of invention

Below with reference to description of drawings most preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is equipped with writing unit as the bundle radiant (LASER Light Source) of the evaluation object of beam characteristics evaluation method of the present invention for expression, and by the light beam that this writing unit penetrates implement to write usefulness, as the oblique view of an example of the relation of the position between the photosensitive drums of latent image carrier.

In Fig. 4,11,12 is laser diode (semiconductor laser), and 13,14 is collimation lens, and 15 use optics for light path is synthetic, and 16 is quarter wave plate, and 17,18 is the beam shaping optical system.These optics important documents 11-18 constitutes the Sou of LASER Light Source portion (bundle radiant).Two light beams P1 by this Sou of LASER Light Source portion outgoing, be the parallel beam that constitutes by collimated light beam P1, P2, and be directed to polygon prism 19 places that constitute an optical scanning system part, again by each the surperficial 20a～20f deflecting reflection on this polygon prism 19 to main scanning direction Q1.

This light beam that is deflected after the reflection is directed to catoptron 21,22 places that constitute a f θ optical system part, pass f θ optical system 23 by the light beam behind catoptron 22 deflecting reflections and be directed to the catoptron 24 of oblique setting, be directed to 26 places, surface by the catoptron 24 of this oblique setting again as the photosensitive drums 25 of latent image carrier.Light beam P1 implements linear sweep along main scanning direction Q1 to the surface 26 of photosensitive drums 25.This surface 26 is the face that is scanned of light beam P1 scanning, can be scanned on the face at this to write.

The catoptron 24 of the Sou of these LASER Light Source portions, polygon prism 19, catoptron 21,22, f θ optical system 23, oblique setting carries on writing unit 1, and photosensitive drums 25 is carried on imaging unit (as described later).

Writing unit 1 is provided with synchro pick- up 27,28 at oblique vertical places, both sides (on the main scanning direction Q1 of light beam) that catoptron 24 is set.Time main pulse when the time main pulse when synchro pick-up 27 is used to determine to write beginning, synchro pick-up 28 are used to determine to write end.

Will be by the characteristic of the light beam P1 of this writing unit 1 outgoing as evaluation object.In this Fig. 4, writing with two sweep traces of surface 26 to photosensitive drums 25 carried out, with regard to beam characteristics is estimated principle, be one occasion and be two occasion in essence difference not for laser diode, so below with reference to laser diode is the table 1 that one occasion obtains, the characteristic evaluating project of the light beam that constitutes according to the present invention is described.

[table 1]

The number of ccd video camera	The characteristic project that can estimate		Remarks
				, the occasion of light beam	The occasion of some light beams
	?1	A main sweep writing position				The main sweep writing position
B subscan writing position			The subscan writing position
		C main sweep pitch unevenness			Main sweep pitch unevenness	Position deviation at each face of polygon prism along main scanning direction
D subscan face is crooked			Subscan face is crooked	Position deviation at each face of polygon prism along sub scanning direction
		E main sweep beam diameter			The main sweep beam diameter
F subscan beam diameter			The subscan beam diameter
		?m-			Pitch between light beam	In some the light beams along the distance between the light beam of sub scanning direction
?2			The g magnification error	Magnification error			The main sweep composition
	The h inclining scanning line	Inclining scanning line			The subscan composition
			K sweep time	Sweep time
	The l degree of depth	The degree of depth
			More than 3	I magnification error deviation		The magnification error deviation	The main sweep composition
The distortion of j sweep trace	The sweep trace distortion	The subscan composition

In by the beam characteristics assessment item shown in the table 1, a is the writing position of main scanning direction, b is the writing position of sub scanning direction, c is a main sweep pitch unevenness, d is that subscan face is crooked, e is the main sweep beam diameter, f is the subscan beam diameter, g is a magnification error, h is an inclining scanning line, and i is the magnification error deviation, and j is the sweep trace distortion, k is sweep time, l is the degree of depth, m be pitch between light beam (for using the occasion (referring to U.S. Pat AP96-675722) can shine the writing unit of several light beams simultaneously: the form of implementation that provides by this patent because the configuration direction of laser diode 11 or 12 (being so-called LD) is for along sub scanning direction, and dispose two, so pitch is along sub scanning direction between light beam).

Below each assessment item is described in detail.

A: to the evaluation of the writing position of main scanning direction

The light beam of being launched by LD is reflected by polygon prism 19, and on photosensitive drums, and this photosensitive drums of subtend begins to write the position of fashionable main scanning direction by f θ irradiation optical system, and instant main pulse is estimated.

If be exactly for instance, shown in Figure 19 (a), be " O " when getting predetermined writing position center (writing fashionable main pulse), when being taken at the position that writes on the domain type photography element described later and being zz, between writing position center O and writing position zz, have deviation delta x along main scanning direction.X estimates to this departure Δ.

B: to the evaluation of the writing position of sub scanning direction

The light beam of being launched by LD is reflected by polygon prism 19, and on photosensitive drums, and this photosensitive drums of subtend begins to write the position of fashionable sub scanning direction by f θ irradiation optical system, and instant main pulse is estimated.

If be exactly for instance, shown in Figure 19 (b), be " O " when getting predetermined writing position center (writing fashionable main pulse), when being taken at the position that writes on the domain type photography element described later and being zz, between writing position center O and writing position zz, have deviation delta y along sub scanning direction.Y estimates to this departure Δ.

C: to the evaluation of main sweep pitch unevenness

By making light beam carry out the mode that certain writes along main scanning direction, form needed image, and the place, side at polygon prism 19 forms several reflectings surface (such as being 6 reflectings surface), the writing position of light beam (writing out the position) writes owing to light beam is implemented reflection, so will change with the variation of the precision of each reflecting surface by these reflectings surface.

Therefore, can be with each face folded light beam of polygon prism 19, the standard deviation corresponding to the center of hot spot S on main scanning direction of each face is estimated.

If be exactly for instance, be 6 occasion for reflecting surface, take out by as described later CCD gamma camera by the light beam after each surperficial 20a～20f reflection.Writing position on the domain type photography element of this CCD gamma camera is shown in Figure 19 (c).

When with respect to reference center position " O ", during the writing the center and be kz1, kz2, kz3, kz4, kz5, kz6 of each face, be Δ x1, Δ x2, Δ x3 along the departure of main scanning direction.

For this occasion, the standard deviation mean value Δ x that can solve the main scanning direction on each face is:

Δx＝(2Δx1+2Δx2+2Δx3)/6

In view of the above, can be to estimating by the pitch of the precision decision of each face of polygon prism 19.

Here,, also can utilize reference center position " O " for this standard deviation is estimated, get by one in the center of each the hot spot S after the reflection of each face as the reference position, the unevenness of main sweep pitch is estimated.

Such as the center that can get by the hot spot S of initial taking-up is a benchmark, also can solve poor between the center of each hot spot S, and to get error be the reference position for the center of minimum hot spot S, can also get the highest one of concordance rate among the hot spot S and be benchmark.

D: to the crooked evaluation of subscan face

By making light beam carry out the mode that several times write along main scanning direction, form needed image, and the place, side at polygon prism 19 forms several reflectings surface (such as being 6 reflectings surface), write fashionablely when by these reflectings surface light beam being implemented reflection, the writing position of light beam (writing out the position) will change with the variation of the precision of each reflecting surface.

Therefore, can be by each face folded light beam of polygon prism 19, the standard deviation corresponding to the center of hot spot S on main scanning direction of each face is estimated.

If be exactly for instance, be 6 occasion for reflecting surface, take out by as described later CCD gamma camera by the light beam after each surperficial 20a～20f reflection.Writing position on the domain type photography element of this CCD gamma camera is shown in Figure 19 (d).

When with respect to reference center position " O ", during the writing the center and be kz1, kz2, kz3, kz4, kz5, kz6 of each face, be Δ y1, Δ y2, Δ y3 along the departure of sub scanning direction.

For this occasion, the standard deviation mean value Δ y that can solve the sub scanning direction on each face is:

Δy＝(2Δy1+2Δy2+2Δy3)/6

In view of the above, can be to estimating by the pitch of the precision decision of each face of polygon prism 19.

Here,, can utilize reference center position " O " for this standard deviation is estimated, and get by one in the center of each the hot spot S after the reflection of each face as the reference position, estimate subscan face is crooked.

Such as the center that can get by the hot spot S that obtains at first is a benchmark, also can solve poor between the center of each hot spot S, and to get error be the reference position for the center of minimum hot spot S, can also get the highest one of concordance rate among the hot spot S and be benchmark.

E: to the evaluation of main sweep beam diameter

The evaluation that hot spot S is carried out along the beam diameter of main scanning direction.

F: to the evaluation of subscan beam diameter

The evaluation that hot spot S is carried out along the beam diameter of sub scanning direction.

G: to the evaluation of magnification error

Whether to 2 hot spot S that locate is the evaluation that predetermined space carries out at interval.Promptly lack, still estimate than predetermined space at interval than predetermined space is long according to this.

If be exactly for instance, shown in Figure 19 (e), solve and on the original copy of main scanning direction Q1 2 are corresponding, predetermined during design, in the distance L 4 between reference position Z1, the Z2 of writing on the transfer paper, and during by practical measurement ratio that obtain, that be positioned at the distance L 5 between writing position Z1 ', the Z2 ' on the face of being scanned, just can estimate magnification error.

H: to the evaluation of inclining scanning line

Make light beam implement scanning and obtain a sweep trace along main scanning direction.To this sweep trace and main scanning direction parallel evaluation the whether.

If be exactly for instance, shown in Figure 19 (f), find the solution by main sweep and begin the departure d0 of the writing position Z1 ' of side acquisition with respect to sub scanning direction Q3, and read position Z2 ' poor with respect between the departure d1 of sub scanning direction Q3 by what main sweep finished that side obtains, utilize this difference and 6 pairs of inclining scanning line angles of distance L θ of being obtained again, and then total dispersion amount Δ d is estimated.

I: to the evaluation of magnification error deviation

In project g, be to estimate magnification error by the mode that the writing position of two hot spot S is estimated, be the mode of taking out three above hot spot S here, compare the multiplying power between each hot spot by with the domain type photography element, and then each deviation is at interval estimated.

If be exactly for instance, shown in Figure 19 (g), find the solution by measure to obtain be positioned at the place, center read the distance L 7 of position Zm ' to the writing position Z1 ' that writes the beginning side, and by the distance L 8 of the writing position Zm ' that is positioned at the place, center, thereby magnification error deviation (left and right sides inequality) is estimated to the writing position Z2 ' that writes the end side.

J: to the evaluation of sweep trace distortion

In project h, be that whether parallel sweep is estimated by the light beam on the main scanning direction that the writing position by two hot spot S is determined, be by take out the mode of three above hot spot S with the domain type photography element here, each hot spot is estimated with respect to the inclination of main scanning direction each other, and then sweep trace distortion is estimated.

If be exactly for instance, shown in Figure 19 (h), find the solution the departure d2 with respect to sub scanning direction Q3 by the writing position Z1 ' that writes the beginning side that measures acquisition, by the departure d4 of the writing position Zm ' that is positioned at the place, center that measures acquisition with respect to sub scanning direction Q3, the writing position Z2 ' that finishes side by writing of measure obtaining is with respect to the departure d3 of sub scanning direction Q3, and then distortion is estimated to sweep trace.

K: to the evaluation of sweep time

The sweep time of light beam is when using two CCD gamma cameras, can be for by to taking out hot spot by CCD gamma camera to the time between hot spot of taking out counts by another CCD gamma camera mode, the sweep time that calculates, and can solve sweep velocity divided by the mode of the distance between two CCD gamma cameras with sweep time.

For this occasion, also can replace a CCD gamma camera by synchro pick-up (scanning beginning detecting sensor, end of scan detecting sensor) that synchronous detection is used with carrying out, that be arranged on writing unit 1 place.To describe in detail below for this point.

L: to the evaluation of the degree of depth

By make the CCD gamma camera along with the mobile mode of the direction of main scanning direction phase quadrature (along the identical direction of optical axis of the light beam that penetrates with the CCD gamma camera), make light beam be fixing state with respect to main scanning direction, and the beam diameter on the mensuration light beam moving direction, utilize design attitude to carry out the evaluation of the degree of depth.

Such as can make the CCD gamma camera move and stop by mode uniformly-spaced successively along the light beam direct of travel, and the beam diameter D of the hot spot S that solves successively in each rest position, thus beam diameter curve (depth curve) Qm shown in Figure 19 (i) obtained.And Bw is the light beam convergent part.

So just, can estimate the degree of depth of light beam.

M: to the evaluation of pitch between light beam

This is the evaluation that the pitch between several light beams of irradiation is simultaneously carried out.

If be exactly for instance, shown in Figure 19 (j), solve center KK, the KK ' of two hot spot S that receive by a domain type photography element, by calculating, the pitch interval Δ KK of two light beams is estimated along the mode of the interval delta KK of this sub scanning direction.

Beam characteristics evaluating apparatus as shown in Figure 5 can be used for to except assessment item l, be that whole assessment item a～k, m the degree of depth evaluation estimates.

[first embodiment of evaluating apparatus]

An embodiment of evaluating apparatus is described below with reference to Fig. 5.

In Fig. 5,29 for driving the pulse motor of polygon prism 19 usefulness, and 30 for to carry out the drive controlling loop that drive controlling is used to this pulse motor.With 26 corresponding respective face 31 places that are scanned, surface of photosensitive drums 25, by the scanning of this light beam P1 begin side to end of scan side by domain type photography element (the videotaping face) 32a～34a that uniformly-spaced is provided with CCD gamma camera 32～34.

In other words be exactly, in the time of can locating in rayed starting position (the maximum sized rayed of paper starting position), rayed end position and the centre position of the light beam irradiates assembly (latent image carrier) that CCD gamma camera 32～34 is configured in the light beam irradiates that is penetrated by the writing unit that carries the image processing system (duplicating machine or the like) on writing unit, the position when reality is used is estimated.

Laser diode 11 or 12 carries out light emitting control by single-point light emitting control loop 35.This single-point light emitting control loop 35 have that vibration sends that the time timing uses the time main pulse clock pulse oscillator 36 and to the time main pulse count the counter loop 37 of usefulness.Single-point light emitting control loop 35 is also by synchro pick-up 27 incoming sync pulses.

Implement control by 38 pairs of this single-point light emitting control of control loop loop 35 and drive controlling loop 30 that personal computer constitutes.Also be provided with at this control loop 38 places and carry out the input panel 39 that image processing is used.Here, the assembly of this input panel 39 for having three input systems, promptly it can adopt the image processing panel that has such as R, G, B input system.

Domain type photography element 32a is arranged on the beginning side of main scanning direction, domain type photography element 34a is arranged on the end side of main scanning direction, domain type photography element 33a is arranged on the central position of main scanning direction, and the image output of each domain type photography element 32a～34a all is supplied to control loop 38 by input panel 39.This control loop 38 has as the operational loop 40 of computing assembly and estimates treatment loop 41.

The benchmark pixel K of the true origin of using as the calculation process in each pixel of each domain type photography element 32a～34a sets by mode as shown in Figure 6.This benchmark pixel K is corresponding to when design benchmark writing position given in advance.The setting of this benchmark pixel K can be undertaken by mode as described later, here will by benchmark pixel K to the distance setting between benchmark pixel K be L1.And should on being scanned face, scan, as shown in Figure 7 by predetermined desirable pixel of when design (hot spot S).Reference number R1 is the beam diameter of desirable hot spot S.

Control loop 38 is pressed the origin position correction with this benchmark pixel K and is " O ".Operational loop 40 as shown in Figure 8, predetermined sweep velocity during according to distance L 1 and design, calculate T sweep time between the domain type photography element, and according to this sweep time T and when design predetermined hot spot S along the diameter R1 of direction of scanning, calculate and single-point luminous corresponding sweep time of t.Representing the signal of T sweep time, t to be input in the counter loop 37 in single-point light emitting control loop 35.

This sweep time T, single-point luminous sweep time of t can according to by clock pulse oscillator 36 output the time main pulse number implement definition, single-point light emitting control loop 35 makes counter loop 37 constantly be risen implementing counting with the suitable time main pulse number of T sweep time by extinguishing of laser diode 11 or 12, and to the luminous enforcement control of the laser diode 11 that is in the combustion state that goes out or 12, counter loop 37 was risen implementing counting with the suitable time main pulse number of t sweep time by the luminous moment of laser diode 11 or 12, and control is implemented in the combustion of putting out of laser diode 11 or 12.This means that sweep time, T was defined as fall time (write time main pulse time) of laser diode 11 or 12.

Laser diode 11 or 12 is before the synchronizing pulse that utilizes 35 inputs of single-point light emitting control loop to be provided by synchro pick-up 27, implement luminous control continuously, and when by synchro pick-up 27 inputs synchronizing pulse being arranged, implement the temporary transient control of extinguishing by single-point light emitting control loop 35, through sweep time T and implement during that provide and single-point luminous corresponding sweep time of t by single-point light emitting control loop 35 luminous after, until extinguishing through implementing during T sweep time once more, and through T and implement to extinguish during with single-point luminous corresponding sweep time of t by single-point light emitting control loop 35 is that provide sweep time.And single-point light emitting control loop 35 is when input has the synchronizing pulse of synchro pick-up 28, luminous through implementing once more after being back to the time (being approximately 2T) of scanning the beginning side.

In Fig. 8, the black round dot is represented is state ( laser diode 11 or 12 luminous states) when being formed with the luminous suitable hot spot S of single-point, and white round dot is represented is state (state that laser diode 11 or 12 extinguishes) when not being formed with the luminous suitable hot spot S of single-point.

Like this, when using single-point light emitting control loop 35 in scanning process, when implementing light emitting control to laser diode 11 or 12 in luminous corresponding sweep time with single-point, then as shown in Figure 9, in that each domain type photography element 32a～the 34a place is formed with hot spot S.

Solve along center O1, O2, the O3 of the hot spot S on the main scanning direction Q1 if utilize to estimate treatment loop 41, just can relative datum pixel K solve departure d along main scanning direction.Figure 9 illustrates the reference position departure d=x1 to the right that writes the beginning side, write the reference position departure d=x3 to the left that finishes side, the example of the departure d=x2=0 of central position.

And, if utilize evaluation treatment loop 41 to solve, just can solve along the departure d of sub scanning direction Q3 by relative datum pixel K along center O1 ', O2 ', the O3 ' of the hot spot S on the sub scanning direction Q3.Figure 9 illustrates along the departure d ' of sub scanning direction is an example of d '=0.

Be to describe to the example that the distance L 1 between the domain type photography element 33a of central position is equal to each other to the distance L 1 between the domain type photography element 33a of central position and by the domain type photography element 34a of end of scan side in Fig. 8, but the present invention is not limited to this with the domain type photography element 32a that begins side by main sweep.

[second embodiment of evaluating apparatus]

Figure 10 shows second embodiment of this evaluating apparatus, and here, what input panel 39 adopted is single image processing panel, and is that predetermined two departures that write the reference position are estimated during to design.This evaluating apparatus is provided with input panel change-over switch 43, and single-point light emitting control loop 35 implements to switch to input panel change-over switch 43 by the mode that domain type photography element 34a when domain type photography element 32a takes out image also reads out image.Other structure constitute with as shown in Figure 8 evaluating apparatus in identical, be denoted by like references so adopt, and omitted detailed description them.Main pulse when Figure 11 shows the control of this single-point light emitting control loop 35 usefulness, and can be by the time with design predetermined sweep velocity solve sweep time (fall time) T divided by the mode of distance L 2.

This beam characteristics evaluating apparatus is provided with the CCD gamma camera that is positioned at two disconnected position places along main scanning direction, so can be used for assessment item a to h, assessment item k, m are estimated.Certainly, if be provided with and as shown in Figure 5 three identical CCD gamma cameras of form of implementation, just can estimate to assessment item a～k, m.

[the 3rd embodiment of evaluating apparatus]

Figure 12 shows the 3rd embodiment of this evaluating apparatus, and here, what input panel 39 adopted is single image processing panel, and is that a predetermined departure that writes the reference position is estimated when designing relatively.

Here, CCD gamma camera 43 is one, and this CCD gamma camera 43 carries on movable body 45, and this movable body 45 is arranged on the axis of guide 44 that extends along the length direction of main scanning direction.Can implement control along the to-and-fro movement of the axis of guide 44 by 38 pairs of movable bodys 45 of control loop, CCD gamma camera 43 is arranged on the needed place, reference position that writes.

Can so that CCD gamma camera 43 move and be positioned at needed position along main scanning direction, so can estimate to assessment item a～f, assessment item k, m.Be set at and mode by shift position, just can estimate assessment item a～k, m similarly as position identical in Fig. 5, the evaluation position shown in Figure 10 with this CCD gamma camera.

If will be taken as L3 by the distance that is provided with between the position of synchro pick-up 27 to CCD gamma cameras 43, and with when design predetermined writing speed divided by distance L 3, just can solve by benchmark pixel K needed sweep time (referring to Figure 13) T among the domain type photography element 43a of synchro pick-up 27 to CCD gamma cameras 43.

Therefore, if to time that T finishes sweep time, the Sou of LASER Light Source portion is extinguished detecting synchronizing pulse from synchro pick-up 27, through the one scan time T and make the Sou of lasing light emitter portion luminous by single-point light emitting control loop 35 in the t in sweep time simultaneously, just can form at the domain type photography element 43a place of CCD gamma camera 43 as shown in figure 14, and scanning process in the luminous corresponding hot spot S of single-point.

Can solve the center of the hot spot S in above-mentioned each evaluating apparatus by following method.

Each pixel of domain type photography element 43a is defined as Zij.Z1j, Z2j ..., Zij ..., Znj represents the pixel along main scanning direction Q1 configuration, Zi1, Zi2 ..., Zij ..., Zim represents the pixel along sub scanning direction Q3 configuration, label i (integer by 1 to n) expression is by i of left-hand digit, and label j (integer by 1 to m) expression is by j of the downside number.

And, when solve with respect to sub scanning direction Q3 each pixel Z1j, the Z2j that obtain by j=1 to j=m along main scanning direction Q1 configuration ..., Zij ..., Znj output the summation Wj (Wj=Z1j+Z2j+ of output signal ... + Zij+ ... + Znj) time, just can solve along beam intensity curve B 1 sub scanning direction Q3, as shown in figure 15.When solve with respect to main scanning direction Q1 each pixel Zi1, the Zi2 that obtain by i=1 to i=n along sub scanning direction Q3 configuration ..., Zij ..., Zim output the summation Wi (Wi=Zi1+Zi2+ of output signal ... + Zij+ ... + Zim) time, just can solve along beam intensity curve B 2 main scanning direction Q1, as shown in figure 15.

Figure 16 shows an example of finding the solution the beam intensity curve by this method, its expression be beam intensity curve B 2 along main scanning direction Q1.

Estimate treatment loop 41 relative beam intensity curve B 2 and be set with threshold value P1h, will be corresponding with the crosscut intensity of this threshold value P1h, be set at Xi, X2 especially along the sequence number of the pixel on the main scanning direction Q1, and solve the pixel sequence number Xim suitable with the mean value of sequence number Xi, X2 sum.So just, can solve the center O1 of light beam P1 along main scanning direction Q1.Utilize the difference between this center O1 and the benchmark pixel K can solve along the departure d of main scanning direction Q1.Can be by beam intensity curve B 1 similarly being handled the center O1 ' that solves along sub scanning direction Q3, and can solve departure d ' by the difference between this center O1 ' and the benchmark pixel K.

By finding the solution the poor of sequence number X1 and X2, can also solve beam diameter D along main scanning direction Q1, by beam intensity curve B 1 is similarly handled, can also solve beam diameter D ' along sub scanning direction Q3.

The threshold value P1h here sets by the mode that by square composition of peak value Pmax to e (natural logarithm) is 1.

Here, can be according to by each pixel Z1j along main scanning direction Q1 configuration, Z2j, Zij, the summation Wj of the output signal of Znj output, by each pixel Zi1 along sub scanning direction Q3 configuration, Zi2, Zij, the summation Wi of the output signal of Zim output, solve the center O1 of light beam P1, O1 ', thereby can depict beam intensity curve B 1 by several pixels near peak value Pmax, B2, can get this beam intensity curve B 1, the peak value of B2 is as the center of light beam P1, and can get and the center pixel of the corresponding pixel of this peak value as light beam P1.

Because the output of each pixel will be by quantization, and each quantization output distribution of these pixels is three dimensional form, so can also will be taken as along center O1, the O1 ' of the light beam P1 of main scanning direction Q1, sub scanning direction Q3 with the corresponding pixel of its centre of gravity place.

Predetermined benchmark writing position place when CCD gamma camera 43 is configured in design (height that resembles on the optical axis of f θ optical system 23 is the position of O), when when having the position of little deviation to measure beam diameter with this benchmark writing position, can not obtain correct beam shape, so need be according to departure d, as shown in figure 13 T sweep time is revised, highly make the Sou of LASER Light Source portion luminous for the position of O resembling.

[the 4th embodiment of evaluating apparatus]

Figure 17 shows the 4th embodiment of this evaluating apparatus, it with main scanning direction Q1 mutually the depth direction of quadrature (optical axis direction) Q4 be provided with the axis of guide 46, thereby make the movable body 45 can be reciprocating on main scanning direction Q1 along the axis of guide 44, simultaneously can be reciprocating on depth direction Q4 along the axis of guide 46.If adopt this structure to constitute, just predetermined, the needed beam characteristics that writes in the reference position is estimated can utilize 43 pairs of designs of a CCD gamma camera time.

This 4th embodiment can estimate assessment item a～k, m, and owing to CCD gamma camera 43 can move along depth direction Q4, so it can also be estimated assessment item l.

And in as Fig. 5, Figure 10, evaluating apparatus shown in Figure 12, also can be equipped with the assembly that CCD gamma camera 43 is moved along depth direction, if in as Fig. 5, Figure 10, evaluating apparatus shown in Figure 12, be equipped with this moving assembly, just also can utilize as Fig. 5, Figure 10, evaluating apparatus shown in Figure 12 to assessment item l, be degree of depth evaluation.

To being undertaken by following mode along the evaluation of light beam direct of travel (depth direction) Q4.

The CCD gamma camera 43 that is about to shown in Figure 31 (a) is installed on the movable body 45, and movable body 45 is carried on the axis of guide 44 that extends along depth direction Q4.Move movable body 45 by mode uniformly-spaced along the depth direction Q4 of light beam P1 successively, when solving the beam diameter D (referring to Figure 14, Figure 16) of the hot spot S of light beam P1 successively by this mobile stop position, just can solve shown in Figure 31 (b), with respect to beam diameter curve (depth curve) Qm of depth direction Q4.

Find the solution beam diameter curve Qm with respect to main scanning direction Q1 here, but also can find the solution the beam diameter curve with respect to sub scanning direction Q3.

To by the evaluation of this beam diameter curve Qm, be that light beam convergent part correction appropriate amount Δ W predetermined during by design, that obtain along benchmark writing position and the light beam convergent part Bw position of depth direction Q4 determines to the position of light beam convergent part Bw.

Figure 18 shows the process flow diagram as an example of control evaluating apparatus as shown in figure 17, and control loop 38 at first is arranged on original state (program step S1), makes pulse motor 29 begin to rotate (program step S2) then.Control loop 38 makes pulse motor 29 reach the moment of constant revolution through certain hour, 35 outputs make the luminous signal (program step S3) of laser diode 11 or 12 (Sou of LASER Light Source portion) to single-point light emitting control loop.On the other hand, whether single-point light emitting control loop 35 is detected has synchronizing pulse by synchro pick-up 27 inputs, when not detecting synchronizing pulse through after the schedule time, then signal (program step S4, program step S5) occurs to control loop 38 output errors.Control loop 38 is wrong when signal occurring in input, export the signal (program step S6) that laser diode 11 or 12 (Sou of LASER Light Source portion) is extinguished to single-point light emitting control loop 35, occur the rotation (program step S7) of signal stop pulse motor 29 simultaneously according to this mistake, and judge to detect whether finish (program step S8).

When synchronizing pulse is detected within the predetermined time in single-point light emitting control loop 35, laser diode 11 or 12 (Sou of LASER Light Source portion) is extinguished, counter loop 37 is in the moment that count down to main pulse number when sweep time, T determined, to the luminous luminous signal (program step S9) of laser diode 11 or 12 (Sou of LASER Light Source portion) output single-point.Control loop 38 is by the luminous image (program step S10) that obtains hot spot S of this single-point.Evaluation treatment loop 41 carries out computing according to the image of the hot spot S of this actual acquisition, light beam P1 is carried out the evaluation (program step S11) of needed various characteristics.Subsequently this evaluation result is exported to monitor (not shown) or record component (not shown) place (program step S12).Control loop 38 stops the driving of paired pulses motor 29 simultaneously to the signal (program step S6) that 35 outputs of single-point light emitting control loop are extinguished laser diode 11 or 12 (Sou of LASER Light Source portion) then.In the time will repeating to measure, implement the processing to program step S12 once more by program step S1.

Can implement evaluating characteristics by processing to center O1, the O1 ' of light beam P1, beam diameter D1, D1 ', departure d, d ' to this light beam.

The mode of the ratio by finding the solution beam diameter D1, D1 ' can also be major axis to the shape of light beam P1 along the ellipse of main scanning direction Q1, approach the ellipse of circle, or major axis is made an appraisal along the ellipse of sub scanning direction Q3.

[the concrete structure of first to fourth evaluating apparatus constitutes]

Embodiment to described evaluating apparatus describes below.

Figure 35, Figure 36 show writing unit 1 and are the synoptic diagram that is installed on the image processing system, and wherein 100 is the base station of image processing system.This base station 100 is provided with as Figure 35, writing unit position determining component 101 shown in Figure 36.

The outer shape of writing unit 1 as shown in figure 37, a sidewall of this writing unit 1 is provided with the position determines that with projection 102,102 another sidewall of writing unit 1 is provided with the position and determines with hole 103,103.Also be formed with on this writing unit 1 along main scanning direction slit pore 104 that extend, elongated, laser beam P1 implements irradiation by this elongated slit hole 104 ' to not shown photosensitive drums.

Writing unit position determining component 101 has as Figure 36, Figure 38, upstanding wall portion 105,105 shown in Figure 39.Be formed with through hole 106 at upstanding wall portion 105 places, and in upstanding wall portion 105, also be fixedly connected with the definite pin 107 in position.The lateral wall 108 of this upstanding wall portion 105 constitutes and makes writing unit 1 determine face along the position of main scanning direction location usefulness.The leading section of writing unit position determining component 101 constitutes benchmark pedestal installation portion 109 as shown in figure 39.Be provided with benchmark pedestal mount pin 110 in these benchmark pedestal installation portion 109 place's projections.

On this benchmark pedestal mount pin 110, be equipped with as Figure 40 (a) and determine benchmark pedestal 111 to the position shown in Figure 40 (d).This position determines that benchmark pedestal 111 extends along the length direction of main scanning direction.On benchmark pedestal 111 is determined in the position, be formed with the position and determine that pin 112, position determine piece mounting hole 113.The bottom of determining benchmark pedestal 111 in the position is formed with the embedded hole 114 with benchmark pedestal mount pin 110 tablings.

This position determine benchmark pedestal 111 above tilt, at this upper surface place by predetermined space, be formed with the reference position along its longitudinal direction and determine with upright board 113a.And on this upper surface, also be installed in as location, as shown in figure 41 angle position and determine that the position that parts are used determines block part 115.This position determines that block part 115 has upright plate 116,117 and dull and stereotyped 118 shown in Figure 42 (a)-42 (d).LD holding plate 119 as cylindric holding member is housed on upright plate 116.116 places are formed with circular fit hole 120 at upright plate, and are fixedly connected with chimeric pin 121.Be formed with the abutting part 121 that connects with the CCD gamma camera at upright plate 117 places.121 places are formed with embedded hole 122 at abutting part.And circular fit hole 120 is positive toroidal by Precision Machining.

Be formed with the cylindric wheel hub 123 shown in Figure 43 (a) at LD holding plate 119 places.The profile of this cylindric wheel hub 123 is also wanted Precision Machining.This cylindric wheel hub 123 and circular fit hole 120 tablings.The laser diode position that is formed with on the round plate 119a of LD holding plate 119 shown in Figure 43 (b) is determined to install with threaded hole 125 and angle position definite with combined hole 126 with hole 124, laser diode.Here, the angle position determine with combined hole 126 by 90 spend be disposed on cylindric wheel hub 123 around.

On this LD holding plate 119, be equipped with as shown in figure 41, as when design predetermined reference position determine reference laser diode (semiconductor laser) 127 with the reference laser light source.Mounting base 128 is fixed on base station 100 places, supporting base 129 is fixed on mounting base 128 places, and with glide base 131 being arranged on the supporting base 129 by sliding type.CCD gamma camera assembly 130 is arranged on glide base 131 places.CCD gamma camera assembly 130 is made of glide base 131 ' and CCD gamma camera 132.Locate uprightly to be formed with butt plate 131 ' a at glide base 131 '.Micrometer 133 is installed in glide base 131 places.Micrometer 133 has the function that is adjusted to and is scanned the adjusting part of the suitable position that is scanned respective face of face as the face that the videotapes 130a with the domain type photography element.The leading section and the abutting part 121 of CCD gamma camera assembly 130 connect.

On glide base 131, be formed with crooked board 134 as shown in figure 35, on crooked board 134, be formed with the elongated hole 135 that extends along glide direction, the face that videotapes among the domain type photography element 130a of CCD gamma camera assembly 130 is adjusted its glide direction by the micrometer 133 that is arranged on the position that is scanned respective face 31 suitable with the surface (being scanned face) of photosensitive drums, crooked board 134 is implemented to install by gib screw 36, and is fixed on the supporting base 129.

Here, determine along the position that the longitudinal direction of benchmark pedestal 111 is equally spaced to be provided with three CCD gamma camera assemblies 130, and as shown in Figure 44, this is spaced apart L10.In Figure 44, the CCD gamma camera assembly 130 in left side is arranged on the position that writes the beginning side, and the CCD gamma camera assembly 130 of center is arranged on and writes central position, and the CCD gamma camera assembly 130 on right side is arranged on and writes the position of finishing side.

Be provided with described LASER Light Source Sou of portion of first form of implementation and optical scanning system according to the present invention in the inside of writing unit 1, the face that is scanned on the photosensitive drums is implemented linear sweep by this LASER Light Source, writes.

The center in circular fit hole 120 should with as shown in figure 41, when design predetermined light beam P1 main scanning direction and outgoing track (emergent ray) Qn on the sub scanning direction consistent, but penetrate along this outgoing track Qn by the reference laser light beam of reference laser diode 127 ejaculations is also nonessential, in general, when penetrating single reference laser light beam, the reference laser beam interferes that can specify use should be positioned on the outgoing track Qn extended line dawn as the benchmark pixel K of domain type photography element 130a reference position.

At first make reference laser diode 127 towards the CCD gamma camera assembly 130 that writes the beginning side.Shown in Figure 45 (a), LD holding plate 119 is entrenched in the circular fit hole 120, to determine with in the combined hole 126 in conjunction with the angle position that pin 121 is entrenched on the LD holding plate 119, LD holding plate 119 is rotated as center of rotation with the center in circular fit hole 120, and then make in conjunction with pin 121 in rotational direction with LD holding plate 119 on the angle position determine to contact and the angle position of definite reference laser diode 127 with the perisporium 126a of combined hole 126.

Reference laser diode 127 is luminous by not shown light emitting control loop (also can adopt the light emitting control loop of writing unit 1) control.At this moment the laser beam exit direction is assumed that Qm direction as shown in figure 44.The coordinate of light-receiving pixel G of getting the domain type photography element 130a of the laser beam that receives this exit direction Qm be G (x1, y1).Then, remove chimeric in conjunction with between pin 121 and the angle position definite usefulness combined hole 126 as Figure 45 (b) shown in, make LD holding plate 119 rotate 180 degree, make in conjunction with pin 121 and angle position and determine with combined hole 126 ' tabling, and make the LD guarantor treat that the definite perisporium 126a ' with combined hole 126 ' in angle position on the plate 119 in rotational direction with in conjunction with pin 121 contacts, and then the angle position of definite reference laser diode 127.

Then, reference laser diode 127 is luminous by not shown light emitting control loop (also can adopt the light emitting control loop of writing unit 1) control.At this moment laser beam exit direction is assumed that Qm ' direction as shown in figure 43.The coordinate of light-receiving pixel G of getting the domain type photography element 130a of the laser beam that receives this exit direction Qm ' be G (x2, y2).

At this moment, the coordinate K (X10, Y10) that is positioned at the benchmark pixel K on the extension line of outgoing track Qn that writes the beginning side is:

X10＝{(x1-x2)/2}+x2

Y10＝{(y1-y2)/2}+y2

Therefore for reference laser diode 127, do not need to adopt its emergent light axis, just can solve the position of benchmark pixel K accurately through accurate adjusted laser instrument.

The occasion that the coordinate K (X12, Y12) of benchmark pixel K when below the position being determined block part 115 with respect to the position of the CCD gamma camera assembly 130 of central position and design on the extended line of the predetermined outgoing track Qn ' that writes central position finds the solution describes.

At first make reference laser diode 127 towards the CCD of central position gamma camera assembly 130, and make reference laser diode 127 luminous.

At this moment laser beam exit direction is assumed that Qm " direction.The coordinate of light-receiving pixel G of getting the domain type photography element 130a of the laser beam that receives this exit direction Qm ' be G (x3, y3).

Be positioned at the coordinate K (X12, Y12) of the benchmark pixel K on the extension line of the outgoing track Qn ' that writes central position and be positioned at poor between the coordinate K (X10, Y10) of the benchmark pixel K on the extension line of the outgoing track Qn that writes the beginning side, coordinate G (x3 with the light-receiving pixel G of the laser beam that receives this exit direction Qm ', y3) and receive the coordinate G of the light-receiving pixel G on the domain type photography element 130a of laser beam of this exit direction Qm ' (x2, y2) difference between equates.

Therefore, have:

X12-X10＝x3-x2

Y12-Y10＝y3-y2

That is:

X12＝X10+x3-x2＝{(x1-x2)/2}+x3

Y12＝Y10+y3-y2＝{(y1-y2)/2}+y3

Similarly, can solve the coordinate K (X14, Y14) of the benchmark pixel K that is arranged on the domain type photography element 130a that writes the CCD gamma camera 132 that finishes the side position place, be by the coordinate G (x5+y5) of light-receiving pixel G:

X14＝{(x1-x2)/2}+x5

Y14＝{(y1-y2)/2}+y5

Therefore, after setting out the coordinate of benchmark pixel K especially, can under the condition of not rotating LD holding plate 119, carry out by the rotation of LD holding plate 119 for some CCD gamma cameras 132 the specifying just of benchmark pixel K of all the other CCD gamma cameras 132.

Figure 39 shows the synoptic diagram when determining that as the angle position position component determines that block part 115 is arranged on central position.

By the mode that glide base 131 is moved with micrometer 133 along its longitudinal direction, just can determine along the beam diameter on the depth direction.

It can be that configuration replaces that block part 115 is determined in a position and the form of the composition that solves the benchmark pixel K of each position that its concrete structure constitutes, also can be that a position is determined that block part 115 is slidingly arranged in the position and determines the form of the composition on the benchmark pedestal 111, can also be to write beginning side position, middle position, writing the position of finishing side position the form of the composition that block part 115 is determined in the position is set respectively.

[distortion example]

Figure 46 to Figure 51 is the synoptic diagram of the variant embodiment of the above-mentioned concrete structure formation of expression, wherein Figure 46 to Figure 48 shows the synoptic diagram that writing unit 1 is installed in the state on the image processing system, promptly on base station 100, uprightly be provided with pillar 140, be fixed with writing unit position determining component 101 at pillar 140 upper ends, writing unit position determining component 101 is tabular here.

Centre in writing unit position determining component 101 is formed with peristome 141.Writing unit position determining component 101 is provided with three fasteners 142, and 143 is fastening lever.Writing unit 1 is by these fastener 142 fastening writing unit position determining component 101 places that are installed in.Mounting base 128 is fixed on the base station 100, and supporting base 129 is fixed on the mounting base 128, and glide base 131 slidably is arranged on the supporting base 129.

131 places are provided with CCD gamma camera assembly 130 at this glide base.CCD gamma camera assembly 130 is made of CCD gamma camera 132 and glide base 131 '.Locate uprightly to be formed with abutting part 131 ' a at glide base 131 '.And micrometer 133 is installed on the glide base 131, and micrometer 133 has the function of domain type photography element 130a being adjusted to the position of this scanning respective face.

On supporting base 129, also as shown in figure 49, be fixed with holding frame 144, and 145 is pilot hole.This pilot hole 145 extends along the glide direction of glide base 131.Glide base 131 is installed by fixed pin 136, and is fixed on the supporting base 129.

Benchmark pedestal 111 is determined in the position that is equipped with on writing unit position determining component 101 as shown in figure 50.This companion puts and determines that benchmark pedestal 111 is fixed on the writing unit position determining component 101 by fastener 142.Determine that in this position the bottom of benchmark pedestal 111 is formed with abutting part 147.Determine that in this position the position that the top of benchmark pedestal 111 is equipped with shown in Figure 51 determines block part 115.

Determine that in the position block part 115 places are formed with circular fit hole 120, and be formed with in conjunction with pin 121.LD holding plate 119 is installed in this position and determines on the block part 115.Reference laser diode 127 is installed on the LD holding plate 119.The center of circular fit hole 120 with when design predetermined outgoing track Qn point to identical direction.

For this variant embodiment, can the benchmark pixel K that use reference laser diode 127 be specified, writing unit 1 is taken off by writing unit position determining component 101 places, and reference laser diode 127 is arranged on the writing unit position determining component 101.Take off the position and determine benchmark pedestal 111, and writing unit 1 is arranged on the writing unit position determining component 101.

[adjusting gear that the response evaluation result is used]

Below the adjusting gear of implementing operation according to the evaluation result of first to fourth evaluating apparatus is described.

Figure 20 shows the adjusting gear of implementing operation according to the evaluation that assessment item a is carried out.

[structure by the writing position of the mobile adjustment main scanning direction of synchro pick-up constitutes]

The beam center O1 that Figure 20 shows on the hot spot S only when deviation delta X is arranged, writes the structure form of the composition that assembly is adjusted in the starting position with respect to the benchmark pixel K (benchmark writing position Z1) that writes the beginning side along main scanning direction.

For with respect to the writing position Z1 that writes the beginning side, beam center O1 only has the occasion of deviation delta X along main scanning direction Q1, make synchro pick-up 27 along with the light beam direct of travel mutually the main scanning direction Q1 of quadrature move, and then adjust.

This synchro pick-up 27 is installed on as shown in figure 21 the movable body 47, and movable body 47 movably is arranged on the axis of guide 48 that stretches along main scanning direction Q1.This axis of guide 48 is connected across the structure formation wall 49,49 ' of a part that constitutes writing unit 1 and locates, on structure formation wall 49, also be provided with and adjust screw 50, thereby can be threaded on the threaded portion 51 that is formed at structure formation wall 49 places adjusting screw 50.

Cross-over connection has the extension spring 52 as elastic parts between movable body 47 and structure formation wall 49, and the latter is pressed to structure with movable body 47 and constituted wall 49.The leading section 50a that adjusts screw 50 contacts with the wall portion place of movable body 47.

Rotate by the Direct/Reverse of freely adjusting screw 50, can make movable body 47 along main scanning direction Q1 fine motion, thereby as shown in figure 22, to adjusting by synchro pick-up 27 to the distance L 6 that writes between the benchmark pixel K (reference position Z1), thus can be on main scanning direction, making when design, predetermined to write reference position Z1 consistent with beam center O1, and can revise the fashionable main pulse of writing that the read-write starting position is located.

[structure that reads the position by the mobile adjustment main scanning direction of writing unit or imaging unit constitutes 1]

In above-mentioned example, be that synchro pick-up 27 is revised along the fashionable main pulse of writing that writes the place, starting position that main scanning direction moves, and in this first variant embodiment, be mode, carry out needed adjustment writing fashionable main pulse by writing unit 1 and imaging unit 53 are relatively moved along main scanning direction Q1.

Figure 23 shows the position relation between writing unit 1 and the imaging unit 53, here, is provided with developing cell 54, transfer printing unit 55 and charhing unit 56 at least in the pivot region of the photosensitive drums on imaging unit 53 25.And transfer printing unit 55 and charhing unit 56 can be whole and constitute.The cleaning assemblies of latent image carrier, discharge assembly (not shown) also can be set to one with imaging unit 53.Sub scanning direction Q3 and the light shaft positive cross that exposes to the light beam of photosensitive drums 25.

As shown in Figure 24, agent structure formation wall 57 places at image processing system are formed with the pilot hole 58 that extends along the longitudinal direction of main scanning direction Q1, constitute wall 53a place projection at the imaging cellular construction that constitutes imaging unit 53 and be provided with supporting pin 53b, and projection is provided with hub portion 53c.Be formed with threaded portion 53d at hub portion 53c place, supporting pin 53b and pilot hole 58 tablings.

Agent structure constitutes wall 57 and is provided with and adjusts screw 59, and this adjustment screw 59 is threaded with threaded portion 53d on the hub portion 53c.When adjusting screw 59, imaging unit 53 can move along main scanning direction Q1 with respect to writing unit 1, thereby can implement to adjust, and then the predetermined correction of writing fashionable main pulse that writes the place, starting position can realize design with respect to main scanning direction the time with respect to the imaging unit (photosensitive drums 25) 53 of light beam P1 along the position of main scanning direction Q1.

[structure by the writing position of the mobile adjustment main scanning direction of writing unit or imaging unit constitutes 2]

In adjusting structure 1, be imaging unit 53 to be moved along main scanning direction Q1 by adjusting being threaded between the threaded portion 53d on screw 59 and the hub portion 53c, thereby adjust along main scanning direction Q1 enforcing location with respect to the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1, in this variant embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 25, imaging unit 53 is arranged on along on the guide rail 60 of main scanning direction Q1 extension, thereby can be moved.This imaging unit 53 pulls to the direction that constitutes wall 57 towards agent structure by the spring 61 as elastic parts.Be formed with threaded portion 62 on agent structure constitutes wall 57, and adjust screw 59 and be threaded with threaded portion 62, the leading section 59a that adjusts screw 59 contacts with imaging cellular construction formation wall 53a.

When rotating by the direction that weakens to power that makes the leading section 59a extruding imaging cellular construction of adjusting screw 59 constitute wall 53a when adjusting screw 59, imaging unit 53 will move in the direction shown in the arrow a1 of the resilient force lower edge of spring 61, when adjusting screw 59 by the direction rotation that makes the leading section 59a extruding imaging cellular construction of adjusting screw 59 constitute wall 53a to the power enhancing, imaging unit 53 will be under the squeezing action of this adjustment screw 59, suppress the elastic force of spring 61 and move, so just can carry out of the position adjustment of the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1 with respect to main scanning direction Q1 along the direction shown in the arrow a2.

[structure by the writing position of the mobile adjustment main scanning direction of writing unit or imaging unit constitutes 3]

As shown in Figure 26, the constituted mode of this adjustment structure 3 is that imaging unit 53 is arranged on movably along on the guide rail 60 of main scanning direction Q1 extension, and also be formed with rack rails portion 63 at 53 places, imaging unit, on the other hand, agent structure constitutes wall 57 places and also is provided with the adjustment axle 64 that operation and installation are used, the axial region of adjusting axle 64 is provided with 63 pinion in mesh 65 with rack rails portion, by the mode that pinion wheel 65 is meshed with rack rails portion 63, imaging unit 53 is moved along main scanning direction Q1.

[by the structure 4 of the writing position of the mobile adjustment main scanning direction of writing unit or imaging unit]

Adjusting structure 1 all is that imaging unit 53 is moved along main scanning direction Q1 to adjusting structure 3, and then carry out the position adjustment of the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1, and in this variant embodiment 4, as shown in Figure 27, imaging unit 53 is fixed, by making writing unit 1, the main scanning direction Q1 of light beam P1 is carried out the position adjustment along the moving of main scanning direction Q1.Agent structure constitute on the wall 57 with writing unit 1 corresponding position, be formed with the pilot hole 66 that extends along the longitudinal direction of main scanning direction Q1, constitute wall 1b place projection in the writing unit structure and be provided with supporting pin 67, and projection is provided with hub portion 68.68 places are formed with threaded portion 69 in hub portion, and supporting pin 67 and pilot hole 66 tablings.

Agent structure constitutes wall 57 and is provided with adjustment screw 70, adjusts screw 70 and also is arranged on the writing unit structure formation wall 1b, and this adjustment screw 70 is threaded in 69 places, threaded portion of hub portion 68.When adjusting screw 70, writing unit 1 will move along main scanning direction Q1 with respect to imaging unit 53, thereby the imaging unit 53 of realizing light beam P1 is adjusted along the position of main scanning direction Q1.

[by the structure 5 of the writing position of the mobile adjustment main scanning direction of writing unit or imaging unit]

Adjust structure 1 to adjust structure 4 all be imaging unit 53 is arranged on below, above writing unit 1 is arranged on, and to the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1 carrying out along main scanning direction Q1 that the position adjusts, and in this variant embodiment 5, be writing unit 1 is arranged on below, above imaging unit 53 is arranged on, and the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1 is adjusted along the position of main scanning direction Q1.

This variant embodiment 5 is fixed imaging unit 53 as shown in Figure 28, and writing unit 1 is arranged on along on the guide rail 71 of main scanning direction Q1 extension, thereby can be moved.This writing unit 1 pulls to the direction that agent structure constitutes wall 57 by the spring 72 as elastic parts.Be formed with threaded hole 73 on agent structure constitutes wall 57, and adjust screw 74 and be threaded with this threaded hole 73, the leading section 74a that adjusts screw 74 contacts with writing unit structure formation wall 1b.

When rotating by the direction that weakens to power that makes the leading section 74a extruding of adjusting screw 74 constitute wall 1b when adjusting screw 74 to the writing unit structure, writing unit 1 will move in the direction shown in the arrow a3 of the resilient force lower edge of spring 72, when adjusting screw 74 by the direction rotation that makes the leading section 74a extruding writing unit structure of adjusting screw 74 constitute wall 1b to the power enhancing, writing unit 1 will be under the squeezing action of this adjustment screw 74, suppress the elastic force of spring 72 and move along the direction shown in the arrow a4, so just can be to the position adjustment of the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1 along main scanning direction Q1.

[folding the structure of the writing position of the mobile adjustment main scanning direction that carries the position by paper]

Figure 52 is carried out the synoptic diagram of the structure of writing position adjustment usefulness along the slippage of main scanning direction Q1 by the folded year position of paper for expression.

Shown in Figure 52 (a), this embodiment is provided with LED1～LEDn that lateral rails is used at 26 places, surface near photosensitive drums 25.These LED1～LEDn are shown in Figure 52 (b), along the direction configuration corresponding with main scanning direction Q1.

These LED1～LEDn are by implementing light emitting control with the corresponding mode of antiquarian.These LED1～LEDn can be by the mode that matches with antiquarian, adhere to along the developing toner on the lateral rails (direction of transfer (sub scanning direction Q3)) of photosensitive drums 25 is used.Be that LED1～LEDn is used for exposure is implemented in two ends of photosensitive drums 25.

Be provided with the folded pallet 100,101 that carries of paper at 53 places, imaging unit.Here, also be provided with lateral guide to fixed head installation portion 102 at folded pallet 100 places of carrying of paper.This lateral guide is provided with lateral guide to fixed head 103 to fixed head installation portion 102, this lateral guide on fixed head 103 can side direction guide way 104 being installed with respect to the mode that antiquarian slides.The glide direction of this side direction guide way 104 is corresponding with main scanning direction Q1 (with the direction of paper conveyance direction phase quadrature).

Lateral guide to fixed head 103 can be with respect to lateral guide to fixed head installation portion 102 along the direction identical adjustment of sliding with side direction guide way 104, for can be according to the evaluation result of evaluating apparatus 1～evaluating apparatus 4, according to the writing position correction writing position is implemented to adjust along main scanning direction Q1, also be provided with elongated hole 105, and in elongated hole 105, also be provided with and the corresponding scale of writing position correction.To lateral guide after fixed head 103 has carried out this adjustment, utilize fixed pin etc. to be fixed in lateral guide on fixed head installation portion 102.

If be exactly for instance, for getting the occasion that lateral length A3 is a lateral dimensions, by CPU LED1, LED2 and LEDn-1, LEDn are implemented light emitting control, if supposition only has the writing position of a LED to be arranged in the occasion that must revise along main scanning direction Q1 (occasion of setovering upward for writing position at Figure 52 (a)), the light emitting control of the LED of various sizes can be implemented by this part, and, can implement light emitting control to LED1, LEDn-2, LEDn-1, LEDn for getting the occasion that lateral length is the paper of A3.

If needed writing position is carried out the deviation adjustment along main scanning direction Q1, sheet transport position is offseted away.But also can with paper in the process that photosensitive drums 25 transmits, Yi Bian transmit paper one edge main scanning direction Q1 slippage.

[by the structure of the writing position of the mobile adjustment sub scanning direction of writing unit or imaging unit]

This adjustment structure can according to obtain by first～the 4th evaluating apparatus, to the result of the evaluation (assessment item b) of as shown in figure 29 subscan writing position, along by writing unit 1 outgoing and expose to photosensitive drums light beam direct of travel with main scanning direction Q1 mutually the sub scanning direction Q3 of quadrature implement to adjust.

In other words be exactly, this adjustment structure constitutes can be by writing unit 1 and imaging unit 53 relative to the mode that moves along sub scanning direction Q3, carry out needed adjustment to writing fashionable main pulse, thereby as shown in figure 29, it is a kind of beam center O1 ' that can make hot spot S only has the departure of Δ y along sub scanning direction Q3 the adjustment assembly that writes the starting position.

As shown in Figure 30, constitute wall 57 places in agent structure and be formed with the adjustment screw 75 that constitutes a moving assembly part, and be formed with the pilot hole 76 that extends along sub scanning direction Q3.1 place is provided with supporting pin 77 at writing unit, and is formed with hub portion 78.78 places are formed with threaded portion 79 in hub portion, adjust screw 75 and are threaded with threaded portion 79 on the hub portion 78 thereby can make.When regulating adjustment screw 75, writing unit 1 can move along sub scanning direction Q3 with respect to imaging unit 53, thereby can adjust along the position of sub scanning direction Q3 the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1.

This adjustment structure is that writing unit 1 is moved along sub scanning direction Q3, and then the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1 carried out along sub scanning direction Q3 the position adjusts, but also can adopt following structures to constitute, promptly form supporting pin 77 and the hub portion 78 that constitutes a moving assembly part at 53 places, imaging unit, imaging unit 53 is moved along sub scanning direction Q3, and then the position of the imaging unit 53 of light beam P1 is adjusted.

Its structure constitutes can also be for rotating moving assembly by the adjustment axle that disposes the operation turn-knob, and then the form of the composition that pinion wheel is meshed with this pinion wheel.

[implementing the structure that the degree of depth is adjusted] by laser diode (LD) assembly

Here, the light beam convergent part correction appropriate amount Δ W that is solved in the time of can estimating according to the degree of depth, the mode that collimation lens 13,14 is moved along the light path of light beam P1, the length of adjustment light path illustrates this optical path length adjustment assembly below with reference to Figure 32.

Constitute the mounting base 81 that is fixed with laser diode 11 (12) on the wall 1b by pin 82 in the writing unit structure, this mounting base 81 is provided with the mounting hole 83 of laser diode 11 (12) and the mounting hole 84 of collimation lens 13 (14).Laser diode 11 (12) chimeric being fixed in the mounting hole 83.Collimation lens 13 (14) remains in the lens barrel 85, and perimembranous is formed with outer screw section 86 in the outside of lens barrel 85.In mounting hole 84, be formed with female screw portion 87,, lens barrel 85 can be remained on the mounting base 81 in relatively-movable mode by being threaded between outer screw section 86 and the female screw portion 87.

To the position adjustment of light beam convergent part Bw is mode by lens barrel 85 is rotated, moves these collimation lenses 13 (14) and realizes along optical axis direction Q5 with respect to the collimation lens 13 (14) of laser diode 11,12.After light beam convergent part Bw is adjusted, can be with lens barrel 85 being fixed on the mounting base 81 such as bonding agent or the like.

[implementing the structure 1 that the degree of depth is adjusted] by writing unit or imaging unit

In above-mentioned example, be to make collimation lens 13,14 move along its optical axis direction, and then adjustment beam waist diameter, and this variant embodiment as shown in figure 33, agent structure constitutes wall 57 and is provided with installation hole 88a and the screw thread installation portion 88b that extends along short transverse, writing unit structure formation wall 1b is provided with the guide finger 89 with pilot hole 58 tablings, and the elastic force of passing through extension spring 90 pushes writing unit 1 to live upward, and screw thread installation portion 88b is provided with and adjusts the threaded portion 92 that screw 91 is threaded, the leading section 91a that adjusts screw 91 contacts with guide finger 89, and regulate interval between writing unit 1 and the imaging unit 53 by the rotation of adjusting screw 91, so just, can change optical path length, and then carry out of the position adjustment of beam waist diameter with respect to the surface 26 of photosensitive drums 25.

[implementing the structure 2 that the degree of depth is adjusted] by writing unit or imaging unit

In adjusting structure 1, be provided with the adjustment screw 91 of regulating interval usefulness between writing unit 1 and the imaging unit 53, in adjusting structure 2 then as shown in figure 34, constitute wall 57 places in agent structure and be provided with adjusting turn-knob 94, be provided with offset cam 96 at axial region 95 places that regulate turn-knob, writing unit 1 place be provided with offset cam 96 on the contacted contact site 97 of cam surface 96a, utilization is connected across in conjunction with the extension spring 90 between pin 93 and the guide finger 89, can form the structure that is slidingly connected between contact site 97 and cam surface 96a constitutes, optical path length between writing unit 1 and the imaging unit 53 can be changed by the mode of rotate regulating turn-knob 94, thereby the position adjustment of beam waist diameters can be implemented with respect to the surface 26 of photosensitive drums 25.

The structure that optical path length is adjusted assembly constitutes and can also adjust screw thread for passing through, and then the form of the composition that pinion wheel is meshed with this pinion wheel.

The structure here constitutes writing unit 1 is moved along sub scanning direction, but also can adopt the structure that imaging unit 53 is moved to constitute.

[adjustment that the foundation evaluation result relevant with other assessment item carried out]

(a) when the evaluation that assessment item c, d are carried out is positioned at outside the allowed band, can think that polygon prism 19 breaks down, so preferably the polygon prism 19 that carries on writing unit 1 is implemented to change.

(b) when the evaluation that assessment item e, f are carried out is positioned at outside the allowed band, tackles the opening diameter of the diaphragm parts (not shown) in the light path that is arranged between laser diode LD and the polygon prism 19 and adjust.This diaphragm parts are configured in the dead astern of conventional collimation lens usually along the light beam direct of travel.The adjustment of the opening diameter of this diaphragm parts can realize by the adjustment that the adjustment assembly of machinery is implemented diaphragm component openings diameter, also can be by being configured in diaphragm parts in the light path by taking out in the light path with current, and the mode of being replaced by the diaphragm parts with other opening diameter realizes.

(c), promptly, adjust by the mode of changing f θ lens, catoptron to the evaluation of magnification error, magnification error deviation preferably according to assessment item g, i.

When the optical element that constitutes f θ lens 23 that light beam that ground reflects by polygon prism 19 guides to the optical system of photosensitive drums 25, catoptron 24 etc. produces optical defect, produce quite high to the influential result's of the optical path length of optical axis O10 left and right directions possibility.

For the occasion that only exists as the magnification error of assessment item g, then shown in Figure 53 (a), can make catoptron 24 or f θ lens 23 rotate and it is adjusted to predetermined angle along its optical axis O10.

(d), promptly, adjust by the mode of changing f θ lens 23 or replacing catoptron 24 to the evaluation of inclining scanning line, sweep trace curve preferably according to assessment item h, j.

When the f θ lens 23 in constituting the optical system that the light beam that is reflected by polygon prism 19 is guided to photosensitive drums 25, catoptron 24 or the like optical element produces optical defect, produce quite high to the influential result's of the optical path length of optical axis left and right directions possibility.

For the occasion that only exists as the scanning plane inclination of assessment item h, then shown in Figure 53 (b), can make f θ lens 23 rotate and be adjusted to predetermined angle, and can implement adjustment to the angle of inclination of catoptron 24 along the direction shown in the arrow O11 along its optical axis O10.

(e) can rotate and its mode that is adjusted to predetermined angular is implemented to adjust along optical axis by making the assembly that is installed on several LD according to assessment item m, the evaluation promptly pitch interval carried out.

(f) can implement to adjust by the mode that the velocity of rotation of polygon prism 19 is adjusted according to assessment item k, the evaluation promptly carried out sweep time.Similar shown in this and Figure 53 (a) can rotate and it is adjusted to the mode of predetermined angle along its optical axis O10 by making catoptron 24 or f θ lens 23, implements the adjustment to sweep time.

(g) can be according to assessment item l, the evaluation the promptly degree of depth carried out, by adjusting as Figure 32～explanation shown in Figure 34.

Claims (5)

1. writing unit method of adjustment, it is characterized in that by making the light beam that penetrates by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed on the surface of latent image carrier, form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used, according to implementing to adjust with respect to the mode that described latent image carrier relatively moves along main scanning direction along the deviation on the main scanning direction of light beam.

2. writing unit method of adjustment, it is characterized in that by making the light beam that penetrates by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed on the surface of latent image carrier, form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used, according to implementing adjustment with respect to the mode that the imaging unit that a described latent image carrier is housed at least relatively moves along main scanning direction along the deviation on the main scanning direction of light beam.

3. writing unit method of adjustment, it is characterized in that by making the light beam that penetrates by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed on the surface of latent image carrier, form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used, according to along as by this writing unit to this both direction of light beam direct of travel and main scanning direction of described imaging unit incident light beam deviation on the sub scanning direction of quadrature and, implement to adjust mutually along the mode that sub scanning direction relatively moves with respect to described latent image carrier.

4. writing unit method of adjustment, it is characterized in that by making the light beam that penetrates by the interior LASER Light Source that optical scanning system is housed on the surface of latent image carrier, form the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used, according to along as by this writing unit to this both direction of light beam direct of travel and main scanning direction of described imaging unit incident light beam deviation on the sub scanning direction of quadrature and, implement to adjust mutually along the mode that sub scanning direction relatively moves with respect to the imaging unit that a described latent image carrier is housed at least.

5. writing unit method of adjustment, it is characterized in that optical scanning system being housed and determining that the latent image carrier is implemented to write the light beam that the LASER Light Source of the synchro pick-up of fashionable main pulse penetrates forms the writing unit that electrostatic latent image is used on the surface of described latent image carrier by making by interior, according to respect to described latent image carrier along the deviation of described light beam on main scanning direction, by the mode that described synchro pick-up is moved along main scanning direction, the said write unit is implemented to adjust along the deviation on the main scanning direction of light beam with respect to described latent image carrier.

Images