JP2001174731A - Multi-beam light source device and multi-beam scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-beam light source device which can improve the assembling efficiency by enabling the subscanning pitch of the beam spot array of each semiconductor laser array to be easily and surely adjusted by a simple work. SOLUTION: Two semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 are individually supported on a base member 15 freely turnably and adjustably around revolving shafts 16 and 17 made approximately parallel with their exit axes, and revolving shafts 16 and 17 are made nonparallel with each other to separate beam spot arrays of semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 on a scan object surface, and thus the attitude of each of semiconductor arrays 11 and 12 can be independently kept to improve the assembling efficiency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is applied to an optical writing / scanning apparatus of an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a laser printer, and in particular, simultaneously scans a surface to be scanned such as a photoconductor with a plurality of laser beams. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-beam light source device used for performing the scanning and a multi-beam scanning device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, as a method of improving a recording speed in an optical scanning device used in an optical writing system, there is a method of increasing a rotation speed of a polygon mirror as a deflecting means. However, in this method, durability, noise, vibration, laser modulation speed, and the like of the polygon motor are problematic, and there is a limit in improving the recording speed.

Therefore, a multi-beam scanning apparatus has been proposed in which a plurality of laser beams are scanned at one time to simultaneously record a plurality of recording lines. For example, JP-A-56-4
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2248, a semiconductor laser array in which a plurality of light emitting sources (light emitting points) are monolithically arranged in an array is used as a light source.

Normally, the light output of a semiconductor laser is detected by utilizing the scanning time outside the image area for each scanning line, and the amount of applied current is set by feedback control. Although the semiconductor laser array as in the above-mentioned publication example has a plurality of light-emitting sources (light-emitting points), since the sensor for detecting the light output is common, the output setting from the detection of the light output to the feedback is performed in time series. I have no choice. Therefore, as the number of light sources in the semiconductor laser array increases, the time required for this processing increases, and there is a high possibility that the scanning time outside the image area for each scan will not be enough. If not, the above processing is performed using the scanning time between pages. However, in this case, the set applied current amount must be held for a long time, during which the laser output fluctuates. The image density may change.

[0005] In this regard, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-72407, laser beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting points of a plurality of semiconductor laser arrays are combined using a beam combining means such as a prism. A multi-beam light source unit configured to emit a plurality of laser beams from a light source has been proposed. According to this, since the number of light emitting points required for one semiconductor laser array can be halved, the processing time required for detecting the light output of these light emitting points and setting the light output by feedback control is also reduced. Can be halved. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a high-quality image while minimizing the fluctuation of the image density.

[0006]

In each of the plurality of semiconductor laser arrays, a single collimator lens is provided for a plurality of light emitting points, and the laser light from each light emitting point is converted into a parallel light beam. , Into the scanning optical system.
Here, the adjacent pitch of the beam spot array is determined by the sub-scanning magnification of the entire scanning optical system.

However, since the semiconductor laser arrays are projected with their arrangement intervals enlarged to the adjacent pitch of the beam spot array on the image plane by the sub-scanning magnification of the entire scanning optical system, the arrangement angle of the semiconductor laser arrays and the semiconductor Unless the arrangement relationship between the laser arrays is precisely adjusted, there is a problem that the arrangement order of the beam spots does not match, and good pitch accuracy cannot be obtained.

Accordingly, the present invention improves the assembling efficiency by making it possible to adjust the sub-scanning pitch of the individual beam spot arrays of the semiconductor laser array, and to make it possible to easily and surely perform the adjustment by a simple operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-beam light source device.

Further, the present invention makes it possible to adjust the relative positioning between the beam spot arrays of the semiconductor laser array, and to improve the assembly efficiency by making it possible to perform the adjustment easily and reliably by a simple operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-beam light source device.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a multi-beam light source device capable of performing high-quality image recording as in the case of a single beam even when scanning multiple beams using two semiconductor laser arrays as described above. It is an object to provide a multi-beam scanning device.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A first semiconductor laser array having a plurality of light emitting points on a straight line, a second semiconductor laser array having the same structure as the first semiconductor laser array, and a plurality of light emitting points emitted from the first semiconductor laser array. A first coupling lens for coupling the laser light, a second coupling lens for coupling a plurality of laser lights emitted from the second semiconductor laser array, the first semiconductor laser array, A first coupling lens is disposed on a first emission axis, and a second semiconductor laser array and the second coupling lens are separated by a predetermined angle with respect to the first emission axis. A base member that is disposed on the emission axis and supports these members integrally, and the first semiconductor laser array is set substantially parallel to the first emission axis. The second semiconductor laser array is set to be substantially parallel to the second emission axis, and is supported by the base member so as to be freely rotatable about the first rotation axis. The base member is supported so as to be freely rotatable about a second rotation axis that is not parallel to the axis.

Accordingly, the first and second two semiconductor laser arrays are individually and rotatably adjustable on the base member about the first and second rotation axes set substantially in parallel with the emission axes thereof. In addition to the support, the first and second rotation axes are non-parallel to each other, so that the beam spot array of each semiconductor laser array can be separated, and the attitude can be maintained independently for each semiconductor laser array. And the assembly efficiency can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the multi-beam light source device according to the first aspect, a plurality of laser beams emitted from the first and second semiconductor laser arrays are scanned to form a beam spot on a surface to be scanned. And a holder member that is provided so as to be rotatable and adjustable about a third rotation axis set substantially parallel to the optical axis of the scanning optical system and that holds the base member.

Therefore, the first and second pair of semiconductor laser arrays and the coupling lens are supported on the same base member, and the third base member is set substantially parallel to the optical axis of the scanning optical system. Since the holder member is held rotatably about the rotation axis of the laser beam, fine adjustment of the relative position in the sub-scanning direction between the beam spot rows of each semiconductor laser array is possible, and the pitch setting accuracy is improved. High-quality image recording can be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first semiconductor laser array having a plurality of light emitting points on a straight line;
A second semiconductor laser array having the same structure as that of the first semiconductor laser array, a first collimator lens for coupling laser light emitted from the first semiconductor laser array, and a second collimator lens emitted from the second semiconductor laser array. A second collimator lens for coupling the laser beam, and the first semiconductor laser array and the first coupling lens are arranged on a first emission axis so as to be positioned with respect to the first emission axis. A first base member that is supported so as to be integrally rotatable and adjustable about a first rotation axis set substantially in parallel, the second semiconductor laser array, and the second coupling lens; A second support shaft disposed on the injection shaft and supported so as to be integrally rotatable about a second rotation shaft that is set substantially parallel to the second injection shaft and is non-parallel to the first rotation shaft; 2 base members and , Is provided.

Accordingly, the semiconductor laser array and the coupling lens for each of the first and second pairs can be freely rotated and adjusted about the first and second rotation axes set substantially in parallel with the emission axis. Since the first and second rotation axes are made non-parallel to each other while being integrally supported by the first and second base members, the semiconductor laser array is maintained while maintaining the positional relationship between the coupling lens and the light emitting point. This makes it possible to perform pitch adjustment every time, avoiding the influence of the pitch adjustment on other optical performance, making it possible to perform adjustment easily and reliably, and to improve assembly efficiency.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-beam light source device according to the third aspect, a plurality of laser beams emitted from the first and second semiconductor laser arrays are scanned to form a beam spot on a surface to be scanned. And a holder member that is provided so as to be rotatable and adjustable about a third rotation axis set substantially parallel to an optical axis of a scanning optical system for forming the first and second base members. .

Accordingly, the first and second pair of base members are held on the same holder member, and the holder member is centered on the third rotation axis set substantially parallel to the optical axis of the scanning optical system. The rotation position is freely adjustable, so that fine adjustment of the relative position between the beam spot rows of each semiconductor laser array in the sub-scanning direction is possible, the pitch setting accuracy is improved, and high-quality image recording can be performed. it can.

The invention according to claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 4
In the multi-beam light source device according to any one of the above, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are set to intersect near a polygon mirror reflection point in the scanning optical system.

Therefore, by setting the first and second rotation axes so as to intersect in the vicinity of the reflection point of the polygon mirror in the scanning optical system, it is possible to suppress variations in optical performance due to the difference in the reflection point position. Thus, high-quality image recording can be performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-beam scanning device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and a plurality of laser beams output from the multi-beam light source are deflected and scanned. A scanning optical system having a deflecting unit for causing the laser beam to be deflected and scanned by the deflecting unit, and an imaging optical system for forming an image on the surface to be scanned as a light spot.

Accordingly, it is possible to perform optical writing on a surface to be scanned such as a photoreceptor in a state where the intervals between the light spots are uniform, and thus it is possible to perform high-quality image recording.

[0023]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, as an assumption of the present embodiment, an image forming relationship when a semiconductor laser array is used will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1 shows 2
Assuming that the interval between the light emitting points of the semiconductor laser array 1 having the two light emitting points 1a and 1b is d, the component in the sub-scanning direction is ds, and the sub-scanning magnification of the scanning optical system 2 is β, the surface to be scanned (the image surface The sub-scanning pitch Ps on (3) is generally expressed by Ps = β · ds. Reference numeral 4 denotes a collimating lens (coupling lens) having a focal length f.

Here, since the sub-scanning magnification β is usually about 3 to 7 times, when the light emitting point interval d of the semiconductor laser array 1 is relatively narrow (10 to 30 μm), it is shown in FIG. The light emitting points 1a and 1b are arranged in the sub-scanning direction in the sub-scanning direction as described above, and a predetermined sub-scanning pitch Ps (for example, 16 dots / m
In the case of m, the sub-scanning magnification β is designed in accordance with the light emitting point interval d so as to obtain 63.5 μm).
On the other hand, when the interval d between the light emitting points of the semiconductor laser array 1 is relatively wide (100 to 150 μm), the arrangement direction of the light emitting points 1a and 1b is set to the main scanning direction as shown in FIG. The sub-scanning magnification β is designed by using the sub-scanning direction component generated by tilting by an angle θ in a vertical plane.

Here, in the present embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 2A is assumed, and basically, as shown in FIG.
Semiconductor laser array having four light emitting points 1a to 1d
The scanning optical system 2 is designed so as to obtain a predetermined sub-scanning pitch when the light-emitting point interval 14 μm is used and the optical axis C of the collimating lens 4 is symmetrical and accurately arranged in the sub-scanning direction. (d = ds).

Under such a premise, a configuration example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-beam light source device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional side view in an assembled state. In this embodiment, two semiconductor laser arrays 1 each having four light emitting points are provided.
8 using 1, 12 (first and second semiconductor laser arrays)
It is configured as a beam light source device. These semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 have the same structure.
Coupling lenses 13 and 14 (first and second coupling lenses) for forming a pair with these semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 and coupling the emitted light as parallel light to the scanning optical system are also provided. Have been.

The semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 are each slightly tilted in the main scanning direction (in this embodiment, about 1.
5 °) Half the thickness of the cylindrical heat sink portions 16 and 17 is individually fitted into the fitting holes 15 a and 15 b of the base member 15, and the projections 18 a and 19 a of the holding members 18 and 19 are cut out 16 a of the heat sink portions 16 and 17. , 17a are attached to the base member 15 by screws 20 from the rear side.

The base member 15 is fixed by screwing the screw 22 to the screw holes 15d and 15e via the elongated holes 21a and 21b in a state where the cylindrical engaging portion 15c is engaged with the holder member 21. Thus, a light source unit is configured. At this time, in order to align the light emitting points of the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12, the center of the cylindrical engagement portion 15 c is rotated with respect to the holder member 21 with respect to the holder member 21.
At the same time as adjusting the angle in the γ direction
The heat sinks 16 and 17 are so arranged that the arrangement direction of the light emitting points can always be kept parallel to the sub-scanning direction even by this angle adjustment.
The angles in the α direction can be freely corrected by rotating the holding members 18 and 19 about the center of each of them as a rotation axis (first and second rotation axes).

The coupling lenses 13 and 14 have semicircular mounting surfaces 15f and 15g of the base member 15 on their outer circumferences, respectively.
The divergent beam emitted from the light emitting point is positioned and bonded so as to become a parallel light flux.

The optical housing is mounted on the mounting wall 23.
The cylindrical portion 2 of the holder member 21 is inserted into the reference hole 23a formed in
1c is engaged and fixed by screws.

In this embodiment, the rotation axes (first and second rotation axes), which are the centers of the heat sink sections 16 and 17, are used as the emission axes a1 and a2, and the center of the cylindrical engagement section 15c is scanned. The optical axes C are substantially aligned with the optical axis C of the optical system, but need not necessarily be aligned, and may be substantially parallel so that the relationship shown in FIG. 6 is maintained.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the beam spot arrays of the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 on the surface to be scanned (image surface such as the surface of the photosensitive member). In FIG. 6, beam spots formed by the four light emitting points of the semiconductor laser array 11 are indicated by reference numerals 24a to 24d.
Beam spots formed by the light emitting points
25d. Since the light emitting points are arranged at equal intervals in the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12, the pitch Ps between the adjacent beam spots is also uniform. In the present embodiment, the sub-scanning magnification is set so as to be arranged every other line with respect to the recording pitch P. β
Is designed. Further, each semiconductor laser array 11,
Since the twelve emission axes a1 and a2 are slightly inclined in the main scanning direction, the beam spot rows are separated in the main scanning direction and are arranged at intervals x, and the arrangement of each beam spot row is performed by rotation in the γ direction. Is shifted by one line to scan each line.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, each of the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 has its emission axis a
1 and a2, the rotating shafts (first and second rotating shafts) are set so as to be substantially coincident with each other, and are supported so as to be able to rotate around the respective rotating shafts. Since they are non-parallel, the beam spot rows of the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 on the surface to be scanned can be separated, so that the attitude can be maintained independently for each of the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12. Efficiency is improved. In addition, the pair of semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 and the coupling lenses 13 and 14 are
The base member 15 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (third rotation axis) set substantially coincident with the optical axis C of the scanning optical system 2. Therefore, it is possible to finely adjust the relative position in the sub-scanning direction between the beam spot arrays of the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12, thereby improving the pitch setting accuracy. Therefore, high-quality image recording can be performed.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, basically, a semiconductor laser array (light emitting point interval 100 μm) 31 having two light emitting points 31 a and 31 b is used, and an optical axis of a collimating lens 32 is used. C is symmetrically arranged in the main scanning direction and rotated by an angle α in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis C, and an accurate predetermined sub-scanning pitch Ps in the sub-scanning direction is obtained by the sub-scanning direction component ds = d · sin α. The scanning optical system is designed to obtain.

Under such a premise, a configuration example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-beam light source device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional side view in an assembled state. In this embodiment,
Two semiconductor laser arrays 4 each having two light emitting points
4 using 1,42 (first and second semiconductor laser arrays)
It is configured as a beam light source device.

First, the semiconductor laser arrays 41 and 42 are press-fitted and fixed in fitting holes 43a and 44a formed in base members 43 and 44 (first and second base members), respectively. Coupling lenses 45 and 46 (first and second coupling lenses) have their outer circumferences formed on base members 43 and 44, respectively.
The divergent beams emitted from the two light emitting points of each of the semiconductor laser arrays 41 and 42 are positioned and adhered along the semicircular mounting surfaces 43b and 44b.

These base members 43, 44 are respectively provided with cylindrical engaging portions 43c, 44c on engaging surfaces 47a, 47c of the intermediate member 47 slightly inclined in the main scanning direction.
c, and screw 48 into two holes 47d, 4
It is fixed by screwing into the screw holes 43d and 44d via 7e. The intermediate member 47 is fixed to the holder member 49 by screwing a screw 50 to the screw holes 47f and 47g. Thus, the light source unit is configured. Here, the holder member 49 engages with a reference hole 51a formed in the optical housing mounting wall 51, and is positioned coaxially with the optical axis C of the scanning optical system so that the cylindrical portion 4 is moved.
9a is formed, and is rotatably adjusted about the center of the cylindrical portion 49a as a rotation axis (third rotation axis).

Further, the torsion spring 52 is connected to the reference hole 5.
1a, which is inserted into the cylindrical portion 49a of the holder member 49, one end 52a of which is inserted into the hole 53a of the retaining ring 53 and compresses the spring itself to thereby form the retaining ring 5
3 is hooked on a projection 49b formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 49a, and the other end 52c is hooked on a locking portion 51b of the optical housing mounting wall 51. Thus, the holder member 49 is attached so as to be in close contact with the optical housing attachment wall 51 by the urging force of the torsion spring 52. The rising portion 53c of the retaining ring 53 is engaged with the projection 49b of the holder member 49 to apply a clockwise rotational urging force, and the adjusting screw 54 is fixed to the housing against the urging force. Then, by abutting against a lever piece 49c formed on one side of the holder member 49, the adjustment screw 54 feeds the center of the cylindrical portion 49a as a rotation axis, and γ
It is held so that rotation can be adjusted in the direction.

At this time, each of the base members 43 and 44 is simultaneously rotatable and adjustable with respect to the holder member 49 with the centers of the cylindrical engagement portions 43c and 44c as the rotation axes (first and second rotation axes). As described above, the semiconductor laser arrays 41 and 42 are always kept at the predetermined angle α by the angle correction of the base members 43 and 44 in the α direction even if the γ adjustment is performed by the rotation adjustment of the holder member 49 as described above. Is configured to keep.

In this embodiment, the cylindrical engagement portion 43 is also provided.
Although the centers of a and 44a are substantially coincident with the injection axes a1 and a2, they do not necessarily have to coincide with each other, and may be substantially parallel so that the relationship shown in FIG. 10 is maintained.

FIG. 10 shows a surface to be scanned (image surface such as a photoreceptor surface).
The arrangement relationship of each beam spot array of the semiconductor laser arrays 41 and 42 above is shown. In FIG. 10, beam spots formed by the light emitting points of the semiconductor laser array 41 are indicated by 55a and 55b, and beam spots formed by the light emitting points of the semiconductor laser array 42 are indicated by 56a and 56b. The light emitting point interval d is projected onto the beam spot interval Pm by the magnification of the scanning optical system, but can be adjusted to the sub-scanning pitch P by tilting in the α direction for each beam spot row. Further, since the emission axes a1 and a2 of the semiconductor laser arrays 41 and 42 are slightly inclined in the main scanning direction, the beam spot rows are separated in the main scanning direction and are arranged at intervals x, and the beam spot rows are arranged in the γ direction. By rotating, the arrangement of each beam spot array is shifted by two lines to scan each line.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the base member 43 provided with the semiconductor laser array 41 and the coupling lens 45 on the emission axis a1, and the semiconductor laser array 42 and the coupling lens 46 provided with the emission axis a2 and the base member 44 provided on the injection shafts a1 and a2, respectively.
And is supported by the holder member 49 so as to be freely rotatable about each of the non-parallel rotation axes set substantially in conformity with the above, so that the arrangement relationship between the coupling lenses 45 and 46 and the light emitting point is maintained. Pitch adjustment for each of the semiconductor laser arrays 41 and 42 can be performed, and the influence on other optical performance due to the pitch adjustment can be avoided, the adjustment can be performed easily and reliably, and assembling efficiency is improved. . Further, the pair of base members 43 and 44 are connected to the same holder member 4.
9 and the holder member 49 is provided so as to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis set substantially coincident with the optical axis C of the scanning optical system. Fine adjustment of the relative position in the sub-scanning direction between the beam spot arrays is possible, the pitch setting accuracy is improved, and high-quality image recording can be performed.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment shows an application example of a light source unit (multi-beam light source device) 61 configured as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment to a laser printer.

In any embodiment, the light source unit 61 having the above-described structure can be used as a semiconductor laser array 62, 63 (11, 12 or 41, 42) as shown in FIG.
) And coupling lenses 64, 65 (13,
14 or 45, 46) to the emission axis a.
1 and a2, the emission angles are given symmetrically in the main scanning direction, and the emission axes a1 and a2 (accordingly, the first and second axes) are located near the reflection point of the polygon mirror 67 as the deflecting means in the scanning optical system 66. (Second rotation axes) are arranged to intersect. A plurality of laser beams emitted from each of the semiconductor laser arrays 62 and 63 are collectively deflected and scanned by a polygon mirror 67 via a cylinder lens 68, and an fθ lens 69, a mirror 70, and a toroidal lens which constitute a beam imaging optical system. A photosensitive member 72 as a surface to be scanned by 71
A plurality of lines are simultaneously written and recorded at a pitch P in the sub-scanning direction.

Therefore, the injection shafts a1 and a2 (first and second
The rotation axis of the polygon mirror 6 in the scanning optical system 66.
By setting so as to intersect near the reflection point 7, variation in optical performance due to the difference in the reflection point position can be suppressed, and thus high-quality image recording can be performed.

In the first embodiment, the semiconductor laser arrays 11 and 12 each having four light emitting points are used.
Although the semiconductor laser arrays 41 and 42 each having two light emitting points are used in the second embodiment, it is needless to say that the number of light emitting points is not limited.

[0047]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first and second semiconductor laser arrays are individually arranged on the basis of the first and second rotation axes set substantially parallel to the emission axes thereof. Since the first and second rotation axes are non-parallel to each other while being rotatably supported by the member, the beam spot rows of each semiconductor laser array can be separated, and each semiconductor laser array can be independently controlled. This posture can be maintained, and the assembling efficiency can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the multi-beam light source device according to the first aspect, the first and second pair of semiconductor laser arrays and the coupling lens are supported on the same base member, The base member is held by the holder member so as to be rotatable and adjustable about a third rotation axis set substantially parallel to the optical axis of the scanning optical system. Fine adjustment of the relative position in the scanning direction becomes possible, the pitch setting accuracy is improved, and high-quality image recording can be performed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the semiconductor laser array and the coupling lens are provided for each of the first and second pairs with the first and second rotation axes set substantially parallel to the emission axis. The first and second rotation members are integrally supported on the first and second base members, each of which is rotatable and adjustable as a center, and the first and second rotation axes are not parallel to each other. It is possible to adjust the pitch of each semiconductor laser array while maintaining the relationship,
It is possible to avoid the influence on the other optical performance due to the pitch adjustment, easily and reliably perform the adjustment, and improve the assembling efficiency.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-beam light source device according to the third aspect, the first and second pair of base members are held on the same holder member, and the holder member is scanned. Rotationally adjustable about a third rotation axis set substantially parallel to the optical axis of the optical system, so that fine adjustment of the relative position in the sub-scanning direction between the beam spot rows of each semiconductor laser array is possible. Thus, the pitch setting accuracy is improved, and high-quality image recording can be performed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-beam light source device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first and second rotation axes are set near the polygon mirror reflection point in the scanning optical system. Since they are set so as to intersect, it is possible to suppress variations in optical performance due to differences in the positions of the reflection points, and thus to perform high-quality image recording.

According to the multi-beam scanning device of the present invention, since the multi-beam light source device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is provided, the photosensitive member is provided in a state where the intervals between the light spots are uniform. , Etc., can be written on the surface to be scanned, so that high-quality image recording can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an optical system showing a relationship between a light emitting point pitch of a semiconductor laser array having two light emitting points and a sub-scanning pitch on a scanned surface as a premise of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement system of a plurality of light emitting points.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of arranging light emitting points as a premise of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the multi-beam light source device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional side view in the assembled state.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a beam spot array on a surface to be scanned.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of arranging light emitting points as a premise of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-beam light source device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional side view in the assembled state.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a beam spot array on a surface to be scanned.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a laser printer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 first semiconductor laser array 12 second semiconductor laser array 13 first coupling lens 14 second coupling lens 15 base member 21 holder member 41 first semiconductor laser array 42 second semiconductor laser array 43 1 base member 44 2nd base member 45 1st coupling lens 46 2nd coupling lens 49 holder member 61 multi-beam light source device 62 1st semiconductor laser array 63 2nd semiconductor laser array 64 1st Coupling lens 65 Second coupling lens 66 Scanning optical system 67 Polygon mirror 69, 71 Imaging optical system a1 First emission axis a2 Second emission axis C Optical axis of scanning optical system

Claims (6)

[Claims] A first semiconductor laser array having a plurality of light emitting points on a straight line; a second semiconductor laser array having the same structure as the first semiconductor laser array; and a first semiconductor laser array. A first coupling lens that couples a plurality of emitted laser beams; a second coupling lens that couples a plurality of laser beams emitted from the second semiconductor laser array; A semiconductor laser array and the first coupling lens are arranged on a first emission axis, and the second semiconductor laser array and the second coupling lens are fixed with respect to the first emission axis. Angled second
A base member disposed on the emission axis of the first semiconductor laser and integrally supporting these members, wherein a first rotation of the first semiconductor laser array is set substantially parallel to the first emission axis. The second semiconductor laser array is set to be substantially parallel to the second emission axis and is non-parallel to the first rotation axis. A multi-beam light source device which is supported on the base member so as to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis of (2). 2. A scanning optical system which scans a plurality of laser beams emitted from the first and second semiconductor laser arrays to form a beam spot on a surface to be scanned, and is set substantially parallel to an optical axis of the scanning optical system. The multi-beam light source device according to claim 1, further comprising a holder member provided to be rotatable about the third rotation axis and holding the base member. 3. A first semiconductor laser array having a plurality of light emitting points on a straight line, a second semiconductor laser array having the same structure as the first semiconductor laser array, and a first semiconductor laser array. A first collimator lens for coupling the emitted laser light, a second collimator lens for coupling the laser light emitted from the second semiconductor laser array, the first semiconductor laser array and the first The first coupling lens and the first coupling axis are arranged on a first exit axis, and are supported so as to be integrally rotatable and adjustable about a first rotation axis set substantially parallel to the first exit axis. The first base member, the second semiconductor laser array, and the second coupling lens are arranged on a second emission axis, and are set substantially parallel to the second emission axis. One A second base member that is supported so as to be integrally rotatable and adjustable about a second rotation axis that is non-parallel to the rotation axis. 4. A scanning optical system which scans a plurality of laser beams emitted from the first and second semiconductor laser arrays to form a beam spot on a surface to be scanned, and is set substantially parallel to an optical axis of the scanning optical system. 4. The multi-beam light source device according to claim 3, further comprising a holder member that is provided so as to be rotatable about the third rotation axis and holds the first and second base members. 5. The scanning optical system according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are set so as to intersect near a reflection point of a polygon mirror in the scanning optical system. Multi-beam light source device. 6. A multi-beam light source device according to claim 1, deflecting means for deflecting and scanning a plurality of laser beams output from the multi-beam light source device, and deflecting and scanning by the deflecting means. A scanning optical system having an imaging optical system that forms a plurality of laser beams onto the surface to be scanned as light spots.