JP2003098464A - Light source device, and optical scanner and image forming device having the device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To fix a light source device to a light source holding member without giving damage to it, and to hardly cause positional deviation even when environment such as the temperature is fluctuated or an impact force is applied. SOLUTION: When a tapered member 43 is press-fit in a tapered member insertion hole 48 formed near a stepped hole 46 for holding the semiconductor laser light source 41 of a base body 42, the peripheral wall part of the hole 48 is pressed and widened, whereby the outer periphery of the flange part 41b of the light source 41 is pressed against the wall surface of the hole 46 and fixed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention includes a light source device having a light source and a coupling lens for coupling a light beam from the light source, an optical scanning device having the light source device, and an optical scanning device thereof. Digital copier,
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some image forming apparatuses such as digital copying machines and laser printers are designed to form an image on an image bearing member by using light emitted from a light source. Such light is emitted by a light source device whose light source is, for example, a semiconductor laser. An example of the light source device is shown in FIG.
In this light source device, the semiconductor laser light source 211 is fixed to the base body 213 by being pressed into the step portion 213a of the base body 213 serving as a light source holding member, and the light flux emitted from the semiconductor laser light source 211 is transferred to the base body 213. Coupling lens 212 fixed to the protruding portion 213b of the
It is designed to be coupled by. In such a light source device, the distance from the light emitting point of the semiconductor laser light source 211 to the coupling lens 212, and the light emitting point of the semiconductor laser light source 211 and the coupling lens 212.
The positional relationship with the optical axis of is required to be precisely adjusted. Therefore, in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13, for example, the outer peripheral portion of the semiconductor laser light source 211 is first provided with the hole 213c of the base 213.
After press-fitting and fixing to the step portion 213a, the coupling lens 212 is moved by adjusting in the optical axis direction of the arrow A and in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and then the coupling lens 212 is projected. It is fixed by adhesion to.

There is also a conventional light source device having a structure as shown in FIG. In this light source device, the semiconductor laser light source 321 is inserted up to the step 313b of the hole 313a formed in the base 313, one end face 321a side thereof is pressed by a spring 328, and the spring 328 is fixed to the base 313 by screwing. is doing. The base 313 is the flange 32.
5, the base 313 can be moved in the arrow B direction with respect to the flange 325 by loosening the screw. Its flange 3
25, a hole 325a is opened in the optical axis direction, and a holder 323 holding a coupling lens 322 in the hole 325a can be moved and adjusted in the optical axis direction of arrow A. Then, the light flux emitted from the semiconductor laser light source 321 is coupled by the coupling lens 322. When assembling this light source device, the holder 323, which holds the coupling lens 322 fixed, is attached to the flange 3
No. 25 hole 325a is fitted, and the position of the hole is adjusted in the optical axis direction of arrow A, and then it is fixed to the flange 325 by adhesion or screwing. Next, the semiconductor laser light source 321
In order to adjust the positional relationship in the direction of the arrow B orthogonal to the optical axis with respect to the light emission point of the coupling lens 322, the base 313 fixing the semiconductor laser light source 321 is moved relative to the flange 325, and the optimum position is obtained. Then, the base 313 is fixed to the flange 325 by screwing.

[0004]

However, as shown in FIG.
In the case of the light source device shown in FIG.
A package part (collar part) that covers the outside of the semiconductor laser light source 211 when press-fitting into the hole 213c of the base 213.
Since a large compressive stress acts on the pin photodiode, there is a risk that the pin photodiode may be damaged, or the pin photodiode may be peeled off and fallen off. Also, when the semiconductor laser light source 211 fails,
Substrate 2 for disposal as it has expired
When it is necessary to remove the semiconductor laser light source 13, the semiconductor laser light source 211 is press-fitted into the base body 213, and it is not easy to remove the semiconductor laser light source 211. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the semiconductor laser light source 211 is connected to the hole 213 of the base 213.
When press-fitted into c, the semiconductor laser light source 211 pushes the hole 213c open as shown in the figure, so that the cylindrical portion 213d of the hole 213c tilts in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and A gap (S ₁ , S ₂ is formed between the rear end side peripheral surface of the laser light source 211 and the inner peripheral surface of the hole 213c.
There was also a possibility that a department would be created. If such a gap is formed, the position of the semiconductor laser light source 211 is likely to be displaced or tilted when the environmental temperature in which the light source device is placed fluctuates or a shock is applied thereto.

On the other hand, in the case of the light source device shown in FIG. 14, the semiconductor laser light source 321 is provided in the hole 313a of the base 313.
Since the semiconductor laser light source 321 is inserted into the hole 313a without being press-fitted, the semiconductor laser light source 321 can be reliably abutted against the step 313b of the hole 313a. Then, the hole 313a of the base 313
Since the inner diameter of the semiconductor laser light source 321 can be made larger than the outer diameter of the semiconductor laser light source 321 to be inserted therein, it is unlikely that the problem that occurs in the case of the light source device described in FIG. 13 occurs.
However, in the case of the light source device of FIG. 14, since there is a gap between the outer diameter of the portion of the semiconductor laser light source 321 to be inserted into the hole 313a and the inner diameter of the hole 313a of the base 313, the package of the semiconductor laser light source 321 is packaged. Part and base 31
3, or its package and semiconductor laser light source 321
If the coefficient of linear expansion differs from that of the spring 328 that fixes the substrate to the base 313, the position of the semiconductor laser light source 321 may shift in the direction of arrow B perpendicular to the optical axis due to temperature fluctuations.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and prevents the light source from being damaged by fixing it to the light source holding member by applying an excessive force. To Further, another object of the present invention is to prevent the light source from being displaced even if the environment such as temperature changes in the fixed state of the light source or an impact force is applied to the environment.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a light source, a light source holding member for holding the light source, and a coupling lens for coupling a light beam emitted from the light source. In the light source device, the light source is fixed to the light source holding member by inserting a taper portion of the taper member near a portion of the light source holding member which holds the light source. The taper member may be press-fitted in the vicinity of a portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source so that the light source is fixed to the light source holding member. Further, a plurality of the taper members may be provided near the portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source. In any one of the light source devices, an elastic body that presses the light source, which is set in the light source holding member of the light source holding member, against the light source holding member may be provided.

Further, by providing a plurality of the light sources, and corresponding to at least two or more of the plurality of light sources, the taper portion of the taper member is inserted in the vicinity of the light source holding portion of the light source holding member. It is preferable to fix the light sources to the light source holding members. Further, in any one of the above light source devices, a portion of the light source holding member where the taper member is inserted penetrates the light source holding member, and the taper member is inserted from a side opposite to the insertion side of the taper member of the penetrating portion. A member for removal may be insertable. Further, it is preferable that the light source has a cutout portion on the outer periphery thereof, and the taper member is fitted into both the cutout portion and the insertion portion near the portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source at the same time. Furthermore, an optical scanning device having any one of the above light source devices, and an image forming apparatus using the optical scanning device as an image writing unit on an image carrier are also provided.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an embodiment of a light source device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an optical scanning device also having the light source device, and FIG. 3 is also equipped with the optical scanning device. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a laser printer which is an image forming apparatus. The light source device 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes a semiconductor laser light source 41 and a base body 42 that is a light source holding member that holds the semiconductor laser light source 41.
And a coupling lens 45 for coupling the light flux emitted from the semiconductor laser light source 41. The light source device 5 will be described in detail later. The optical scanning device 3 shown in FIG. 2 having the light source device 5
Is mounted on a laser printer which is an image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. This laser printer has a photoconductive photosensitive drum 2 formed in a cylindrical shape, which is an image bearing member, at approximately the center of an apparatus main body 1. Around the photoconductor drum 2, a charging roller 4 functioning as a charging unit, a developing device 7, a transfer roller 8 and a cleaning device 9 are arranged.

A corona charger may be used as the charging means. Above the charging roller 4, an optical scanning device 3 for performing optical scanning with the laser beam LB.
Is provided, and the portion of the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 located between the charging roller 4 and the developing device 7 is exposed by optical writing. A fixing device 11 is provided on the downstream side of the photoconductor drum 2 in the transfer paper conveyance direction, and a paper feed cassette 12 is detachably provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body 1. A registration roller pair 13 is provided in the transport path between the paper feed cassette 12 and the photosensitive drum 2. Transfer paper P is stored in the paper feed cassette 12 as a recording medium. Then, the transfer paper P in the paper feed cassette 12 is fed toward the registration roller pair 13 by the paper feed roller 14. The transfer paper P fed from the paper feed cassette 12 and having passed through the fixing device 11 after an image is formed is conveyed in the conveyance path 15 and is ejected onto the paper ejection tray 17 by the paper ejection roller pair 16. It

In this laser printer, when the image forming operation is started, the photosensitive drum 2 starts rotating at a constant speed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. Then, the surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charging roller 4, and the charged surface is exposed by optical writing by the laser beam LB of the optical scanning device 3 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is a so-called "negative latent image", and the image portion is exposed. When the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 is moved to a certain position of the developing device 7 due to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2, the developing device 7 moves there.
Reversal development is carried out, whereby a toner image is formed.

On the other hand, the paper feed cassette 1 containing the transfer paper P
From 2, the topmost transfer sheet P is the paper feed roller 1
4 is fed, and the fed transfer sheet P is abutted against the resist roller pair 13 in the stopped state and is temporarily stopped. Then, the registration roller pair 13 rotates at the timing when the toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 moves to a transfer position where the transfer roller 8 is present, and the transfer sheet P is sent to the transfer section. The toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the transfer paper P sent to the transfer section by the action of the transfer roller 8 with the toner image superposed thereon. Then, the transfer paper P on which the toner image is transferred is sent to the fixing device 11 to fix the toner image, and then the transport path 1
Then, the sheet is conveyed through the sheet feeding roller 5, and is ejected onto the sheet ejection tray 17 by the sheet ejection roller pair 16. Then, the residual toner, the paper dust, and the like remaining on the photosensitive drum 2 after the toner image is transferred to the transfer paper P are cleaned by the cleaning device 9.

Next, the optical scanning device 3 provided in this laser printer will be described. The optical scanning device 3 functions as an image writing unit that forms a latent image by writing on the photosensitive drum 2 by optical scanning.
For example, the configuration is as shown in FIG. The optical scanning device 3 has a light source device 5, and the laser beam LB emitted from the light source device 5 is rotated in the optical housing 30 about a rotation shaft 32 while receiving the laser beam LB on the mirror surface. A polygon mirror 33 that scans, a cylindrical lens 34, and the cylindrical lens 3
The scanning lens 35, which receives the laser beam LB reflected by the mirror surface of the polygon mirror 33 through 4, and the folding mirror 37, which changes the direction by reflecting the laser beam LB that has passed through the scanning lens 35, are housed. . The upper part of the optical housing 30 is covered with an upper lid (not shown), and is fixed by screws. The optical scanning device 3 forms a laser beam emitted from the light source device 5 into a long line image in the main scanning direction in the vicinity of the polygon mirror 33 by the cylindrical lens 34. The polygon mirror 33 reflects and polarizes each laser beam incident through the cylindrical lens 34, and scans the laser beams in the main scanning direction at a substantially constant angular velocity. The scanning lens 35 receives each laser beam that is reflected and polarized by the polygon mirror 33 and scanned. Then, the light is reflected by the folding mirror 37, and the light flux is condensed and imaged on the surface to be scanned on the photosensitive drum 2 (see FIG. 3).

The light source device 5 provided in the optical scanning device 3 includes a semiconductor laser light source 41 as shown in FIG.
A base 42, which is a light source holding member that holds the semiconductor laser light source 41, and a coupling lens 45 that couples the light flux emitted from the semiconductor laser light source 41 are provided. The coupling lens 45 may be fixed to the base body 42 via a holder (not shown).
A holding portion that projects toward the coupling lens 45 may be integrally formed on the base body 42 and fixedly held there. The light source device 5 includes the semiconductor laser light source 4 of the base 42.
The taper member insertion hole 48 having the same diameter for fixing the semiconductor laser light source 41 to the base 42 by inserting the taper portions 43a of the plurality of taper members 43 in the vicinity of the stepped hole 46, which is a portion for holding the laser beam 1. As shown in FIG. 4, two (one or three or more) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the stepped hole 46. As shown in FIG. 1, the semiconductor laser light source 41 is inserted into the stepped portion 46a of the stepped hole 46 provided in the base body 42 until the surface of the collar portion 41b opposite to the terminal 41a is abutted, and two semiconductor laser light sources are provided in that state. The taper members 43, 43 of each of the taper member insertion holes 4
8 and 48 are press-fitted from the side with the smaller diameter as shown in the figure. The inner diameter on the large diameter side of the stepped hole 46 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion 41b of the semiconductor laser light source 41 (see FIG. 4).

Each taper member insertion hole 48 is a through hole consisting of a large diameter portion 48b and a small diameter portion 48c, and a step portion 48a is formed at the boundary between the large diameter portion 48b and the small diameter portion 48c. The taper member 43 is attached to the step 48a.
The taper members 43 are press-fitted until the bottom surfaces 43b of the respective parts abut. In the press-fitted state, as shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral wall portion 48d of the taper member insertion hole 48 is expanded by the press-fitting of the taper member 43, so that the semiconductor laser beam is expanded by the peripheral wall portion 48d expanded toward the semiconductor laser light source 41 side. The outer periphery of the collar portion 41b of the light source 41 is pressed as shown. In this embodiment, since the two taper member insertion holes 48 are provided, the peripheral wall portion 48d of each of the two taper member insertion holes 48 is, as shown in FIG.
The semiconductor laser light source 41 is pressed in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. As a result, the semiconductor laser light source 41 has three points (contact points a, b,
It is fixed in stepped hole 46 and stably held in step c).

Further, slits 54, 54 are formed in the respective taper member insertion holes 48 so as to face each other at symmetrical positions. As a result, the taper member 43 can be smoothly press-fitted into the taper member insertion hole 48. Further, since the taper member insertion hole 48 has the small diameter portion 48c penetrating therethrough as shown in FIG. 1, the small diameter portion 48c is formed.
For example, a rod-shaped member for removing the taper member 43 can be inserted from the side opposite to the insertion side of the taper member 43 (left side in the figure). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the taper member 4 is inserted into the large diameter portion 48b of the taper member insertion hole 48.
If the rod-shaped member is inserted into the small diameter portion 48c of the taper member insertion hole 48 from the outside in a state where 3 is fitted, and the impact force is applied, the taper member 43 can be easily removed. The large-diameter portion 48b of the taper member insertion hole 48 includes the semiconductor laser light source 41 as the base 4 due to variations in the inner diameter and the depth thereof, and the outer diameter and taper angle of the taper member 43.
Although the holding force held by 2 varies, for example, the taper member 4
If the taper angle of 3 is reduced, the variation in the holding force due to the variation in the outer diameter, the depth, etc. can be reduced.

In this light source device 5, the taper member 43 is used to form the peripheral wall portion 48d of the taper member insertion hole 48 into the stepped hole 4.
Since the respective semiconductor laser light sources 41 are fixed to the base body 42 by pushing the semiconductor laser light sources 41 toward the 6 side, an excessive force is not applied to the respective semiconductor laser light sources 41, so that the semiconductor laser light sources 41 are prevented from being damaged. can do. Further, in the state where the semiconductor laser light source 41 is fixed to the base body 42, since the base body 42 and the semiconductor laser light source 41 are fixed in a state in which at least a plurality of points are in contact with each other, the environment such as temperature may fluctuate or Even if an external impact force is applied to the semiconductor laser light source 41, the semiconductor laser light source 41 is hardly displaced with respect to the optical axis.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a coupling lens is integrally held by a substrate, and the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to FIG. It is attached. The light source device according to this embodiment is
A lens holding portion 51 for holding the coupling lens 45 is integrally projected on the base body 42 ', and the coupling lens 45 is positioned there and fixedly held by adhesion. In this light source device, a taper member insertion hole 48 '(not having a small diameter portion 48c for the taper member insertion hole 48 in FIG. 1) which does not penetrate the base body 42' is provided. According to the light source device of this embodiment, since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated lens holding member for holding the coupling lens 45, the number of parts can be reduced, and the coupling lens 45 and the semiconductor laser light source 41 can be reduced. Since and are fixed on the same base body 42 ', the positional accuracy is improved.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a notch is formed in a part of a flange portion of a semiconductor laser light source and a taper member is also fitted therein.
FIG. 7 is a view of the light source device as viewed from the right side in FIG. 6, and parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 and 4 are designated by the same reference numerals. In the light source device according to this embodiment, a notch 52 is formed at one location on the flange 41b that is the outer periphery of the semiconductor laser light source 41 ', and the angular insertion is made in the base body 42 "so as to correspond to the notch 52. A groove 68 is formed. Further, as the taper member 61, one in which one side of a square rod-like member has a taper surface 61a is used, and the taper surface 61a of the taper member 61 is provided with a cutout portion of the semiconductor laser light source 41 '. 52
While being inserted into the base body 42 ″, the base body 42 ″ is also pushed into the angular insertion groove 68 to a predetermined position at the same time so that the base body 42 ″ is fitted and fixed with the adhesive 62 as shown in FIG.

Thereby, the stepped hole 46 'of the base body 42 "is formed.
The semiconductor laser light source 41 ′ mounted inside is pressed and positioned in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7, and the rotational direction is also regulated. Therefore, the semiconductor laser light source 4
Reference numeral 1'indicates the optical axis direction, which is the left-right direction in FIG. 6, the rotational direction with the optical axis as the center of rotation, and the radial direction of the circular collar portion 41b in three directions by inserting and fixing the taper member 61 at once. Positioning can be performed. Thereby, when the divergence angle of the luminous flux emitted like a semiconductor laser differs depending on the direction, it is possible to perform positioning in the rotational direction around the optical axis, which is effective. Further, even in the case of a light source having a plurality of light emitting points in one package, the positioning in the rotation direction about the optical axis of the light source is important, which is particularly effective.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a spring for holding a semiconductor laser light source is provided, and FIG. 9 is a view of the same light source device seen from the right side in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the light source device according to this embodiment, the semiconductor laser light source 41 in a state of being inserted and set in the stepped hole 46 of the base body 42 is provided with the stepped portion 4 of the stepped hole 46.
A spring 74, which is an elastic body that is pressed against the side to be pressed against 6a, is provided. The spring 74 has a triangular shape as shown in FIG. 9, and is fixed to the base body 42 by three screws 71. The spring 74 has an opening in the center, and three claws 74a are formed on the edge of the opening at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When the spring 74 is screwed and fixed to the base body 42, the three claws 74a come into contact with the end surface of the flange portion 41b of the semiconductor laser light source 41 on the terminal 41a side,
It is adapted to be pressed to the left in FIG.

In this state, the taper member 43 is press-fitted into the taper member insertion hole 48 formed in the base 42 to position the semiconductor laser light source 41 in the radial direction of the collar portion 41b orthogonal to the optical axis. It is fixed to the base body 42. According to the light source device of this embodiment, the taper member 43 is pressed into the taper member insertion hole 48 while the semiconductor laser light source 41 is pressed against the base 42 by the spring 74 in the optical axis direction.
Since the surface of the flange portion 41b of the semiconductor laser light source 41 on the left end side in FIG. 8 at the time of press-fitting can be prevented from rising from the step portion 46a of the stepped hole 46, the positioning of the semiconductor laser light source 41 with respect to the base body 42 can be performed. The accuracy increases. In addition,
As is apparent from FIG. 9, the spring 74 has a V-shape corresponding to the fitting position of the taper member 43 so as not to get in the way when the two taper members 43 are press-fitted into the respective taper member insertion holes 48. The notches 63 and 64 are formed, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 5 showing an embodiment of a light source device having a plurality of light sources, and parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals. In the light source device 5 ′ according to this embodiment, two (may be three or more) stepped holes 46 are formed in the base 82 which is a light source holding member, and the semiconductor laser light source 41 is provided in each stepped hole 46. Are fixed respectively. Corresponding to the respective semiconductor laser light sources 41, tapered member insertion holes 48 are formed near the stepped holes 46 of the base 82, respectively.
According to this light source device 5 ', two semiconductor laser light sources 4 are provided.
When either one of No. 1 and 41 deteriorates, the taper member 4 corresponding to the semiconductor laser light source 41 on the deteriorated side.
By removing 3, the deteriorated semiconductor laser light source 41 can be easily taken out from the stepped hole 46. Therefore, the semiconductor laser light source 41 which has not deteriorated can be removed from the base 82 and reused, or a new semiconductor laser light source 41 can be inserted again in place of the deteriorated semiconductor laser light source 41 and the taper member 43 can be reused. The light source device can be put into a reusable state by press-fitting it again.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a light source is fixed and held by using a V-shaped side wall formed in a stepped hole of a substrate, and a portion corresponding to FIG. Are given the same reference numerals. In the light source device according to this embodiment, the shape of the stepped hole 96 of the base body 92 into which the semiconductor laser light source 41 is inserted and fixed is defined by the semiconductor laser light source 4
1 is a V-shaped side wall 92.
a, when the semiconductor laser light source 41 is inserted into the stepped hole 96 and the taper member 93 is inserted between the stepped hole 96 and the flange portion 41b of the semiconductor laser light source 41 and fixed by the adhesive 90. The outer peripheral surface of the collar portion 41b of the semiconductor laser light source 41 has a V-shaped side wall 92a of the stepped hole 96 of the base 92.
2 points and 1 point of the taper member 93, a total of 3 points are held in pressure contact. Therefore, the semiconductor laser light source 41 can be more reliably fixed to the base 92.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical scanning device equipped with the light source device shown in FIG. This optical scanning device functions as an image writing unit and is shown in FIG.
And the cylindrical lens 118 shown in FIG.
A polygon mirror 119, a scanning lens 121, a toroidal lens 122, a folding mirror 123 and the like. Then, the light beam emitted from the light source device 5'is imaged by the cylindrical lens 118 in the vicinity of the polygon mirror 119 to form a long line image in the main scanning direction. The polygon mirror-119 is a cylindrical lens 11
Each of the light beams incident via 8 is reflected and polarized, and is scanned in the main scanning direction at a substantially constant angular velocity. The scanning lens 121 is
Each lens is composed of two lenses, receives each light beam that is reflected and polarized by the polygon mirror 119 and is scanned, and reflects the light beam to the folding mirror 123 through the toroidal lens 122, and the light flux is reflected on the surface to be scanned on the photosensitive drum 2. Focus and image. This optical scanning device can also be installed as image writing means in the laser printer described with reference to FIG. In the optical scanning device 3 shown in FIG. 2, the light source device 5 is the light source device described in FIG. 5, the light source device described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the light source device described in FIGS. Even if an optical scanning device is configured instead of the light source device described with reference to FIG. 11, the same operational effects as the optical scanning device 3 can be obtained. Further, even if any one of these scanning devices is mounted on the laser printer described with reference to FIG. 3 as an image writing unit, the same operational effect as the laser printer of FIG. 3 can be obtained.

[0026]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. The light source device according to claim 1,
According to the optical scanning device of the eighth aspect and the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, the light source is fixed to the light source holding member by inserting the tapered portion of the taper member in the vicinity of the portion of the light source holding member holding the light source. , There is no need to apply excessive force to the light source, so it will not be damaged. Further, when the light source is fixed to the light source holding member, the light source is firmly fixed to the light source holding member due to the action of the taper member, so that the environment such as temperature may fluctuate or an impact force may be applied from the outside. However, the positional deviation of the light source with respect to the optical axis is unlikely to occur. According to the light source device of the second aspect, since the light source is fixed to the light source holding member by press-fitting the taper member in the vicinity of the portion of the light source holding member which holds the light source, the structure can be made very simple. , Simplifies the assembly process.

According to the light source device of the third aspect, the light source is fixed to the light source holding member by the plurality of taper members, and according to the fourth aspect of the light source device, the light source holding member is set at the portion holding the light source. Since the elastic body that presses the light source in the state to be pressed against the light source holding member is provided, the light source can be fixed to the light source holding member in a more reliable and accurate position. According to the light source device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to reduce the variation in the positional relationship of the plurality of light beams emitted from the plurality of light sources even when the environment changes or an impact force is applied. According to the light source device of claim 6, when the light source is deteriorated, the taper member can be removed by a simple operation, so that the light source can be easily removed. Then, in the case of using a plurality of light sources, it is possible to easily reuse the light source that has not deteriorated. According to the light source device of the seventh aspect, it is possible to perform positioning in the rotation direction around the optical axis of the light source with a simple configuration.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing an embodiment of a light source device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an optical scanning device also including the light source device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a laser printer which is also an image forming apparatus equipped with the optical scanning device.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the vicinity of a light source of the light source device of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a coupling lens is integrally held by a base.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a notch is formed in a part of a flange portion of a semiconductor laser light source, and a taper member is also fitted therein.

FIG. 7 is a view of the light source device seen from the right side in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a spring for suppressing a semiconductor laser light source is provided.

9 is a view of the light source device as seen from the right side in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 5, showing an embodiment of a light source device having a plurality of light sources.

11 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 5, showing an embodiment of a light source device in which a light source is fixed and held by using a V-shaped side wall formed in a stepped hole of a base.

12 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical scanning device including the light source device shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view showing an example of a conventional light source device.

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view showing a different example of the conventional light source device.

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining a defect of the light source device of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

3: Optical scanning device 5, 5 ': Light source device 41, 41': Semiconductor laser light source (light source) 42, 42 ', 42 ", 82, 92: Base (light source holding member) 43, 61, 93: Tapered member 43a : Taper part 45: Coupling lenses 48, 48 ': Taper member insertion hole 48c: Small diameter part 52: Notch part 74: Spring (elastic body)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A light source device comprising a light source, a light source holding member for holding the light source, and a coupling lens for coupling a light beam emitted from the light source, wherein the light source of the light source holding member is held. A light source device, characterized in that the light source is fixed to the light source holding member by inserting a taper portion of a taper member in the vicinity of the portion. 2. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the taper member is press-fitted in the vicinity of a portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source to fix the light source to the light source holding member. apparatus. 3. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the taper members are provided near a portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source. 4. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the light source set in a portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source is pressed against the light source holding member. A light source device, which is provided with an elastic body. 5. A plurality of the light sources are provided, and a taper portion of the taper member is provided in the vicinity of a portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source, corresponding to at least two of the plurality of light sources. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is fixed to each of the light source holding members by being inserted. 6. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the light source holding member into which the taper member is inserted penetrates the light source holding member, and the penetrating portion includes the light source holding member. A light source device, wherein a member for removing the taper member can be inserted from the side opposite to the insertion side of the taper member. 7. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the light source has a cutout portion on an outer periphery thereof, and the taper member has an insertion portion near a portion of the light source holding member that holds the light source and the cutting portion. A light source device characterized in that it is fitted into both of the notches at the same time. 8. An optical scanning device comprising the light source device according to claim 1. 9. An image forming apparatus, wherein the optical scanning device according to claim 8 is used as an image writing unit for an image carrier.