JP2004054012A - Optical scanning device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical scanning device which has an optical path adjustment mechanism mounted for easily adjusting the optical path by utilizing components on the optical path. <P>SOLUTION: The optical path adjustment mechanism 200A contains a pair of step-shaped level difference sections 3DR, 3DL having a plurality of (for example, three) holding steps D, and a light guiding-out port 3KA is formed between these level difference sections 3DR, 3DL. Since the tilt angle of cover glass 100A can be changed by utilizing a holding mechanism of a holding section 3U, the optical path of laser light LA can be easily adjusted by changing the tilt angle of the cover glass 100A by using this simple adjustment mechanism. Moreover, optical path adjustment of the laser light LA can be realized only by a simple adjustment work of changing the tilt angle of the cover glass 100A which is an original component of the optical scanning device without necessitating change of a shape or arrangement of optical parts on the optical path or addition of new optical parts for adjustment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical scanning device that optically scans a surface to be scanned using a light beam.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the development of digital technology, various image forming apparatuses have been used as image data output apparatuses. Among them, the full-color laser printer is excellent, for example, in that image quality performance is high and output time is short.
[0003]
The laser printer includes an optical scanning device as an optical system unit for image formation. In this optical scanning device, an optical component such as a light source for emitting laser light and a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror) for deflecting the laser light emitted from the light source is mainly accommodated in a housing. The housing is provided with a dust-proof cover glass for transmitting the laser light and guiding the laser light to the outside.
[0004]
In the optical scanning device, when a laser beam is emitted from a light source while the polygon mirror is rotating at a constant speed, the laser beam is sequentially deflected by the polygon mirror and then reflected by the cylindrical mirror. The laser light reflected by the cylindrical mirror passes through a cover glass attached to the housing and is led out of the housing to reach the photosensitive drum. An electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum by repeatedly scanning the surface to be scanned on the photosensitive drum with the laser light according to the rotation of the polygon mirror. After the electrostatic latent image is developed using toner, the developed image is transferred to a recording sheet, thereby forming an image on the recording sheet. In an optical scanning device for a full-color laser printer, for example, latent images corresponding to four colors of Yellow (Y; yellow), Magenta (M; magenta), Cyan (C; cyan), and Black (B; black) are used. Four light sources are mounted for formation, and an electrostatic latent image is formed using four cylindrical mirrors and four photosensitive drums corresponding to these four light sources.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in an optical scanning device, a series of components such as a lens, a mirror, and a cover glass are mainly arranged on an optical path of a laser beam. In order to accurately guide the laser light emitted from the light source to the photosensitive drum, it is preferable that the optical path of the laser light can be adjusted by using components arranged on the optical path.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical scanning device equipped with an optical path adjustment mechanism that can easily perform optical path adjustment using components on the optical path. is there.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An optical scanning device according to a first aspect of the present invention has an optical mechanism for generating a light beam for scanning a surface to be scanned outside a housing, and an optical path adjustment part of the housing. An optical path adjustment mechanism formed in a part of the housing, having a pair of step-shaped steps, and a through-hole formed between the pair of steps; and an optical mechanism. A window member for transmitting the light beam generated in the above and guiding the light beam to the outside of the housing, wherein the holding portion holds both ends of the window member by a pair of steps so that the inclination angle can be changed, Is inclined, so that the optical path of the light beam reaching the surface to be scanned through the window member and the through hole from the inside of the housing can be adjusted.
[0008]
In the optical scanning device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the inclination angle of the window member changes by holding both ends of the window member at the pair of steps of the holding unit. Thus, utilizing the change in the inclination angle of the window member, the optical path of the light beam that reaches the surface to be scanned through the window member and the through hole from the inside of the housing is adjusted.
[0009]
An optical scanning device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an optical mechanism for generating a light beam for scanning a surface to be scanned outside a housing, and an optical path adjustment part of the housing. An optical path adjusting mechanism having a first surface having a convex shape and a second surface opposed to the first surface, and having a first surface and a second surface formed by the first surface and the second surface. A movable member having a first through hole formed therebetween, a window member attached to a second surface of the movable member so as to cover the first through hole, and a movable member formed in a part of the housing; A holding portion having a concave third surface corresponding to the first surface of the member and having a second through-hole formed in the third surface to penetrate into the housing; The first surface is in close contact with the third surface of the holding portion, and the movable member, the holding portion, and the window member block the flow of air between the inside and outside of the housing. The holding unit holds the movable member such that the first surface is movable in the arc direction along the third surface, and moves the movable member in the arc direction to incline the window member, thereby forming the housing. The optical path of the light beam reaching the surface to be scanned through the window member and the first and second through holes from the inside can be adjusted.
[0010]
In the optical scanning device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the tilt angle of the window member changes by moving the first surface of the movable member in the arc direction along the third surface of the holding unit. Thus, utilizing the change in the inclination angle of the window member, the optical path of the light beam reaching the surface to be scanned through the window member and the first and second through holes from the inside of the housing is adjusted.
[0011]
In the optical scanning device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to correct the curvature of the scanning line due to the light beam on the surface to be scanned by using the inclination of the window member.
[0012]
In the optical path adjusting mechanism according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first surface of the movable member may form a part of a side surface of a cylinder or a regular polygonal prism.
[0013]
Further, in the optical path adjusting mechanism according to the second aspect of the present invention, a pair of plate-shaped fixed walls orthogonal to the third surface are erected on both sides of the third surface of the holding unit, and these are fixed. A screw hole is provided in at least one of the pair of plate-shaped fixed walls, and the screw is screwed into the screw hole of the plate-shaped fixed wall in a state where the first surface of the movable member is in close contact with the third surface of the holding portion. The position of the movable member may be fixed by abutting the tip of the movable member on the movable member.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
[First Embodiment]
First, a configuration of an optical scanning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows an external perspective configuration of the optical scanning device, and FIGS. 2 to 4 show plan configurations of respective parts of the optical scanning device. Here, FIG. 2 shows the upper surface side of the optical base 1, FIG. 3 shows the lower surface side of the optical base 1, and FIG. The “upper surface” refers to the upper surface in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 1, and the “lower surface” refers to the lower surface.
[0016]
The optical scanning device according to the present embodiment has a scanning mechanism using a light beam, and is mounted on an optical apparatus (image forming apparatus) such as a full-color laser printer. As shown in FIG. 1, this optical scanning device includes, for example, a series of later-described components inside a housing including an optical base 1 and two covers (an upper cover 2 and a lower cover 3) sandwiching the optical base 1. (Optical components) are accommodated.
[0017]
The optical base 1 is a double-sided mounting base that forms the basis of the optical scanning device. The optical base 1 is provided with a honeycomb-shaped reinforcing rib structure 1RG composed of a plurality of ribs 1R forming an opening having a polygonal shape, for example, a substantially triangular shape, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example. This reinforcing rib structure 1RG is mainly for ensuring the mechanical strength of the optical base 1, and constitutes a large number of unpenetrated cells 1C on both sides (upper side, lower side) of the optical base 1. are doing.
[0018]
The upper cover 2 is for covering the optical base 1 from above, and the lower cover 3 is for covering the optical base 1 from below. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower cover 3 has four optical path adjusting mechanisms 200A, 200B, 200A, and 200B for adjusting the optical path of the laser light at positions corresponding to cylindrical mirrors 90A to 90D (see FIG. 3) described later. 200C and 200D are provided respectively. The detailed configuration of the optical path adjusting mechanisms 200A to 200D will be described later (see FIGS. 5 to 7). Here, the aggregate of the optical base 1, the upper cover 2, and the lower cover 3 corresponds to a specific example of “housing” in the present invention.
[0019]
On the upper surface side of the optical base 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of storage spaces 1S are formed by removing the reinforcing rib structure 1RG over a predetermined range. In the space 1S, mainly the light source device 10, the reflection mirror 20, the polygon mirror 30, the fθ lens 40, and the reflection light provided corresponding to the fθ lens 40 are provided. Mirrors 50X and 50Y and a control circuit board 60 are provided.
[0020]
The light source device 10 emits a scanning laser beam (light beam), and is arranged such that the emission direction corresponds to the arrangement position of the reflection mirror 20. The light source device 10 includes, for example, a laser diode (LD; laser diode), and includes Yellow (Y; Yellow), Magenta (M; Magenta), Cyan (C; Cyan), and Black (B; Black). And four light sources capable of irradiating laser light for forming latent images corresponding to the four colors. The light source device 10 includes, for example, four sets of a combination of a collimator lens (not shown), a diaphragm, and a cylindrical lens corresponding to four light sources.
[0021]
The reflection mirror 20 reflects the laser light emitted from the light source device 10 toward the polygon mirror 30.
[0022]
The polygon mirror 30 is, for example, a substantially hexagonal structure having six reflection surfaces 30M, and is rotatable about a rotation axis 31. The polygon mirror 30 deflects the laser light toward the fθ lens 40 on each reflection surface 30M according to the rotation operation. Here, the optical system including the light source device 10 and the polygon mirror 30 corresponds to a specific example of “optical mechanism” in the present invention.
[0023]
lens 40 focuses the laser beam in a direction corresponding to the main inspection direction and a plurality of lens groups for equalizing the scanning speed in the main inspection direction on photosensitive drums 110A to 110D (see FIG. 9) described later. And includes, for example, two lenses 41 and 42 disposed along the optical path of the laser light. These lenses 41 and 42 have a refractive power only in a direction corresponding to the main inspection direction.
[0024]
The reflection mirrors 50 </ b> X and 50 </ b> Y guide the laser light toward the lower surface side of the optical base 1 through the opening 1 </ b> K provided in the optical base 1 by reflecting the laser light downward. These reflection mirrors 50X and 50Y are arranged at different height positions in the height direction (Z-axis direction in the figure), for example (see FIG. 9).
[0025]
The control circuit board 60 is mainly for controlling the light source device 10 and the polygon mirror 30, and is connected to a circuit board (not shown) for the light source device 10 and the polygon mirror 30 via a connector cable 60E. ing.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, on the lower surface side of the optical base 1, for example, reflection mirrors 70X and 70Y provided corresponding to the reflection mirrors 50X and 50Y, and provided corresponding to the reflection mirrors 70X and 70Y. Reflecting mirrors 80X, 80Y and cylindrical mirrors 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D.
[0027]
The reflecting mirrors 70X, 70Y, 80X, and 80Y reflect the laser light guided to the lower surface side of the optical base 1 by the reflecting mirrors 50X and 50Y toward the cylindrical mirrors 90A to 90D.
[0028]
The cylindrical mirrors 90A to 90D reflect the laser light toward the photosensitive drums 110A to 110D (see FIG. 9) while converging the light in the direction corresponding to the sub-scanning direction. Correspondingly spaced apart from each other.
[0029]
Next, a detailed configuration of the optical path adjustment mechanism 200A will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A, FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a line BB in FIG. Is enlarged to show a cross-sectional configuration along the line.
[0030]
The optical path adjusting mechanism 200A adjusts the optical path of the laser beam LA, and mainly includes a cover glass 100A and a hollow holding portion 3U for holding the cover glass 100A. I have.
[0031]
The cover glass 100A has a long plate-like shape as shown in FIGS. The cover glass 100 </ b> A is mainly for transmitting the scanning laser beam LA and guiding it out of the housing, and for preventing external dust and dirt from entering the housing. is there. In addition, the cover glass 100A can adjust the inclination angle in accordance with the holding angle of the cover glass 100A by the holding unit 3U, and is used for adjusting the optical path of the laser LA light. Here, the cover glass 100A corresponds to a specific example of “window member” in the present invention.
[0032]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holding unit 3U includes a pair of step-shaped steps 3DR and 3DL having a plurality of (for example, three) holding steps D, and between the steps 3DR and 3DL. And a light outlet 3KA is formed in the light emitting device. The holding section 3U holds both ends of the cover glass 100A by an arbitrary pair of holding steps D of the steps 3DR and 3DL so that the inclination angle of the cover glass 100A can be changed. The step surface of the pair of holding steps D holding the cover glass 100A is appropriately inclined, for example, so as to be included in the same plane in order to stably hold the cover glass 100A. When the cover glass 100A is held by the holding unit 3U, as shown in FIG. 7, both ends of the cover glass 100A are in close contact with the holding step D, and the periphery of the light outlet 3KA is substantially closed by the cover glass 100A. Almost no air flows through the light outlet 3KA between the inside and the outside of the housing. Here, the light outlet 3KA corresponds to a specific example of “through hole” in the present invention.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the optical scanning device will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 show the optical path of the laser beam during operation of the optical scanning device. FIG. 8 shows the optical path viewed from above, and FIG. 9 shows the state viewed from the side. FIGS. 8 and 9 show only the main components related to the laser beam scanning mechanism in the series of components shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0034]
In this optical scanning device, when the polygon mirror 30 is rotating at a constant speed, first, four laser beams LA to LD are emitted from the light source device 10 arranged on the upper surface side of the optical base 1. Subsequently, after the laser beams LA to LD emitted from the light source device 10 are reflected by the reflection mirror 20 and guided to the polygon mirror 30, they are sequentially deflected on each reflection surface 30M of the polygon mirror 30. Subsequently, the laser beams LA to LD deflected by the polygon mirror 30 pass through the fθ lens 40.
[0035]
Of the laser beams LA to LD transmitted through the fθ lens 40, the laser beams LB and LD are reflected by the reflection mirror 50X, guided to the lower surface side of the optical base 1 through the opening 1K, and further reflected by the reflection mirror 70X. Is done. Of the laser beams LB and LD reflected by the reflection mirror 70X, the laser beam LB is reflected by the cylindrical mirror 90B, passes through the cover glass 100B, and scans on the photosensitive drum 110B. On the other hand, the laser beam LD is sequentially reflected by the reflection mirror 80X and the cylindrical mirror 90D, passes through the cover glass 100D, and scans the photosensitive drum 110D.
[0036]
The laser beams LA and LC transmitted through the fθ lens 40 are reflected by the reflection mirror 50Y, guided to the lower surface side of the optical base 1 through the opening 1K, and further reflected by the reflection mirror 70Y. Of the laser beams LA and LC reflected by the reflecting mirror 70Y, the laser beam LA is sequentially reflected by the reflecting mirror 80Y and the cylindrical mirror 90A, passes through the cover glass 100A, and scans the photosensitive drum 110A. On the other hand, the laser beam LC is reflected by the cylindrical mirror 90C, passes through the cover glass 100C, and scans the photosensitive drum 110C.
[0037]
In this manner, the surfaces to be scanned on the four photosensitive drums 110A to 110D to be scanned are scanned by the four laser beams LA to LD emitted from the light source device 10.
[0038]
Next, an optical path adjustment procedure of the laser light LA using the optical path adjustment mechanism 200A will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 illustrates a procedure for adjusting the optical path of the laser beam LA using the optical path adjustment mechanism 200A, and shows a portion corresponding to FIG.
[0039]
When adjusting the optical path of the laser beam LA by the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an arbitrary pair of holding steps D of the pair of steps 3DR and 3DL of the holding section 3U are used. While the cover glass 100A is held horizontally, the cover glass 100A is removed from the holding unit 3U as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the cover glass 100A is inclined and held by another desired pair of holding stages D different from the pair of holding stages D used for horizontal holding. With the above operation, the cover glass 100A can be inclined using the holding mechanism of the cover glass 100A by the step portions 3DR and 3DL. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the optical path of the laser light LA is changed by utilizing the refraction phenomenon when the laser light LA passes through the cover glass 100A.
[0040]
Next, an example of an optical technique to which the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A is applied will be described. By using the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A, it is possible to correct the curvature of the scanning line on the photosensitive drum 110A due to the laser light LA by applying the optical path adjusting technique of the laser light LA.
[0041]
11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining a method of correcting the curvature of a scanning line due to the laser beam LA. FIG. 11 shows a state before correction, and FIG. 12 shows a state after correction. 11A and FIG. 12A show the optical paths of the laser beams LA1 and LA2 between the polygon mirror 30 (reflection surface 30M) and the surface to be scanned 110M on the photosensitive drum 110A, and FIG. The scanning lines PA1 and PA2 on the photosensitive drum 110A by the lasers LA1 and LA2 are shown.
[0042]
When the laser light LA is emitted from the light source device 10, a problem may occur in the scanning mechanism using the laser light LA depending on the emission direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the laser beam LA1 emitted in the horizontal direction from the light source device 10 passes through the fθ lens 40 (41, 42) (FIG. 11A), the scanning line by the laser beam LA1 PA1 becomes a normal linear shape (FIG. 11B). On the other hand, when the laser light LA2 emitted from the light source device 10 in an oblique direction (for example, obliquely upward) passes through the fθ lens 40 (41, 42). (FIG. 11A), the scanning line PA2 by the laser beam LA2 is curved (FIG. 11B). This bending phenomenon of the scanning line PA2 is increased when the cover glass 100A is parallel to the surface to be scanned 110M.
[0043]
This bending phenomenon of the scanning line PA2 can be corrected, for example, by tilting the cover glass 100A. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, by appropriately tilting the cover glass 100A using the optical path adjusting mechanism 200 (FIG. 12A), the refraction phenomenon of the laser beam LA2 when passing through the cover glass 100A is reduced. Utilizing this, it becomes possible to correct the scanning line PA2 so as to form a straight line like the scanning line PA1 (FIG. 12B). Thus, the curvature of the scanning line PA2 on the photosensitive drum 110A due to the laser beam LA2 is corrected.
[0044]
In the optical scanning device according to the present embodiment, the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A capable of changing the inclination angle of the cover glass 100A by using the holding mechanism of the holding unit 3U provided on the lower cover 3 is provided. By changing the inclination angle of the cover glass 100A using a simple adjusting mechanism, the optical path of the laser beam LA can be adjusted. Moreover, the adjustment of the optical path of the laser beam LA does not require changing the shape and arrangement of the optical components on the optical path or adding new optical components for adjustment, and the cover, which is an original component of the optical scanning device, is not required. It is realized only by a simple adjustment operation of changing the inclination angle of the glass 100A. Therefore, the optical path of the laser beam LA can be easily adjusted using the cover glass 100A.
[0045]
In particular, in the present embodiment, the curvature of the scanning line on the photosensitive drum 110A due to the laser beam LA can be easily corrected by applying the optical path adjusting technology of the laser beam LA using the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A.
[0046]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the cover glass 100A is held by the holding unit 3U, both ends of the cover glass 100A are in close contact with the holding step D, so that the periphery of the light outlet 3KA is substantially closed. Therefore, since almost no air flows between the inside and outside of the housing through the light outlet 3KA, dust and dirt outside the housing can be suppressed from entering the housing. As shown in FIG. 7, the dustproof property is such that the length (dimension in the X-axis direction) of the holding portion (recess) of the cover glass 100A in the holding portion 3U and the length of the cover glass 100A are brought close to each other and held. This is improved by reducing the gap between the portion 3U and the cover glass 100A.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the steps 3DR and 3DL have a three-stage configuration having three holding stages D. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of steps of the steps 3DR and 3DL is not limited to three. , Can be set freely according to conditions such as the number of inclination steps of the cover glass 100A.
[0048]
The configuration of the optical scanning device described above (the detailed configuration of the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A), the optical path adjusting procedure of the laser light LA using the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A, and the optical path adjusting technique of the laser light LA by the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A are applied. In the description of the correction of the curvature of the scanning line on the photosensitive drum 110A by the laser beam LA, the operation and effect according to the embodiment, and the modification, the description mainly relates to the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A. The same applies to the other optical path adjusting mechanisms 200B to 200D. The light path adjusting mechanisms 200B, 200C, and 200D are configured to include cover glasses 100B, 100C, and 100D and light outlets 3KB, 3KC, and 3KD, respectively, similarly to the light path adjusting mechanism 200A. These optical path adjusting mechanisms 200A to 200D are movable independently of each other.
[0049]
[Second embodiment]
Next, a configuration of an optical scanning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the optical path adjusting mechanism 300A, FIGS. 14 and 15 are enlarged sectional views of the optical path adjusting mechanism 300A shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 16 uses the optical path adjusting mechanism 300A. This is for explaining the procedure for adjusting the optical path of the laser beam LA. FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16 correspond to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 10, respectively, in the first embodiment. 13 to 16, the same reference numerals are given to the components described in the first embodiment.
[0050]
The optical scanning device according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that an optical path adjusting mechanism 300A having substantially the same function is mounted instead of the optical path adjusting mechanism 200A described in the first embodiment. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration, operation, and effect of the optical path adjustment mechanism 300A will be mainly described.
[0051]
The optical path adjusting mechanism 300A mainly includes a cover glass 100A, a movable member 3P that can move and support the cover glass 100A, and a concave holding portion formed on the lower cover 3 for holding the movable member 3P. 3U.
[0052]
The tilt angle of the cover glass 100A can be adjusted while being supported by the movable member 3P.
[0053]
The movable member 3P has an elongated shape corresponding to the shape of the cover glass 100A, as shown in FIGS. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the movable member 3P includes a lower convex first surface (for example, a curved surface) 3PM and an upper second surface facing the first surface. A surface (for example, a flat surface) 3PN is provided, and a light passing hole 3PK for allowing the laser light LA to pass therethrough is formed between the first surface 3PM and the second surface 3PN. The first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P forms, for example, a part of a side surface of a cylinder. A cover glass 100A can be attached to the second surface 3PN of the movable member 3P so as to cover the light passage hole 3PK. Here, the light passage hole 3PK corresponds to a specific example of “first through hole” in the present invention.
[0054]
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the holding portion 3U has a concave third surface (for example, a curved surface) 3UM corresponding to the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P, and has the third surface 3UM. In addition, a light outlet 3KA for guiding the laser light LA is formed outside the housing. The holding portion 3U holds the movable member 3P such that the first surface 3PM is movable along the third surface 3UM in the direction of the arrow R (arc direction) in the figure. When the movable member 3P is held by the holding unit 3U, as shown in FIG. 15, the area around the light passage port 3KA on the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is changed to the third surface 3UM of the holding unit 3U. And the light passing hole 3PK is closed by the cover glass 100A attached to the movable member 3P, and the light passing through the holding portion 3U, the movable member 3P, and the cover glass 100A. The flow of air between the inside and outside of the housing through the hole 3PK and the light outlet 3KA is cut off. Here, the light outlet 3KA corresponds to a specific example of “second through hole” in the present invention.
[0055]
The lower cover 3 is provided with a fixing mechanism 400 for fixing the movable member 3P to the holding portion 3U. The fixing mechanism 400 is formed, for example, on a pair of wall portions forming a part of the lower cover 3 and constituting the holding portion 3U, that is, on both sides of the third surface 3UM so as to be orthogonal to the third surface 3UM. The fixing screw 3J is screwed into a screw hole 3H provided in each fixed wall 3W. In a state where the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is in close contact with the third surface 3UM of the holding portion 3U, the tips of the two fixing screws 3J screwed into the screw holes 3H of the plate-shaped fixing wall 3W are movable from both sides. By contacting the member 3P, the position of the movable member 3P can be fixed.
[0056]
When adjusting the optical path of the laser beam LA using this optical path adjusting mechanism 300A, as shown in FIG. 13, the cover glass 100A is attached to the second surface 3PN of the movable member 3P, and the lower cover 3 ( In a state where the two fixing screws 3J provided on the plate-shaped fixing wall 3W) are loosened, first, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the movable member 3P to which the cover glass 100A is attached is attached to the lower cover 3. The holder 3U holds the movable member 3P, and the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is brought into close contact with the third surface 3UM of the holder 3U. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16, the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is slid to a desired position in the arc direction R (for example, counterclockwise) along the third surface 3UM of the holder 3U. Finally, the two fixing screws 3J are tightened to come into contact with the movable member 3P, whereby the movable member 3P is sandwiched and fixed by the two fixing screws 3J. Through the above operation, the tilt angle of the cover glass 100A is adjusted to a desired angle by using the sliding operation of the movable member 3P. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16, the optical path of the laser light LA is changed by using the refraction phenomenon when the laser light LA passes through the cover glass 100A. At this time, since the communication state between the light passage hole 3PK provided in the movable member 3P and the light outlet 3KB is maintained, the optical path of the laser light LA is secured even when the movable member 3P is slid.
[0057]
In the optical scanning device according to the present embodiment, the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is movable in the arc direction R along the third surface 3UM of the holding portion 3U provided on the lower cover 3, and Since the optical path adjusting mechanism 300A capable of adjusting the optical path of the laser light LA by tilting the cover glass 100A by using the moving operation of the member 3P is provided, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed. The optical path of the laser beam LA can be easily adjusted using the cover glass 100A.
[0058]
In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the optical path adjustment mechanism 300A, the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is in close contact with the third surface 3UM of the holding portion 3U and is movable. Since the light passing port 3PK is closed by the cover glass 100A attached to the second surface 3PN of the member 3P, the flow of air between the inside and outside of the housing is shut off. Therefore, dust resistance can be further improved as compared with the first embodiment.
[0059]
Further, in the present embodiment, the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P forms a part of the side surface of the cylinder, so that the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P extends along the third surface 3UM of the holding portion 3U. The surface 3PM can be continuously slid in the arc direction R. Therefore, since the inclination angle of the cover glass 100A can be adjusted steplessly, the optical path of the laser beam LA using the cover glass 100A can be precisely adjusted.
[0060]
Further, in the present embodiment, the light passing hole 3PK is provided at a position corresponding to the light outlet 3KA in the movable member 3P, so that the movable member 3P is moved in the arc direction to adjust the inclination angle of the cover glass 100A. Even in the case of moving to R, the communication state between the light passage hole 3PK and the light outlet 3KB is ensured. Therefore, the tilt angle of the cover glass 100A can be adjusted while securing the optical path of the laser beam LA including the light passage hole 3PK and the light outlet 3KA.
[0061]
Further, in the present embodiment, the fixing mechanism 400 in which the two fixing screws 3J are screwed into the screw holes 3H provided in the plate-shaped fixing wall 3W of the lower cover 3 is provided. When the movable member 3P is held, the ends of the two fixing screws 3J abut on the movable member 3P, whereby the position of the movable member 3P is fixed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the movable member 3P whose tilt angle has been adjusted.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P forms a part of the side surface of the cylinder. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first surface 3PM forms a part of the side surface of the regular polygonal column. You may do so. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P forms a seven-surface configuration (a part of the side surface of a regular polygon) and the third surface of the holding unit 3U. The 3UM may also have a seven-plane configuration corresponding to the first plane 3PM. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P can be moved stepwise in the circular arc direction R along the third surface 3UM of the holder 3U. Since the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P and the third surface 3UM of the holding portion 3U are in close contact with each other on a plurality of surfaces (seven surfaces), the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is part of the side surface of the cylinder. The displacement of the movable member 3P after the movement can be more effectively prevented as compared with the case where Note that the first surface 3PM of the movable member 3P is not necessarily limited to the seven-sided configuration, and can be freely changed according to the number of inclination steps of the cover glass 100A. Configurations other than the above-described features described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 are the same as those shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, respectively.
[0063]
Further, in the present embodiment, screw holes 3H for screwing the fixing screws 3J are provided in both of the pair of plate-shaped fixing walls 3W constituting the holding portion 3U, but are not necessarily limited to this. For example, the screw hole 3H may be provided only in one of the plate-shaped fixed walls 3W. Also in this case, since the movable member 3P can be fixed using one fixing screw 3J screwed into the screw hole 3H, almost the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.
[0064]
The operation, effect, modification, and the like of the present embodiment other than those described above are the same as those of the first embodiment. Of course, the optical scanning device according to the present embodiment includes not-shown optical path adjusting mechanisms 300B to 300D together with the optical path adjusting mechanism 300A, and these optical path adjusting mechanisms 300B to 300D have the same functions, effects and modifications as those of the optical path adjusting mechanism 300A. It goes without saying that the above is applied.
[0065]
As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Specifically, for example, in the above embodiment, the case where the optical scanning device of the present invention is applied to a “full-color laser printer” has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to a monochrome laser printer of a single-beam system using a single beam or a multi-beam system using a plurality of laser beams. Further, the present invention may be applied to a printer other than a laser printer capable of forming an image using a scanning mechanism of a light beam, or may be applied to an optical device other than a printer. Specific examples of the “other optical device” include, for example, a facsimile, a copying machine, and a multifunction peripheral thereof.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the optical scanning device of the first aspect, by holding both ends of the window member at the pair of steps of the holding unit, the inclination angle of the window member can be changed, and the holding of the holding unit can be performed. Since the optical path of the light beam can be adjusted by tilting the window member using the mechanism, it is necessary to change the shape and arrangement of the optical components on the optical path, or to add new optical components for adjustment Instead, the optical path of the light beam can be adjusted only by a simple adjustment operation of changing the inclination angle of the window member. Therefore, it is possible to easily adjust the optical path of the light beam using the window member. In particular, when the optical scanning device of the present invention is applied to a multi-beam printer, the curvature of a scanning line on a photosensitive drum due to laser light is corrected by applying an optical path adjustment mechanism of a light beam using a window member. You can also.
[0067]
Further, according to the optical scanning device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the first surface of the movable member can be moved in the arc direction along the third surface of the holding portion, and the movable member can be moved. Since the optical path of the light beam can be adjusted by inclining the window member according to the movement of the member, the optical path of the light beam using the window member can be easily adjusted. Moreover, even when the movable member is moved to incline the window member, the state of blocking the air flow between the inside and the outside of the housing is maintained, so that excellent dustproofness can be secured.
[0068]
In addition to the above, according to the optical scanning device of the third aspect, when the first surface of the movable member forms a part of the side surface of the cylinder, the first surface of the movable member extends along the third surface of the holding portion. Thus, the first surface of the movable member can be continuously slid in the arc direction. Therefore, since the inclination angle of the window member can be adjusted steplessly, the optical path of the light beam using the window member can be adjusted more precisely.
[0069]
According to the optical scanning device of the fourth aspect, the distal end of the fixing screw is brought into contact with the movable member in a state in which the first surface of the movable member is in close contact with the third surface of the holding portion, so that the movable member is movable. Since the position of the member is fixed, when the movable member is held by the holding portion, the position of the movable member is fixed using the fixing screw. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the movable member whose tilt angle has been adjusted.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external perspective configuration of an optical scanning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a configuration of an upper surface side of an optical base in the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a bottom view illustrating a configuration of a lower surface side of an optical base in the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a planar configuration of a lower cover in the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an exploded perspective configuration of an optical path adjusting mechanism of the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration along line AA of the optical scanning device illustrated in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration along the line BB of the optical scanning device illustrated in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the optical path of the laser beam is viewed from above when the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is operating.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where an optical path of laser light is viewed from a side when the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is operating.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view for explaining an optical path adjustment procedure of a laser beam using the optical path adjustment mechanism of the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state before the curvature of a scanning line is corrected by laser light to which the optical path adjustment mechanism of the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state of the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention after the curvature of the scanning line is corrected by laser light to which the optical path adjustment mechanism is applied.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an exploded perspective configuration of an optical path adjustment mechanism of an optical scanning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the optical path adjustment mechanism illustrated in FIG.
15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another cross-sectional configuration of the optical path adjustment mechanism illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an optical path adjustment procedure of laser light using an optical path adjustment mechanism of the optical scanning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the configuration of the optical path adjustment mechanism of the optical scanning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an optical path adjustment procedure of laser light using the optical path adjustment mechanism as a modification shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical base, 1C ... Cell, 1R ... Rib, 1RG ... Reinforcement rib structure, 1S ... Storage space, 2 ... Upper cover, 3 ... Lower cover, 3KA-3KD ... Light outlet, 3H ... Screw hole, 3J ... Fixed Screw, 3P: movable member, 3PK: light passage hole, 3PM: first surface, 3PN: second surface, 3U: holding portion, 3UM: third surface, 3W: plate-shaped fixed wall, 10: light source device , 20, 50X, 50Y, 70X, 70Y, 80X, 80Y: reflection mirror, 30: polygon mirror, 31: rotation axis, 30M: reflection surface, 40: fθ lens, 41, 42: lens, 60: control circuit board, 60E: Connector cable, 90A to 90D: Cylindrical mirror, 100A to 100D: Cover glass, 110A to 110D: Photosensitive drum, 110M: Scanned surface, 200A to 200D, 300A: Optical path adjustment Mechanism, 400 ... fixing mechanism, LA to LD, LA1, LA2 ... laser light, PA1, PA2 ... scanning lines, R ... arc direction.

Claims (4)

An optical scanning device having an optical mechanism for generating a light beam for scanning a surface to be scanned outside a housing inside the housing, and having an optical path adjusting mechanism in a part of the housing,
The optical path adjustment mechanism,
A holding portion formed on a part of the housing, having a pair of step-shaped step portions and having a through hole formed between the pair of step portions,
A window member that transmits the light beam generated in the optical mechanism and guides the light beam to the outside of the housing,
The holding portion holds both ends of the window member by the pair of steps so that the inclination angle can be changed,
By tilting the window member, it is possible to adjust an optical path of a light beam reaching the surface to be scanned through the window member and the through hole from the inside of the housing. Scanning device. An optical scanning device having an optical mechanism for generating a light beam for scanning a surface to be scanned outside a housing inside the housing, and having an optical path adjusting mechanism in a part of the housing,
The optical path adjustment mechanism,
A movable having a first surface having a convex shape and a second surface facing the first surface, and having a first through hole formed between the first surface and the second surface; Components,
A window member attached to the second surface of the movable member so as to cover the first through hole;
A second through hole formed in a part of the housing, having a concave third surface corresponding to the first surface of the movable member, and penetrating through the third surface to the inside of the housing; And a holding portion formed with
A first surface of the movable member is in close contact with a third surface of the holding portion, and the movable member, the holding portion, and the window member block air flow between the inside and outside of the housing, The holding unit holds the movable member so that the first surface is movable in the arc direction along the third surface, and moves the movable member in the arc direction to move the window member. By tilting, the optical path of the light beam reaching the surface to be scanned through the window member and the first and second through holes from the inside of the housing can be adjusted. Optical scanning device. The optical scanning device according to claim 2, wherein the first surface of the movable member forms a part of a side surface of a cylinder or a regular polygonal prism. A pair of plate-like fixed walls orthogonal to the third surface are erected on both sides of the third surface of the holding portion and screw holes are formed in at least one of the pair of plate-like fixed walls. Provided,
In a state in which the first surface of the movable member is in close contact with the third surface of the holding portion, the tip of a fixing screw screwed into a screw hole of the plate-shaped fixed wall is brought into contact with the movable member, thereby moving the movable member. The optical path adjusting mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the position of the member is fixed.

Images