JP2005317925A - Light source device, recording device, platemaking device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light source device comprising an optical element, the light source device enabling the optical element to have stable output characteristics, a long life, and stable output. <P>SOLUTION: The light source device comprises a light source element (1) with anode common, an insulator (2) for holding the light source element (1), and a metal bracket (3) for holding the insulator (2). The light source element (1) is held by the metal bracket (3) via the insulator (2), so that the light source element (1) and the metal bracket (3) are not in contact with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a light source device, and in particular, to a light source device applicable to an optical recording system that requires high-precision recording, a recording device including the light source device, a plate making apparatus equipped with the recording device, and an image forming apparatus. Is.

  In a light source device using a plurality of semiconductor lasers, the first problem is heat generation. In semiconductor lasers, the threshold value of the current is sensitive to temperature, and a phenomenon in which the optical output is saturated due to heat generation of the element occurs. In addition, the operation at a high temperature significantly shortens the lifetime of the device. For example, when the temperature of an element increases by 10 ° C., the lifetime of the element is reduced to about half. For this reason, in order to increase the maximum output of light, it is important how to efficiently dissipate heat and keep the temperature of the element low.

  In the light source device using a plurality of semiconductor lasers, the next problem is insulation. In the case of an anode common laser diode, the flange portion of the laser diode is connected to the anode. Therefore, if the flange portion of each laser diode is not insulated, it becomes impossible to control each laser diode independently.

  Further, the laser diode may be destroyed by static electricity, which causes a problem when static electricity is generated in a member for fixing the laser diode. However, there are few types of materials that combine heat dissipation and insulation, and there are many materials that are difficult to process even if there are materials that combine heat dissipation and insulation.

  For this reason, as a technical document filed prior to the present invention, a plurality of one-dimensional semiconductor laser arrays in which a plurality of laser beam emission points are arranged one-dimensionally are arranged between insulating plates having good thermal conductivity. A two-dimensional semiconductor laser array is configured by arranging in layers, and this two-dimensional semiconductor laser array is placed on a heat dissipation member via its insulating plate, and heat generated from the one-dimensional semiconductor laser array is thermally conductive There is a semiconductor laser array device that can conduct heat to a heat radiating member through a good insulating plate to allow sufficient heat dissipation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also provided with a metal ring having a laser fitting hole into which a semiconductor laser is fitted, and a ceramic base mainly composed of aluminum nitride having a ring fitting hole into which the metal ring is press-fitted, and has heat dissipation and insulation properties There is a laser fixing holder that can be manufactured at low cost (for example, see Patent Document 2).

In addition, a pickup optical system component that irradiates a recording medium with a light beam from a light source such as a semiconductor laser focused on a minute spot by an objective lens, and reflects reflected light from the recording medium to a divided light receiving element is used in an optical information recording / reproducing apparatus. In the whole optical system driving type objective lens driving device that has a movable part of the driving device and drives the driving device using a difference signal obtained by the divided light receiving element, and performs focus control and tracking control of the objective lens. The movable part has a bobbin that houses the optical system, and has a heat sink integrally molded with the bobbin, and the heat sink has the semiconductor laser and the divided light receiving element integrally, and the entire optical system There is an objective lens driving device that improves the reduction in the lifetime due to heat of the semiconductor laser (LD) in the driving type objective lens driving device (for example, see Patent Document 3). ).
Japanese Patent No. 2554741 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-22563 JP-A-8-287499

  The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is a two-dimensional semiconductor laser array having a plurality of light emitting points, and is configured to have an insulating plate and a heat radiating member for each light emitting element. Since it is arranged in layers at intervals, it is a technology relating to a highly integrated laser array. On the other hand, the present invention relates to a discrete light source device of a type in which a plurality of independent light source elements such as laser diodes are provided on the same substrate.

  The above-mentioned Patent Document 2 uses an aluminum nitride ceramic having both heat dissipation and insulation, and a laser diode is press-fitted into a metal ring, and the metal ring is press-fitted into an aluminum nitride ceramic substrate. is there. In this case, since the aluminum nitride ceramic becomes the substrate, the size is large and the shape is complicated. Aluminum nitride ceramic is excellent in workability as a ceramic, but is not as excellent in workability as metal, and the cost is high. Further, all the members in Patent Document 2 are joined by press-fitting, and in the case of press-fitting, variation occurs in the contact area, resulting in variation in thermal conductivity.

  Patent Document 3 is a technique related to heat dissipation of a laser diode used for an optical pickup. Since the laser diode used for the optical pickup is a single eye, it is not necessary to consider measures for insulation between lasers.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a light source device including an optical element, the output characteristics of the optical element are stabilized, the long life of the optical element is realized, and the output of the optical element is stabilized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light source device, a recording device, a plate making device, and an image forming device.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.

  The light source device according to the present invention includes a light source element of common anode, an insulator that holds the light source element, and a bracket that holds the insulator, and the light source element is held by the bracket via the insulator. It is characterized by this.

  A light source device according to the present invention includes a plurality of anode-common light source elements, a lens facing each of the light source elements, one or more insulators that hold the light source elements, a bracket that holds the insulators, and a light source. A circuit board to which a terminal of each element is connected, the circuit board is fixed to the bracket, the light source element is held by the bracket via an insulator, and the lens is fixed to the bracket. It is characterized by being.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the insulator is an insulator having high thermal conductivity.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the insulator is an aluminum nitride ceramic.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the light source element is an anode common laser diode.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the bracket is connected to a ground level voltage.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the bracket has a radiating fin-shaped portion for radiating the heat of the bracket itself.

  The light source device according to the present invention is characterized by having a cooling fan for cooling the heat dissipating fin-shaped portion of the bracket.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the bracket includes a heat pipe for making the temperature distribution of the bracket uniform.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the light source element includes at least one light source element, and each of the light source elements is provided with a lens.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the lens is characterized in that the lens is bonded to the bracket in the air with an ultraviolet curable adhesive.

  The light source device according to the present invention is characterized in that a light shielding hood for shielding light to the lens is provided around the lens.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the light shielding hood has a shape that shields light between adjacent lenses.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the circuit board is provided with holes through which the terminals of the light source elements are passed.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, one hole is provided for one or a plurality of light source elements, and all terminals held by the one or a plurality of light source elements are allowed to pass through the provided holes. It is characterized by that.

  The light source device according to the present invention is characterized in that a contact corresponding to the number of terminals held by the light source element is provided at the edge of the hole.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the circuit board is provided with a connector for inputting and outputting a signal for controlling the light source element.

  The light source device according to the present invention includes a plurality of combinations of light source elements and insulators, in which the light source elements are held by an insulator, the insulators are held by the same bracket, and the plurality of combinations are the same. It is characterized by being held by a bracket.

  The light source device according to the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of light source elements are held by the same insulator, and the insulator is held by a bracket.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the light source element and the insulator are fixed by caulking the exterior of the light source element, and the light source element is held by the insulator. It is characterized by this.

  In the light source device according to the present invention, the insulator and the bracket are characterized in that the insulator and the bracket are fixed by fastening the bracket with caulking, and the insulator is held by the bracket. It is.

  A recording apparatus according to the present invention includes the light source device described above.

  In the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the respective optical systems including the light source elements constituting the light source device and the lenses provided in each of the light source elements are arranged on a substantially straight line. It is a feature.

  In the recording apparatus according to the present invention, each optical system including the light source elements constituting the light source device and the lenses provided in each of the light source elements is staggered on a plurality of rows of approximate lines. It is characterized by being arranged.

  The recording apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a polygon mirror is provided on the optical path of the light source device.

  A plate making apparatus according to the present invention comprises the above-described recording apparatus and performs recording by the recording apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the above-described recording apparatus, and performs recording by the recording apparatus.

  A light source device, a recording apparatus, a plate making apparatus, and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention have a light source element of an anode common, an insulator that holds the light source element, and a bracket that holds the insulator, and the light source element is insulated. By being held by the bracket via the body, a shape in which the light source element and the bracket do not come into contact with each other is constructed, so that the light source element and the bracket are insulated and the output control of the light source element is facilitated. It becomes possible.

  First, the features of the light source device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device according to the present embodiment includes a common anode light source element (1), an insulator (2) that holds the light source element (1), and a bracket (2) that holds the insulator (2). 3), and the light source element (1) is held by the bracket (3) via the insulator (2), so that the light source element (1) and the bracket (3) do not come into contact with each other. Therefore, the light source element (1) and the bracket (3) are insulated from each other, and the output control of the light source element (1) can be facilitated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the light source device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of anode-common light source elements (1), a lens (5) facing each of the light source elements (1), and a light source element (1). One or a plurality of insulators (2) to be held, a bracket (3) to hold the insulator (2), a circuit board (11) to which each terminal (1-a) of the light source element (1) is connected, The circuit board (11) is fixed to the bracket (3), the light source element (1) is held by the bracket (3) via the insulator (2), and the lens (5) Is fixed to the bracket (3), so that the plurality of light source elements (1) and the bracket (3) can be insulated and the output control of each light source element (1) can be performed individually. Stabilizing the output of the light source element (1) by improving the heat dissipation of the light source element (1) It is possible to achieve the beauty longer life. Hereinafter, the light source device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the first embodiment will be described.
A light source device according to a first embodiment includes a light source device having a common anode light source element, an insulator holding the light source element, and a metal bracket holding the insulator, and uses the light source device. The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a plate making apparatus using the recording apparatus, and an image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, a light source device according to a first embodiment, a recording apparatus using the light source device, a plate making apparatus using the recording device, and an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the light source device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the light source device of the first embodiment. Here, a case where an anode common laser diode is used as the light source element will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device of the first embodiment includes a light source element (1), an insulator (2), and a metal bracket (3).

  The light source element (1) is held by an insulator (2), and the insulator (2) is held by a metal bracket (3). Thereby, the light source device of the first embodiment is configured in a shape in which the light source element (1) and the metal bracket (3) are not in contact with each other. An anode common laser diode is applicable as the light source element (1).

  The anode common laser diode (1) has an outer wall portion of the laser diode (1) connected to the anode, so that the outer wall portion of the laser diode (1) and the metal are controlled in order to control the potential of the anode. It is necessary to insulate the bracket (3). Further, the laser diode (1) is easily affected by temperature. For this reason, the laser diode (1) has a current threshold value that is sensitive to temperature, and the phenomenon that the optical output is saturated depending on the temperature occurs. Further, the operation at high temperature significantly shortens the life of the laser diode (1).

  For this reason, the insulator (2) is required to have high thermal conductivity in order to release the heat of the laser diode (1). In addition, the heat dissipation of the metal bracket (3) is satisfactory. Therefore, what is required for the insulator (2) is electrical insulation and high heat dissipation. A material having both electrical insulation and high heat dissipation and good workability includes aluminum nitride ceramic.

For example, the characteristic values of aluminum nitride ceramic (Machinable Ceramic H type) manufactured by Ishihara Yakuhin Co., Ltd. have a volume resistivity of 10 ¹³ Ω · cm and a thermal conductivity of 100 W / m · K. Insulation and thermal conductivity are comparable to metals. Moreover, although not as easy as metals, since it can be cut, it can be processed into various shapes with high accuracy.

The characteristics of aluminum nitride ceramic manufactured by Toshiba Ceramics Co., Ltd. have a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁴ Ω · cm and a thermal conductivity of 150 W / m · K. Compared to metals, the properties are comparable. Moreover, although not as easy as metals, since it can be cut, it can be processed into various shapes with high accuracy. Therefore, it is preferable to apply an aluminum nitride ceramic as the insulator (2).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device of the first embodiment is constructed so that the laser diode (1) and the metal bracket (3) do not come into contact with each other, so that the anode potential of the laser diode (1) is made of metal. Since it can insulate from a bracket (3), output control can be performed easily. Further, by applying aluminum nitride ceramic as the insulator (2), heat from the laser diode (1) can be quickly released to the metal bracket (3), so that the heat dissipation of the laser diode (1) is improved. Thus, heat storage of the laser diode (1) can be prevented. Furthermore, since the shape of the insulator (2) can be simplified, the highly accurate insulator (2) can be manufactured at low cost.

  In addition, even if it says that aluminum nitride ceramic has good machinability, since it does not reach metal, it will become expensive to comprise metal bracket (3) itself with aluminum nitride ceramic. In addition, it is preferable to apply aluminum as a material of the metal bracket (3). Since aluminum is excellent in thermal conductivity and is metered, it becomes possible to measure the device itself. Moreover, it is also possible to apply iron, such as stainless steel, as a metal bracket (3). Iron such as stainless steel is resistant to deformation, has good workability, and is easily available. Moreover, it is also possible to apply other metals as the metal bracket (3).

  In addition, the metal bracket (3) which comprises the light source device of a 1st Example shall be connected to the voltage of a ground level. The laser diode (1) is insulated from the metal bracket (3), but when the metal bracket (3) is charged and static electricity is generated in the metal bracket (3), the laser diode (1) is also affected. There is a possibility. In particular, since the laser diode (1) is vulnerable to static electricity and may be destroyed, it is necessary to avoid static electricity. For this reason, in the light source device of the first embodiment, the metal bracket (3) is connected to the ground level, and the ground level voltage is always maintained. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of static electricity can be prevented beforehand and it becomes possible to prevent damage to a laser diode (1).

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the light source device of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent heat storage of the laser diode (1) by applying aluminum nitride ceramic as the insulator (2), but the metal bracket (3) itself stores heat. If it does, the effect will become small. For this reason, heat dissipation of the metal bracket (3) itself must also be considered. Therefore, in the light source device of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a metal bracket (3) having a radiating fin shape (3-a) is applied, or as shown in FIG. Or a heat pipe (4). In addition, the heat pipe (4) is very excellent in heat transfer, and by providing the heat pipe (4) in the metal bracket (3), the heat distribution in the metal bracket (3) can be made uniform quickly. It becomes possible to do.

Next, a third embodiment will be described.
The light source device is often used as a laser diode array including a plurality of laser diodes (1) rather than using only a single laser diode (1). In particular, when a light source device is used as a recording device, it is preferable to use a multi-laser array from the viewpoint of speeding up and widening recording. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the light source device of the third embodiment is characterized in that a state in which a plurality of laser diodes (1) are provided in one metal bracket (3) is constructed. It is.

  In the light source device of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, one laser diode (1) and one insulator (2) form one set, and the one laser diode (1) and one insulator are combined. By providing a plurality of sets in one metal bracket (3) with the body (2) in one set, the shape of the insulator (2) is simplified and the light source device It is possible to reduce the amount of the insulator (2) to be used.

  In the light source device of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of laser diodes (1) are provided on one insulator (2), and the plurality of laser diodes (1) are provided. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the insulator (2) is provided in one metal bracket (3).

  Thus, in the light source device of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of laser diodes (1) are provided on one insulator (2), and the insulator (2) is attached to a metal bracket ( With the configuration provided in 3), it is possible to reduce the number of parts and to simplify the assembly. As shown in FIG. 6, the light source device of the third embodiment is a combination of the structure shown in FIG. 4 and the structure shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of insulators (2) provided with the plurality of laser diodes (1) may be provided in one metal bracket (3).

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
When there are a plurality of laser diodes (1), the effect of using the insulator (2) is further increased. Since the laser diode (1) is an anode common, unless the insulator (2) is used, the anode potential of all the laser diodes (1) will be the same potential. For this reason, it becomes difficult to perform separate output control in each laser diode (1). However, since the insulators (2) can be used to insulate the anodes of the laser diodes (1), the laser diodes (1) can be individually controlled. Moreover, the heat pipe (4) used as a heat dissipation measure for the metal bracket (3) also has a great effect.

  As described above, since the heat pipe (4) has an effect of making the temperature distribution of the metal bracket (3) uniform, the light source device of the fourth embodiment has the metal bracket (3) as shown in FIG. By providing the heat pipe (4) in the metal bracket (3) so as to surround the plurality of laser diodes (1) provided therein, the temperature is almost the same in the vicinity of all the laser diodes (1). It can be constructed to keep. Therefore, there is no variation in temperature distribution among the laser diodes (1), and it is possible to construct a light source device of a multi-laser array in which the output of each laser diode (1) is stable.

(Fastening method of each part constituting the light source device)
Next, a method for fastening the laser diode (1), the insulator (2), and the metal bracket (3) constituting the light source device of the above embodiment will be described.

  In the case of a laser diode array using a plurality of laser diodes (1), it is desirable to increase the density of the laser diodes (1) in the light source device as much as possible. In this case, since the space for fastening becomes very narrow, as a fastening method, the fastening method by press-fitting as shown in FIG. 8, or the insulator (2) itself as shown in FIG. There are a fastening method by screwing in a screw thread or a fastening method by caulking as shown in FIG.

  In addition, since the fastening method by screwing must provide a thread with respect to the aluminum nitride ceramic used as an insulator (2), there exists a problem that manufacture is very difficult and it becomes high-cost. Further, the fastening method by press-fitting has a problem that the dimension crossing must be severe, and the aluminum nitride ceramic used as the insulator (2) has almost no elasticity and is easily broken. Furthermore, if there is variation in the contact area in fastening, the heat dissipation characteristics will change, and variations in the heat dissipation characteristics will occur between the laser diodes (1). For this reason, the fastening method by caulking is preferable. In the case of the fastening method by caulking, since the metal part of the flange of the laser diode (1) and the metal bracket (3) are deformed and the insulator (2) itself is not deformed, the insulator ( 2) will not be destroyed. Further, since the location to be caulked is determined in advance, the contact area of the contact portion due to caulking is always kept constant, and a heat dissipation characteristic without variation among the laser diodes (1) is obtained. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the caulking fastening method may be configured such that caulking is performed on the entire circumference. As shown in FIG. 12, the caulking is performed at points (four locations in FIG. 12). The caulking fastening method is not particularly limited.

  Thus, when constructing the light source device of the above embodiment, by adopting the fastening method by caulking, the aluminum nitride ceramic used for the insulator (2) is not destroyed, and each laser diode ( 1) It is possible to construct a light source device having no variation in heat dissipation characteristics.

(Layout of lenses constituting the light source device)
Next, a configuration when the lens (5) is provided in the light source device of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the light source device in the above embodiment constructs a state in which the lens (5) is fitted into the metal bracket (3), or the lens (5) as shown in FIG. 13 (b). ) Is not fitted into the metal bracket (3), and it is possible to construct a state in which the lens (5) is floated. The light source device of the above embodiment can obtain a substantially parallel laser beam by using a collimating lens as the lens (5). If a condensing lens is used as the lens (5), the beam spot is small. It is possible to obtain a focused laser beam. These are particularly effective when the light source device is applied as a recording device. In addition, it is also possible to use both a collimating lens and a condensing lens as the lens (5), and this makes it possible to acquire the condensed laser light with parallel laser light. . It is also possible to use a condenser lens having the characteristics of a collimator lens as the lens (5). As a result, it is possible to acquire a parallel laser beam and a focused laser beam with a simple configuration.

  An example in which the light source device is applied as a recording device is shown in FIG. In the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 14, the recording medium (7) is attached to the surface of the drum (6), the drum (6) is rotated, and the light is applied to the recording medium (7) attached to the surface of the drum (6). Is recorded on the recording medium (7). Then, each time the drum (6) rotates one time, the light source device is moved by one dot in the axial direction of the drum (6), thereby recording on the recording medium (7) in a spiral manner to complete the image. It will be.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the light source device of the above embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of laser diodes (1) are arranged in a line in the axial direction of the drum (6) (scanning direction of the light source device). As shown in FIG. 14, a light source device in which a plurality of laser diodes (1) are arranged in a line in the axial direction of the drum (6) and the arrangement of laser diodes (1) is arranged in a line at equal intervals. Thus, since the width of one laser diode (1) scanning the recording medium (7) is only the width of the laser diode (1) itself, recording on the recording medium (7) is possible. Recording time can be shortened, and recording on the recording medium (7) can be performed efficiently. Further, even for a wide recording medium (7), if the number of laser diodes (1) is increased, recording can be performed on the recording medium (7) without increasing the recording time.

  In order to shorten the recording time on the recording medium (7), the light source device may be constructed so as to narrow the interval between the plurality of laser diodes (1). However, the width of the laser diode (1) itself is small. Therefore, there is a limit to the distance for narrowing the interval. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of laser diodes (1) are arranged in a staggered arrangement in two rows in the axial direction of the drum (6) (scanning direction of the light source device).

  Thus, by using the light source device in which the laser diodes (1) are arranged in two rows at equal intervals in a staggered manner, the width with which one laser diode (1) scans the recording medium (7) is Since half the width of the laser diode (1) itself is sufficient, the recording time for recording on the recording medium (7) can be further shortened, and recording on the recording medium (7) can be performed efficiently. It becomes. Further, even for a wide recording medium (7), if the number of laser diodes (1) is increased, recording can be performed on the recording medium (7) without increasing the recording time. In addition, by increasing the number of arrangements of the laser diodes (1) to 3 rows and 4 rows, higher speed recording becomes possible.

  Further, by constructing the light source device of the above embodiment so as to swing the lens (5) as shown in FIG. 16, it can be applied to a recording device that scans with laser light. In the configuration of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 16, the lens (5) is swung in the axial direction of the drum (6) and the laser beam is scanned onto the recording medium (7) on the drum (6). In general, the rotation direction of the drum (6) is sub-scanning. In the case of this method, the axial direction of the drum (6) can be the main scanning direction, so that the drum (6) holding the recording medium (7) is not drum-shaped but is also applied to a planar recording medium feeding mechanism. It becomes possible.

  It is also possible to use the rotation direction of the drum (6) as the main scanning direction and the swinging direction of the lens (5) as the sub-scanning direction. Since the recording apparatus in such a case has a scanning speed in the main scanning direction that is not so high, a printing plate or a CTC film (thermal recording medium) that performs recording in a thermal mode rather than a highly sensitive recording medium such as a photosensitive drum. It can be applied to such records. Therefore, it is possible to apply a recording apparatus as a plate making apparatus. In addition, as an apparatus using a recording apparatus including the light source apparatus of the above embodiment, a plate making apparatus for burning a general printing plate based on image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus such as a PC, or a CTP (Computer to Computer) (Plate) printing apparatus and CTC film (thermal recording medium) recording apparatus.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the light source device of the fifth embodiment is provided with a cooling fan (10) for cooling the heat radiating fin-shaped portion (3-a) of the metal bracket (3). To do. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the light source device of the fifth embodiment is constructed by using the cooling fan (10) to forcibly exhaust the heat dissipating fins (3-a). The heat dissipation of the laser diode (1) can be further improved, and the output of the laser diode (1) can be stabilized and the life can be extended. FIG. 17 shows a configuration of the light source device when one cooling fan (10) is mounted, and FIG. 18 is a layout diagram showing a configuration of the light source device when a plurality of cooling fans (10) are mounted. .

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.
The light source device of the sixth embodiment includes a plurality of common anode light source elements, a lens facing each of the light source elements, one or more insulators that hold the light source elements, a metal bracket that holds the insulators, A light source device having a circuit board fixed to a metal bracket and connected to terminals of each light source element, a recording device using the light source device, a plate making device using the recording device, and a printing device It is. Hereinafter, a light source device according to a sixth embodiment, a recording apparatus using the light source device, a plate making apparatus using the recording device, and an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, a recording apparatus according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a view of the light source device of the sixth embodiment as viewed from above, and FIG. 20 is a view of the light source device of the sixth embodiment as viewed from the side. In the light source device of the sixth embodiment, a case where an anode common laser diode is used as the light source element will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the light source device of the sixth embodiment includes a plurality of common anode light source elements (1), a lens (5) facing each of the light source elements (1), and a light source element (1). One or a plurality of insulators (2) to be held, a metal bracket (3) to hold the insulator (2), and a terminal (1-a) of each light source element (1) fixed to the metal bracket (3) And a connected circuit board (11).

  The plurality of light source elements (1) are each held by an insulator (2), and the insulator (2) is held by a metal bracket (3). The light source element (1) and the metal bracket (3) It is comprised so that it may not contact.

  In addition, as a method of detecting the output light quantity of the laser diode which becomes the light source element (1), an optical sensor is provided outside, the output of the laser diode (1) is branched, and the branched light is provided to the outside A method of detecting the amount of light by detecting with a sensor, a method of detecting the amount of light by detecting reflected light from a medium, a drum surface, or the like with an optical sensor provided outside can be considered.

  Note that the light source element (1) is used for cases where importance is placed on the light use efficiency of the light source, such as writing to a heat-sensitive medium, or where the optical sensor cannot be disposed near the medium, or in order to reduce the cost of the apparatus. It is preferable to use a laser diode incorporating a photodiode.

  A laser diode having an anode connected to a cathode of a photodiode is called an anode common laser diode.

  In general, most of the high-power continuous wave (CW) type laser diodes are anode common types, and the common side (wired side) is often connected to the case body of the laser diode device. Therefore, in the case of the anode common type, the light source device body has the same potential as the anode of the laser diode.

  However, it is desirable that the potential of the light source device main body is grounded from the viewpoint of safety. Then, a circuit for driving the anode common type laser diode may be a method in which the anode potential of the laser diode is grounded and the cathode potential of the laser diode is made negative. Therefore, the circuit configuration is complicated and an extra power supply is required, which increases the cost of the device itself. Therefore, there is a need for a driving method that uses the light source device body as the ground and does not use a negative power source.

  On the other hand, in order to reduce the cost of the light source device body, laser diode driver ICs that are produced in large quantities on CD-R / RW, DVD ± R / RW, DVD-RAM, etc. are provided at low cost. Therefore, it is preferable to use the driver IC as a laser diode drive source.

  However, since there are many types of driver ICs that are constant current sources that output a current for driving the laser diode, in order to drive an anode common type laser diode with the driver IC, the cathode is on the ground side and the anode is connected. It is necessary to connect to the current output source of the driver IC.

  For this reason, it is necessary to electrically insulate the anodes of the plurality of laser diodes in order to mount a plurality of anode common laser diodes and make the light source device body have a ground potential.

  That is, when the laser diode device body is connected to the anode and is electrically conductive, the laser diode (1), the light source device body and the metal bracket (3) must be electrically insulated. The reason is that when the anodes of a plurality of laser diodes (1) are electrically conductive, when a drive current flows through one laser diode (1), the other laser diodes (1) are also driven simultaneously. This is because individual drive control cannot be performed.

  There are other reasons for electrically insulating the laser diodes (1) individually. For example, the light source device main body may be in contact with the outside such as a human hand. For this reason, in order to protect the laser diode (1) which is easily affected by the external environment, it is very significant to electrically insulate.

  Further, the laser diode (1) is easily affected by temperature. The laser diode (1) has a current threshold value that is sensitive to temperature. In particular, at a high temperature, the light output may decrease, the life may be shortened, or the laser diode (1) may be damaged. Therefore, it is essential to use a highly thermally conductive insulator having both electrical insulation and high heat dissipation as the insulator (2).

  In addition, since the bracket (3) used also as a flame | frame of a light source device has good workability and a cheap thing is desired, it is common to use a metal thing. The metal bracket (3) has satisfactory thermal conductivity, but has a problem with electrical insulation.

  Although there are means such as alumite treatment on the surface, the layer is thin, so it is easy to peel off, and it is not reliable to expect complete insulation. Therefore, although a high thermal conductivity insulator is required as the insulator (2), an aluminum nitride ceramic is preferable as a material that satisfies the requirements and has good workability.

  For example, the characteristic values of the aluminum nitride ceramic of Ishihara Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. are 1013 Ω · cm in volume resistivity and 100 W / m · K in thermal conductivity. Compared to other types. Moreover, although not as easy as metals, since it can be cut, it can be processed into various shapes with high accuracy. Therefore, it is highly desirable to use aluminum nitride ceramic as the high thermal conductivity insulator. Note that aluminum nitride ceramic does not reach the metal even if it has good machinability, so it is expensive to make the bracket itself from aluminum nitride ceramic.

  In the light source device of the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, one laser diode (1) and one insulator (2) form one set, and the one laser diode (1 ) And one insulator (2) are provided in one metal bracket (3) as a set. When a light source device is used as the recording device, it is preferable to use a multi-laser array from the viewpoint of increasing the recording speed and increasing the width.

  Further, by using a high thermal conductivity insulator as the insulator (2), it becomes possible to insulate the anodes of the respective laser diodes (1), so that the laser diodes (1) can be individually controlled. It becomes possible.

  Further, by using a high thermal conductivity insulator as the insulator (2), heat from each laser diode (1) can be quickly released to the metal bracket (3) via the high thermoelectric insulator (2). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laser diode (1) itself from generating heat. Furthermore, since it becomes possible to simplify the shape of the insulator (2), it is possible to manufacture a highly accurate and highly thermally conductive insulator at low cost.

  As described above, the light source device according to the sixth embodiment includes a plurality of common anode light source elements (1), a lens (5) facing each of the light source elements (1), and a single light source element (1). Alternatively, a plurality of high thermal conductivity insulators (2), a bracket (3) holding the high thermal conductivity insulator (2), and a bracket (3) are fixed to each terminal (1 of the light source element (1). -A) connected to the circuit board (11), the light source element (1) is held by the bracket (3) via the high thermal conductivity insulator (2), and the lens ( 5) determines the positional relationship with the light source element (1) by bonding in the air, so that the output control of each light source element (1) is individually performed by insulating the plurality of light source elements (1) and the bracket (3). At the same time, improving the heat dissipation of the light source element (1) and the output of the light source element (1) It is possible to achieve a Joka and long life. In addition, it is possible to easily configure a light source device that can realize high-precision beam position accuracy.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.
The light source device is often used as a laser diode array including a plurality of laser diodes (1) rather than using only a single laser diode (1). In particular, when a light source device is used as a recording device, it is preferable to use a multi-laser array from the viewpoint of speeding up and widening recording. In the light source device of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, one insulator (2) provided with a plurality of laser diodes (1) is provided in one metal bracket (3). It is a feature.

  In the light source device of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of laser diodes (1) are provided on one insulator (2) and the plurality of laser diodes (1) are provided. By configuring (2) in one metal bracket (3), the shape of the insulator (2) is simplified, and the amount of the insulator (2) used in the light source device is reduced. Is possible. In addition, since the number of parts is reduced, assembly can be simplified.

  The configuration of the light source device shown in FIG. 19 includes one laser diode (1) and one insulator (2) as one set, and one laser diode (1) and one insulator (2). Is a configuration in which a plurality of sets are provided in one metal bracket (3). The configuration shown in FIG. 19 makes it possible to simplify the shape of the insulator (2) and reduce the amount of the insulator (2) used for the light source device.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the light source device in the seventh embodiment is a combination of the configuration shown in FIG. 19 and the configuration shown in FIG. 21, and a plurality of high heat conductive insulators (2) are combined. A laser diode (1) may be provided, and a plurality of insulators (2) provided with the plurality of laser diodes (1) may be provided in one metal bracket (3).

  The metal bracket (3) is connected to a ground level voltage. The laser diode (1) is insulated from the metal bracket (3), but when the metal bracket (3) is charged and static electricity is generated, the laser diode (1) may be affected. .

  In particular, the laser diode (1) is sensitive to static electricity and may be destroyed, so it is necessary to avoid static electricity. Therefore, the metal bracket (3) is connected to the ground level so as to always keep the ground level voltage.

(Fastening method of each part constituting the light source device)
Next, a method for fastening the laser diode (1), the insulator (2), and the metal bracket (3) constituting the light source device of the above embodiment will be described.

  In the case of a laser diode array using a plurality of laser diodes (1), it is desirable to increase the density of the laser diode (1) in the light source device as much as possible. In this case, since the space for fastening becomes very narrow, a possible fastening method is the above-described fastening method by press-fitting shown in FIG. 8, and the high thermal conductivity insulator (2) itself shown in FIG. And a fastening method by screwing, and a fastening method by caulking shown in FIG.

  Any of the fastening methods can be applied to the light source device of the above embodiment. However, the fastening method by screwing must cut a screw thread with respect to the aluminum nitride ceramic used as the high thermal conductivity insulator (2). Therefore, there is a problem that the production is very difficult and the cost is high.

  In the case of the fastening method by press-fitting shown in FIG. 8, there is a problem that the dimension crossing must be severe, and the aluminum nitride ceramic used as the electric body (2) has almost no elasticity and is easily broken. Furthermore, if there is a variation in the contact area in fastening, the heat dissipation characteristic changes by itself, and the heat dissipation characteristic varies between the laser diodes (1).

  Therefore, in view of the above points, it is preferable to apply a caulking fastening method. In the case of caulking, since the metal part of the flange of the laser diode (1) and the metal bracket (3) are deformed, it is possible to prevent the high thermal conductive insulator (2) from being broken.

  Further, since the location to be caulked is determined in advance, the contact area of the contact portion due to caulking is always kept constant, and a heat dissipation characteristic without variation among the laser diodes (1) is obtained. . For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the caulking fastening method may be configured such that caulking is performed all around, and as shown in FIG. 12, at points (four places in FIG. 12). Caulking may be configured, and the fastening method by caulking is not particularly limited.

(Layout of lenses constituting the light source device)
Next, a configuration when the lens (5) is provided in the light source device of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The light source device of this embodiment is provided with a lens (5) at the tip of each laser diode (1) in order to make the light from the laser diode (1) optically useful. As the type of lens (5), for example, a collimating lens can be used to obtain a substantially parallel laser beam, and a condensing lens can be used to obtain a condensed laser beam having a small beam spot. It becomes possible. However, when these lenses are individually mounted, it is very difficult to adjust the optical axis with high accuracy with a simple configuration.

  For this reason, in order to provide an inexpensive and simple light source device, the light source device of the present embodiment uses an ultraviolet curable adhesive (12) made of an ultraviolet curable resin as shown in FIG. The lens (5) is fixed to the metal bracket (3).

  As described above, the light source device of the present embodiment can realize highly accurate lens bonding by bonding the lens (5) to the bracket (3) in the air with the ultraviolet curable adhesive (12). Therefore, it is possible to realize high-precision beam position accuracy.

  In order to obtain an inexpensive and simple configuration, it is preferable to apply a monocular lens as the lens (5). That is, it is preferable to use a lens having both a collimating function and a condensing function with both surfaces being aspherical lenses.

  Another reason for using a monocular lens is that the increase in the number of lenses (5) may make it difficult to effectively use the output of the light source element (1) as the final output light. In this case, problems such as difficulty in high-speed writing on the heat-sensitive medium occur. For this reason, it is preferable that the lens (5) is a monocular lens.

  Further, the adhesion and position adjustment of the lens (5) are performed using an adjustment mechanism such as a chuck means (13) as shown in FIG. The lens (5) is guided to an appropriate position using an adjusting mechanism such as the chuck means (13).

  The chuck means (13) is preferably constructed so as to be able to perform position adjustment with six degrees of freedom or degrees of freedom in the required direction. At the time of adjustment, the beam position of the lens (5) is detected by the monitor (14), the position of the chuck means (13) is finely adjusted based on the position information of the position of the beam, and the accurate position of the lens (5) is obtained. Will be calculated.

  The ultraviolet curable adhesive (12) made of an ultraviolet curable resin may be an acrylic or epoxy type, but an epoxy type having a small curing shrinkage is more desirable.

  After the lens (5) is bonded, the lens (5) is exposed as shown in FIG. Since the lens (5) is bonded with very high accuracy, if the external impact or the like is applied to the lens (5), the lens (5) is slightly displaced and the positional accuracy of the lens (5) is spoiled. There is a fear. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a light shielding hood (15) as shown in FIG.

  The light shielding hood (15) also serves to prevent external disturbance light from entering the lens (5) and the laser diode (1). This is particularly effective when a photodiode is incorporated in the laser diode (1).

  The photodiode built in the laser diode (1) detects the power of the laser beam and is used for controlling the laser output. When disturbance light enters here, it is impossible to accurately detect the laser output, and it becomes impossible to control the laser output. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a light shielding hood (15).

  As described above, since the light shielding hood (15) is provided around the lens (5), when the output feedback photodiode is built in the laser diode (1), disturbance light is generated in the photodiode. It is possible to prevent entry and to further protect the lens (5).

  Further, a plurality of laser diodes (1) are provided, and it is necessary to prevent each scattered light from interfering with the output of the adjacent laser diode (1) or affecting the adjacent photodiode. Therefore, in the light source device of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the light shielding hood (15) is configured to shield light between adjacent lenses (5). Furthermore, the shielding hood (15) is useful for preventing the influence of disturbance light and stray light.

  In this manner, the light shielding hood (15) is configured in such a shape that light can be shielded between the adjacent lenses (5), so that the photodiode detects the scattered light from the other laser diode (1). Can be prevented.

  In addition, by using an aluminum nitride ceramic for the insulator (2), heat storage of the laser diode (1) can be prevented, but the effect is reduced when the metal bracket (3) itself stores heat. End up. For this reason, heat dissipation of the metal bracket (3) itself must also be considered.

  For this reason, the light source device of the present embodiment is provided with a metal bracket (3) having the shape of a heat radiating fin (3-a) as shown in FIG. 25, or is cooled as shown in FIGS. A fan (10) is provided to forcibly exhaust heat stored in the metal bracket (3).

  The cooling fan (10) has a configuration in which one cooling fan (10) is mounted as in the configuration shown in FIG. 26, or a plurality of cooling fans (10) as in the configuration shown in FIG. It is also possible to adopt a mounted configuration. Instead of air cooling using the cooling fan (10), it is also possible to perform cooling by a water cooling method.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, it can also be set as the structure which provided the heat pipe (4) in the metal bracket (3). The heat pipe (4) is very excellent in heat transfer, and the heat distribution in the metal bracket (3) can be made uniform quickly by using the heat pipe (4).

  Since there are a plurality of laser diodes (1), the heat pipe (4) used as a heat dissipation measure for the metal bracket (3) also has a great effect.

  Thus, since the heat pipe (4) has an effect of making the temperature distribution of the metal bracket (3) uniform, a structure in which the heat pipe (4) is provided on the metal bracket (3) as shown in FIG. By doing so, it becomes possible to keep the metal bracket (3) at substantially the same temperature in the vicinity of all the laser diodes (1). For this reason, variations in temperature distribution among the laser diodes (1) are eliminated, and a light source device of a multi-laser array having a stable output can be configured.

  In addition, since the light source device of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of laser diodes (1), in order to control the provided laser diodes (1), as shown in FIG. It is desirable to consolidate the terminals (1-a) of the diode (1) into one connector (11-b) and to use the connector (11-b) as a signal terminal adapter.

  For this reason, the light source device of the present embodiment is provided with a circuit board (11) for connecting the terminal (1-a) of the laser diode (1).

  The circuit board (11) is provided fixed to a metal bracket (3) which is a frame of the light source device. When the circuit board (11) is assembled, the caulking portions of the laser diode (1), the insulator (2), and the metal bracket (3) are completely hidden, so that the fastening by caulking is completed. After that, the circuit board (11) is attached.

  That is, the circuit board (11) must be assembled in a state where the plurality of laser diodes (1) are completely fixed. For this reason, the circuit board (11) needs to be provided with a hole (11-a) for allowing the terminal (1-a) of the laser diode (1) to pass therethrough.

  Since the terminal (1-a) of the laser diode (1) has high rigidity, the terminal (1-a) and the circuit board (11) are soldered first, and then the circuit board (11) is attached to the metal bracket ( It becomes difficult to assemble to 3). Although there is a method of connecting with a low-rigidity electric wire, it takes too much time.

  Therefore, by providing a hole (11-a) in the circuit board (11), the terminal (1-a) of the laser diode (1) is provided in the hole (11-a) provided in the circuit board (11). Since the circuit board (11) can be fixed to the metal bracket (3) and then soldered after it has been passed, work efficiency can be improved.

  Thus, since the circuit board (11) which comprises the light source device of a present Example is provided with the hole (11-a) for allowing each terminal (1-a) of laser diode (1) to pass through. The layout and assembly of the laser diode (1) and the circuit board (11) can be facilitated.

  The laser diode (1) is provided with three or more terminals (1-a) for each laser diode (1). Since the light source device of this embodiment includes a plurality of sets of laser diodes (1), if one hole is provided in the circuit board (11) for each terminal, it is very difficult to pass the terminals through all the holes. It will be something.

  Further, the position of the tip of the terminal (1-a) of the laser diode (1) incorporated in the metal bracket (3) is designed so that the position of the terminal can be accurately provided as in a connector or an IC chip. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to pass the terminal of the laser diode (1) through the hole (11-a) provided in the circuit board (11) as it is. Therefore, in the light source device of the present embodiment, one or more terminals (1-a) of the laser diode (1) are provided in one hole (11-a) provided in the circuit board (11). It is configured to pass through.

  As described above, the light source device of the present embodiment has one terminal (1) held by one or a plurality of laser diodes (1) from one hole (11-a) provided in the circuit board (11). -A) Assembly of the circuit board (11) is facilitated by allowing all to pass. An example of the configuration is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 show a configuration in which the laser diodes (1) are arranged in two rows.

  The configuration example shown in FIG. 28 is configured such that the terminal (1-a) held by one laser diode (1) is passed through one hole (11-a), and the configuration shown in FIG. In the example, the terminals (1-a) of a plurality of laser diodes (1) are configured to pass through one hole (11-a).

  The edge of the hole (11-a) provided in the circuit board (11) is connected to the terminal (1-a) in the vicinity of the portion where the terminal (1-a) of each laser diode (1) comes. Corresponding contacts (11-c) are provided. Soldering is performed with this contact (11-c). Thus, by providing the contact (11-c) corresponding to the terminal (1-a) held by the laser diode (1) at the edge of the hole (11-a) provided in the circuit board (11). The soldering between the terminal (1-a) and the contact (11-c) becomes easy.

  Next, an example in which the light source device of this embodiment is used as a recording device is shown in FIG. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 30, the recording medium (7) is attached to the surface of the drum (6), the drum (6) is rotated, and light is emitted onto the recording medium (7) attached to the surface of the drum (6). Is recorded on the recording medium (7). Then, the drum (6) moves the light source device by one dot in the axial direction of the drum (6) for each rotation, thereby recording on the recording medium (7) in a spiral manner and completing the image. become.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the light source device of this embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of laser diodes (1) are arranged in a line in the axial direction of the drum (6) (scanning direction of the light source device). As shown in FIG. 30, a light source device in which a plurality of laser diodes (1) are arranged in a line in the axial direction of the drum (6) and the arrangement of laser diodes (1) is arranged in a line at equal intervals. Thus, since the width of one laser diode (1) scanning the recording medium (7) is only the width of the laser diode (1) itself, recording on the recording medium (7) is possible. Recording time can be shortened. Further, even on a wide recording medium (7), it is possible to perform recording on the recording medium (7) without increasing the recording time by increasing the number of laser diodes (1).

  In order to further reduce the recording time, the light source device may be configured to narrow the interval between the plurality of laser diodes (1). However, since the laser diode (1) itself has a width, the interval is reduced. There is a limit to the distance to narrow. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 31, a light source device in which a plurality of laser diodes (1) are arranged in a staggered arrangement in two rows in the axial direction of the drum (6). Thus, by using the light source device in which the laser diodes (1) are arranged in two rows at equal intervals in a staggered manner, the width scanned by one laser diode (1) is the laser diode (1) itself. Therefore, the recording time for recording on the recording medium (7) can be further shortened, and recording on the recording medium (7) can be performed efficiently. Further, even for a wide recording medium (7), by increasing the number of laser diodes (1), the recording time for recording on the recording medium (7) is not increased on the recording medium (7). Recording can be performed. In addition, it is possible to perform higher-speed recording by increasing the number of arrays of laser diodes (1) to 3 rows and 4 rows.

  The external drum scanning type recording apparatus equipped with the light source device of this embodiment can be applied to recording on a printing plate or CTC film (thermal recording medium) for recording in the thermal mode. Therefore, the external drum scanning type recording apparatus equipped with the light source device of this embodiment can be applied to an image setter, a CTP plate making apparatus, and the like.

  The light source device of this embodiment can also perform recording on an electrophotographic or silver salt recording medium or photoconductor by performing ultra-high speed scanning using a polygon mirror or the like. Representative examples of the apparatus using the photoconductor include a copying machine, a laser printer, a FAX, a silver salt film, a silver salt type printing plate, and a photopolymer type printing plate. Also for these apparatuses, it is possible to apply a recording apparatus equipped with the light source apparatus of this embodiment.

  Next, FIG. 32 shows a configuration example when the light source device of each of the above embodiments is used as a recording device. The recording apparatus shown in FIG. 32 is provided with a polygon mirror (8) on the optical path of the light source device of this embodiment, and the light source from the light source device enters the fθ lens (9) via the polygon mirror (8). The light incident on the lens (9) is scanned onto the recording medium (7) on the drum (6). This makes it possible to achieve ultra-high speed scanning.

  Note that the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 32 is an effective technique for recording on a photoreceptor. Typical examples of the apparatus using the photosensitive member include an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser printer, and a FAX. A recording apparatus using the light source device of this embodiment can also be applied to these image forming apparatuses. Hereinafter, the configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with a recording apparatus including the light source device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 33 shows a configuration of a tandem type color image forming apparatus, and is a system in which images formed for respective colors are sequentially transferred onto a transfer sheet.

  The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 33 includes image forming units (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) that form images of different colors (yellow: Y, magenta: M, cyan: C, black: K), respectively, on transfer paper. It is arranged in a line along the conveying belt (2) for conveying (1) on the upstream side in the conveying direction.

  The conveying belt (2) is stretched between a driving roller (3) that is driven and rotated on one side and a conveying roller (4) that is a driven roller that is driven and rotated on the other side. 3), the rotation is driven in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 33 (counterclockwise in FIG. 33). In addition, a paper feed tray (5) in which transfer paper (1) is stored is provided below the transport belt (2).

  The transfer paper at the uppermost position among the transfer paper (1) stored in the paper feed tray (5) is fed at the time of image formation and is sucked onto the transport belt (2) by electrostatic suction. Then, the transfer paper (1) adsorbed on the conveyance belt (2) is conveyed to the first image forming unit (100Y), and the yellow image formed by the first image forming unit (100Y) is transferred. It is transferred onto the transfer paper (1).

  The first image forming unit (100Y) includes a photosensitive drum (6Y), a charger (7Y) disposed around the photosensitive drum (6Y), and an exposure device (light source device according to the present invention) (8). And a developing device (9Y) and a photoreceptor cleaner (10Y).

  The surface of the photosensitive drum (6Y) is uniformly charged by a charger (7Y), and then exposed by a laser beam (11Y) corresponding to a yellow image by an exposure device (8), whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed. It is formed on the photosensitive drum (6Y). The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum (6Y) is developed by the developing unit (9Y), and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum (6Y). This toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper (1) by the transfer device (12Y) at a position (transfer position) where the photosensitive drum (6Y) contacts the transfer paper (1) on the transport belt (2). 1) A monochromatic (yellow) image is formed on top. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum (6Y) is cleaned with unnecessary toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum (6Y) by the photosensitive cleaner (10Y) to prepare for the next image formation.

  The transfer paper (1) having the single color (yellow) transferred by the first image forming unit (100Y) in this way is transported to the second image forming unit (100M) by the transport belt (2). In this case as well, the toner image (magenta) formed on the photosensitive drum (6M) is similarly transferred onto the transfer paper (1). The transfer paper (1) is further conveyed to the third image forming unit (100C) and the fourth image forming unit (100K), and similarly formed (cyan, black) toner images are transferred to the conveying belt ( The image is sequentially transferred onto the transfer paper (1) conveyed by 2), and a color image is formed on the transfer paper (1).

  The transfer paper (1) on which the color image is formed by passing through the fourth image forming unit (100K) is peeled off from the transport belt (2), fixed by the fixing device (13), and then discharged. Will be. As described above, the recording apparatus including the light source device of this embodiment can be applied to the image forming apparatus. It is also possible to construct a configuration in which the image forming apparatuses are connected.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible. For example, it is possible to construct a configuration in which the features of the light source devices of the above embodiments are combined.

  The light source device, recording device, plate making device, and image forming device according to the present invention can be applied to an optical recording system device that requires high-precision recording, and can be applied to a copying machine, a laser printer, a FAX, a plate making device, and the like. Is possible.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the structure which provided the radiation fin in the metal bracket in the light source device of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the structure which provided the heat pipe in the metal bracket in the light source device of a present Example. 1 is a first diagram showing a configuration including a plurality of light source elements in a light source device according to the present embodiment, and shows a configuration of a light source device in which a plurality of laser diodes are provided in one metal bracket. FIG. In the light source device of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a second view showing a configuration including a plurality of light source elements, in which a plurality of laser diodes are provided in one insulator, and the insulator provided with the plurality of laser diodes It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device which constructed | assembled the state which provided in one metal bracket. In the light source device of the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a third view showing a configuration including a plurality of light source elements, and a plurality of laser diodes are provided in one insulator, and the insulator in which the plurality of laser diodes are provided. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device which constructed | assembled the state which provided two or more in one metal bracket. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device which constructed | assembled the state which provided the heat pipe in the metal bracket in the state surrounding the some laser diode provided in the metal bracket. It is a figure which shows the fastening method by press injection applicable when constructing the light source device of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the fastening method by the screwing which cut the thread in the insulator itself applicable when constructing the light source device of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the fastening method by crimping applicable when constructing the light source device of a present Example. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the fastening method of crimping applicable when constructing the light source device of a present Example, and is a figure which shows the case where crimping is performed to a perimeter. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the fastening method of crimping applicable when constructing the light source device of a present Example, and is a figure which shows the case where crimping is performed at a point (FIG. 12 4 places). It is a figure which shows the case where a lens is provided in the light source device of a present Example, (a) is the figure which constructed | assembled the state in which the lens was fitted to the metal bracket, (b) was fitted to the metal bracket. It is the figure which was not carried out but constructed | assembled the state which the lens floated. It is a diagram showing the configuration of a recording apparatus using the light source device of the present embodiment, a state in which a plurality of laser diodes are arranged in a line in the axial direction of the drum, and a state in which the arrangement of laser diodes is arranged in a line at equal intervals FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device using the light source device of a present Example, and is a figure which shows the state which arranged the some laser diode in the zigzag arrangement | sequence in 2 rows in the axial direction of the drum. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device using the light source device of a present Example, and is a figure which shows the state constructed | assembled so that a lens might be rock | fluctuated. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device of a present Example, and is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device at the time of mounting one cooling fan. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device of a present Example, and is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device at the time of mounting multiple cooling fans. In the light source device of the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a configuration including a plurality of light source elements, and shows a configuration of the light source device in which a plurality of laser diodes are provided in one metal bracket. It is the figure seen from the upper surface. In the light source device of the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a configuration including a plurality of light source elements, and shows a configuration of the light source device in which a plurality of laser diodes are provided in one metal bracket. It is the figure seen from the side. In the light source device of the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a fifth view showing a configuration including a plurality of light source elements, and a plurality of laser diodes are provided in one insulator, and the insulator is provided with the plurality of laser diodes. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device which constructed | assembled the state which provided in one metal bracket. FIG. 6 is a sixth diagram illustrating a configuration including a plurality of light source elements in the light source device according to the present embodiment, in which a plurality of laser diodes are provided in one insulator and the plurality of laser diodes are provided. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device which constructed | assembled the state which provided two or more in one metal bracket. It is a figure which shows the state which guided the lens (5) to the appropriate position using adjustment mechanisms, such as a chuck means (13), in the light source device of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the structure which provided the light shielding hood in the light source device of a present Example. In the light source device shown in FIG. 19, it is a figure which shows the structure which provided the radiation fin in the metal bracket. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device at the time of mounting one cooling fan in the light source device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light source device at the time of mounting the cooling fan in the light source device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a circuit board, and is the figure comprised so that the terminal (1-a) which one laser diode (1) hold | maintains may pass through one hole (11-a). It is a figure which shows the structure of a circuit board, and is the figure comprised so that the terminal (1-a) of several laser diode (1) may be passed through one hole (11-a). It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device using the light source device shown in FIG. FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus using the light source device shown in FIG. 25, and shows a state in which a plurality of laser diodes are arranged in a staggered arrangement in two rows in the drum axial direction. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device using the light source device of a present Example, and is a figure which shows the state which provided the polygon mirror on the optical path of a light source device. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image forming apparatus carrying the recording device which comprises the light source device of a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Optical elements (laser diodes, etc.)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1-a Terminal 2 Insulator 3 Metal bracket 3-a Radiation fin 4 Heat pipe 5 Lens 6 Drum 7 Recording medium 8 Polygon mirror 9 f (theta) lens 10 Cooling fan 11 Circuit board 11-a hole 11-b Connector 11-c Contactor 12 UV curable adhesive 13 Chatter means 14 Monitor 15 Shading hood

Claims (27)

  An anode-common light source element; an insulator that holds the light source element; and a bracket that holds the insulator. The light source element is held by the bracket via the insulator. A light source device. A plurality of common anode light source elements, a lens facing each of the light source elements, one or more insulators holding the light source elements, a bracket holding the insulators, and terminals of the light source elements are connected to each other. A circuit board, and
The circuit board is fixed to the bracket;
The light source element is held by the bracket via the insulator,
The light source device, wherein the lens is fixed to the bracket.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the insulator is an insulator having high thermal conductivity.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the insulator is an aluminum nitride ceramic.   3. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the light source element is an anode common laser diode.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is connected to a ground level voltage.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket has a radiation fin-shaped portion for radiating heat of the bracket itself.   The light source device according to claim 7, further comprising a cooling fan that cools the heat dissipating fin-shaped portion of the bracket.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket has a heat pipe for making the temperature distribution of the bracket uniform. The light source element comprises at least one light source element,
The light source device according to claim 1, wherein each of the light source elements is provided with a lens.   The light source device according to claim 2, wherein the lens is bonded to the bracket in the air with an ultraviolet curable adhesive.   The light source device according to claim 2, wherein a light shielding hood for shielding light to the lens is provided around the lens.   The light source device according to claim 12, wherein the light shielding hood has a shape that shields light between adjacent lenses.   The light source device according to claim 2, wherein the circuit board is provided with a hole through which a terminal of each light source element passes.   The hole is provided for one or a plurality of the light source elements, and all the terminals held by the one or a plurality of light source elements are passed through the provided holes. Item 15. The light source device according to Item 14.   16. The light source device according to claim 14, wherein a contact corresponding to the number of terminals held by the light source element is provided at an edge of the hole.   The light source device according to claim 2, wherein the circuit board is provided with a connector for inputting and outputting a signal for controlling the light source element.   There are a plurality of combinations of the light source element and the insulator, wherein the light source element is held by the insulator, the insulator is held by the same bracket, and the plurality of combinations are held by the same bracket. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the light source device is a light source device.   The light source device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the light source elements are held by the same insulator, and the insulator is held by the bracket.   The light source element and the insulator fix the light source element and the insulator by fastening the exterior of the light source element with caulking, and the light source element is held by the insulator. The light source device according to claim 18 or 19.   The insulator and the bracket fix the insulator and the bracket by fastening the bracket with caulking, and the insulator is held by the bracket. 19. The light source device according to 19.   A recording apparatus comprising the light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.   23. Each optical system constituted by a light source element constituting the light source device and a lens provided in each of the light source elements is arranged on a substantially straight line. Recording device.   Respective optical systems composed of light source elements constituting the light source device and lenses provided in each of the light source elements are arranged in a staggered pattern on a plurality of rows of approximate lines. The recording apparatus according to claim 22.   The recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein a polygon mirror is provided on an optical path of the light source device.   25. A plate making apparatus comprising the recording apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein recording is performed by the recording apparatus.   An image forming apparatus comprising the recording apparatus according to claim 25, wherein recording is performed by the recording apparatus.

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