JP2008064987A - Optical scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily adjust the focal positions of respective beams irradiated from a plurality of light-emitting elements and focused on respective image carriers in the optical axis direction, with respect to the image carriers. <P>SOLUTION: In an optical scanner 10, a light beams L emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 26 provided to a multibeam light source 24 are focused on the deflection faces of a rotating polygon mirror 50 by a pre-polygon optical system, each of the light beams L deflected by the rotary polygon mirror 50 is separated into different directions by a post-polygon optical system and is focused on a photoreceptor 80 by each light beam. Adjustment means are provided for adjusting the focal positions in the optical axis direction, with respect to the respective light beams L focused at the respective positions on the photoreceptor 80, and the focal positions are adjusted by the adjustment means. The adjustments are made, by varying the differences in the optical paths of the optical beams L by rotating the triangular pillar prisms 102 or cylindrical lenses 34, arranged on the optical paths of the light beams L, which are diffusion light in the main scanning direction, in a pre-polygon optical system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical scanning device.

  In general, a plurality of light beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting elements provided in a light source are scanned by a rotating polygon mirror, and the light beams scanned by the rotating polygon mirror are separated in different directions, and a plurality of light beams are provided for each light beam. There is known an image forming apparatus for forming an image on each of the image carriers. In order to obtain a good image with this image forming apparatus, it is necessary that the spot diameters of the light beams formed on all the image carriers are uniform.

For this reason, there is known a technique for separating a plurality of light beams and reducing variations in spot diameters of light beams formed on a plurality of image carriers for each of the plurality of light beams (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). In this technique, a multi-beam light source that irradiates a plurality of light beams is moved in the optical axis direction of the light beam, thereby adjusting the focal positions of the plurality of light beams.
JP 2006-82520 A

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that it is difficult to adjust the focal position because the movement amount of the focal position of the light beam is larger than the movement amount of the multi-beam light source.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem. The focal position in the optical axis direction with respect to the image carrier of each light beam irradiated from a plurality of light emitting elements and imaged on each of the image carrier is determined. It is an object to provide an optical scanning device that can be easily adjusted.

  In order to achieve the above object, an optical scanning apparatus of the present invention includes a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements, a deflecting unit that deflects a plurality of light beams emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements, and the plurality of light emitting elements. A first imaging optical system for imaging a plurality of light beams emitted from the element on a deflection surface of the deflecting unit; and a plurality of light beams deflected by the deflecting unit are separated in different directions. A second imaging optical system for forming an image on the image carrier for each light beam, and adjusting a focal position in the optical axis direction of each light beam focused on the image carrier with respect to the image carrier. Adjusting means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the focal position in the optical axis direction of each light beam formed on each image carrier with respect to the image carrier by the adjusting means.

  The first imaging optical system is provided with an optical system for condensing or diffusing the light beam in the main scanning direction, and the adjusting means condenses or diffuses the light beam on the optical axis of the light beam in the main scanning direction. It can be arranged at the position to do.

  The adjusting means is composed of a prismatic prism or an optical component composed of a cylindrical lens having a lens power in the main scanning direction, and the light beams formed on each of the image carriers by rotating the optical component. By changing the difference in the optical path length, the focal position of each light beam formed on each of the image carriers on the image carrier in the optical axis direction can be adjusted. By rotating the optical component, the optical path length between the light beams changes, so that the focal position can be adjusted.

  The adjusting means is constituted by a reflecting mirror that reflects a light beam on the optical axis of the light beam of the first imaging optical system or the second imaging optical system, and the reflecting mirror is bent to The focal position of each light beam formed on each image carrier on the image carrier in the optical axis direction can be adjusted.

  The reflecting mirror includes a first reflecting portion that reflects at least one light beam imaged on the image carrier and a second reflecting portion that reflects the remaining light beam, and the first reflecting portion. And a reflecting mirror having different thicknesses from the second reflecting portion.

  The adjusting means is constituted by a transmission plate that transmits a light beam on the optical axis of the light beam of the second imaging optical system, and the light beams transmitted through the transmission plate by moving the transmission plate By varying the optical path length, it is possible to adjust the focal position with respect to the image carrier in the optical axis direction of each light beam formed on each of the image carriers.

  The light source, the deflecting unit, the first imaging optical system, and the second imaging optical system are housed in a housing, and the light beam passes from the housing to the image carrier. It can install in the exit part of the said housing | casing injected.

  The adjusting means is constituted by a reflecting mirror that reflects the light beam on the optical axis of the light beam of the second imaging optical system, and the image is obtained by moving the reflecting mirror in the optical axis direction of the light beam. It is possible to adjust the focal position of each light beam formed on each carrier on the image carrier in the optical axis direction.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily adjust the focal position in the optical axis direction of each light beam formed on each image carrier on the image carrier. It is done.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an optical scanning device 10 according to the present embodiment. The optical scanning device 10 is provided in the image forming apparatus and irradiates light beams (see FIG. 3) 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K for forming Y, M, C, and K color images respectively. To form a latent image. The latent images formed on the photoreceptors 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are converted into yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images by a developing unit (not shown), respectively. It is formed. Each color toner image on each photoconductor is transferred to an intermediate transfer member (not shown) and superimposed to form a full color toner image. Then, the full color toner images on the intermediate transfer member are collectively transferred to a recording medium such as plain paper.

  In the following, when distinguishing YMCK, description will be made by adding any of Y, M, C, and K after the reference numeral, and when not distinguishing YMCK, Y, M, C, and K are omitted. .

  The optical scanning device 10 according to the present embodiment includes multi-beam light sources 20A and 20B each having a plurality of light emitting elements as shown in FIG. The multi-beam light source 20A and the multi-beam light source 20B include a surface emitting laser array 24A and a surface emitting laser array 24B, respectively. The surface emitting laser array 24A includes a surface emitting laser (LD) 26AM that irradiates the photoconductor 80M with the light beam Lm and an LD 26AY that irradiates the photoconductor 80Y with the light beam Ly, which are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. A plurality of (for example, three) sets of LD26AM and LD26AY are arranged in the main scanning direction. Further, the surface emitting laser array 24B is irradiated with the light beam Lc on the surface emitting laser (LD) 26BK and the photoreceptor 80C, which are arranged in the sub-scanning direction and irradiate the photoreceptor 80K with the light beam Lk. An LD 26BC is provided, and a plurality of (for example, three) sets of LD 26BK and LD 26BC are arranged in the main scanning direction. The scanning direction by the rotation of the rotary polygon mirror 50 is the main scanning direction, the direction intersecting the main scanning direction is the sub scanning direction, and the photoconductor 80 is rotated in the sub scanning direction (see arrow Q in FIG. 3). Yes.

  The optical scanning device 10 further applies the diffused light emitted from the LD 26AM, 26AY, 26BK, and 26BC to the substantially parallel light on the optical paths of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc emitted from the LD 26AM, 26AY, 26BK, and 26BC. Collimator lenses 22A and 22B, cylindrical lenses 32A and 32B having lens power only in the main scanning direction, folding mirrors 40A and 40B, cylindrical lenses 34A and 34B having lens power only in the main scanning direction, and lenses only in the sub-scanning direction. Cylindrical lenses 36A and 36B that have power and perform surface tilt correction by forming light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc on the reflecting surface of the rotating polygon mirror (polygon) 50 in a linear shape in the main scanning direction. Mirrors 42A and 42B and folding mirrors 44A and 44B are provided. .

  The rotary polygon mirror 50 has a plurality of reflection surfaces formed on the side surface, rotated at a constant angular velocity in a predetermined direction by a driving force of a scanner motor (not shown), and the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, Lc is deflected simultaneously.

  Furthermore, the optical scanning device 10 places the deflected light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc on the photoreceptors 80M, 80Y, 80K, and 80C on the optical paths of the deflected light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc. The scanning lens 52D, 52E, the folding mirrors 62M, 62Y, 62K, 62C, the folding mirrors 64M, 64Y, 64K, 64C, and the folding mirrors 66M, 66Y, 66K, 66C, which constitute the fθ lens system 52 that moves at the same speed, are provided. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the optical system from the collimator lens 22 to the folding mirror 44 is called a pre-polygon optical system, and the optical system from the fθ lens 52 to the folding mirror 66 is called a post-polygon optical system.

  In the optical scanning device 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the multi-beam light sources 20A and 20B, the pre-polygon optical system, the rotary polygon mirror 50, and the post-polygon optical system are housed in a housing 70. . The light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc reflected by the rotary polygon mirror 50 pass through the dust-proof cover glass 76 provided at the outlet portion 74 of the housing 50 through the post-polygon optical system, and onto the photoreceptor 80. Imaged. In FIG. 3, the description of the multi-beam light sources 20A and 20B and the pre-polygon optical system is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in the pre-polygon optical system, the focal position of the light beam L with respect to the photoconductor 80 in the optical axis direction is adjusted based on the optical path length of the light beam L that is diffused light. Therefore, triangular prisms 102A and 102B (see FIG. 5) whose bottom surfaces are right triangles are disposed on the optical path of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc that are diffused light, and the cylindrical lenses 32A and 32B, and the cylindrical lens 34A. , 34B. The prisms 102A and 102B are arranged such that their thicknesses change in the arrangement direction of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc, that is, in the sub-scanning direction. Since the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc are transmitted through the prisms 102A and 102B, the optical path length changes according to the thickness of the prisms 102A and 102B. Accordingly, the focal position in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductors 80M, 80Y, 80K, and 80C can be adjusted in accordance with the thickness of the prisms 102A and 102B where the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc are transmitted. An example of a specific relationship between the thickness of the prism 102 where the light beam L is transmitted and the amount of movement of the focal position of the light beam L with respect to the photosensitive member 80 in the optical axis direction is shown in FIG. The focal position can be adjusted to a position away from the surface of the photoconductor 80 as the thickness of the prism 102 where the light beam L is transmitted is increased, that is, as the optical path length is increased.

  In the present embodiment, when the focal positions in the optical axis direction of the light beams L emitted from the same multi-beam light source 20 with respect to the respective photoreceptors 80 are different, the optical path lengths (differences in optical path lengths) of the light beams L are set. By changing, the focus position is adjusted to be the same.

  Therefore, the relationship between the thickness of the prism 102 where the light beam L shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted and the amount of movement of the focal position of the light beam L relative to the photosensitive member 80 in the optical axis direction is obtained in advance through experiments or the like. From this relationship, the thickness of the prism when the amount of movement of the focal position is the difference in focal position between the light beams L is obtained, and this thickness is the difference in optical path length between the light beams L transmitted through the prism 102. The prism 102 is rotated so as to be l.

  The rotation mechanism of the prism 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 (1) shows a side view of the rotation mechanism of the prism 102, and FIG. 5 (2) shows a perspective view. The prism 102 is fixed to the holding portion 106 by a fixing spring 104 so as to be rotatable in the arrow Z direction around a rotation center X (side forming a right angle portion of the prism) X. An adjusting screw 108 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) of the holding unit 106, and the prism 102 rotates around a side perpendicular to the optical axis by moving the adjusting screw 108 in the optical axis direction of the light beam L. To do. Note that the fixing spring 104 and the holding portion 106 are arranged at positions that do not block the optical path of the light beam L that passes through the prism 102.

  A change in optical path length difference between the light beams L transmitted through the prism 102 due to the rotation of the prism 102 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, the light beam L from the prism 102 is illustrated as not refracted. FIG. 6A shows a case where the prism 102A is not rotated. The optical path length difference l1 between the light beam Lm emitted from the LD 26AM and the light beam Ly emitted from the LD 26AY is expressed by the following equation (1), where the apex angle of the prism is V °.

Difference in optical path length l1 = distance between beam gaps × tan V ° (1)
FIG. 6B shows a case where the prism 102A is rotated by W ° in the irradiation direction of the light beams Lm and Ly. The difference in the optical path length l2 between the light beam Lm emitted from the LD 26AM and the light beam Ly emitted from the LD 26AY is expressed by Equation (2).

Difference in optical path length l2 = distance between beam gaps × (tan V ° + tan (V−W) °) (2)
Further, FIG. 6 (3) shows a case where the prism 102A is rotated by −W ° in the irradiation direction of the light beams Lm and Ly. An optical path length difference l3 between the light beam Lm emitted from the LD 26AM and the light beam Ly emitted from the LD 26AY is expressed by Expression (3).

Difference in optical path length l3 = distance between beam gaps × (tan (V + W) ° −tanW °) (3)
Accordingly, the optical axis of the light beam Lm with respect to the photoconductor 80M is obtained by calculating the rotation angle W of the prism 102A using the equations (1) to (3) and rotating the prism 102A so as to coincide with the calculated angle. The focal position in the direction and the focal position in the optical axis direction of the light beam Ly with respect to the photoconductor 80Y can be adjusted to be substantially the same.

  The prism 102 may be rotated by the user, or the optical scanning device 10 is provided with a control unit including a memory, a CPU, and the like, and a driving unit such as a stepping motor that rotates the adjusting screw, and the light beam L The relationship between the thickness of the prism 102 through which light passes and the amount of movement of the focal position of the light beam L with respect to the photosensitive member 80 in the optical axis direction and the above expressions (1) to (3) are stored in a memory or the like in advance. The drive unit may be controlled to rotate the prism 102 at the calculated rotation angle.

  Although the case where the focal positions of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly are adjusted has been described here, the same applies to the case where the focal positions of the light beam Lk and the light beam Lc are adjusted. The prism 102 may be arranged so that the vertical direction in the sub-scanning direction is reversed (the rotation center X is up).

  Further, since the optical path in the sub-scanning direction changes when the prism 102 is rotated, the angle in the sub-scanning direction may be adjusted by the folding mirrors 42A and 42B and the folding mirrors 44A and 44B.

[Second Embodiment]
In this embodiment, a cylindrical lens 34 is provided with a rotation mechanism and rotated to adjust the focal position of the light beam in the optical axis direction with respect to the photosensitive member. Since this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The rotation mechanism of the cylindrical lens 34 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 (1) shows a side view of the rotating mechanism of the cylindrical lens 34, and FIG. 7 (2) shows a perspective view. The cylindrical lens 34 is fixed to the holding portion 126 by a fixing spring 124 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center X in the arrow Z direction. An adjustment screw 128 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) of the holding portion 126, and the cylindrical lens 34 is centered on a side orthogonal to the optical axis by moving the adjustment screw 128 in the optical axis direction of the light beam L. Rotate. Note that the fixing spring 124 and the holding portion 126 are disposed at positions that do not block the optical path of the light beam L that passes through the cylindrical lens 34.

  In the present embodiment, when the focal positions in the optical axis direction of the light beams L emitted from the same multi-beam light source 20 with respect to the respective photoconductors 80 are different, the cylindrical lens 34 is rotated and the optical path between the light beams L is rotated. By changing the length (difference in optical path length), adjustment is made so that the focal positions are the same.

  The difference in the optical path length of the diffused light between the light beams L due to the rotation of the cylindrical lens 34 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The light beam Lm emitted from the LD 26AM diffusing in the main scanning direction and the light beam Ly emitted from the LD 26AY pass through a cylindrical lens 34 having a lens power in the main scanning direction to become substantially parallel light. Here, for convenience of explanation, the light beams Lm and Ly by the cylindrical lens 34 are illustrated as not refracted.

  FIG. 8A shows a case where the cylindrical lens 34A is rotated by W ° in the irradiation direction of the light beams Lm and Ly. FIG. 8B shows a case where the cylindrical lens 34A is rotated by −W ° in the irradiation direction of the light beams Lm and Ly. The optical path length difference l′ 2 and the optical path length difference l′ 3 between the diffused light of the light beam Lm and the diffused light of the light beam Ly are both expressed by Expression (4).

Optical path length difference l′ 2 = Optical path length difference l′ 3 = Distance between beam gaps × tanW ° (4)
Here, an example of a specific relationship between the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the cylindrical lens 34A and the focal position of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly with respect to the photoconductor 80M and the photoconductor 80Y in the optical axis direction is shown in FIGS. Shown in FIG. 9 shows the case of the light beam Lm, and FIG. 10 shows the case of the light beam Ly. When the cylindrical lens 34 is not rotated, the irradiation is performed by 5 ° in the irradiation direction of the light beams Lm and Ly. The case where it is rotated by -5 ° in the direction is shown. Each horizontal axis indicates the arrangement of the LD 26 AM and LD 26 AY in the main scanning direction in the surface emitting laser array 24.

  In the light beam Lm, the focal position moves more greatly when the cylindrical lens 34 is rotated by −5 ° than when it is rotated by 5 °. On the other hand, in the light beam Ly, the focal position moves more greatly when the cylindrical lens 34 is rotated by 5 ° than when it is rotated by −5 °. Thus, the amount of movement of the focal position due to the rotation of the cylindrical lens 34 differs between the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly.

  Accordingly, the relationship illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is obtained in advance by experiments or the like, and the focal position of the light beam Lm in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductor 80M and the focal position of the light beam Ly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductor 80Y An angle is obtained such that the difference (the distance at which the focal position differs) becomes a difference in the amount of movement of the focal position due to the rotation of the cylindrical lens 34 between the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly, and the cylindrical lens 34 is rotated to the obtained angle. Thus, the focal position of the light beam Lm in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductor 80M and the focal position of the light beam Ly with respect to the photoconductor 80Y in the optical axis direction become substantially the same.

  Here, the case of adjusting the focal positions of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly has been described, but the same applies to the case of adjusting the focal positions of the light beam Lk and the light beam Lc.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the folding position of the light beam with respect to the photosensitive member in the optical axis direction is adjusted by curving the folding mirror disposed in the pre-polygon optical system. Since this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The movement of the focal position in the optical axis direction of the light beam L with respect to the photoreceptor 80 by curving the folding mirror will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 (1) is a diagram illustrating a case where the folding mirror is recessed in the traveling direction of the light beam L. Since the folding mirror is a concave mirror, the focal position of the light beam L reflected by the mirror surface moves in a direction approaching the mirror surface. FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining a case where the folding mirror is curved so as to be convex in the traveling direction of the light beam L. Since the folding mirror is a convex mirror, the focal position of the light beam L reflected by the mirror surface moves in a direction away from the mirror surface. Thus, by bending the folding mirror, the folding mirror can be a convex mirror or a concave mirror. Therefore, the focal position of the reflected light beam L with respect to the photosensitive member in the optical axis direction can be adjusted.

  An example of the bending mechanism of the folding mirror 42 will be described with reference to FIG. Although the description will be made using the folding mirror 42 here, the present invention is not limited to this, and the folding mirror 40 or the folding mirror 44 may be provided with a bending mechanism to bend, but the same multi-beam light source 20 emits light. It is preferable that the folding mirror disposed at a place where the intervals between the light beams L in the sub-scanning direction are spaced are curved.

  FIG. 12 shows a case where the light beam Lm irradiated from the same multi-beam light source 20A and the folding mirror that reflects the light beam Ly are configured separately. The folding mirror 42 'that reflects the light beam Lm has both ends bonded to the upper portions of the L-shaped holding portion 116D and the holding portion 116E. Further, the folding mirror 42 ″ that reflects the light beam Ly is fixed to the lower part of the L-shaped holding part 116 </ b> D and the holding part 116 </ b> E by the fixing part 115. An adjustment screw 118 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) of the fixing portion 115. By moving the adjustment screw 118, the folding mirror 42 '' is uneven in the main scanning direction of the light beams Lm and Ly. Or it will be in the state of a convex mirror. Note that the number of adjustment screws is not limited to one, and a plurality of adjustment screws may be provided in the main scanning direction. Further, the folding mirror 42 'may have the same configuration as the folding mirror 42 "and may be curved.

  In this way, by setting the folding mirror 42 ″ to a concave mirror or convex mirror state, the focal position of the light beam Ly with respect to the photoconductor 80Y in the optical axis direction can be adjusted.

  Accordingly, the focal position of the light beam Lm in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductor 80M and the focal position of the light beam Ly with respect to the photoconductor 80Y in the optical axis direction can be made substantially the same.

  Further, another example of the bending mechanism of the folding mirror 42 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 includes a folding mirror 42 that reflects the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly emitted from the same multi-beam light source 20A, and includes a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion having different mirror thicknesses. The case where it is set as the folding mirror 42 is shown.

  The folding mirror 42 includes two reflecting portions having different mirror thicknesses, and the first reflecting portion that reflects the light beam Ly is thicker than the second reflecting portion that reflects the light beam Lm. The folding mirror 42 is fixed to the L-shaped holding part 116 ′ D and holding part 116 ′ E by a fixing part 115 ′ and a fixing part 115 ″. An adjustment screw 118 ′ is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) of the fixing portion 115 ′, and an adjustment screw 118 ″ is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) of the fixing portion 115 ″. The adjusting screw 118 ′ and the adjusting screw 118 ″ are connected by a mechanism (not shown), and the same force can be applied simultaneously to the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion of the folding mirror 42.

  By moving the adjusting screw 118 ′ and the adjusting screw 118 ″, the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion of the folding mirror 42 are uneven in the main scanning direction of the light beams Lm and Ly. It becomes a state. When the same force is applied, the second reflecting portion is thinner than the first reflecting portion, and thus bends more greatly than the first reflecting portion. Since the first reflecting portion and the second reflecting portion have different bending amounts, the amount of movement of the focal position of each of the reflected light beam Ly and the light beam Lm also differs. Can be adjusted.

  It is also possible to adjust the focal position of the two beams by adjusting only with the adjusting screw 118 ″. At that time, the light beam Ly needs to adjust the collimator lens in the optical axis direction.

  Accordingly, the focal position of the light beam Lm in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductor 80M and the focal position of the light beam Ly with respect to the photoconductor 80Y in the optical axis direction can be made substantially the same.

  Note that the number of adjustment screws is not limited to one, and a plurality of adjustment screws may be provided in the main scanning direction. Further, the folding mirror 42 'may have the same configuration as the folding mirror 42 "and may be curved.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, an adjusting means is arranged in the post-polygon optical system to adjust the focal position of the light beam with respect to the photosensitive member in the optical axis direction. Since this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in the post-polygon optical system, each light transmitted through the transmission plate by moving the transmission plate disposed on the optical axis of each of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc separated by the rotary polygon mirror 50. By making the optical path lengths of the beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc different, the focal positions in the optical axis direction of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc with respect to the photoreceptors 80M, 80Y, 80K, and 80C are adjusted. Since the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc are refracted by the transmission plate, the optical path lengths of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc change according to the transmission amount of the transmission plate (the thickness of the transmission plate of the transmission part). However, the greater the amount of transmission (the thicker the transmission plate), the longer the optical path lengths of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the focal position in the optical axis direction for each of the photoconductors 80M, 80Y, 80K, and 80C according to the thickness of the transmission plate through which the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc are transmitted.

  In the present embodiment, the dustproof cover glasses 76Y, 76M, 76C, and 76K provided at the outlet portions 74Y, 74M, 74C, and 74K of the housing 70 are used as the transmission plates, and the transmitted light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, and Lc are used. Different optical path lengths.

  An example of the dustproof cover glass 76 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows a dust-proof cover glass 76D provided with a first transmission part and a second transmission part whose glass thickness is thinner than that of the first transmission part. The light beam L is applied to the photoconductor 80 disposed outside the housing 70 from an irradiation port 78 provided in the exit portion 74. A fastener 140 and a fastener 142 are disposed before and after the dust-proof cover glass 76D of the outlet portion 74, and the dust-proof cover glass 76D is fixed. Further, the dustproof cover glass 76D is fixed by a fixing spring (not shown).

  When the dust cover glass 76D is moved to the rear side (fixed by the fastener 142), the irradiation port 78 is covered with the first transmission part. On the other hand, when moved to the front side (fixed by the fastener 140), the irradiation port 78 is covered with the second transmission part.

  Accordingly, by moving the dust cover glass 76D back and forth, the thickness of the dust cover glass D through which the light beam L is transmitted changes, so that the optical path length of the light beam L can be changed. The focal position in the axial direction can be adjusted.

  Another example of the dustproof cover glass 76 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows a prism type dustproof cover glass 76E. Positioning holes 146, 146 ', 146 "for installing a fastener 144 for fixing the dustproof cover glass 76E are provided on one side of the irradiation port 78 (the thin side of the dustproof cover glass 76E). The dust cover glass 76E is fixed by a fastener 144 and a fixing spring (not shown).

  The dust cover glass 76E is moved to change the thickness of the portion covering the irradiation port 78, and is fixed by the fastener 144 installed in any one of the positioning holes 146, 146′146 ″. It is possible to change the thickness of the dust-proof cover glass 76E through which the light passes. Therefore, since the optical path length of the light beam L can be changed, the focal position in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoreceptor 80 can be adjusted.

  Furthermore, another example of the dustproof cover glass 76 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 shows a case where the flat dustproof cover glass 76F is rotated in the direction of arrow R. As shown in FIG. 16A, one side of the dustproof cover glass 76F is fixed to the outlet portion 74 so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow R by a hinge 148. The other side of the dust-proof cover glass 76F is fixed to the swing plate 150, and this swing plate 150 prevents a gap in the housing 70 from being opened even if the dust-proof cover glass 76F rotates in the direction of arrow R. Yes.

  By rotating the dust cover glass 76F, as shown in FIG. 16B, the thickness of the dust cover glass 76F through which the light beam L is transmitted can be changed. Therefore, since the optical path length of the light beam L can be changed, the focal position in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoreceptor 80 can be adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, the light path lengths of the respective light beams L are made different by the dust cover glass 76, but separately from the dust cover glass 76, for example, the front side of the dust cover glass 76 inside the housing 70. The focal position of each light beam with respect to the image carrier in the optical axis direction may be adjusted by installing a transparent plate on the optical axis of the light beam L and moving the transparent plate.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In this embodiment, the folding position of the light beam with respect to the photosensitive member in the optical axis direction is adjusted by curving the folding mirror disposed in the post-polygon optical system. Since this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the folding mirror 62 disposed in the post-polygon optical system is curved in the optical axis direction of the light beam L, whereby the photoconductors 80M, 80Y, 80K of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, Lc, The focal position in the optical axis direction with respect to 80C is adjusted. FIG. 17 shows a case where the folding mirror 62M and the folding mirror 62Y are curved. As described in detail in the third embodiment, the folding mirror 62 that reflects the light beam can be curved to make the folding mirror 62 a convex mirror or a concave mirror. The focal position in the optical axis direction with respect to 80 moves. Therefore, by curving the folding mirror 62, the focal position of the reflected light beam L with respect to the photosensitive member in the optical axis direction can be adjusted.

  Only one of the folding mirror 62Y and the folding mirror 62M may be curved. FIG. 17 shows the case where the focal positions of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly are adjusted, but the same applies to the case where the focal positions of the light beam Lk and the light beam Lc are adjusted. Although the folding mirror 62 is curved here, the present invention is not limited to this, and the folding mirror 64 or the folding mirror 66 may be curved.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the folding mirror disposed in the post-polygon optical system is moved in the optical axis direction of the light beam L to adjust the focal position of the light beam in the optical axis direction with respect to the photosensitive member. . Since this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the optical path length of the light beam L is changed by moving the folding mirror 62 arranged in the post-polygon optical system in the direction of the optical axis of the light beam L, so that each of the light beams Lm, Ly, Lk, The focal position in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductors 80M, 80Y, 80K and 80C of Lc is adjusted.

  A change in the optical path length of the light beam L due to the movement of the folding mirror 62 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 17, the folding mirror 62M and the folding mirror 62Y are moved closer to the fθ lens 52 (52D, 52E), that is, the folding mirror 62M is moved to the position of the folding mirror 62M ′, and the folding mirror 62Y is moved to the position of the folding mirror 62Y ′. Shows the case. As the folding mirror 62M and the folding mirror 62Y move, the optical path lengths of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly become the light beam L'm and the light beam L'y indicated by dotted lines in the drawing. Accordingly, the optical path lengths of the light beam L′ m and the light beam L′ y are shorter than those of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly. When the folding mirror 62M and the folding mirror 62Y are moved in a direction away from the fθ lens 52, the optical path lengths of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly change so as to become longer.

  As described above, since the optical path lengths of the light beams Lm and Ly change according to the movement amounts of the folding mirrors 62M and 62Y, the focal positions of the light beams Lm and Ly in the optical axis direction with respect to the photoconductors 80M and 80Y are adjusted. I can do it. Only one of the folding mirror 62Y and the folding mirror 62M may be moved. Although the case where the focal positions of the light beam Lm and the light beam Ly are adjusted has been described here, the same applies to the case where the focal positions of the light beam Lk and the light beam Lc are adjusted. Furthermore, although the folding mirror 62 is moved here, the present invention is not limited to this, and the folding mirror 64 or the folding mirror 66 may be moved.

1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an optical scanning device according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the arrangement | sequence of the light emitting element which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical scanning device according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the thickness of the prism which the light beam which concerns on 1st Embodiment transmits, and the moving amount | distance of a focus position. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the rotation mechanism of the prism which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the difference of the optical path length of the light beams by rotation of the prism which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the rotation mechanism of the cylindrical lens which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the difference of the optical path length of the light beams by rotation of the cylindrical lens which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the rotation amount of the cylindrical lens which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the focus position of the optical axis direction with respect to the photoreceptor 80M of the light beam Lm. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the rotation amount of the cylindrical lens which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the focus position of the optical axis direction with respect to the photoreceptor 80Y of the light beam Ly. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the movement of the focus position by the curve of the folding mirror which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the bending mechanism of the folding mirror which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other example of the bending mechanism of the folding mirror which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the dustproof cover glass which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other example of the dustproof cover glass which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example which rotates and moves the dust-proof cover glass which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example which curved the folding mirror which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of the optical path length of the light beam by the movement of the folding mirror which concerns on 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 optical scanning device 20 multi-beam light source 26 LD
34 Cylindrical lens 42 Folding mirror 50 Rotating polygon mirror 62 Folding mirror 70 Housing 80 Photoconductor 76 Dust-proof cover glass 102 Prism

Claims (8)

A light source comprising a plurality of light emitting elements;
Deflection means for deflecting a plurality of light beams emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements;
A first imaging optical system that images a plurality of light beams emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements on a deflection surface of the deflection unit;
A second imaging optical system that separates each of the plurality of light beams deflected by the deflecting means in different directions and forms an image on the image carrier for each light beam;
Adjusting means for adjusting the focal position in the optical axis direction of each light beam focused on each image carrier on the image carrier;
Including an optical scanning device.   The first imaging optical system is provided with an optical system for condensing or diffusing the light beam in the main scanning direction, and the adjusting means condenses or diffuses the light beam on the optical axis of the light beam in the main scanning direction. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the optical scanning device is disposed at a position to be moved.   The adjusting means is composed of a prismatic prism or an optical component composed of a cylindrical lens having a lens power in the main scanning direction, and the light beams formed on each of the image carriers by rotating the optical component. 3. The light according to claim 1, wherein the focal position of each light beam focused on each of the image carriers on the image carrier in the optical axis direction is adjusted by changing the difference in the optical path lengths of the light beams. Scanning device.   The adjusting means is constituted by a reflecting mirror that reflects a light beam on the optical axis of the light beam of the first imaging optical system or the second imaging optical system, and the reflecting mirror is bent to 3. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein a focal position of each light beam formed on each image carrier on the image carrier in the optical axis direction is adjusted.   The reflecting mirror includes a first reflecting portion that reflects at least one light beam imaged on the image carrier and a second reflecting portion that reflects the remaining light beam, and the first reflecting portion. The optical scanning device according to claim 4, wherein the optical scanning device is configured by a reflecting mirror having a thickness different from that of the second reflecting portion.   The adjusting means is constituted by a transmission plate that transmits a light beam on the optical axis of the light beam of the second imaging optical system, and the light beams transmitted through the transmission plate by moving the transmission plate The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the focal position of each light beam formed on each of the image carriers on the image carrier in the optical axis direction is adjusted by changing the optical path length.   The light source, the deflecting unit, the first imaging optical system, and the second imaging optical system are housed in a housing, and the light beam passes from the housing to the image carrier. The optical scanning device according to claim 6, wherein the optical scanning device is installed at an exit portion of the casing to be ejected.   The adjusting means is constituted by a reflecting mirror that reflects the light beam on the optical axis of the light beam of the second imaging optical system, and the image is obtained by moving the reflecting mirror in the optical axis direction of the light beam. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the focal position of each light beam formed on each of the carrier on the image carrier in the optical axis direction is adjusted.

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