JP2010002881A - Curvature correction mechanism, optical scanner, image forming apparatus and method of manufacturing optical scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a curvature correction mechanism in which the vibration of a reflection mirror for correcting the curvature of main scanning lines is suppressed and the curvature of the main scanning lines is successfully corrected, and to provide an optical scanner and an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The oscillation of an oscillation system composed of a reflection mirror 46Y and a holder 52Y is suppressed by suppressing the oscillation of the holder 52Y by mounting a reinforcement member 70Y being an oscillation suppression member on the holder 52Y being a supporting body which supports the reflection mirror 46Y. Thus, the oscillation of the reflection mirror 46Y which oscillates as a unit with the holder 52Y is also suppressed. Therefore, the oscillation of the reflection mirror 46Y is suppressed without enhancing the rigidity of the reflection mirror 46Y, the curvature of the main scanning lines is successfully corrected and the oscillation of the reflection mirror for correcting the curvature of the main scanning lines is also suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a curvature correction mechanism, an optical scanning device, an image forming apparatus, and an optical scanning device manufacturing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a laser beam printer, a digital copying machine, or a laser facsimile, a latent image carrier such as a photosensitive member is optically scanned with a light beam generated on the basis of image information. What forms a latent image is known. In general, an optical scanning device in such an image forming apparatus includes a light source such as a laser diode, a deflecting unit including a polygon mirror, an fθ lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like. The light beam emitted from the light source as the light beam emitting means is guided to the surface of the latent image carrier by reflection by the reflecting mirror while being deflected in the main scanning direction by the deflecting means or condensed by the fθ lens.

  When the vibration of a vibration source such as a motor or a moving body is close to the natural vibration of the reflecting mirror, the reflecting mirror resonates, banding occurs in the formed image, and the quality deteriorates. For this reason, reducing the vibration of the reflecting mirror is an extremely important issue. As a method of reducing the vibration of the reflecting mirror, a method of fixing a reinforcing member 70 to the reflecting mirror 46 as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Further, in the optical writing apparatus having the above-described configuration, subtle distortion due to processing errors during manufacturing is inevitably generated in the optical system components and the support that constitute the optical writing device. In addition, there are not a few assembly errors in optical system parts and supports. The main scanning line on the surface of the latent image carrier may be bent due to these distortions, assembly errors, and the like. When such a curve occurs, a normal image cannot be formed.

  The curve of the main scanning line is a stack of intersections of various components constituting the optical scanning device, such as distortions and assembly errors, and therefore the amount of bending and the direction of bending differ from product to product. For this reason, in order to perform normal optical scanning, the main scanning line is curved on the surface of the latent image carrier in the upstream or downstream direction in the sub-scanning direction (latent image carrier surface movement direction). Even so, it is necessary to be able to correct it.

  Therefore, the present applicant has proposed an optical scanning device provided with a curvature correction mechanism in Patent Document 3 that can correct a main scanning line that is curved in any direction. This bending correction mechanism holds the reflecting mirror in a state in which the reflecting mirror is forcibly bent in the thickness direction by a holder as a holding body and a spring as a pressing member. And the force which pushes in the direction opposite to the forced bending direction by a holder and a spring is given with respect to the reflecting mirror by the pushing apparatus which pushes in the center part of the reflecting mirror hold | maintained in this way with a pressurization adjustment spring. When the reflecting mirror is pushed slightly by the pushing device, the amount of bending of the reflecting mirror forcedly bent by the holder is reduced. Further, when the reflecting mirror is further pushed in, the reflecting mirror curves in the opposite direction to the initial state. In this way, the bending of the main scanning line is corrected by canceling the bending of the main scanning line with the bending of the reflecting mirror in the reverse direction by the bending correction mechanism capable of bending the reflecting mirror in any direction. Can do.

  However, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if the reinforcing member is fixed to the reflecting mirror for correcting the curvature of the main scanning line, the rigidity of the reflecting mirror increases, and the reflecting mirror can be bent well. It will disappear. As a result, the curvature of the main scanning line cannot be corrected well. For this reason, in order to correct the main scanning line curvature, it is impossible to attach a reinforcing member to the reflecting mirror for correcting the main scanning line curvature. As described above, in order to perform good main scanning line curvature correction, there is no countermeasure for suppressing vibration in the reflecting mirror for correcting the main scanning line curvature.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress the vibration of the reflecting mirror for correcting the curvature of the main scanning line and to perform satisfactory correction of the curvature of the main scanning line. It is an object to provide a bending correction mechanism, an optical scanning device, and an image forming apparatus that can perform the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to a light beam emitting means, a deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in a main scanning direction, and a reflection for reflecting the light beam. The mirror is used in an optical scanning device that optically scans a scanning object with the light beam, and the holding body that holds the reflecting mirror and the reflecting mirror that is held by the holding body are pushed in a direction perpendicular to the mirror surface. A bending correction mechanism for correcting the bending of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by adjusting the pushing amount by the forced bending means. A vibration suppressing member for suppressing the vibration is attached.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the curvature correcting mechanism according to the first aspect, the support position of the support portion is supported while the reflection mirror is supported by the support portion at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface or the back surface of the reflection mirror. The reflecting mirror is pressed in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror and a surface opposite to the supporting surface supported by the supporting portion of the reflecting mirror by a pressing member, so that the reflecting mirror is in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the forced bending means. The holding body is configured so as to be held in a state where it is forced to be bent.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the curvature correction mechanism according to the first or second aspect, the vibration suppressing member is formed of the same material as the holding body.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the curvature correction mechanism according to any one of the first to third aspects, the vibration suppressing member includes a joint surface joined to the holding body and a bent portion bent with respect to the joint surface. It is characterized by having.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the bending correction mechanism according to the fourth aspect, the vibration suppressing member is joined to the holding body via an elastic member.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the curvature correction mechanism according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the holding body has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape, and the vibration suppressing member is provided on one surface of the holding body. It has a 1st joined surface joined, and a 2nd joined surface joined to the surface adjacent to the said one surface of the said holding body, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the curvature correction mechanism according to any of the fourth to sixth aspects, the vibration suppressing member is made of metal.
The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in the bending correction mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 7, a vibration absorbing member is used as the vibration suppressing member.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the bending correction mechanism according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the holding body is provided with a plurality of vibration suppressing members.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the bending correction mechanism according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the vibration suppressing member is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the holding body.
An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the bending correction mechanism according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the vibration suppressing member is provided on a surface of the holding body facing the reflecting mirror.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the bending correction mechanism according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the vibration suppressing member is provided on a surface of the holding body opposite to the surface facing the reflecting mirror. To do.
The invention according to claim 13 is a light beam emitting means, a deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in a main scanning direction, a reflecting mirror for reflecting the light beam, and a scanning object. 13. As an optical scanning device that optically scans the scanning object with the light beam, as the curvature correcting unit, the curvature correcting unit includes a curvature correcting unit that corrects the curvature of the main scanning line on the surface of the main scanning line. It is characterized by using a curvature correction mechanism.
The invention according to claim 14 is a light beam emitting means, a deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in a main scanning direction, a reflecting mirror for reflecting the light beam, and the reflecting mirror. A forcible bending means for forcibly bending by pushing in a direction perpendicular to the mirror surface, and a bending correction means for correcting the curvature of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by adjusting the amount of pushing by the forced bending means. And a vibration suppressing member for suppressing vibration of the reflecting mirror with respect to the reflecting mirror in a state where the curvature of the main scanning line is corrected. It is characterized by having been attached.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the optical scanning device according to the fourteenth aspect, the vibration suppressing member is attached to a surface orthogonal to the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror.
The invention according to claim 16 is the optical scanning device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the support part is supported while the reflector is supported by the support part at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface or the back surface of the reflector. The bending direction of the forced bending means is determined by pressing a position different from the position of the reflecting mirror in the longitudinal direction and pressing the surface opposite to the supporting surface supported by the supporting portion of the reflecting mirror with a pressing member. It has a holding body that holds it in a state of being forced to bend in the reverse direction.
The invention according to claim 17 is the optical scanning device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the vibration suppressing member includes a joining surface joined to the reflecting mirror and a bent portion bent with respect to the joining surface. It is characterized by having.
The invention according to claim 18 is the optical scanning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the vibration suppressing member is made of metal.
The invention according to claim 19 is the optical scanning device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the vibration suppressing member is joined to the reflecting mirror via an elastic member.
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the optical scanning device according to any one of the fourteenth to nineteenth aspects, the reflection mirror is provided with a plurality of vibration suppressing members.
The invention according to claim 21 is the optical scanning device according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the inclination adjusting means adjusts the inclination of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by changing the posture of the reflecting mirror. It is characterized by comprising.
According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the optical scanning device according to any of the thirteenth to twenty-first aspects, the forced bending means is held by the holding body.
The invention according to claim 23 is the optical scanning device according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the light beam deflected in the main scanning line direction by the deflecting means is reflected by a plurality of reflecting mirrors to be scanned. The object is scanned on the surface of an object, and the curvature correcting means is provided on a reflecting mirror closest to the object to be scanned.
According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the optical scanning device according to any one of the thirteenth to twenty-third aspects, a plurality of devices that emit the light beams for optically scanning different scanning objects are provided as the beam emitting means. In addition, a plurality of reflectors corresponding to the beam emitting means are provided as the reflecting mirrors, respectively, and the bending correction mechanism is provided by one less than the number of the beam emitting means, and the bending corresponding to the beam emitting means is provided. The curvature of the remaining main scanning lines is corrected by the curvature correcting means on the basis of the curvature of the main scanning lines not provided with the correcting means.
According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of latent image carriers that carry latent images, optical scanning means for forming latent images on the surfaces of the latent image carriers by optical scanning, and the latent image carriers. In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of developing means for developing each of the carried latent images; and a transfer means for transferring the visible images developed on the respective latent image carrying bodies to the respective transfer bodies. The optical scanning device according to claim 24 is used to correct the light beam other than the light beam scanned on the latent image carrier carrying the black visible image by the curvature correcting means. is there.
According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a latent image carrier for carrying a latent image, optical scanning means for forming a latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier by optical scanning, and the latent image carrier. An image forming apparatus comprising a developing unit that develops a latent image, wherein the optical scanning unit according to any one of claims 13 to 23 is used as the optical scanning unit.
According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of latent image carriers that carry latent images, optical scanning means for forming latent images on the surfaces of the latent image carriers by optical scanning, and the latent image carriers. In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of developing means for developing each of the carried latent images; and a transfer means for transferring the visible images developed on the respective latent image carrying bodies to the respective transfer bodies. The optical scanning device according to any one of claims 13 to 23 is used.
The invention according to claim 28 is a light beam emitting means, a deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in a main scanning direction, a reflecting mirror for reflecting the light beam, and the reflecting mirror. A forcible bending means for forcibly bending by pushing in a direction perpendicular to the mirror surface, and a bending correction means for correcting the curvature of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by adjusting the amount of pushing by the forced bending means. And a method of manufacturing an optical scanning device that optically scans the object to be scanned with the light beam. After correcting the curvature of the main scanning line by the curvature correcting means, the reflecting mirror after the curvature correction of the main scanning line is applied to the reflecting mirror. It has the process of attaching the vibration suppression member for suppressing the vibration of a reflecting mirror, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the curvature correcting mechanism of the present invention, since the reflecting mirror is held by the holding body, the reflecting mirror and the holding body resonate with the vibration source as a single vibration system, and the reflecting mirror and the holding body vibrate integrally. To do. Therefore, by attaching the vibration suppressing member to the holding body and suppressing the vibration of the holding body, it is possible to suppress the vibration of one vibration system including the reflecting mirror and the holding body. As a result, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the reflecting mirror that vibrates integrally with the holding body. In addition, since the vibration of the reflecting mirror can be suppressed without increasing the rigidity of the reflecting mirror, it is possible to perform good main scanning line curvature correction.

  According to the fourteenth and twenty-eighth aspects of the present invention, since the vibration suppressing member is attached to the reflecting mirror in a state where the curvature of the main scanning line is corrected, the vibration of the reflecting mirror is suppressed by the vibration suppressing member, so Image degradation can be suppressed. Further, at the time of curvature correction, the vibration suppressing member is not attached and the rigidity of the reflecting mirror is low. Therefore, the reflecting mirror can be curved well, and the curvature of the main scanning line can be corrected well.

  According to the invention of claims 1 to 28, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the reflecting mirror for correcting the curvature of the main scanning line, so that it is possible to suppress image deterioration such as banding. In addition, since the vibration of the reflecting mirror for correcting the curvature of the main scanning line can be suppressed, satisfactory correction of the curvature of the main scanning line can be performed.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming station for Y in the printer. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an optical writing unit in the printer together with four photosensitive members. The perspective view which shows the 3rd Y reflection mirror of the same optical writing unit, and its surrounding structure from the back surface side of a 3rd reflection mirror. The side view which shows the inclination adjustment pulse motor and inclination adjustment adjuster of the inclination adjustment means of the reflection optical system from the side. The top view which shows the motor holder and inclination adjustment adjuster of the inclination adjustment means. The top view which shows the 3rd Y reflection mirror of the same optical writing unit, and its surrounding structure from the direction orthogonal to an optical path. The perspective view which shows the 3rd reflective mirror for Y and the holder holding this from the mirror surface side of a 3rd reflective mirror. The side view which shows the holder for Y and the 3rd reflection for Y from the one end side of a longitudinal direction. The schematic diagram explaining the length of the longitudinal direction of the 1st reflective mirror for Y, a 2nd reflective mirror, and a 3rd reflective mirror. The perspective view which shows a mode that a reinforcement member is attached to the holder for Y from the mirror surface side of the 3rd Y mirror and the Y holder which holds this, for the 3rd Y mirror. The side view which shows the holder for Y when a reinforcement member is attached, and the 3rd reflecting mirror for Y from the one end side of a longitudinal direction. The perspective view which shows the 3rd Y reflective mirror using the curvature correction mechanism of a modification, and its surrounding structure from the mirror surface side of a 2nd reflective mirror. The block diagram which shows the longitudinal cross-section of the 3rd reflective mirror, and its surrounding structure. The block diagram which shows the upper surface of the 3rd reflective mirror, and its surrounding structure. The block diagram which shows the cross section of the longitudinal direction center part vicinity of the said 3rd reflective mirror, and surrounding structure. The schematic diagram explaining the forced bending of the said 3rd reflective mirror. The front view of the holder for Y when a reinforcement member is attached to the holder for Y of the curvature correction mechanism of a modification. The perspective view which looked at the holder for Y in the 2nd form of a reinforcement member from the reflective mirror side. The block diagram which shows the cross section near the longitudinal direction center part of the holder for Y, and surrounding structure. The perspective view which looked at the holder for Y in the 3rd form of a reinforcement member from the reflective mirror side. The schematic diagram which shows the main scanning line by which inclination was correct | amended. The schematic diagram which shows the main scanning line by which curvature was correct | amended. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration when the same optical writing unit in a state of being held on the mounting table of the adjusting device is viewed from the photosensitive member axial direction. The figure explaining the 2nd form of an optical writing unit. The figure which shows an example which attached the reinforcement member to the reflective mirror. The figure which shows the other example which attached the reinforcement member to the reflective mirror. The perspective view which looked at the mirror surface side of the 3rd reflective mirror and the structure of the 3rd reflective mirror after the curvature of the main scanning line was correct | amended. The top view which shows the structure of the 3rd reflective mirror after the curvature of the main scanning line was corrected, and its periphery. The perspective view which looked at the mirror surface side of the 3rd reflective mirror when the reinforcement member was attached to the 3rd reflective mirror after the curvature of the main scanning line was corrected, and its surrounding structure. The perspective view which looked at the mirror surface side of the 3rd reflective mirror when the reinforcement member was attached to the 3rd reflective mirror after the curvature of the main scanning line was corrected, and its surrounding structure. The top view which shows the structure of the 3rd reflective mirror when the reinforcement member is attached to the 3rd reflective mirror after the curvature of the main scanning line was correct | amended, and its periphery. The third reflecting mirror and its surrounding configuration when the reinforcing member is attached to the third reflecting mirror after the curvature of the main scanning line is corrected using the curvature correcting mechanism of the modification are viewed from the mirror surface side of the third reflecting mirror. Perspective view.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic color laser printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a printer according to the present embodiment. The printer includes a housing 1 and a paper feed cassette 2 that can be pulled out from the housing 1. Image forming stations 3Y, 3C, and 3C for forming toner images (visible images) of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) are provided at the center of the housing 1. 3M, 3K. Hereinafter, the subscripts Y, C, M, and K of the respective symbols indicate members for yellow, cyan, magenta, and black, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming station for yellow (Y). The other image forming stations have the same configuration.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming stations 3Y, 3C, 3M, and 3K include drum-shaped photoconductors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K as latent image carriers that rotate in the direction of arrow A in the drawing. ing. Each of the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K includes an aluminum cylindrical substrate having a diameter of 40 [mm] and an OPC (organic photo semiconductor) photosensitive layer that covers the surface of the photoreceptor. Each of the image forming stations 3Y, 3C, 3M, and 3K includes charging devices 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11K that charge the photoconductors around the photoconductors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K, respectively. Further, developing devices 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12K as developing means for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive member, and cleaning devices 13Y, 13C, 13M, and 13K for cleaning residual toner on the photosensitive member are also provided around the photosensitive member. In preparation.

  Below each of the image forming stations 3Y, 3C, 3M, and 3K, there is provided an optical writing unit 4 as an optical scanning device that performs optical scanning with the writing light L on the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K. Yes. Further, an intermediate transfer unit 5 including an intermediate transfer belt 20 to which toner images formed by the image forming stations 3Y, 3C, 3M, and 3K are transferred above the image forming stations 3Y, 3C, 3M, and 3K. It has. Further, a fixing unit 6 is provided for fixing the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 20 onto a recording paper P as a transfer member. In addition, toner bottles 7Y, 7C, 7M, and 7K that contain toner of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) are loaded on the top of the casing 1. . The toner bottles 7 </ b> Y, 7 </ b> C, 7 </ b> M, and 7 </ b> K can be detached from the housing 1 by opening a paper discharge tray 8 formed on the top of the housing 1.

  The optical writing unit 4 as an optical scanning device has a laser diode which is a light beam emitting means, and writing from the laser diode toward a polygon mirror having a regular polygonal column structure which is driven to rotate is performed as a light beam. Incident light L is emitted. The emitted writing light L is reflected while being deflected in the main scanning direction by the mirror surface of the rotating polygon mirror. Then, after being folded by a plurality of reflecting mirrors, the peripheral surfaces of the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K that are uniformly charged by the charging devices 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11K are scanned. Thereby, electrostatic latent images for Y, C, M, and K are formed on the peripheral surfaces of the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K as latent image carriers. The detailed description of the optical writing unit 4 will be described later.

  The intermediate transfer belt 20 of the intermediate transfer unit 5 serving as transfer means is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure at a predetermined timing while being wound around a drive roller 21, a tension roller 22 and a driven roller 23. In addition, the intermediate transfer unit 5 includes primary transfer rollers 24Y, 24C, 24M, and 24K that primarily transfer the toner images formed on the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K to the intermediate transfer belt 20. Further, a secondary transfer roller 25 that transfers the toner image primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the recording paper P, and a belt that cleans residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 20 that has not been transferred onto the recording paper P. A cleaning device 26 is also provided.

Next, a process for obtaining a color image in this printer will be described.
First, in the image forming stations 3Y, 3C, 3M, and 3K, the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K are uniformly charged by the charging devices 11Y, 11C, 11M, and 11K. Thereafter, scanning exposure is performed with the writing light L generated based on the image information, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K. These electrostatic latent images are developed with toners of the respective colors carried on the developing rollers 15Y, 15C, 15M, and 15K of the developing devices 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12K, and are converted into Y, C, M, and K toner images. Become. The Y, C, M, and K toner images on the photoreceptors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 that is rotated counterclockwise by the action of the primary transfer rollers 24Y, 24C, 24M, and 24K. The primary transfer is carried out in order. The image forming operation of each color at this time is shifted in timing from the upstream side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 20 toward the downstream side so that the toner image is transferred to the same position on the intermediate transfer belt 20. Executed.

  The surfaces of the photoconductors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K after the completion of the primary transfer are cleaned by the cleaning blades 13a of the cleaning devices 13Y, 13C, 13M, and 13K to prepare for the next image formation.

  The toner filled in the toner bottles 7Y, 7C, 7M, and 7K is placed in the developing devices 12Y, 12C, 12M, and 12K of the image forming stations 3Y, 3C, 3M, and 3K by a conveyance path (not shown) as necessary. A fixed amount is supplied.

  On the other hand, the recording paper P in the paper feed cassette 2 is transported into the housing 1 by a paper feed roller 27 disposed in the vicinity of the paper feed cassette 2 and is secondary by a registration roller pair 28 at a predetermined timing. It is conveyed to the transfer unit. Then, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred to the recording paper P in the secondary transfer portion. The recording paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred passes through the fixing unit 6 to fix the toner image, and is then discharged to the paper discharge tray 8 by the discharge roller 29. Similar to the photoconductor 10, the transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is cleaned by a belt cleaning device 26 that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 20.

Next, the configuration of the optical writing unit 4 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the optical writing unit 4 in the printer according to the first embodiment together with four photoconductors. The optical writing unit 4 includes two polygon mirrors 41a and 41b having a regular polygonal column structure. These polygon mirrors 41a and 41b have reflecting mirrors on their six side surfaces, and are connected in the vertical direction so that the centers of the regular polygonal columns overlap each other. And it rotates at high speed on the same axis of rotation by a polygon motor (not shown). Thereby, when the writing light (laser light) from the laser diode (light source) is incident on the side surface, the writing light is deflected and scanned. The polygon mirror 41a deflects the C and M writing lights Lc and Lm traveling from opposite directions to the main scanning direction. The polygon mirror 41b deflects Y and K writing lights Ly and Lk traveling in opposite directions to the main scanning direction.

  In the illustrated optical writing unit 4, deflecting means for deflecting the writing light L as a light beam is configured by polygon mirrors 41 a and 41 b, a polygon motor (not shown), and the like. The optical writing unit 4 has four deflecting optical systems, soundproof glasses 42a and 42b, scanning lenses 43a and 43b, dustproof glasses 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d in addition to the deflecting means.

  The polygon motor and the polygon mirrors 41a and 41b are covered with a polygon cover member for soundproofing. For the purpose of allowing the writing light to pass inside and outside the polygon cover member, the polygon cover is provided with soundproof glasses 42a and 42b. Writing light as a light beam passes through the soundproof glasses 42a and 42b, so that it can go back and forth inside the polygon cover. The soundproof glass 42a is for transmitting the Y and C writing lights Ly and Lc. The soundproof glass 42b is for transmitting the M and K writing lights Lm and Lk.

  The Y and C writing lights Ly and Lc transmitted through the soundproof glass 42a while being deflected in the main scanning direction by the polygon mirror pass through the scanning lens 43a while being aligned in the vertical direction. The scanning lens 43a condenses the writing lights Ly and Lc in the main scanning line direction and the sub-scanning line direction, thereby changing the equiangular motion in the main scanning direction by the polygon mirror to constant velocity linear motion, and the polygon mirror It plays a role of correcting the trouble of falling. The M and K writing lights Lm and Lk that have passed through the soundproof glass 42b pass through the scanning lens 43b located on the opposite side of the scanning lens 43a through the polygon cover.

  The four reflecting optical systems in the optical writing unit 4 are each composed of the above-described laser diode, reflecting mirror, and the like. More specifically, of the colors Y, C, M, and K, taking a Y reflecting optical system as an example, this includes a Y laser diode (not shown), a first reflecting mirror 44Y, and a second reflecting mirror 45Y. And a third reflecting mirror 46Y. None of these reflecting mirrors has a lens function. Similarly, the reflection optical system for C, M, and K includes a laser diode, a first reflecting mirror (44C to K), a second reflecting mirror (45C to K), and a third reflecting mirror 46 (C to K). Have.

  The Y, C, M, and K writing lights Ly, Lc, Lm, and Lk that have passed through the scanning lenses 43a and 43b travel to the reflecting mirrors of the Y, C, M, and K reflecting optical systems. For example, the Y writing light Ly that has passed through the scanning lens 43a is reflected three times by sequentially reflecting the mirror surfaces of the first reflecting mirror 44Y, the second reflecting mirror 45Y, and the third reflecting mirror 46Y. Is guided to the surface of the photosensitive member 10Y. Similarly, the laser beams Lc, Lm, and Lk for C, M, and K are folded back by three dedicated reflecting mirrors, respectively, so that they are guided to the surfaces of the C, M, and K photoconductors 10C, M, and K. To go. The Y, C, M, and K writing lights Ly, Lc, Lm, and Lk reflected by the mirror surfaces of the third reflecting mirrors 46 Y, C, M, and K are provided on the upper surface of the optical writing unit 4. After passing through the dustproof glasses 48Y, 48C, 48M, and 48K, the light reaches the surfaces of the photoreceptors 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K.

  The optical writing unit 4 of this printer adjusts the bending direction and the amount of bending of the main scanning line by adjusting the bending state of any one of the reflecting mirrors in the Y, C, M, and K reflecting optical systems. A bending correction mechanism as a bending correction means, and an inclination adjusting means for adjusting the inclination of the reflecting mirror. Hereinafter, the bending adjustment mechanism and the inclination adjustment means will be described by taking the Y reflecting optical system as an example.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the third reflecting mirror 46Y for Y and the surrounding configuration from the back surface side (non-mirror surface side) of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. In the drawing, the third reflecting mirror 46Y is held by a metal holder 52Y having a U-shaped cross-sectional shape existing on the back side thereof. And the both ends of a longitudinal direction are made to protrude from the longitudinal direction both ends of the holder 52Y, respectively.

  The tilt adjusting means is in contact with one end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y in the longitudinal direction. The tilt adjusting means includes a tilt adjusting pulse motor 56Y, a motor holder 57Y, a tilt adjusting adjuster 58Y, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a side view showing the tilt adjusting pulse motor 56Y and the tilt adjusting adjuster 58Y of the tilt adjusting means from the side. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the motor holder 57Y and the tilt adjustment adjuster 58Y of the tilt adjusting means. As shown in FIG. 5, a male screw portion 56bY is provided on the rotation shaft 56aY of the inclination adjusting pulse motor 56Y. The inclination adjustment adjuster 58 is fixed to the rotation shaft 56aY by screwing a female screw portion provided on the tilt adjustment adjuster 58 to the male screw portion 56bY. As shown in FIG. 6, the inclination adjustment adjuster 58 </ b> Y has a D-shaped cross section, and is inserted into a D-shaped adjuster insertion port 57 a </ i> Y provided in the motor holder 57. Even if the rotation shaft 56aY of the tilt adjustment pulse motor 56Y rotates, the tilt adjustment adjuster 58Y does not rotate because it is locked to the adjuster insertion port 57aY. And it raises / lowers in the direction of arrow D of FIG.

  In FIG. 4 shown above, the motor holder 57Y holding the tilt adjustment pulse motor 56Y is fixed to the housing of the printer main body (not shown). The top of the tilt adjustment adjuster 58Y screwed to the screw portion of the rotation shaft of the tilt adjustment pulse motor 56Y is in contact with the mirror surface of the end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y.

  On the other hand, the end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y opposite to the tilt adjusting pulse motor 56Y (hereinafter referred to as “fulcrum side end”) is on a support 66Y fixed to the housing of the printer main body (not shown). It is on. In this state, the leaf spring 69 fixed to the housing (not shown) is pressed against the back surface, so that it is sandwiched between the support base 66Y and the leaf spring 69Y.

  When the tilt adjustment adjuster (58Y in FIG. 5) screwed to the rotation shaft of the tilt adjustment pulse motor 56Y moves up and down with the rotation of the rotation shaft, the pushing amount of the tilt adjustment adjuster with respect to one end portion of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. Changes. As a result, the motor side end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y swings in the adjuster ascending / descending direction with the fulcrum side end sandwiched between the support base 66Y and the leaf spring 69Y as a fulcrum. Then, the tilt of the third reflecting mirror 46Y changes due to this swing. That is, the tilt of the third reflecting mirror 46Y shown in the drawing is adjusted by adjusting the rotation amount of the tilt adjusting pulse motor 56Y.

  In this embodiment, the inclination of the scanning line is adjusted by swinging the third reflecting mirror 46Y with one end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y as a fulcrum. When one end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is used as a fulcrum, the same angle is obtained by moving the motor-side end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y twice as compared with the case where the center of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is used as a fulcrum. Will be adjusted. As a result, the adjustment angle per pulse of the inclination adjustment pulse motor 56Y can be made finer than that of the central fulcrum, and finer scanning lines can be adjusted than that of the central fulcrum. In addition, when the center fulcrum is used, a member serving as a fulcrum needs to be disposed on the back surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. However, by using one end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y as a fulcrum, writing to the reflecting mirror 46Y is possible. If it is outside the effective region where the incident light Ly is incident, a fulcrum can be provided on the mirror surface side, and the degree of freedom in layout can be increased as compared with the fulcrum as the center fulcrum.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the surrounding configuration from a direction orthogonal to the optical path. As shown in FIG. 7, a screw hole is formed in the center of the back surface of the holder 52Y in the longitudinal direction, and a bending adjustment screw 68Y as a forced bending means is screwed into this screw hole. That is, the bending adjustment screw 68Y as the forced bending means is held by the holder as the holding body.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y holding the third reflecting mirror 46Y from the mirror surface side of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. In the drawing, the third reflecting mirror 46Y is held by the holder 52Y by binding both ends in the longitudinal direction with a C-type steel plate spring member 54Y together with the holder 52Y existing on the back surface side.

  As previously shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, support protrusions 52aY as support portions protruding toward the third reflecting mirror 46Y are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the holder 52Y. Each of the two leaf spring members 54Y binding the holder 52Y and the third reflecting mirror 46Y at both ends in the longitudinal direction is locked to the center side in the longitudinal direction from the support protrusion 52aY at the end of the holder 52Y. Yes.

  FIG. 9 is a side view showing the holder 52Y and the third reflecting mirror 46Y from one end side in the longitudinal direction. As illustrated, the support protrusion 52aY of the holder 52Y is in contact with the back surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. On the other hand, the leaf spring member 54Y, which is a pressing member that binds the holder 52Y and the third reflecting mirror 46Y and presses the reflecting mirror 46Y in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the adjusting screw 68Y, is provided at the tip on the opening side. Two leaf springs are respectively hooked on both ends of the third reflecting mirror 46Y in the height direction, and each leaf spring presses the third reflecting mirror 46Y from the mirror surface side toward the back surface side. In this way, the longitudinal position where the leaf spring portion presses the third reflecting mirror 46Y is closer to the center than the support protrusion 52aY of the holder 52Y as shown in FIG. As indicated by an arrow R in FIG. 8, the third reflecting mirror 46 </ b> Y pressed at this position is curved in such a shape as to bend the central portion in the longitudinal direction from the front side toward the back side. That is, the third reflecting mirror 46Y is held by the holder, which is a holding body, in a state in which the third reflecting mirror 46Y is forcibly bent by the leaf spring, which is a pressing member, and the support protrusion 52aY of the holder.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the third reflecting mirror 46Y is bent by the holder 52Y and the leaf spring member 54Y, and the central portion in the longitudinal direction is bent toward the bending adjusting screw 68Y. Then, the bending adjusting screw 68Y as the forced bending means pushes the third reflecting mirror 46Y in the direction opposite to the direction of the forced bending by the leaf spring member 54Y. As a result, the third reflecting mirror 46Y is returned to the curved state.

  In the reflecting optical system having such a configuration, as described above, the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be bent in either the back surface side or the mirror surface side, so that the main scanning line on the surface of the photoreceptor (not shown) is formed. Any of the curves toward the upstream side and the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction can be corrected.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the third reflecting mirror 46Y has a support side end sandwiched between the support base 66Y of the housing and the leaf spring 69Y, and the tilt adjustment pulse motor 56Y side end is tilt-adjusted. It is fixed to the housing by being sandwiched between an adjuster 58Y and a relatively weak spring (not shown). The holder 52Y holds the third reflecting mirror 46Y without being fixed to the housing. As described above, the integrated body of the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y is fixed by being pressed to the housing side by the spring, so that the vibration is less than that firmly fixed to the housing by screws or the like. It's easy to do. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the third reflecting mirror 46Y is longer in the longitudinal direction than the first reflecting mirror 44Y and the second reflecting mirror 45Y, and therefore, compared with the first reflecting mirror 44Y and the second reflecting mirror 45Y. Low rigidity and easy to vibrate (resonate). For this reason, in addition to vibrations caused by the rotation of the polygon motor and the gears of the driving device during image formation, if a sudden vibration caused by an impact such as when a clutch is engaged is transmitted to the housing, the third reflection The integrated body of the mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y will vibrate most. The vibration propagated to the housing is generally low frequency.

Therefore, the thickness of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is increased, or a reinforcing member is attached to the third reflecting mirror 46Y to increase the rigidity of the reflecting mirror 46Y, thereby increasing the resonance frequency (natural frequency). It is also conceivable to separate the frequency of the vibration propagated to the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the reflecting mirror 46Y. However, if the rigidity of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is increased, it becomes difficult to forcibly bend, and it is difficult to correct the curvature of the scanning line. In addition, when the reinforcing member is fixed to the reflecting mirror, the surface accuracy of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror is affected by distortion during processing of the reinforcing member itself, which may cause distortion in the image. Even if the surface accuracy of the reinforcing member is increased, the surface accuracy of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 46Y is still affected by the influence of the thermal expansion of the adhesive used to fix the reinforcing member to the reflecting mirror 46Y. End up.
In addition, the second reflecting mirror 45Y and the first reflecting mirror 44Y, which are shorter in the longitudinal direction than the third reflecting mirror 46Y and higher in rigidity than the third reflecting mirror 46Y, are used as the reflecting mirrors for curvature correction, and the third reflecting mirror 45Y is used. It is also conceivable to suppress the vibration of the third reflecting mirror 46Y by increasing the thickness of the reflecting mirror 46Y. However, if the curvature correction is performed by the first and second reflecting mirrors, the influence of the optical path length is increased, and fluctuations such as the spot diameter of the scanning line after the curvature correction are increased, which is not preferable.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vibration of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is suppressed by making the holder 52Y that vibrates integrally with the third reflecting mirror 46Y difficult to vibrate.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y for holding the third reflecting mirror 46Y from the mirror surface side of the third reflecting mirror 46Y, in which the reinforcing member 70Y that is a vibration suppressing member is attached to the holder 52Y. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the holder 52Y and the third reflecting mirror 46Y from one end side in the longitudinal direction when the reinforcing member 70Y is attached.
The reinforcing member 70Y has an L-shaped cross section, and includes a first joint surface 71Y and a second joint surface 73Y that is a bent portion bent toward the reflecting mirror with respect to the first joint surface 71Y. . A cutout portion 74Y through which the bending adjustment screw 68Y passes is formed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the first joint surface 71Y. The reinforcing member 70Y is formed by bending a sheet metal or the like, and is formed of the same material as the holder 52Y.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first joining surface 71Y of the reinforcing member is joined to the surface opposite to the surface of the holder 52Y facing the back surface of the reflecting mirror 46Y via the rubber member 72Y, and the second joining surface 73Y. Is bonded to the surface opposite to the surface of the holder 52Y facing the upper surface of the reflecting mirror 46Y via the rubber member 72Y. Specifically, the rubber member 72Y is fixed to the holder using an adhesive or a double-sided tape, and the reinforcing member 70Y is attached to the rubber member 72Y using an adhesive or a double-sided tape. Thus, since the reinforcing member 70Y is attached to the holder 52Y via the rubber member 72Y, the reinforcing member 70Y can be satisfactorily fixed to the holder 52Y without increasing the flatness of the reinforcing member 70Y or the holder 52Y. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the third reflecting mirror 46Y held by the holder 52Y is fixed to the housing, and the holder itself is not fixed to the housing at all. Therefore, when vibration propagates from the housing to the third reflecting mirror 46Y, the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y vibrate together. That is, the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y can be regarded as one vibration system. Therefore, by attaching the reinforcing member 70Y to the holder 52Y and increasing the rigidity of the holder 52Y, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the vibration system including the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y can be increased, and the housing Can be separated from low-frequency vibrations that are propagated. Thereby, the vibration system composed of the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y does not resonate with the low-frequency vibration transmitted to the housing, and the vibration of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be suppressed.

The temperature in the optical writing unit 4 rises due to heat generated by a motor that rotates the polygon mirror 41. At this time, when the reinforcing member 70Y and the holder 52Y are formed of different materials, the thermal expansion coefficient differs between the reinforcing member 70Y and the holder 52Y. As a result, distortion occurs between the reinforcing member 70Y and the holder 52Y, the reinforcing member 70Y is peeled off from the holder 52Y, and the holder 52Y cannot be reinforced with the reinforcing member 70Y.
For this reason, the reinforcing member 70Y is preferably formed of the same material as the holder 52Y. Thereby, even if the temperature inside the optical writing unit rises, the reinforcing member 70Y is not peeled off from the holder 52Y, and the holder 52Y can be reinforced with the reinforcing member 70Y over time.

Further, the reinforcing member 70Y forms a bent portion bent from the first joint surface 71Y by bending a sheet metal or the like. Thus, providing the bent portion increases the rigidity of the reinforcing member 70Y. Thereby, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the vibration system composed of the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y can be increased, and the resonance with the low-frequency vibration transmitted to the housing can be further suppressed. . In addition, it is preferable that the reinforcing member 70Y is made of metal because the rigidity of the reinforcing member 70Y can be easily increased simply by bending the sheet metal to form a bent portion.
Furthermore, by joining the bent portion to the holder 52Y as the second joining surface 73Y, the rigidity of the holder 52Y can be further increased, and the joining strength between the holder 52Y and the reinforcing member 70Y can be enhanced.

In addition, the rigidity of the holder 52Y can be increased by increasing the thickness of the holder 52Y. However, since the holder 52Y is formed by bending a sheet metal, if the thickness is increased, a large force is required for processing. Large processing equipment is required. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the holder 52Y increases, which is not preferable.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the rigidity of the holder 52Y is increased by attaching the reinforcing member 70Y. Therefore, the thickness of the holder 52Y can be kept at the same level as the conventional case, the rigidity of the holder 52Y is increased, and the holder 52Y can be easily processed. Further, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the vibration system composed of the third reflecting mirror and the holder can be arbitrarily changed by simply changing the attachment position of the reinforcing member 70Y, the shape of the reinforcing member, and the like. The resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the vibration system composed of the three reflecting mirrors 46Y and the holder 52Y is made the most effective resonance frequency (natural frequency) to avoid resonance with the low-frequency vibration propagated to the housing. be able to.

  Further, the reinforcing member 70Y is bonded to the surface (outer peripheral surface) opposite to the surface facing the reflecting mirror 46Y of the holder 52Y, so that the reinforcing member 70Y is reinforced compared to the member provided on the surface facing the reflecting mirror 46Y of the holder 52Y. The thickness and shape of the member 70Y can be freely set, and the reinforcing member 70Y that can achieve the most effective resonance frequency (natural frequency) to avoid resonance with low-frequency vibration propagated to the housing can be easily obtained. Can be formed.

Next, a modified example of the curvature correction mechanism will be described.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the third reflecting mirror 46Y for Y using the modified curvature correcting mechanism and the surrounding configuration from the mirror surface side of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing a longitudinal section of a third reflecting mirror 46Y for Y using a curvature correcting mechanism of a modified example and its surrounding configuration. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing an upper surface of a third reflecting mirror 46Y for Y using a modified curvature correcting mechanism and a surrounding configuration thereof. In these figures, it is the tilt correction mechanism that is in contact with the back surface of one end of the third reflecting mirror 46Y in the longitudinal direction.
The curvature correction mechanism of this modification also has a holder 152Y having a U-shaped cross-sectional shape and holds the third reflecting mirror 46Y.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing a cross section and a surrounding configuration in the vicinity of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the third reflecting mirror 46Y using the curvature correcting mechanism of the modified example.
As shown in FIG. 16, an adjustment screw mounting surface 152fY having a surface inclined with respect to the back surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the holder 152Y. The adjustment screw mounting surface 152fY is provided with a screw hole (not shown), and a bending adjustment screw 68Y as a forced bending means is screwed into this screw hole, and the tip of the bending adjustment screw 68Y is the third reflecting mirror 46Y. It is in contact with the back surface of the central portion in the longitudinal direction. That is, also in the curvature correction mechanism of this modification, the bending adjustment screw 68Y as the forced bending means is held by the holder as the holding body.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the holder 152Y holding the third reflecting mirror 46Y while being located on the back side of the third reflecting mirror 46Y has two claws 152aY arranged in the width direction of the third reflecting mirror 46Y in the longitudinal direction. At both ends. These claws 152aY are formed integrally with the main body of the holder 152Y. As shown in FIG. 13, the holder 152Y supports the third reflecting mirror 46Y on the mirror surface side by hooking the respective claws 152aY onto the mirror surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. As shown in FIG. 14, the holder 152Y has leaf springs 152bY as pressing members at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Each of the leaf springs 152bY biases the back surface (non-mirror surface) of the third reflecting mirror 46Y toward the mirror surface side on the end side in the longitudinal direction from the claw 152aY as the holding body.

  When both end portions of the third reflecting mirror 46Y are urged from the back side by the leaf springs (152bY), the third reflecting mirror 46Y moves in the longitudinal direction with the claw 152aY as a fulcrum as shown by a dotted line in FIG. The central portion is forcibly bent so as to bend toward the back side. That is, the bending correction mechanism of this modification is also held in a state where the third reflecting mirror 46Y is forcibly bent toward the back surface side by the holder 152Y as a holding body and the leaf spring 152bY as a pressing member. Then, the bending of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is returned by pushing the bending adjusting screw 68Y in the direction opposite to the direction of the forced bending by the leaf spring 152bY.

  In the curvature correcting mechanism of this modification, as shown in FIG. 16, the bending adjusting screw 68Y pushes in the third reflecting mirror 46Y from a direction that makes an angle with respect to a virtual line drawn in a direction orthogonal to the mirror surface. It has become. For this reason, compared with what pushes the 3rd reflective mirror 46Y perpendicularly | vertically with respect to the mirror surface of the 3rd reflective mirror 46Y, the amount of pushing when the bending adjustment screw 68Y is rotated 1 time can be decreased, and curvature adjustment is carried out. The resolution can be increased.

  Also in the curvature correcting mechanism of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 18, the reinforcing member 70Y is fixed to the holder 152Y using an adhesive or a double-sided tape to increase the rigidity of the holder 52Y, and the third reflecting mirror 46Y Suppresses vibration. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the reinforcing member is joined to the substantially central portion of the reflecting mirror facing surface of the holder 52Y. At both ends of the holder 52Y, the third reflecting mirror 46Y is sandwiched between the claws 152aY and the leaf spring 152bY, and the rigidity of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is added and hardly vibrated, but the vicinity of the center portion of the holder 152Y is free. Because it is easy to vibrate. Therefore, the vibration of the holder 152Y can be effectively suppressed by attaching the reinforcing member 70Y to the center portion of the holder 152Y and increasing the rigidity of the center portion of the holder 152Y.

  Further, the reinforcing member 70Y is joined to the facing surface facing the reflecting mirror 46Y of the holder 152Y. Since the curvature correction mechanism of this modification is provided with a leaf spring between the surface of the holder facing the back surface of the reflecting mirror and the reflecting mirror, it is between the back surface of the reflecting mirror and the surface of the holder facing the back surface of the reflecting mirror. The gap is large. Therefore, even if the reinforcing member 70Y is joined to the facing surface of the holder 152Y facing the reflecting mirror 46Y, the reinforcing member comes into contact with the reflecting mirror when the reflecting mirror is forced to bend toward the holder, and the reinforcing member is forced to the reflecting mirror. It does not interfere with the curvature. Then, by joining the reinforcing member 70Y to the opposing surface of the holder 152Y facing the reflecting mirror 46Y, the rigidity of the holder can be increased with the same conventional dimensions.

  Further, also in the reinforcing member 70Y joined to the holder 152Y of the curvature correcting mechanism of this modification, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the reinforcing member 70Y is provided with a bent portion to increase the rigidity of the reinforcing member 70Y. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of reinforcing members may be attached to the holder. By using a plurality of sheets in this way, it is possible to affix the reinforcing member only at the optimum place for reinforcing the holder, and to effectively increase the rigidity of the holder.

  In the above description, the rigidity of the holder is increased by joining the reinforcing member to suppress the vibration of the holder. However, a weight member can be used as the vibration suppressing member. The weight member may be joined to the holder to increase the weight of the holder, thereby suppressing the vibration of the holder and suppressing the vibration of the vibration system including the third reflecting mirror and the holder.

  Moreover, you may use the damping member which is a vibration absorption member as a vibration suppression member. By sticking the damping member to the holder, the vibration energy of the holder can be absorbed by the damping member, and the vibration of the holder can be suppressed. As the damping member, a Yokohama rubber Hama damper, a Bridgestone IPH LR damper, or the like can be used.

  Although the tilt adjusting mechanism and the bending adjusting mechanism (holder, leaf spring member, and bending adjusting screw) in the Y reflecting optical system have been described, the C and M reflecting optical systems have the same configuration.

  The inclination of the main scanning line on the photosensitive member is adjusted at the time of shipment of the printer, and at the time of operation of the printer, for example, a predetermined timing such as a timing when the number of prints reaches a predetermined number or a timing when a user instruction is received. But it is done. In the tilt adjustment, first, an electrostatic latent image for detecting a predetermined misregistration is formed on the photoconductors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K of the respective colors shown in FIG. 3 by the same operation as the normal image forming operation. Is done. Then, the electrostatic latent image for detecting the misregistration of each color is developed by the same operation as that in the normal image forming operation, and becomes a toner image for detecting misregistration of each color. When these toner images are primarily transferred at positions shifted from each other on the intermediate transfer belt, the toner images of the respective colors become the position shift detection pattern images arranged in a predetermined pattern. Thereafter, with the endless movement of the intermediate transfer belt, each toner image of the misregistration detection pattern image on the belt is detected by an optical sensor (not shown). A control unit (not shown) of the printer grasps the relative positional deviation of each toner image based on the detection timing of each toner image by the optical sensor. Based on the grasped result, the inclination amount of the main scanning line for other colors (Y, C, M) with respect to the main scanning line for black (K) that can minimize the amount of positional deviation of each toner image is calculated. . Next, based on the calculation result, the tilt adjustment pulse motor (for example, 56Y) is rotated forward or backward by a predetermined rotation angle. When the tilt of the reflecting mirror is changed by this, the incident position of the writing light L with respect to the mirror surface is changed, so that the tilt of the main scanning line on the photosensitive member is changed. As a result, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 22, the inclination of the scanning line generated before the adjustment can be corrected as shown by the solid line.

  The curve adjustment of the main scanning line on the photoconductor is performed when the printer is shipped. In the initial state immediately after the assembly of the apparatus, the reflecting mirror is curved as shown by the arrow R in FIG. In such an initial state, the main scanning line also has a curved shape as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. From this initial state, an adjustment jig such as a screwdriver is engaged with the bending adjustment screw, the adjustment screw is rotated, and the top of the adjustment screw is brought into contact with the back surface of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror (for example, 46Y). By tightening the adjustment screw, as shown in FIG. 23, it is possible to correct the curvature of the main scanning line that has occurred in the initial state.

Such curvature adjustment is performed as follows.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration when the optical writing unit 4 in a state of being held on the mounting table of the adjusting device (not shown) is viewed from the photosensitive member axial direction.
In the present embodiment, when the optical writing unit 4 is placed on the mounting table of the adjusting device, the posture is substantially the same as the posture when the optical writing unit 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 of the printer (see FIG. 1). To be. After placing the optical writing unit 4 on the mounting table of the adjusting device in such a posture, when the optical writing unit 4 is used, that is, when the optical writing unit 4 is mounted on the apparatus main body 1 of the printer, Photodetectors 201Y, 201C, 201M, and 201K each composed of a CCD or the like are disposed at locations corresponding to positions where the photoconductors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K are positioned with respect to the optical writing unit 4, respectively. The photodetectors 201Y, 201C, 201M, and 201K correspond to the central portion of the photoconductor axis direction on the photoconductor surface along the direction corresponding to the photoconductor axis direction (the normal direction of the drawing in the drawing) for each color. One is arranged at each of three locations, that is, a location corresponding to both ends in the photosensitive member axial direction. In addition, the number and arrangement | positioning location of the photodetector arrange | positioned for every color are not restricted to this.

These photodetectors 201Y, 201C, 201M, and 201K are connected to the control unit 202 of the adjustment device, and the detection results (such as the received light amount and the spot diameter) detected by the photodetectors 201Y, 201C, 201M, and 201K. Detection signal) is sent to the control unit 202. The control unit 202 performs various arithmetic processes based on the input detection signal, and continuously performs scanning line adjustment information such as the amount of received light received by each of the photodetectors 201Y, 201C, 201M, and 201K in almost real time. Are output to the display unit 203. Thus, the operator who performs the scanning line adjustment work rotates the adjustment screw while performing the scanning line bending adjustment work while viewing the scanning line adjustment information displayed on the display unit 203.
When the curvature correction mechanism is provided in the reflection optical system for Y, C, and M as in this embodiment, the curvature amount of each color is adjusted based on the curvature amount of the K color scanning line. Thus, by using K color as a reference, the work for adjusting the curvature is only three colors, Y, C, and M, and the time for adjusting the curvature is shortened compared to the case of adjusting the curvature for four colors. It becomes possible to do.

[Modification 1]
Next, an optical scanning device according to Modification 1 will be described.
Since the basic configuration of the optical scanning device of Modification 1 is the same as that of the optical scanning device of the embodiment, only the differences from the optical scanning device of the embodiment will be described in the following description.
The main scanning line curve adjustment on the photosensitive member is performed at the time of shipment of the printer, and thereafter, the main scanning line curve adjustment is not performed. For this reason, there is no problem even if the rigidity of the third reflecting mirror 46Y increases and the third reflecting mirror 46Y becomes difficult to bend after the curvature of the main scanning line is adjusted. Therefore, in the optical scanning device according to the first modification, the reinforcing member 70Y as a vibration suppressing member is attached to the third reflecting mirror 46Y after the curvature correction to increase the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. ing.
The third reflecting mirror 46Y after the curvature correction is curved as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 show an enlarged amount of bending of the third reflecting mirror 46Y so that the bending state of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be easily understood. A gap larger than the thickness of the reinforcing member 70Y is provided between the upper surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y and the holder 52Y. Then, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the reinforcing member 70Y is fixed to a surface (upper surface in the drawing) orthogonal to the mirror surface of the curved third reflecting mirror 46Y using an adhesive or a double-sided tape.

  In the first modification, the reinforcing member 70Y is attached to the third reflecting mirror 46Y, thereby increasing the rigidity of the third reflecting mirror 46Y and increasing the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. Can do. Thereby, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be separated from the low-frequency vibration propagated to the housing. Thereby, the third reflecting mirror 46Y does not resonate with the low-frequency vibration propagated to the housing, and the vibration of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be suppressed.

  Further, since the reinforcing member 70Y is not attached to the third reflecting mirror 46Y before the main scanning line curvature is corrected, the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be favorably bent at the time of correcting the main scanning line curvature. it can. Thereby, the curvature of the main scanning line can be corrected satisfactorily.

  As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, in Modification 1, a reinforcing member 70 </ b> Y is attached to the upper surface of the third reflecting mirror 46 </ b> Y that is a surface orthogonal to the mirror surface of the third reflecting mirror 46 </ b> Y. Even when the third reflecting mirror 46Y is curved, the upper surface is a flat surface. Therefore, the reinforcing member 70Y can be stably attached to the third reflecting mirror 46Y by attaching the reinforcing member 70Y to the upper surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. The reinforcing member 70Y may be attached to the lower surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. Further, the reinforcing member 70Y may be attached to both the upper surface and the lower surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. By attaching the reinforcing member 70Y to both the upper surface and the lower surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y, the thickness and shape of the reinforcing member 70Y can be made free as compared with the case where the reinforcing member 70Y is attached to only one surface, and the housing It is possible to easily form the reinforcing member 70Y that can achieve a resonance frequency (natural frequency) that is most effective for avoiding resonance with low-frequency vibrations propagated to.

  Further, the reinforcing member 70Y may be fixed to the upper surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y via a rubber member which is an elastic member. In this case, the rubber member is fixed to the third reflecting mirror 46Y using an adhesive or a double-sided tape, and the reinforcing member 70Y is attached to the rubber member using an adhesive or a double-sided tape. In this way, by attaching the reinforcing member 70Y to the third reflecting mirror 46Y via the rubber member, the reinforcing member 70Y can be attached to the third reflecting mirror 46Y without increasing the flatness of the reinforcing member 70Y or the upper surface of the third reflecting mirror. It can be fixed well.

  Further, the reinforcing member 70Y shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 is a plate-like member composed only of a joining surface joined to the upper surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y. However, as shown in FIG. And having a joint surface 71Y and a bent portion 73Y bent from the joint surface. Thus, the rigidity of the reinforcing member 70Y is increased by providing the bent portion 73Y. Thereby, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be further increased, and the resonance with the low-frequency vibration transmitted to the housing can be further suppressed. In addition, it is preferable that the reinforcing member 70Y is made of metal because the rigidity of the reinforcing member 70Y can be easily increased simply by bending the sheet metal to form the bent portion 73Y.

  Also in the first modification, a plurality of reinforcing members 70Y may be attached to the third reflecting mirror 46Y. By using a plurality of sheets in this way, the reinforcing member 70Y can be pasted only at a location optimal for reinforcing the third reflecting mirror 46Y, and the rigidity of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be effectively increased.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram in which the reinforcing member 70Y is attached to the upper surface of the third reflecting mirror 46Y after the curvature correction held by the holder 152Y of the modified curvature correcting mechanism. Note that the reinforcing member 70Y shown in FIG. 33 has a joint surface and a bent portion 73Y. Thus, also in the curvature correction mechanism of the modified example, by attaching the reinforcing member 70Y to the third reflecting mirror 46Y after the curvature correction, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be increased, Resonance with low-frequency vibration propagated to the housing can be suppressed.

  In the above description, the reinforcing member 70Y that reinforces the third reflecting mirror 46Y and increases the rigidity of the third reflecting mirror 46Y is used as the vibration suppressing member. A weight member that increases the weight of the reflecting mirror 46Y may be used. By attaching the weight member to the third reflecting mirror 46Y and increasing the weight of the third reflecting mirror 46Y, the vibration of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be suppressed, and the vibration of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be suppressed. Moreover, you may use the damping member which is a vibration absorption member which absorbs the vibration of the 3rd reflective mirror 46Y as a vibration suppression member. By attaching the damping member to the third reflecting mirror 46Y, the vibration energy of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be absorbed by the damping member, and the vibration of the third reflecting mirror 46Y can be suppressed. As the damping member, as described above, a Yokohama rubber Hama damper, a Bridgestone IPH LR damper, or the like can be used.

  In the optical scanning device of the above-described embodiment and modification 1, the light deflected and scanned in the main scanning line direction by the polygon mirror is reflected by the three reflecting mirrors and scanned on the photosensitive member. As shown in FIG. 25, the present invention can also be applied to an optical scanning device in which light deflected and scanned in the main scanning line direction by a polygon mirror is reflected by two reflecting mirrors and scanned on a photosensitive member. Also in the optical scanning device shown in FIG. 25, the second reflecting mirror closest to the photoconductor as the scanning object is used as a reflecting mirror for correcting the curvature of the main scanning line.

As described above, the curvature correction mechanism of the present embodiment reflects the light beam by the laser diode that is the light beam emitting means, the deflecting means such as a polygon mirror that deflects the light beam emitted from the laser diode in the main scanning direction, and the like. It has a reflecting mirror and is used in an optical scanning device that optically scans a scanning object with a light beam. The bending correction mechanism includes a holder that is a holding body that holds the reflecting mirror, and a bending adjusting screw that is a forced bending means that forces the reflecting mirror held by the holder to bend in a direction perpendicular to the mirror surface and forcibly bends. The curvature of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object is corrected by adjusting the pushing amount by.
In the curvature correction mechanism having such a configuration, by providing the holder with a reinforcing member that is a vibration suppressing member that suppresses the vibration of the reflecting mirror, the rigidity of the holder can be increased, and the holder that vibrates integrally with the holder and the reflection The natural frequency of the integrated object with the mirror can be increased. As a result, the natural frequency of the integrated body of the holder and the reflecting mirror can be separated from the low-frequency vibration from the motor or the like propagating to the housing, and the resonance of the integrated body of the holder and the reflecting mirror can be suppressed. . Thereby, the vibration of the reflecting mirror can be suppressed and a good image can be obtained.
In addition, by providing a weight member as a vibration suppression member and increasing the weight of the holder, the natural frequency of the integrated body of the holder and the reflecting mirror that vibrates integrally with the holder can be increased, and the vibration of the reflecting mirror can be increased. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, while supporting the reflecting mirror with the supporting projections that are the supporting portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface or the back surface of the reflecting mirror, the supporting projections are supported by the supporting projections of the reflecting projection and the reflecting mirror in the longitudinal direction. The holder was configured to hold the reflecting mirror in a state of being forced to bend in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the bending adjusting screw by pressing the surface opposite to the supporting surface with a leaf spring as a pressing member. Thereby, the reflecting mirror can be curved in any direction, and the curvature of the main scanning line can be corrected well.

  Also, by forming the reinforcing member with the same material as the holder, the thermal expansion coefficient of the reinforcing member and the holder becomes the same, and even if the temperature inside the optical writing unit rises, the reinforcing member will not peel off from the holder, Over time, the holder can be reinforced with a reinforcing member.

  Further, the reinforcing member has a bent portion that is bent with respect to the joining surface joined to the holder, whereby the rigidity of the reinforcing member can be increased, and the rigidity of the holder to which the reinforcing member is joined can be increased. . Also, when a weight member is used as the vibration suppressing member, the rigidity of the weight member can be increased, the weight of the holder can be increased, and the rigidity of the holder can be increased.

  In addition, by joining the reinforcing member to the holder via a rubber member that is an elastic member, the rubber member can be deformed and joined so that the rubber member is in close contact with the holder without increasing the flatness of the reinforcing member or the holder. At the same time, the rubber member can be bonded to the reinforcing member. Thereby, even if it does not raise the flatness of a reinforcement member or a holder, it can suppress that a reinforcement member peels from a holder.

  The reinforcing member has a first joint surface joined to one surface of the holder and a second joint surface joined to a surface adjacent to the one surface of the holder. The rigidity of the reinforcing member can be further increased, and the reinforcing member can be prevented from peeling off from the holder.

  In addition, since the reinforcing member is made of metal, the bent portion can be easily formed simply by bending the sheet metal.

  In addition, by using a damping member as a vibration absorbing member as the vibration suppressing member, the vibration energy of the integrated body of the holder and the reflecting mirror can be absorbed by the damping material, and the vibration of the integrated body of the holder and the reflecting mirror can be absorbed. Can be suppressed.

  Further, by providing a plurality of reinforcing members on the holder, the reinforcing member can be attached only at a location optimal for reinforcing the holder, and the rigidity of the holder can be effectively increased. In addition, when a weight member is used as the vibration suppressing member, the natural frequency (resonance frequency) of the integrated body of the holder and the reflecting mirror is propagated to the housing by attaching the weight member to the optimum place. It is possible to make the mass distribution of the holder so that it is far away.

Further, by providing the reinforcing member at the center in the longitudinal direction of the holder that vibrates with the weakest rigidity, the vibration of the holder can be efficiently suppressed.
Even when a weight member is used as the vibration suppressing member, it is possible to suppress vibration at the center in the longitudinal direction of the holder by providing it at the center in the longitudinal direction where the holder is most likely to vibrate and making the center in the longitudinal direction of the holder heavy. The vibration of the holder can be efficiently suppressed.

  In addition, there is a gap for forcibly bending the reflecting mirror between the reflecting mirror facing surface of the holder and the reflecting mirror. Therefore, by providing a reinforcing member and a weight member on the reflecting mirror facing surface of the holder so as not to obstruct the forced mirror bending, it is possible to increase the rigidity and weight of the holder with the same dimensions as the conventional one.

  Further, the reinforcing member or the weight member may be provided on the surface of the holder opposite to the surface facing the reflecting mirror. By configuring in this way, compared to the case where the reinforcing member or weight member is provided on the reflecting mirror facing surface of the holder, the thickness or shape of the reinforcing member or weight member can be made somewhat free without worrying about the thickness or shape. it can. Thereby, it is possible to easily form a reinforcing member or a weight member that can separate the natural frequency of the integrated body of the holder and the reflecting mirror from the low-frequency vibration that causes the reflecting mirror to vibrate.

  Further, a reinforcing member as a vibration suppressing member may be attached to the reflecting mirror after correcting the curvature of the main scanning line. Since the reinforcing member is attached to the reflecting mirror after correcting the curvature of the main scanning line, the reinforcing member is not attached to the reflecting mirror before correcting the curvature of the main scanning line. Therefore, at the time of correcting the curvature of the main scanning line, since the rigidity of the reflecting mirror is low, the reflecting mirror can be bent well. Thereby, the curvature of the main scanning line can be corrected satisfactorily. Moreover, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of a reflective mirror can be raised by attaching a reinforcing member after curvature correction and improving the rigidity of a reflective mirror. Thereby, the resonance frequency (natural frequency) of the reflecting mirror can be separated from the low-frequency vibration from a motor or the like propagating to the housing, and the resonance of the reflecting mirror can be suppressed. Thereby, the vibration of the reflecting mirror can be suppressed and a good image can be obtained.

  Further, a reinforcing member is attached to a surface orthogonal to the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror. Even when the reflecting mirror is curved, the plane orthogonal to the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror is a plane. Therefore, the reinforcing member can be stably attached to the reflecting mirror by attaching the reinforcing member to the surface orthogonal to the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror.

  In addition, by including an inclination adjusting means for adjusting the inclination of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by changing the posture of the reflecting mirror, the inclination of the scanning line in the sub-scanning direction can be corrected.

  In addition, since the bending adjustment screw serving as the forced bending means is held in the holder serving as the holding body, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the holding member holding the bending adjustment screw is provided separately from the holder.

  Further, by providing the curvature correction mechanism in the reflecting mirror closest to the photosensitive member, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the beam spot diameter when the curvature is corrected.

  In addition, Y, M, C, and K laser diodes corresponding to the Y, M, and CK photoconductors are provided, and a plurality of reflectors are provided that individually correspond to the laser diodes, and A curvature correction mechanism is provided corresponding to laser diodes for Y, M, and C other than those for K, and the curvature of the main scanning lines for Y, M, and C is set to bend based on the curvature of the main scanning line for K colors. Correction is performed by a correction mechanism. Thereby, one curvature correction mechanism is eliminated, color misregistration can be suppressed, and the apparatus can be made inexpensive.

4: Optical writing unit 5: Intermediate transfer unit 10Y, C, M, K: Photoconductor 12Y, C, M, K: Developing device 20: Intermediate transfer belt 41a, b: Polygon mirror 44Y, C, M, K: First reflecting mirror 45Y, C, M, K: Second reflecting mirror 46Y, C, M, K: Third reflecting mirror 52Y, 152Y: Holder 54Y, 152bY: Leaf spring member 56Y: Tilt adjustment pulse motor 57Y: Motor holder 58Y: Tilt adjustment adjuster 68Y: Bending adjustment screw 70Y: Reinforcement member 72Y: Rubber member

JP-A-10-282399 JP 2006-259638 A JP 2006-17881 A

Claims (28)

A light beam emitting means; a deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in a main scanning direction; and a reflecting mirror for reflecting the light beam. Used for scanning optical scanning device,
A holding body for holding the reflecting mirror, and forced bending means for forcibly bending the reflecting mirror held by the holding body by pushing in a direction perpendicular to the mirror surface;
In a curvature correction mechanism that corrects the curvature of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by adjusting the pushing amount by the forced bending means,
A curvature correcting mechanism, wherein a vibration suppressing member for suppressing vibration of the reflecting mirror is attached to the holding body. In the curvature correction mechanism of claim 1,
At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface or back surface of the reflecting mirror, the supporting position of the supporting portion is different from the supporting position of the reflecting mirror and the supporting portion of the reflecting mirror is supported while the reflecting mirror is supported by the supporting portion. By pressing the surface opposite to the supporting surface to be pressed by the pressing member, the holding body is held so that the reflecting mirror is forcibly bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the forced bending means. A curvature correction mechanism characterized by comprising. The curvature correction mechanism according to claim 1 or 2,
A curvature correcting mechanism, wherein the vibration suppressing member is formed of the same material as the holding body. In the curvature correction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The vibration suppressing member has a bonding surface bonded to the holding body and a bent portion bent with respect to the bonding surface. In the curvature correction mechanism according to claim 4,
A bending correction mechanism, wherein the vibration suppressing member is joined to the holding body through an elastic member. The curvature correction mechanism according to claim 4 or 5,
The holding body has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape,
The vibration suppressing member has a first joining surface joined to one surface of the holding body and a second joining surface joined to a surface adjacent to the one surface of the holding body. . The curvature correction mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
A curvature correcting mechanism, wherein the vibration suppressing member is made of metal. In the curvature correction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A curvature correcting mechanism using a vibration absorbing member as the vibration suppressing member. The curvature correction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A curvature correcting mechanism, wherein the holding body is provided with a plurality of vibration suppressing members. The curvature correction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A curvature correcting mechanism, wherein the vibration suppressing member is provided at a longitudinal center of the holding body. The curvature correction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A curvature correcting mechanism, wherein the vibration suppressing member is provided on a surface of the holding body facing the reflecting mirror. The curvature correction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A curvature correction mechanism, wherein the vibration suppressing member is provided on a surface of the holding body opposite to a surface facing the reflecting mirror. A light beam emitting means; a deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in a main scanning direction; a reflecting mirror for reflecting the light beam; and a curve of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object. And an optical scanning device that optically scans the scanning object with the light beam.
An optical scanning device using the curvature correction mechanism according to claim 1 as the curvature correction means. Light beam launching means;
Deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in the main scanning direction;
A reflecting mirror for reflecting the light beam;
Bending correction that includes a forcibly bending means for forcibly bending the reflecting mirror by pushing it in a direction perpendicular to the mirror surface, and correcting the bending of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by adjusting the amount of pushing by the forcibly bending means. Means for optically scanning the scanning object with the light beam,
An optical scanning device, wherein a vibration suppressing member for suppressing vibration of the reflecting mirror is attached to the reflecting mirror in which the curvature of the main scanning line is corrected. The optical scanning device according to claim 14.
The optical scanning device, wherein the vibration suppressing member is attached to a surface orthogonal to the mirror surface of the reflecting mirror. The optical scanning device according to claim 14 or 15,
At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface or back surface of the reflecting mirror, the supporting position of the supporting portion is different from the supporting position of the reflecting mirror and the supporting portion of the reflecting mirror is supported while the reflecting mirror is supported by the supporting portion. A holding body for holding the reflecting mirror in a state in which the reflecting mirror is forcibly bent in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the forced bending means by pressing the surface opposite to the supporting surface to be pressed by a pressing member. An optical scanning device. The optical scanning device according to any one of claims 14 to 16,
The vibration suppressing member has a joint surface joined to the reflecting mirror and a bent portion bent with respect to the joint surface. The optical scanning device according to claim 17.
An optical scanning device characterized in that the vibration suppressing member is made of metal. The optical scanning device according to any one of claims 14 to 18,
A curvature correcting mechanism, wherein the vibration suppressing member is joined to the reflecting mirror through an elastic member. The optical scanning device according to any one of claims 14 to 19,
A curvature correction mechanism, wherein the reflection mirror is provided with a plurality of vibration suppressing members. The optical scanning device according to any one of claims 13 to 20,
An optical scanning apparatus comprising: an inclination adjusting unit that adjusts an inclination of a main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by changing an attitude of the reflecting mirror. The optical scanning device according to any one of claims 13 to 21,
An optical scanning device characterized in that the forced bending means is held by the holding body. The optical scanning device according to any one of claims 13 to 22,
The light beam deflected in the main scanning line direction by the deflecting means is reflected by a plurality of reflecting mirrors and scanned on the surface of the scanning object,
An optical scanning device characterized in that the curvature correcting means is provided in a reflecting mirror closest to the scanning object. 24. The optical scanning device according to claim 13,
As the beam emitting means, there are provided a plurality of light emitting means for emitting the light beams for optically scanning different scanning objects, and as the reflecting mirror, a plurality of individually corresponding to the beam emitting means are provided. And, the bending correction mechanism is provided in a number one less than those beam emitting means,
An optical scanning apparatus characterized in that the curvature of the remaining main scanning lines is corrected by the curvature correcting means on the basis of the curvature of the main scanning lines not provided with the curvature correcting means corresponding to the beam emitting means. A plurality of latent image carriers that carry latent images, optical scanning means for forming latent images on the surfaces of the latent image carriers by optical scanning, and developing the latent images carried on these latent image carriers, respectively. In an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of developing means and a transfer means for transferring a visible image developed on each latent image carrier to a transfer body, respectively.
The optical scanning device according to claim 24 is used as the optical scanning unit,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a light beam other than a light beam scanned on a latent image carrier that carries a black visible image is corrected by the curvature correcting unit. A latent image carrier that carries a latent image, an optical scanning unit that forms a latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier by optical scanning, and a developing unit that develops the latent image carried on the latent image carrier. In the image forming apparatus provided,
An image forming apparatus using the optical scanning device according to claim 13 as the optical scanning unit. A plurality of latent image carriers that carry latent images, optical scanning means for forming latent images on the surfaces of the latent image carriers by optical scanning, and developing the latent images carried on these latent image carriers, respectively. In an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of developing means and a transfer means for transferring a visible image developed on each latent image carrier to a transfer body, respectively.
An image forming apparatus using the optical scanning device according to claim 13 as the optical scanning unit. Light beam launching means;
Deflecting means for deflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam emitting means in the main scanning direction;
A reflecting mirror for reflecting the light beam;
Bending correction that includes a forcibly bending means for forcibly bending the reflecting mirror by pushing it in a direction perpendicular to the mirror surface, and correcting the bending of the main scanning line on the surface of the scanning object by adjusting the amount of pushing by the forcibly bending means. And a method of manufacturing an optical scanning device that optically scans the scanning object with the light beam,
And a step of attaching a vibration suppressing member for suppressing vibration of the reflecting mirror to the reflecting mirror after correcting the bending of the main scanning line after correcting the bending of the main scanning line by the bending correcting means. Manufacturing method of optical scanning device.

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