JP2962923B2 - Light source device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser beam collimator unit used for an apparatus for recording an image by scanning a recording medium with a laser beam modulated by an image signal, and an optical disk using a semiconductor laser as a light source. The present invention relates to a light source device such as a pickup unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, recording apparatuses such as laser beam printers for recording an image by scanning a laser beam have been widely used. Hereinafter, a laser scanning device used in a conventional image recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

In the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. 16, reference numeral 41 is a semiconductor laser, 42 is a collimator lens, 43 is a polygon mirror as a deflector, 44 is an image forming optical system, and 45 is a photosensitive drum as a recording medium. The beam from the semiconductor laser 41 modulated by the image signal is supplied to a collimator lens 42.
, Is deflected by the deflector 43, is imaged on the recording medium 45 by the imaging lens 44, and is scanned. As described above, since the emission light of the semiconductor laser has a property of spreading radially from the light emitting point, when used in a laser unit (light source device) such as a laser beam printer, it is converted into a parallel light flux using a collimator lens. Usually used.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show an example of a conventional light source device. FIG. 17 is a side view, and FIG. 18 is a front view. Reference numeral 51 denotes a semiconductor laser, 58 denotes a hollow holder formed in a substantially convex vertical cross section, and the semiconductor laser 51 is mounted therein.

[0005] Hereinafter, the adjusting means of the conventional light source device will be described. The base 5 of the semiconductor laser is positioned so that the optical axis of the collimator lens 52 and the optical axis of the semiconductor laser 51 match.
The XY adjustment (optical axis adjustment) of Step 4 is performed. In this case, the base 5
Screws 55 and 56 with springs are used for fixing the holder 4 and the holder 58. The light source device holder 58 is fixed to the reference portion of the adjustment jig. In the XY adjustment, the base 54 (the semiconductor laser 51 side) is slightly moved in the XY direction with respect to the fixed holder 58 (the collimator lens 52 side). Before adjustment
The screws 55 and 56 with springs are loosened (semi-fixed state)
Then, the base 54 and the holder 58 are fixed. After the adjustment is completed within a predetermined range, the screws 55 and 56 with springs are further tightened and firmly fixed. Thereafter, the collimator lens barrel 53
Is moved by a very small amount in the optical axis direction, and after the adjustment is completed within a predetermined focus range, the lens barrel 53 and the holder 58 are bonded and fixed,
Optical adjustment is completed.

[0006]

However, such a conventional configuration has the following problems. (1) When the screw is tightened and fixed after the optical axis adjustment, the base rotates around in the rotation direction of the screw and moves out of the adjustment standard range. (2) As a countermeasure for the above (1), on the adjustment tool side, when the screw is tightened and fixed, the base is firmly pressed against the holder,
This prevents the holder and base from being turned by the frictional force generated at the joint fixing surface of the base. In this case, the configuration of the adjustment jig becomes complicated. In addition, the holder is deformed because the pressing force is increased, and when the adjustment jig pressing force is released after the adjustment is completed, the deformation of the holder returns and deviates from the adjustment value. (3) As a countermeasure of the above (2), there is a method of finishing the surface accuracy of the joint surface between the base and the holder by polishing or the like, but this increases the cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a light source device which can reduce an adjustment deviation at the time of fixing by tightening a screw, reduce costs, and have a high reliability in assembly strength.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, according to the light source device of the present invention, a semiconductor laser, a base holding the semiconductor laser, and a divergent light beam from the semiconductor laser are converted into a parallel light beam. A collimator lens to convert to
A lens barrel that holds the collimator lens, and a holder that internally supports the lens barrel, a hole is provided in a joint surface on one of the base and the holder, and the hole is inserted into the hole. A shaft is provided on one of the holder and the base, and the shaft and the hole are adhesively fixed.

[0009] Specifically, the holes are filled with an adhesive to be bonded and fixed. Further, the holder and the base are made of a transparent member, and are adhered and fixed with an ultraviolet curable adhesive. In addition, the end of the shaft is heat-welded and bonded together.
Further, a flange is provided at an end of the holder and the base,
The sandwiching of the flange with a leaf spring and the bonding are used together. Further, the shaft and / or the hole of the holder and / or the base are knurled. Further, the shaft and the hole of the holder and the base, or one of the shaft and the hole is formed in a screw shape. Also, a push nut is attached to the shaft,
Hold down the base. Further, the pin has a screw shape,
Hold the base with a nut. The holder and the base are bonded and fixed by the method as described above.

[0010]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a light source device according to the present invention. In the schematic configuration diagram of the light source device 100, 1 is a semiconductor laser as a light source, 2 is a collimator lens that converts a divergent light beam from the semiconductor laser 1 into a parallel light beam, and 3 is a lens barrel that holds the collimator lens 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a holder which internally supports the lens barrel 3 and is joined to the base 5. 4a, 4b
Is a pin formed on the holder 4 and serving as an adhesive fixing shaft. 4c is a groove for fixing the lens barrel 3 and the holder 4.
Reference numeral 5 denotes a base that holds the semiconductor laser 1 and radiates heat generated by the semiconductor laser 1. Reference numerals 5a and 5b denote holes formed in the base 5 for bonding and fixing. When the bonding holes 5a, 5b and the bonding pins 4a, 4b are combined, a gap is provided between the bonding holes 5a, 5b and the bonding pins 4a, 4b so that the optical axis positions of the semiconductor laser 1 and the collimator lens 2 can be adjusted. Have been. Reference numeral 6 denotes an electric circuit board that drives the semiconductor laser 1 to emit light, and is attached to the base 5.

The light source device is assembled in the following procedure.
That is, the semiconductor laser 1 is press-fitted and fixed to the base 5. The semiconductor laser 1 is mounted on the electric circuit board 6 joined to the base 5. Next, the collimator lens 2 is incorporated into the lens barrel 3, and the lens barrel 3 is incorporated into the holder 4. Further, the optical axes of the semiconductor laser 1 and the collimator lens 2 are adjusted in the X-Y direction in the drawing, which is orthogonal to the optical axis direction, so as to match a predetermined range. In this state, the base 5 is held and fixed by the finger portions 7a and 7b of the adjustment jig. The joint fixing surface of the base 5 has a larger area than the joint fixing surface of the holder 4 so that the ends of the base 5 can be fixed by the finger portions 7a and 7b of the adjusting jig.

Next, the lens barrel 3 is moved and adjusted in the focusing direction (the direction of the optical axis, which is the Z direction in the figure) by the adjusting tool 8, and assembly is completed. The fixing of the holder 4 and the base 5
It is performed by means of an adhesive and at the same time, by means of the respective adhesive dispensers 9, 10, 11 adhesive holes 5a, 5b,
It is poured into 4c and fixed. Escapes 6a and 6b are provided on the electric circuit board 6 so as not to interfere with the filling of the adhesive. The adhesive is filled so as to fill the bonding holes 5a and 5b. When this solidifies, it solidifies in the form of a ring in the gap between the adhesive fixing pins 4a, 4b and the adhesive fixing holes 5a, 5b, prevents displacement in the XY directions, and increases the peel strength in the Z direction.
It is maintained by the adhesive force between the b side and the side of the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b. The light source device 100 assembled in this manner is mounted and fixed on the substrate 130.

FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of a laser beam printer which is an image recording apparatus using the light source device of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a printer main body; 102, a cassette for storing transfer paper S;
Paper feed roller to take out one sheet at a time from 02
, 106, so that the sheets can be taken out one by one.
Is a registration roller for controlling the transfer timing of the transfer paper S, and 108 is a transfer paper charger.

A process cartridge 110 includes a photosensitive drum 112, a developing device (not shown), a charger (not shown), a cleaning device (not shown) for the photosensitive drum 112, and the like. Reference numeral 114 denotes a fixing device, 116 denotes a fixing roller made of an Al pipe, 117 denotes a halogen heater, 118
Denotes a pressure roller made of rubber, and the developer on the transfer paper S is melted and fixed by heat and pressure applied from the fixing roller 116 and the pressure roller 118. Further, 120 is a transport roller,
Reference numeral 122 denotes a paper discharge roller, 124a and 124b decurling rollers, and 126 a paper discharge tray.

A laser scanner unit 150 for scanning the laser beam L is provided in the printer main body 101. The laser beam L from the laser scanner unit 150 is turned back by the mirror 103 and guided onto the photosensitive drum 112.

In the printer, when a print signal is input from a host computer (not shown), the transfer paper S
Is taken out of the cassette 102 by the paper feed roller 104,
The sheet is conveyed by the registration roller 106 in synchronization with the development image on the photosensitive drum 112. Then, the image written on the photosensitive drum 112 by the laser beam L is transferred to the transfer sheet S by the transfer charger 108. After this,
After the transfer image is fixed by the fixing device 114, the transfer sheet S is transferred and carried out by the transfer roller 120 and the discharge roller 122, and is stacked on the discharge tray 126.

FIG. 3 shows the laser scanner unit 15.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of a laser scanning optical system in a range 0. The light beam emitted from the light source device 100 is reflected by the mirror surface of the polygon mirror 111 supported by the polygon rotor 109 rotating at a constant speed in the direction of arrow a, and is scanned in the main scanning direction (direction of arrow b). The light beam thus scanned passes through the imaging lens 113, is reflected by the reflection mirror 103, is guided onto the photosensitive drum 112, and forms an image. This photosensitive drum 1
Reference numeral 12 rotates in the sub-scanning direction (a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the optical axis of the optical system) by a predetermined amount every scanning, so that a two-dimensional image is formed on the photosensitive drum 112 by the scanning light beam L. Will be.

On the other hand, in each scan, the scanning light beam on the scanning start side is reflected by the reflecting mirror 115, and this reflected light is guided to a BD light receiving section for detecting a synchronization signal for determining the timing of starting modulation of the light source. I will Also, 130
Is a substrate on which a scanner motor having the light source device 100, the imaging lens 113, the polygon mirror 111, and the like are attached.

In the light source device of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The adhesive fixing pins 4 are attached to the base 5 with the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b.
Although a and b are provided on the holder 4 side, similar effects can be obtained by providing an adhesive fixing pin on the base 5 side and providing an adhesive fixing hole on the holder 4 side as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a light source device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a joint portion between the holder 4 and the base 5. In the schematic configuration diagram of this light source device, the bonding and fixing holes 5a and 5b are formed as stepped holes instead of through holes in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the adhesive strength of the base 5 is strong in the X-Y direction, but the base 5 has no surface perpendicular to the Z direction, so that the adhesive strength in the Z direction is low. In the case of the second embodiment, providing the base 5 with a surface perpendicular to the Z direction contributes to enhancement of the peel strength between the holder 4 and the base 5 in the Z direction.

FIG. 6 shows a light source device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the schematic configuration diagram of the light source device, the directions of the adhesive fixing pins 4a and 4b which protrude in the Z direction in the first and second embodiments are changed to the Y direction, and the shape of the base 5 is made an inverted L-shape. Adhesive fixing pin 4
adhesive fixing holes 5a, 5b at the positions associated with
b is provided.

The adhesive is injected from the Y direction, and the holder 4 and the base 5 are fixed. In this case, gaps 8a, 8b, and 8c are formed between the holder 4 and the base 5, so that the adhesive is 100000 to 2000
It is desirable to select a material having a viscosity of about 0 cps.

In this case, since the adhesive is injected only in the Y direction, it contributes to improvement of workability such as adhesive filling and UV irradiation and improvement of the flow of the adhesive.

FIG. 7 shows a light source device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the schematic configuration diagram of this light source device, the holder 4 and the base 5 are made of a transparent member, and the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b are filled with an ultraviolet curable adhesive and are adhesively fixed by irradiating ultraviolet light.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a comparison between the holder 4 and the base 5 of the transparent member and the ultraviolet light received by the adhesive when the holder 4 and the base 5 are not a transparent member when irradiating ultraviolet rays.

In FIG. 8 in the case of the transparent member holder 4 and the base 5, when the ultraviolet ray is irradiated from the direction A, the optical path of the ultraviolet ray is as shown by the arrow B, so that the adhesive receives more ultraviolet rays, It contributes to an increase in adhesive strength. It also contributes to shortening of the solidification time of the adhesive. Further, in this case, the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet light is not limited, which contributes to the improvement of workability.

On the other hand, in FIG. 9 in the case of the holder 4 and the base 5 which are not transparent members, the optical path of the ultraviolet ray when the ultraviolet ray is irradiated from the direction A is as shown by the arrow C, so that the adhesive is received at the same time. There is a limit to the amount of light. Therefore, the bonding strength is weaker than when the holder 4 and the base 5 are transparent members, and the bonding time is longer.

FIG. 10 shows a light source device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the schematic configuration diagram of this light source device, the holder 4 is a resin molded product, and the ends of the pins 4a and 4b provided on the holder 4 are fixed to the holder 4 and the base 5 by heat welding. In this case, if an adhesive is poured into the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b and fixed using heat welding, reliability is improved. Also, by using the fixing structure by heat welding, the time for holding down the adhesive with the jig until the adhesive is completely cured becomes unnecessary, so that the assembling time is shortened and the assembling property is improved.

In the light source device of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b are provided on the base 5 side, and the adhesive fixing pins 4a and 4b are provided on the holder 4 side. Resin molding, an adhesive fixing pin is provided on the base 5 side, and the holder 4
The same effect can be obtained by a configuration in which an adhesive fixing hole is provided on the side.

FIG. 11 shows a light source device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the schematic configuration diagram of this light source device, flanges 4c and 5c are provided at ends of the holder 4 and the base 5, and the flanges 4c and 5c are
The holder 4 and the base 5 are fixed by being sandwiched by the leaf springs 12. In this case, there is no need to press down the base 5 with the adjusting jig, which contributes to downsizing of the adjusting tool. Then, if an adhesive is poured into the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b and fixed together with a leaf spring, the reliability is improved. In this way, by using a fixing structure using a leaf spring, the time for holding down with a jig until the adhesive is completely cured becomes unnecessary,
The assembling time is shortened, and the assembling property is improved.

FIG. 12 shows a light source device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 12 is a view of the base 5 viewed from the side opposite to the emission side of the semiconductor laser 1. In the schematic configuration diagram of this light source device, the peripheral portions of the adhesive fixing pins 4a and 4b and the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b are formed into a knurled shape. In this case, the adhesive fixing pins 4a, 4a
By increasing the bonding area between b and the adhesive fixing holes 5a, 5b, the peel strength between the holder 4 and the base 5 is enhanced. In this embodiment, the adhesive fixing pins 4a and 4b, the adhesive fixing holes 5
Although knurls are formed on both sides a and 5b, even if knurls are formed on either one, the adhesive strength is improved as compared with the case where there is no knurl.

FIG. 13 shows a light source device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the schematic configuration diagram of the light source device, the peripheral portions of the adhesive fixing pins 4a and 4b are formed into a screw shape. In this case, with respect to the load in the Z direction (optical axis direction) after the solidification of the adhesive, the crests of the screws are caught, which contributes to the enhancement of the peel strength between the holder 4 and the base 5. In this embodiment, the adhesive fixing pins 4a, 4a
Although a screw is formed on the b side, the adhesive fixing hole 5a,
Even if screws are formed on the 5b side or on both sides of the adhesive fixing pins 4a, 4b and the adhesive fixing holes 5a, 5b, the adhesive strength is improved as compared with the case where there is no screw.

FIG. 14 shows a light source device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 14 is a diagram of the base 5 viewed from the side opposite to the emission side of the semiconductor laser 1. In the schematic configuration diagram of the light source device, the holder 4 and the base 5 are fixed by attaching a push nut 13 to the adhesive fixing pins 4a and 4b. In this case, the base 5
It is not necessary to hold the adjustment tool with an adjustment jig, which contributes to downsizing of the adjustment tool. Then, if an adhesive is poured into the adhesive fixing holes 5a and 5b and fixed together with a push nut, the reliability is improved. As described above, by using the fixing structure using the push nut, the time for holding down the adhesive with the jig until the adhesive is completely cured is not required, so that the assembling time is shortened and the assembling property is improved.

FIG. 15 shows a light source device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Here, members having the same functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the schematic configuration diagram of this light source device, the periphery of the adhesive fixing pins 4a, 4b is formed into a screw shape (male screw), an adhesive is injected into the adhesive fixing holes 5a, 5b, and the pins 4a, 4b are solidified with the adhesive. (Female screw) 14 is attached to the nut. In this case, the adhesive fixing hole 5
By pouring the adhesive into a and 5b and fixing the screws together, it contributes to the improvement of the reliability of fixing the holder 4 and the base 5.

[0036]

As described above, according to the light source device of the present invention, the base for holding the semiconductor laser, the holder for supporting the lens barrel for holding the collimator lens, the adhesive fixing pin and the adhesive fixing hole are used. The following effects can be obtained by fixing with an adhesive through the intermediary. (1) By changing from screw fixing to adhesive fixing, adjustment deviation at the time of screw tightening and fixing can be reduced. (2) Since the number of screws can be reduced, the cost of parts is reduced. (3) When a load is applied to the base and the holder from the X, Y, and Z directions, a strong peel strength can be obtained in any direction.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part showing a light source device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a laser beam printer using the light source device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a laser scanning optical system using the light source device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part showing a modification of the light source device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a main part of a light source device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of a light source device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a main part of a light source device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for comparison with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part showing a light source device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a main part of a light source device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a light source device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a main part of a light source device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a light source device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a main part of a light source device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a main part showing a scanning optical device showing a conventional example.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing a conventional light source device.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a conventional light source device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 semiconductor laser 2 collimator lens 3 lens barrel 4 holder 5 base

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] A semiconductor laser; a base for holding the semiconductor laser; a collimator lens for converting a divergent light beam from the semiconductor laser into a parallel light beam; a lens barrel for holding the collimator lens; A holder internally supported and joined to the base,
A hole is provided in a joint surface on one side of the base or the holder, a shaft inserted into the hole is provided on one side of the holder or the base, and the shaft and the hole are connected to each other. A light source device characterized by being adhered and fixed. 2. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the base and the holder are formed of a transparent member, and the base and the holder are bonded and fixed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. 3. The base or the holder having the bonding and fixing shaft is formed by resin molding, and the end of the bonding and fixing shaft is thermally welded together with bonding to form the base. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the holder and the holder are fixed. 4. The base and the holder are fixed by providing a flange at the ends of the base and the holder, and using both the sandwiching of the flange with a leaf spring and bonding. The light source device according to item 1. 5. The base and the holder according to claim 1, wherein a shaft and a hole for bonding and fixing in the base or the holder or one of the peripheral portions is formed into a knurled shape, and the base and the holder are fixed by bonding. The light source device according to claim 1. 6. The base or the holder according to claim 1, wherein a shaft and / or a hole for bonding and fixing in the base or the holder or one of the peripheral portions is formed into a screw shape, and the base and the holder are fixed by bonding. Light source device. 7. The light source according to claim 1, wherein a push nut is attached to an adhesive fixing shaft of the base or the holder, and the base and the holder are fixed by using both the adhesive and the push nut. apparatus. 8. A male screw is formed on a periphery of a shaft for bonding and fixing in the base or the holder, and the base and the holder are fixed by bonding, and then the base or the holder is fixed by a female screw. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein the light source device is sandwiched and fixed.