JP6071038B2 - Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical scanning device and an image forming apparatus.

  As an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile, a latent image is formed on a latent image carrier by irradiating the latent image carrier with writing light according to image information by deflecting scanning. It is known that an image is developed to obtain an image. In an optical scanning apparatus that deflects and scans writing light, light emitted from a light source is generally formed into a predetermined shape by an optical system component such as a collimating lens and enters a polygon mirror that is a rotating polygon mirror. The light incident on the polygon mirror is deflected and scanned, and is irradiated onto the latent image carrier through an optical system component such as a scanning lens and a reflection mirror.

  In such an optical scanning device, the arrangement position and orientation of the optical system parts are adjusted while monitoring the optical characteristics on the surface to be scanned when the optical system parts are mounted so as to obtain desired optical characteristics on the latent image carrier. To do. Then, the optical system parts are bonded and fixed to the housing while maintaining the optical characteristics in a good state. However, depending on variations in the characteristics of the light source and the optical system parts, the scanning light for scanning the latent image carrier may not have a desired light intensity even with such adjustment.

  In an optical scanning device using an LD (laser diode), an LD array, or the like as a light source, if there is some variation, the scanning light for scanning the latent image carrier can be obtained by adjusting the power to the light source. The light intensity can be increased. However, an optical scanning device using a surface light emitting element as a light source has a narrow output range compared to an LD or an LD array, etc., so scanning light that scans the latent image carrier is desired even if the power to the light source is adjusted. It is difficult to make the light intensity of.

Therefore, a configuration is known in which the light irradiated from the light source is attenuated by a dimming means on the optical path to adjust the scanning light for scanning the latent image carrier to a desired light intensity.
For example, in Patent Document 1, a surface light emitting element is used as a light source, and a plurality of ND (Neutral Density) filters (darkening filters) having different light transmittances are held, and any one of them is a collimating lens and a polygon mirror. An optical scanning device provided with a slide mechanism for positioning on the optical path between the two is described.
Patent Document 2 describes an optical scanning device in which a surface light emitting element is used as a light source, and a polarizer is provided on an optical path between a collimator lens and a polygon mirror so as to be rotatable around an optical axis.

  In the optical scanning device of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the slide mechanism is slid, and an ND filter is placed on the optical path so that the scanning light for scanning the latent image carrier has a desired light intensity. Adjust to strength. In such a configuration, it is necessary to mount a plurality of ND filters having different transmittances in the apparatus. For this reason, an increase in the number of parts and an increase in parts management are caused, resulting in a problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

In the optical scanning device of Patent Document 2, the polarizer is rotated around the optical axis, the optical axis direction of the polarizer is adjusted, and the amount of light transmitted through the polarizer is changed, whereby the latent image carrier The scanning light for scanning is adjusted to a desired light intensity. When the angle between the vibration direction of light incident on the polarizer and the optical axis of the polarizer is θ, the light amount of light that has been changed from the polarization direction emitted from the polarizer (outgoing light amount) is cos of the incident light amount. the ^{2 θ.} For this reason, by rotating the polarizer, it is possible to adjust the light incident on the polarizer to an emitted light amount corresponding to the rotation angle.

  Specifically, the outer periphery of the polarizer is processed into a circular shape, and is rotatably held by a polarizer holding member having a V-shaped groove fixed to the housing. Then, while scanning the light emitted from the light source, the light intensity of the scanning light is measured on the surface to be scanned, and the polarizer is rotated around the optical axis so as to obtain the desired light intensity. Adjust the axial direction. Then, the polarizer and the polarizer holding member are bonded to each other at the rotational position where the desired light intensity is obtained, thereby fixing the polarizer to the housing. Such a configuration is superior to the configuration of Patent Document 1 in that an increase in the number of components and an increase in component management are suppressed.

On the other hand, in recent years, there is concern about the impact on the environment, and interest in recycling and reuse is increasing, and the number of optical scanning devices that are reused is increasing.
For example, when only the light source that is a life component is replaced and the optical scanning device is reused, the optical system components need to be readjusted. Further, the configuration for adjusting the light intensity of the scanning light that scans the latent image carrier using the polarizer requires readjustment of the polarizer in addition to readjustment of the optical system components. Specifically, after the optical system component and the housing are fixed, the arrangement position and posture of the optical system component are adjusted and fixed to the housing. Next, after the polarizer is unfixed, the polarizer is rotated to adjust the polarization direction of the incident light and the optical axis direction, and the adhesive is fixed to the polarizer holding member. For this reason, the adjustment work at the time of reuse of an optical scanning device becomes complicated.
Also, when the optical scanning device is collected from the user and the optical system component and the polarizer are reused, for each of the optical system component and the polarizer, as in the case of the light source replacement, Adjustment / fixing work is required. For this reason, adjustment work becomes complicated. Thus, in the structure which adjusts light intensity using the polarizer of patent document 2, the malfunction that the adjustment operation | work at the time of a reuse will arise.

  The configuration for adjusting the light intensity of the scanning light that scans the latent image carrier using the polarizer is not limited to the case where the surface light emitting element is used as the light source, and other light sources such as an LD and an LD array are used. It can be applied even in the case where there is a similar problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to simplify adjustment work for obtaining predetermined optical characteristics on a latent image carrier when reusing an optical system component and a polarizer. It is an object to provide an optical scanning device and an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to a light source, an optical system component disposed on an optical path from the light source to the irradiation object, and an irradiation object disposed on the optical path. In an optical scanning device comprising a polarizer for adjusting the light intensity of scanning light to be scanned, the light source, the optical system component, and a housing for housing the polarizer, the optical system component is rotated about an optical axis. An optical element whose optical characteristics do not change, and includes a holding member that holds the optical system component and the polarizer and is fixed to the housing, and the holding member includes a plurality of adhesive members that are adhesively fixed to the housing. When the holding member is viewed from the optical axis direction, the angle formed by the line connecting the center of the housing adhesive portion and the center of the polarizer and the optical axis of the polarizer is where θ Of certain as COS ² theta value of housing adhesion part is different from the COS ² theta value of another housing adhesion part of the ring bond portion, a plurality of housings adhesive portion was arranged in the optical axis direction around the holding member <br/> It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, by holding the optical system component and the polarizer on the holding member, the adjustment work at the time of reusing the optical system component and the polarizer can be simplified. Specifically, the adjustment operation at the time of reuse will be described. First, the fixing of the holding member that holds the optical system component and the polarizer and the housing is released and removed from the housing. Next, in the housing used for reuse, the arrangement position / posture of the holding member is adjusted to adjust the arrangement position / posture of the optical system component, and the holding member is rotated about the optical axis, thereby to the optical axis. Adjust the optical axis direction of the polarizer. Since the optical component is an optical element whose optical characteristics do not change even when rotated about the optical axis, it is integrated with the holding member in order to adjust the relationship between the optical axis and the optical axis of the polarizer to a desired relationship. Even if the optical system component rotates about the optical axis, the optical characteristics do not change. When the positional relationship / attitude adjustment of the optical system parts and the rotation adjustment of the polarizer are completed, the holding member is fixed to the housing.

  As described above, in the present invention, in the adjustment operation when the optical system component and the polarizer are reused, the fixing of the optical system component and the polarizer to the housing can be released by removing the holding member from the housing. it can. This can simplify the work compared to the case where the conventional optical system component and the polarizer are individually released from the housing. In addition, after the adjustment of the positional relationship / attitude between the light source and the optical system parts and the rotation adjustment of the polarizer are completed, the holding member is fixed to the housing, so that the optical system parts are fixed again to the housing and the polarizer housing is fixed. Can be re-fixed. This can simplify the adjustment work as compared with the case where the conventional optical system component and the polarizer are individually re-fixed to the housing. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the adjustment work for obtaining predetermined optical characteristics on the latent image carrier when the optical system component and the polarizer are reused.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of 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 illustrating an optical writing unit in the printer together with four photosensitive members. The schematic top view which shows the structure of the optical writing unit. The perspective view of the 1st housing | casing of the same optical writing unit. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration from a light source to a polygon mirror in the optical writing unit of FIG. 5. Explanatory drawing of the characteristic of a polarizer. The perspective view of the intermediate member holding the collimating lens and the polarizer. Sectional drawing of the intermediate member holding the collimating lens and polarizer. The figure which looked at the intermediate member holding the collimating lens and the polarizer from the optical axis direction exit surface side. The perspective view explaining a mode that an intermediate member is clamped with a chuck member. The figure which looked at the intermediate member from the optical-axis direction entrance plane side in order to demonstrate the attachment method to the 1st housing | casing of an intermediate member. The figure which looked at the intermediate member and the collimating lens at the time of the 2nd adhesion | attachment from the optical-axis direction entrance plane side. The figure explaining a mode that an intermediate member is mounted | worn on a base. The figure which looked at the intermediate member which made the collimating lens mounting part another aspect from the optical axis direction entrance plane side. The figure which looked at the intermediate member of another form from the optical-axis direction entrance plane side. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate member in FIG. 16. The perspective view of the intermediate member and collimating lens of another form. Sectional drawing of the intermediate member of FIG. The schematic perspective view of a light source unit.

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 of 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, an optical writing unit 4 that performs optical scanning with the writing light L on the photoconductors 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K is provided. 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 light source, and emits writing light L as a light beam from the light source toward a polygon mirror having a regular polygonal column structure that is rotationally driven. 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 this embodiment together with four photosensitive members.
FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the optical writing unit 4, and FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the first housing 70.
As shown in FIG. 3, the optical writing unit 4 includes optical parts such as a polygon scanner 50 as a rotary deflector, various reflection mirrors, and various lenses. Optical system components such as the polygon scanner 50, various reflection mirrors, and various lenses are housed in an optical housing 131. Dustproof glass 48Y, 48C, 48M, and 48K are provided on the housing cover 107 that covers the opening above the optical housing 131.
As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 131 includes a first housing 70 made of a resin for housing optical system components provided on the optical path between the light source and the scanning lenses 43Y, 43C, 43M, and 43K, and the scanning lens. 43Y, 43C, 43M, and 43K, and a second housing 60 made of a resin that houses an optical element provided on the optical path from the photosensitive member.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a polygon scanner 50 is attached to the approximate center of the first housing 70, passes through the rotation center of the polygon scanner 50, and is pulled so as to be orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the polygon scanner 50. A light source 46, a collimating lens 52, an aperture (not shown), a cylindrical lens 53, scanning lenses 43Y, 43M, 43C, and 43K are attached so as to be symmetrical with respect to the symmetry line.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the polygon scanner 50 includes polygon mirrors 41a and 41b, which are two rotating polygon mirrors having a regular polygonal prism shape, a polygon motor (not shown), and electronic components for controlling the driving of the polygon motor. The circuit board 150 is mounted. 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. The polygon scanner 50 is fastened to the polygon scanner mounting portion surrounded by the soundproof wall 55 of the first housing 70 with screws. Cutouts are provided at two locations on the soundproof wall 55, and soundproof glasses 42a and 42b are attached to the cutouts.

  The light source 46 is attached to a through hole 70 b provided in the side surface 70 a of the first housing 70.

  The K-color scanning lens 43K is provided immediately above the M-color scanning lens, and the Y-color scanning lens 43Y is provided directly above the C-color scanning lens 43C. The scanning lenses 43Y, 43M, 43C, and 43K change the laser scanning equiangular motion to constant linear motion by the polygon mirrors 41a and 41b, and have power in the sub-scanning direction (condensing light in the sub-scanning direction). An optical element that corrects the tilting of the polygon mirror.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an M optical system and a K optical system are disposed on the right side of the polygon scanner 50 in the drawing. On the left side of the polygon scanner 50 in the drawing, an optical system for Y and an optical system for C are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first casing 70 is attached to the approximate center of the second casing 60 so that the polygon scanner 50 is positioned approximately in the center of the optical writing unit 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the central portion of the housing cover 107 as a lid member is opened, extends from the opening to the polygon scanner 50 side, and the lower ends are the upper surfaces of the soundproof glasses 42a and 42b and the soundproofing. An inner wall portion 106 that contacts the upper surface of the wall 55 is formed. And the deflector cover 105 which is a cover member is attached so that the opening part of this housing | casing cover 107 may be covered. Thereby, the polygon scanner 50 is sealed by the bottom surface of the housing 131, the soundproof glasses 42a and 42b, the soundproof wall 55, the inner wall portion 106, and the deflector cover 105.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5, and is a schematic diagram showing a configuration from the light source 46 to the polygon mirror 41 in the optical writing unit 4.
As shown in FIG. 6, a collimating lens 52, a polarizer 501, and a cylindrical lens 53 are arranged on the optical path from the light source 46 to the polygon mirror 41. The polarizer 501 can change the polarization direction of linearly polarized light incident on the polarizer 501. As shown in FIG. 7, when the angle between the vibration direction of light incident on the polarizer 501 and the optical axis of the polarizer 501 is θ, the amount of light emitted from the polarizer 501 with the polarization direction changed. Is the cos ² θ of the incident light quantity. That is, the light incident as linearly polarized light can be adjusted in the amount of emitted light according to the rotation angle by rotating the polarizer 501. Thereby, the scanning light for scanning the surface of the photoconductor 10 can be set to a desired light intensity.

  In the present embodiment, a surface light emitting element (VCSEL) is used as the light source 46 in order to realize a high-speed machine with an increased pixel density for the purpose of high productivity and high image quality. By using the light source 46 as a VCSEL, high-resolution printing is possible. On the other hand, since the output range is narrower than LD and LD arrays, it is difficult to adjust the scanning light for scanning the surface of the photoreceptor 10 to a desired light intensity by adjusting the power to the light source. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the scanning light for scanning the surface of the photoconductor 10 can be set to a desired light intensity using the polarizer 501. Thereby, it is possible to obtain predetermined optical characteristics while realizing high-resolution printing.

  The configuration from the light source 46 for irradiating light to the Y color photoreceptor 10Y and the C color photoreceptor 10C to the polygon mirror is such that light is applied to the K color photoreceptor 10K and the M color photoreceptor 10M described above. The configuration is the same from the light source 46 for irradiation to the polygon mirror.

  The writing light emitted from each light source 46 is adjusted in light amount by passing through a polarizer 501 after a divergent light beam is converted into a parallel light beam by a collimator lens 52. Thereafter, the light passes through the cylindrical lenses 53Y, 53M, 53C, and 53K, and is condensed in the sub-scanning direction (the direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the photoconductor surface on the photoconductor surface). Next, the main scanning direction (axis line on the surface of the photoconductor is reflected while being reflected by any one of the mirror surfaces formed on each of the six side surfaces of the polygon mirrors 41a and 41b having a regular hexahedron structure rotated at high speed by a polygon motor (not shown). In a direction corresponding to the direction). Then, the scanning lenses 43Y, M, C, and K convert the moving speed in the deflection direction of the light deflected in the main scanning direction at a constant angular velocity by the polygon mirrors 41a and 41b to the constant speed and in the sub scanning direction. The light is condensed and so-called surface tilt, which is the mirror surface tilt of the polygon mirrors 41a and 41b, is corrected.

  The Y, C, M, and K writing lights Ly, Lc, Lm, and Lk that have passed through the scanning lenses 43Y, M, C, and K are reflected on the reflecting mirrors of the Y, C, M, and K reflecting optical systems. Head. For example, the Y writing light Ly that has passed through the scanning lens 43Y is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 44Y and the second reflecting mirror 45Y, and is guided to the surface of the Y photoconductor 10Y. Similarly, the C, M, and K laser beams Lc, Lm, and Lk are reflected by the first reflecting mirror and the second reflecting mirror, respectively, so that the C, M, and K photoconductors 10C, 10M, and 10K Guided to the surface. Note that the Y, C, M, and K writing lights Ly, Lc, Lm, and Lk reflected by the mirror surfaces of the second reflecting mirrors 45Y, 45C, 45M, 45K are dust-proof glass 48Y provided on the housing cover 107. , 48C, 48M, and 48K, and then reach the surfaces of the photoreceptors 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K.

Next, the characteristic part of this embodiment is demonstrated.
In the optical writing unit 4 configured as described above, by rotating the polarizer 501, the vibration direction of linearly polarized light emitted from the light source 46 (hereinafter referred to as the light source polarization direction), the optical axis of the polarizer 501, and the like. The amount of emitted light can be adjusted by adjusting the angle formed by. Accordingly, it is necessary to adjust the rotation of the polarizer 501 so that the scanning light for scanning the surface of the photoconductor 10 has a desired light intensity. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, an example in which the amount of light adjustment by the polarizer 501 is two types of 50% transmittance and 70% transmittance in the ND filter transmittance specification will be described.

  When the light source 46 is replaced due to the life or failure of the light source 46, the light intensity of the incident light to the polarizer 501 changes due to the characteristic error of the light source 46, the mounting error of the light source 46, or the like. There is a possibility that the relationship with the optical axis is shifted. Therefore, when the light source 46 is replaced, the polarizer 501 fixed to the first housing 70 is removed from the first housing 70, and the scanning light for scanning the surface of the photoconductor 10 has a desired light intensity. As described above, it is necessary to adjust the rotation of the polarizer 501 and fix it to the first housing 70 again.

  In addition, when the light source 46 is replaced, the positional relationship between the collimating lens 52 and the light source 46 is lost, and predetermined optical characteristics cannot be obtained. For this reason, it is necessary to readjust the posture and position of the collimating lens 52 in order to obtain predetermined characteristics. Therefore, after removing the collimating lens 52 from the first housing 70 and adjusting the position and posture to re-fix the light to the first housing 70, the polarizer 501 is removed from the first housing 70 and adjusted. There is a problem that it is necessary to re-fix to the housing, and the replacement work when replacing the light source 46 becomes complicated.

  In the present embodiment, the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are held by the intermediate member 120 as the same holding member, and the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are pedestal of the first housing 70 via the intermediate member 120. It was configured to be adhesively fixed to 701. Hereinafter, it demonstrates concretely using drawing.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the intermediate member 120 holding the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate member 120 that holds the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501. FIG. 10 is a view of the intermediate member 120 holding the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 as viewed from the light-axis direction exit surface side.
The intermediate member 120 as a holding member has a cylindrical shape, and is provided with housing adhesion portions 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d protruding from the outer periphery at four locations on the outer peripheral surface. The housing adhesive portions 121a and 121c are arranged at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis. As will be described later, the light amount adjustment by the polarizer 501 is 50% light amount by the transmittance specification of the ND filter. Used when Further, the housing adhesive portions 121b and 121d are arranged at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis, and when the light amount adjustment by the polarizer 501 is 70% light amount in the transmittance specification of the ND filter. Used. The intermediate member 120 is configured by a member that transmits ultraviolet rays, such as a transparent member.

  The collimating lens 52 is bonded and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120 with an adhesive 122. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the intermediate member 120 is formed in a cylindrical shape and the collimator lens 52 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120, the intermediate member 120 has an optical axis more than the incident surface and the output surface of the collimator lens 52. It is configured to extend in the direction. As a result, when the intermediate member 120 is removed from the optical writing unit 4 and once placed on a desk or the like, the incident surface on which the light of the collimator lens 52 enters or the exit surface from which the light exits touches the desk or the like. , Can suppress hurt. In FIG. 9, the entire intermediate member 120 is extended in the optical axis direction to form a protective portion. However, at least one portion may be extended in the optical axis direction to be the protective portion. In this way, even in a configuration in which a single protection unit is provided, when the intermediate member 120 is placed on a desk or the like, the tip of the protection unit comes into contact with the desk, so that the incident surface and the output surface of the collimating lens 52 are Do not touch the desk.

  The collimating lens 52 is fixed to the intermediate member 120 by inserting the collimating lens 52 into the intermediate member 120 while holding the edge surface that is parallel to the optical axis direction of the collimating lens 52. Next, a part of the space between the collimating lens 52 and the intermediate member 120 is filled with an ultraviolet curable adhesive, and the optical component adhesive layer 122 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, so that the collimating lens 52 is bonded and fixed to the intermediate member 120. Since the intermediate member 120 is composed of a member that transmits ultraviolet rays, the adhesive 122 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays via the intermediate member 120, and the collimating lens 52 can be easily bonded and fixed to the intermediate member 120. it can.

  The polarizer 501 is fixed to the polygon mirror side end surface 124 as a polarizer mounting portion of the intermediate member 120 by an adhesive or the like. By fixing the polarizer 501 to the polygon mirror side end surface 124 of the intermediate member 120 that is a surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction, the polarizer 501 is only brought into contact with the polygon mirror side end surface 124. Thus, the polarizer 501 can be positioned with respect to the intermediate member 120. Thereby, positioning with respect to the intermediate member 120 of the polarizer 501 can be performed easily.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the polarizer 50 is positioned so that the optical axis A is rotated by θ1 around the optical axis direction (X direction in the figure) with respect to the housing adhesive portions 121b and 121d. It is attached to the intermediate member 120. On the other hand, the housing adhesive portions 121a and 121c are attached to the intermediate member 120 so as to be at a position rotated by θ2 around the optical axis direction (X direction in the drawing). In order to obtain the 70% transmittance by adjusting the amount of light by the polarizer 501, the angle θ1 between the light source polarization direction (see FIG. 7) and the optical axis A of the polarizer 501 is cos ² (θ1) = 0. 7 is satisfied, and θ1 = 33.2 °. Further, in order to obtain the 50% transmittance, the angle θ2 formed by the light source polarization direction and the optical axis A of the polarizer 501 is θ2 = 45 ° satisfying cos ² (θ2) = 0.5.

  Next, attachment of the intermediate member 120 to the base 701 of the first housing 70 will be described. The intermediate member 120 is attached to the base 701 by holding the intermediate member 120 with the chuck member 140.

  First, the intermediate member 120 is rotated to adjust the optical axis A of the polarizer 501 around the optical axis (X-axis direction in the drawing) with respect to the light source polarization direction. Specifically, the intermediate member 120 is rotated while monitoring the light intensity on the surface to be scanned.

The polarizer 501 is positioned so that the polarization direction of the light source rotates about the optical axis direction relative to the housing adhesive portions 121a and 121c, and is rotated by θ2 = 45 ° satisfying cos ² (θ2) = 0.5. It is attached to the member 120. Further, the intermediate member is positioned so that the polarization direction of the light source rotates about the optical axis direction relative to the housing bonding portions 121b and 121d and θ2 = 33.2 ° satisfying cos ² (θ1) = 0.7. 120 is attached. For this reason, when a desired light amount is obtained with 50% transmittance by this adjustment around the optical axis, the housing adhesive portion 121a or the housing adhesive portion 121c faces the pedestal 701. On the other hand, when a desired light amount can be obtained with a transmittance of 70%, the housing adhesive part 121b or the housing adhesive part 121d faces the pedestal 701.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the intermediate member 120 is clamped by the chuck member 140. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the method of attaching the intermediate member 120 to the first housing 70. It is the figure seen from the direction entrance plane side.
For example, when the housing bonding portion 121a faces the pedestal 701, the chuck member 140 has an outer periphery that is point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis in a direction orthogonal to the housing bonding portion 121a on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The surfaces 130b and 130d are held. While being held by the chuck member 140, the intermediate member 120 has an optical axis direction (X direction), a sub-scanning direction (a direction perpendicular to the pedestal surface of the first housing (Z direction), and a main scanning direction (optical axis). The direction can be adjusted in the direction perpendicular to both the direction and the sub-scanning direction (Y direction), and can also be adjusted around the optical axis direction.

  By adjusting the optical axis, for example, after the housing bonding portion 121a is made to face, the chuck member 140 is moved so that the scanning light can obtain a predetermined optical characteristic on the photosensitive member 10 while monitoring the optical characteristic, Adjust the position and orientation.

  Further, if the intermediate member 120 is slightly rotated (about several degrees) around the optical axis, the optical axis direction of the polarizer 501 can be finely adjusted with respect to the light source polarization direction.

  When the rotation adjustment of the polarizer 501 and the adjustment of the position and orientation of the collimator lens 52 are completed, an ultraviolet curable adhesive 123 is filled between the housing bonding portion 121a and the base 701, and then irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the intermediate member 120 is irradiated. Is fixed to the base 701 by bonding. In the above description, the adhesive 123 is filled after adjusting the position and orientation of the collimating lens 52 and the rotation of the polarizer 501. However, after adjusting the position of the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer, the adhesive 123 is filled. 501 rotation adjustment may be performed.

  Since the intermediate member 120 is composed of a member that transmits ultraviolet rays, the adhesive member 123 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays through the intermediate member 120, and the intermediate member 120 can be easily fixed to the base 701. . When the intermediate member 120 is bonded and fixed, the chuck member 140 is removed.

  When the light amount adjustment by the polarizer 501 is aimed at 50% transmittance, as described above, the intermediate member 120 is rotated so that the housing adhesive part 121a or the housing adhesive part 121c faces the pedestal 701, The arrangement position, posture adjustment work, and fixing work are performed. On the other hand, when the light amount adjustment by the polarizer 501 aims at 70% transmittance, the intermediate member 120 is rotated so that the housing adhesive part 121a or the housing adhesive part 121c faces the pedestal 701, and the above-described arrangement position Perform posture adjustment work and fixing work.

  As described above, the intermediate member 120 of the present embodiment accurately performs the rotation adjustment work of the polarizer 501, the position and orientation adjustment work of the collimator lens 52, the rotation adjustment work of the polarizer 501, and the fixing work of the intermediate member 120. It can be done easily. Further, the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 can be bonded and fixed to the pedestal 701 at once. Thereby, compared with the case where the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are individually bonded and fixed to the pedestal 701, the bonding and fixing work can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are held by the intermediate member 120 and configured as one unit, so that the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are adjusted as compared with those separately provided. Work can be simplified.

  Further, it is preferable to adjust the position and posture of the collimating lens 52 after adjusting the rotation of the polarizer 501. In this case, the central axis of the intermediate member 120 and the central axis of the collimating lens 52 may be shifted due to an assembly error or the like. For this reason, when adjusting the polarizer 501 by rotating the intermediate member 120 after adjusting the posture and position of the collimating lens 52, the central axis of the intermediate member 120 and the central axis of the collimating lens 52 are shifted. This is because the optical axis and the central axis of the collimating lens are shifted from each other, and predetermined optical characteristics cannot be obtained.

  When the light source 46 is replaced after its life has expired, the positional relationship between the light source 46 and the collimating lens 52 is lost, so the position and orientation of the collimating lens 52 must be readjusted. In addition, since the output characteristics of the light source 46 change and the light intensity of the incident light to the polarizer 501 changes, and the relationship between the optical axis of the polarizer 501 and the light source polarization direction is broken, the optical axis direction of the polarizer Re-adjustment around is necessary.

  At this time, the intermediate member 120 is peeled from the base 701 by grasping the intermediate member 120 and applying a force. Thus, the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 can be detached from the first housing 70 at a time. Thereby, compared with the case where the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are removed individually, the adjustment work at the time of light source replacement can be simplified. Further, the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are not directly gripped. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the finger from touching the light incident surface and the light exit surface of the collimator lens 52 and the polarizer 501, and to prevent the incident surface and the light exit surface of the collimator lens 52 and the polarizer 501 from being damaged. can do. Further, when peeling from the pedestal 701, no stress is applied to the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501. As a result, it is possible to suppress changes in the characteristics of the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 when the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are removed from the first housing.

The present embodiment is also advantageous when the optical writing unit 4 is collected from the user and the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are recycled.
Even when the optical writing unit 4 is collected from the user and the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are recycled, the intermediate member 120 is peeled from the pedestal 701 by grasping the intermediate member 120 and applying force, and is used. From the optical writing unit 4. At this time, as described above, the polarizer 501 and the collimating lens 52 are not damaged or stressed. Then, when used in another optical writing unit 4, any one of the housing adhesive portions 121 b, 121 c, 121 d different from the previous one is opposed and fixed to the base 701.

In the present embodiment, the intermediate member 120 includes two housing adhesive portions 121a and 121c as housing adhesive portions used when the light amount adjustment by the polarizer 501 is 50% transmittance. Further, two housing adhesive portions 121b and 121d are provided as housing adhesive portions used when the light amount adjustment by the polarizer 501 is 70% transmittance.
For this reason, when reusing the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 or when re-adhering to the optical writing unit 4, a housing adhesive portion to which no adhesive or the like is attached is used for adhesive fixing to the housing. it can. Thereby, the housing bonding portion 121 can be firmly bonded and fixed to the base 701. On the other hand, when the housing adhesive part 121a to which the adhesive 123 is attached is used again, the adhesive layer 123 almost eliminates the gap between the housing adhesive part 121a and the base 701, and can be filled with an adhesive sufficient for adhesion. Therefore, the intermediate member 120 cannot be firmly fixed to the base 701. As a result, the intermediate member 120 may be peeled off from the base 701 in the market due to vibration or the like. In addition, the adhesive layer 123 hinders adjustment in the sub-scanning direction (perpendicular to the pedestal surface of the first housing 70), and accurate adjustment cannot be performed.

  Further, when attaching the housing adhesive portion 121b to the base 701, the holding portion 130a having an outer peripheral surface that is point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis in a direction orthogonal to the housing adhesive portion 121b of the outer peripheral portion on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis direction. , 130c is held by the chuck member 140, and the adjustment operation and the adhesive fixing operation are performed.

  Further, the holding portion of the intermediate member 120 is a curved surface that forms the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped intermediate member. However, a part of the ring-shaped curved surface may be cut to be a flat surface. Thus, by forming the holding portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d0 as flat surfaces, it is possible to hold the intermediate member 120 more stably as compared with the case where the holding portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d0 are formed as curved surfaces.

  Further, the gripping portion is not limited to the above-described form, and is a surface disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120 at a position different from the housing adhesive portions 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d disposed on the outer peripheral surface with respect to the optical axis direction. If it is okay. For example, on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120, the protrusion shape may be arranged at a position different from the housing adhesive portions 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d arranged on the outer peripheral surface with respect to the optical axis direction. Further, as described above, the holding part disposed in the direction orthogonal to the housing adhesive part 121 on the outer peripheral part and the direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction enables holding more stably. It is not restricted to what was arrange | positioned. Further, as described above, a more stable gripping is possible by gripping the gripping portion 130 provided on the outer peripheral surface so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the optical axis, but is not limited to being point-symmetric. .

  Further, the intermediate member 120 is ring-shaped, and on the outer peripheral surface, the housing adhesive portions 121a and 121c are provided at positions where the light amount adjustment by the polarizer 501 achieves 50% transmittance, and at the position where 70% transmittance is achieved. Although the case where the housing adhesive portions 121b and 121d are provided has been described, the shape is not limited to the above.

  Further, when the intermediate member 120 is peeled from the pedestal 701 in order to readjust the collimating lens and readjust the polarizer 501 when the light source 46 is replaced, if the adhesive 123 remains on the pedestal 701, the intermediate member 120 is again attached. It cannot be adhered and fixed to the base 701 and cannot be reused as the optical writing unit 4. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the intermediate member 120 is peeled from the housing 70, the adhesive 123 is configured to adhere to the intermediate member 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the bonding surface of the housing bonding portion 121 is made uneven so that the surface area is larger than that of the bonding seat surface of the base 701. Thereby, when the intermediate member 120 is peeled from the pedestal 701, the adhesive 123 can adhere to the intermediate member 120, and the adhesive 123 can be prevented from remaining on the pedestal 701.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the method of directly bonding and fixing the collimating lens 52 to the ring-shaped inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120, the following may be mentioned.
FIG. 15 is another example of a mechanism for fixing the collimator lens 52 to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120, and is a view of the intermediate member 120 as viewed from the incident surface side in the optical axis direction.
As shown in FIG. 15, in order to bond and fix the collimating lens 52 to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120, an optical system component bonding portion (projecting portion) 124 protruding from the inner peripheral surface may be provided. Thereby, the center of the intermediate member 120 and the center of the collimating lens 52 can be brought closer without increasing the thickness of the adhesive 122. As a result, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in optical characteristics due to thermal expansion of the adhesive 122 (hereinafter referred to as an optical system component adhesive layer) between the intermediate member 120 and the collimating lens. Here, the effect by bringing the center of the intermediate member 120 and the collimating lens 52 closer will be described. For example, when the center of the collimating lens is close to a certain housing adhesion portion side, when this housing adhesion portion is used for adhesion fixing, the distance between the housing adhesion portion and the base 701 after the position adjustment is the center of the intermediate member 120. And the center of the collimating lens 52 are separated from each other. As a result, it is necessary to fill a large amount of adhesive between the housing adhesive portion and the base 701, and the adhesive 123 (hereinafter referred to as a housing adhesive layer) between the housing adhesive portion and the base 701 becomes thick. . When the housing adhesive layer 123 is thick, the amount of thermal expansion of the housing adhesive layer 123 increases, and the optical characteristics change greatly when the temperature of the optical writing unit 4 rises. On the other hand, by bringing the intermediate member 120 and the center of the collimating lens 52 closer to each other, the gap between the housing adhesive part 121 and the base 701 does not increase even if any of the housing adhesive parts 121 is used for adhesive fixing. It can suppress that the housing contact bonding layer 123 becomes thick.

  Further, in the method in which the collimating lens 52 is lightly press-fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the intermediate member 120, when the lens surface of the collimating lens 52 is finely processed, there is a possibility that fine distortion or the like due to the light press-fitting may occur. is there. In the light press-fitting method, man-hours and equipment are required to process the collimating lens 52 so as not to damage the lens surface.

FIG. 16 is another example of a mechanism for fixing the collimator lens 52 to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120, and is a view seen from the optical axis direction entrance surface side. FIG. 17 is another example of a mechanism for fixing the collimating lens 52 to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120, and is a cross-sectional view parallel to the optical axis direction.
As shown in FIG. 16, two parts (125a, 125b) of optical system component holding portions (projections) 125 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member 120. Also, the two optical system component holding portions (projections) 125a and 125b are on the circumference of the optical element and the chord passing through the center of the optical axis (line segment connecting two points on the circumference). They are arranged on the circumference of one side (the lower side in FIG. 15). The inner peripheral portion of the intermediate member 120 at a position B that is symmetric with respect to the center of the optical axis is collimated with respect to the midpoint A of the arc formed by the two optical system component holding portions (projections) 125a and 125b. A spring shape 126 is formed as a pressing means that can be pressed against the lens 52. In this configuration, the two optical system component holding portions (protrusions) 125a and 125b and the spring shape 126 abut the collimating lens 52 on the edge surface, and the collimating lens 52 is held and fixed. By holding one of the three points holding the collimating lens 52 with such a spring shape 126, the center axis of the intermediate member 120 and the optical axis can be matched more accurately, and in addition, the collimating lens It becomes possible to assemble the intermediate member 120 without damaging the lens surface 52.

Further, the positioning member for the collimating lens 52 of the intermediate member 120 may be provided. 18 is a perspective view of the intermediate member 120 provided with the positioning member and the collimating lens 52, and FIG. 19 is a diagram parallel to the optical axis direction of the intermediate member 120 provided with the positioning member, the collimating lens 52, and the polarizer 501. It is sectional drawing. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the intermediate member 120 is provided with an optical axis direction receiving surface 127 as a positioning member for the collimating lens 52.
As shown in FIG. 18, the optical axis direction receiving surface 127 extends from the side surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the intermediate member 120 toward the center of the diameter of the intermediate member 120, and is provided at three locations in the circumferential direction. Is arranged. The collimating lens 52 is held on the intermediate member 120 by bringing the emitting surface or the incident surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction of the collimating lens 52 into contact with the optical axis direction receiving surface 127. Thereby, the collimating lens 52 is positioned around the main scanning direction (Y-axis direction) and around the sub-scanning direction (Z-axis direction).

  The collimating lens 52 held by the intermediate member 120 is positioned around the main scanning direction (Y-axis direction) and the sub-scanning direction (Z-axis direction) by the optical axis direction receiving surface 127. Can be obtained. That is, the adjustment range around the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction when the intermediate member 120 holding the collimating lens 52 is attached to the adhesive seating surface 701 of the housing 70 can be narrowed. Thereby, it is an effect that the collimating lens 52 held by the intermediate member 120 can be easily adjusted.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the present invention can also be applied to recycling a light source unit 200 including a light source 46, a collimating lens 52, and a polarizer 501. The light source unit 200 has a cylindrical portion 201 formed therein, and is attached to the housing by fitting the cylindrical portion 201 into a through hole provided on the side surface of the optical writing unit 4. The light source unit 200 also has an adjustment unit 202 to which an adjustment screw (not shown) is attached, and the posture of the light source unit 200 with respect to the housing can be adjusted with the adjustment screw. The intermediate member 120 holding the collimating lens 52 and the polarizer 501 is bonded and fixed to an attachment portion 203a provided on the partition wall 203 that partitions the cylindrical portion 201 of the light source unit 200 (see FIG. 20B). ).

  When the light source 46 has been replaced due to its life, etc., the intermediate member 120 is peeled off from the mounting portion 203a, and the housing fixing adhesive seating surface is opposed to the mounting portion 203a. Then, after adjusting the posture and rotating the polarizer 501, the intermediate member 120 is bonded and fixed to the mounting portion 203 a. Thereby, the light source unit 200 can be reused. Further, even if there is no model that can use the light source unit 200 due to specification changes or the like, the collimator lens 52 and the polarizer 501 are removed from the light source unit 200 together with the intermediate member 120 and used for a different optical writing unit 4. be able to.

  In the above description, an embodiment using a surface light emitting element (VCSEL) as the light source 46 has been described. However, an LD (laser diode) or a multi-channel LD array may be used as the light source 46. Even when an LD (laser diode) or a multi-channel LD array is used as the light source 46, providing the polarizer 501 and the light splitting element 502 is more effective than using an expensive surface light emitting element (VCSEL). However, the number of light sources can be reduced and the apparatus can be made inexpensive.

  In the above, the embodiment in which the collimator lens 52 and the polarizer are held by the same intermediate member 120 has been described. However, for example, an optical system such as a temperature compensation lens that does not change in optical characteristics even when rotated around the optical axis. In the embodiment in which the component and the polarizer are held by the same intermediate member 120, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

What has been described above is merely an example, and the present invention has a specific effect for each of the following modes.
(Aspect A)
A light source 46, an optical system component and a polarizer 501 disposed on an optical path from the light source 46 to an irradiation object such as a photosensitive member, and a first housing 70 that houses the light source 46, the optical system component, and the polarizer. In an optical scanning device such as the optical writing unit 4 provided with a housing such as an optical element, an optical element such as a collimator lens 52 whose optical characteristics do not change even when the optical system component rotates around the optical axis. And a polarizer, and a holding member such as an intermediate member 120 fixed to the housing.
With such a configuration, as described in the embodiment, the adjustment work at the time of reuse can be simplified.

(Aspect B)
In (Aspect A), a surface light emitting element was used as the light source 46. With this configuration, as described in the embodiment, high-resolution printing is possible, and scanning light for scanning the surface of the latent image carrier can have a desired light intensity.

(Aspect C)
In (Aspect A) or (Aspect B), the holding member has a ring shape, and includes an optical system component bonding portion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface and to which the optical system component is bonded and fixed.
According to such a configuration, as described in the above embodiment, adjustment can be performed in a state where the optical system component is bonded and fixed to the holding member.

(Aspect D)
In any one of (Aspect A), (Aspect B), or (Aspect C), the holding member has a ring shape, protrudes from the inner peripheral surface, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the optical system component, and A plurality of optical system component gripping portions to be sandwiched are provided, and the optical system component gripping portions are disposed at two locations on the circumference on one side with respect to the string passing through the optical axis center of the optical element, and two locations A pressing means such as a spring shape 126 that presses the optical element at a point-symmetrical position about the optical axis center with respect to the midpoint of the arc formed by the optical system component holding portion is provided.
According to such a configuration, as described in the above embodiment, the central axis of the holding member and the optical axis can be matched more accurately. In addition, it can be assembled to the holding member without damaging the lens surface of the optical element.

(Aspect E)
In any one of (Aspect A), (Aspect B), (Aspect C), or (Aspect D), the holding member includes a polarizer attachment portion as a polygon mirror side end face 124 to which the polarizer is attached, The child attachment portion is a surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction.
According to such a configuration, as described in the above embodiment, when the polarizer is assembled to the holding member, positioning in the optical axis direction can be easily performed.

(Aspect F)
In (Aspect A), (Aspect B), (Aspect C), (Aspect D) or (Aspect E), the holding member includes a portion longer than the length of the optical system component in the optical axis direction. It was.
According to such a configuration, as described in the above embodiment, when the intermediate member 120 is detached from the optical writing unit 4 and once placed on a desk or the like, it can function as a protection unit that protects the collimating lens 52. it can.

(Aspect G)
In any one of (Aspect A), (Aspect B), (Aspect C), (Aspect D), (Aspect E), or (Aspect F), the surface area of the housing adhesive portion of the holding member is defined as the housing adhesive portion 121. Is larger than the surface area of the bonding surface on the housing side to be bonded.
According to this configuration, as described in the above embodiment, when the holding member is peeled from the housing, the adhesive can be attached to the housing bonding portion 121 of the holding member. Therefore, after replacing the light source 46, the holding member is peeled off from the housing, the position and orientation of the optical system parts such as the collimating lens 52 are adjusted, and the rotation of the polarizer is adjusted. When the housing adhesive part 121 to which the agent is not attached is bonded and fixed to the housing, the previous adhesive is not attached to a part such as the adhesive seating surface 701 to which the holding member of the housing is bonded and fixed. Thereby, the holding member can be satisfactorily bonded and fixed to the housing, and the optical scanning device such as the optical writing unit 4 can be easily reused.

(Aspect H)
In (Aspect A), (Aspect B), (Aspect C), (Aspect D), (Aspect E), (Aspect F) or (Aspect G), the holding member is made of a material having a high ultraviolet transmittance. Formed with.
With such a configuration, the ultraviolet curable adhesive can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays through the holding member, and the holding member can be easily fixed to the housing.

(Aspect I)
A latent image carrier such as a photoreceptor 10 that carries a latent image, an optical scanning unit such as an optical writing unit 4 that forms a latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier by optical scanning, and a latent image carrier. In the image forming apparatus including the developing device such as the developing device 12 for developing the latent image, the optical scanning device according to any one of the above (Aspect A) to (Aspect H) is used as the optical scanning unit. .
By providing such a configuration, an image forming apparatus with high recyclability and reusability can be provided.

4: Optical writing unit 10: Photoconductor 12: Developing device 41: Polygon mirror 46: Light source 52: Collimating lens 53: Cylindrical lens 70: First housing 120: Intermediate member 121: Housing adhesive portion 124: End surface on the polygon mirror side 126: Spring shape 130: Holding part 140: Chuck member 501: Polarizer 701: Base

JP 2010-176118 A JP-A-9-288244

Claims (10)

In an optical scanning device comprising: a light source; an optical system component and a polarizer disposed on an optical path from the light source to an irradiation object; and a housing that houses the light source, the optical system component, and the polarizer ,
The optical element is an optical element whose optical characteristics do not change even if the optical system component is rotated about the optical axis, and includes a holding member that holds the optical system component and the polarizer and is fixed to the housing ,
The holding member has a plurality of housing bonding portions for bonding and fixing to the housing,
When the holding member is viewed from the optical axis direction, when the angle formed by the line connecting the center of the housing adhesive portion and the center of the polarizer and the optical axis of the polarizer is θ, a plurality of housings A plurality of housing bonding portions are arranged around the optical axis direction of the holding member so that the COS ² θ value of a specific housing bonding portion of the bonding portions is different from the COS ² θ value of another housing bonding portion. An optical scanning device characterized by the above.   The optical scanning device according to claim 1,
COS of the specific housing adhesion part ² The specific housing bonding portion is arranged so that the θ value becomes 0.7, and the COS of the other housing bonding portion is arranged. ² An optical scanning device characterized in that the other housing adhesive portion is arranged so that the θ value becomes 0.5. 3. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein a surface light emitting element is used as the light source. 4. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member has a ring shape and includes an optical system component bonding portion that protrudes from an inner peripheral surface and to which the optical system component is bonded and fixed. Optical scanning device. 4. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member has a ring shape, protrudes from an inner peripheral surface, and abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the optical system component to sandwich the optical system component. System parts gripping portions, and the optical system parts gripping portions are arranged at two locations on the circumference on one side with respect to the string passing through the center of the optical axis of the optical element, and the two optical system component gripping portions An optical scanning device comprising pressing means for pressing the optical element at a point-symmetrical position with respect to the midpoint of the arc formed by the portion as the optical axis center. 6. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member includes a polarizer attachment portion to which the polarizer is attached, and the polarizer attachment portion is a surface perpendicular to the optical axis direction. An optical scanning device. 7. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member includes a portion longer than the length of the optical system component in the optical axis direction. 8. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein a surface area of the housing adhesion portion of the holding member is larger than a surface area of a housing side adhesion surface to which the housing adhesion portion is adhered. Optical scanning device. 9. The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is made of a material having a high ultraviolet transmittance. 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,
As the light scanning unit, an image forming apparatus characterized by using one of the optical scanning apparatus of claims 1 to 9.

Images