JP6739917B2 - Image forming apparatus and optical scanning apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical scanning device that scans a surface to be scanned with laser light, and an image forming apparatus equipped with this device.

The housing of the optical scanning device is provided with an opening (exit) through which the laser light applied to the photosensitive drum (scanned surface) passes. Here, in order to prevent dust or the like from entering the optical scanning device through the opening, there is a case in which a dustproof member (transparent member) that covers the opening is provided in the housing of the optical scanning device (Patent Document 1). ).

JP, 2006-044229, A

However, when the optical scanning device is mounted on the frame of the image forming apparatus, it is possible that the dustproof member comes into contact with a member provided inside the image forming apparatus. In this case, the dustproof member provided in the optical scanning device may be damaged. This problem is likely to occur particularly in the structure in which the dustproof member projects from the housing of the optical scanning device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical scanning device and an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing damage to a dustproof member (translucent member).

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
A photoconductor ,
It said photoreceptor an optical scanning unit for scanning the laser beam corresponding to image information, having a housing outlet wherein the laser beam is emitted is provided, and a light transmitting member provided in said outlet An optical scanning unit,
And an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material by transferring the image formed on the photoreceptor to a recording material,
The casing is a region outside the region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the main scanning direction, and is a region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the sub-scanning direction. It is characterized in that it has a projecting portion projecting in the laser emission direction more than the light transmitting member in a region deviated from.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the optical scanning device of the present invention,
An optical scanning device for scanning a surface to be scanned with a laser beam,
A housing provided with an outlet for emitting the laser light,
A translucent member provided at the outlet, and
The casing is a region outside the region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the main scanning direction, and is a region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the sub-scanning direction. It is characterized in that it has a projecting portion projecting in the laser emission direction more than the light transmitting member in a region deviated from.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
A first photoconductor,
A second photoconductor,
An optical scanning unit configured to scan the first and second photoconductors with first and second laser beams corresponding to image information , wherein a first exit from which the first laser beam is emitted and the second exit A housing provided with a second outlet for emitting the laser light, a first transparent member provided at the first outlet, and a second transparent member provided at the second outlet. An optical scanning unit having an optical member,
And an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material by transferring the image formed on the first and second photoconductors to a recording material,
The casing is a region of the casing between the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member in the sub-scanning direction, and the first and second light transmitting members in the main scanning direction. It is characterized in that it has a projecting portion projecting in the laser emission direction more than the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member in a region outside the region where the member is provided.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the optical scanning device of the present invention,
An optical scanning device for scanning a surface to be scanned with a laser beam,
A housing provided with a first outlet for emitting the first laser light and a second outlet for emitting the second laser light;
A first translucent member provided at the first outlet;
A second light-transmissive member provided at the second outlet,
The casing is a region of the casing between the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member in the sub-scanning direction, and the first and second light transmitting members in the main scanning direction. It is characterized in that it has a projecting portion projecting in the laser emission direction more than the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member in a region outside the region where the member is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the dustproof member provided in the housing of the optical scanning device from being damaged when the optical scanning device is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus to which an optical scanning device according to Embodiment 1 is mounted. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the inside of an optical scanning device in which a protrusion is provided in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an optical path in an optical system of the optical scanning device in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is an external view of an optical scanning device provided with a protrusion according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the cleaning member which cleans the dustproof member in the optical scanning device. Diagram showing how the cleaning member cleans the dustproof member FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a frame body to which the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the optical scanning device is being attached to the frame body in Embodiment 1. An enlarged view showing a state in which the optical scanning device is being attached to the frame body. FIG. 3 is an external view of an optical scanning device in which a protrusion is provided in Embodiment 2. An enlarged view showing a state in which an optical scanning device is attached to a frame body in Embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a supporting member that supports an optical scanning device according to a third embodiment. An enlarged view showing a state in which an optical scanning device is attached to a frame body in Embodiment 3.

Embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and their relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. The range is not limited to the following examples.

(Example 1)
<Image forming device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus to which the optical scanning device according to the first exemplary embodiment is mounted. The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on a recording material S using four color developers (toners) of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black K. In FIG. 1, the laser beams LY to LK are applied to the surfaces (scanned surfaces) of the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K (image carrier) that are uniformly charged by the charging rollers 3Y to 3K serving as charging means. The laser beams LY to LK are emitted from the optical scanning device 5 serving as exposure means corresponding to each of the laser beams LY to LK based on the image data from the image data input unit. As a result, electrostatic latent images are formed on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K.

Toners of respective colors are supplied to the electrostatic latent images formed on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K from developing rollers 4Y to 4K in a developing device serving as a developing unit, so that the toners of the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K are supplied. A toner image of each color is formed on the surface. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 10 is stretched and arranged so as to face the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K are sequentially primary-transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10. This primary transfer is performed by applying a primary transfer bias voltage to the primary transfer rollers 7Y to 7K, which are primary transfer means arranged on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 10.

On the other hand, the recording material S is loaded on the feeding cassette 11. The recording material S is transported by the transport roller 13 after being transported by the transport roller 12. After that, the recording material S is conveyed at a predetermined timing to a secondary transfer portion that is a nip portion between the secondary transfer roller 15 that serves as the secondary transfer means and the intermediate transfer belt 10. Then, by applying a secondary transfer bias voltage to the secondary transfer roller 15, the toner image on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 10 is transferred to the recording material S. The recording material S is nipped and conveyed between the secondary transfer roller 15 and the intermediate transfer belt 10 in the secondary transfer portion, and then sent to the fixing device 16 serving as a fixing unit, and is heated and pressed by the fixing device 16. .. The recording material S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 16 is then ejected by the ejection roller 17.

<Optical scanning device (optical scanning unit)>
Next, the overall configuration of the optical scanning device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 shows the inside of the optical scanning device 5 according to the present embodiment. Further, in FIG. 2, the scanner cover of the optical scanning device 5 is in a removed state. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical scanning system of the optical scanning device 5. FIG. 3 is a view of the optical scanning system viewed from the +Y direction in FIG.

The laser beams LY to LK emitted from the semiconductor lasers 30Y to 30K driven and controlled by the laser drive circuit board 35 are converted into laser light beams collimated by the collimator lenses 31Y to 31C and 31K (not shown). The laser beams LY to LK are converged only in the direction (Z direction) corresponding to the sub-scanning direction (X direction) by passing through the cylindrical lens 32, and are imaged as a line image on the reflecting surface of the rotary polygon mirror 33. .. The device configuration so far constitutes an incident optical system.

The rotary polygon mirror 33 is rotationally driven by the scanner motor 34 and deflects the laser beams LY to LK, respectively. The laser light LY and the laser light LM deflected by the rotary polygon mirror 33 are transmitted through the first scanning lens 36a. The laser beam LY passes through the second scanning lens 37b, is reflected by the folding mirror 38c, and then forms a spot image on the photosensitive drum (scanned surface) 1Y (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, the laser light LM is reflected by the folding mirror 38b, then passes through the second scanning lens 37a, and is reflected by the folding mirror 38a to form an image on the photosensitive drum 1M (see FIG. 1).

Further, when the direction in which the laser light LY and the laser light LM are deflected by the rotary polygon mirror 33 (main scanning direction) is +Y, the laser light LC and the laser light LK are deflected to the −Y side. The laser light LC and the laser light LK deflected by the rotary polygon mirror 33 are transmitted through the first scanning lens 36b. The laser light LC is reflected by the folding mirror 38e, then passes through the third scanning lens 37c, and is reflected by the folding mirror 38d to form an image on the photosensitive drum 1C (see FIG. 1). The laser light LK passes through the fourth scanning lens 37d, is reflected by the folding mirror 38f, and then forms a spot image on the photosensitive drum 1K (see FIG. 1). The device configuration so far constitutes an optical scanning system.

Such an optical scanning system records an image by guiding scanning light to the surfaces of the four photosensitive drums 1Y to 1K shown in FIG. Specifically, the angle of deflection of the laser lights LY to LK is changed by the rotation of the rotary polygon mirror 33, so that each spot image formed by the laser lights LY to LK is a surface of the photoconductor drum 1Y to 1K. Is moved in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum (main scanning). Further, each spot image moves (sub-scans) on the surface of the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K as the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K rotate. The optical scanning device 5 is configured by accommodating the incident optical system and the plurality of optical scanning systems in the optical box 40 that is a part of the housing of the optical scanning device 5 with high precision. The X direction in FIG. 2 is the sub-scanning direction.

<Scanner cover>
Next, a characteristic configuration relating to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The optical scanning device 5 includes a scanner cover 41 for sealing an optical box 40 including optical components such as the scanning lens 36a, the scanning lens 36b, the scanning lenses 37a to 37d, and the folding mirrors 38a to 38d shown in FIGS. have. Here, the housing of the optical scanning device 5 is configured by the optical box 40 and the scanner cover 41.

The scanner cover 41 includes openings (outlets) 42Y to 42K through which the laser beams LY to LK radiated on the surfaces of the photoconductor drums 1Y to 1K pass. The openings 42Y to 42K are covered with dustproof members (translucent members) 43Y to 43K that are made of glass and have translucency. The dustproof members 43Y to 43K are fixed to the scanner cover 41 with an adhesive (not shown), a double-sided tape, or the like. Further, the dustproof members 43Y to 43K are provided so as to project from the outer surface of the scanner cover 41 more than the peripheral portion of the portion to which the dustproof members 43Y to 43K are attached.

Further, the protrusions 45 (45a to 45e) are provided on the scanner cover 41 (on the housing) which is a part of the housing. In FIG. 4, a region M43a in which the dustproof member 43 (43Y to 43K) of the scanner cover 41 is provided in the main scanning direction (Y direction) and a dustproof member 43 of the scanner cover 41 in the subscanning direction (X direction). Regions S43a to S43d are shown. The protrusions 45 (45a to 45e) are provided in the regions M43b and M43c that are off the region M43a in the main scanning direction and in the regions 46 to 48 that are off the regions S43a to S43d in the sub scanning direction. In addition, the protruding portions 45 (45a to 45e) protrude more than the dustproof members 43Y to 43K in the direction in which the dustproof members 43Y to 43K project from the scanner cover 41 (laser emission direction (+Z direction)), and are integrated with the scanner cover 41. It is provided in. Further, at least one protrusion 45 is provided in each of the regions 46, 47, 48 which is a region between the two dustproof members. In particular, the region 47 is provided with protrusions 45b and 45d in two regions M43b and M43c, which are separated from the region M43a in the main scanning direction (Y direction), respectively. The region 48 is also provided with protrusions 45c and 45e in the two regions M43b and M43c, respectively. The protrusions 45a to 45c are arranged on the scanner cover 41 at equal intervals. Further, the protrusions 45a to 45e are arranged near both ends of the scanner cover 41 in the main scanning direction (Y direction).

<Cleaning member>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cleaning member provided on a frame of the image forming apparatus for cleaning the dustproof member. In addition, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the cleaning member cleans the dustproof member. An operation of the cleaning member 77 (77Y to 77K) cleaning the surface of the dustproof member 43 (43Y to 43K) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The cleaning member 77 has a cleaning sheet 77b (77bY to 77bK) and a wiping member 77p (77pY to 77pK). The cleaning sheet 77b moves foreign matter on the surface of the dustproof member 43, and the wiping member 77p is a dustproof member. The foreign matter on the surface of 43 is wiped off. When the cleaning member 77 cleans the surface of the dustproof member 43, the cleaning sheet 77b and the wiping member 77p move while contacting the surface of the dustproof member. When the wiping member 77p comes into contact with the portion of the surface of the dustproof member 43 with which the cleaning sheet 77b comes into contact, it is possible to clean the toner, dust, etc. adhering to the surface of the dustproof member 43. The cleaning member 77 cleans the surface of the dustproof member 43 by reciprocating in the +Y direction and the −Y direction. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dustproof member 43 is provided on the scanner cover 41 so as to project from the outer surface of the scanner cover 41 (projection amount D43). This makes it easier for the cleaning member 77 to contact the dustproof member 43.

<Frame of image forming apparatus>
The frame body of the image forming apparatus body will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a frame body of the image forming apparatus. In the following description, the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 is an end in the direction in which the cartridges PY to PK are pulled out from the opening 60 of the frame 70, and is defined as the downstream end in the +Y direction in the drawing. Further, the rear side of the image forming apparatus 100 means a downstream side end portion in the −Y direction. The left side is the left side when the frame is viewed from the front side, and the right side is the right side when the frame is viewed from the front side.

The frame 70 includes a front side plate 71 located on the front side and a rear side plate 72 located on the rear side, and a main body support member 73 and a scanner support member 74 are provided between the front side plate 71 and the rear side plate 72. It is installed. The front side plate 71 and the rear side plate 72 are fixed to the main body supporting member 73 and the scanner supporting member 74 by screws (not shown), welding, or the like to form a frame body of the image forming apparatus main body.

The optical scanning device 5 is attached to the main body supporting member 73 and the scanner supporting member 74. The main body support member 73 includes a support hole 73a, a support hole 73b, and a support hole 73c (not shown) for the scanner. Various mechanisms such as cartridge mounting guide rails 75Y to 75K for mounting four cartridges and developing roller separating mechanisms 76Y to 76K are mounted on the +Z direction side of the main body supporting member 73. Further, various mechanisms such as a cleaning member 77Y (not shown) and cleaning members 77M to 77K are attached to the +Z direction side of the main body support member 73. In order to attach the various mechanisms to the main body supporting member 73, some of the various mechanisms penetrate the main body supporting member 73 and project toward the optical scanning device 5 side (−Z direction side).

Then, the four cartridges PY to PK can be inserted and removed in the Y direction through the opening 60 formed in the front side plate 71. Further, the optical scanning device 5 can be inserted and removed through an insertion opening 78 formed on the left side of the frame 70, which is exposed by removing an exterior member (not shown) provided on the left side surface of the frame 70. The insertion port 78 has such a size that the optical scanning device 5 can be easily inserted and removed.

<Installation of optical scanning device>
Next, a method for mounting the optical scanning device will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a view of the state where the optical scanning device 5 is being attached to the frame body 70 as seen from the +Y direction. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the dustproof member 43 in the state where the optical scanning device 5 is being attached to the frame 70. In FIG. 8, when inserting the optical scanning device 5 into the frame 70, the assembly worker holds the handle 40T in the optical box 40 so that the upper surface of the scanner supporting member 74 and the bottom surface of the optical box 40 come into contact with each other. Then, the optical scanning device 5 is inserted in the −X direction.

When the optical scanning device 5 is inserted into the frame 70, various mechanisms protruding from the main body supporting member 73 to the optical scanning device 5 side (−Z direction side) may contact the dustproof members 43Y to 43K. Specifically, a part of various mechanisms such as the cartridge mounting guide rails 75Y to 75K, the developing roller separation mechanisms 76Y to 76K, and the dustproof member cleaning members 77Y to 77K may come into contact with the dustproof members 43Y to 43K. is there.

However, the optical scanning device 5 includes the protrusion 45 provided on the scanner cover 41 so as to protrude from the dustproof members 43Y to 43K. Even if the dustproof members 43Y to 43K approach various mechanisms, it is possible to prevent the dustproof members 43Y to 43K from coming into contact with the various mechanisms by the protrusion 45 hitting the various mechanisms before the dustproof members 43Y to 43K. can do. D45 in FIG. 9 indicates the protrusion amount of the protrusion 45 with respect to the dustproof member 43.

When the optical scanning device 5 is inserted into the frame 70, the bottom surface of the optical box 40 floats above the top surface of the scanner support member 74 depending on how the assembling operator assembles the optical scanning device 5, and the optical scanning device 5 moves in the +Z direction. It may end up. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the dustproof member 43 comes close to a part 76A of the developing roller separating mechanism 76 protruding from the main body supporting member 73 to the optical scanning device 5 side. However, since the protrusion 45 comes into contact with the main body support member 73 before the dustproof member 43, it is possible to suppress the contact between the dustproof member 43 and the part 76A of the developing roller separating mechanism 76.

Finally, in the optical scanning device 5, the support protrusions 5a and the support protrusions 5b (see FIG. 7) provided in the optical scanning device 5 are provided in the support holes 73a and 73b (see FIG. 7) provided in the main body support member 73. (See 4) is fixed to the main body supporting member 73. The support protrusion 5c is fitted into a support hole 73c (not shown) symmetrically arranged in the +Y direction with the support hole 73a.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the dustproof member projects from the outer surface of the housing of the optical scanning device (the outer surface of the scanner cover). Thereby, when the cleaning member cleans the dustproof member, the cleaning member easily comes into contact with the dustproof member.
In addition, in the first embodiment, the surface of the housing of the optical scanning device on which the dustproof member is provided (scanner cover) is provided with the protruding portion 45 which is projected more than the dustproof member. Accordingly, when the optical scanning device is attached to the frame body of the image forming apparatus main body, it is possible to prevent the dustproof member from contacting various mechanisms attached to the image forming apparatus. When the dustproof member comes into contact with various mechanisms, it is possible to prevent the dustproof member from being damaged.

In the first embodiment, the protrusions 45a to 45e are arranged near both ends of the scanner cover in the laser scanning direction (Y direction) in a state where the optical scanning device is attached to the frame body of the image forming apparatus main body. ing. This makes it possible to effectively protect the dustproof member even when the optical scanning device is inserted into and removed from the frame body while being inclined with respect to the laser scanning direction.

Further, in the first embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions 45a to 45c provided on the scanner cover are provided at equal intervals between the dustproof members adjacent to each other in the cartridge arrangement direction. A part of the main body part projecting from the main body supporting member 73 to the optical scanning device side is a mechanism corresponding to four cartridges. Therefore, a part of the main body components having the same function is arranged in the image forming apparatus at an interval approximately the same as the interval between the adjacent photoconductor drums in the cartridge array direction (X direction in the drawing). On the other hand, the protrusions 45a to 45c are provided at equal intervals. With this configuration, the contact between the dustproof member and the main body component can be effectively prevented by the protruding portions 45a to 45c in the vicinity of the main body component protruding from the main body supporting member 73 at equal intervals.

Further, when the optical scanning device is attached to the frame body by sliding it in the arrangement direction of the cartridge, the dustproof member that is first inserted into the frame body is protected by the protrusion that is first inserted into the frame body, and the second member is attached to the frame body. The dustproof member inserted into the frame is protected by the second protrusion inserted into the frame. That is, the projections corresponding to the dustproof members can protect the dustproof members in accordance with the slide of the optical scanning device.

(Example 2)
Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of an optical scanning device provided with a protrusion. Further, FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the dustproof member 43Y in a state where the optical scanning device 50 is attached to the frame body 70. Here, in the second embodiment, portions having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The optical scanning device 50 in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the optical scanning device 5 in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the scanner cover 41 is provided with the protrusions 45 (45a to 45e). In addition, in the second embodiment, the protruding portion 65b and the protruding portion 65c are provided on the scanner cover 41 . In a state where the optical Science scanning device 50 is attached to the frame body 70, the dustproof member 43Y disposed at a position closest to the insertion port 78 of the plurality of dustproof members 43Y~43K the first light transmitting member, an optical scanning When the dust-proof member 43M is the second light-transmitting member, the dust-proof member 43C is the third light-transmitting member, and the dust-proof member 43K is the fourth light-transmitting member along the mounting direction of the device 50, the protrusion 65b and the protrusion are formed. 65c is provided closer to the insertion opening 78 than the dustproof member 43Y that is the first light transmitting member . That is, the image forming apparatus is configured to be mounted on the frame body 70 of the image forming apparatus while moving the unit 50 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction). The dustproof member 43Y is provided at a position opposite to the front side of the housing 40 where the dustproof member 43K is provided in the mounting direction of the unit . This than dustproof member 43Y, on the housing 40 to be further opposite position relative to the top side of the housing 40, the second projecting portions 65b and 65c which protrudes from the dustproof member. That is, the second protrusions 65b and 65c are provided outside the dustproof member 43Y provided at the end of the scanner cover 41. The second protrusions 65b and 65c are provided in the region M43a (inside the region). In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the optical scanning device 50 is attached to the main body support member 73 and the scanner support member 74 attached to the frame body 70. The third protruding portion 65a is provided on the scanner cover 41 so as to sandwich the dustproof member 43Y with the protruding portions 65b and 65c in the arrangement direction (X direction) of the cartridges PY to PK. The third protrusion 65a is also provided in the region M43a.

When the optical scanning device 50 is attached to the frame 70, as shown in FIG. 11, the dustproof member 43Y approaches a part 66A of various main body parts 66 protruding from the main body supporting member 73 to the optical scanning device 50 side. Further, the dustproof member 43Y approaches a part 67A of various main body parts 67 protruding from the main body support member 73 toward the optical scanning device 50 side. However, the protrusions 65a to 65c can prevent the dustproof member 43Y from contacting the main body component 66 and the main body component 67.

The second embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the protrusions 65b and 65c are inserted more than the dustproof member arranged at the position closest to the insertion opening of the plurality of dustproof members when the optical scanning device is attached to the frame. It is provided on the mouth side. Thus, the dustproof member can be protected by the protrusions 65b and 65c immediately before the optical scanning device is completely inserted into the frame.

(Example 3)
Example 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a main body supporting member attached to the frame of the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the dustproof member 43Y in a state where the optical scanning device 50 is attached to the frame body 70. Here, in the third embodiment, parts having the same functions as those in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In the third embodiment, in a state where the optical scanning device 50 is supported by the frame body 70, between the main body supporting member 73 and the protruding portion 45 and between the main body supporting member 73 and the protruding portions 65a to 65c, respectively. A recess 91 and a recess 92 are formed in the main body support member 73 so as to form a gap. Here, the state in which the optical scanning device 50 is supported by the frame 70 means the optical scanning device 50.
Indicates a state in which the mounting is completed at a predetermined position of the frame body 70.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the optical scanning device 50 is supported by the main body support member 73 and the scanner support member 74, the protrusions 65 a to 65 c provided on the scanner cover 41 are formed on the main body support member 73. It is arranged so as to face the concave portion 91. In this case, a gap G91 is formed between the protrusions 65a to 65c and the main body support member 73. Further, when the optical scanning device 50 is supported by the main body support member 73 and the scanner support member 74, the protrusion 45 provided on the scanner cover 41 has a recess 92 (see FIG. 12) formed in the main body support member 73. (See reference). At this time, a gap is formed between the protrusion 45 and the main body support member 73.

The third embodiment has the same effect as the second embodiment. In addition, in the third embodiment, since the gap is formed between the main body supporting member and the projecting portion when the optical scanning device is supported by the frame body, the optical scanning device does not contact the main body supporting member. The scanning device can be attached to the frame. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stress generated by the contact of the protrusion with the main body supporting member from being applied to the optical scanning device during image formation, and to suppress the deterioration of image quality such as color misregistration and printing accuracy.

In each of the embodiments, it is desirable that the protruding portion be provided at a position apart from the portion of the optical scanning device to which the folding mirror, the lens and the like are fixed. As a result, even when the protrusion and the frame contact each other and stress is applied to the optical scanning device, the postures of the lens and the folding mirror do not change, so that an image can be formed without degrading image quality.
Further, in the first to third embodiments, the protrusions 45a to 45e and 65a to 65c are provided on the scanner cover, but the optical box 40 that is a part of the housing of the optical scanning device is provided with the laser light outlet. In the case of a device having such a structure, a protrusion may be provided on the optical box 40.

1... Photosensitive drum, 5... Optical scanning device, 41... Scanner cover,
42Y to 42K... Opening portion, 43Y to 43K... Dustproof member, 45... Projection portion, 70... Frame body,
73... Main body supporting member, 74... Scanner supporting member, 78... Inserting port, 100... Image forming apparatus, LY to LK... Laser light

Claims (16)

A photoconductor,
An optical scanning unit for scanning the photoconductor with a laser beam according to image information, comprising: a casing provided with an outlet for emitting the laser beam; and a translucent member provided at the outlet. An optical scanning unit,
And an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material by transferring the image formed on the photoreceptor to a recording material,
The casing is a region outside the region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the main scanning direction, and is a region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the sub-scanning direction. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that it has a protruding portion protruding in the laser emission direction from the light-transmitting member in a region deviated from the above. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projecting portion is provided in each of two regions in the main scanning direction that are deviated from a region in which the translucent member of the housing is provided. .. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the translucent member protrudes in a laser emission direction more than a peripheral portion of a portion of the housing to which the translucent member is attached. An optical scanning device for scanning a surface to be scanned with a laser beam,
A housing provided with an outlet for emitting the laser light,
A translucent member provided at the outlet, and
The casing is a region outside the region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the main scanning direction, and is a region of the casing where the transparent member is provided in the sub-scanning direction. An optical scanning device, characterized in that it has a projecting portion projecting in a laser emission direction from the light-transmitting member in a region deviated from. The optical scanning device according to claim 4, wherein the projecting portion is provided in each of two regions in the main scanning direction that are deviated from a region in which the translucent member of the housing is provided. .. The optical scanning device according to claim 4, wherein the translucent member projects in a laser emission direction more than a peripheral portion of a portion of the housing to which the translucent member is attached. A first photoconductor,
A second photoconductor,
An optical scanning unit configured to scan the first and second photoconductors with first and second laser beams corresponding to image information, wherein a first exit from which the first laser beam is emitted and the second exit A housing provided with a second outlet for emitting the laser light, a first transparent member provided at the first outlet, and a second transparent member provided at the second outlet. An optical scanning unit having an optical member,
And an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material by transferring the image formed on the first and second photoconductors to a recording material,
The casing is a region of the casing between the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member in the sub-scanning direction, and the first and second light transmitting members in the main scanning direction. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a projecting portion projecting in a laser emission direction more than the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member, in an area deviating from an area where a member is provided. 8. The projecting portion is provided in each of two regions in the main scanning direction that are deviated from a region in which the first and second translucent members of the housing are provided. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The image forming apparatus is configured to be mounted on a frame of the image forming apparatus while moving the optical scanning unit in the sub-scanning direction,
In the mounting direction of the optical scanning unit, the first translucent member is provided at a position opposite to the front side of the housing with respect to the second translucent member,
In the mounting direction of the optical scanning unit, the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member are provided on the housing further on the opposite side to the leading side than the first light transmitting member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a second protrusion that protrudes in the laser emission direction. The said 2nd protrusion part is provided in the area|region in which the said 1st translucent member and the said 2nd translucent member were provided in the said main scanning direction, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus. The first and second light transmissive members project in the laser emission direction more than a peripheral portion of a portion of the housing to which the first and second light transmissive members are attached. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 7 to 10. An optical scanning device for scanning a surface to be scanned with a laser beam,
A housing provided with a first outlet for emitting the first laser light and a second outlet for emitting the second laser light;
A first translucent member provided at the first outlet;
A second light-transmissive member provided at the second outlet,
The casing is a region of the casing between the first light transmitting member and the second light transmitting member in the sub-scanning direction, and the first and second light transmitting members in the main scanning direction. An optical scanning device, comprising: a protrusion, which protrudes in a laser emission direction from the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member, in a region deviating from a region where the member is provided. 13. The projecting portion is provided in each of two regions in the main scanning direction that are deviated from a region in which the first and second translucent members of the housing are provided. The optical scanning device according to. The optical scanning device is a device mounted on an image forming device that forms an image on a recording material,
In the sub-scanning direction, the first light-transmissive member is provided at a position opposite to the front side of the second light-transmissive member in the mounting direction of the housing with respect to the image forming apparatus. ,
In the sub-scanning direction, a laser is provided on the housing further opposite to the leading side than the first light-transmissive member, on the housing, the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member. 14. The optical scanning device according to claim 12, further comprising a second protrusion that protrudes in the emission direction. The said 2nd protrusion part is provided in the area|region where the said 1st translucent member and the said 2nd translucent member were provided in the said main scanning direction, The said 2nd protrusion part is provided. Optical scanning device. The first and second light transmissive members project in the laser emission direction more than a peripheral portion of a portion of the housing to which the first and second light transmissive members are attached. Item 16. The optical scanning device according to any one of items 12 to 15.

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