JP7366724B2 - Optical scanning device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical scanning device and an image forming apparatus that include an optical scanning section that emits light for scanning.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic process technology have used optical scanning devices that scan light on a photoreceptor. In an optical scanning device, a polygon mirror (rotating polygon mirror) used as an optical deflector is rotated by a motor or the like, and when it is rotated at high speed, heat generation is likely to occur. Regarding heat generation in an optical scanning device, a method of cooling by blowing an air flow is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-223148 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-337291 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-112697

In the optical scanning device described in Patent Document 1, an optical deflector is housed inside an optical housing, and the optical deflector is directly cooled by a temperature control means arranged so as not to come into contact with the optical deflector.

In the above-mentioned optical scanning device, since the arrangement of the temperature adjustment means that directly cools the optical deflector is limited, the size and performance of the temperature adjustment means cannot be freely selected, and there is a problem that the cooling performance is restricted.

In the cooling mechanism described in Patent Document 2, the control board of the polygon motor is exposed on the outer surface of the optical housing, the peripheral surface of the heat dissipation duct is fixed to the outer surface of the optical housing, and the control board of the polygon motor is exposed through the hole formed in the heat dissipation duct. The heat-generating components are configured to directly touch the fluid inside the heat dissipation duct.

In the optical scanning device described in Cited Document 3, a polygon motor is supported approximately at the center of the housing body, and the housing body includes a cooling duct through which airflow passes, and the housing body is connected to the body frame of the image forming apparatus. A fastening portion to which a fixing screw is fastened is provided.

With the above-described configuration, depending on the flow inside the duct, it is possible that the fluid (airflow) may not hit the heat-generating components, and there is a concern that sufficient cooling performance may not be obtained.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical scanning device and an image forming device with improved cooling efficiency by efficiently flowing air.

An optical scanning device according to the present invention includes: an optical scanning unit that emits light for scanning; an optical deflection member provided in the optical scanning unit that deflects the light; and a ventilation flow through which air cools the optical deflection member. and a metal mounting member to which the optical scanning section is attached , the ventilation channel having an air guiding section provided at a position corresponding to the optical deflection member, When the direction in which air flows through the path is defined as the ventilation direction, the air guide section is inclined with respect to the ventilation direction on an upstream side of the air guide section , and the airflow direction is inclined toward the light deflection member. It has a first slope and a first opening through which air guided to the first slope passes , the first slope is provided by cutting and raising a part of the mounting member, and the first slope is The first opening is the original part before the part is cut and raised .

In the optical scanning device according to the present invention, the light deflecting member may include a rotating polygon mirror and a rotating shaft that rotationally drives the rotating polygon mirror, and the air guide section may be configured to face the rotating shaft. .

In the optical scanning device according to the present invention, the air guide portion is provided with an air guide plane portion extending from the first inclined portion to the downstream side in the ventilation direction, and the air guide plane portion is configured to have the first inclined portion. The light deflecting member may extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the air guide portion is inclined, and the air guide flat portion of the air guide portion may be provided at a position overlapping the light deflecting member in the ventilation direction.

In the optical scanning device according to the present invention , the mounting member may be a part of the ventilation flow path.

In the optical scanning device according to the present invention, the mounting member may be a plate-like member that covers an outer surface of the optical deflection member, and the air guiding portion may be a part of the mounting member.

In the optical scanning device according to the present invention, the air guide section is provided downstream of the first slope in the ventilation direction, and has a second slope that slopes the ventilation direction in a direction away from the optical deflection member. and a second opening through which air guided to the second sloped portion passes.

The optical scanning device according to the present invention may have a configuration in which a regulating portion that regulates the flow of air is provided between the mounting member and the optical deflection member.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes an optical scanning device according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, cooling efficiency can be improved by efficiently flowing air toward the light deflecting member using the first inclined portion.

1 is a schematic side view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning device as seen from the first side wall and the third side wall. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning device as seen from the second side wall and the third side wall. FIG. 2 is an external plan view showing the optical scanning device seen from above. FIG. 7 is an external side view showing the optical scanning device as seen from the third side wall side. FIG. 3 is an external side view showing the optical scanning device as seen from the first side wall side. FIG. 3 is an external side view showing the optical scanning device as seen from the second side wall side. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning unit as seen from one side. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning unit as seen from the other side. FIG. 3 is an external plan view showing the optical scanning section viewed from above. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning section with the top cover removed. 12 is an external plan view of the optical scanning section shown in FIG. 11. FIG. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a support body to which a stay is attached. It is an enlarged perspective view which expands and shows the vicinity of the wind guide part of a support body. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the wind guiding portion of the support body. It is a schematic explanatory view which shows a ventilation flow path typically.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device having a scanner function, a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, etc., and transmits an image of a document G read by an image reading device 110 provided at the top to the outside (scanner (equivalent to a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function) to form an image on paper P using an image of the read document G or an image received from an external source.

A document feeder 108 (ADF) is provided above the image reading device 110 and is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the image reading device 110. The document conveyance device 108 automatically conveys the placed document G onto the image reading device 110 . The image reading device 110 reads the original G transported from the original transport device 108 or the original G placed on the reading table 107 to generate image data.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes an optical scanning device 200, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a drum cleaning device 4, a charger 5, a fixing device 7, a paper transport path S1, a paper feed cassette 15, a stacking tray 14, etc. There is.

The drum cleaning device 4 removes and collects residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 3. The charger 5 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 3 to a predetermined potential. The optical scanning device 200 exposes the surface of the photoreceptor drum 3 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 3 to form a toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 3 . Note that the detailed structure of the optical scanning device 200 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, which will be described later.

A nip area is formed between the transfer roller 10 and the photosensitive drum 3, and the paper P conveyed through the paper conveyance path S1 is sandwiched in the nip area and conveyed. When the paper P passes through the nip area, the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 3 is transferred to the paper P, and the paper P is conveyed to the fixing device 7 .

The fixing device 7 includes a fixing roller 7a and a pressure roller 7b that rotate with the paper P sandwiched therebetween. The fixing device 7 fixes the toner image onto the paper P by sandwiching the paper P on which the toner image has been transferred between the fixing roller 7a and the pressure roller 7b, and applying heat and pressure to the paper P.

The paper feed cassette 15 is a cassette for storing paper P used for image formation. The paper P is pulled out from the paper feed cassette 15 by the paper pickup roller 11a, is conveyed through the paper conveyance path S1, passes through the transfer roller 10 and the fixing device 7, and is conveyed to the stacking tray 14 via the paper ejection roller 17. be done. In the paper conveyance path S1, the paper P is temporarily stopped, the leading edge of the paper P is aligned, and then the paper P is transferred in accordance with the timing of transferring the toner image in the nip area between the photoreceptor drum 3 and the transfer roller 10. A paper registration roller 13 that starts conveyance of the paper P, a reversal branching roller 12a that urges conveyance of the paper P from the paper conveyance path S1 to the reverse conveyance path S2, and a paper discharge roller 17 are arranged.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured to form an image not only on the front side of the paper P but also on the back side thereof, and is provided with a reversal conveyance path S2 that conveys the paper P in the reverse direction from the reversal branching roller 12a. . The paper P, with its front and back sides reversed, is guided again to the paper registration rollers 13 via the reversing conveyance roller 12b, and after an image is formed on the back side in the same manner as on the front side, it is carried out to the stacking tray 14.

Further, a manual feed tray 16 is provided on the side surface of the image forming apparatus 1 and can be opened to load sheets P. The paper P loaded on the manual tray 16 is conveyed by the manual pickup roller 11b and guided to the paper registration rollers 13.

In this embodiment, the toner image is directly transferred from the photoreceptor drum 3 to the paper P, but the present invention is not limited to this. After the toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor drum to the intermediate transfer belt, A belt transfer method may also be used in which the toner image is transferred from the toner image to the paper P.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the optical scanning device seen from the first and third side walls, and FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the optical scanning device seen from the second and third side walls. 4 is an external plan view showing the optical scanning device as seen from above, FIG. 5 is an external side view showing the optical scanning device as seen from the third side wall side, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an external side view of the optical scanning device seen from the first side wall, and FIG. 7 is an external side view of the optical scanning device viewed from the second side wall.

In the optical scanning device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention, an optical scanning unit 20 that emits light for scanning is attached to a frame (an example of a mounting member). The frame includes a support 30 with an open top and a stay 40 attached to the support 30. Note that for the sake of explanation, the direction along one side of the support body 30 (for example, the third side wall 33) will be referred to as the sub-scanning direction X when viewed from above, and is orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction X. The direction is sometimes called the main scanning direction Y.

The support body 30 has a first side wall 31, a second side wall 32, a third side wall 33, and a fourth side wall 34 (corresponding to an upright part) along the outer periphery of a rectangular support bottom surface 35 (corresponding to a flat part). ) is provided. Regarding the side walls of the support body 30, a first side wall 31 and a second side wall 32 face each other in the sub-scanning direction X, and a third side wall 33 and a fourth side wall 34 face each other in the main scanning direction Y. The stay 40 has one end attached to the third side wall 33 and the other end attached to the fourth side wall 34. Note that, hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the direction in which the side walls are erected with respect to the support bottom surface 35 may be referred to as the height direction Z. Further, detailed structures of the support body 30 and the stay 40 will be explained in conjunction with FIG. 13, which will be described later.

In the optical scanning unit 20, a stay-side locking portion 22 provided on one side surface is locked to the stay 40, and a side wall-side locking portion 25 provided on the other side surface is locked to the second side wall 32. There is.

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning section as seen from one side, FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning section as seen from the other side, and FIG. FIG. 3 is an external plan view showing the optical scanning section viewed from above.

The light scanning unit 20 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above, houses various optical members, and scans light emitted from an output window 21 provided on one side. The exit window 21 is formed by opening a part of the housing and covering the opening with a translucent member. The optical members accommodated in the optical scanning unit 20 are, for example, a light source, a lens, a mirror, an aperture, an optical sensor, and a rotating polygon mirror 73, but are not limited thereto, and may be modified or added as appropriate depending on the application. You may do so. Further, the light source may be mounted on a substrate or the like, and the emitting part of the light source may be inserted into a hole provided on the side surface of the optical scanning section 20. Although the optical scanning unit 20 is sealed to prevent dust from entering, a part of the member (for example, the rotation shaft of a rotating polygon mirror) may be exposed with the gap closed. Note that the optical members housed in the optical scanning section 20 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, which will be described later.

Note that, in FIG. 10, among the optical members provided in the optical scanning section 20, only the optical deflection member 70 having the rotating polygon mirror 73 is extracted and shown in perspective. The light deflection member 70 will be explained together with the air guide section 36 with reference to FIG. 15, which will be described later.

The stay side locking portion 22 is provided on the side surface where the exit window 21 is provided, and the side wall side locking portion 25 is provided on the side surface opposite to the side surface where the exit window 21 is provided. When the optical scanning unit 20 is attached to the frame, the side surface where the stay-side locking portion 22 is provided and the side surface where the sidewall-side locking portion 25 is provided are opposed in the sub-scanning direction X.

The stay-side locking portion 22 is located approximately at the center in the main scanning direction Y on the side surface on which it is provided, and extends outward. The stay-side locking portion 22 has a predetermined thickness at its base, and is provided with an insertion end portion 22a at its tip that gradually becomes thinner as it approaches the end. In the present embodiment, the cross section of the stay-side locking portion 22 is approximately cross-shaped; however, the cross section is not limited to this, and any shape that can be rotatably supported when inserted into a circular hole can be used. good.

The side wall locking portion 25 is located approximately at the center in the main scanning direction Y on the side surface on which it is provided, and extends outward. The side wall side locking portion 25 has a small diameter portion 25a with a narrow base and a large diameter portion 25b with a thick tip, and the thickness gradually changes between the small diameter portion 25a and the large diameter portion 25b. ing.

The stay-side locking portion 22 and the side wall-side locking portion 25 are provided at overlapping positions in the main scanning direction Y. In other words, the stay-side locking portion 22 and the sidewall-side locking portion 25 extend along a straight line parallel to the sub-scanning direction X.

A first positioning part 23 and a second positioning part 24 extending in the main scanning direction Y are provided at both ends of the side surface where the side wall locking part 25 is provided. The first positioning part 23 is provided with a first positioning hole 23a that is a long hole in the height direction Z, and the second positioning part 24 is provided with a second positioning hole 23a that is a long hole in the height direction Z. A hole 24a is provided.

A method for attaching the optical scanning unit 20 to the frame using the stay-side locking portion 22, the side wall-side locking portion 25, the first positioning hole 23a, and the second positioning hole 24a described above is based on the support body 30 and the stay 40 described later. This will be explained together with the detailed structure of .

A member such as a substrate may be attached to the outside of the optical scanning unit 20, as long as it is placed at a position that does not interfere with the frame.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing the optical scanning section with the top cover removed, and FIG. 12 is an external plan view of the optical scanning section shown in FIG. 11.

In the optical scanning device 200, optical members include a light source 211 (laser diode element), a collimator lens 212, an aperture member 213, a cylindrical lens 214, a light source reflection mirror 215, a light deflection member 70, an fθ lens 231, and a beam detection reflection mirror. 232, a beam detection lens 233 (condensing lens), and a beam detection section 234 (Beam Detect sensor (BD sensor)).

A deflection accommodating section 203 is formed on the bottom surface of the casing of the optical scanning section 20 by providing unevenness so that the optical deflection member 70 can be accommodated therein. A transparent dust-proof glass 235 is provided in a portion through which the light beam entering and exiting the deflection accommodating portion 203 passes.

The light deflection member 70 includes a substrate 71, a rotating polygon mirror 73 attached to the substrate 71, and a rotation shaft 72 of the rotating polygon mirror 73. The axial direction of the rotating shaft 72 is substantially parallel to the height direction Z. Although it is simplified in FIG. 12, the light deflection member 70 may be equipped with components such as a motor and an element as appropriate.

The light source 211 emits a light beam (laser beam). The collimator lens 212 converts the light beam from the light source 211 into substantially parallel light and irradiates the aperture member 213 with the light beam. The aperture member 213 focuses the incident light beam and irradiates it onto the cylindrical lens 214 . The cylindrical lens 214 converges the incident light beam and irradiates it onto the light source reflection mirror 215 . The light source reflection mirror 215 reflects the light beam and focuses it on the rotating mirror 73 of the light deflection member 70 .

In the light deflection member 70, the rotating polygon mirror 73 is rotated to deflect and scan the incident light beam in the main scanning direction Y. The light beam deflected and scanned by the light deflection member 70 is guided to an fθ lens 231 elongated in the main scanning direction Y and a beam detection reflecting mirror 232. The light beam incident on the fθ lens 231 is emitted to the outside of the optical scanning unit 20 via the exit window 21. Further, the light beam incident on the beam detection reflection mirror 232 is reflected and incident on the beam detection lens 233. The beam detection lens 233 focuses the light beam onto the beam detection section 234 . The beam detection section 234 is provided on a detection substrate 240 attached to the optical scanning section 20, and outputs a beam detection signal indicating the timing before starting main scanning. Note that the light source 211 may be connected to the detection board 240, and a circuit for driving the light source 211 may be provided. Furthermore, the casing of the optical scanning section 20 may be provided with an opening through which the light beam directed toward the beam detection section 234 passes.

FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing the support body to which the stay is attached.

In this embodiment, the support body 30 is formed by bending a single sheet metal, and a part of the support body 30 is attached later or processed by drilling or the like. Note that the support body 30 is not limited to a sheet metal, but may be a resin frame formed by molding resin or the like.

The first side wall 31 is provided with a locking boss 31a (an example of an attachment locking portion) that projects outward. The locking bosses 31a are provided at two locations on both ends of the first side wall 31 in the main scanning direction Y.

The second side wall 32 is provided with a side wall receiving portion 32 a for locking the side wall side locking portion 25 . The side wall receiving portion 32a is provided approximately at the center of the second side wall 32 in the main scanning direction Y. A receiving insertion portion 32b is connected above the side wall receiving portion 32a, and the side wall receiving portion 32a and the receiving insertion portion 32b together form a recess provided in the second side wall 32. The side wall receiving portion 32a is a substantially circular hole passing through the second side wall 32, and is open at the top by the receiving insertion portion 32b. The width of the receiving insertion portion 32b is narrower than the diameter of the side wall receiving portion 32a. Specifically, the side wall receiving portion 32a has approximately the same diameter as the large diameter portion 25b of the side wall locking portion 25. The receiving insertion portion 32b has a width narrower than the large diameter portion 25b and narrower than the narrow diameter portion 25a with respect to the side wall side locking portion 25.

That is, when locking the side wall side locking part 25 to the side wall receiving part 32a, the small diameter part 25a must be passed through the receiving insertion part 32b from above. After the small diameter portion 25a reaches the side wall receiving portion 32a, the side wall side locking portion 25 is pushed in the sub-scanning direction X and the large diameter portion 25b is fitted into the side wall receiving portion 32a. 25 is locked to the side wall receiving portion 32a.

The third side wall 33 is provided with a first screw receiving part 33a (an example of an attachment locking part) formed by bending a part of the upper end outward. A first support fixing hole 33b is provided in a plane perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction X in the first screw receiving portion 33a. The first support fixing hole 33b is located near the end on the second side wall 32 side.

The fourth side wall 34 has substantially the same shape as the third side wall 33, and has a second screw receiving part 34a corresponding to the first screw receiving part 33a and a second support corresponding to the first support fixing hole 33b. A body fixing hole 34b is provided. The second screw receiving portion 34a and the second support fixing hole 34b described above are provided at positions overlapping with corresponding portions of the third side wall 33 in the sub-scanning direction X.

The support bottom surface 35 is provided with a first erected fixing part 35a and a second erected fixing part 35b, which are formed by cutting and raising a part of a sheet metal. The first erected fixing part 35a is a plane perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction There is. The first upright fixing portion 35a is provided with a first upright fixing hole 35a1 into which the optical scanning fixing screw 60 is inserted. The second erected fixing part 35b is substantially the same as the first erected fixing part 35a, and is provided at a position facing the second positioning part 24 of the optical scanning part 20 attached to the frame. It has a hole 35b1.

Furthermore, the bottom surface 35 of the support body is provided with an air guide section 36 which is formed by opening a part of a sheet metal. The air guide section 36 is provided at a position facing the bottom surface of the optical scanning section 20 attached to the frame. Like the first erected fixed part 35a and the second erected fixed part 35b, the air guide part 36 is also formed by cutting and bending a part of a sheet metal, and has a part bent upward with respect to the support bottom surface 35. , and a downwardly bent portion. The height of the upward cut may be adjusted as appropriate, and is set to a height that does not touch the bottom surface of the optical scanning section 20.

In addition, a first bottom hole 35c and a second bottom hole 35d are formed in the support bottom surface 35 by cutting and raising the first erected fixing part 35a and the second erected fixing part 35b from a sheet metal. . By providing the first bottom hole 35c, the portion connected to the first erected fixing part 35a is separated, making it difficult for vibrations to be transmitted to the optical scanning part 20 fixed to the first erected fixing part 35a. Similarly, the second bottom hole 35d makes it difficult for vibrations to be transmitted to the second upright fixing part 35b.

In this embodiment, the stay 40 is formed by bending a single sheet metal, and is processed by drilling holes or the like. Note that the stay 40 is not limited to sheet metal, and may be formed by molding resin or the like.

The stay 40 has a stay locking surface 41 that is a substantially rectangular plane, and both ends of the stay locking surface 41 in the longitudinal direction are bent to form a first stay fixing surface 42 and a second stay fixing surface 43. It is being

The length of the stay locking surface 41 in the longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the length from the third side wall 33 to the fourth side wall 34 of the support body 30. That is, when the stay 40 is attached to the support body 30, the first stay fixing surface 42 contacts the inner wall of the third side wall 33, and the second stay fixing surface 43 contacts the inner wall of the fourth side wall 34. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the stay locking surface 41 may be referred to as the main scanning direction Y, depending on the state in which the stay 40 is attached to the support body 30.

The stay locking surface 41 is provided with a stay receiving portion 41a approximately at the center in the main scanning direction Y. The stay receiving portion 41a is a circular hole passing through the stay locking surface 41. Further, the stay locking surface 41 has a light passage portion 41b formed by bending a part of the upper end. The width in the height direction Z is short in the portion where the light passage portion 41b is provided. Furthermore, a stay reinforcing portion 41c is formed on the stay locking surface 41 by bending the lower end. In other words, the strength of the stay 40 is increased by bending a planar sheet metal to form a three-dimensional structure.

The first stay fixing surface 42 is in contact with the third side wall 33 near the center in the sub-scanning direction X, and is fixed to the third side wall 33 with a stay fixing screw 50. Further, the second stay fixing surface 43 is in contact with the fourth side wall 34 near the center in the sub-scanning direction X, and is fixed to the fourth side wall 34 with a stay fixing screw 50. Screw holes for inserting stay fixing screws 50 are appropriately provided in the first stay fixing surface 42, the second stay fixing surface 43, the third side wall 33, and the fourth side wall 34.

When the stay 40 is attached to the support body 30, the stay receiving portion 41a and the side wall receiving portion 32a substantially overlap in position in the main scanning direction Y and the height direction Z. Further, the stay 40 is supported apart from the support bottom surface 35, and the lower end of the stay locking surface 41 (stay reinforcing portion 41c) is not in contact with the top surface of the support bottom surface 35.

Next, the wind guide section 36 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the wind guide part of the support body, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the wind guide part of the support body. In addition, in FIG. 15, in order to show the position of the light deflection member 70 with respect to the air guide part 36, the light deflection member 70 is extracted and shown from the light scanning part 20.

In the air guide section 36, by cutting and raising a part of the sheet metal, a first regulating support section 36d and a second regulating support section 36e, which are bent upward with respect to the support bottom surface 35, and a first inclined section, which is bent downward, are formed. 36f and a second inclined portion 36g are provided. The first regulating support part 36d and the first inclined part 36f are continuous parts in the original sheet metal, and the part where they were originally becomes the first opening 36a. Further, the second regulating support portion 36e and the second inclined portion 36g are continuous parts in the original sheet metal, and the part where they were originally formed becomes the second opening 36b. Between the first sloped part 36f and the second sloped part 36g, there is provided a wind guide plane part 36c which is substantially untouched from the original sheet metal. In other words, the wind guide plane portion 36c is a part of the support bottom surface 35, and is a plane perpendicular to the height direction Z. In the air guide section 36, along the direction from the third side wall 33 to the fourth side wall 34 in the main scanning direction Y, the first regulating support section 36d, the first opening 36a, the first inclined section 36f, and the air guide plane are arranged. The second inclined portion 36g of the portion 36c, the second opening 36b, and the second regulation support portion 36e are provided in this order.

The first inclined portion 36f and the second inclined portion 36g are formed so that the bent angle with respect to the support bottom surface 35 is an acute angle. In other words, when the air guide section 36 is viewed from above, the tip of the first inclined part 36f is located at a position overlapping with the first opening 36a, and the tip of the second inclined part 36g is located at a position overlapped with the second opening 36b.

A regulating section 90 is provided in the wind guide section 36 so as to surround the outer periphery when viewed from above (see FIG. 15). The regulating portion 90 is a thin film made of polyethylene terephthalate, for example, and is attached to the first regulating support portion 36d and the second regulating support portion 36e. The lower end of the regulating portion 90 is in approximate contact with the support bottom surface 35, and the upper end is higher than the first regulating support portion 36d and the second regulating support portion 36e. Note that the restriction part 90 is not limited to this, as long as it is provided so as to particularly surround the first opening 36a, the air guide plane part 36c, and the second opening 36b of the air guide part 36, It may also surround an area that is one size larger than the wind guide section 36. Further, the regulating portion 90 is not limited to the above-mentioned material, and may be formed of any material that does not allow air to pass through.

In this embodiment, the optical deflection member 70 includes a substrate 71, a rotating polygon mirror 73 attached to the substrate 71, and a rotation shaft 72 of the rotating polygon mirror 73. Although it is simplified in FIG. 15, the light deflection member 70 may be equipped with components such as a motor and an element as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 15, the optical deflection member 70 is arranged so as to be located above the air guide section 36 when the optical scanning section 20 is attached to the frame. Further, in the light deflection member 70, the rotation shaft 72 is located directly above the wind guide plane portion 36c. Further, the rotating shaft 72 is attached so that its axis line runs along the height direction Z.

The optical scanning unit 20 is attached to a frame that is a combination of a stay 40 and a support 30 (for example, see FIG. 1). When attaching the optical scanning unit 20 to the frame, first, while inserting the tip (insertion end 22a) of the stay-side locking portion 22 into the stay receiving portion 41a, insert the narrow diameter portion 25a of the side wall-side locking portion 25 into the insertion portion. 32b and into the side wall receiving portion 32a. Thereafter, by pushing the optical scanning unit 20 toward the first side wall 31, the stay side locking portion 22 is locked on the stay receiving portion 41a, and the large diameter portion 25b of the side wall side locking portion 25 is placed on the side wall receiving portion 32a. It is locked. In this state, the position of the optical scanning section 20 is not completely fixed, and the end in the main scanning direction Y is centered on the axis passing through the stay side locking section 22 and the side wall side locking section 25. swings in the height direction Z, and the inclination of the optical scanning unit 20 with respect to a plane with the support bottom surface 35 as a reference is not determined. Therefore, the optical scanning unit By fixing 20 and the support body 30, the position of the optical scanning section 20 is determined. At this time, since the first positioning hole 23a and the second positioning hole 24a are elongated holes that are longer than the diameter of the optical scanning fixing screw 60, the inclination of the optical scanning section 20 can be adjusted.

The optical scanning device 200 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 with the optical scanning unit 20 combined with the support body 30 to which the stay 40 is fixed. In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a housing portion for the optical scanning device 200 is provided with an open side surface. This accommodating portion is provided with a boss receiver into which the locking boss 31a is inserted, and screw holes corresponding to the first support fixing hole 33b and the second support fixing hole 34b. The optical scanning device 200 is inserted into the housing portion from the first side wall 31 side, and after the locking boss 31a is locked in the boss receiver, the first support fixing hole 33b and the second support fixing hole 34b are screwed. Fixed. Note that the accommodating portion of the image forming apparatus 1 may be appropriately designed according to the shape and configuration of the optical scanning device 200, and may have a structure that accommodates the optical scanning device 200. Further, the opening provided in the image forming apparatus 1 may be covered with a cover or the like after the optical scanning device 200 is attached.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the optical scanning section 20 is attached to the frame, the exit window 21 faces the light passing section 41b of the stay 40, and the light emitted from the optical scanning section 20 is directed to the stay 40. It passes through to the first side wall 31 side without being blocked.

In the optical scanning device 200, the optical deflection member 70 is cooled by airflow. Next, a ventilation channel through which air for cooling the light deflection member 70 flows will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is a schematic explanatory diagram schematically showing the ventilation flow path.

In this embodiment, the ventilation flow path is configured by attaching the optical scanning device 200 to the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, a gap is provided between the accommodating portion of the optical scanning device 200 in the image forming apparatus 1 and the support bottom surface 35 (particularly near the air guiding portion 36), and this gap serves as a ventilation flow path. Become. In FIG. 16, the flow path forming unit 80 is schematically and simplified as a part of the casing of the image forming apparatus 1, but the casing of the image forming apparatus 1 includes built-in parts and optical scanning device 200. The shape may be changed as appropriate, taking into account the external shape and the like.

The flow path forming portion 80 has a portion corresponding to the air guiding portion 36 as a recessed portion that is open on the optical scanning device 200 (support bottom surface 35) side, and the other portion is shaped like a cylinder or the like to allow air to flow outside. The shape may be such that it does not allow escaping. A blower fan 300 is connected to the flow path forming section 80 to send the taken-in air to the ventilation flow path. Note that the blower fan 300 is not limited to the ventilation channel, but may be connected to a channel that sends air to other parts. Further, although not shown, the end of the ventilation flow path on the opposite side from the blower fan 300 may be connected to an exhaust fan or the like, as long as the air passing therethrough is exhausted.

The flow path forming part 80 is formed so that the gap is very small with respect to the lower ends (tips) of the first inclined part 36f and the second inclined part 36g. In the air guide part 36, the gap with the flow path forming part 80 is closed by the first inclined part 36f, the air guide flat part 36c, and the second inclined part 36g, so that the upper surface side of the support body bottom surface 35 is closed. Functions as a ventilation channel. As described above, the support 30 (particularly the support bottom surface 35) is a plate-like member that covers the outer surface (lower surface) of the light deflection member 70. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the upper surface side with respect to the support bottom surface 35 may be referred to as the inside of the frame, and the lower surface side with respect to the support bottom surface 35 may be referred to as the outside of the frame. In this embodiment, the ventilation direction in which air flows through the ventilation channel is such that the first opening 36a side is upstream, and the second opening 36b side is downstream.

The air sent from the blower fan 300 passes through the outside of the frame, which is the gap between the support bottom surface 35 and the flow path forming part 80, as shown by the arrow F1 in the vicinity of the air guiding part 36. When the air reaches the wind guiding section 36, since the first inclined section 36f is inclined with respect to the ventilation direction on the upstream side, the air cannot proceed as it is, and as shown by arrow F2, the first inclined section 36f is inclined with respect to the ventilation direction on the upstream side. Proceed along the slope of the section 36f. Thereby, air is guided from the outside of the frame to the inside of the frame through the first opening 36 a and flows toward the light deflection member 70 . Inside the frame, the air travels along the wind guiding plane part 36c as shown by the arrow F3, and the rotating shaft 72, which tends to generate heat, is particularly cooled in the optical deflection member 70, thereby reducing the influence of heat. can be reduced. Inside the frame, the air that has entered is regulated by the regulating part 90 so that it does not escape to the outside of the air guiding part 36, so that the air naturally flows downstream through the second opening 36b. At this time, since the second sloped part 36g is provided, the air flows toward the downstream side and toward the outside of the frame along the slope of the second sloped part 36g, as shown by arrow F4. be guided. Once outside the frame, the air flows downstream through the gap between the support bottom surface 35 and the flow path forming portion 80, as shown by arrow F5.

In the present embodiment, the flow path forming section 80 is a part of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1, and includes parts (for example, a drive motor, a roller, etc.) constituting the image forming section for forming an image. It is for attachment and is separate from the support body 30 described above.

As described above, by providing the first inclined portion 36f, it is possible to efficiently flow air toward the light deflection member 70 and improve cooling efficiency. Further, by providing the air guide plane portion 36c that stabilizes the flow of air, the light deflection member 70 can be cooled more efficiently. The air guide flat portion 36c extends in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the light deflection member 70, and the ventilation flow path has a uniform cross-sectional area in the portion where the air guide flat portion 36c is provided. It is preferable that the In other words, since the air guide plane portion 36c and the outer surface of the light deflection member 70 extend in parallel, a section where air flows in one direction along both can be provided as a ventilation flow path.

In addition, since the frame supporting the optical scanning section 20 also serves as a part of the ventilation channel, the number of members constituting the ventilation channel can be reduced and the device can be made more compact. By providing the first opening 36a corresponding to the first inclined portion 36f, air can be sent into the inside of the frame. Further, since the air guide portion 36 allows air to flow between the inside and outside of the frame, the ventilation passage can be formed outside the frame, and the degree of freedom in designing the ventilation passage can be improved. By providing the regulating portion 90, the flow of air inside the frame is regulated, thereby making it possible for the air to flow smoothly along the ventilation direction.

The flow path forming section 80 does not need to be formed entirely in one piece; for example, only a portion of the channel forming section 80 may be formed of a different member depending on the air guide section 36. In particular, the parts facing the first inclined part 36f and the second inclined part 36g are made of a sheet that is softer than sheet metal or resin, and when it comes into contact with the first inclined part 36f and the second inclined part 36g, it deforms and absorbs the impact. You may try to relax it. Further, it is preferable to make the gap between the regulating section 90 and the optical scanning section 20 as small as possible, but since the possibility of collision due to vibration increases, it may be formed of a soft material. In this manner, materials may be appropriately selected for parts where there is a risk of collision with other members so as to prevent damage due to collision.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and are not the basis for a limited interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted only by the above-described embodiments, but should be defined based on the claims. Furthermore, all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims are included.

1 Image forming device 20 Optical scanning section 21 Output window 22 Stay side locking section 23 First positioning section 24 Second positioning section 25 Side wall side locking section 30 Support body 31 First side wall 31a Locking boss 32 Second side wall 32a Side wall Receiving part 33 Third side wall 34 Fourth side wall 35 Support bottom surface 35a First erected fixing part 35b Second erecting fixing part 36 Wind guiding part 36a First opening 36b Second opening 36c Wind guiding flat part 36d First regulating support Part 36e Second regulation support part 36f First inclined part 36g Second inclined part 40 Stay 41 Stay locking surface 42 First stay fixing surface 43 Second stay fixing surface 50 Stay fixing screw 60 Optical scanning fixing screw 70 Optical deflection member 71 Substrate 72 Rotating shaft 73 Rotating polygon mirror 80 Channel forming section 90 Regulating section 200 Optical scanning device X Sub-scanning direction Y Main scanning direction Z Height direction

Claims (8)

a light scanning unit that emits light and scans;
a light deflection member provided in the light scanning section and deflecting light;
a ventilation channel through which air cools the light deflection member ;
An optical scanning device comprising a metal mounting member to which the optical scanning section is attached ,
The ventilation flow path is provided with an air guide portion at a position corresponding to the light deflection member,
When the direction in which the air flows is the ventilation direction of the ventilation flow path,
The air guiding portion includes a first inclined portion that is inclined with respect to the ventilation direction on an upstream side of the air guiding portion and that slopes the ventilation direction toward the light deflection member , and a first inclined portion that is guided to the first inclined portion. a first opening through which the vented air passes ;
The first inclined part is provided by cutting and raising a part of the mounting member, and the part where the first inclined part was originally located before being cut and raised is the first opening.
An optical scanning device characterized by: The optical scanning device according to claim 1,
The light deflection member includes a rotating polygon mirror and a rotation shaft that rotationally drives the rotating polygon mirror,
The optical scanning device, wherein the air guide section faces the rotation axis. The optical scanning device according to claim 1 or 2,
The wind guiding portion is provided with a wind guiding flat portion extending from the first inclined portion to the downstream side in the ventilation direction,
The wind guide plane portion extends in a direction intersecting a direction in which the first slope portion slopes,
An optical scanning device characterized in that, in the air guide section, the air guide plane part is provided at a position overlapping with the light deflection member in the ventilation direction. An optical scanning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
An optical scanning device, wherein the mounting member is a part of the ventilation flow path. The optical scanning device according to claim 4,
The mounting member is a plate-like member that covers the outer surface of the light deflection member,
An optical scanning device, wherein the air guiding section is a part of the mounting member. The optical scanning device according to claim 5,
The wind guide part is
a second inclined part that is provided downstream of the first inclined part in the ventilation direction and tilts the ventilation direction in a direction away from the light deflection member;
An optical scanning device comprising: a second opening through which air guided to the second inclined portion passes. The optical scanning device according to claim 5 or 6,
An optical scanning device characterized in that a regulating portion regulating air flow is provided between the mounting member and the optical deflection member. An image forming apparatus comprising the optical scanning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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