Scanning optical device

Abstract

The present invention provides a scanning optical device capable of gripping even when the protrusion amount of the gripping portion protruding from the side wall is small. [Solution] The scanning optical device 4 comprises a deflector 50, a frame 100, a cover 200, and a first handle HA1. The frame 100 has a bottom wall (frame base wall 110) to which the deflector 50 is fixed, a side wall 120 extending from the bottom wall in a first direction, and a mounting seat surface 130. The cover 200 surrounds the deflector 50 between itself and the frame 100. The first handle HA1 allows the frame 100 to be lifted. The first handle HA1 has a first projection HA11 and a first gripping surface HA12. The first projection HA11 protrudes from the side wall 120 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and protrudes outward from the frame 100. The first gripping surface HA12 faces in the opposite direction from the direction in which the first projection HA11 protrudes. The first gripping surface HA12 is exposed on the side opposite to the side that the mounting seat surface 130 faces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a scanning optical device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a scanning optical device, one including a light source, a deflector, a scanning optical system, a frame, and a cover is known (Patent Document 1). The deflector is fixed to the bottom wall of the frame. Further, when the cover is attached to the frame, the deflector is covered by the frame and the cover. A gripping portion protruding from the side wall of the scanning optical device is provided on the frame or the cover, and an operator can grip the gripping portion when attaching / detaching or assembling the scanning optical device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the scanning optical device of Patent Document 1, since the plate-shaped gripping portion is gripped by hand, if the protruding amount of the gripping portion is small, it cannot be gripped. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to miniaturize the scanning optical device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a scanning optical device that can be gripped even when the protruding amount of the gripping portion protruding from the side wall is small.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The scanning optical device for achieving the above-described problems is attached to the main body housing of an image forming apparatus, and includes a light source, a deflector, a scanning optical system, a frame, a cover, and a first handle. The light source comprises a semiconductor laser and a coupling lens that converts the light emitted from the semiconductor laser into a beam. The deflector has a polygonal mirror that rotates around a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The deflector deflects the beam emitted from the light source in the primary scanning direction. A scanning optical system images a beam deflected by a deflector onto the surface to be scanned. The frame is used to mount the light source, deflector, and scanning optical system. The frame has a bottom wall, side walls, and a mounting surface. The deflector is fixed to the bottom wall. The side walls extend from the bottom wall in a first direction and form the outer wall of the frame. The mounting surface contacts the main housing when the frame is mounted to it. The cover is attached to the frame and surrounds the deflector between the frame and the cover. The first handle allows the frame to be lifted. The first handle has a first projection and a first gripping surface. The first projection protrudes from the side wall in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction and outward from the frame. The first gripping surface faces the opposite direction from which the first projection protrudes. In the second direction, the first gripping surface is located between the axis of rotation and the first projection. The first gripping surface is exposed on the side opposite to the side to which the mounting surface faces.

[0007] Because the first handle has a first projection that protrudes in a second direction and a first gripping surface that faces the opposite direction to the first projection, the scanning optical device can be gripped even when the amount of protrusion of the first projection that protrudes from the side wall is small. By gripping the first projection and the first gripping surface, the scanning optical device can be lifted stably during attachment, detachment, or assembly without having to enlarge the scanning optical device. In addition, because the first gripping surface is exposed on the side opposite to the side that the mounting base faces, it is easy to touch the first gripping surface from the opposite side of the mounting base. As a result, the scanning optical device can be lifted stably even when the mounting base is facing downwards.

[0008] The side wall may have a first side wall located at one end of the frame in a second direction, a second side wall located at the other end of the frame in a second direction, a third side wall located at one end of the frame in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions of the frame, and a fourth side wall located at the other end of the frame in a third direction. The first projection may be located on the first side wall. The scanning optical device may further include a second handle that allows the frame to be lifted. The second handle may have a second projection that protrudes from the third side wall in a third direction and toward the outside of the frame, and a second gripping surface that faces in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second projection protrudes, and is located between the axis of rotation and the second projection in the third direction, and is exposed on the side opposite to the side toward which the mounting seat surface faces.

[0009] Because the second projection is provided on the third side wall, the scanning optical device can be gripped from a direction different from the first handle during assembly. By gripping the second projection and the second gripping surface, the scanning optical device can be lifted stably during attachment, detachment, and assembly without having to enlarge the scanning optical device. Furthermore, because the second gripping surface is exposed on the opposite side from the side facing the mounting base, it is easy to touch the second gripping surface from the opposite side of the mounting base. As a result, the scanning optical device can be lifted stably even when the mounting base is facing downwards.

[0010] The side wall may have a first side wall located at one end of the frame in the second direction, and a second side wall located at the other end of the frame in the second direction. The first projection may be located on the first side wall. The scanning optical device may further include a control board for controlling a semiconductor laser. The control board may be located on the second side wall.

[0011] Since the control board is arranged on the second side wall located on the opposite side of the first side wall where the first handle is arranged, the scanning optical device can be stably lifted without touching the control board.

[0012] The first gripping surface may be provided on the frame.

[0013] Since the first gripping surface is provided on the frame, the scanning optical device can be lifted without touching other components.

[0014] The first protruding portion may have a flat plate extending in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] Since the first protruding portion has a flat plate extending in the third direction, it is easy to grip the first protruding portion.

[0016] The first protruding portion may have a reinforcing rib connecting the side wall and the flat plate.

[0017] Since the first protruding portion has a reinforcing rib connecting the side wall and the flat plate, the rigidity of the first protruding portion is increased, and the first protruding portion is not easily deformed even when the first protruding portion is gripped and the scanning optical device is lifted.

[0018] The first gripping surface may be configured as a plane extending in the third direction.

[0019] Since both the first protruding portion and the first gripping surface are flat plates extending in the third direction, it is easy to grip the first protruding portion and the first gripping portion.

[0020] The first gripping surface may be located between the deflector and the first protruding portion in the second direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, a scanning optical device that can be gripped even when the protruding amount of the gripping portion protruding from the side wall is small can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a scanning optical device. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing a frame. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the scanning optical device seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the scanning optical device seen from the cover side. [Figure 8] It is a view of the scanning optical device seen from above. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing the action when lifting the frame during the assembly of the scanning optical device. [Figure 10] FIG. (a) showing the action of lifting the scanning optical device by grasping the first handle and FIG. (b) showing the action when lifting the scanning optical device by grasping the second handle.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Next, embodiments will be described. In the following description, the direction is such that the front side (the left side in FIG. 1) as seen from the user using the image forming apparatus 1 is "front" and the rear side (the right side in FIG. 1) is "rear". The vertical direction is the perpendicular direction. The front-rear direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 2, a sheet supply unit 3, a scanning optical device 4, a process unit PU, a fixing device 8, and a sheet discharge unit 9.

[0025] The main body housing 2 has a front cover 2A and a discharge tray 2B. The front cover 2A opens and closes the opening on the front side of the main body housing 2.

[0026] The sheet supply unit 3 is located at the bottom of the main body housing 2. The sheet supply unit 3 comprises a sheet tray 3A and a sheet supply mechanism 3B. The sheet tray 3A holds sheets S such as paper. The sheet supply mechanism 3B supplies the sheets S in the sheet tray 3A between the photosensitive drum 5A and the transfer belt 7C.

[0027] The scanning optical device 4 is located at the top of the main housing 2. The scanning optical device 4 emits a beam, indicated by the dashed line, to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 5A.

[0028] The main housing 2 further comprises a plate 300. The plate 300 is made of a metal plate. The plate 300 is located within the main housing 2, between the scanning optical device 4 and the process unit PU. The scanning optical device 4 is mounted on the plate 300. The scanning optical device 4 is mounted on the plate 300, which is part of the main housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0029] The process unit PU is located within the main housing 2, between the sheet tray 3A and the scanning optical device 4. The process unit PU forms a toner image on the sheet S. The process unit PU comprises a drum unit 5, four developing cartridges 6, and a transfer unit 7.

[0030] The drum unit 5 is detachable from the main body housing 2 through an opening in the main body housing 2, which is opened by opening the front cover 2A. The drum unit 5 has four photosensitive drums 5A, four chargers 5B, and a drum frame 5C. The drum frame 5C supports the photosensitive drums 5A and the chargers 5B.

[0031] In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 5A includes a photosensitive drum 5AY on which a yellow toner image is formed, a photosensitive drum 5AM on which a magenta toner image is formed, a photosensitive drum 5AC on which a cyan toner image is formed, and a photosensitive drum 5AK on which a black toner image is formed. The four photosensitive drums 5A are arranged from front to back, in other words, from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet S, in the order of photosensitive drum 5AY, photosensitive drum 5AM, photosensitive drum 5AC, and photosensitive drum 5AK.

[0032] The developing cartridge 6 is detachable from the drum frame 5C of the drum unit 5. Each developing cartridge 6 comprises a developing roller 6A, a supply roller 6B, a layer thickness regulating blade 6D, a toner storage section 6E for storing toner, and an agitator 6F.

[0033] The agitator 6F stirs the toner in the toner storage section 6E. The agitator 6F also supplies the toner from the toner storage section 6E to the supply roller 6B. The supply roller 6B supplies the toner to the developer roller 6A. The layer thickness regulating blade 6D regulates the thickness of the toner on the developer roller 6A to a constant thickness.

[0034] The developer cartridge 6 contains toners of different colors. In this embodiment, the developer cartridge 6 includes a developer cartridge 6Y containing yellow toner, a developer cartridge 6M containing magenta toner, a developer cartridge 6C containing cyan toner, and a developer cartridge 6K containing black toner.

[0035] The transfer unit 7 is located between the sheet tray 3A and the drum unit 5. The transfer unit 7 comprises a drive roller 7A, a driven roller 7B, a transfer belt 7C, and four transfer rollers 7D. The transfer belt 7C is an endless belt. The drive roller 7A and the driven roller 7B rotate the transfer belt 7C. The transfer rollers 7D are located inside the transfer belt 7C. The transfer rollers 7D sandwich the transfer belt 7C between themselves and the photosensitive drum 5A.

[0036] The fixing device 8 is located behind the drum unit 5. The fixing device 8 comprises a heating roller 8A and a pressure roller 8B. The heating roller 8A heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 8B sandwiches the sheet S between itself and the heating roller 8A.

[0037] The charger 5B charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 5A. The scanning optical device 4 emits a beam to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 5A. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 5A. The developing roller 6A supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 5A. This forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 5A.

[0038] The photosensitive drum 5A, on which the toner image has been formed, transports the sheet S between itself and the transfer roller 7D. This transfers the toner image onto the sheet S. The heating roller 8A and the pressure roller 8B transport the sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred. This fixes the toner image onto the sheet S.

[0039] The sheet discharge unit 9 includes a transport roller 9A and an discharge roller 9B. The transport roller 9A transports the sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed toward the discharge roller 9B. The discharge roller 9B discharges the sheet S into the discharge tray 2B.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the scanning optical device 4 comprises a housing H, an incident optical system Li, a deflector 50, and a scanning optical system Lo. In the referenced drawings, the first, second, and third directions are indicated by arrows, with one direction indicated by an arrow and the other by no arrow.

[0041] The first direction is the direction in which the rotation axis X1 of the polygon mirror 51 of the deflector 50 extends. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. In this embodiment, the second direction corresponds to the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the third direction is the direction in which the four scanning lenses 70Y, 70M, 70C, and 70K are aligned (see Figure 4).

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the housing H comprises a frame 100 and a cover 200. The cover 200 is detachable from the frame 100.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the frame 100 is to which the light source device LM, the deflector 50, and the scanning optical system Lo are mounted. The frame 100 has a frame base wall 110, which is an example of a bottom wall, side walls 120, and a mounting seat surface 130. The frame base wall 110 constitutes the bottom of the frame 100. The deflector 50 is fixed to the frame base wall 110.

[0044] The side wall 120 extends from the frame base wall 110 in a first direction and constitutes the outer wall of the frame 100. The side wall 120 has a first side wall 121, a second side wall 122, a third side wall 123, and a fourth side wall 124. The first side wall 121, the second side wall 122, the third side wall 123, and the fourth side wall 124 each extend from the frame base wall 110 in one direction in the first direction.

[0045] The first side wall 121 is the outer wall on one side of the frame 100 in the second direction. The first side wall 121 connects one side of the third side wall 123 in the second direction and one side of the fourth side wall 124 in the second direction.

[0046] The second side wall 122 is the outer wall on the other side of the frame 100 in the second direction. The second side wall 122 is located on the opposite side of the polygon mirror 51 from the first side wall 121 in the second direction. The control board RR is located there.

[0047] The third side wall 123 is the outer wall on one side of the frame 100 in the third direction (see also Figure 4).

[0048] The fourth side wall 124 is the outer wall on the other side of the frame 100 in the third direction. The fourth side wall 124 is located on the opposite side of the polygon mirror 51 from the third side wall 123 in the third direction.

[0049] The mounting surface 130 is the part that contacts the main body housing 2 when the image forming apparatus 1 is attached to the main body housing 2. The mounting surface 130 is located at one end of the frame 100 in the first direction. The mounting surface 130 contacts the plate 300 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, there are four mounting surfaces 130. Two of the mounting surfaces 130 are located on the first side wall 121. The other two mounting surfaces 130 are located on the second side wall 122. Each of the four mounting surfaces 130 faces one side in the first direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the cover 200 is a wall that covers the deflector 50 from the opposite side of the frame base wall 110. The cover 200 covers the deflector 50 from one side in the first direction. The cover 200 is attached to the frame 100 and surrounds the deflector 50 between the frame 100 and the cover 200.

[0051] In this embodiment, the scanning optical device 4 is positioned within the main body housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 (see Figure 1) such that the frame base wall 110 is located above the deflector 50 and the cover 200 is located below the deflector 50. That is, in this embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, one side of the first direction corresponds to the lower side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the other side of the first direction corresponds to the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the incident optical system Li comprises a light source device LM, an aperture wall 30, and a focusing lens 40. The light source device LM is an example of a light source.

[0053] The light source device LM is a device that emits beams BY, BM, BC, and BK. The light source device LM comprises semiconductor laser 10Y, semiconductor laser 10M, semiconductor laser 10C, semiconductor laser 10K, coupling lens 20Y, coupling lens 20M, coupling lens 20C, coupling lens 20K, and control board RR.

[0054] The semiconductor laser 10Y emits laser light to expose the yellow photosensitive drum 5AY. The semiconductor laser 10M emits laser light to expose the magenta photosensitive drum 5AM. The semiconductor laser 10C emits laser light to expose the cyan photosensitive drum 5AC. The semiconductor laser 10K emits laser light to expose the black photosensitive drum 5AK.

[0055] The coupling lens 20Y converts the light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10Y into beam BY. The coupling lens 20M converts the light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10M into beam BM. The coupling lens 20C converts the light emitted from the semiconductor laser 10C into beam BC. The 20K coupling lens converts the light emitted from the 10K semiconductor laser into a BK beam.

[0056] The control board RR is a substrate for controlling the semiconductor lasers 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K. The control board RR has a plate shape. In addition to the semiconductor lasers 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, the control unit and connectors are fixed to the control board RR (not shown).

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the focusing lens 40 is a lens that refracts the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK from the coupling lens 20 in the sub-scanning direction and focuses them onto the mirror surface of the polygon mirror 51. In the incident optical system Li, the sub-scanning direction corresponds to the first direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the focusing lens 40 is a cylindrical lens with a cylindrical incident surface and a flat exit surface. The focusing lens 40 refracts beams BY and BK so that they approach the frame base wall 110 in the first direction and focuses them onto the mirror surface of the polygon mirror 51. The focusing lens 40 also refracts beams BM and BC so that they approach the cover 200 in the first direction and focuses them onto the mirror surface of the polygon mirror 51.

[0059] The diaphragm wall 30 includes a first diaphragm wall 30A and a second diaphragm wall 30B. In this embodiment, the first diaphragm wall 30A and the second diaphragm wall 30B are integrally formed with the frame 100. That is, the frame 100 has the first diaphragm wall 30A and the second diaphragm wall 30B.

[0060] The first aperture wall 30A is a wall located between the coupling lenses 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K and the focusing lens 40. The first aperture wall 30A has an aperture 31 (see Figure 2). The aperture 31 includes an aperture 31Y through which the beam BY from the coupling lens 20Y toward the polygon mirror 51 passes, an aperture 31M through which the beam BM from the coupling lens 20M toward the polygon mirror 51 passes, an aperture 31C through which the beam BC from the coupling lens 20C toward the polygon mirror 51 passes, and an aperture 31K through which the beam BK from the coupling lens 20K toward the polygon mirror 51 passes.

[0061] The second aperture wall 30B is a wall located between the condensing lens 40 and the deflector 50. The condensing lens 40 is located between the first aperture wall 30A and the second aperture wall 30B. The second aperture wall 30B has two apertures 32A and 32B. Aperture 32A is the aperture through which beams BY and BM, which are directed from coupling lenses 20Y and 20M toward the polygon mirror 51, pass. Aperture 32B is the aperture through which beams BC and BK, which are directed from coupling lenses 20C and 20K toward the polygon mirror 51, pass.

[0062] The deflector 50 is a device that deflects the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK in the main scanning direction (second direction). The deflector 50 includes a polygon mirror 51, a motor 52, a circuit board 53, a first capacitor 54, and a second capacitor 55.

[0063] The polygon mirror 51 is rotatable around a rotation axis X1 extending in the first direction. The polygon mirror 51 has five mirror surfaces equidistant from the rotation axis X1 (see also Figure 2). By rotating, the polygon mirror 51 deflects the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK in the main scanning direction.

[0064] Motor 52 is a motor that rotates the polygon mirror 51. Motor 52 is fixed to the frame 100 via a circuit board 53. The first capacitor 54 and the second capacitor 55 are cylindrical electronic components that form part of the drive circuit of the motor 52.

[0065] The circuit board 53 is equipped with a motor 52, a first capacitor 54, and a second capacitor 55. The motor 52, the first capacitor 54, and the second capacitor 55 are mounted on the circuit board 53 so as to protrude toward the cover 200.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the scanning optical system Lo is an optical system that images the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK, which have been deflected by the deflector 50, onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5A.

[0067] The scanning optical system Lo images the beam BY, which has been deflected by the deflector 50, onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AY. The scanning optical system Lo images the beam BM, which has been deflected by the deflector 50, onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AM. The scanning optical system Lo images the beam BC, which has been deflected by the deflector 50, onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AC. The scanning optical system Lo images the beam BK, which has been deflected by the deflector 50, onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AK.

[0068] The scanning optical system Lo includes scanning lenses 60YM, 60CK, 70Y, 70M, 70C, and 70K, as well as reflective mirrors 81Y, 81M, 82M, 81C, 82C, and 81K. Each component of the scanning optical system Lo is fixed to the frame 100.

[0069] Scanning lens 60YM is the lens to which beams BY and BM, deflected by the deflector 50, are incident. Scanning lens 60CK is the lens to which beams BC and BK, deflected by the deflector 50, are incident. Scanning lenses 60YM and 60CK refract the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK, deflected by the deflector 50, in the main scanning direction to form an image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5A. Furthermore, scanning lenses 60YM and 60CK have an fθ characteristic such that the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK, deflected at a constant angular velocity by the deflector 50, are scanned at a constant velocity on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5A. Scanning lenses 60YM and 60CK are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to a third direction passing through the rotation axis X1 of the polygon mirror 51.

[0070] The reflective mirror 81Y is a mirror that reflects the beam BY that has passed through the scanning lens 60YM toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AY. The scanning lens 70Y is a lens that images the beam BY reflected by the reflective mirror 81Y onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AY. The scanning lenses 70Y, 70M, 70C, and 70K refract the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK in the sub-scanning direction to image them onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5A. In the scanning optical system Lo, the sub-scanning direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to both the main scanning direction and the beam propagation direction.

[0071] Mirror 82M is a mirror that reflects the beam BM, which has passed through the scanning lens 60YM, toward the reflective mirror 81M. The reflective mirror 81M is a mirror that reflects the beam BM toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AM. The scanning lens 70M is a lens that images the beam BM, reflected by the reflective mirror 81M, onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AM.

[0072] Mirror 82C is a mirror that reflects the beam BC that has passed through the scanning lens 60CK toward the reflection mirror 81C. The reflection mirror 81C is a mirror that reflects the beam BC toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AC. The scanning lens 70C is a lens that images the beam BC reflected by the reflective mirror 81C onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AC.

[0073] The reflective mirror 81K is a mirror that reflects the beam BK, which has passed through the scanning lens 60CK, toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AK. The scanning lens 70K is a lens that images the beam BK reflected by the reflective mirror 81K onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AK.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, the light emitted from each semiconductor laser 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K is converted into beams BY, BM, BC, and BK by passing through the corresponding coupling lenses 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. The beams BY, BM, BC, and BK then pass through the corresponding apertures 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K of the first aperture wall 30A and are then incident on the focusing lens 40. After passing through the focusing lens 40, the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK pass through the corresponding apertures 32A and 32B of the second aperture wall 30B and are then incident on the polygon mirror 51.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4, the polygon mirror 51 deflects the beams BY, BM, BC, and BK toward the corresponding scanning optical system Lo.

[0076] After passing through scanning lens 60YM, beam BY is reflected by reflection mirror 81Y, passes through scanning lens 70Y, and is emitted toward photosensitive drum 5AY. Beam BY is imaged on the surface of photosensitive drum 5AY and scanned in the main scanning direction.

[0077] After passing through scanning lens 60YM, beam BM is reflected by mirror 82M and reflective mirror 81M, passes through scanning lens 70M, and is emitted toward photosensitive drum 5AM. Beam BM is imaged on the surface of photosensitive drum 5AM and scanned in the main scanning direction.

[0078] After passing through the scanning lens 60CK, the beam BC is reflected by the mirror 82C and the reflection mirror 81C, passes through the scanning lens 70C, and is emitted toward the photosensitive drum 5AC. The beam BC is imaged on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AC and scanned in the main scanning direction.

[0079] The beam BK passes through the scanning lens 60CK, is reflected by the reflective mirror 81K, passes through the scanning lens 70K, and is emitted toward the photosensitive drum 5AK. The beam BK is imaged on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5AK and scanned in the main scanning direction.

[0080] The plate 300 has a plate shape and extends in the second and third directions of the image forming apparatus 1. The plate 300 has four plate openings 311Y, 311M, 311C, and 311K. The beams BY, BM, BC, and BK emitted from the scanning optical apparatus 4 pass through each plate opening 311Y, 311M, 311C, and 311K.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6, the scanning optical device 4 includes a first handle HA1 and a second handle HA2. The first handle HA1 and the second handle HA2 enable the frame 100 to be lifted.

[0082] The first handle HA1 has a first projection HA11 and a first gripping surface HA12. The first projection HA11 and the first gripping surface HA12 are positioned within range of being touched simultaneously by an operator with one hand.

[0083] The first protrusion HA11 is located on the first side wall 121. The first protrusion HA11 is located in the central part of the first side wall 121 in a first direction and in the central part of the third direction. The first protrusion HA11 protrudes from the first side wall 121 in a second direction and also protrudes outward from the frame 100. That is, the first protrusion HA11 protrudes from the first side wall 121 toward one side in the second direction. The amount of protrusion of the first protrusion HA11 is, for example, 5 to 15 mm.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first protrusion HA11 has a flat plate extending in a third direction. More specifically, the first protrusion HA11 is a rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the third direction when viewed from the first direction. In the third direction, the first protrusion HA11 is positioned in an area wider than the circuit board 53 of the deflector 50 and sufficiently covering the circuit board 53 (see the dashed line area in Figure 8).

[0085] The first protrusion HA11 has a reinforcing rib HA13. The reinforcing rib HA13 connects the first side wall 121 to the first protrusion HA11. In this embodiment, the reinforcing rib HA13 is provided at three locations: the central part and both ends in the third direction.

[0086] The first gripping surface HA12 is provided on the frame 100. The first gripping surface HA12 is a plane extending in the third direction. The first gripping surface HA12 faces the other side of the second direction. That is, the first gripping surface HA12 faces the opposite direction to the direction in which the first projection HA11 protrudes. In this embodiment, the first gripping surface HA12 is a part of the inner surface of the first side wall 121.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8, the first gripping surface HA12 is located in the central part of the first side wall 121 in the third direction. In the second direction, the first gripping surface HA12 is located between the deflector 50 and the first projection HA11. Also, in the second direction, the first gripping surface HA12 is located between the rotation axis X1 of the polygon mirror 51 and the first projection HA11.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3, the first gripping surface HA12 is exposed on the other side in the first direction. That is, the first gripping surface HA12 is exposed on the side opposite to the side facing the mounting seat surface 130.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6, the second handle HA2 has a second projection HA21 and a second gripping surface HA22. The second projection HA21 and the second gripping surface HA22 are positioned within a range that an operator can touch simultaneously with one hand.

[0090] The second protrusion HA21 is located on the third side wall 123. The second protrusion HA21 is located in the central part of the third side wall 123 in the first direction and in the central part of the second direction. The second protrusion HA21 protrudes from the third side wall 123 in the third direction and also protrudes outward from the frame 100. That is, the second protrusion HA21 protrudes from the third side wall 123 toward one side in the third direction. The amount of protrusion of the second protrusion HA21 is, for example, 5 to 15 mm.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second protrusion HA21 has a flat plate extending in the second direction. More specifically, the second protrusion HA21 is a rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the second direction when viewed from the first direction. The second protrusion HA21 is positioned in the second direction over a wider area than the circuit board 53 of the deflector 50 and over an area that sufficiently covers the circuit board 53 (see the dashed line area in Figure 8).

[0092] The second projection HA21 has a reinforcing rib HA23. The reinforcing rib HA23 connects the third side wall 123 to the second projection HA21. In this embodiment, the reinforcing rib HA23 is provided at three locations: the central part and both ends in the third direction.

[0093] The second gripping surface HA22 is provided on the frame 100. The second gripping surface HA22 is a plane extending in the second direction. The first gripping surface HA12 faces the other side of the third direction. That is, the second gripping surface HA22 faces in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second projection HA21 protrudes.

[0094] As shown in Figure 8, the second gripping surface HA22 is located in the central part of the third side wall 123 in the second direction. In the third direction, the second gripping surface HA22 is located between the deflector 50 and the second projection HA21. Also, in the third direction, the second gripping surface HA22 is located between the rotation axis X1 of the polygon mirror 51 and the second projection HA21.

[0095] As shown in Figure 4, the second gripping surface HA22 is exposed on the other side of the first direction. That is, the second gripping surface HA22 is exposed on the side opposite to the side facing the mounting seat surface 130.

[0096] Next, the operation of lifting the scanning optical device 4 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 and 10(a) and (b). When attaching, detaching, or assembling the scanning optical unit 4, the scanning optical unit 4 is placed on the workbench with the mounting base 130 facing downwards. Therefore, when attaching, detaching, or assembling the scanning optical unit 4, it is necessary to lift the scanning optical unit 4 with the mounting base 130 facing downwards.

[0097] As shown in Figures 9 and 10(a), when lifting the scanning optical device 4, first, the thumb of the right hand is placed in contact with the first gripping surface HA12 of the first handle HA1, and the index finger of the right hand is placed in contact with the first projection HA11. Since the first gripping surface HA12 is facing in the opposite direction to the projection of the first projection HA11, the first handle HA1 can be grasped with only the right hand, and the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted. Note that when performing this operation, the "left hand" may be used instead of the "right hand". Also, other fingers may be used instead of the "thumb" and "index finger". Thus, because the first handle HA1 has a first projection HA11 that protrudes in the second direction and a first gripping surface HA12 that faces in the opposite direction to the first projection HA11, the scanning optical device 4 can be stably gripped even if the amount of protrusion of the first projection HA11 protruding from the first side wall 121 is 15 mm or less.

[0098] As shown in Figures 9 and 10(b), when lifting the scanning optical device 4, first, with the left thumb in contact with the second gripping surface HA22 of the second handle HA2, the left index finger is placed in contact with the second projection HA21. Since the second gripping surface HA22 faces in the opposite direction to the projection of the second projection HA21, the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted by grasping the second handle HA2 with only the left hand. Note that when performing this operation, the right hand may be used instead of the left hand. Also, other fingers may be used instead of the thumb and index finger. Thus, because the second handle HA2 has a second projection HA21 that protrudes in the third direction and a second gripping surface HA22 that faces in the opposite direction to the second projection HA21, the scanning optical device 4 can be stably gripped even if the amount of protrusion of the second projection HA21 protruding from the third side wall 123 is 15 mm or less.

[0099] Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. The scanning optical device 4 of this embodiment is equipped with a first handle HA1. Since the first handle HA1 has a first projection HA11 that protrudes in a second direction and a first gripping surface HA12 that faces in the opposite direction to the first projection HA11, the scanning optical device 4 can be gripped even if the amount of protrusion of the first projection HA11 protruding from the first side wall 121 is small. By gripping the first projection HA11 and the first gripping surface HA12, the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted stably during attachment / detachment or assembly without increasing the size of the scanning optical device 4. For example, the amount of protrusion of the first projection HA11 from the first side wall 121 can be set to 15 mm or less, thus suppressing the increase in size of the scanning optical device 4.

[0100] Furthermore, since the first gripping surface HA12 is exposed on the side opposite to the side facing the mounting seat surface 130, it is easy to touch the first gripping surface HA12 from the side opposite to the side facing the mounting seat surface 130. As a result, the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted stably even when the mounting seat surface 130 is facing downwards.

[0101] Furthermore, while it was difficult to stably lift conventional scanning optical devices with one hand, by gripping the first handle HA1, the scanning optical device 4 can be stably lifted with one hand when attaching, detaching, or assembling it.

[0102] Furthermore, the scanning optical device 4 is equipped with a second handle HA2. The second handle HA2 has a second projection HA21 that protrudes in the third direction and a second gripping surface HA22 that faces in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second projection HA21 protrudes. Therefore, the scanning optical device 4 can be gripped even if the amount of protrusion of the second projection HA21 protruding from the third side wall 123 is small. By gripping the second projection HA21 and the second gripping surface HA22, the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted stably during attachment / detachment or assembly without increasing the size of the scanning optical device 4. For example, the amount of protrusion of the first projection HA11 from the first side wall 121 can be set to 15 mm or less, thus suppressing the increase in size of the scanning optical device 4.

[0103] Furthermore, since the second gripping surface HA22 is exposed on the side opposite to the side facing the mounting base surface 130, it is easy to touch the second gripping surface HA22 from the opposite side of the mounting base surface 130. As a result, the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted stably even when the mounting base surface 130 is facing downwards. With conventional scanning optical devices, it was difficult to lift them stably with one hand, but by gripping the second handle HA2, the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted stably with one hand when attaching, detaching, or assembling the scanning optical device 4.

[0104] Furthermore, because the second protrusion HA21 is provided on the third side wall 123, the scanning optical device 4 can be stably lifted from a direction different from the first handle HA1 when assembling the scanning optical device 4. Therefore, even if one hand is unavailable, the scanning optical device 4 can be stably lifted with the other hand.

[0105] Furthermore, the control board RR is located on the second side wall 122, which is on the opposite side of the first side wall 121 where the first handle HA1 is located. Therefore, by gripping the first handle HA1, the scanning optical device 4 can be lifted stably without touching the control board RR.

[0106] Furthermore, the first gripping surface HA12 is provided on the frame 100. As a result, the scanning optical device 4 can be stably lifted with one hand without touching other components such as the incident optical system Li, the deflector 50, and the scanning optical system Lo.

[0107] Furthermore, the first protrusion HA11 has a flat plate extending in a third direction. This makes it easier to grip the first protrusion HA11.

[0108] Furthermore, the first protrusion HA11 has a reinforcing rib HA13 that connects the first side wall 121 and the first protrusion HA11. As a result, the rigidity of the first protrusion HA11 is increased, and even if the scanning optical device 4 is lifted by gripping the first protrusion HA11, the first protrusion HA11 is less likely to deform.

[0109] Furthermore, since both the first protrusion HA11 and the first gripping surface HA12 are flat plates extending in the third direction, it is easy to grip the first protrusion HA11 and the first gripping surface HA12.

[0110] Although embodiments have been described above, the scanning optical apparatus and the image forming apparatus can be modified as appropriate, as illustrated below.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the first gripping surface of the first handle was provided on the frame, but the first gripping surface may also be provided on the cover.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the second gripping surface of the second handle was provided on the frame, but the second gripping surface may also be provided on the cover.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the first and second protrusions were flat plates, but the first and second protrusions may have shapes other than flat plates, such as prisms or cylinders.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the first gripping surface was a part of the inner surface of the first side wall, but the first gripping surface may be formed on a wall different from the first side wall.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 was a printer, but for example, the image forming apparatus may be a copier, a multifunction printer, or the like.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the scanning optical device 4 was a scanning optical device used in the image forming apparatus 1, but for example, the scanning optical device may be a scanning optical device used in an apparatus other than an image forming apparatus.

[0117] The elements described in the above embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 4. Scanning Optical Device 50 Deflector 100 frames 110 Frame base wall 120 side wall 130 Mounting surface 200 covers HA1 First Handle HA11 1st protrusion HA12 1st gripping surface

Claims

1. A scanning optical device that is mounted on the main housing of an image forming apparatus, A light source comprising a semiconductor laser and a coupling lens that converts light emitted from the semiconductor laser into a beam, A deflector having a polygon mirror that rotates about a rotation axis extending in a first direction, which deflects the beam emitted from the light source in the main scanning direction, A scanning optical system that images the beam deflected by the deflector onto the scanning surface, A frame on which the light source, the deflector, and the scanning optical system are mounted, The bottom wall to which the deflector is fixed, A side wall extending from the bottom wall in the first direction and constituting the outer wall of the frame, A frame having a mounting surface that contacts the main body housing when attached to the main body housing, A cover attached to the frame and surrounding the deflector between itself and the frame, A first handle that enables the lifting of the frame, A first projection extends from the side wall in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and outward from the frame, A scanning optical apparatus comprising a first handle having a first gripping surface which faces opposite to the direction in which the first projection protrudes, and which is located between the axis of rotation and the first projection in the second direction and is exposed on the side opposite to the side to which the mounting seat surface faces.

2. The aforementioned side wall is A first side wall located at one end of the frame in the second direction, A second side wall located at the other end of the frame in the second direction, A third side wall located at one end of the frame in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, The frame has a fourth side wall located at the other end in the third direction, The first projection is located on the first side wall, A second handle that enables the lifting of the frame, A second projection extends from the third side wall in the third direction and outward from the frame, The scanning optical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second handle having a second gripping surface facing opposite to the direction in which the second projection protrudes, the second gripping surface being located between the axis of rotation and the second projection in the third direction and exposed on the side opposite to the side to which the mounting seat surface faces.

3. The aforementioned side wall is A first side wall located at one end of the frame in the second direction, The frame has a second side wall located at the other end in the second direction, The first projection is located on the first side wall, The system further comprises a control board for controlling the semiconductor laser, The scanning optical apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control board is arranged on the second side wall.

4. The scanning optical apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first gripping surface is provided on the frame.

5. The scanning optical apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first projection has a flat plate extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

6. The scanning optical apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first protrusion has a reinforcing rib connecting the side wall and the flat plate.

7. The scanning optical apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first gripping surface is a plane extending in the third direction.

8. The scanning optical apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first gripping surface is located between the deflector and the first projection in the second direction.

Images