Anamorphic Lens for Light Scanning Unit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light scanning units require separate adjustment of collimating and cylindrical lenses for main and sub scanning directions, leading to complex alignment and increased tolerance sensitivity in the sub scanning direction, which complicates the positioning and adjustment of optical components.
Innovation Solution
A light scanning unit with a single anamorphic lens as the first optical unit, which collimates and focuses the light beam in both main and sub scanning directions, reducing the need for independent adjustments and enhancing the optical system's magnification ratio to satisfy specific conditions, thereby reducing tolerance sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate collimating and cylindrical lenses are used for main and sub scanning directions, then the optical system can perform both scanning directions, but the alignment becomes complex and tolerance sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of separate collimating and cylindrical lenses into a single anamorphic lens. This single lens performs both collimation in the main scanning direction and focusing in the sub scanning direction, eliminating the need for separate lenses and reducing alignment complexity while maintaining dual-directional scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The anamorphic lens is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously: it acts as both a collimating lens for the main scanning direction and a cylindrical lens for the sub scanning direction. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall optical system structure and reduces the number of components requiring alignment
2Reliability
If separate collimating and cylindrical lenses are used, then the optical system can function properly, but the positioning and adjustment of optical components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the collimating and cylindrical lens functions into a single anamorphic lens, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be positioned and adjusted. This single lens can be positioned at a specific location relative to the light source and optical deflector, simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining proper optical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the anamorphic lens, including focal lengths in the main and sub scanning directions, and positioning distances from the light source and optical deflector. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves proper optical function with simplified adjustment requirements
3Productivity
If conventional optical units are used, then the light beam can be scanned, but the tolerance sensitivity in the sub scanning direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the anamorphic lens, including the ratio of focal lengths in the main and sub scanning directions, and the positioning distance from the optical deflector. These parameter optimizations reduce tolerance sensitivity in the sub scanning direction by ensuring that the optical system operates at optimal conditions where small variations have minimal impact on performance
Solution Approach 2:
The anamorphic lens is designed with different optical properties in different directions: it has different focal lengths for the main scanning and sub scanning directions. This directional differentiation allows the lens to optimize performance in each direction independently, reducing tolerance sensitivity in the sub scanning direction while maintaining scanning capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for precise adjustment and positioning of optical components with reduced tolerance sensitivity in the sub scanning direction, eliminating the need for additional adjustment members and improving the overall stability and efficiency of the light scanning unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical unit comprising a single lens, being disposed between the light source and the optical deflector, and for collimating the light beam emitted from the light source in the main scanning direction and focusing the light beam onto a reflection surface of the optical deflector in a sub scanning direction
Implementation Method 2
a first optical unit comprising a single lens, being disposed between the light source and the optical deflector, and for collimating the light beam emitted from the light source in the main scanning direction and focusing the light beam onto a reflection surface of the optical deflector in a sub scanning direction
Implementation Method 3
an optical deflector for deflecting and scanning the light beam emitted from the light source in a main scanning direction
Implementation Method 4
a second optical unit comprising at least one lens and for imaging the light beam deflected and scanned by the optical deflector onto a scanning target surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light scanning unit and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same. The light scanning unit uses a reduced number of optical components by forming an optical unit disposed between a light source and an optical deflector by using only a single lens and ensures optical and mechanical properties by having an appropriate main/sub scanning magnification ratio.