Light Scanning Unit With Folded Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light scanning units in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are large and costly, necessitating a compact and cost-effective solution for reducing their size and manufacturing expenses while maintaining scanning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A light scanning unit design featuring a light source unit with multiple light sources on a single circuit substrate, an incident optical system with folding light paths using reflection surfaces and light path changing members, and a synchronization detection system integrated with the light path changing members to reduce the size and complexity of the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional light scanning unit is used, then the scanning function is reliable, but the size and manufacturing cost are large and high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light path changing members (mirrors) to fold the light paths between the light source unit and the light deflector. This transforms the spatial arrangement from a straight-line configuration to a folded multi-dimensional path, allowing the optical components to be compactly arranged while maintaining the required optical path length and scanning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple light sources onto a single circuit substrate and combines the incident optical system with the light deflector assembly. This merging of components reduces the overall number of parts, simplifies the structure, and decreases the volume of the light scanning unit while maintaining reliable scanning functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional light scanning unit is used, then the scanning performance is maintained, but the manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources on a single circuit substrate and integrates the incident optical system with the light deflector, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. This merging approach lowers manufacturing costs while the folded light path design ensures that scanning efficiency and optical path length requirements are met
3Device complexity
If multiple light sources are integrated on a single substrate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light path alignment precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light path changing members (mirrors) as intermediary components that facilitate precise light path routing between the integrated light sources and the light deflector. These intermediaries provide adjustable alignment points that enable precise optical alignment while keeping the overall device structure compact and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
By folding the light paths using mirrors, the patent creates multiple spatial dimensions for light propagation. This allows independent adjustment of light paths from different light sources, making alignment easier despite the integrated configuration, as each light path can be optimized in its folded spatial configuration
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 enables a compact light scanning unit with reduced manufacturing costs, allowing for efficient scanning of multiple light beams onto different reflection surfaces, thereby enhancing the compactness and cost-effectiveness of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
an incident optical system to allow the plurality of light beams emitted from the light source unit to be incident on different reflection surfaces of the light deflector, wherein the incident optical system includes at least one incident light path changing member that folds light paths of the plurality of light beams
Implementation Method 2
a light deflector to deflect the plurality of light beams emitted from the light source unit in a main scanning direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light scanning unit includes a light source unit to emit a plurality of light beams, a light deflector to deflect the plurality of light beams emitted from the light source unit in a sub-scanning direction, an incident optical system to allow the plurality of light beams emitted from the light source unit to be incident on different reflection surfaces of the light deflector, and an imaging optical system that allows a plurality of light beams that are deflected by the light deflector, to be imaged on different scanning surfaces, wherein the incident optical system includes at least one incident light path changing member that folds light paths of the plurality of light beams between the light source unit and the light deflector.