Light Scanning Apparatus Optical Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In light scanning apparatuses, the shaping member disposed close to the rotary polygon mirror blocks the optical path of the laser beam intended for the synchronization sensor, causing interference and affecting image formation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A light scanning apparatus design where two laser sources are positioned on opposite sides of a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotary polygon mirror's rotation axis, with each source having a central axis forming an angle greater than 0 degrees with the virtual plane, and featuring openings in a standing portion to allow the laser beams to pass through without obstructing the synchronization sensor's optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the shaping member is disposed close to the rotary polygon mirror to shape the laser beam spot, then the spot shape control is improved, but the shaping member blocks the optical path of the laser beam intended for the synchronization sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate optical paths: one for the main scanning laser beam and another for the synchronization sensor laser beam. By providing distinct optical paths, the shaping member can be positioned in the main scanning path without interfering with the synchronization sensor path, thus resolving the blockage issue while maintaining spot shape control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial separation by arranging the shaping member and synchronization sensor at different positions in the optical system. The shaping member is placed in the optical path between the laser source and rotary polygon mirror, while the synchronization sensor receives light through a different spatial route, effectively using dimensional separation to avoid interference.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical path of the laser beam to the synchronization sensor is located close to the optical path of the laser beam to the rotary polygon mirror to reduce device size, then the device compactness is improved, but the shaping member blocks the synchronization sensor optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical paths into distinct channels: the main scanning optical path and the synchronization sensor optical path. This segmentation allows the shaping member to be positioned in the main scanning path without blocking the synchronization path, achieving both compactness and functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the shaping member with specific positioning) that mediates between the laser source and the rotary polygon mirror without interfering with the synchronization sensor path. This intermediary arrangement allows close proximity of optical paths while preventing blockage.
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
This configuration ensures that the laser beams can scan the photosensitive members accurately without blocking the synchronization sensor's path, improving image formation precision and reducing size while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary polygon mirror having a plurality of reflection surfaces and driven to be rotated, the rotary polygon mirror deflecting the first laser beam by the plurality of reflection surfaces so that the first laser beam scans the first photosensitive member
Data Source
AI summary
A light scanning apparatus including: a light receiving portion configured to receive a first laser beam to generate a synchronization signal; and a standing portion, wherein a first opening through which a part of the first laser beam that is emitted from a first light source and travels toward a rotary polygon mirror and the first laser beam that is emitted from the first light source and is deflected by the rotary polygon mirror pass and a second opening through which a part of the second laser beam that is emitted from a second light source and travels toward the rotary polygon mirror passes are provided in the standing portion, and wherein the first laser beam that is deflected by the rotary polygon mirror and passes through the first opening is incident on the light receiving portion.