Light Scanning Apparatus Tilted Optical Axis Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light scanning apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while avoiding increased magnification of imaging optical systems and the resulting enlargement of image forming apparatuses, due to differing arrangements and optical path lengths of imaging optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A light scanning apparatus is designed with a deflecting unit and imaging optical systems where the first and second imaging optical systems have reflective elements on their optical paths, with the condition L1/T1 > L2/T2 satisfied, allowing for downsizing while preventing magnification and size increase, and optimizing the arrangement of photosensitive drums to avoid optical element interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If imaging optical systems employ different arrangements of imaging optical elements to downsize the light scanning apparatus, then the light scanning apparatus size is reduced, but the magnification of imaging optical systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilt angle parameter (alpha) between the optical axis and the straight line connecting light-condensing positions, adding a dimensional degree of freedom to the optical system design. This allows the system to achieve compact size while controlling magnification by adjusting the spatial orientation rather than just component distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a specific mathematical relationship (L1/T1 > L2/T2) between optical path parameters to control system magnification. By changing the parameters L1, L2, T1, and T2 according to this inequality relationship, the system achieves downsizing while preventing magnification increase
2Volume of moving object
If imaging optical systems have different lengths of optical paths to downsize the light scanning apparatus, then the light scanning apparatus size is reduced, but the photosensitive bodies must be arranged at wide intervals increasing the image forming apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the tilt angle alpha and allowing the straight line connecting light-condensing positions to be non-perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction, the patent enables compact arrangement of photosensitive bodies in the sub-scanning direction while maintaining proper optical path lengths for each imaging system
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 effectively achieves downsizing of the light scanning apparatus while maintaining image quality and preventing the enlargement of the image forming apparatus, ensuring efficient space utilization and minimizing optical element interference.
Implementation Method 1
a deflecting unit including first and second deflecting surfaces configured to deflect first and second light fluxes to scan first and second scanned surfaces
Implementation Method 2
first and second imaging optical systems configured to condense the first and second light fluxes deflected by the deflecting unit on the first and second scanned surfaces
Implementation Method 3
first and second imaging optical systems configured to condense the first and second light fluxes
Data Source
AI summary
Light scanning apparatus includes a first imaging optical system including one or more imaging optical elements (IOEs) and a first reflective element on optical path between deflecting unit and a first one of IOEs having greatest power in sub-scanning section, and a second imaging optical system including one or more IOEs and a second reflective element on optical path between second scanned surface and a second one of IOEs having greatest power in sub-scanning section. A straight line passing through first and second light-condensing positions of first and second light fluxes deflected by deflecting unit on first and second optical axes is not perpendicular to sub-scanning direction. Distances on first and second optical axes from first and second axial deflecting points to first and second IOEs, and distances on first and second optical axes from first and second axial deflecting points to first and second scanned surfaces are appropriately set.