Multi-Beam Light Scanning Layout for Compact Polygon Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light scanning apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization in the rotation axis direction of a rotary polygon mirror due to the arrangement of multiple light sources, leading to increased size and potential image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
The light scanning apparatus is designed with light sources arranged to have angular differences in both the main and sub-scanning directions, utilizing a compact housing configuration that minimizes the size of the apparatus while maintaining image quality by optimizing the placement of optical elements and mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are arranged in parallel in the rotation axis direction of the rotary polygon mirror, then the multi-beam function is achieved, but the size of the light scanning apparatus increases in the rotation axis direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging light sources in the rotation axis direction (one dimension) to arranging them in the main scanning direction (another dimension). This dimensional change allows multiple light sources to be accommodated without increasing the apparatus size in the rotation axis direction, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between achieving multi-beam function and maintaining compact dimensions.
2Length of stationary object
If light sources are arranged with angular differences in main scanning direction, then compact housing configuration is achieved, but precise laser light alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual collimator lenses for each light source position. Each collimator lens is specifically positioned to collimate the laser light from its corresponding light source with the appropriate angular difference. This localized optical element arrangement enables precise laser light alignment despite the compact housing configuration with angular differences, resolving the contradiction between compactness and alignment precision.
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 allows for a reduction in the overall size of the light scanning apparatus without compromising image quality, achieving a more compact design while ensuring precise laser light alignment and reduced surface eccentricity of the rotary polygon mirror.
Implementation Method 1
a light spot is formed on a surface of a photosensitive member by deflecting laser light emitted from a light source
Implementation Method 2
by deflecting laser light emitted from a light source using a rotary polygon mirror
Implementation Method 3
condensing them onto the photosensitive member using an imaging optical system
Implementation Method 4
The light spot scans on the surface on the photosensitive member so that a latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member
Data Source
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AI summary
A light scanning apparatus including: a first holder attached to a housing and configured to hold a first laser light source; a second holder attached to the housing and configured to hold a second laser light source; and a lens to which the laser lights are first incident, wherein the first holder and the second holder are attached to the housing in mutually different positions in a rotation axis direction of a rotary polygon mirror and in an optical axis direction of the lens, so that a first incident light path from the first laser light source to the rotary polygon mirror is placed between a second incident light path from the second laser light source to the rotary polygon mirror and the lens, and the first holder and the second holder overlap one another in the rotation axis direction.