Optical Scanning Device Compact Design Using Folded Lens Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical scanning devices for color image forming apparatuses are elongated due to the arrangement of components along the optical axis, leading to increased size of the image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning device incorporates a polygon mirror, a first lens, and a second lens, where the first lens allows light from plural sources to pass and is reflected by a first reflection mirror, and the second lens receives the light from the first reflection mirror, enabling the light to be directed differently, thus allowing plural colors to pass through with a single lens setup, reducing the size of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the polygon mirror, first fθ lens, second fθ lens, and reflection mirror are arranged in one direction along the optical axis, then the optical scanning device can process multiple colors, but the device becomes elongated and the size of the image forming apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement from a linear one-dimensional layout along the optical axis to a two-dimensional layout where the first lens and second lens are positioned at different locations. The first reflection mirror reflects light from the first lens to the second lens at an angle, allowing the optical path to fold back and reducing the overall device length while maintaining multi-color processing capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate areas are provided for the polygon mirror and reflection mirrors, then the optical scanning device can separate colors effectively, but the horizontal dimension of the apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the first lens and second lens into a single integrated optical path. The first reflection mirror is positioned to reflect light from the first lens directly to the second lens, combining the color separation function with a compact optical path that reduces the horizontal dimension while maintaining effective color separation.
3Length of stationary object
If the optical scanning device uses a single lens setup for multiple colors, then the device size is reduced, but the complexity of the lens system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal optical design where the first lens and second lens are configured to work together as a multi-functional system. The first lens collects light from the polygon mirror, the first reflection mirror redirects it, and the second lens focuses it onto the photoconductive member, allowing a single lens setup to handle multiple colors effectively while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity.
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 compact design of the image forming apparatus by eliminating the need for separate areas for the polygon mirror and reflection mirrors, resulting in a shorter horizontal dimension and maintaining a reduced vertical size, while enabling the passage of light for multiple colors with a single lens setup.
Implementation Method 1
a polygon mirror, a first lens, a first reflection mirror, and a second lens... The polygon mirror deflects lights emitted from the plural light sources in a predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
a first lens... The first lens allows the lights emitted from the plural light sources and deflected by the polygon mirror to pass
Implementation Method 3
a first reflection mirror... The first reflection mirror reflects the lights passed through the first lens in a direction different from the deflecting direction of the polygon mirror
Implementation Method 4
a second lens... The second lens receives incidence of the lights reflected by the first reflection mirror from a direction different from an incident direction of the first lens and allows, with one lens, the lights emitted from the plural light sources to pass
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an optical scanning device includes plural light sources, a polygon mirror, a first lens, a first reflection mirror, and a second lens. The polygon mirror deflects lights emitted from the plural light sources in a predetermined direction. The first lens allows the lights emitted from the plural light sources and deflected by the polygon mirror to pass. The first reflection mirror reflects the lights passed through the first lens in a direction different from the deflecting direction of the polygon mirror. The second lens receives incidence of the lights reflected by the first reflection mirror from a direction different from an incident direction of the first lens and allows, with one lens, the lights emitted from the plural light sources to pass.