Optical Scanning Apparatus Holding Member Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical scanning apparatuses, particularly in tandem systems and over-field systems, the accurate positioning of incidence optical system elements in the main-scanning direction is crucial to prevent relative positional differences, which can lead to image quality deterioration due to varying light quantity distributions across scanned surfaces, especially affecting color image formation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a holding member and an adjusting mechanism to precisely position and align optical elements, ensuring they maintain the same optical characteristics and accurate alignment in the main-scanning direction, using a combination of press and elastic members to stabilize and adjust the attitude of these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple light beams are arranged side-by-side in the sub-scanning direction to increase scan speed, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in positioning optical elements with high accuracy in the main-scanning direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent light beam paths (first light beam, second light beam, etc.) arranged side-by-side in the sub-scanning direction. Each light beam has its own optical elements (first cylindrical lens, second cylindrical lens, etc.) that can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing high-precision positioning of each segment while maintaining overall high scan speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a holding member as an intermediary component that holds multiple optical elements (cylindrical lenses, mirrors, etc.) and provides positioning mechanisms. This holding member acts as a mediator between the optical elements and the apparatus structure, enabling precise positioning and adjustment of each optical element in the main-scanning direction without affecting other elements
2Manufacturing precision
If optical elements are positioned with high accuracy in the main-scanning direction to maintain image quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning functions into a single holding member structure. The holding member simultaneously holds multiple optical elements and provides positioning mechanisms for each, merging the functions of separate mounting structures into one integrated component. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy for each optical element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions optical elements side-by-side in the sub-scanning direction (vertical dimension) rather than arranging them sequentially in the main-scanning direction. This dimensional change allows multiple elements to be positioned independently without requiring complex positioning mechanisms in the main-scanning direction, simplifying the overall positioning system while maintaining high 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 effectively minimizes relative positional differences between optical elements, enhancing image quality by maintaining consistent light distribution across scanned surfaces, thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of color images formed.
Implementation Method 1
a first cylindrical lens through which the first light beam passes and a second cylindrical lens through which the second light beam passes, which are arranged in a side-by-side relationship in a sub-scanning direction
Data Source
AI summary
The optical scanning apparatus has a first light source, a second light source disposed in a side-by-side relationship with the first light source in a sub-scanning direction, a deflector deflecting respectively a first light beam outgoing from the first light source and a second light beam outgoing from the second light source, and scanning over different scanned surfaces with the light beams, a first optical member provided in a first optical path between the first light source and the deflector, wherein the first light beam outgoing from the first light source passes through, a second optical member provided in a second optical path between the second light source and the deflector, wherein the second light beam outgoing from the second light source passes through, disposed beside the first optical member in the sub-scanning direction, the second optical member having the same optical characteristic as the first optical member, a holding member that holds a side face of the optical member and a side face of the second optical member and positions the first optical member and the second optical member in a main-scanning direction; and an adjusting mechanism adjusting an attitude of the holding member.