Optical Scanning Apparatus Integrated Positioning Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical scanning apparatuses in electrophotographic image forming devices face an issue where the positioning units required for light source units in the rotation axis direction of a rotating polygon mirror need to be strengthened, leading to an increase in the size of the optical box and the overall apparatus, compromising positioning accuracy and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A single positioning member is used between the light source units in the rotation axis direction, with abutting portions formed integrally with the optical box, reducing the need for external positioning units and allowing for precise positioning of light source units while minimizing the size of the optical box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning units are strengthened to achieve sufficient positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but the size of the optical box increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning functions into a single integrated positioning member. This positioning member includes multiple abutting portions that interface with different light source units, eliminating the need for separate positioning units for each light source. The integration reduces the overall space required while maintaining positioning accuracy through the coordinated design of multiple abutting surfaces on a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides positioning references for multiple light source units, maintains spacing between them, and ensures proper alignment in the rotation axis direction. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing the optical box size while achieving sufficient positioning accuracy for all light sources.
2Strength
If positioning units are disposed outside light source units to provide strength, then structural integrity is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is designed to be nested within the optical box structure, with abutting portions that extend into the spaces between light source units. This nested configuration allows the positioning member to provide structural support and positioning functionality without extending the external dimensions of the optical box in the rotation axis direction.
3Reliability
If multiple positioning units are used for multiple light source units, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning units into a single integrated positioning member with multiple abutting portions. This reduction in component count simplifies the device structure and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining positioning reliability through the rigid, precisely-formed abutting surfaces that ensure consistent positioning for each light source unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning apparatus includes first and second light source units including respective light sources; a rotating polygon mirror that performs deflection scanning of laser beams emitted from the light sources included in the first and second light source units; and a positioning member including a first abutting portion on which the first light source unit abuts and a second abutting portion on which the second light source unit abuts, the positioning member positioning the first and second light source units. The first and second light source units are positioned by the positioning member and arranged next to each other in a rotation axis direction of the rotating polygon mirror. The positioning member is a single member disposed between the first and second light source units in the rotation axis direction.