Optical Scanning Apparatus Light Source Pitch Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing processes for optical scanning apparatuses are complex due to the need for precise adjustments of multiple optical components, including the light source, coupling lens, and deflector, which increases the number of steps required for accurate assembly and focus adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves fixing the coupling lens to a frame, adjusting the light source's position relative to the coupling lens in both optical axis and perpendicular directions while emitting light, and adjusting the pitch between beams in the sub-scanning direction by rotating the light source, followed by fixing the light source to the frame at these adjusted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the positions of the light source and coupling lens are adjusted by moving the lens barrel, then the optical alignment is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment process into two independent stages: (1) adjusting the light source position relative to the coupling lens while the lens is mounted on the lens barrel, and (2) adjusting the pitch by rotating the light source. This segmentation allows each adjustment to be performed independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining optical alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the light source position adjustment before fixing the lens barrel to the holder. By completing the critical alignment adjustment in advance, the subsequent fixation step becomes simpler and does not require additional adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing process complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pitch is adjusted by rotating the light source, then the beam spacing accuracy is improved, but the adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the pitch adjustment by rotating the light source during the initial assembly stage before final fixation. By completing the pitch adjustment early in the manufacturing process, subsequent assembly steps can proceed without additional time-consuming adjustments, thereby reducing total adjustment time while maintaining beam spacing accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment steps are performed during assembly, then the optical component positioning accuracy is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical component assembly into distinct adjustment phases: light source position adjustment relative to the coupling lens, and pitch adjustment through light source rotation. Each phase is completed and fixed before proceeding to the next, allowing for precise positioning without requiring multiple iterative adjustments, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs critical positioning adjustments (light source position and pitch) during the initial assembly phase before final fixation of components. By completing all necessary adjustments beforehand, the subsequent manufacturing steps can proceed without additional adjustment operations, significantly improving manufacturing productivity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 method simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the need for subsequent adjustments of the light source position, improving accuracy, and streamlining the assembly of optical scanning apparatuses by allowing for easier power supply and stabilization during the adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (a semiconductor laser source) is fixed to a holder of a laser unit
Implementation Method 2
a coupling lens for converting light from the light source into luminous flux
Implementation Method 3
a deflector for deflecting the luminous flux in a main scanning direction
Implementation Method 4
a scanning lens for focusing the light from the deflector onto a scanned surface so as to form an image
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an optical scanning apparatus which includes: a light source having a plurality of luminous points; a coupling lens converting a plurality of beams from the light source into luminous flux; a deflector deflecting the luminous flux in a main scanning direction; a scanning lens focusing the luminous flux from the deflector onto a scanned surface so as to form an image; and a frame supporting at least the light source and the coupling lens, the method includes: fixing a coupling lens to a frame; adjusting a position of the light source, relative to the coupling lens fixed to the frame, while the light source emits the light; adjusting a pitch between the plurality of beams the optical axis while the light source emits the light; and fixing the light source to the frame at the adjusted position and the adjusted pitch.