Optical Scanner Mirror Group Vertical Size Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tandem-type color image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing size and cost due to the need for multiple optical scanning systems, each with expensive optical deflectors, and existing solutions that attempt to share a common optical deflector increase the vertical size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The optical scanning apparatus rearranges the reflective mirror group and photoreceptor drum to align vertically, with a third reflective mirror positioned to reduce the vertical distance between the optical scanner and photoreceptor drum, and employs fθ lenses to compact the system, while ensuring the strength of the board through separation walls to prevent deformation and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a common optical deflector is used to scan multiple image bearing members simultaneously, then cost is reduced, but the vertical size of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal planar arrangement of optical components. The light beam path is extended in the horizontal direction by adding reflective mirrors that guide the beam across the board rather than folding it vertically, thereby reducing the vertical footprint while maintaining the optical path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (lenses, mirrors, light sources) onto a single board structure. The reflective mirrors and lenses are positioned on the same board plane, creating a compact nested arrangement where components share the same structural platform, reducing overall apparatus size.
2Area of stationary object
If the optical path is folded back to reduce device size, then horizontal space is reduced, but the vertical distance from optical deflector to image bearing member increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of folding the optical path vertically, the patent extends it horizontally using reflective mirrors arranged on the board plane. The light beam travels across the board in a horizontal direction, converting vertical space consumption into horizontal space utilization, thereby reducing vertical distance while maintaining adequate optical path length.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple optical scanning systems are provided for tandem-type color image forming, then image quality is maintained, but component cost and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical scanning functions into a single integrated system. One optical deflector and one light source are used to scan multiple image bearing members simultaneously by directing the light beam to different positions on the board, thereby reducing the number of optical scanning systems from four to one while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical deflector and light source assembly is designed to perform multiple scanning functions for different image bearing members. By adjusting the reflective mirror positions and light beam angles, the same optical components serve multiple purposes, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems for each color channel.
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 reduces the vertical size of the optical scanning apparatus, enhances image quality by preventing jitter, and maintains structural integrity against external forces and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical deflector that reflects and deflects a light beam from the light source
Implementation Method 2
one or more lenses installed in a reflection direction of the optical deflector and through which the light beam reflected by the optical deflector passes
Implementation Method 3
a reflective mirror group which is disposed in accordance with the light source and guides the light beam having passed through the lens
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention is an optical scanning apparatus (Y) provided with a light source, an optical deflector (22) that reflects and deflects a light beam from the light source, one or more lenses (23) through which the light beam reflected by the optical deflector (22) passes, a reflective mirror group (24) which guides the light beam having passed through the lens (23), and an image bearing member (2) on which the light beam having passed through the reflective mirror group (24) forms an image, in which the reflective mirror group (24) disposed in accordance with the light source is configured by including at least a third reflective mirror (24c) that reflects the light beam having passed through the lens (23) toward the image bearing member (2), and the third reflective mirror (24c) and the image bearing member (2) are arranged opposing each other across an optical path reflected by the optical deflector (22) and passing through the lens (23).