Scanning Optical System Adjusting Device for Laser Printer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for adjusting scanning optical systems require separate adjustments of the semiconductor laser, leading to inaccuracies in optical axis and beam diameter when incorporated into the scanning optical system, necessitating repeated assembly and adjustment, increasing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A scanning optical system adjusting device and method that includes a static angle control unit to maintain the rotary polygon mirror at a predetermined angle and a light beam parameter measuring unit to adjust the optical axis and beam diameter within the assembled scanning optical system, eliminating the need for separate adjustments and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate adjustment of semiconductor laser is performed before assembly, then adjustment can be made in isolation, but assembly errors cause light beam to deviate from theoretical optical axis and beam diameter to be incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-assembling the scanning optical system with the semiconductor laser, rotary polygon mirror, and fθ lens in a fixed relative position before adjustment. This preliminary assembly ensures that all components are correctly positioned according to design specifications, allowing subsequent adjustment operations to build upon a reliable foundation rather than correcting assembly errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adjustment operations with the assembly process by performing optical axis and beam diameter adjustments while the scanning optical system is assembled as a complete unit. This integration eliminates the disconnect between assembly and adjustment, ensuring that adjustments account for all assembly errors and dimensional tolerances present in the final configured system.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment is performed after assembly, then assembly errors can be corrected, but repeated assembly and adjustment is required increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assembly of the scanning optical system with all components fixed in their correct relative positions before adjustment operations. This preliminary action establishes a stable baseline that eliminates the need for repeated assembly cycles, as the system is pre-configured to accept adjustment operations directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through position detection devices and beam diameter measuring units that provide real-time information during adjustment operations. This feedback allows for precise correction of optical axis position and beam diameter deviations without requiring disassembly or reassembly, enabling single-pass adjustment of the complete scanning optical system.
3Ease of operation
If traditional separate adjustment method is used, then adjustment procedures are simple, but multiple adjustments and reassemblies are needed due to assembly dimensional errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment operations (optical axis positioning and beam diameter adjustment) into a single integrated adjustment process performed on the complete assembled scanning optical system. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment cycles and repeated assemblies, significantly improving productivity while maintaining operational clarity through systematic adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assembly of all scanning optical components with fixed relative positions before adjustment operations. This preliminary action creates a stable, pre-configured system that can be adjusted in a single systematic process rather than requiring multiple iterative cycles of assembly and adjustment, thereby improving preparation efficiency.
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
Enables quick and cost-effective adjustments of the scanning optical system by addressing errors in incorporation, reducing unnecessary adjustment and assembly work, and ensuring accurate optical axis and beam diameter settings within the assembled unit.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary polygon mirror configured to cause the light beam emitted by the light emitting unit to perform scanning
Implementation Method 2
a static angle control unit configured to maintain a rotation angle of the rotary polygon mirror in the assembly unit of the scanning optical system at a predetermined angle
Implementation Method 3
a light beam parameter measuring unit arranged in a predetermined positional relation with the assembly unit of the scanning optical system and configured to measure a predetermined parameter of a light beam reflected by the rotary polygon mirror
Data Source
AI summary
As a light beam of a scanning optical system unit is adjusted in the state where the scanning optical system unit is assembled, its adjustment work and the assembly work of the scanning optical system are prevented from being useless. Thus, a scanning optical system adjusting device which can adjust the scanning optical system quickly and at a low cost is to be provided. A scanning optical system adjusting device according to the invention includes a static angle control unit configured to maintain a rotation angle of a rotary polygon mirror in the assembly unit of the scanning optical system at a predetermined angle and make the rotary polygon mirror static there, and a light beam parameter measuring unit configured to measure a predetermined parameter of a light beam reflected by the rotary polygon mirror maintained at the predetermined angle by the static angle control unit.