JP2002148551A - Optical writer and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Optical writer and image forming apparatusInfo
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- JP2002148551A JP2002148551A JP2000346895A JP2000346895A JP2002148551A JP 2002148551 A JP2002148551 A JP 2002148551A JP 2000346895 A JP2000346895 A JP 2000346895A JP 2000346895 A JP2000346895 A JP 2000346895A JP 2002148551 A JP2002148551 A JP 2002148551A
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- Prior art keywords
- optical
- lens
- image
- optical writing
- writing device
- Prior art date
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- Mounting And Adjusting Of Optical Elements (AREA)
- Mechanical Optical Scanning Systems (AREA)
- Facsimile Scanning Arrangements (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、並設された複数の
像担持体の被走査面上に光ビームを照射して潜像を書き
込む光書込装置、及びその光書込装置を備え多色画像を
形成する複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ、プロッタ等
の画像形成装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical writing device for writing a latent image by irradiating a light beam onto a surface to be scanned of a plurality of image carriers arranged side by side, and a multi-function device including the optical writing device. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a plotter that forms a color image.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来、複数の光源から出射される光ビー
ムを、並設された４つの像担持体（例えば、感光体ドラ
ム）に照射して潜像の書き込みを行い、各像担持体上に
形成された潜像を異なる色の現像剤（例えば、イエロ
ー、マゼンタ、シアン、ブラックのトナー）でそれぞれ
現像して可視像化した後、転写搬送ベルト等に担持され
た記録用紙等の転写材を各像担持体の転写部に順次搬送
し、各像担持体上に形成された各色の可視像を転写材に
重ね合わせて転写した後、転写材上に転写された画像を
定着して多色画像を得るタンデム式のカラー画像形成装
置が知られている。このようなタンデム式のカラー画像
形成装置において、従来から各像担持体への潜像書き込
みを像担持体毎に個別的に設けた光書込装置により別個
に行うものが知られているが、ポリゴンミラーとその駆
動用モータからなる光偏向器を用いた光書込装置は比較
的高価であり、各像担持体毎に個別に光書込装置を設け
ることは部品コストや製造コストの点で問題がある。ま
た、光偏向器を有する光書込装置を像担持体の数に対応
して複数設置するためには大きな設置スペースを必要と
するため、画像形成装置全体が大型化するという問題も
ある。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, light beams emitted from a plurality of light sources are applied to four image bearing members (for example, photosensitive drums) arranged side by side to write a latent image thereon, and each image bearing member is subjected to writing. After the latent images formed on the sheet are developed with respective developers of different colors (for example, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners) to be visualized, the transfer of a recording sheet or the like carried on a transfer conveyance belt or the like is performed. The material is sequentially conveyed to the transfer section of each image carrier, and the visible images of each color formed on each image carrier are superimposed and transferred on the transfer material, and then the image transferred on the transfer material is fixed. A tandem type color image forming apparatus that obtains a multicolor image by using a tandem type is known. In such a tandem type color image forming apparatus, a type in which a latent image is written on each image carrier separately by an optical writing device individually provided for each image carrier is conventionally known. An optical writing device using an optical deflector composed of a polygon mirror and a motor for driving the polygon mirror is relatively expensive. Providing an optical writing device individually for each image carrier is costly in terms of parts costs and manufacturing costs. There's a problem. In addition, a large installation space is required to install a plurality of optical writing devices each having an optical deflector corresponding to the number of image carriers, and thus there is a problem that the entire image forming apparatus becomes large.
【０００３】そこで、タンデム式のカラー画像形成装置
の低コスト化、小型化を図るために、複数の像担持体へ
光書込みを行う手段として、光偏向器を複数の光源で共
通化し、一つの光偏向器で複数の光源からの光ビームを
同時に偏向走査して複数の像担持体に照射し光書き込み
を行う光書込装置が知られている。In order to reduce the cost and size of the tandem type color image forming apparatus, an optical deflector is shared by a plurality of light sources as a means for performing optical writing on a plurality of image carriers. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an optical writing apparatus that deflects and scans light beams from a plurality of light sources at the same time by an optical deflector and irradiates a plurality of image carriers with light to perform optical writing.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記のように一つの光
偏向器で複数の光源からの光ビームを同時に偏向走査し
て複数の像担持体に照射し光書き込みを行う光書込装置
は、複数の光源ユニットと、一つの光偏向器と、光偏向
器を中心にして２方向に対称に配置され光偏向器により
偏向走査される複数の光ビームをそれぞれ対応する被走
査面上に導き結像する光学系とを備えた構成であり、こ
れらの光学部材を一つのハウジングに収納した構成であ
るので、従来の複数の光書込装置を備えた構成と比べて
部品点数を削減でき、設置スペースも小さくて済むの
で、画像形成装置の低コスト化、小型化を図ることがで
きる。As described above, an optical writing apparatus for simultaneously deflecting and scanning light beams from a plurality of light sources and irradiating a plurality of image carriers with one optical deflector to perform optical writing is described below. A plurality of light source units, one optical deflector, and a plurality of light beams which are arranged symmetrically in two directions about the optical deflector and which are deflected and scanned by the optical deflector are respectively guided on the corresponding surfaces to be scanned. And a configuration in which these optical members are housed in one housing, so that the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration having a plurality of conventional optical writing devices, and installation is possible. Since the space can be reduced, the cost and size of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.
【０００５】上記のような構成の光書込装置を備え、フ
ルカラー画像を形成する画像形成装置の場合、通常、複
数の光源ユニットとして、ブラック用の光源ユニット
と、カラー用の３つの光源ユニット（例えばシアン、マ
ゼンタ、イエロー用の光源ユニット）が設けられてお
り、白黒画像を形成する白黒モード時にはブラック用の
光源ユニットのみが使用され、カラー画像を形成するカ
ラーモードの時には上記４つの光源ユニットが使用され
る。そして、カラーモード時にはブラック用とカラー用
の合わせて４つの光源ユニットを使用し、この４つの光
源ユニットからの光ビームを一つの光偏向器で同時に偏
向走査してそれぞれ光学系を介して４つの像担持体に照
射し光書き込みを行う。[0005] In the case of an image forming apparatus provided with the optical writing device having the above-described configuration and forming a full-color image, usually, a plurality of light source units for black and three light source units for color ( For example, light source units for cyan, magenta, and yellow are provided. In the black and white mode for forming a black and white image, only the light source unit for black is used. In the color mode for forming a color image, the above four light source units are used. used. In the color mode, a total of four light source units for black and color are used, and light beams from these four light source units are simultaneously deflected and scanned by one optical deflector, and each of the four light sources is deflected and scanned via an optical system. Light writing is performed by irradiating the image carrier.
【０００６】光書込装置の光偏向器以降の光学系として
は、各光ビームに対応して設けられた結像用レンズと光
路折り返しミラー等から構成され、結像用レンズとして
は、ｆθレンズやトロイダルレンズ等が用いられている
が、光偏向器による走査ビームは光偏向器から離れるに
従って走査領域が広がっていくので、光出射側に配置さ
れるレンズは主走査方向に長尺なレンズ（以後、長尺レ
ンズと言う）となる。この長尺レンズは、主走査方向に
長尺な形状のため歪みや撓みが発生しやすく、この歪み
や撓みによりレンズの母線が曲り、被走査面上を光ビー
ムで走査する際に走査線の曲りが発生する場合がある。
そして、この走査線曲りが各色の光ビーム間で異なる
と、転写材上に形成したカラー画像に色ずれが発生し、
画像品質が低下する原因となる。The optical system following the optical deflector of the optical writing device is composed of an imaging lens provided for each light beam, an optical path turning mirror, and the like. The imaging lens is an fθ lens. And a toroidal lens are used. However, since the scanning area of the scanning beam by the optical deflector expands as the distance from the optical deflector increases, the lens disposed on the light emission side is a lens that is long in the main scanning direction ( Hereinafter, it will be referred to as a long lens). This long lens is apt to be distorted or bent due to its long shape in the main scanning direction, and the distortion or bending bends the generatrix of the lens, causing the scanning line to scan the surface to be scanned with a light beam. Bending may occur.
If the scanning line curvature is different between the light beams of each color, a color shift occurs in the color image formed on the transfer material,
This causes the image quality to deteriorate.
【０００７】そこで、この走査線曲りを補正・軽減させ
るために、従来は平行平板ガラスからなる防塵ガラス
を、偏向走査される光ビームに対して傾けて配置し、そ
の防塵ガラスの厚みや傾斜角度を変えて走査線曲りの調
整を行っていたが、走査線曲りを調整するために数種類
の防塵ガラスを用意するのは無駄である。また、防塵ガ
ラスを厚くした場合には、非点隔差等の他の光学特性が
劣化する原因となる。また、光ビームが長尺レンズに入
射する前の光路上に設けた光路折り返し用のミラーの角
度を調整して走査線曲りを調整することも行なわれてい
るが、この場合、ミラーの角度を変えることにより走査
線位置をずらすことになり、ビーム径を悪化させる原因
となる。また、各光ビーム間で走査線位置がずれる原因
ともなる。Therefore, in order to correct and reduce this scanning line bending, a dust-proof glass, which is conventionally made of a parallel plate glass, is arranged to be inclined with respect to the light beam to be deflected and scanned, and the thickness and the inclination angle of the dust-proof glass are set. Has been adjusted to change the scanning line curvature, but it is useless to prepare several types of dustproof glass to adjust the scanning line curvature. Further, when the dust-proof glass is made thick, other optical characteristics such as astigmatism may be deteriorated. In addition, it is also performed to adjust the angle of the mirror for turning back the optical path provided on the optical path before the light beam enters the long lens to adjust the scanning line bending. By changing it, the position of the scanning line is shifted, which causes the beam diameter to deteriorate. In addition, the position of the scanning line may be shifted between the light beams.
【０００８】本発明は上記事情に鑑みなされたものであ
って、偏向走査される光ビームを被走査面上に結像する
結像用レンズに長尺レンズを使用した場合に発生する走
査線曲りを簡易に調整でき、複数の光ビーム間で走査線
曲りが一致するように補正して色ずれの発生を防止する
ことができる光書込装置を提供することを目的とし、さ
らには、その光書込装置を具備し、画像品質の向上を図
ることができる画像形成装置を提供することを目的とす
る。The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a scanning line curve generated when a long lens is used as an imaging lens for imaging a light beam to be deflected and scanned on a surface to be scanned. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical writing apparatus which can easily adjust the scanning line curvature and correct the scanning line curvature between a plurality of light beams to prevent the occurrence of color misregistration. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus including a writing device and capable of improving image quality.
【０００９】[0009]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するた
め、本発明では、複数の光源と、該複数の光源からの光
ビームを対称な２方向に振り分けて偏向走査する光偏向
器と、該光偏向器を中心にして前記２方向に対称に配置
され、前記光偏向器により偏向走査される複数の光ビー
ムをそれぞれ対応する被走査面上に導き結像する光学系
を備え、複数の光源、光偏向器及び光学系を一つのハウ
ジングに収納した光書込装置において、前記光学系は、
複数の光ビームのそれぞれに対応して結像用レンズと光
路折り返し用のミラーを備え、且つ前記結像用レンズの
一つとして主走査方向に長尺なレンズを備え、該長尺レ
ンズは、被走査面上での走査線曲りを複数の光ビーム間
で一致させるための真直度調整手段を有する構成とした
（請求項１）。According to the present invention, there is provided an optical deflector for deflecting and scanning light beams from a plurality of light sources in two symmetric directions. An optical system that is arranged symmetrically in the two directions with the optical deflector as a center and guides and forms a plurality of light beams, which are deflected and scanned by the optical deflector, onto corresponding scanning surfaces, respectively; In an optical writing device in which an optical deflector and an optical system are housed in one housing, the optical system includes:
An imaging lens and an optical path turning mirror are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of light beams, and an elongated lens in the main scanning direction is provided as one of the imaging lenses. There is provided a straightness adjusting means for matching the scanning line curvature on the surface to be scanned between the plurality of light beams (claim 1).
【００１０】ここで、本発明に係る光書込装置におい
て、前記長尺レンズは、長手方向の両端部をハウジング
の基盤に設けたレンズ支持部に支持され、前記真直度調
整手段は、前記長尺レンズの長手方向の略中央部に設け
られ、該長尺レンズの湾曲量（撓み量）を調整する手段
であることを特徴とする（請求項２）。具体的には、本
発明に係る光書込装置において、前記長尺レンズは、長
手方向の両端部をハウジングの基盤に設けたレンズ支持
部にバネ部材を用いて加圧支持される構成とした（請求
項３）。さらに、本発明に係る光書込装置において、前
記真直度調整手段は、前記長尺レンズの長手方向の略中
央部をハウジングの基盤側に加圧する手段と、該加圧手
段の加圧力に抗して長尺レンズの略中央部を反対方向に
移動調整する手段を有する構成とした（請求項４）。よ
り具体的には、本発明に係る光書込装置において、前記
真直度調整手段の加圧手段は、一端側をハウジングの基
盤側に設けた掛止部に固定され、他端側で前記長尺レン
ズの長手方向の略中央部をハウジングの基盤側に加圧す
るバネ部材であり、該バネ部材の加圧力に抗して長尺レ
ンズの略中央部を反対方向に移動調整する手段は、前記
基盤側の保持部に螺合され先端部で長尺レンズの略中央
部を支持するネジ部材であることを特徴とする（請求項
５）。Here, in the optical writing apparatus according to the present invention, the long lens is supported by a lens support provided at both ends in a longitudinal direction on a base of a housing, and the straightness adjusting means is provided by the straightness adjusting means. It is provided at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long lens, and is a means for adjusting a bending amount (bending amount) of the long lens (claim 2). Specifically, in the optical writing device according to the present invention, the long lens has a configuration in which both ends in the longitudinal direction are pressed and supported by a lens supporting portion provided on a base of a housing using a spring member. (Claim 3). Further, in the optical writing apparatus according to the present invention, the straightness adjusting means includes means for pressing a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long lens toward the base of the housing, and resistance to the pressing force of the pressing means. Then, there is provided a means for moving and adjusting a substantially central portion of the long lens in the opposite direction (claim 4). More specifically, in the optical writing device according to the present invention, the pressing means of the straightness adjusting means has one end fixed to a hook provided on the base side of the housing, and the other end fixed to the length. A spring member for pressing a substantially central portion of the long lens in the longitudinal direction toward the base of the housing, and a means for moving and adjusting the substantially central portion of the long lens in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the spring member; It is a screw member which is screwed to the holding portion on the base side and which supports a substantially central portion of the long lens at the tip portion (claim 5).
【００１１】さらに、本発明では、並設された複数の像
担持体と、その複数の像担持体の被走査面上に光ビーム
を照射して潜像を書き込む光書込手段と、各像担持体に
形成された潜像を異なる色の現像剤で現像して可視像化
する現像手段と、各像担持体の位置に順次転写材を搬送
し各像担持体上に形成された各色の可視像を転写材に重
ね合わせて転写する転写搬送手段と、転写材上に転写さ
れた画像を定着する定着手段を備えた画像形成装置にお
いて、前記光書込手段として、請求項１〜５のうちの何
れか一つに記載の光書込装置を備えた構成とした（請求
項６）。Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of image carriers arranged side by side, an optical writing means for irradiating a light beam on a surface to be scanned of the plurality of image carriers to write a latent image, Developing means for developing the latent image formed on the carrier with a developer of a different color to make it a visible image, and sequentially transporting the transfer material to the position of each image carrier and forming each color formed on each image carrier Wherein the optical writing unit is used as an optical writing unit in an image forming apparatus including a transfer conveyance unit that transfers the visible image of the image on the transfer material in a superimposed manner and a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred on the transfer material. The optical writing device according to any one of the fifth to fifth aspects is provided (claim 6).
【００１２】[0012]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明に係る光書込装置及
び画像形成装置の構成、動作及び作用について図示の実
施例に基づいて詳細に説明する。図１は本発明の一実施
例を示す光書込装置の断面図であり、図２は図１に示す
光書込装置の光偏向器より左側の部分を拡大して示す要
部断面図である。また、図３は図１に示す光書込装置を
備えた画像形成装置の一例を示す概略構成図である。ま
た、図４は図１に示す光書込装置の基盤上面側の構成を
示す平面図である（尚、図１は図４のＡ−Ａ’線部分の
断面構成を示している）。さらに、図５は図１に示す光
書込装置の構成から光偏向器及び光学系を抜き出してそ
の配置構成を示したものであり、図６は図４に示す基盤
上面側の構成から光源ユニット、光偏向器及び光学系を
抜き出してその配置構成を示したものである。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The construction, operation and operation of an optical writing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail based on the illustrated embodiment. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an optical writing apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part showing an enlarged left part of an optical deflector of the optical writing apparatus shown in FIG. is there. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus provided with the optical writing device shown in FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the optical writing device shown in FIG. 1 on the upper surface side of the substrate (FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 4). 5 shows the arrangement of the optical deflector and the optical system extracted from the configuration of the optical writing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the light source unit from the configuration on the upper surface side of the substrate shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows an arrangement configuration of an optical deflector and an optical system extracted.
【００１３】図３に示す構成の画像形成装置は、複数の
像担持体として、複数のドラム状の光導電性感光体（以
下、感光体ドラム）１，２，３，４を並置したフルカラ
ー画像形成装置であり、この４つの感光体ドラム１，
２，３，４は、例えば図に対して右から順に、イエロー
（Ｙ）、マゼンタ（Ｍ）、シアン（Ｃ）、ブラック（Ｂ
ｋ）の各色に対応した画像を形成するものである（尚、
色の順はこの限りではなく任意に設定することができ
る）。その４つの感光体ドラム１，２，３，４の各々の
周囲には、電子写真プロセスにより画像形成を行うため
の、帯電部（帯電ローラ、帯電ブラシ、帯電チャージャ
等）６，７，８，９と、光書込装置５からの光ビームＬ
１，Ｌ２，Ｌ３，Ｌ４の露光部と、現像部（Ｙ，Ｍ，
Ｃ，Ｂｋの各色の現像装置）１０，１１，１２，１３
と、転写搬送ベルト２２ａ及びその裏面に配置された転
写手段（転写ローラ、転写ブラシ等）１４，１５，１
６，１７を備えた転写搬送装置２２と、クリーニング部
（クリーニングブレード、クリーニングブラシ等）１
８，１９，２０，２１などが配設されており、それぞれ
の感光体ドラム１，２，３，４に各色の画像形成を行う
ことが可能となっている。The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is a full-color image in which a plurality of drum-shaped photoconductive photosensitive members (hereinafter, photosensitive drums) 1, 2, 3, and 4 are arranged as a plurality of image carriers. Forming the four photosensitive drums 1
For example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (B
k) to form an image corresponding to each color (note that
The order of the colors is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily.) Around each of the four photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3, 4, a charging unit (a charging roller, a charging brush, a charging charger, etc.) 6, 7, 8, for forming an image by an electrophotographic process. 9 and the light beam L from the optical writing device 5
1, L2, L3, and L4, and a developing unit (Y, M,
C, Bk color developing devices) 10, 11, 12, 13
And transfer means (transfer rollers, transfer brushes, etc.) 14, 15, 1
Transfer / transport device 22 provided with cleaning devices 6 and 17, and cleaning unit (cleaning blade, cleaning brush, etc.) 1
8, 19, 20, 21 and the like are provided, and each of the photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3, and 4 can form an image of each color.
【００１４】光書込装置５は、４つの感光体ドラム１，
２，３，４が並設された作像部の斜め上方に配置され、
画像形成装置の本体フレーム２９，３０に固定されてい
る。この光書込装置５は、図１，２，４，５，６に構成
例を示すように、４つの光源ユニット５２，５３，５
４，５５と、各光源ユニットからの光ビームＬ１，Ｌ
２，Ｌ３，Ｌ４を対称な２方向に振り分けて偏向走査す
る光偏向器６２と、この光偏向器６２を中心にして前記
２方向に対称に配置され、光偏向器６２により偏向走査
される複数の光ビームＬ１，Ｌ２，Ｌ３，Ｌ４をそれぞ
れ対応する感光体ドラム１，２，３，４の被走査面上に
導き結像する光学系（結像用レンズ６３，６４，６９，
７０，７１，７２、光路折り返し用のミラー６５，６
６，６７，６８，７３，７４，７５，７６，７７，７
８，７９，８０等の光学部材からなる）を備えており、
これらの構成部材は一つのハウジング５０内に収納され
ている。The optical writing device 5 has four photosensitive drums 1,
2, 3 and 4 are arranged diagonally above the image forming unit arranged side by side,
It is fixed to main body frames 29 and 30 of the image forming apparatus. This optical writing device 5 has four light source units 52, 53, 5 as shown in the configuration examples in FIGS.
4, 55, and light beams L1, L from each light source unit.
2, an optical deflector 62 for deflecting and scanning L2 and L4 in two symmetric directions, and a plurality of light deflectors 62 arranged symmetrically in the two directions with the optical deflector 62 as a center, Optical systems (imaging lenses 63, 64, 69,
70, 71, 72, mirrors 65, 6 for turning back the optical path
6,67,68,73,74,75,76,77,7
8, 79, 80 etc.).
These components are housed in one housing 50.
【００１５】より具体的には、ハウジング５０は、光偏
向器６２や光学系が配設される基盤５０Ａと、基盤５０
Ａの周囲を囲む枠状の側壁５０Ｂとを有すると共に、基
盤５０Ａが側壁５０Ｂの略中央部に設けられてハウジン
グ５０を上下に仕切る構造であり、４つの光源ユニット
５２，５３，５４，５５はハウジング５０の側壁５０Ｂ
に配置され、光偏向器６２はハウジング５０の基盤５０
Ａの略中央部に配置され、光学系を構成する光学部材
（結像用レンズ６３，６４，６９，７０，７１，７２、
光路折り返し用のミラー６５，６６，６７，６８，７
３，７４，７５，７６，７７，７８，７９，８０等）は
基盤５０Ａの両面（上面側と下面側）に分けて配設され
ている。また、ハウジング５０の上部と下部にはカバー
８７，８８が設けられており、下部側のカバー８７には
光ビームを通過する開口が設けられ、その開口には防塵
ガラス８３，８４，８５，８６が取り付けられている。More specifically, the housing 50 includes a base 50A on which the optical deflector 62 and the optical system are disposed, and a base 50A.
A has a frame-shaped side wall 50B surrounding the periphery of A, and a base 50A is provided at a substantially central portion of the side wall 50B to partition the housing 50 up and down. The four light source units 52, 53, 54, 55 Side wall 50B of housing 50
And the optical deflector 62 is mounted on the base 50 of the housing 50.
An optical member (imaging lenses 63, 64, 69, 70, 71, 72,
Mirrors 65, 66, 67, 68, 7 for turning back the optical path
3, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, etc.) are separately arranged on both surfaces (upper surface side and lower surface side) of the base 50A. Further, covers 87 and 88 are provided on the upper and lower portions of the housing 50, and an opening for passing a light beam is provided on the lower cover 87, and dustproof glasses 83, 84, 85 and 86 are provided in the openings. Is attached.
【００１６】この光書込装置５では、図示しない原稿読
み取り装置（スキャナー）あるいは画像データ出力装置
（パーソナルコンピュータ、ワードプロセッサ、ファク
シミリの受信部等）から入力される色分解された画像デ
ータを光源駆動用の信号に変換し、それに従い各光源ユ
ニット５２，５３，５４，５５内の光源（半導体レーザ
（ＬＤ））を駆動して光ビームを出射する。各光源ユニ
ット５２，５３，５４，５５から出射された光ビーム
は、面倒れ補正用のシリンドリカルレンズ５６，５７，
５８，５９を通り、直接あるいはミラー６０，６１を介
して光偏向器６２に至り、ポリゴンモータ６２ｃで等速
回転されている２段のポリゴンミラー６２ａ，６２ｂで
対称な２方向に偏向走査される。尚、図１，２，５に示
す構成ではポリゴンミラーはＬ２，Ｌ３の光ビーム用
と、Ｌ１，Ｌ４の光ビーム用の上下２段に分けた構成と
なっているが、１つの厚めのポリゴンミラーで４つの光
ビームを偏向走査する構成としてもよい。In the optical writing device 5, color-separated image data input from a document reading device (scanner) (not shown) or an image data output device (a personal computer, a word processor, a facsimile receiving unit, etc.) is used for driving a light source. The light source (semiconductor laser (LD)) in each of the light source units 52, 53, 54, 55 is driven in accordance with the signal to emit a light beam. The light beams emitted from each of the light source units 52, 53, 54, 55 are converted into cylindrical lenses 56, 57,
After passing through 58 and 59, the light reaches a light deflector 62 directly or via mirrors 60 and 61, and is deflected and scanned in two symmetrical directions by two-stage polygon mirrors 62a and 62b rotated at a constant speed by a polygon motor 62c. . In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the polygon mirror is divided into two stages, upper and lower, for the light beams L2 and L3 and for the light beams L1 and L4. A configuration in which four light beams are deflected and scanned by a mirror may be employed.
【００１７】光偏向器６２のポリゴンミラー６２ａ，６
２ｂで２ビームづつ２方向に偏向走査された光ビーム
は、例えば上下２層構成のｆθレンズからなる第1の結
像用レンズ６３，６４をそれぞれ通過し、第１折り返し
ミラー６５，６６，６７，６８により折り返されて基盤
５１の開口部を通過した後、例えば長尺トロイダルレン
ズ（ＷＴＬ）からなる第２の結像用レンズ６９，７０，
７１，７２を通過し、第２折り返しミラー７３，７５，
７７，７９、第３折り返しミラー７４，７６，７８，８
０、防塵ガラス８３，８４，８５，８６を介して各色用
の感光体ドラム１，２，３，４の被走査面上に照射され
静電潜像を書き込む。The polygon mirrors 62a, 62 of the optical deflector 62
The light beams deflected and scanned in two directions by two beams in 2b respectively pass through first imaging lenses 63 and 64 composed of, for example, an upper and lower two-layer fθ lens, and first folding mirrors 65, 66 and 67. , 68, and after passing through the opening of the base 51, the second imaging lenses 69, 70, which are composed of, for example, a long toroidal lens (WTL).
71, 72, and the second folding mirrors 73, 75,
77, 79, third folding mirrors 74, 76, 78, 8
0, an electrostatic latent image is written by irradiating the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the respective colors through the dust-proof glasses 83, 84, 85, and 86.
【００１８】尚、上記の光書込装置５において、４つの
光源ユニット５２，５３，５４，５５は、光源である半
導体レーザ（ＬＤ）とその半導体レーザの出射光束をコ
リメートするコリメートレンズから構成され、これらが
ホルダーに一体に組み込まれた構成であるが、白黒画像
形成時に多用されるブラック用の光源ユニット（例えば
符号５４の光源ユニット）は、高速書込を可能とするた
めに、２つ以上の光源（ＬＤ）とコリメートレンズの組
を備えたマルチビーム構成としてもよい。また、マルチ
ビーム構成とした場合には、ハウジング５０の側壁５０
Ｂに対して光源ユニットを光軸中心に回転可能に構成す
れば、副走査方向のビームピッチを調整することがで
き、白黒画像形成時に画素密度（例えば６００ｄｐｉ，
１２００ｄｐｉ等）を切り替えることが可能となる。In the above-described optical writing device 5, the four light source units 52, 53, 54 and 55 are composed of a semiconductor laser (LD) as a light source and a collimating lens for collimating a light beam emitted from the semiconductor laser. These are integrated into a holder, but two or more light source units for black (e.g., light source unit denoted by reference numeral 54) frequently used when forming a black-and-white image in order to enable high-speed writing. And a multi-beam configuration including a set of a light source (LD) and a collimating lens. In the case of a multi-beam configuration, the side wall 50 of the housing 50
If the light source unit is configured to be rotatable about the optical axis with respect to B, the beam pitch in the sub-scanning direction can be adjusted, and the pixel density (for example, 600 dpi,
1200 dpi).
【００１９】さらに、各光ビームＬ１，Ｌ２，Ｌ３，Ｌ
４の光路には、主走査方向の走査開始位置の光束を取り
出すための図示しない同期検知用ミラーが設けられてお
り、同期検知用ミラーで反射された光束は、図５中に破
線で示すように同期検知器８１，８２で受光されて走査
開始の同期信号が出力される。また、図５に示すよう
に、Ｌ１，Ｌ２，Ｌ３の光ビームの光路に配置された第
３折り返しミラー７４，７６，７８にはスキュー調整用
のステッピングモータ９２，９３，９４が設けられてお
り、Ｌ１の光ビームの走査線位置を基準にして、Ｌ１，
Ｌ２，Ｌ３の光ビームの走査線位置のずれ（傾き）を補
正している。Further, each of the light beams L1, L2, L3, L
In the optical path No. 4, a synchronization detecting mirror (not shown) for extracting a light beam at the scanning start position in the main scanning direction is provided. The light beam reflected by the synchronization detecting mirror is indicated by a broken line in FIG. Are received by the synchronization detectors 81 and 82, and a synchronization signal for starting scanning is output. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, skew adjustment stepping motors 92, 93, 94 are provided on the third folding mirrors 74, 76, 78 arranged in the optical paths of the light beams L1, L2, L3. , L1, with reference to the scanning line position of the light beam L1,
The deviation (inclination) of the scanning line positions of the light beams L2 and L3 is corrected.
【００２０】尚、光偏向器６２によって偏向走査される
光ビームの走査方向が主走査方向であり、これは各感光
体ドラム１〜４の軸方向である。また、この主走査方向
に直交する方向が副走査方向であり、これは感光体ドラ
ム１〜４の回転方向（感光体ドラム表面の移動方向）で
あり、さらには後述する転写搬送ベルト２２ａの搬送方
向である。すなわち転写搬送ベルト２２ａの幅方向が主
走査方向、搬送方向が副走査方向となる。The scanning direction of the light beam deflected by the light deflector 62 is the main scanning direction, which is the axial direction of each of the photosensitive drums 1 to 4. The direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction is the sub-scanning direction, which is the rotation direction of the photosensitive drums 1 to 4 (the moving direction of the photosensitive drum surface). Direction. That is, the width direction of the transfer conveyance belt 22a is the main scanning direction, and the conveyance direction is the sub-scanning direction.
【００２１】図３に示すように、並設された４つの感光
体ドラム１，２，３，４の下には駆動ローラと複数の従
動ローラに張架された転写搬送ベルト２２ａが配設され
ており、駆動ローラにより図中に矢印で示す方向に搬送
されている。また、画像形成装置の本体下部には記録用
紙等の転写材を収納した複数の給紙部２３，２４が設置
されており、この給紙部２３，２４に収納された転写材
が、給紙ローラ、搬送ローラ、レジストローラ２５を介
して転写搬送ベルト２２ａに給紙され、転写搬送ベルト
２２ａにより担持され搬送される。As shown in FIG. 3, below the four photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3 and 4 arranged side by side, a transfer roller 22a stretched over a driving roller and a plurality of driven rollers is disposed. And is conveyed by a driving roller in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. Further, a plurality of paper feed units 23 and 24 containing a transfer material such as recording paper are installed in a lower part of the main body of the image forming apparatus. The transfer material stored in the paper feed units 23 and 24 The paper is fed to the transfer / conveyance belt 22a via rollers, conveyance rollers, and registration rollers 25, and is carried and conveyed by the transfer / conveyance belt 22a.
【００２２】前記光書込装置５により各感光体１，２，
３，４に形成された各潜像は、各現像部１０，１１，１
２，１３のＹ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｂｋの各色のトナーで現像され
て顕像化され、その顕像化されたＹ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｂｋの各
色のトナー画像は、転写搬送装置２２の各転写手段１
４，１５，１６，１７により転写搬送ベルト２２ａ上に
担持された転写材に順次重ね合わせて転写される。そし
て、４色の画像が転写された転写材は定着装置２６に搬
送され、定着装置２６で画像が定着された後、排紙ロー
ラ２７により排紙トレイ２８上に排出される。Each of the photoconductors 1, 2, 2
Each of the latent images formed on the developing units 10, 11, 1 is
The toner images of the respective colors Y, M, C, and Bk are developed and developed with toners of the respective colors Y, M, C, and Bk. Transfer means 1
The transfer is carried out by superimposing on the transfer material carried on the transfer / conveying belt 22a by 4, 15, 16, 17 sequentially. The transfer material onto which the four color images have been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 26, where the image is fixed by the fixing device 26, and then discharged onto a discharge tray 28 by a discharge roller 27.
【００２３】以上、本発明に係る光書込装置及び画像形
成装置の基本的な構成・動作について説明したが、本発
明に係る光書込装置５では、ハウジング５０は、光偏向
器６２や光学系が配設される基盤５０Ａと、基盤５０Ａ
の周囲を囲む枠状の側壁５０Ｂとを有すると共に、基盤
５０Ａが側壁５０Ｂの略中央部に設けられてハウジング
５０を上下に仕切る構造であり、４つの光源ユニット５
２，５３，５４，５５はハウジング５０の側壁５０Ｂに
配置され、光偏向器６２はハウジング５０の基盤５０Ａ
の略中央部に配置され、光学系を構成する光学部材（結
像用レンズ６３，６４，６９，７０，７１，７２、光路
折り返し用のミラー６５，６６，６７，６８，７３，７
４，７５，７６，７７，７８，７９，８０等）は基盤５
０Ａの両面（上面側と下面側）に分けて配設されている
構成なので、光学系の全体の光路長を確保しながら光書
込装置５のハウジング５０の大きさは光路長の半分以下
となるので、光書込装置５のコンパクト化を達成するこ
とができる。また、図１に示す構成の画像形成装置で
は、４つの感光体ドラム１，２，３，４が並設された作
像部や光書込装置５及び転写搬送装置２２が画像形成装
置本体内にコンパクトに収納され、さらには水平方向
（図中のＸ方向）に対して斜めに設置されているので、
従来の水平配置に比べて設置スペースが小さくて済み、
タンデム式のカラー画像形成装置の更なる小型化を達成
することができる。Although the basic configuration and operation of the optical writing apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention have been described above, in the optical writing apparatus 5 according to the present invention, the housing 50 includes the optical deflector 62 and the optical deflector 62. A base 50A on which the system is disposed, and a base 50A
And a frame-shaped side wall 50B surrounding the periphery of the light source unit 50, and a base 50A is provided at a substantially central portion of the side wall 50B to partition the housing 50 up and down.
2, 53, 54, 55 are disposed on the side wall 50B of the housing 50, and the optical deflector 62 is provided on the base 50A of the housing 50.
Of the optical system (imaging lenses 63, 64, 69, 70, 71, 72, mirrors 65, 66, 67, 68, 73, 7 for turning back the optical path).
4, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, etc.)
The size of the housing 50 of the optical writing device 5 is less than half of the optical path length while securing the entire optical path length of the optical system because it is arranged separately on both sides (upper side and lower side) of the optical system. Therefore, the optical writing device 5 can be downsized. In the image forming apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, an image forming unit having four photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3, and 4 arranged side by side, an optical writing device 5, and a transfer / conveyance device 22 are provided inside the image forming apparatus main body. It is housed compactly and is installed at an angle to the horizontal direction (X direction in the figure).
The installation space is smaller than the conventional horizontal arrangement,
It is possible to further reduce the size of the tandem type color image forming apparatus.
【００２４】ところで、上記構成の光書込装置５におい
ては、光偏向器６２以降の光学系は、各光ビームＬ１〜
Ｌ４に対応して設けられた結像用レンズ６３，６４，６
９，７０，７１，７２と光路折り返し用のミラー６５，
６６，６７，６８，７３，７４，７５，７６，７７，７
８，７９，８０等から構成され、結像用レンズとして
は、２層構成のｆθレンズからなる第１の結像用レンズ
６３，６４と、長尺トロイダルレンズ（ＷＴＬ）からな
る第２の結像用レンズ６９，７０，７１，７２が用いら
れているが、光偏向器６２による走査ビームは光偏向器
６２から離れるに従って走査領域が広がっていくので、
光出射側に配置される第２の結像用レンズ（長尺トロイ
ダルレンズ）６９，７０，７１，７２は主走査方向にか
なり長尺なレンズとなる。この長尺トロイダルレンズ６
９，７０，７１，７２は、主走査方向に長尺な形状のた
め歪みや撓みが発生しやすく、この歪みや撓みによりレ
ンズの母線が曲り、被走査面上を光ビームで走査する際
に走査線の曲りが発生する場合がある。そしてこの走査
線曲りが各色の光ビーム間で異なると、転写材上に形成
したカラー画像に色ずれが発生し、画像品質が低下する
原因となる。By the way, in the optical writing device 5 having the above-mentioned configuration, the optical system after the optical deflector 62 includes the light beams L1 to L1.
Imaging lenses 63, 64, 6 provided corresponding to L4
9, 70, 71, 72 and a mirror 65 for turning back the optical path,
66, 67, 68, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 7
8, 79, 80, and the like. As the imaging lens, a first imaging lens 63, 64 composed of a two-layer fθ lens and a second imaging lens composed of a long toroidal lens (WTL) are used. Although the imaging lenses 69, 70, 71, and 72 are used, the scanning area of the scanning beam by the optical deflector 62 increases as the distance from the optical deflector 62 increases.
The second imaging lenses (long toroidal lenses) 69, 70, 71, 72 arranged on the light emission side are considerably long in the main scanning direction. This long toroidal lens 6
9, 70, 71, and 72 are elongated in the main scanning direction, so that distortion or bending is likely to occur. When the distortion or bending warps the generatrix of the lens and scans the surface to be scanned with a light beam. Scanning lines may be bent. If the scanning line curvature is different between the light beams of the respective colors, a color shift occurs in the color image formed on the transfer material, which causes a deterioration in image quality.
【００２５】そこで本発明では、長尺トロイダルレンズ
６９，７０，７１，７２は、感光体ドラム１，２，３，
４の被走査面上での走査線曲りを４つの光ビーム間で一
致させるための真直度調整手段を有する構成とした。こ
こで図２は光書込装置５の光偏向器６２より左側の部分
のみ示しているが、図２に示すように、長尺トロイダル
レンズ７１，７２は、長手方向（図２の紙面に垂直な方
向）の両端部をハウジング５０の基盤５０Ａに設けたレ
ンズ支持部９２，９９に支持され、前記真直度調整手段
は、長尺トロイダルレンズ７１，７２の長手方向の略中
央部に設けられ、該長尺レンズの湾曲量（撓み量）を調
整する手段である。Therefore, in the present invention, the long toroidal lenses 69, 70, 71, 72 are provided with the photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3,
No. 4 has a straightness adjusting means for matching the scanning line curvature on the surface to be scanned among the four light beams. Here, FIG. 2 shows only a portion on the left side of the optical deflector 62 of the optical writing device 5, but as shown in FIG. 2, the long toroidal lenses 71 and 72 extend in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2). ) Are supported by lens support portions 92, 99 provided on the base 50A of the housing 50, and the straightness adjusting means is provided at substantially the center of the long toroidal lenses 71, 72 in the longitudinal direction. This is a means for adjusting the amount of bending (the amount of bending) of the long lens.
【００２６】具体的には、長尺トロイダルレンズ７１，
７２は、長手方向の両端部をハウジング５０の基盤５０
Ａに設けたレンズ支持部９２，９９にバネ部材９４，１
００を用いて加圧支持される構成とした。また、真直度
調整手段は、長尺トロイダルレンズ７１，７２の長手方
向の略中央部をハウジング５０の基盤５０Ａ側に加圧す
る手段８９，９７と、該加圧手段８９，９７の加圧力に
抗して長尺トロイダルレンズ７１，７２の略中央部を反
対方向に移動調整する手段９０，９８を有する構成とし
た。より具体的には、真直度調整手段の加圧手段８９，
９７は、一端側をハウジングの基盤５０Ａ側に設けた掛
止部５０Ｄ，５０Ｆに固定され、他端側で長尺トロイダ
ルレンズ７１，７２の長手方向の略中央部をハウジング
の基盤側に加圧するバネ部材（例えば板バネ）であり、
該バネ部材の加圧力に抗して長尺トロイダルレンズ７
１，７２の略中央部を反対方向に移動調整する手段９
０，９８は、基盤５０Ａ側の保持部に螺合され先端部で
長尺トロイダルレンズ７１，７２の略中央部を支持する
ネジ部材（移動調整ネジ）である。Specifically, the long toroidal lens 71,
Reference numeral 72 denotes a base 50 of the housing 50 at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
A spring members 94, 1
It was configured to be supported by pressure using 00. The straightness adjusting means includes means 89 and 97 for pressing a substantially central portion of the long toroidal lenses 71 and 72 in the longitudinal direction toward the base 50A of the housing 50, and resists the pressing force of the pressing means 89 and 97. Then, means 90 and 98 are provided for moving and adjusting the substantially central portions of the long toroidal lenses 71 and 72 in the opposite directions. More specifically, pressurizing means 89 of straightness adjusting means,
Reference numeral 97 denotes one end fixed to the hooks 50D, 50F provided on the housing base 50A side, and the other end presses a substantially central portion of the long toroidal lenses 71, 72 in the longitudinal direction toward the housing base. A spring member (for example, a leaf spring)
A long toroidal lens 7 against the pressing force of the spring member
Means 9 for moving and adjusting the substantially central portions of 1, 72 in the opposite direction
Reference numerals 0 and 98 denote screw members (movement adjusting screws) which are screwed to the holding portions on the base 50A side and support the substantially central portions of the long toroidal lenses 71 and 72 at the distal ends.
【００２７】尚、以上は光偏向器６２の左側に配置され
た長尺トロイダルレンズ７１，７２の部分の構造である
が、光偏向器６２の右側の光学系は、左側の光学系と略
対称に配設されているので、光偏向器６２の右側に配置
された長尺トロイダルレンズ６９，７０の部分の構造も
図２と略同様の構造となる。The above is the structure of the long toroidal lenses 71 and 72 disposed on the left side of the optical deflector 62. The optical system on the right side of the optical deflector 62 is substantially symmetric with the optical system on the left side. 2, the structure of the long toroidal lenses 69 and 70 disposed on the right side of the optical deflector 62 is also substantially the same as that of FIG.
【００２８】次に長尺トロイダルレンズの取付け部の構
成と真直度調整手段のより具体的な実施例を示す。ここ
では一例として符号７１の長尺トロイダルレンズの部分
について説明する。図７は長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の
取付け部の概略構成を示す要部斜視図であり、ハウジン
グ５０の基盤５０Ａの下側から見た図である。また、図
８は図７に示す長尺トロイダルレンズの取付け部を光軸
方向（光ビームの出射方向）から見た図である。Next, a more specific embodiment of the structure of the mounting portion of the long toroidal lens and the straightness adjusting means will be described. Here, an example of a long toroidal lens 71 is described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part showing a schematic configuration of a mounting portion of the long toroidal lens 71, as viewed from below the base 50 </ b> A of the housing 50. FIG. 8 is a view of the mounting portion of the long toroidal lens shown in FIG. 7 when viewed from the optical axis direction (light beam emission direction).
【００２９】図７，８に示すように、長尺トロイダルレ
ンズ７１は、長手方向の両端部をハウジングの基盤５０
Ａに設けたレンズ支持部９１，９２にバネ部材９３，９
４を用いて支持固定されている。より具体的には、長尺
トロイダルレンズ７１は、両端部の上面側をレンズ支持
部９１，９２のレンズ受け面（台座）９１Ａ，９２Ａに
当接した状態で、レンズ支持部９１，９２にネジ９５，
９６で固定されたバネ部材９３，９４の板バネ部９３
Ａ，９４Ａにより下面側からレンズ受け面（台座）９１
Ａ，９２Ａ側に加圧され支持されると共に、長尺トロイ
ダルレンズ７１の両端部に設けたフランジ部７１Ｂ，７
１Ｃの背面側をレンズ支持部９１，９２のフランジ受け
部９１Ｂ，９２Ｂに当接された状態で、バネ部材９３，
９４の板バネ部９３Ｂ，９４Ｂにより前面側からフラン
ジ受け部９１Ｂ，９２Ｂ側に加圧され支持されている。
したがって、長尺トロイダルレンズ７１は長手方向の両
端部をハウジングの基盤５０Ａに設けたレンズ支持部９
１，９２のレンズ受け面（台座）９１Ａ，９２Ａとフラ
ンジ受け部９１Ｂ，９２Ｂにバネ部材９３，９４の板バ
ネ部９３Ａ，９３Ｂ，９４Ａ，９４Ｂにより加圧支持さ
れており、中央部は浮いた状態である。As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the long toroidal lens 71 has a housing base 50 at both ends in the longitudinal direction.
A, spring members 93, 9
4 and supported and fixed. More specifically, the long toroidal lens 71 is screwed onto the lens support portions 91, 92 in a state where the upper surfaces of both ends are in contact with the lens receiving surfaces (pedestals) 91A, 92A of the lens support portions 91, 92. 95,
The leaf spring portion 93 of the spring members 93, 94 fixed at 96
A, 94A, lens receiving surface (pedestal) 91 from the lower surface side
A and 92A are pressed and supported, and flange portions 71B and 7 provided at both ends of the long toroidal lens 71 are provided.
In a state where the back side of 1C is in contact with the flange receiving portions 91B and 92B of the lens support portions 91 and 92, the spring member 93,
94 are pressed and supported by the plate spring portions 93B, 94B from the front side toward the flange receiving portions 91B, 92B.
Therefore, the long toroidal lens 71 has a lens support portion 9 having both ends in the longitudinal direction provided on the base 50A of the housing.
The first and second lens receiving surfaces (pedestals) 91A and 92A and the flange receiving portions 91B and 92B are pressurized and supported by leaf spring portions 93A, 93B, 94A and 94B of spring members 93 and 94, and the central portion floats. State.
【００３０】長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の上面側の略中
央部には突起部７１Ａが設けられており、この突起部７
１Ａに近接した位置に立設されている基盤５０Ａの壁部
５０Ｃには突起状の掛止部５０Ｄが設けられている。真
直度調整手段の加圧手段である板バネ８９は、一端側の
穴部８９Ａを基盤側の壁部５０Ｃに設けた掛止部５０Ｄ
に係合して固定され、他端側のＵ字形に折り曲げられた
先端部で長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の突起部５０Ｄを掛
止し、そのバネ力で長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の長手方
向の略中央部を基盤５０Ａ側に加圧する。A projection 71A is provided substantially at the center of the upper surface of the long toroidal lens 71.
A projection 50D is provided on a wall 50C of a base 50A standing upright at a position close to 1A. The leaf spring 89, which is a pressurizing means of the straightness adjusting means, has a hook part 50D in which a hole 89A at one end side is provided in a wall part 50C on the base side.
The protruding portion 50D of the long toroidal lens 71 is hooked at the front end bent into a U-shape on the other end side, and the spring force of the front end substantially approximates the center of the long toroidal lens 71 in the longitudinal direction. Part is pressed to the base 50A side.
【００３１】また、基盤５０Ａの壁部５０Ｃの上記掛止
部５０Ｄに隣接した位置には、板バネ８９の加圧力に抗
して長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の略中央部を反対方向に
移動調整するためのネジ部材（移動調整ネジ）９０を保
持する保持部５０Ｅが設けられており、移動調整ネジ９
０は、基盤壁部５０Ｃ側の保持部５０Ｅに螺合され先端
部で長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の略中央部を支持してい
る。そして、この移動調整ネジ９０を回して長尺トロイ
ダルレンズ７１の略中央部を光軸に略直交する方向に移
動調整することにより、長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の湾
曲量（撓み量）を調整することができる。At the position of the wall 50C of the base 50A adjacent to the engaging portion 50D, the substantially central portion of the long toroidal lens 71 is moved and adjusted in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the leaf spring 89. Holding member 50E for holding a screw member (movement adjusting screw) 90 for
Numeral 0 is screwed to the holding portion 50E on the side of the base wall portion 50C and supports the substantially central portion of the long toroidal lens 71 at the tip. The bending amount (bending amount) of the long toroidal lens 71 is adjusted by turning the movement adjusting screw 90 to move and adjust the substantially central portion of the long toroidal lens 71 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. Can be.
【００３２】図７，８に示す構成の真直度調整手段で
は、板バネ８９のバネ力で長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の
長手方向の略中央部を基盤５０Ａ側に加圧して長尺トロ
イダルレンズ７１を一旦基盤側に湾曲させた（撓ませ
た）状態とした後、移動調整ネジ９０により、板バネ８
９の加圧力に抗して長尺トロイダルレンズ７１の略中央
部を反対方向に移動調整し、長尺トロイダルレンズ７１
の湾曲量（撓み量）を調整するので、長尺トロイダルレ
ンズ７１の湾曲（母線の曲り）を殆ど無くすことがで
き、感光体ドラム上での走査線の曲りを最小限に補正す
ることが可能である。In the straightness adjusting means having the structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long toroidal lens 71 is pressed against the base 50A by the spring force of the leaf spring 89, and the long toroidal lens 71 is moved. After being once bent (bent) to the base side, the leaf spring 8 is moved by the movement adjusting screw 90.
9, the central portion of the long toroidal lens 71 is moved and adjusted in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the long toroidal lens 71.
Is adjusted, the curvature of the long toroidal lens 71 (bending of the generating line) can be almost eliminated, and the bending of the scanning line on the photosensitive drum can be minimized. It is.
【００３３】尚、図７，８では符号７１の長尺トロイダ
ルレンズの取付け部の構成例を示したが、図示の構成に
限るものではなく、ハウジングの基盤形状や取付け位置
等によって種々の変更がなされるものである。すなわ
ち、基本的には長尺トロイダルレンズは、長手方向の両
端部をハウジングの基盤に設けたレンズ支持部にバネ部
材を用いて加圧支持される構成とし、また、真直度調整
手段は、長尺トロイダルレンズの長手方向の略中央部を
ハウジングの基盤側に加圧するバネ部材と、該バネ部材
の加圧力に抗して長尺トロイダルレンズの略中央部を反
対方向に移動調整する移動調整ネジを有する構成であれ
ば良い。Although FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples of the configuration of the mounting portion for the long toroidal lens 71, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and various changes may be made depending on the shape of the base of the housing and the mounting position. What is done. In other words, basically, the long toroidal lens has a configuration in which both ends in the longitudinal direction are pressed and supported by the lens support portion provided on the base of the housing using a spring member. A spring member for pressing a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long toroidal lens toward the base of the housing; and a movement adjusting screw for moving and adjusting the substantially central portion of the long toroidal lens in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the spring member. Any configuration may be used.
【００３４】上述のような構成の真直度調整手段を光書
込装置５の各長尺トロイダルレンズ６９，７０，７１，
７２に設けることにより、４つの光ビームの走査線曲り
を簡易に調整することができ、４つの光ビーム間で走査
線曲りが一致するように補正して色ずれの発生を防止す
ることができる。具体的には、各長尺トロイダルレンズ
６９，７０，７１，７２の歪みや撓みにより、図９
（ａ）に示すように、Ｙ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｂｋ用の各光ビーム
の走査線曲りが異なっている場合にも、各長尺トロイダ
ルレンズ６９，７０，７１，７２に上述したような構成
の板バネと移動調整ネジからなる真直度調整手段を設け
ておき、板バネのバネ力で長尺トロイダルレンズの長手
方向の略中央部を基盤側に加圧して長尺トロイダルレン
ズ７１を一旦基盤側に湾曲させた（撓ませた）状態と
し、図９（ｂ）に示すようにＹ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｂｋ用の各光
ビームの走査線曲りを同じ方向に揃えた後、移動調整ネ
ジにより、板バネの加圧力に抗して長尺トロイダルレン
ズの略中央部を反対方向に移動調整し、各長尺トロイダ
ルレンズ６９，７０，７１，７２の湾曲量（撓み量）を
調整すれば、各長尺トロイダルレンズ６９，７０，７
１，７２の湾曲（母線の曲り）を殆ど無くすことがで
き、図９（ｃ）に示すようにＹ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｂｋ用の各光
ビームの走査線曲りを一致させると共に、走査線曲りを
最小にすることができる。従って、４つの光ビーム間で
走査線曲りを補正して色ずれの発生を防止することがで
き、画像品質を向上することができる。The straightness adjusting means having the above-described structure is connected to each of the long toroidal lenses 69, 70, 71,
By providing the light beam 72, it is possible to easily adjust the scanning line curvature of the four light beams, and to correct the scanning line curvature between the four light beams so as to prevent the occurrence of color shift. . Specifically, the distortion or bending of each long toroidal lens 69, 70, 71, 72 causes
As shown in (a), even when the scanning lines of the Y, M, C, and Bk light beams have different curvatures, the long toroidal lenses 69, 70, 71, and 72 have the above-described configuration. A straightness adjusting means comprising a leaf spring and a movement adjusting screw is provided, and a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long toroidal lens is pressed against the substrate side by the spring force of the leaf spring to temporarily mount the long toroidal lens 71 on the substrate. 9B, the scanning lines of the light beams for Y, M, C, and Bk are aligned in the same direction as shown in FIG. 9B. By moving and adjusting the substantially central portion of the long toroidal lens in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the leaf spring, and adjusting the amount of bending (bending) of each of the long toroidal lenses 69, 70, 71, 72, Each long toroidal lens 69, 70, 7
The curvatures of the first and second lines (generating lines) can be almost eliminated. As shown in FIG. 9C, the scanning line curvatures of the light beams for Y, M, C, and Bk are matched, and Can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of color misregistration by correcting the scanning line curvature between the four light beams, and to improve the image quality.
【００３５】[0035]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明では、複数
の光源と、該複数の光源からの光ビームを対称な２方向
に振り分けて偏向走査する光偏向器と、該光偏向器を中
心にして前記２方向に対称に配置され、前記光偏向器に
より偏向走査される複数の光ビームをそれぞれ対応する
被走査面上に導き結像する光学系を備え、複数の光源、
光偏向器及び光学系を一つのハウジングに収納した光書
込装置において、前記光学系は、複数の光ビームのそれ
ぞれに対応して結像用レンズと光路折り返し用のミラー
を備え、且つ前記結像用レンズの一つとして主走査方向
に長尺なレンズを備え、該長尺レンズは、被走査面上で
の走査線曲りを複数の光ビーム間で一致させるための真
直度調整手段を有する構成としたので（請求項１）、偏
向走査される光ビームを被走査面上に結像する結像用レ
ンズに長尺レンズを使用した場合に発生する走査線曲り
を簡易に調整することが可能となる。As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of light sources, an optical deflector for deflecting and scanning light beams from the plurality of light sources in two symmetric directions, and the optical deflector are mainly provided. An optical system that is arranged symmetrically in the two directions and guides and forms a plurality of light beams deflected and scanned by the optical deflector on the corresponding surfaces to be scanned, a plurality of light sources;
In an optical writing apparatus in which an optical deflector and an optical system are housed in a single housing, the optical system includes an imaging lens and a mirror for turning back an optical path corresponding to each of a plurality of light beams, and A long lens in the main scanning direction is provided as one of the imaging lenses, and the long lens has straightness adjusting means for matching a scanning line curve on a surface to be scanned with a plurality of light beams. With this configuration (claim 1), it is possible to easily adjust the scanning line bending that occurs when a long lens is used as an imaging lens that forms a light beam to be deflected and scanned on a surface to be scanned. It becomes possible.
【００３６】具体的には、本発明に係る光書込装置にお
いて、前記長尺レンズは、長手方向の両端部をハウジン
グの基盤に設けたレンズ支持部に支持され、前記真直度
調整手段は、前記長尺レンズの長手方向の略中央部に設
けられ、該長尺レンズの湾曲量（撓み量）を調整する手
段であるので（請求項２）、真直度調整手段により長尺
レンズの湾曲量（撓み量）を調整して母線の曲りを軽減
することにより、被走査面上での走査線曲りを容易に調
整することができる。Specifically, in the optical writing apparatus according to the present invention, the long lens is supported by a lens support provided at both ends in a longitudinal direction on a base of a housing, and the straightness adjusting means includes: Since it is provided at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long lens and adjusts the amount of bending (bending) of the long lens (claim 2), the amount of bending of the long lens is adjusted by the straightness adjusting means. By adjusting the (bending amount) to reduce the curvature of the generating line, the curvature of the scanning line on the surface to be scanned can be easily adjusted.
【００３７】また、本発明に係る光書込装置において
は、前記長尺レンズは、長手方向の両端部をハウジング
の基盤に設けたレンズ支持部にバネ部材を用いて加圧支
持される構成としたので（請求項３）、レンズ両端の固
定部に若干の自由度があり（すなわち、レンズの熱膨張
や湾曲を両端部の微小な移動で吸収する作用があり）、
真直度調整手段により長尺レンズの湾曲量（撓み量）を
調整する場合にも、長尺レンズが破損することが防止さ
れる。Further, in the optical writing device according to the present invention, the long lens has a structure in which both ends in the longitudinal direction are pressed and supported by a lens support provided on a base of a housing using a spring member. Therefore, the fixing portions at both ends of the lens have some degree of freedom (that is, there is an action of absorbing thermal expansion and bending of the lens by minute movement of both ends).
Even when the straightness adjusting means adjusts the amount of bending (the amount of bending) of the long lens, the long lens is prevented from being damaged.
【００３８】さらに、本発明に係る光書込装置におい
て、前記真直度調整手段は、前記長尺レンズの長手方向
の略中央部をハウジングの基盤側に加圧する手段と、該
加圧手段の加圧力に抗して長尺レンズの略中央部を反対
方向に移動調整する手段を有する構成としたので（請求
項４）、移動調整手段により長尺レンズの湾曲量（撓み
量）を簡易に且つ精度良く調整することが可能となる。Further, in the optical writing apparatus according to the present invention, the straightness adjusting means includes means for pressing a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long lens toward the base of the housing; Since there is provided a means for moving and adjusting the substantially central portion of the long lens in the opposite direction against the pressure (claim 4), the amount of bending (bending) of the long lens can be easily and easily adjusted by the movement adjusting means. It is possible to adjust with high accuracy.
【００３９】より具体的には、本発明に係る光書込装置
において、前記真直度調整手段の加圧手段は、一端側を
ハウジングの基盤側に設けた掛止部に固定され、他端側
で前記長尺レンズの長手方向の略中央部をハウジングの
基盤側に加圧するバネ部材であり、該バネ部材の加圧力
に抗して長尺レンズの略中央部を反対方向に移動調整す
る手段は、前記基盤側の保持部に螺合され先端部で長尺
レンズの略中央部を支持するネジ部材であることを特徴
とするので（請求項５）、バネ部材で長尺レンズを基盤
側に湾曲させた後、バネ部材の加圧力に抗して移動調整
ネジで長尺レンズの略中央部を反対方向に移動調整する
ことにより、長尺レンズの湾曲量（撓み量）を簡易に且
つ精度良く調整することができる。More specifically, in the optical writing apparatus according to the present invention, the pressurizing means of the straightness adjusting means has one end fixed to a hook provided on the base side of the housing, and the other end fixed. A spring member for pressing a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long lens toward the base of the housing, and means for moving and adjusting the substantially central portion of the long lens in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the spring member. Is a screw member screwed into the holding portion on the base side and supporting a substantially central portion of the long lens at the tip end (claim 5), so that the long lens is connected to the base side by a spring member. After bending the lens, the movement adjustment screw is used to move and adjust the approximate center of the long lens in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the spring member. It can be adjusted with high accuracy.
【００４０】さらに、本発明では、並設された複数の像
担持体と、その複数の像担持体の被走査面上に光ビーム
を照射して潜像を書き込む光書込手段と、各像担持体に
形成された潜像を異なる色の現像剤で現像して可視像化
する現像手段と、各像担持体の位置に順次転写材を搬送
し各像担持体上に形成された各色の可視像を転写材に重
ね合わせて転写する転写搬送手段と、転写材上に転写さ
れた画像を定着する定着手段を備えた画像形成装置にお
いて、前記光書込手段として、請求項１〜５のうちの何
れか一つに記載の光書込装置を備えた構成としたので
（請求項６）、光書込装置の複数の光ビーム間で走査線
曲りが一致するように補正して色ずれの発生を防止する
ことができ、画像品質の向上を図ることができる。Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of image carriers arranged side by side, an optical writing means for writing a latent image by irradiating a light beam on a surface to be scanned of the plurality of image carriers, Developing means for developing the latent image formed on the carrier with a developer of a different color to make it a visible image, and sequentially transporting the transfer material to the position of each image carrier and forming each color formed on each image carrier Wherein the optical writing unit is used as an optical writing unit in an image forming apparatus including a transfer conveyance unit that transfers the visible image of the image on the transfer material in a superimposed manner and a fixing unit that fixes the image transferred on the transfer material. Since the optical writing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is provided (claim 6), it is corrected so that the scanning line bends between the plurality of light beams of the optical writing device coincide with each other. Color shift can be prevented from occurring, and image quality can be improved.
【図１】本発明の一実施例を示す光書込装置の概略断面
図である。FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an optical writing apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】図１に示す光書込装置の光偏向器より左側の部
分を拡大して示す要部断面図である。FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a portion on the left side of an optical deflector of the optical writing device shown in FIG. 1;
【図３】図１に示す光書込装置を備えた画像形成装置の
一例を示す概略構成図である。FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus including the optical writing device illustrated in FIG.
【図４】図１に示す光書込装置の基盤上面側の構成を示
す平面図である。FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a top surface side of a base of the optical writing device shown in FIG. 1;
【図５】図１に示す光書込装置の構成から光偏向器及び
光学系を抜き出してその配置構成を示した概略構成図で
ある。FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an arrangement configuration of an optical deflector and an optical system extracted from the configuration of the optical writing device illustrated in FIG. 1;
【図６】図４に示す基盤上面側の構成から光源ユニッ
ト、光偏向器及び光学系を抜き出してその配置構成を示
した概略構成図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a light source unit, an optical deflector, and an optical system extracted from the configuration on the upper surface side of the substrate shown in FIG.
【図７】長尺トロイダルレンズの取付け部の一構成例を
示す要部斜視図である。FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part showing an example of a configuration of a mounting portion of the long toroidal lens.
【図８】図７に示す長尺トロイダルレンズの取付け部を
光軸方向（光ビームの出射方向）から見た図である。8 is a view of a mounting portion of the long toroidal lens shown in FIG. 7, viewed from an optical axis direction (light beam emission direction).
【図９】４つの光ビームの走査線曲りの一例と、その走
査線曲りを補正する方法の説明図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scan line curve of four light beams and a method of correcting the scan line curve.
１，２，３，４：感光体ドラム（像担持体） ５：光書込装置 ６，７，８，９：帯電部 １０，１１，１２，１３：現像部（Ｙ，Ｍ，Ｃ，Ｂｋの
各色の現像装置） １４，１５，１６，１７：転写手段 １８，１９，２０，２１：クリーニング部 ２２：転写搬送装置（転写搬送手段） ２２ａ：転写搬送ベルト ２３，２４：給紙部 ２５：レジストローラ ２６：定着装置（定着手段） ２７：排紙ローラ ２８：排紙トレイ ２９，３０：画像形成装置本体の傾斜したフレーム ５０：ハウジング ５０Ａ：基盤 ５０Ｂ：側壁 ５０Ｃ：基盤の壁部 ５０Ｄ，５０Ｆ：掛止部 ５０Ｅ：保持部 ５２，５３，５５：カラー用（Ｍ，Ｙ，Ｃ用）の光源ユ
ニット ５４：ブラック用の光源ユニット ５６，５７，５８，５９：シリンドリカルレンズ ６０，６１：ミラー ６２：光偏向器 ６２ａ，６２ｂ：ポリゴンミラー ６２ｃ：ポリゴンモータ ６３，６４：第１の結像用レンズ（２層構成のｆθレン
ズ） ６５，６６，６７，６８：第１折り返しミラー ６９，７０，７１，７２：第２の結像用レンズ（長尺ト
ロイダルレンズ） ７１Ａ：突起部 ７１Ｂ，７１Ｃ：フランジ部 ７３，７５，７７，７９：第２折り返しミラー ７４，７６，７８，８０：第３折り返しミラー ８１，８２：同期検知器 ８３，８４，８５，８６：防塵ガラス ８７，８８：カバー ８９，９７：加圧手段（バネ部材（板バネ）） ９０，９８：移動調整手段（ネジ部材（移動調整ネ
ジ）） ９１，９２，９９：レンズ支持部 ９３，９４：バネ部材1, 2, 3, 4: photosensitive drum (image carrier) 5: optical writing device 6, 7, 8, 9: charging unit 10, 11, 12, 13: developing unit (Y, M, C, Bk) 14, 15, 16, 17: transfer means 18, 19, 20, 21: cleaning unit 22: transfer / conveyance device (transfer / conveyance unit) 22a: transfer / conveyor belt 23, 24: paper supply unit 25: Registration roller 26: Fixing device (fixing unit) 27: Discharge roller 28: Discharge tray 29, 30: Inclined frame of image forming apparatus main body 50: Housing 50A: Base 50B: Side wall 50C: Base wall 50D, 50F : Lighting unit 50E: Holding unit 52, 53, 55: Light source unit for color (for M, Y, C) 54: Light source unit for black 56, 57, 58, 59: Cylindrical lens 60, 61: Mira 62: Optical deflectors 62a, 62b: Polygon mirror 62c: Polygon motor 63, 64: First imaging lens (fθ lens having a two-layer structure) 65, 66, 67, 68: First folding mirror 69, 70, 71, 72: second imaging lens (long toroidal lens) 71A: projection 71B, 71C: flange 73, 75, 77, 79: second folding mirror 74, 76, 78, 80: third folding Mirrors 81, 82: Synchronous detectors 83, 84, 85, 86: Dustproof glass 87, 88: Covers 89, 97: Pressurizing means (spring member (leaf spring)) 90, 98: Movement adjusting means (screw member (movement) Adjustment screw)) 91, 92, 99: lens support 93, 94: spring member
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (51)Int.Cl.7 識別記号 ＦＩ テーマコート゛(参考） Ｈ０４Ｎ 1/113 Ｈ０４Ｎ 1/04 １０４Ａ Ｆターム(参考） 2C362 AA45 AA47 AA48 BA51 BA52 BA53 BA86 BA87 BA90 BB14 CA22 CA39 2H043 AB03 AB10 AB18 AB36 2H045 AA01 BA22 BA34 CA32 CA63 DA02 DA04 DA41 5C072 AA03 CA06 DA02 DA04 HA02 HA06 HA10 HA13 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. 7 Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/113 H04N 1/04 104A F-term (Reference) 2C362 AA45 AA47 AA48 BA51 BA52 BA53 BA86 BA87 BA90 BB14 CA22 CA39 2H043 AB03 AB10 AB18 AB36 2H045 AA01 BA22 BA34 CA32 CA63 DA02 DA04 DA41 5C072 AA03 CA06 DA02 DA04 HA02 HA06 HA10 HA13
Claims (6)
ムを対称な２方向に振り分けて偏向走査する光偏向器
と、該光偏向器を中心にして前記２方向に対称に配置さ
れ、前記光偏向器により偏向走査される複数の光ビーム
をそれぞれ対応する被走査面上に導き結像する光学系を
備え、複数の光源、光偏向器及び光学系を一つのハウジ
ングに収納した光書込装置において、 前記光学系は、複数の光ビームのそれぞれに対応して結
像用レンズと光路折り返し用のミラーを備え、且つ前記
結像用レンズの一つとして主走査方向に長尺なレンズを
備え、該長尺レンズは、被走査面上での走査線曲りを複
数の光ビーム間で一致させるための真直度調整手段を有
することを特徴とする光書込装置。A plurality of light sources; an optical deflector for deflecting and scanning light beams from the plurality of light sources in two symmetric directions; and symmetrically arranged in the two directions with respect to the optical deflector. An optical system for guiding a plurality of light beams deflected and scanned by the optical deflector onto the corresponding surfaces to be scanned and forming an image, wherein a plurality of light sources, an optical deflector and an optical system are housed in one housing. In the writing apparatus, the optical system includes an imaging lens and a mirror for turning back an optical path corresponding to each of the plurality of light beams, and is elongated in the main scanning direction as one of the imaging lenses. An optical writing device comprising a lens, wherein the long lens has straightness adjusting means for matching a scanning line curve on a surface to be scanned between a plurality of light beams.
盤に設けたレンズ支持部に支持され、前記真直度調整手
段は、前記長尺レンズの長手方向の略中央部に設けら
れ、該長尺レンズの湾曲量（撓み量）を調整する手段で
あることを特徴とする光書込装置。2. The optical writing device according to claim 1, wherein the long lens is supported by a lens support provided at both ends in a longitudinal direction on a base of a housing, and the straightness adjusting means is provided by the straightness adjusting means. An optical writing device provided at a substantially central portion in a longitudinal direction of a long lens and a means for adjusting a bending amount (bending amount) of the long lens.
て、 前記長尺レンズは、長手方向の両端部をハウジングの基
盤に設けたレンズ支持部にバネ部材を用いて加圧支持さ
れることを特徴とする光書込装置。3. The optical writing device according to claim 1, wherein the long lens is pressed and supported by a lens support provided on a base of a housing at both ends in a longitudinal direction using a spring member. An optical writing device characterized by the above-mentioned.
おいて、 前記真直度調整手段は、前記長尺レンズの長手方向の略
中央部をハウジングの基盤側に加圧する手段と、該加圧
手段の加圧力に抗して長尺レンズの略中央部を反対方向
に移動調整する手段を有することを特徴とする光書込装
置。4. The optical writing device according to claim 1, wherein said straightness adjusting means presses a substantially central portion in a longitudinal direction of said elongated lens toward a base of a housing. An optical writing device comprising means for moving and adjusting a substantially central portion of a long lens in an opposite direction against a pressing force of a pressing means.
の基盤側に設けた掛止部に固定され、他端側で前記長尺
レンズの長手方向の略中央部をハウジングの基盤側に加
圧するバネ部材であり、該バネ部材の加圧力に抗して長
尺レンズの略中央部を反対方向に移動調整する手段は、
前記基盤側の保持部に螺合され先端部で長尺レンズの略
中央部を支持するネジ部材であることを特徴とする光書
込装置。5. The optical writing device according to claim 4, wherein the pressurizing means of the straightness adjusting means has one end fixed to a hook provided on the base side of the housing, and the other end fixed to the length. A spring member for pressing a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the long lens toward the base of the housing, and means for moving and adjusting the substantially central portion of the long lens in the opposite direction against the pressing force of the spring member,
An optical writing device, comprising a screw member screwed to the holding portion on the base side and supporting a substantially central portion of the long lens at a tip portion.
像担持体の被走査面上に光ビームを照射して潜像を書き
込む光書込手段と、各像担持体に形成された潜像を異な
る色の現像剤で現像して可視像化する現像手段と、各像
担持体の位置に順次転写材を搬送し各像担持体上に形成
された各色の可視像を転写材に重ね合わせて転写する転
写搬送手段と、転写材上に転写された画像を定着する定
着手段を備えた画像形成装置において、 前記光書込手段として、請求項１〜５のうちの何れか一
つに記載の光書込装置を備えたことを特徴とする画像形
成装置。6. A plurality of image carriers arranged side by side, optical writing means for writing a latent image by irradiating a light beam onto a surface to be scanned of the plurality of image carriers, and forming each image carrier. Developing means for developing the formed latent image with a developer of a different color to form a visible image, and sequentially transferring the transfer material to the position of each image carrier, and forming a visible image of each color on each image carrier An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit configured to transfer an image by superimposing the image on a transfer material; and a fixing unit configured to fix an image transferred on the transfer material. An image forming apparatus comprising the optical writing device according to any one of the preceding claims.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000346895A JP3980826B2 (en) | 2000-11-14 | 2000-11-14 | Optical writing apparatus and image forming apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000346895A JP3980826B2 (en) | 2000-11-14 | 2000-11-14 | Optical writing apparatus and image forming apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002148551A true JP2002148551A (en) | 2002-05-22 |
| JP3980826B2 JP3980826B2 (en) | 2007-09-26 |
Family
ID=18820706
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000346895A Expired - Fee Related JP3980826B2 (en) | 2000-11-14 | 2000-11-14 | Optical writing apparatus and image forming apparatus |
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| US8754919B2 (en) | 2012-01-26 | 2014-06-17 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Optical writing unit and image forming apparatus including same |
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