JP4715962B1 - Optical scanning device, intermediate member, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A state in which the relative positions of a plurality of optical elements are maintained when the optical elements are fixed to the casing in a state where the relative positions of the plurality of optical elements supported by a support mechanism independent from the casing are maintained. Make it easier to create.
A plurality of optical elements, a housing that accommodates the plurality of optical elements and does not have an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of each optical element, and between each optical element and the housing A support member arranged and capable of adjusting a support position of each optical element with respect to the housing; and a support member supporting the optical element to a relative position capable of guiding light from a light source side to a scanned surface. An optical scanning device comprising: an intermediate member having a fixing member that fixes each of the optical elements and the support member to the housing in a state where the position is adjusted.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical scanning device, an intermediate member, and an image forming apparatus.

  As the optical scanning device, a scanning unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 and an optical scanning device disclosed in Patent Document 2 are known. The scanning unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 adjusts the position of the LD holder 270 on which the laser diode is mounted so that the laser beam surely passes through the scanning lens, while the lower end of the LD holder 270 is The positional relationship between the LD holder 270 and the unit frame 200 is fixed by adhering the surface of the base 220 to which the polygon mirror 110 is fixed in the unit frame 200 with an adhesive.

  An optical scanning device disclosed in Patent Literature 2 illuminates a target with light emitted from a light source via at least one optical element provided in a housing, and scans the target with the light. Includes an intermediate member bonded to both at least one of the optical elements and the housing.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-47822 (FIG. 7) JP 2008-225231 A (FIG. 6)

  In the present invention, even when a plurality of optical elements that are independently positioned from the housing are fixed to the housing at relative positions where the light from the light source side can be guided to the surface to be scanned, the relative positions are It is an object to fix the plurality of optical elements to the housing in a maintained state.

The invention of claim 1 includes a plurality of optical elements, the plurality of optical elements are accommodated, a housing having no adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the respective optical element, wherein each optical element and the housing And an intermediate member that bonds and fixes the optical elements and the casing, and adjusts the support position of the optical elements with respect to the casing in the position adjustment stage of the optical elements. The supporting position of each optical element is externally moved to a relative position where the optical element is deformed and supports each optical element, and is held by the supporting material and can guide light from the light source side to the scanning surface. in a state of being adjusted by the support device, said intermediate having the adhesive for bonding the respective optical elements and said support member relative to the housing is fixed the deformation of the support member by being solidified And an optical scanning device.

A second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of optical elements, the plurality of optical elements are accommodated, a housing having no adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the respective optical element, wherein each optical element and the housing disposed between the an intermediate member for bonding and fixing the respective optical elements and the housing, an elastically deformable support member for supporting said optical elements in position adjustment stage of the optical elements, wherein In a state in which each optical element is positioned by an external support device at a relative position where the light from the light source side can be guided to the scanned surface by being held by the support material and elastically deforming the support material. An optical scanning device comprising: the intermediate member having an adhesive that fixes the elastic deformation of the support material by being solidified and bonds the optical elements and the support material to the housing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect , an electrostatic latent image is formed by optically scanning the photosensitive member, a charging device for charging the photosensitive member, and the photosensitive member charged by the charging device. An image forming apparatus comprising: the optical scanning device described above; and a developing device that develops a photoconductor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by the optical scanning device to form a toner image.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where no intermediate member is provided, a plurality of parts positioned independently from the casing at relative positions capable of guiding light from the light source side to the scanned surface. Even when the optical elements are fixed to the casing, the plurality of optical elements are fixed to the casing in a state where the relative positions are maintained.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where no intermediate member is provided, a plurality of parts positioned independently from the casing at relative positions capable of guiding the light from the light source side to the scanned surface. Even when the optical elements are fixed to the casing, the plurality of optical elements are fixed to the casing in a state where the relative positions are maintained.

  According to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress image deterioration due to a defect in the scanning position of the optical scanning device as compared with the case where the optical scanning device in the present configuration is not provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a state in which a covering member (cover) is attached to the housing in the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an intermediate member provided for the fθ lens. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an intermediate member provided for the cylindrical lens. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fixing component supported by the support device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the support device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the fixing component is supported in the support device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the upper side of the support device according to the first embodiment and the configuration of the housing of the optical scanning device before fixing components are fixed. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration without the adjusting mechanism for adjusting the position of the light source in the configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modification of the support device shown in FIG. 7 in which the support that supports the reflecting mirror is modified. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical scanning device when the configuration shown in FIG. 11 is used. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state before the fθ lens is fixed to the housing via the intermediate member. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the fθ lens is fixed to the housing via the intermediate member. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a process in which the fθ lens is fixed to the housing via the intermediate member. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the optical scanning device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the configuration of the optical scanning device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the fixing component is supported in the first support device and the second support device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a manufacturing process of the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical scanning device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an intermediate member according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a support mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a support mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a support portion of the support mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a support portion of the support mechanism according to the second embodiment. FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cylindrical mirror according to the second embodiment is fixed. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a modification in which the intermediate member according to the second embodiment is modified.

Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.
[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus According to First Embodiment)
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes an apparatus housing 102 in which each component is accommodated. Inside the apparatus housing 102, a recording medium accommodating unit 104 that accommodates a recording medium P such as paper, an image forming unit 106 that forms a toner image on the recording medium P, and image formation from the recording medium accommodating unit 104. A conveyance unit 108 that conveys the recording medium P to the unit 106 and a fixing device 110 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 106 to the recording medium P are provided. In addition, a recording medium discharge unit 112 for discharging the recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 110 is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus housing 102.

  The image forming unit 106 transfers the toner image on which the toner image is formed, the intermediate transfer member 120 to which the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 114 is transferred, and the toner image on the photosensitive member 114 to the intermediate transfer member 120. A first transfer roll 128 and a second transfer roll 130 for transferring the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer body 120 by the first transfer roll 128 to the recording medium P are provided.

  The photoconductor 114 is configured to rotate in one direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1). Around the photosensitive member 114, in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 114, a charging device 116 that charges the photosensitive member 114, and a light beam is scanned onto the photosensitive member 114 charged by the charging device 116, and the photosensitive member 114 is statically charged. An optical scanning device 10 that forms an electrostatic latent image, and a rotary developing device 118 as an example of a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member 114 to form a toner image are provided. The specific configuration of the optical scanning device 10 will be described later.

  The rotary developing device 118 includes a rotating body 119 that is driven to rotate in one direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1) around the rotation support shaft 124. The rotating body 119 is provided with a toner storage portion 122 that stores toners of four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black around the rotation support shaft 124. Each toner storage unit 122 is provided with a developing roller 126 that supplies the toner stored in each toner storage unit 122 to the photoreceptor 114.

  The intermediate transfer body 120 is wound around a first transfer roll 128, an opposing roll 132 that faces the second transfer roll 130, and a plurality of (for example, three) winding rolls 134. In the intermediate transfer body 120, a transfer position T between which the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer body 120 is transferred to the recording medium P is between the opposing roll 132 and the second transfer roll 130.

  The transport unit 108 feeds the recording medium P stored in the recording medium storage unit 104 from the recording medium storage unit 104, and the transport roll 140 transports the recording medium P sent out by the feed roll 136 to the transfer position T. And.

  The fixing device 110 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the transfer position T, and fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P at the transfer position T to the recording medium P. A discharge roll 142 that discharges the recording medium P to the recording medium discharge unit 112 is arranged downstream of the fixing device 110 in the transport direction.

  Next, an image forming operation in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 114 by the optical scanning device 10 every rotation of the photoconductor 114, and each color toner is developed by each developing roll 126 of the rotary developing device 118. Developed with By this development, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor 114 are transferred to the intermediate transfer body 120 in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black for each rotation of the photoconductor 114 to form a color image.

  On the other hand, the recording medium P sent out from the recording medium container 104 is sent to the transfer position T by the transport roll 140. The color image transferred to the intermediate transfer body 120 is transferred onto the recording medium P at the transfer position T.

  The recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 110, and the transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 110. The recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the recording medium discharge unit 112 by the discharge roll 142. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

  Note that the configuration of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the above configuration, and any apparatus capable of forming an image may be used.

(Configuration of the optical scanning device 10 according to the first embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the optical scanning device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the configuration of the optical scanning device according to the first embodiment.

  In the following, the arrow F direction in the figure is the front of the optical scanning device 10, the opposite side (arrow B direction) is the rear of the optical scanning device 10, and the arrow R direction in the figure is the right side of the optical scanning device 10. The opposite side (arrow L direction) is the left side of the optical scanning device 10, the arrow U direction in the figure is above the optical scanning device 10, and the opposite side (arrow D direction) is the optical scanning device 10. This will be described below. In addition, since these directions in the optical scanning device 10 are determined for convenience of explanation, the horizontal direction, the front-rear direction, and the vertical direction in the optical scanning device 10 are not limited to these directions.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the optical scanning device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a plastic casing 12 having an open top. A light source 14 having a light emitting unit 14 </ b> A is attached to a side surface 13 </ b> F of the housing 12. The light source 14 is configured to emit a light beam K modulated according to an image signal from the light emitting unit 14 </ b> A to the inside of the housing 12 through an opening 12 </ b> A formed on the side wall of the housing 12.

  Inside the housing 12, a collimator lens 16, a cylindrical lens 18, and a rotating polygon mirror as an example of a plurality of optical elements that guide light from the light source 14 side to the outer peripheral surface (an example of a surface to be scanned) of the photosensitive member 114. (Polygon mirror) 20 is arranged in this order along the traveling direction of the light ray K. The rotary polygon mirror 20 is attached to the mounting plate 21 together with a drive unit 20A that rotationally drives the rotary polygon mirror 20.

  The light beam K emitted from the light source 14 is converted into parallel light by the collimator lens 16. The light beam K converted to the parallel light is imaged by the cylindrical lens 18 on the reflecting surface of the rotary polygon mirror 20 in the sub-scanning direction. The light beam K imaged by the cylindrical lens 18 is reflected and deflected by the reflecting surface of the rotating polygon mirror 20 rotated by the drive unit 20A.

  As an example of a plurality of optical elements that guide the light from the light source 14 side to the outer peripheral surface (an example of the surface to be scanned) of the photosensitive member 114 on the reflection side of the rotary polygon mirror 20 (the front side of the optical scanning device 10). The fθ lens 22 and the reflecting mirror 24 are arranged in this order along the traveling direction of the light ray K.

  The light beam K deflected by the rotary polygon mirror 20 passes through the fθ lens 22 and is reflected by the reflecting mirror 24, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 114 and moving the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 114 at a constant speed. Scanned.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a covering member (cover) 26 that covers the open portion is provided on the open top of the housing 12. A light-transmitting plate 28 that allows the light beam K reflected by the reflecting mirror 24 to pass through the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 114 is attached to the covering member 26.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 12 is provided with a detection element (SOS (start of scan) sensor) 30 for detecting the scanning start timing of the light beam K. A part of the light beam K transmitted through the fθ lens 22 is reflected and guided to the detection element 30 between the fθ lens 22 and the reflecting mirror 24 and on the scanning start side (left side of the optical scanning device 10). A detection mirror 32 is provided. The detection element 30 is attached to a block-like attachment member 30A.

  Here, in the optical scanning device 10, the light source 14 is fixed to the side surface 13 </ b> F of the housing 12 via a plurality of intermediate members 42. Each intermediate member 42 has one end joined to the light source 14 and the other end joined to the side surface 13F. Further, each of the mounting plate 21 and the fθ lens 22 of the rotary polygon mirror 20 is fixed to the bottom plate 12B of the housing 12 via a plurality of intermediate members 42. Each intermediate member 42 has one end joined to the mounting plate 21 and the bottom surface of the fθ lens 22 and the other end joined to the top surface of the bottom plate 12B. The specific configuration of the intermediate member 42 will be described later.

  Each of the collimator lens 16 and the cylindrical lens 18 is fixed via an intermediate member 43 to fixing portions 17 and 19 formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 12B. A specific configuration of the intermediate member 43 will be described later.

  The detection mirror 32 has a surface opposite to the reflection surface and a bottom surface fixed to a fixing portion 33 formed on the top surface of the bottom plate 12B via an intermediate member 43. In the detection element 30, the bottom surface of the mounting member 30A is fixed to a fixing portion (not shown) formed on the top surface of the bottom plate 12B via an intermediate member (not shown).

  The reflecting mirror 24 is an intermediate member with respect to the fixing portions 23 and 25 formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 12B and on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 (left end side and right end side of the optical scanning device 10). It is fixed via 43. The intermediate member 43 disposed in the fixed portion 23 is one end portion (right end portion) in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 and is joined to the opposite surface, the upper end surface, and the lower end surface of the reflecting surface. The intermediate member 43 disposed in the fixed portion 25 is the other end portion (left end portion) in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 and is joined to the opposite surface, the upper end surface, and the lower end surface of the reflecting surface.

  The collimator lens 16, the cylindrical lens 18, the rotating polygonal mirror 20, the fθ lens 22, and the reflecting mirror 24 are relative to the housing 12 so that the light K from the light source 14 side can be guided to the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 114. The position is fixed at a relative position (hereinafter referred to as an ideal position) where the light beam K from the light source 14 side can be scanned at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive member 114. Specifically, as described later, the collimator lens 16, the cylindrical lens 18, the rotary polygon mirror 20, the fθ lens 22, and the reflecting mirror 24 are positioned at ideal positions in the support device 150 and then maintained in the positional relationship. And is fixed to the housing 12. Further, when positioning the support device 150 to the ideal position, as will be described later, the rotary polygon mirror 20 and the fθ lens 22 are not adjusted after being positioned with respect to the support device 150, and the collimator lens 16 and the cylindrical lens are not adjusted. After the lens 18 and the reflecting mirror 24 are positioned with respect to the support device 150 including the light source 14, the position is adjusted and the lens 18 and the reflecting mirror 24 are positioned at the ideal position.

  The housing 12 itself has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positions of the light source 14, collimator lens 16, cylindrical lens 18, rotary polygon mirror 20, fθ lens 22, reflecting mirror 24, detection element 30, and detection mirror 32, and The light source 14, the collimator lens 16, the cylindrical lens 18, the rotary polygon mirror 20, the fθ lens 22, the reflection mirror 24, the detection element 30, and the detection mirror 32 are not provided with a positioning mechanism. The light source 14, collimator lens 16, cylindrical lens 18, rotary polygon mirror 20, fθ lens 22, reflecting mirror 24, detection element 30, and detection mirror 32 are regions including the ideal position and wider than the ideal position. It may have a positioning mechanism for positioning in the area. This positioning mechanism is used, for example, when positioning roughly as a previous stage of fixing to an ideal position.

(Configuration of the intermediate member 42 and the intermediate member 43)
Next, the configuration of the intermediate member 42 and the intermediate member 43 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the intermediate member 42. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the intermediate member 43.

  First, the intermediate member 42 provided for the fθ lens 22 will be described. The intermediate member 42 provided for the mounting plate 21 and the light source 14 of the rotary polygon mirror 20 is configured in the same manner as the intermediate member 42 provided for the fθ lens 22, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the intermediate member 42 is disposed between the housing 12 as an example of a fixing member and the fθ lens 22 as an example of a fixed member. It is fixed to the housing 12.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the intermediate member 42 is a compression coil spring 42 </ b> A as an example of a support material that supports the fθ lens 22, and a fixing material that fixes the fθ lens 22 to the housing 12. A curing agent 42B and a sponge 42C as an example of a holding material that holds the curing agent 42B are provided.

  One end of the compression coil spring 42A in the axial direction, which is the expansion / contraction direction, is disposed on the fθ lens 22 side, and the other end in the axial direction is disposed on the housing 12 side. The compression coil spring 42A is kept in a deformed state, that is, a compressed state, as the curing agent 42B is cured. The compression coil spring 42A is elastically deformed in a state before the curing agent 42B is cured, thereby supporting the fθ lens 22 so as to be movable along the axial direction of the compression coil spring 42A. That is, the compression coil spring 42 </ b> A allows the fθ lens 22 to move with respect to the housing 12, and the support position of the fθ lens 22 with respect to the housing 12 can be adjusted. Therefore, the compression coil spring 42A is elastically deformed and can be positioned at the ideal position.

  The support material may be, for example, a spring formed in a spherical shape, such as the tip of a tea bowl, or a spring having other shapes, which can be elastically deformed and can support the fθ lens 22. If it is.

  Specifically, the curing agent 42B is an adhesive that is cured by ultraviolet rays, and is in a liquid state (gel form) before irradiation with ultraviolet rays. That is, the curing agent 42B allows elastic deformation of the compression coil spring 42A and the sponge 42C before curing. The curing agent 42B prevents the deformation of the compression coil spring 42A and the sponge 42C against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 42A and the sponge 42C after curing, and the fθ lens 22 is attached to the housing 12 by the adhesive force. It is designed to be fixed against. Specifically, the curing agent 42B fixes the fθ lens 22 and the compression coil spring 42A to the housing 12 in a state where the support position of the fθ lens 22 by the compression coil spring 42A is adjusted to the ideal position.

  The curing means (stimulation) for curing the curing agent may be, for example, electromagnetic waves other than ultraviolet rays, heat, air, etc., and the curing agent 42B may be a curing means other than ultraviolet rays (for example, electromagnetic waves other than ultraviolet rays). , Heat, air) may be used.

  The sponge 42C is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the compression coil spring 42A and is held by the compression coil spring 42A. The sponge 42 </ b> C is configured to hold a liquid (gel-like) curing agent 42 </ b> B before curing with a plurality of holes (voids) formed therein.

  The holding material may be, for example, a porous material other than the foam material, and may be any material that can hold the liquid (gel-like) curing agent 42B.

  Next, the intermediate member 43 provided for the cylindrical lens 18 will be described.

  The intermediate member 43 provided for the collimator lens 16, the reflecting mirror 24, the detection element 30, and the detection mirror 32 is configured in the same manner as the intermediate member 43 provided for the cylindrical lens 18. Description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the intermediate member 43 is disposed between the fixing member 19 and a cylindrical lens 18 as an example of a fixed member, and the cylindrical lens 18 is attached to the housing 12. It is to be fixed.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the intermediate member 43 includes a curing agent 43B as an example of a fixing material that fixes the cylindrical lens 18 to the housing 12, and an example of a holding material that holds the curing agent 43B. Sponge 43C.

  Unlike the intermediate member 42, the intermediate member 43 does not have a compression coil spring. That is, in the intermediate member 42, the compression coil spring 42A mainly has a supporting function for supporting the fθ lens 22, and the sponge 42C has a holding function for mainly holding the curing agent 43B. In the intermediate member 43, the sponge 43C has both a support function and a holding function.

  Specifically, like the curing agent 42B, the curing agent 43B is composed of an adhesive that is cured by ultraviolet rays, and has the same function as the curing agent 42B. As the curing agent 43B, a curing agent that is cured by a curing means other than ultraviolet rays (for example, electromagnetic waves other than ultraviolet rays, heat, air) may be used as in the curing agent 42B.

  The sponge 43C is configured to hold a liquid (gel-like) curing agent 43B before curing with a plurality of holes (voids) formed therein. The sponge 43C is kept in a deformed state, that is, a compressed state by the curing agent 43B being cured. The sponge 43C elastically deforms the cylindrical lens 18 in a state before the curing agent 43B is cured, thereby supporting the cylindrical lens 18 so as to be movable.

  The holding material may be, for example, a porous material other than the foam material, and may be any material that can hold the liquid (gel-like) curing agent 43B.

  As described above, as the intermediate member disposed between the fixing member and the fixed member, as in the intermediate members 42 and 43, the supporting function for supporting the fixed member and a fixing material such as a curing agent are held. It is desirable to have a holding function.

  Further, like the intermediate member 43, a single member may have both a support function and a holding function, and like the intermediate member 42, each of a plurality of members shares the support function and the holding function. It is good also as a structure made to do.

  Examples of the supporting material having a supporting function, the holding material having a holding function, and a member having both functions include, for example, a porous material such as a spring, rubber, and sponge, a nonwoven fabric / cotton-like member formed of glass fiber, metal fiber, and the like (For example, glass wool or steel wool) • It is appropriately selected from a mesh-shaped member, a honeycomb-shaped member, a bellows-shaped member, and the like.

  The intermediate members 42 and 43 are configured by a compression coil spring 42A, a sponge 42C, and a sponge 43C, respectively, in a component state before the manufacture of the optical scanning device 10, and the curing agents 42B and 43B are supplied in the manufacturing process. is there.

  Accordingly, the intermediate member 42 may be regarded as an intermediate member including a compression coil spring 42A as an example of a support material, a curing agent 42B as an example of a fixing material, and a sponge 42C as an example of a holding material. However, the curing agent 42B as an example of the fixing material is not provided, and a configuration including a compression coil spring 42A as an example of the support material and a sponge 42C as an example of the holding material may be regarded as an intermediate member.

  Moreover, in the intermediate member 43, what contains the hardening | curing agent 43B as an example of a fixing material and sponge 43C as an example of a holding material may be caught as an intermediate member, or the hardening agent 43B as an example of a fixing material. However, it is also possible to capture an intermediate member made of a sponge 43C as an example of a holding material.

  Further, the intermediate member may be composed only of a fixing material such as a curing agent, or may be an intermediate member 95 shown in a second embodiment described later.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the intermediate member (specifically, a constituent member other than the curing agent) has a function of transmitting the curing means (stimulation) to the curing agent. For example, when the curing agent in the intermediate member is cured by electromagnetic waves other than ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet rays as a curing means, the intermediate member is preferably made of a member that can transmit electromagnetic waves other than ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet rays. In particular, in the case where a curing agent is applied to the back surface of the constituent member as in the intermediate member 95 in the second embodiment, in order to cure the applied curing agent, there is a permeability that transmits electromagnetic waves other than ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet rays. Necessary. Further, for example, when the curing agent in the intermediate member is cured by heat as a curing means, the intermediate member is a member having thermal conductivity that conducts heat, as in the case of electromagnetic waves other than ultraviolet rays and ultraviolet rays. It is desirable to be configured.

(Configuration of the support device 150 according to the first embodiment)
Next, the support device 150 used in the manufacturing method described later of the optical scanning device 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the support device 150.

  In the following, the arrow F direction in the figure is the front of the support device 150, the opposite side (arrow B direction) is the rear of the support device 150, and the arrow R direction in the drawing is the right side of the support device 150, and vice versa. The side (arrow L direction) is the left side of the support device 150, the arrow U direction in the figure is the upper side of the support device 150, and the opposite side (the arrow D direction) is the lower side of the support device 150. In addition, since these directions in the support device 150 are determined for convenience of explanation, the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction in the support device 150 are not limited to these directions.

  The support device 150 according to the first embodiment includes a light source 14, a collimator lens 16, a cylindrical lens 18, a rotating polygon mirror 20, an fθ lens 22, and a reflecting mirror 24 shown in FIG. 6 among the components constituting the optical scanning device 10. A device for supporting the detection element 30 and the detection mirror 32 (hereinafter, these component parts are referred to as fixed parts 14 to 32) before being fixed to the housing 12. Further, the support device 150 is a device independent of the optical scanning device 10 (specifically, the housing 12), and is a device configured separately from the optical scanning device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support device 150 includes support members 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 170, and 172 (hereinafter referred to as 154 to 172) that removably support each of the fixing components 14 to 32. ) And a base body 152 on which supports 154 to 172 are formed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the base body 152 is combined with the housing 12 and positioned with respect to the housing 12 with reference to two reference holes 15 formed on the front side of the housing 12. It is configured.

  Specifically, for example, a pin or the like is provided on one of the two positioning holes 175 formed on the front side of the base 152 corresponding to the two reference holes 15 and one of the two reference holes 15 of the housing 12. When the insertion member such as a pin is inserted into the other of the two positioning holes 175 and the other of the two reference holes 15, the insertion member is inserted into the reference hole 15 of the housing 12. The positioning hole 175 of the base body 152 is positioned, and the base body 152 is positioned with respect to the housing 12 with reference to the two reference holes 15.

  Note that the positional accuracy required when the base 152 is positioned with respect to the housing 12 is lower than the positional accuracy required when the fixed components 14 to 32 are positioned with respect to the base 152. Further, the optical scanning device 10 is positioned with respect to the photosensitive member 114 with reference to the two reference holes 15 of the housing 12. Further, the configuration for positioning the base body 152 with respect to the housing 12 is not limited to the configuration based on the two reference holes 15.

  When the base body 152 is positioned with respect to the housing 12, opposing walls (inner walls) 173A and 173B that face the side surfaces 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, and 13F (see FIG. 2) of the housing 12, respectively. -It has 173C, 173D, 173E, 173F (see FIG. 7).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the base body 152 is opened downward so that the fixed portion of the fixed components 14 to 32 with respect to the housing 12 in the state supported by the supports 154 to 172 is exposed. . Specifically, the fixed portion is the bottom surface of the collimator lens 16, the cylindrical lens 18, the mounting plate 21 and the fθ lens 22 of the rotary polygon mirror 20, and the detection element 30 (mounting member 30A). (The arrangement surface on which the light emitting portion 14A is arranged), the reflecting mirror 24 is the opposite surface, the upper end surface and the lower end surface with respect to the reflecting surface, and the detection mirror 32 is the opposite surface and the bottom surface with respect to the reflecting surface.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support body 154 that supports the light source 14 protrudes horizontally from the facing wall 173 </ b> F of the base body 152 and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. One end of a plurality of suction holes 154B for sucking the light source 14 is opened on the side surface 154A of the support 154. A suction device (not shown) for sucking the light source 14 is connected to the other end of the suction hole 154B. By this suction device, the light source 14 is supported by the side surface 154A of the support body 154 by sucking the surface opposite to the arrangement surface of the light emitting portion 14A of the light source 14 through the suction hole 154B.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the light source 14 is in contact with the side surface 154A while being supported by the support body 154, and the position of the light source 14 relative to the base 152 (support device 150) is defined and positioned.

  Further, the support 154 is provided with an adjustment mechanism 154C (see FIG. 7) and an adjustment mechanism 154E (see FIG. 9) for adjusting the position of the light source 14. The adjustment mechanism 154C supports the support body 154 with respect to the base body 152, and the light source 14 moves in the Y direction in FIGS. 7 and 9 (vertical direction in the optical scanning device 10) by rotating the operation unit 154D. In this manner, the support body 154 is moved.

  The adjustment mechanism 154E supports the support body 154 with respect to the base body 152, and rotates the operation unit 154F to rotate in the X direction in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 (right diagonally forward in the optical scanning device 10 and the opposite direction ( The support body 154 is moved so that the optical axis and centering adjustment with the collimator lens 16 can be adjusted by moving the lens to the left and rear left).

  The support body 156 that supports the collimator lens 16 protrudes downward from the base body 152 and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the lower surface of the support 156, a recess 156A is formed. One end of a suction hole 156B for sucking the collimator lens 16 is opened on the inner surface in the recess 156A. A suction device (not shown) for sucking the collimator lens 16 is connected to the other end of the suction hole 156B. By the suction device, the collimator lens 16 is sucked through the suction hole 156B, so that the collimator lens 16 is supported by the concave portion 156A of the support 156 as shown in FIG.

  While the collimator lens 16 is supported by the support body 156, the collimator lens 16 comes into contact with the inner surface of the recess 156A and a plurality of side surfaces having different angles, and the position relative to the base 152 (support device 150) is defined and positioned. It has become.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the support 156 is provided with an adjustment mechanism 156 </ b> C that adjusts the position of the collimator lens 16. The adjustment mechanism 156C supports the support body 156 with respect to the base body 152, and rotates the operation unit 156D, thereby moving the light K in the optical scanning device 10 (direction approaching or moving away from the rotary polygon mirror 20). ), The support 156 is moved so that the collimator lens 16 moves.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support body 158 that supports the cylindrical lens 18 is configured in the same manner as the support body 156, and includes a recess 158 </ b> A for positioning the cylindrical lens 18, and suction for sucking the cylindrical lens 18. It has a hole 158B. As shown in FIG. 9, the support 158 is provided with an adjustment mechanism 158 </ b> C that adjusts the position of the cylindrical lens 18, similarly to the support 156. The adjustment mechanism 158C supports the support body 158 with respect to the base body 152, and rotates the operation unit 158D to move the light K in the optical scanning device 10 in the direction of travel (the direction toward or away from the rotary polygon mirror 20). ), The support 158 is moved so that the cylindrical lens 18 moves.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support body 160 that supports the rotary polygon mirror 20 includes a first support body 161 disposed on the rear side of the base body 152 and a second support body 163 disposed on the front side of the support body 161. And a third support body 165 disposed on the left side of the support body 161.

  Each of the first support 161, the second support 163, and the third support 165 protrudes downward from the base 152 and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. At the lower surfaces of the first support 161, the second support 163, and the third support 165, suction holes 161B, 163B, and 165B for sucking the mounting plate 21 to which the rotary polygon mirror 20 is attached are respectively provided. It is open. A suction device (not shown) for sucking the mounting plate 21 is connected to the other ends of the suction holes 161B, 163B, and 165B. The suction device sucks the rear side of the upper surface of the mounting plate 21 through the suction hole 161B, sucks the front side of the upper surface of the mounting plate 21 through the suction hole 163B, and sucks the left side of the upper surface of the mounting plate 21 through the suction hole 165B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the rotary polygon mirror 20 is supported by the lower surfaces of the supports 161, 163, 165.

  The first support 161 and the third support 165 are respectively provided on the left side of the mounting plate 21 with a defining portion 161C that contacts the rear end surface of the mounting plate 21 to define the position of the rotary polygon mirror 20 in the front-rear direction. A defining portion 165C that contacts the end surface and defines the position of the rotary polygon mirror 20 in the left-right direction is provided.

  The rotary polygon mirror 20 is in contact with the lower surfaces of the first support 161, the second support 163, and the third support 165, and the position in the vertical direction is defined, and the position in the front-rear direction is defined by the defining unit 161C. The position in the left-right direction is defined by the portion 165C, so that the position is determined with respect to the base body 152.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support body 162 that supports the fθ lens 22 protrudes downward from the base body 152 and is formed in a block shape. One end of suction holes 162 </ b> A, 162 </ b> B, and 162 </ b> C for sucking the fθ lens 22 is opened on the lower surface of the support body 162. A suction device (not shown) that sucks the fθ lens 22 is connected to the other ends of the suction holes 162A, 162B, and 162C. By this suction device, the right end portion of the upper surface of the fθ lens 22 is sucked through the suction hole 162A, the right end portion of the upper surface of the fθ lens 22 is sucked through the suction hole 162B, and the front end portion of the upper surface of the fθ lens 22 is sucked through the suction hole 162C. By sucking, the fθ lens 22 is supported by the lower surface of the support 162 as shown in FIG.

  On the suction surface (upper surface) of the fθ lens 22, convex portions 22A, 22B, and 22C that fit into the suction holes 162A, 162B, and 162C are formed (see FIG. 13), and each of the convex portions 22A, 22B, and 22C is formed. The fθ lens 22 is positioned with respect to the base body 152 by being sucked and supported while being fitted into the suction holes 162A, 162B, and 162C.

  The support 162 includes one end surface (right end surface) 22R in the longitudinal direction of the fθ lens 22 or the other end surface (left end surface) 22L in the longitudinal direction of the fθ lens 22 and a front surface 22FR on one end (right end) in the longitudinal direction of the fθ lens 22. And the movement of the fθ lens 22 in contact with the three surfaces of the front surface 22FL on the other end (left end) side in the longitudinal direction of the fθ lens 22 by restricting the movement of the fθ lens 22 by a restricting portion formed on the support 162. The structure which positions may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support body 164 that supports the reflecting mirror 24 includes a first support body 167 disposed on the right side of the base body 152 and a second support body 169 disposed on the left side of the base body 152. And is configured.

  Each of the first support body 167 and the second support body 169 has a lower surface that protrudes downward from the base body 152 and is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. One ends of suction holes 167B and 169B for sucking the reflecting mirror 24 are opened on the lower surfaces of the first support 167 and the second support 169, respectively. A suction device (not shown) for sucking the reflecting mirror 24 is connected to the other ends of the suction holes 167B and 169B. By this suction device, the right end portion of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 24 is sucked through the suction hole 167B, and the left end portion of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 24 is sucked through the suction hole 169B, as shown in FIG. The reflecting mirror 24 is supported by the lower surfaces of the first support 167 and the second support 169.

  The first support member 167 and the second support member 169 are in contact with the right end surface of the reflecting mirror 24 to contact the right end surface of the reflecting mirror 24 and the left end surface of the reflecting mirror 24, respectively. In addition, a defining portion 169C that defines the position of the reflecting mirror 24 in the left-right direction is provided.

  The reflecting mirror 24 is in contact with the lower surfaces of the first support body 167 and the second support body 169 to define the position in the vertical direction with respect to the lower surfaces, and the position in the left-right direction is defined by the defining portions 167C and 169C. Positioned relative to the substrate 152.

  The first support 167 and the second support 169 are each provided with an adjustment mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the position of the reflecting mirror 24. The adjustment mechanism supports the first support 167 and the second support 169 with respect to the base body 152, and operates the operation unit (not shown) to operate the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 (the optical scanning device 10). The first support body 167 and the second support body 169 are respectively rotated and moved so that one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 are rotated in the rotation direction with the rotation axis as the rotation axis. ing. Thereby, the angle of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 24 and the inclination of the other end with respect to one end in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 can be adjusted.

  The support 170 that supports the detection element 30 is formed in a block shape (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 7, one end of a suction hole 170 </ b> B for sucking the detection element 30 is opened on the lower surface of the support 170. A suction device (not shown) for sucking the detection element 30 is connected to the other end of the suction hole 170B. By this suction device, the detection element 30 is sucked through the suction hole 170B, so that the detection element 30 is supported by the support 170 as shown in FIG.

  The support 170 is provided with a defining portion 170 </ b> C that defines the position of the detection element 30 in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction by contacting the right side surface and the rear surface of the detection element 30. The detection element 30 is positioned with respect to the base body 152 by contacting the defining portion 170C of the support 170 and defining the positions in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support body 172 that supports the detection mirror 32 protrudes downward from the base body 152 and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. One end of a plurality of suction holes 172B for sucking the detection mirror 32 is opened on the side surface of the support 172. A suction device (not shown) for sucking the detection mirror 32 is connected to the other end of the suction hole 172B. By the suction device, the back surface behind the reflection surface of the detection mirror 32 is sucked through the suction hole 172B, so that the detection mirror 32 is supported by the lower surface of the support 172 as shown in FIG. It has become.

  The support 172 is provided with a defining portion 172C that contacts the upper end surface of the detection mirror 32 and defines the vertical position of the detection mirror 32. The detection mirror 32 comes into contact with the side surface of the support body 172 to define the position in the vertical direction with respect to the side surface, and the position in the vertical direction is defined by the defining portion 172C, so that the detection mirror 32 is positioned with respect to the base body 152.

  In addition, even if the suction device arrange | positioned with respect to each support body 154-172 is a single suction device used in common with respect to each support body 154-172, it is comprised by the several suction device. Also good. Moreover, the adjustment mechanism which adjusts the relative position of each fixing component 14-32 may be provided in any of each support body 154-172. As shown in FIG. 10, the support device 150 may have a configuration in which the support 154 that supports the light source 14 does not have an adjustment mechanism.

  Note that an opening 181 is formed in the base 152 of the support device 150 between the support 167 and the support 169. The opening 181 is an exit window for emitting the light beam reflected by the reflecting mirror 24. Specifically, when each of the fixed components 14 to 32 is positioned at the ideal position, the light beam from the light source 14 passes through the collimator lens 16, the cylindrical lens 18, the rotating polygonal mirror 20, the fθ lens 22, and the reflecting mirror 24. The positions of the fixed components 14 to 32 are adjusted by the adjusting mechanisms 154C, 154E, 156C, and 158C while confirming the position of the light beam emitted from the opening 181 with a light detection device (detector).

  In addition, an opening 182 is formed in the base 152 of the support device 150 above the rotary polygon mirror 20 in a state supported by the first support 161, the second support 163, and the third support 165. This opening 181 is used to insert a measuring instrument for measuring the incident angle and position of light on the rotary polygon mirror 20 or to adjust the position of the reflecting surface by hand while the rotary polygon mirror 20 is not rotating. It is used when light is incident on a detection device (detector).

  The support device 150 includes a first support mechanism 177 and a second support mechanism 179 as shown in FIG. 11 instead of the first support body 167 and the second support body 169 that support the reflecting mirror 24. There may be. The first support mechanism 177 and the second support mechanism 179 are each provided with a support portion 272 that supports the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 by suction. The support part 272 is configured in the same manner as the support part 272 in the second embodiment described later (see FIGS. 25 and 26).

  In other words, as shown in FIG. 26, the support portion 272 has a facing surface 274 that faces one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24. One end of a suction hole 276 for sucking the reflecting mirror 24 is opened on the facing surface 274. A suction device (not shown) that sucks the reflecting mirror 24 is connected to the other end of the suction hole 276.

  The opposing surface 274 of the support portion 272 is in contact with the reflecting surface 24A of the reflecting mirror 24 and the opposite surface 24B, and a pair of restricting portions 275 that restrict movement in a direction intersecting the reflecting surface 24A of the reflecting mirror 24. Is provided. The pair of regulating portions 275 extends from the facing surface 274 in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24.

The support portion 272A is capable of rotating in the rotation direction with the longitudinal direction of the reflection mirror 24 (the left-right direction in the optical scanning device 10) as the rotation axis, and is orthogonal to the direction along the reflection surface of the reflection mirror 24 and the reflection surface. It is possible to move in the direction. Thereby, the positional relationship (distance) with the fθ lens 22, the angle of the reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror 24, and the inclination of the other end with respect to one end in the longitudinal direction of the reflecting mirror 24 can be adjusted.
In the configuration including the first support mechanism 177 and the second support mechanism 179, the support portion 272 is provided at the distal end when the support portion 272 supporting the reflecting mirror 24 moves into the housing 12. It is desirable to form a notch 184 for inserting (entering) the arms 177B and 179B on the side wall of the housing 12 (see FIG. 12).

(Manufacturing method of the optical scanning device 10 according to the first embodiment)
Next, a method for manufacturing the optical scanning device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the manufacturing method according to the first embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 8, each fixing component 14 to 32 is supported by the support device 150 by suction of a suction device (not shown) provided in the support device 150. (Support process).

  As described above, since the support device 150 supports the fixed components 14 to 32 by suction, for example, the load is applied to the fixed components 14 to 32 as compared with the case where the fixed components 14 to 32 are sandwiched from both sides. Hateful. Thereby, each fixed component 14-32 is hard to bend.

  The fixed components 14 to 32 are positioned with respect to the base 152 (support device 150) by the supports 154 to 172. Further, the positions of the light source 14, the collimator lens 16, and the cylindrical lens 18 are adjusted by the adjusting mechanism 154F, the adjusting mechanism 156C, and the adjusting mechanism 158C as necessary. Thereby, each fixed component 14-32 is positioned in an ideal position.

  Next, an insertion member such as a pin is inserted into each of the two reference holes 15 and each of the two positioning holes 175, and the housing 12 is combined with the support device 150 and formed on the front side of the housing 12. The support device 150 is positioned with respect to the housing 12 with reference to the two reference holes 15 (positioning step).

When the support device 150 is positioned with respect to the housing 12, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15A, the fθ lens 22 and the mounting plate 21 of the rotary polygon mirror 20 are placed on the intermediate member 42 from above. The intermediate member 42 is pushed downward, and the intermediate member 42 is compressed as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15B. Thereby, the compression coil spring 42A and the sponge 42C of the intermediate member 42 are elastically deformed. Further, the light source 14 pushes the intermediate member 42 from the side with respect to the intermediate member 42 to compress the intermediate member 42. Thereby, the compression coil spring 42A and the sponge 42C of the intermediate member 42 are elastically deformed. Further, the fixed components 14 to 32 other than the fθ lens 22 and the rotary polygon mirror 20 are similarly arranged with respect to the intermediate member 43, and the intermediate member 43 is elastically deformed.
In this way, the support device 150 is in a state in which the intermediate members 42 and 43 that allow the movement of the fixed components 14 to 32 with respect to the housing 12 are arranged between the fixed components 14 to 32 and the housing 12. Positioned relative to the body 12.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the intermediate members 42 and 43 are previously attached to the side surface 13 </ b> F, the bottom plate 12 </ b> B, and the fixing portions 17, 19, 23, 25, and 33 of the housing 12 to which the fixing components 14 to 32 are fixed. It is fixed.

  Next, the support device 150 is fixed to the housing 12 in a state where the support device 150 is positioned with respect to the housing 12 in the positioning process and the ideal positions of the fixing components 14 to 32 supported in the support process are maintained. The components 14 to 32 are fixed (fixing step).

  In this fixing step, the fixing components 14 to 32 are fixed to the housing 12 via the intermediate member 42 and the intermediate member 43 disposed between the housing 12 and the fixing components 14 to 32.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15B, in a state where the compression coil spring 42A and the sponge 42C are elastically deformed, the curing agent 42B held by the sponge 42C is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to thereby cure the curing agent 42B. Is cured. As a result, the compression coil spring 42A and the sponge 42C are fixed between the light source 14, the fθ lens 22, and the mounting plate 21 of the rotary polygon mirror 20 and the housing 12 in a state in which the compression coil spring 42A and the restoration (return of shape) are prevented. Is done. Further, the fθ lens 22 and the mounting plate 21 are fixed to the housing 12 by the adhesive force of the curing agent 42B.

  Similarly, in the intermediate member 43, the curing agent 43B is cured to cause the sponge 43C to be deformed and prevented from being restored (returned to the shape), and other than the fθ lens 22 and the rotary polygon mirror 20. It is fixed between the fixing components 14 to 32 and the housing 12. Further, the fixing components 14 to 32 other than the fθ lens 22 and the mounting plate 21 are fixed to the housing 12.

  Thereby, each fixed component 14-32 is fixed to the housing | casing 12 in the state which maintained the ideal position of the fixed components 14-32 supported by the support process.

  Next, the suction by the suction device is stopped, and as shown in FIG. 15C, the support device 150 is removed from the fixing components 14 to 32 and the housing 12 fixed in the fixing step (detaching step). As described above, the fixed components 14 to 32 positioned at the ideal position are transferred from the support device 150 to the housing 12, whereby the optical scanning device 10 is manufactured.

  For example, when manufacturing a plurality of optical scanning devices 10, in the comparative example in which the positions of the fixing components 14 to 32 are adjusted by the adjustment mechanism provided in the housing 12 for each optical scanning device 10, While it is necessary to perform adjustments that are suitable for individual differences and wrinkles of each adjustment mechanism, in the present embodiment, a single support device 150 is commonly used for each optical scanning device 10, so that The fixing parts 14 to 32 are positioned by a predetermined process (routine).

  This facilitates position adjustment (positioning) of the fixed components 14 to 32 when the fixed components 14 to 32 are fixed at positions where the light beam K can be scanned at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductor 114. become. This leads to a reduction in the number of manufacturing steps and work time.

  In the present embodiment, since the housing 12 of the optical scanning device 10 does not have an adjustment mechanism, the number of parts is reduced. Further, in the comparative example in which each fixing component 14 to 32 is position-adjusted by the adjustment mechanism provided in the housing 12 of the optical scanning device 10 and positioned and fixed to the housing 12, the fixing is performed in a state where a load is applied by the adjustment mechanism. However, in this embodiment, since the housing 12 of the optical scanning device 10 does not have an adjustment mechanism, a load is applied by the adjustment mechanism when each of the fixed components 14 to 32 is fixed to the housing 12. There is nothing to be done. In addition, the housing 12 does not require manufacturing accuracy for a structure such as a positioning datum for the fixed components 14 to 32 that has been required in the past. Since the manufacturing accuracy of the housing 12 itself is not required in this way, the degree of freedom of the shape of the housing 12 is increased, and a single flat plate made of a standard material may be used as the housing 12. Furthermore, in other words, the fixing components 14 to 32 may be directly fixed to the frame of the image forming apparatus (a support body that supports each component).

Moreover, in this embodiment, since the fixing components 14 to 32 are supported and fixed to the housing 12 using the intermediate members 42 and 43, compared with the case where the intermediate member is not used, the ideal fixing components 14 to 32 are used. It is easy to create a state in which the position is maintained, and the fixing components 14 to 32 can be fixed to the housing 12 in a state in which the ideal position is maintained.
Further, since the fixing components 14 to 32 are supported and fixed to the housing 12 using the intermediate members 42 and 43, the configuration other than the curing agents 42B and 43B is compared to the case of fixing by the curing agents 42B and 43B alone. Since the fixed components 14 to 32 are supported in a composite manner by the members (compression coil spring 42A and sponges 42C and 43C), the postures of the fixed components 14 to 32 are maintained even when vibrations during operation of the apparatus and fluctuations in ambient temperature occur. it can.

[Second Embodiment]
(Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus According to Second Embodiment)
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment includes an apparatus housing 202 in which each component is accommodated. Inside the apparatus housing 202, a recording medium accommodating unit 204 that accommodates a recording medium P such as paper, an image forming unit 206 that forms a toner image on the recording medium P, and image formation from the recording medium accommodating unit 204. A transport unit 208 that transports the recording medium P to the unit 206 and a fixing device 210 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 206 to the recording medium P are provided. In addition, a recording medium discharge unit 212 for discharging the recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 210 is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus housing 202.

  The image forming unit 206 is a photoconductor 214Y, 214M, 214C, or 214K (hereinafter referred to as an image holding body) that holds toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). 214Y to 214K), a first intermediate transfer body 216 to which the toner images formed by the photoconductors 214Y and 214M are transferred, and a second intermediate transfer to which the toner images formed by the photoconductors 214C and 214K are transferred. Recording medium 218, third intermediate transfer body 220 to which the toner image transferred to first intermediate transfer body 216 and second intermediate transfer body 218 is transferred, and toner image transferred to third intermediate transfer body 220 And a transfer roll 222 as an example of a transfer member for transferring to P.

  The photoconductors 214Y to 214K are configured to rotate in one direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1). Around each of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K, in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of each of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K, a charging device 224 that charges each of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K, and each photoconductor 214Y to which is charged by the charging device 224. In order to form an electrostatic latent image on 214K, the space S through which the light beam scanned from the optical scanning device 50 to each of the photosensitive members 214Y to 214K passes, and the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive members 214Y to 214K are developed. And a developing device 226 for forming a toner image.

  The optical scanning device 50 is configured as an optical scanning device used in common for the four photoconductors 214Y to 214K, and scans the photoconductors 214Y to 214K with light rays to form an electrostatic latent image. It has become. The specific configuration of the optical scanning device 50 will be described later.

  The transfer roll 222 faces the third intermediate transfer body 220, and the toner image transferred to the third intermediate transfer body 220 is transferred to the recording medium P between the transfer roll 222 and the third intermediate transfer body 220. The transfer position T is a transfer position T.

  The transport unit 208 sends out the recording medium P stored in the recording medium storage unit 204 from the recording medium storage unit 204, and the transport roll 228 transports the recording medium P sent out by the transmission roll 226 to the transfer position T. And.

  The fixing device 210 is disposed downstream in the transport direction from the transfer position T, and fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P at the transfer position T to the recording medium P. A discharge roll 230 that discharges the recording medium P to the recording medium discharge unit 212 is disposed downstream of the fixing device 210 in the transport direction.

  Next, an image forming operation in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, the optical scanning device 50 scans the photoconductors 214Y to 214K with light beams, thereby forming electrostatic latent images on the photoconductors 214Y to 214K. A toner image based on is formed. The toner images formed by the photoconductors 214Y and 214M are transferred to the first intermediate transfer body 216. The toner images formed by the photoconductors 214C and 214K are transferred to the second intermediate transfer body 218. The toner images transferred to the first intermediate transfer member 216 and the second intermediate transfer member 218 are transferred to the third intermediate transfer member 220 to form a color image.

  On the other hand, the recording medium P sent out from the recording medium container 204 is sent to the transfer position T by the transport roll 224. The color image transferred to the third intermediate transfer body 220 is transferred to the recording medium P at the transfer position T.

  The recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 210, and the transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 210. The recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the recording medium discharge unit 212 by the discharge roll 230. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

  The image forming apparatus 200 is not limited to the above configuration, and for example, toner images formed by the photosensitive members 214Y to 214K are recorded by a single intermediate transfer member (for example, an intermediate transfer drum or an intermediate transfer belt). The image may be transferred to a medium, or may be an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image with a configuration other than the above.

(Configuration of Optical Scanning Device 50 according to Second Embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the optical scanning device 50 according to the second embodiment will be described. 17 and 18 are perspective views showing the configuration of the optical scanning device according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the optical scanning device 50 includes an optical box 53 having a dustproof structure. The optical box 53 has a first case 51 and a second case 52. That is, the internal space of the optical box 53 is partitioned by the boundary portion 54, and the first case 51 and the second case 52 having individual spaces are formed by the boundary portion 54. A window 56 that allows light to pass between the first case 51 and the second case 52 is formed in the boundary portion 54. As shown in FIG. 18, the first case 51 has a side wall 55 (the side wall 55 constitutes a wall surface in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P).

  As shown in FIG. 17, a first optical system 61 is disposed in the first case 51, and a second optical system 62 is disposed in the second case 52. The first optical system 61 and the second optical system 62 can also be referred to as an imaging optical system.

  The first optical system 61 includes laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K. These laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K are attached to attachment portions 55A formed on the side walls 55 of the first case 51 as shown in FIG. In the mounting portion 55A, the light beams KY, KM, KC, and KK generated by the laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K travel in an oblique direction with respect to the side wall 55, and the four light beams KY to KK translate. Thus, it is formed in a step shape.

  Each of the laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K is driven by image signals of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to emit light beams KY to KK that become divergent light beams. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the first optical system 61, light from the laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K is emitted in the order of the traveling directions of the light beams KY to KK generated by the laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K. Collimator lenses 66Y, 66M, 66C, 66K as an example of a plurality of optical elements guided to the outer peripheral surface (an example of the surface to be scanned) of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K, slits 67Y, 67M, 67C, 67K, a first reflection mirror unit 68Y, 68M, 68C, 68K, a first lens system 69, a second reflecting mirror 71, a second lens system 72, a rotary polygon mirror 70, a scanning lens 73, and a folding mirror 74 are arranged.

  The collimator lenses 66Y, 66M, 66C, and 66K, the slits 67Y, 67M, 67C, and 67K, and the first reflection mirror portions 68Y, 68M, 68C, and 68K correspond to the respective colors.

  The collimator lenses 66Y, 66M, 66C, and 66K collimate the light beams KY to KK from the laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K. Further, the slits 67Y, 67M, 67C, and 67K are for defining the focusing states of the light beams KY to KK on the photoconductors 214Y, 214M, 214C, and 214K. The first reflecting mirror portions 68Y, 68M, 68C, and 68K reflect the four light beams KY to KK from the laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K toward the second reflecting mirror 71 common to the respective colors. Is.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the four light beams KY to KK reflected by the first reflecting mirror portions 68Y, 68M, 68C, and 68K pass through the first lens system 69 and are reflected by the second reflecting mirror 71 before being reflected. The light passes through the two-lens system 72 and is irradiated to the rotary polygon mirror 70. The rotary polygon mirror 70 is rotated at a constant speed by a drive source (not shown). For this reason, the four light beams KY to KK from the second reflecting mirror 71 are deflected and scanned in the horizontal direction.

  The four light beams KY to KK irradiated on the rotary polygon mirror 70 are reflected and deflected by the reflection deflection surface, pass through the two sets of scanning lenses 73, and enter the folding mirror 74. The scanning lens 73 corrects the scanning speed of the four light beams KY to KK deflected and scanned by the rotary polygon mirror 70 and forms the light beams KY to KK in the vicinity of the photoconductors 214Y, 214M, 214C, and 214K. is there. The folding mirror 74 is for reflecting the four light beams KY to KK so as to pass through the window 56 of the boundary portion 54 and proceed to the second optical system 62.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the second optical system 62 includes a plurality of optical elements that guide light from the laser light sources 64Y, 64M, 64C, and 64K to the outer peripheral surfaces (an example of the scanned surface) of the photoreceptors 214Y to 214K. As an example, a separating polygonal mirror 80, a reflecting mirror 82, and cylindrical mirrors 84Y, 84M, 84C, and 84K as final mirrors are provided. The four light beams KY to KK from the first optical system 61 are separated by the separating polygon mirror 80 in the direction corresponding to the arrangement direction of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K. Each of the four separated light beams KY to KK is reflected by the corresponding reflecting mirror 82 and then guided to the corresponding photosensitive members 214Y, 214M, 214C, and 214K by the cylindrical mirrors 84Y, 84M, 84C, and 84K. It is burned.

  In addition, a translucent plate 53A that allows the light beams KY, KM, KC, and KK to pass through the outer peripheral surfaces of the photoreceptors 214Y, 214M, 214C, and 214K is attached to the second case 52.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the four light beams KY to KK from the second reflecting mirror 71 are incident on the reflecting surface 70 a of the rotating polygon mirror 70. Then, the light beams KY to KK are reflected and scanned by the reflecting surface 70 a of the rotary polygon mirror 70 to the scanning lens 73.

  Here, in the optical scanning device 50, collimator lenses 66Y, 66M, 66C, and 66K, slits 67Y, 67M, 67C, and 67K, first reflection mirror portions 68Y, 68M, 68C, and 68K, a first lens system 69, and a second reflection. The mirror 71, the second lens system 72, the rotary polygon mirror 70, the scanning lens 73, and the folding mirror 74 (hereinafter, these component parts are referred to as first fixed parts 66 to 74) are provided in the first case 51. It is fixed to the fixing portion 81 via the intermediate member 43 described in the first embodiment.

  In addition, the separating polygonal mirror 80, the reflecting mirror 82, and the cylindrical mirrors 84Y, 84M, 84C, and 84K that are final mirrors, and the translucent plate 53A (hereinafter, these component parts are referred to as second fixing parts 80 to 53A) It is being fixed to the fixing | fixed part 83 provided in the 2nd case 52 via the intermediate member 43 (refer FIG. 19) demonstrated in 1st Embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the side wall of the second case 52 is formed with a cutout portion 88 that cuts out the side wall, and the intermediate member 43 is disposed at the edge portion of the cutout portion 88. The side wall of the case 52 constitutes a fixing portion 83 to which the cylindrical mirrors 84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K are fixed. The notch 88 is not formed on the side wall of the second case 52, and the fixing part 83 to which the cylindrical mirrors 84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K are fixed is provided on the inner wall side of the side wall of the second case 52. Also good.

  In addition, as an intermediate member, it is not restricted to the intermediate member 43, For example, you may use the intermediate member 42 in 1st Embodiment.

(Manufacturing method of the optical scanning device 50 according to the second embodiment)
Next, a method for manufacturing the optical scanning device 50 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  In the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment, first, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20A, the first fixing components 66 to 74 are respectively attached to the suction device 251A (FIG. 20) provided in the first support device 251. The first support device 251 supports the second fixed components 80 to 53A by the suction of the suction device 252A (see FIG. 20) provided in the second support device 252. The apparatus 252 is supported (support process).

  Thus, in the 1st support device 251 and the 2nd support device 252, since each 1st fixed component 66-74 and each 2nd fixed component 80-53A are supported by suction, respectively, each 1st fixed component 66-. Compared to the case where the second fixing parts 80 and 53A are sandwiched and gripped from both sides, the first fixing parts 66 to 74 and the second fixing parts 80 to 53A are less likely to be loaded. Thereby, each 1st fixing component 66-74 and each 2nd fixing component 80-53A are hard to bend. The first support device 251 and the second support device 252 may be configured to support the first fixing components 66 to 74 and the second fixing components 80 to 53A by a method other than suction, respectively.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 20, the first support device 251 has a plurality of removably supporting each first fixing component 66 to 74 by suction, like the support device 150 according to the first embodiment. A support body 255 and a base body 253 on which the plurality of support bodies 255 are formed are provided. In FIG. 20, one support body 255 among the plurality of support bodies 255 is illustrated.

  The base 253 is configured in the same manner as the base 152 in the support device 150 according to the first embodiment, and is optically based on two reference holes 59 (see FIG. 19) formed in the boundary portion 54 of the optical box 53. It is configured to be combined with the first case 51 of the box 53 and positioned with respect to the first case 51.

  Specifically, for example, one of two positioning holes 259 (see FIG. 19) formed in the base 253 corresponding to the two reference holes 59 and one of the two reference holes 59 of the optical box 53 By inserting an insertion member such as a pin into the other of the two positioning holes 259 and the other of the two reference holes 59, an insertion member such as a pin is inserted into the reference hole 59 of the optical box 53. On the other hand, the positioning hole 259 of the base 253 is positioned, and the base 253 is positioned with respect to the first case 51 with reference to the two reference holes 59.

  The positional accuracy required when the base 253 is positioned with respect to the first case 51 is lower than the positional accuracy required when the first fixed components 66 to 74 are positioned with respect to the base 253. ing. The optical scanning device 50 is positioned with respect to the photoconductors 214Y to 214K with reference to the two reference holes 59 of the optical box 53. Further, the configuration for positioning the base 253 with respect to the first case 51 is not limited to the configuration based on the two reference holes 59.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20A, the base 253 has fixed portions of the first fixing parts 66 to 74 to the first case 51 in the state of being supported by the supports 255, as with the base 152. Open to be exposed. Further, similarly to the support bodies 154 to 172 in the support device 150 according to the first embodiment, each first fixed component 66 is adjusted as necessary, like the adjustment mechanisms 154C, 154E, 156C, and 158C in the first embodiment. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positions of -74 may be provided on the support 255.

  The second support device 252 is configured in the same manner as the first support device 251, and each of the plurality of support bodies 256 removably supports the second fixing parts 80 to 53 </ b> A by suction, and the plurality of support bodies. And a base body 254 on which 256 is formed. In FIG. 20, one support body 256 among the plurality of support bodies 256 is illustrated.

  The base 254 is configured in the same manner as the base 253 of the first support device 251, and is formed in the second case 52 of the optical box 53 with reference to two reference holes 59 formed in the boundary portion 54 of the optical box 53. It is configured to be combined and positioned with respect to the second case 52.

  Specifically, for example, one of the two positioning holes 261 (see FIG. 19) formed in the base 254 corresponding to the two reference holes 59 and one of the two reference holes 59 of the optical box 53, When an insertion member such as a pin is inserted and an insertion member such as a pin is inserted into the other of the two positioning holes 261 and the other of the two reference holes 59, the insertion member such as a pin is inserted into the reference hole 59 of the optical box 53. On the other hand, the positioning hole 261 of the base body 254 is positioned, and the base body 254 is positioned with respect to the second case 52 with reference to the two reference holes 59.

  The positional accuracy required when the base 254 is positioned with respect to the second case 52 is lower than the positional accuracy required when each of the second fixed components 80 to 53A is positioned with respect to the base 254. ing. Further, the configuration for positioning the base 254 with respect to the second case 52 is not limited to the configuration based on the two reference holes 59.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20A, the base 254 is opened so that the fixed portion of the second fixing parts 80 to 53A in the state supported by the respective supports 256 with respect to the second case 52 is exposed. ing. Further, similarly to the support bodies 154 to 172 in the support device 150 according to the first embodiment, each second fixed component 80 is adjusted as necessary, like the adjustment mechanisms 154C, 154E, 156C, and 158C in the first embodiment. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of .about.53A may be provided on the support 256.

  The first fixing components 66 to 74 are positioned with respect to the base 253 (the first support device 251) by the support bodies 255 of the first support device 251 by the above support process. Moreover, when the adjustment mechanism is provided in the support body 255 of the 1st support apparatus 251, the position of the 1st fixing components 66-74 is adjusted with the adjustment mechanism. Each of the second fixed components 80 to 53A is positioned with respect to the base 254 (second support device 252) by each support body 256 of the second support device 252. Moreover, when the adjustment mechanism is provided in the support body 256 of the 2nd support apparatus 252, the position of the 2nd fixing components 80-53A is adjusted with the adjustment mechanism.

  Accordingly, each of the first fixed components 66 to 74 and the second fixed components 80 to 53A can scan the light rays K from the laser light sources 64Y to 64K at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surfaces of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K. Positioned.

  Next, an insertion member such as a pin is inserted into one of the two positioning holes 259 of the base 253, one of the two positioning holes 261 of the base 254, and one of the two reference holes 59 of the optical box 53, The first support device 251 is combined with the first case 51 by inserting an insertion member such as a pin into the other of the two positioning holes 259, the other of the two positioning holes 261, and the other of the two reference holes 59. At the same time, the second support device 252 is combined with the second case 52. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 20B, the first support device 251 is positioned with respect to the first case 51, and the second support device 252 is positioned with respect to the second case 52 (positioning step).

  When the first support device 251 is positioned with respect to the first case 51 and the second support device 252 is positioned with respect to the second case 52, the intermediate member 43 provided in the first case 51 and the second case 52 are provided. The intermediate members 43 thus pressed are pressed and compressed by the first fixing components 66 to 74 and the second fixing components 80 to 53A, and the intermediate members 43 are elastically deformed.

  As described above, the intermediate member 43 that allows the movement of the first fixing components 66 to 74 with respect to the first case 51 is disposed between the first fixing components 66 to 74 and the first case 51. The first support device 251 is positioned with respect to the first case 51. In addition, the intermediate member 43 that allows the movement of the second fixing components 80 to 53 </ b> A relative to the second case 52 is disposed between the second fixing components 80 to 53 </ b> A and the second case 52. The support device 252 is positioned with respect to the second case 52.

  Next, in a state where the first support device 251 is positioned with respect to the first case 51 by the positioning step, and the ideal positions of the first fixed components 66 to 74 supported in the support step are maintained, The first fixing components 66 to 74 are fixed to the first case 51 (fixing step).

  The second support device 252 is positioned with respect to the second case 52 in the positioning step, and the ideal positions of the second fixed parts 80 to 53A supported in the support step are maintained. The second fixing parts 80 to 53A are fixed to the two cases 52.

  In this fixing step, the first fixing components 66 to 74 are fixed to the first case 51 via the intermediate member 43 disposed between the first case 51 and the first fixing components 66 to 74. In addition, the second fixing parts 80 to 53A are fixed to the second case 52 via the intermediate member 43 disposed between the second case 52 and the second fixing parts 80 to 53A.

  Specifically, the intermediate member 43 provided in the first case 51 and the intermediate member 43 provided in the second case 52 are held by the sponge 43C (see FIG. 5B) in an elastically deformed state. The curing agent 43B (see FIG. 5B) is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the curing agent 43B. Thereby, the intermediate member 43 is deformed and prevented from being restored (returned in shape), and the first fixing parts 66 to 74 (second fixing parts 80 to 53A) and the first case 51 (second case 52). Fixed between. Moreover, the 1st fixing components 66-74 and the 2nd fixing components 80-53A are each fixed with respect to the 1st case 51 and the 2nd case 52 with the adhesive force of the hardening | curing agent 43B.

  Accordingly, the first fixed components 66 to 74 are fixed to the first case 51 in a state where the ideal positions of the first fixed components 66 to 74 supported in the support process are maintained. Further, the second fixing components 80 to 53A are fixed to the second case 52 in a state where the ideal positions of the second fixing components 80 to 53A supported in the supporting process are maintained.

  Next, the suction by the suction device 251A provided in the first support device 251 is stopped, and as shown in FIG. 20C, the first fixing components 66 to 74 and the first case fixed in the fixing step. The 1st support apparatus 251 is removed from 51 (detachment process). The suction by the suction device 252A provided in the second support device 252 is stopped, and the second support device 252 is removed from the second fixing parts 80 to 53A and the second case 52 fixed in the fixing step. As described above, the first fixed components 66 to 74 positioned at the ideal position are transferred from the first support device 251 to the first case 51, and the second fixed components 80 to 53A positioned at the ideal position are the first. 2 The optical scanning device 10 is manufactured by being transferred from the support device 252 to the second case 52.

  For example, when manufacturing a plurality of optical scanning devices 50, the positions of the first fixed components 66 to 74 and the second fixed components 80 to 53 </ b> A by the adjustment mechanism provided in the optical box 53 for each optical scanning device 50. In the comparative example in which the optical scanning unit 50 is adjusted, it is necessary to perform adjustments adapted to individual differences of the optical boxes 53, the wrinkles of the respective adjustment mechanisms, and the like. By using the first support device 251 and the second support device 252 in common, the first fixing components 66 to 74 and the second fixing components 80 to 53A are positioned by a predetermined process (routine). The

  As a result, the first fixing components 66 to 74 and the second fixing components 80 to 53A are fixed at positions where the light beam K can be scanned at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surfaces of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K. Position adjustment (positioning) of the first fixing parts 66 to 74 and the second fixing parts 80 to 53A is facilitated. This leads to a reduction in the number of manufacturing steps and work time.

  In this embodiment, since the optical box 53 of the optical scanning device 50 does not have an adjustment mechanism, the number of parts is reduced. Further, in the comparative example in which the first fixing parts 66 to 74 and the second fixing parts 80 to 53A are adjusted in position by the adjustment mechanism provided in the optical box 53 of the optical scanning device 50, and the optical box 53 is positioned and fixed. In this embodiment, since the optical box 53 of the optical scanning device 50 does not have an adjustment mechanism, the first fixing parts 66 to 74 and the optical box 53 are fixed. In the state in which the second fixing parts 80 to 53A are fixed to the optical box 53, a load by the adjustment mechanism is not applied.

  In the present embodiment, the first fixing parts 66 to 74 and the second fixing parts 80 to 53A are supported and fixed to the first case 51 and the second case 52, respectively, using the intermediate members 43 and 43. Therefore, it is easier to create a state in which the ideal positions of the first fixing components 66 to 74 and the second fixing components 80 to 53A are maintained as compared with the case where no intermediate member is used.

  Here, the cylindrical mirrors 84 </ b> Y to 84 </ b> K are not fixed to the second case 52 after being supported by the second support device 252, but are adjusted to the second case 52 after being arranged in the second case 52. You may make it fix to. Hereinafter, a manufacturing method according to the modification will be described.

  In the manufacturing method according to the modified example, first, as shown in FIG. 21, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are arranged with respect to the second case 52 (arrangement step).

  In the state where the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are arranged with respect to the second case 52, both end portions in the longitudinal direction penetrate the side walls 57 of the second case 52, and both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are Projecting to the outside of the second case 52.

  Intermediate members (supporting materials) 95 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the intermediate member 95 is formed in a plate shape, and is fixed to the cylindrical mirrors 84 </ b> Y to 84 </ b> K through the longitudinal ends of the cylindrical mirrors 84 </ b> Y to 84 </ b> K. The intermediate member 95 is not fixed to the second case 52 and is movable with respect to the second case 52. Thereby, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K and the intermediate member 95 move integrally with respect to the second case 52, and the posture of the intermediate member 95 relative to the second case 52 can be displaced. That is, the intermediate member 95 supports the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K so that the support positions of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K with respect to the second case 52 can be adjusted.

  As described above, the intermediate member 95 that allows the movement of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K relative to the second case 52 is arranged between the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K and the second case 52.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of recesses 95 </ b> A into which a plurality of protrusions 57 </ b> A (see FIG. 21) that protrude from the side wall 57 of the second case 52 fit respectively, and a protrusion from the side wall 57 of the second case 52. The intermediate member 95 is formed with an insertion hole 95B into which the protruding portion 57B is inserted.

  The intermediate member 95 is prevented from being detached from the second case 52 by hitting the flange 57C of the protrusion 57B inserted into the insertion hole 95B. The protrusion 57B is smaller than the hole diameter of the insertion hole 95B, the protrusion 57A is smaller than the diameter of the recess 95A, and the intermediate member 95 extends along the side wall 57 in a predetermined range. It can be moved.

  Further, the second fixed components 80 to 53A other than the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are fixed to the second case 52 in a state where the ideal positions of the second fixed components 80 to 53A are maintained. 23 (see FIG. 21), as shown in FIG. 23, the first fixing parts 66 to 74 are fixed to the first case 51 in a state where the ideal positions of the first fixing parts 66 to 74 are maintained. It is in the state made into a state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the intermediate member 95 that allows the movement of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K relative to the second case 52 is disposed between the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K and the second case 52. The longitudinal ends of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are supported independently of the optical box 53 by a support mechanism 270 configured independently of the optical box 53 (supporting step).

  In this support step, each of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K does not contact the second case 52 and is supported in a state of floating from the second case 52. In this support step, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are supported by the support mechanism 270 by suction of a suction device (not shown) provided in the support mechanism 270. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, a support portion 272 that supports both ends in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K is provided at the distal end portion of the support mechanism 270.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the support portion 272 has a facing surface 274 that faces one end surface in the longitudinal direction of each of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K. One end of a suction hole 276 for sucking the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K is opened on the facing surface 274. A suction device (not shown) for sucking the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K is connected to the other end of the suction hole 276.

  The opposing surface 274 is in contact with the reflecting surface 85A of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K and the opposite surface 85B, and a pair of restricting portions 275 that restrict movement in a direction intersecting the reflecting surface 85A of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K. Is provided. The pair of restricting portions 275 extends from the facing surface 274 in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K.

  Further, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are rotated and moved in the rotation direction with the longitudinal direction as the rotation axis by the support portions 272, and the angles of the reflection surfaces 85A of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K and the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84Y. The inclination of the other end with respect to one end in the longitudinal direction of 84K is adjusted. Further, the respective cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are moved by the respective support portions 272 in the direction along the reflecting surface 85A of the reflecting mirror 24 (A direction in FIG. 25) and in the direction orthogonal to the reflecting surface 85A (B direction in FIG. 25). Thus, the positional relationship (distance) between the reflecting mirror 82 and the photoconductors 214Y to 214K is adjusted. Thus, the positions of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are adjusted.

  Thus, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are positioned at positions where the light beams K from the laser light sources 64Y to 64K can be scanned at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surfaces of the photoconductors 214Y to 214K.

  Next, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are fixed to the second case 52 in a state where the ideal positions of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K supported by the support mechanism 270 and adjusted in the supporting step are maintained (fixed). Process).

  In this fixing step, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are fixed to the second case 52 via the intermediate member 95 disposed between the second case 52 and the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, on the back surface of the intermediate member 95 (the contact surface with the casing 57) and the contact portion between the cylinder mirror 84 and the intermediate member 95, before the position adjustment of each of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K or After the position adjustment, a curing agent 96 (an example of a fixing material) is applied, and the curing agent 96 is cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays. Thereby, each intermediate member 95 is fixed to the second case 52, and the cylindrical mirrors 84 </ b> Y to 84 </ b> K are fixed to the second case 52. Thus, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are fixed to the second case 52 in a state where the ideal positions of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are maintained.

  Next, the suction by the suction device is stopped, and the support mechanism 270 is removed from the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K fixed in the fixing step (detaching step). As described above, the optical scanning device 50 is manufactured.

  For example, in the comparative example in which the positions of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are adjusted by the adjustment mechanism provided in the optical box 53 for each of the optical scanning devices 50 when the plurality of optical scanning devices 50 are manufactured, While it is necessary to make adjustments that are suitable for individual differences and wrinkles of each adjustment mechanism, in the present embodiment, a single support mechanism 270 is commonly used for each optical scanning device 50, so that The cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are positioned by a predetermined process (routine).

  As a result, position adjustment (positioning) of the respective cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K when the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are fixed at positions where the light beam K can be scanned at predetermined positions on the outer peripheral surfaces of the photoreceptors 214Y to 214K. Becomes easier. This leads to a reduction in the number of manufacturing steps and work time.

  In addition, since the amount of deviation such as individual differences in housing and variations in manufacturing accuracy of optical components is compensated by the position adjustment of each cylindrical mirror, position adjustment is performed in the position adjustment by screw fixing method that causes rotation when tightening screws. A highly skilled technique is required to do this, but if it is a configuration according to a modified example that does not cause a misalignment when screwing, the screw fixing method including the relative misalignment adjustment in YMCK four-color scanning Work time can be greatly shortened, and the number of parts can be reduced, contributing to the reduction of production costs.

  Further, since the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are supported by suction in the support mechanism 270, the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are gripped as compared with the case where the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K are sandwiched by sandwiching the reflection surface 85A of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K and the opposite surface 85B. It is difficult for 84Y to 84K to be loaded. Thereby, each cylindrical mirror 84Y-84K is hard to bend.

  In addition, since one end surface in the longitudinal direction of each of the cylindrical mirrors 84Y to 84K is not a flat shape, but is a curved curved surface, a gap is formed between the opposing surfaces 274 of the support portion 272, and It is not in close contact with the facing surface 274. For this reason, compared with the case where the longitudinal direction one end surface of each cylindrical mirror 84Y-84K is closely_contact | adhered to the opposing surface 274, it is hard to apply load to each cylindrical mirror 84Y-84K. Thereby, each cylindrical mirror 84Y-84K is hard to bend.

  As shown in FIG. 28, instead of the intermediate member 95, as with the intermediate member 43, a curing agent 99 </ b> B as an example of a fixing material that fixes the cylindrical mirrors 84 </ b> Y to 84 </ b> K to the second case 52, and curing An intermediate member 99 composed of a sponge 99C as an example of a holding material that holds the agent 99B may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made. The manufacturing method of the present embodiment may be applied to each part of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is manufactured. For example, each of a plurality of exposure apparatuses (an example of a fixing member) in which a plurality of light emitting elements such as LEDs and EL elements are arranged in one direction is positioned with respect to each of a plurality of photoconductors to be fixed. When fixing to the member, the support device 150 according to the first embodiment, the first support device 251 and the second support device 252 according to the second embodiment, and the support mechanism 270 according to the second embodiment may be used. In this case, examples of the member to be fixed include a single support (frame) common to a plurality of exposure apparatuses, an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and a housing of the image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Optical scanning device 12 Case 14 Light source 16 Collimator lens (an example of an optical element)
18 Cylindrical lens (an example of an optical element)
20 Rotating polygon mirror (an example of an optical element)
22 fθ lens (an example of an optical element)
24 Reflector (an example of an optical element)
42C sponge (an example of a holding material)
42A compression coil spring (an example of support material)
42 Intermediate member 42B Curing agent (an example of a fixing material)
42 Intermediate member 43C Sponge (an example of a support material, an example of a holding material)
43B Curing agent (an example of fixing material)
43 Intermediate member 50 Optical scanning device 51 First case (example of housing)
52 2nd case (example of housing)
66Y, 66M, 66C, 66K Collimator lens (an example of an optical element)
67Y, 67M, 67C, 67K Slit (an example of an optical element)
68Y, 68M, 68C, 68K First reflection mirror section (an example of an optical element)
69 First lens system (an example of an optical element)
70 Rotating polygon mirror (an example of an optical element)
71 Second reflection mirror (an example of an optical element)
72 Second lens system (an example of an optical element)
73 Scanning lens (an example of an optical element)
74 Folding mirror (an example of an optical element)
80 separate polygon mirror (an example of an optical element)
82 Reflector (an example of an optical element)
84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K Cylindrical mirror (an example of an optical element)
95 Intermediate member 96 Curing agent (an example of a fixing material)
100 Image forming device 114 Photoconductor 116 Charging device 118 Rotary developing device (an example of developing device)
150 Support device (an example of a support mechanism)
152 Base 154 Support 156 Support 158 Support 160 Support 160 161 Support 162 Support 163 Support 164 Support 165 Support 167 Support 169 Support 170 Support 172 Support 200 Image Forming Device 224 Charging Device 226 Development Device 251 First support device (an example of a support mechanism)
252 Second support device (an example of a support mechanism)
253 Base 254 Base 270 Support mechanism

Claims (3)

A plurality of optical elements;
A housing that accommodates the plurality of optical elements and does not have an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of each optical element;
An intermediate member that is disposed between each optical element and the housing and that adheres and fixes each optical element and the housing, wherein the housing of each optical element is adjusted in a position adjustment stage of each optical element. A support material that is deformed along with adjusting a support position with respect to the body and supports the optical elements, and a relative position that is held by the support material and that can guide light from the light source side to the surface to be scanned. in a state in which the supporting position of each optical element is adjusted by an external support device, adhered to the housing of the respective optical elements and the supporting member is fixed the deformation of the support member by being solidified and adhesive to, said intermediate member having,
An optical scanning device comprising: A plurality of optical elements;
A housing that accommodates the plurality of optical elements and does not have an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of each optical element;
An intermediate member that is disposed between each optical element and the casing and that bonds and fixes the optical element and the casing, and supports each optical element in a position adjustment stage of each optical element. An elastically deformable support material, and the optical elements are externally positioned at relative positions that are held by the support material and capable of guiding light from the light source side to the scanned surface by elastically deforming the support material . And an adhesive that fixes the elastic deformation of the support material by being solidified in a state of being positioned by the support device, and bonds the optical elements and the support material to the housing. Members,
An optical scanning device comprising: A photoreceptor,
A charging device for charging the photoreceptor;
The optical scanning device according to claim 1, wherein an electrostatic latent image is formed by optically scanning the photosensitive member charged by the charging device.
A developing device that forms a toner image by developing a photoconductor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed by the optical scanning device;
An image forming apparatus.

Images