JPH0427525B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Table of contents] Overview Industrial field of application Conventional technology Problems to be solved by the invention Means for solving the problems (Fig. 1) Working example (a) First Description of embodiments of the invention (Figs. 2 and 3)
Figure) (b) Explanation of scanning line adjustment (Figure 4) (c) Explanation of the embodiment of the second invention (Figure 5) (d) Explanation of other embodiments Effects of the invention [Summary] Visible light region In an optical scanning device that scans light from a light source that generates external light, a sensitive member that is sensitive to light outside the visible light range is provided in the optical scanning area, and the state of optical scanning is determined by the sensitive state of the sensitive member due to optical scanning. This was done so that it could be confirmed.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention is directed to a scanning light confirmation method for confirming the state of scanning light in an optical scanning device in which a scanning means optically scans light from a light source. The present invention relates to a scanning light confirmation method for an optical scanning device.

Optical scanning devices are widely used in printing devices using electrophotography, reading devices for reading bar codes, and the like.

For example, such an optical scanning device is used in an electrophotographic printing device (hereinafter referred to as a laser printer) shown in FIG.

That is, a charger 6, a developer 6, a transfer device 7, a charge eliminating unit 8, and a cleaner 9 are arranged around the photoconductor drum 4 having an optical semiconductor (photoconductor) on its surface, for uniformly charging the entire surface of the photoconductor 4. It constitutes an electrophotographic unit, and also includes a laser light source 12, a collimator lens 13, and a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) 1.
4. The F-θ (imaging) lens 16 constitutes an exposure optical unit, and the paper hopper 1, feed tractor 2, discharge tractor 3, fixing device 10, and stacker 11 constitute a paper handling unit. It becomes. In such an electrophotographic printer, laser light modulated according to a written image from a laser diode 12 as a laser light source is transmitted to a spindle motor (servo motor) via a collimator lens 13.
The light is scanned by a polygon mirror 14 rotated by a polygon mirror 15 , and the photosensitive drum 4 charged by a charger 5 is exposed through an F-θ lens 16 . As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4,
The developing powder is developed by a developing device 6 that uses a two-component developer as developing powder, and the developing powder is transferred by a transfer device 7 to continuous paper PP, which is fed out from a paper hopper 1 by a feeding tractor 2, and discharged and fed by an ejection tractor 3. Transfer the image. Thereafter, the paper PP is fixed by the fixing device 10 and stored in the stacker 11, while the photosensitive drum 4 is neutralized by the static eliminating unit 8 and then cleaned by the cleaner 9, and is used for forming the next latent image.

[Conventional technology]

The optical unit having the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is as shown in the detailed configuration diagram in FIG. 7 and the optical scanning explanatory diagram in FIG.
A first error 17 is provided between the F-θ lens 16 and the photosensitive drum 4 which is a scanning surface, and the F-θ lens 1
6 and the photosensitive drum 4 to enlarge the scanning area, and the light at the left end of the optical scanning width is reflected by the second mirror 18 to reach the start detection light receiving element on the substrate 19. 19a so that the start of optical scanning can be detected.

The spindle motor 15 is connected to a printed board 20 equipped with a motor control circuit and controlled to rotate at a constant speed, while the laser light source 12 is controlled by the modulation control circuit of the printed board 21 based on the start detection output of the light receiving element 19a. The light is modulated to generate a light image corresponding to the written image.

Such a laser light source 12 is composed of a semiconductor laser, which is small and lightweight, but at present, those that generate light in the visible light range have a short lifespan, require cooling, and are expensive. Therefore, it is difficult to use, and a laser light source that generates laser light outside the visible light range, such as an infrared laser, which is inexpensive and has stable characteristics, is used.

On the other hand, in such an optical scanning device, an optical system is configured to optically scan a scheduled scanning line SL as shown in FIG. 9A.
Especially if the first mirror 17 is not adjusted,
For example, if it is misaligned as in SL2 or skewed as in SL1, the desired light scanning cannot be obtained, resulting in erroneous or skewed printing in a laser printer or the like.

Similarly, if the light receiving element 19a does not receive the reflected light from the second mirror 18, start detection becomes impossible, and the second mirror 18 also needs to be adjusted.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

It is possible to check the state of such scanning light and adjust the optical system, but it is possible to adjust the optical system by checking the state of the scanning light.
Gas lasers that are not semiconductor lasers, such as 632.8nm) lasers and Ar (oscillation wavelength 488nm) lasers,
Since it generates laser light in the visible light range, the state of the scanning light can be easily checked visually, but as it is large and requires a large amount of power, semiconductor lasers are used as described above.

However, semiconductor lasers have wavelengths such as
It is in the near-infrared or infrared light region of 760 nm or more, and it is difficult to visually confirm the scanning light when it is being scanned, even if it is focused at one point. Therefore, there was a problem that the scanning light could not be accurately adjusted to a desired value.

Furthermore, although it is possible to use an infrared camera or the like to confirm the scanning light in the visible light region, there are problems in that it is expensive and difficult to use within the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a scanning light confirmation method for an optical scanning device that allows easy confirmation of the state of scanning light outside the visible light range.

[Means for solving problems]

FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the principle of the present invention, and FIG.
is a diagram explaining the principle of the first invention, and FIG. 1B is a diagram explaining the principle of the second invention.

In the figure, the same parts as those shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are indicated by the same symbols, and 22 is a sensitive member provided on the optical scanning surface, which is provided over the entire scanning surface. It is provided with a photosensitive material that fluoresces (or emits light) or develops color in response to light outside the visible light range.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a sensitive member provided on the start detection substrate, which has a photosensitive material that fluoresces (or emits light) or develops color in response to light outside the visible light range.

That is, the first aspect of the present invention provides an optical scanning device for optically scanning a scheduled optical scanning area by using a scanning means 17 to scan light from a light source 12 that generates light outside the visible light range. A sensitive member 22 that emits fluorescence or color in response to light in the visible light range is provided in the light scanning area of , and the locus of light scanning by the scanning means 17 is determined by the fluorescence or coloring state of the sensitive means 22. It is characterized by confirming.

A second aspect of the present invention is to scan light from a light source that generates light outside the visible light range with the scanning means 17G to optically scan a predetermined light scanning region, and to scan the edges of the predetermined light scanning region. In an optical scanning device in which a start detection element 19a detects the start of scanning by receiving light from the visible region, a sensitive member that emits fluorescence or color in response to light outside the visible light region is provided in an area where the start detection element 19a is provided. 22, the scanning means 17
The sensing member 22 detects that the start detection element 19a can receive the light at the end of the optical scanning area.
It is characterized by confirmation by fluorescence or color development.

[Effect]

In the first aspect of the present invention, a sensitive member 22 is installed on the scanning surface (for example, at the position of the photosensitive drum 4, instead of the drum 4). As a result, when the light from the laser light source 12 is scanned by the optical scanning system 17 to scan the sensitive member 22, that is, the scanning surface, the light irradiated part of the sensitive member 22 is sensitive to the scanning light, and for example, the scanning Since the trajectory of the light fluoresces, the state of the scanning light can be visually confirmed.

Therefore, even if the light is outside the visible light range, the locus of the scanning light can be visually confirmed, and, for example, the first mirror 17 can be adjusted to adjust the skew and the angle of incidence (shift).

On the other hand, in the second invention, since the sensitive member 22 is provided on the substrate 19, the reflected light for start detection via the second mirror 18 is transmitted to the light receiving element 1 on the substrate 19.
Whether or not the light is incident on the position corresponding to 9a can be visually confirmed based on the fluorescent light position of the sensitive member 22.
Therefore, even if the light is outside the visible light range, the light receiving element 19
It is possible to visually confirm whether or not a can receive the end of the scanning light, for example, the second mirror 18 or the light receiving element 19a
The mounting position can be adjusted to enable accurate start detection.

〔Example〕

(a) Description of an embodiment of the first invention FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a scanning light confirmation jig used in FIG.

In the figure, the same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7, and 8 are indicated by the same symbols, and 23 is a slit plate provided on the front surface of the sensitive member 22. , and are connected to the sensitive member 22 to constitute a scanning light confirmation jig.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the scanning light from the polygon mirror 14 is transmitted to the drum 4 through the F-θ lens 16
An optical path is formed so that the light enters through the first mirror 17, and if the scanning light position is set at a rotational position l away from the transfer device 7 of the paper PP, first, instead of the drum 4, A jig for checking the scanning light is set, and a jig related to the setting surface 4a of the drum 4 is set so that the slit of the slit plate 23, which will be described later, coincides with the position of the scanning light. As shown in FIG. 3, the jig consists of a sensitive member 22 and a slit plate 23 attached to it.
and slits 23b and 23c for detecting oblique movement at both ends, and the sensitive member 22 has a sensitive surface 22a on which a sensitive material is provided on the slit 23 side.

Therefore, such a jig is set with the slit 23 on the drum surface 4a and the center slit at the predetermined scanning line position, and the laser light source 12 generates light.
Light is scanned by the polygon mirror 14, and F-θ
When the scanning light is irradiated through the lens 16 and the first mirror 17, the scanning light reaches the sensitive surface 22a of the sensitive member 22 through the central slit 23a only when the scanning light crosses a predetermined scanning line, as shown in FIG. B
The locus of the scanning light can be visually observed as fluorescent light.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9A, the scanning light is SL2
If the position of the scanning line deviates from the planned scanning line position as shown in FIG. Since the fluorescence of the trajectory does not appear in the image, the angle of incidence (that is, the positional deviation) can be confirmed.

In addition, if the scanning light is skewed like SL1 as shown in FIG. 9A, the skew detection slit 23b,
Since the scanning light cannot pass through both of the sensing surfaces 23c, the fluorescence of the locus does not appear on the corresponding sensitive surfaces 22a, making it possible to detect the skew by visual inspection.

Therefore, the scanning light passed through all the slits 23a, 23b, and 23c of the slit plate 23, and the corresponding loci of the scanning light were illuminated on the sensitive surface 22a of the sensitive member 22 and could be visually observed. The first mirror 17 is adjusted so that it is on the scheduled scanning line, the incident angle is correct, and no skew occurs, and such characteristics are obtained.

(b) Explanation of Scanning Line Position Adjustment FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the first mirror, and shows a block diagram of the mirror whose incident angle and skew can be adjusted.

In the figure, 17a is a reflecting mirror that reflects the scanning light and guides it to the drum 4, 17b is a pair of shafts that constitute the rotation axis of the reflecting mirror 17a, and 17c is a housing;
17d is a support part that supports the housing 17c and has a fulcrum 17h and an ellipse 17e at both ends;
17f is a base for supporting the support portion 17d, and 17g is a fastening screw for fixing the support portion 17d to the base 17f via the oval 17e.

That is, the first mirror 17 has one base 1
A support part 17d is fixed to the other base 17f by a fulcrum 17h, and the support part 17d is fixed to the other base 17f with a screw 17g via an ellipse 17e.
It can be rotated within a range of 7e. Further, the reflecting mirror 17a is rotatable about the shaft 17b with respect to the housing 17c.

Therefore, the angle of incidence can be adjusted using the housing 17c.
The angle of the reflecting mirror 17a is changed by turning the minus screw part of the shaft 17b supported by the support part 17d with a screwdriver to adjust the skew. 17d is an ellipse 1 with the fulcrum 17h as the center
The reflecting mirror 17a is rotated along the longitudinal direction by rotating within a range of 7e, and the supporting portion 17d is fixed to the base 17f by tightening the screw 17g at a desired position. This adjustment is performed while observing the scanning line locus of the sensitive member 22 of the aforementioned jig.

(c) Description of an embodiment of the second invention FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the second invention, showing the second mirror 18 and the start detection substrate 1.
9, FIG. 5A is a top view thereof, and FIG. 5B is a side view thereof.

In the figure, the same parts as those shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, and Fig. 9 are indicated by the same symbols, and 19b is a board for mounting an element, and a light-receiving element such as a photodiode. Reference numeral 19a is a mounting plate, and 19c is a mounting plate to which the element mounting board 19b is mounted with screws or the like and fixed to the lower base.

In this embodiment, the sensitive member 24 is provided in a portion of the element mounting substrate 19b below the light receiving element 19a and in a portion other than the light receiving surface 19a' of the light receiving element 19a.

Therefore, the irradiation position on the substrate 19b of the scanning light via the second mirror 18 can be visually confirmed based on the sensitive state of the sensitive member 24.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, by rotating the mirror 18, the reflected light from the mirror 18 can be adjusted in the lateral direction, while as shown in FIG. 5B,
Adjustment can be made in the vertical direction by shifting the mounting position of the board 19b relative to the mounting plate 19c.

That is, while checking the sensitive state of the sensitive member 24,
By adjusting the angle of the mirror 18 and adjusting the mounting position of the substrate 19b, it is possible to adjust the reflected light from the mirror 18 so that it enters the light receiving element 19a.

By providing the sensitive member 24 on such an element mounting board 19b, etc., it becomes possible to confirm whether start detection is performed correctly even during actual use of the device.

In addition, as another embodiment, similarly to the first invention, a jig provided with a sensitive material is provided on the mounting plate, the irradiation position of the reflected light is confirmed in advance by the fluorescence of the sensitive material, and the The substrate 19b may be mounted so that the light-receiving element 19a is provided at the same position, and the lateral shift is similarly performed by adjusting the angle of the mirror 18. Further, such a jig may be provided with a slit as in the first invention.

(d) Description of other embodiments In the above embodiments, an electrophotographic printer was explained as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a reading device, an optical measuring device using light scanning, and the like. Furthermore, the scanning means is not limited to the polygon mirror, but may include other well-known scanning means,
For example, it may be a hologram scanner.

Similarly, as long as it is outside the visible light range, it is possible to use not only infrared light but also ultraviolet light as a light source.

Furthermore, both the first invention and the second invention may be applied to one device as shown in FIG.

Although the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention can be modified in various ways according to the gist of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the present invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, even if a light source that generates light outside the visible light range is used in an optical scanning device, the state of the scanning light is determined by the sensitivity of the sensitive member. This has the effect of being visually visible, making it easier to adjust the scanning light. Further, in the first invention, the locus of the scanning light can be visually observed, making it easy to adjust the incident angle and skew, and in the second invention, start detection is performed correctly using the edge light of the scanning light. It is also possible to visually confirm whether the light is present, and it also has the effect of making it easier to adjust the incidence on the light receiving element.

Furthermore, both the first and second inventions are easy to implement, and have excellent practical advantages in that scanning light can be confirmed in the sensitive area.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the principle of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the first invention, Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a scanning light confirmation jig used in the first invention, and Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the scanning light confirmation jig used in the first invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a mirror for adjusting scanning light, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the second invention, FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an electrophotographic printing device, and FIG. 7 is an optical unit in the configuration shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of optical scanning according to the configuration of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of problems in the prior art. In the figure, 12... light source, 14... light scanning means, 2
2, 24... Sensing member, 19... Start detection element.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In an optical scanning device that scans a predetermined light scanning area by using a scanning means to scan light from a light source that generates light outside the visible light range, the predetermined light scanning area includes: A light characterized in that a sensitive member is provided that emits fluorescence or color in response to light outside the visible light range, and the locus of light scanning by the scanning means is confirmed by the state of fluorescence or color development of the sensitive means. How to check the scanning light of a scanning device. 2 A scanning means scans light from a light source that generates light outside the visible light range to scan a scheduled optical scanning area, and a start detection element receives light from an end of the scheduled optical scanning area. In an optical scanning device that detects the start of scanning, a sensitive member that emits fluorescence or color in response to light outside the visible light range is provided in an area where the start detection element is provided, and the optical scanning area by the scanning means is provided. 1. A method for confirming scanning light of an optical scanning device, comprising confirming that the start detection element can receive light from an end of the light beam, based on the fluorescent or colored state of the sensitive member.