JPS626213A - Confirming method for scanning light of photoscanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To confirm the state of scanning line visually even when a light source which emits light other than visible light is used by providing a photosensitive material which senses light other than visible light and fluoresces or colors over the entire area of a scanning surface. CONSTITUTION:A sensitive member which senses light other than visible light is provided in the expected photoscanning area. The sensitive member 22 is installed on the scanning surface (at, for example, the position of a photosensitive drum 4 instead of the drum 4). Consequently, light from a laser light source is scanned through a photoscanning system 17 on the sensitive member 22, i.e. scanning surface, and then a light irradiated position of the sensitive member 22 senses the scanning light to make the track of the scanning light, for example, fluoresce, so the state of the scanning light is confirmed visually. The track of the scanning light can be confirmed visually even when the light other than visible light is used and, for example, the 1st mirror 17 is adjusted to make a skew adjustement and an incidence angle adjustemnt.

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 Invention Detailed explanation of the second invention (Fig. 2, Fig. 3) Explanation of scanning line position adjustment (Fig. 4) (C) Detailed explanation of the second invention (Fig. 5) (d) Other embodiments Description Effects of the invention [Summary] In an optical scanning device that scans light from a light source that generates light outside the visible light range, a sensitive member that is sensitive to light outside the visible light range is provided in the optical scanning area, and the sensing by light scanning is achieved. This allows the state of optical scanning to be confirmed from the sensitive state of the member.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates 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, and in particular to a scanning light confirmation method using a light source such as a semiconductor laser that emits light outside the visible light range. The present invention relates to a scanning light confirmation method for a 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 photosensitive drum 4 having a photoconductor (photoreceptor) on its surface.
a charger 5 that uniformly charges the entire surface of the photosensitive drum 4 around the
Developing device 6, transfer device 7, static elimination unit 8, and cleaner 9
are arranged to constitute an electrophotographic unit, and a laser light source 12, a collimator lens 13, a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) 14, and an F-θ (imaging) lens 16 constitute an exposure optical unit. , a feed-out tractor 2, a discharge tractor 3, a fixing device 10. Stacker 11
constitutes a paper handling unit. 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 (
The light is scanned by a polygon mirror 14 rotated by a servo motor (servo motor) 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, and is developed as a developing powder in a developer 6 using two-component development ζ:;
The paper is fed out from the paper hopper 1 by the feeding tractor 2,
A developer powder image is transferred by a transfer device 7 onto a continuous paper PP which is discharged and fed by a discharge tractor 3. Thereafter, the paper PP is fixed by the fixing device 10 and stored in the stacker 11,
On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 4 is neutralized by a static eliminating unit 8, cleaned by a cleaner 9, and used for the next latent image formation.

[Conventional technology]

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

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

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, the optical system, especially the first
For example, if the mirror 17 of SL2 is not adjusted,
If the light beam is skewed as shown in FIG.

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]

Although it is possible to check the state of such scanning light and adjust the optical system, it is possible to adjust the optical system by checking the state of the scanning light.
m) Gas lasers that are not semiconductor lasers, such as lasers or Ar (oscillation wavelength 488 nm) lasers, generate laser light in the visible light range, so the state of the scanning light can be easily confirmed visually, but they are large and require a lot of power. As mentioned above, semiconductor lasers are used because of the necessity.

However, semiconductor lasers have a wavelength of 760 nm, for example.
It is in the above-mentioned near-infrared or infrared light region, and even if the light is focused at one point, it is difficult to visually confirm the scanning light when it is being scanned. For this reason, there was a problem in that it was not possible to accurately adjust the scanning light to a desired value.

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

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 an explanatory diagram of the principle of the present invention, FIG. 1(A) is an explanatory diagram of the principle of the first invention, and FIG. 1(B) is an explanatory diagram of 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. Equipped with a photosensitive material that fluoresces (or emits light) or develops color in response to light outside the area.

It is.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a sensitive member provided with a start detection group 1t'', 62, which has a photosensitive material that fluoresces (or emits light) or develops color in response to light outside the visible light range.

[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 locus of the scanning light is changed to a fluorescent light. Since it emits light, you can visually check the status of the scanning light.

Therefore, even if the light is outside the visible light range, the locus of the scanning light can be visually confirmed. For example, by adjusting the first mirror 17,
Skew) and incident angle (shift) can be adjusted.

On the other hand, in the second invention, since the sensitive member 22 is provided on the substrate 19, it is possible to check whether the reflected light for start detection via the second mirror 18 is incident on the position corresponding to the light receiving element 19a of the substrate 19. can be visually confirmed by the fluorescent light position of the sensitive member 22. Therefore, it is possible to visually check whether the light receiving element 19a can receive the end of the scanning light even if the light is outside the visible light range. For example, when installing the second mirror 18 or the light receiving element 19a, adjust the position to ensure accurate It can be set to perform start detection.

〔Example〕

(a) Detailed explanation of the first invention FIG. 2 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the 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. , sensitive member 2
2, and constitutes a scanning light confirmation jig.

As shown in FIG. 2(A), the scanning light from the polygon mirror 14 is transmitted to the drum 4 through the F-θ lens 16 and the first mirror 1.
7, and the scanning light position is set at a rotational position ζ which is a distance i from the transfer device 7 of
Instead, use a scanning light confirmation jig and insert the slit plate 23.
A jig related to the setting surface 4a of the drum 4 is set so that the slit, which will be described later, coincides with this scanning light position. As shown in FIG.
The slit plate 23 has a long sulin (23a) in the center and a sulin (23a) for skew detection on both ends.
The sensitive member 22 has a sensitive surface 22a provided with a sensitive material 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 scheduled scanning line position, the laser light source 12 generates light, the polygon mirror 14 scans the light, the F-θ lens 16, When the scanning light is irradiated through the first mirror 17, the scanning light reaches the sensitive surface 22a of the sensitive member 22 through the central line (23a) only when the scanning light crosses the predetermined scanning line. ) The locus of the scanning light can be visually observed as fluorescent light.

On the other hand, if the scanning light deviates from the scheduled scanning line position as shown in FIG. Since the light does not pass through the central slit plate 23a and no trace of fluorescence appears on the sensitive surface 22a,
The angle of incidence (ie, positional shift) can be confirmed.

Moreover, if the scanning light is skewed like SLI as shown in FIG. 9(A), the skew detection slant) 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 hits all the slits 23 of the slit plate 23.
a, 23b, 23c, thereby sensing member 2
When the trajectory of the scanning light corresponding to these is fluorescent and visible on the sensitive surface 22a of No. 2, it is on the scheduled scanning line, the incident angle is correct, and there is no skew.

The first mirror 17 is adjusted so that such characteristics are obtained.

(b) Explanation of Scanning Line Position Adjustment FIG. 4 is a 4:° configuration diagram of the first mirror, and shows a configuration diagram of a mirror capable of such incident angles and skew connections.

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 that guides the scanning light to the drum 4. 17d is a support part that supports the housing 17c rotatably, and has a fulcrum 17h and an oval 17e at both ends; 17f is a base for supporting the support part 17d;
7g is a fastening screw, which connects the support part 17 to the base 17f.
d is fixed via an ellipse 178.

That is, the first mirror 17 has a support portion 17d fixed to one base 17f by a fulcrum 17h, and a support portion 17d fixed to the other base 17f by a screw 17g via an ellipse 17e.
The support portion 17d is rotatable within the range of an ellipse 17e around a fulcrum 17h. Also, reflective mirror 1
7a is rotatable by shaft 17b relative to housing 17c.

- Therefore, the angle of incidence can be adjusted by rotating the minus thread part of the shaft 17b supported by the housing 17c with a screwdriver to change the angle of the reflecting mirror 17a.On the other hand, the skew can be adjusted by using the support part 17d screw 17g
Loosen the support part 17d to form an ellipse 1 around the fulcrum 17h.
By rotating within the range of 7e, the reflecting mirror 17a
Rotate along the longitudinal direction and tighten the 17g screw at the desired position.
This is done by fastening the support portion 17d to the base 17f. This adjustment is performed by the sensitive member 22 of the jig mentioned above.
This is done while looking at the scanning line trajectory.

(C) Detailed explanation of the second invention FIG. 5 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the second invention, showing the relationship between the second mirror 18 and the start detection substrate 19. A) is its top view, and FIG. 5(B) is its side view.

In the figure, the same parts as those shown in Figures 1, 7, 8, and 9 are indicated by the same symbols, and 19b is a board for mounting elements, which is used for receiving light such as photodiodes. Element 19
19C is mounted on a plate, and the element mounting board 19b is mounted with screws or the like, and is fixed to the lower base.

In this embodiment, the sensitive member 24 is the element mounting substrate 19b.
The light receiving element 192 is provided in a portion below the light receiving element 192 and in a portion other than the light receiving surface 19a' of the light receiving element 19a.

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

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5(A), by rotating the mirror 18, the reflected light from the mirror 18 can be adjusted in the lateral direction.On the other hand, as shown in FIG. The installation can be adjusted vertically by shifting the position.

That is, while checking the sensitive state of the sensitive member 24,

By adjusting the angle of the mirror 18 and adjusting the position of the substrate 19b, the reflected light from the mirror 18 can be directed to the light receiving element 1.
It can be adjusted so that it is incident on 9a.

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 mounted on a plate, and the irradiation position of the reflected light is confirmed in advance by the fluorescence of the sensitive material. The substrate 19b may be attached so that the light-receiving element 19a is disposed on the substrate 19b, and the lateral shift is similarly performed by adjusting the angle of the mirror 18. Also, the jig may be provided with a slit as in the first invention. You may also use

(dl Description of Other Embodiments In the above embodiments, an electrophotographic printer was explained as an example, but it can also be applied to a reading device, an optical measuring device using light scanning, etc. Also, the scanning means is not limited to a polygon mirror. , or other known scanning means, such as a hologram scanner.

Similarly, outside the visible light range, the light source is not limited to infrared.
It can also be used for ultraviolet light, etc.

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.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, even if an optical scanning device uses a light source that generates light outside the visible light range,
This has the effect that the state of the scanning light can be visually confirmed by the sensitivity of the sensitive member, and the adjustment of the scanning light becomes easy. or,
In the first invention, the trajectory of the scanning light can be visually confirmed, making it easy to adjust the incident angle and skew, and in the second invention, the 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 easily confirmed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the principle of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a detailed explanatory diagram 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 a scanning An explanatory diagram of a mirror for light adjustment, FIG. 5 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the second invention, FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an electrophotographic printing device, and FIG. 7 is a configuration of an optical unit in the configuration shown in FIG. 6. 8 is an explanatory diagram of optical scanning according to the configuration shown in 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 22.24--Sensitive member 19--Start detection element.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In an optical scanning device that optically scans a scheduled optical scanning area by using a scanning means to scan light from a light source that generates light outside the visible light range, the scheduled optical scanning area is 1. A scanning light confirmation method for an optical scanning device, characterized in that a sensitive member sensitive to light is provided, and the state of light scanning by the scanning means is confirmed by the sensitive state of the sensitive member. (2) A scanning means scans light from a light source that generates light outside the visible light range to optically scan a scheduled optical scanning area, and a detection element starts upon receiving light from an end of the scheduled optical scanning area. In an optical scanning device that detects the start of scanning, a sensitive member sensitive to light outside the visible light range is provided in a region where the start detection element is provided, and the scanning means detects light at an end of the optical scanning region. 1. A scanning light confirmation method for an optical scanning device, comprising confirming that a start detection element can receive light based on a sensitive state of the sensitive member.