Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus using the same
AssigneeRicoh Company, Ltd.
InventorsYukito SATOH, Mitsumi Fujii
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical deflector of the present invention includes a movable mirror and torsion bars supporting the mirror and formed integrally with the mirror. The mirror reciprocatingly vibrates to reflect a light beam to thereby deflect it. The mirror is curved in the form of an arch in a section including at least the torsion bars. The mirror deforms little during vibration even if it is thin. Small power can cause such a thin mirror to vibrate with a large amplitude.
Claims16
In an optical scanning device comprising a mirror base supported by torsion bars and capable of reciprocatingly vibrating about an axis formed by said torsion bars, said torsion bars, said mirror base and a frame portion supporting said mirror base and connecting said torsion bars being formed integrally with each other, said mirror base comprises a rib identical in thickness with said torsion bars and a thin portion smaller in thickness than said torsion bars.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.