Supporting apparatus for optical scanning apparatus

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a supporting apparatus for an optical scanning apparatus which may be utilized in a laser printer, a digital copying machine, a laser facsimile machine, etc., and more particularly to a supporting apparatus for plural optical scanning apparatus.

#2. Discussion of the Background

#A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, particularly when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a relation between an optical housing and a supporting apparatus of a scanning apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an element arrangement within the optical housing;

#In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specified terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar purpose.

#Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a structure of an optical scanning apparatus 1 will be described by referring to FIG. 2. Numeral 2 designates a flat optical housing 2 and an upper opening surface of this optical housing sealed by a cover 3. The optical housing 2 is provided with a laser source 4 including a collimator lens (not shown), a cylindrical lens 5, a deflector 6 which deflects a laser beam emitted from the laser source 4 and which passes through the cylindrical lens 5, focusing optical systems 7 and 8 which focus the laser beam deflected by the deflector 6 on a scanning surface, a mirror 9 which reflects the laser beam scanning an area outside where an image is written, and a synchronizing signal sensor 10 which is a photo-detector. The deflector 6 includes a polygon motor 11 fixed to the housing 2, a polygon mirror 12 fixed directly to the polygon motor, and a soundproof cover 13 covering the polygon mirror 12.

#The cylindrical lens 5 is pressed and fixed to a positioning portion (not shown in FIG. 2) which is formed at a bottom of the optical housing 2 by a leaf spring 14. The optical housing 2 is provided with plural positioning portions 15, 16 and 17 and bosses 18. A supporting member 20 with springs 19 pressing a f.theta. lens which is in the focus optical system 7, is installed to the bosses 18. A troidal lens which is in the focus optical system 8 is pressed and positioned to the positioning portion 16 by leaf springs 21. The mirror 9 is pressed and positioned to the positioning portion 17 by a leaf spring 22. A holding member 24 attachably holding a dustproof plate 23 is installed to the cover 3. Extending portions 25, 26, 27 and 28 and a back surface board 29 are formed in the optical housing 2 and mounting holes 31 are formed at both sides of the back surface board 29.