JPH06127021A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent foreign particles and the like from adhering to an optical member to record a high-quality image without color irregularities and the like by a method wherein projections projecting downward from the upper surface of an optical platen are formed on a cover body of the optical platen so as not to interrupt a light path of a light beam. CONSTITUTION:A photosensitive material A is fed in a sub-scanning direction, i.e., a direction (b), by a sub-scanning feeding means, such as a nip roller. The photosenstive material A is exposed to a light beam, which is deflected in a main scanning direction to two-dimensionally scan the photosensitive material A for recording an image. In an image recorder, projections or the like are formed on a cover body for closing an optical platen 50. In this manner, a reduction of an amount of air per se in an optical device results in a reduction of foreign particles, such as dirt and dust, in the optical device. As a result, an adverse influence on a recording image caused by foreign particles can be reduced; for example, white spripes caused by foreign particles can be reduced, which adhere to a cylindrical lens 18 or a cover glass 64 to interrupt a light beam.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus mainly by light beam scanning, and more particularly to continuous gradation using a plurality of light beams having different narrow band wavelengths according to the spectral sensitivity of the three primary colors of a photosensitive material. The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus capable of recording a high quality color image without adverse effects such as dust and dust.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A light-sensitive material, which is modulated in accordance with image information to be recorded, is deflected in a main scanning direction to relatively move in a sub scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a so-called raster scan image recording apparatus that records an image on a photosensitive material by scanning exposure.

An image recording device using raster scan is
For example, in a direct modulation image recording device using a semiconductor laser as a light source, a light beam having a narrow band wavelength corresponding to the spectral sensitivity of a photosensitive material, which is modulated according to image information emitted from the semiconductor laser, is generated by a collimator lens. The light is shaped into parallel light, passes through a cylindrical mirror that constitutes a surface tilt correction optical system, and enters an optical deflector such as a polygon mirror. A light amount adjusting member such as an ND filter is provided between the semiconductor laser and the polygon mirror as needed. The light beam deflected in the main scanning direction by the light deflector is adjusted by the fθ lens so as to form an image at a predetermined position with a predetermined beam diameter, and together with the aforementioned cylindrical lens, a cylindrical tilt forming optical system is formed. The light is reflected in a predetermined direction by the mirror and is incident on a predetermined scanning position of the photosensitive material.

Since the photosensitive material is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction which is substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction by the conveying means such as two pairs of nip rollers, the exposure drum and the nip roller, the light beam deflected in the main scanning direction. As a result, the photosensitive material is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed to perform image recording.

In such an image recording apparatus, in order to perform high quality image recording without color unevenness or density unevenness,
Image recording with a stable light beam without output fluctuation or wavelength fluctuation is indispensable. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the temperature of the light beam light source within a predetermined temperature range. Furthermore, if the temperature of the light beam light source exceeds the guaranteed range, the light source and various optical members themselves are damaged, and it becomes impossible to perform image recording.

Here, in such an image recording apparatus, the various optical members as described above are arranged at predetermined positions in the housing constituting the optical surface plate, and the housing is covered with a lid. The optical system is composed of
A large number of heat sources such as a light source of a light beam and a driving source of an optical deflector are provided. Further, a large number of heat sources such as a light source and a substrate for driving an optical deflector are provided outside the optical system. Therefore, the image recording apparatus is usually provided with a cooling fan for cooling the optical system, particularly for cooling the light beam light source and the like. There is also an image recording apparatus in which the light source is provided with a heating means such as a power transistor in the case where the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature.

Particularly, in a continuous tone color image recording apparatus using a plurality of light beams having different narrow band wavelengths according to the spectral sensitivities of the three primary colors of the photosensitive material, in addition to having a plurality of light sources as heat sources, Since they are arranged close to each other, only a small radiator plate for cooling the light source can be used, and it is necessary to use a powerful cooling fan in order to reliably cool the light beam light source and the like. Further, even in an image recording apparatus provided with a heat source such as a heat developing apparatus for a photosensitive material, cooling of the inside of the optical system becomes very important.

[0008]

Here, in the image recording apparatus, the air in the optical system flows due to the cooling air from the cooling fan, and dust, dust, etc. in the optical system fly and adhere to the optical member. However, there is a problem in that a recorded image causes image quality deterioration such as white spots and streaks. In particular, a continuous tone color image recording apparatus uses a powerful cooling fan, which is a serious problem.

As described above, in the image recording apparatus using light beam scanning, the light beam deflected in the main scanning direction causes
The photosensitive material conveyed in the sub-scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed. Here, fθ arranged in the mirror or lens inside the optical system, especially on the downstream side of the optical deflector
If dust or dirt adheres to the light beam optical path of a lens, a cylindrical mirror, or an optical member such as a cover glass provided in a slit for the light beam to be emitted from a housing (optical surface plate), dust and The light beam is blocked by dust or the like. As a result, one point in the main scanning direction of the photosensitive material corresponding to the portion to which dust or the like adheres becomes unexposed, which causes deterioration of the image quality of the recorded image such as white stripes in the sub scanning direction.

Further, even if dust or dust adheres to the light beam optical path of the optical member corresponding to the light beam before being deflected, the light amount of the light beam is reduced, and therefore, image quality such as color unevenness or density unevenness is caused. It causes deterioration.

In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the optical system of the image recording apparatus is assembled in an environment such as a clean room where dust and dirt cannot enter, and the optical system is completely sealed, that is, an optical surface plate. It is necessary to completely seal the housing and the lid so that air does not enter from the outside. However, the temperature change inside the image recording apparatus is large, and the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature during storage / transportation, during use, etc. may be as close as 100 ° C. depending on the environment and use conditions. Therefore, if the optical system is completely sealed, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the optical system will change significantly due to the temperature change inside, and the mounting position and angle of the highly accurate adjusted optical member will go wrong, It may also adversely affect the optical member.

Therefore, it is necessary to form an air introduction port in the optical system (housing and / or lid) of the image recording apparatus. However, no matter how small the air introduction port is formed, Dust, dust, etc. will enter the optical system, and these will adhere to the cylindrical mirror, the cover glass, the fθ lens, etc.
Color unevenness and density unevenness occur.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, in which dust or dust present in the optical system is located on the downstream side of the optical member, particularly the optical deflector, in the light beam traveling direction. Prevents adherence to deployed optical components,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of recording a high quality image without streaks and color unevenness.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a photosensitive member which deflects a light beam in a main scanning direction and relatively moves in a sub scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction. An image recording device for two-dimensionally scanning a material,
An optical plate constituting an optical system of the light beam is mounted at a predetermined position, and a slit-shaped opening for emitting the light beam is formed on the bottom surface, and a housing-like optical surface plate having an open top, An exit window that closes an opening and a lid of the optical surface plate are formed, and a convex portion that protrudes below the upper surface of the optical surface plate is formed on the lid without blocking the optical path of the light beam. An image recording apparatus is provided.

Further, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, further, there is an air introduction port formed in the optical surface plate and / or the lid, and the air introduction port is a light beam after a light beam scan. It is preferably formed at a position away from the optical path.

In the image recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the image recording apparatus further comprises cleaning means for cleaning the outer surface of the exit window.

Further, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that an adhesive member is arranged at least at a part near the emission window.

The image recording apparatus of the present invention further includes a cooling fan for cooling the light source of the light beam,
It is preferable that a rectifying plate that guides the cooling air from the cooling fan to the light source of the light beam is formed integrally with the lid and / or the housing of the image recording apparatus.

[0019]

The image recording apparatus of the present invention is a so-called raster scan image recording apparatus which two-dimensionally scans and exposes a photosensitive material with a light beam deflected in the main scanning direction. The lid that closes the upper surface of the case-like optical surface plate to be formed has at least one convex portion that projects below the upper surface of the optical surface plate without blocking the optical path of the light beam.

As described above, in the image recording apparatus using the light beam scanning, when foreign matter such as dust or dust adheres to the optical members such as the cylindrical mirror and the fθ lens, white streaks are formed on the recorded image, and color unevenness is caused. And image quality deterioration such as uneven density occurs. In particular, a gradation image recording apparatus using a silver salt photographic light-sensitive material, etc., and a color image recording apparatus using a plurality of light beams even in such a gradation image recording apparatus, have an adverse effect on dust and the like in the recorded image. Is big. Therefore, the optical system of the image recording apparatus is extremely disliked by dust, dust, and the like, and the assembly is performed in a clean room. Further, the optical system is covered with a lid close to a closed state having only a small air inlet. However, even with this configuration, it is difficult to completely prevent the adverse effects of dust, dust, and the like.

On the other hand, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the lid that closes the optical surface plate is formed with a convex portion projecting below the upper surface of the optical surface plate, and the amount of air in the optical system is increased. By reducing the amount itself, dust and dust in the air are reduced. That is, in the present invention, by forming a convex portion that projects into the optical system without blocking the light beam, an unnecessary space is eliminated, and preferably, a place other than the light beam optical path should have an unnecessary space as much as possible. By eliminating the air present in this part, the amount of air itself present in the optical system is reduced, and the amount of dust present in the optical system is reduced. Reduce adverse effects on

Preferably, the air inlet is formed at a position separated from the optical member downstream of the optical deflector, that is, the optical path of the optical beam after scanning the optical beam. As described above, if foreign matter such as dust or dust is present in the light beam optical path before the light beam scanning, color unevenness and density unevenness occur, but this is not very noticeable, and depending on the case, the recorded image Is fully usable. However, if these foreign substances are present in the optical path of the light beam after scanning the light beam, white streak is formed in the recorded image, and serious image quality deterioration occurs. Here, by forming the air introduction port at a position away from the light beam optical path after the light beam scanning, it is possible to more suitably prevent adhesion of foreign matter to the optical member after the light beam scanning, which has a large adverse effect on the recorded image. be able to.

Further, a slit-shaped opening for emitting the light beam deflected in the main scanning direction to the outside of the optical system is formed on the bottom surface of the housing as an optical surface plate constituting the optical system. An exit window (cover glass) is installed in this opening to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside, but the outer surface of this cover glass is exposed to the outside air, and dust, dust, etc. Foreign matter is easily attached. Therefore, in the image recording apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable to provide a cleaning means for cleaning the outer surface of the cover glass, for example, a cover glass cleaning means having a cover glass cleaning pad or the like attached to the tip of the rod-shaped body. Even if a foreign substance adheres to the outer surface, it can be cleaned quickly and easily.

Further, preferably, an adhesive member such as a double-sided tape is provided near the cover glass so that foreign matter such as dust or dust that has entered the inside of the apparatus can be captured before being attached to the optical member. Further, such an adhesive member is more preferably arranged also in a partition or the like arranged between the optical system such as the housing of the image recording apparatus and the sub-scanning conveying device for the photosensitive material.

Further, as described above, the image recording apparatus is provided with an optical system, in particular, a cooling fan for cooling the light beam light source, and in particular, a continuous floor for scanning and exposing a silver salt photographic light-sensitive material with a plurality of light beams. In a tonal color image recording apparatus, it is necessary to provide a powerful cooling fan to enhance the cooling effect. Here, in the conventional image recording apparatus, in order to improve the cooling efficiency, a duct made of resin molding or the like is provided so that the light source of the light beam is efficiently blown, but the duct is formed separately. Since it is deployed as a device, the device cost will be improved.

In the image recording apparatus of the present invention, preferably, a rectifying plate for guiding the wind from the cooling fan to the light source of the light beam is integrally formed on the housing of the image recording apparatus, the upper surface of the lid or the like. By having such a rectifying plate, the cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional apparatus that separately forms the duct, and the image recording apparatus can be made inexpensive. Moreover, by efficiently guiding the wind from the cooling fan to the light source by the rectifying plate, it is possible to realize a sufficient light source cooling effect even with a weak wind, and a portion where the optical member after the light beam scanning is provided. Since it is possible to suppress the entrainment of air into the optical member, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust and dust from adhering to the optical member.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The image recording apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The image recording apparatus 10 of the present invention shown in FIG.
A light beam L having a narrow band wavelength and a light output for coloring (cyan), Y (yellow), and M (magenta).
C, LM, and LY are deflected in the main scanning direction (direction of arrow a in the drawing), and the photosensitive material A conveyed in the sub-scanning direction (direction of arrow b in the drawing) is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed to perform image recording. Basically, a housing-like optical surface plate 50 having an optical member such as the polygon mirror 12 arranged at a predetermined position inside and having an open top, and a lid body closing the upper surface of the optical surface plate 50 5
Optical unit 54 composed of 2 and optical unit 5
4, a cooling fan 56 for mainly cooling the light source of the light beam, an optical unit 54 and a cooling fan 56,
Further, a substrate for driving the optical unit 54 (not shown)
And the like are housed in a predetermined position, and a housing 58 (shown by a dotted line).

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the inside of the optical surface plate 50, that is, the inside of the optical system. Image recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example
Means that the above-mentioned three types of light beams LC, LM, and LY are made incident on substantially the same point on the reflection surface of the polygon mirror 12 at slightly different angles and are deflected in the main scanning direction to form the same main beam on the photosensitive material A. This is an image recording apparatus using a different-angle incidence optical system (non-multiplexing optical system) that forms images at different positions on a scanning line and sequentially scans on the same main scanning line at time intervals.

Further, in the image recording apparatus 10, the optical path of the light beam L from the light source to the folding mirror 24 and the optical path of the light beam L deflected in the main scanning direction by the polygon mirror 12 intersect in the same plane. Further, each optical member such as the light source, the folding mirror 24, and the polygon mirror 12 is arranged to configure the optical path of the light beam, and the image recording apparatus has been greatly downsized.

The optical surface plate 50 has three semiconductor lasers (hereinafter, referred to as LDs) 14C, 14Y, and 14M as light beam light sources for emitting light of a predetermined narrow band wavelength, and each LD is respectively. The optical surface plate 50 is held by the heat radiating plates 60C, 60M and 60Y fixed to the outer wall of the optical surface plate 50 at a predetermined position, and the optical surface plate 50 is formed from a through hole (not shown for simplicity of the drawing) formed in the optical surface plate 50. Is injected inside. For example, the LD 14C for developing the C dye on the photosensitive material A emits a light beam LC having a wavelength of 750 nm, and the LD1 for developing the Y dye on the photosensitive material A 1
4Y is an LD14M that emits a light beam LY having a wavelength of 810 nm and is used to develop the M dye of the photosensitive material A.
Is used which emits a light beam LM having a wavelength of 670 nm. These LD14 (14C, 14M, 14Y)
Are controlled by an electric control system (not shown).

The respective light beams emitted from the LD 14 are arranged in correspondence with the respective collimator lenses 16 (1
6C, 16M, 16Y) and is shaped into parallel light.

Each light beam made into parallel light then enters a cylindrical lens arranged corresponding to each light beam. The cylindrical lens constitutes a surface tilt correction optical system that corrects the surface tilt of the polygon mirror 12 together with a cylindrical mirror 18 described later. In the image recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, the cylindrical lens is two lenses provided corresponding to each light beam, that is, a cylindrical concave lens 20 (20C, 20M, 20Y) provided upstream in the light beam traveling direction, It is configured by combining with the cylindrical convex lens 22 (22C, 22M, 22Y). The convex lens is provided with an aperture for defining the beam size of each light beam L. In the cylindrical lens having the above-described configuration, the lens power can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the cylindrical concave lens (hereinafter, concave lens) 20 and the cylindrical convex lens (hereinafter, convex lens) 22.

In the vicinity of the concave lens 20, between the concave lens 20 and the convex lens 22, the photosensitive material A of each light beam L is formed.
ND filter 26 (2 for adjusting the amount of light above
6C, 26M) is deployed. The ND filter 26C corresponding to the light beam LC is a folding mirror 24 described later.
Is located on the downstream side of.

The light beams L that have passed through the concave lens 20, the ND filter 26, and the convex lens 22 are then incident on different positions of the folding mirror 24, are reflected in a predetermined direction, and are reflected at a slightly different angle. The light is incident on substantially the same point on the reflecting surface of the polygon mirror 12, which is a deflector,
The light is reflected, deflected in the main scanning direction, and enters the fθ lens 36.

The fθ lens 36 is for correctly forming an image of each light beam L at any position on the main scanning line, and a plurality of lenses 36a, 36b (combined lenses) and 36c are combined. It is composed of The light beam L that has passed through the fθ lens 36 is then reflected by the long cylindrical mirror 18 in a predetermined direction. The cylindrical mirror 18 includes the above-mentioned cylindrical lens (concave lens 20 and convex lens 2).
In addition to forming a surface tilt correction optical system together with 2), each light beam L is reflected upward and is incident on a long falling mirror 38.

The light beam L is reflected downward by the falling mirror 38, travels across the light beam L on the downstream side of the fθ lens 36, and passes through a slit-shaped opening 62 formed at the bottom of the optical surface plate 50. The light is emitted from the optical surface plate 50 and is incident on the photosensitive material A. The opening 6 on the bottom surface of the optical surface plate 50
A cover glass 64 for closing the opening 62 is provided in the second forming portion.

Here, the photosensitive material A is a pair of nip rollers arranged to sandwich the scanning line SL of the light beam L, and a sub-scan such as a nip roller pressed to the exposure drum with the exposure drum and the scanning line SL interposed therebetween. Since it is transported in the sub-scanning direction (direction of arrow b) by the transporting means, the light beam L deflected in the main scanning direction (direction of arrow a) consequently two-dimensionally scans and exposes the photosensitive material A, Record images.

As described above, the upper surface of such an optical surface plate 50 is closed by the lid 52. The lid 52 in FIG.
A schematic perspective view of is shown. In the image recording apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the optical platen 5 is provided on the lid 52 except for the optical path of the light beam L.
0 has a convex portion formed below the upper surface,
In the lid 52 of the illustrated example, a convex portion 68 inside the optical surface plate 50 (optical unit 54) corresponding to the space 66 beside the concave lens 20C, a convex portion 71 corresponding to a space 70 beside the polygon mirror 12, A convex portion 76 corresponding to the space 74 on the back surface of the cylindrical mirror 18 is formed.

In the image recording apparatus 10 of the present invention, such a convex portion 68 is formed on the lid 52 closing the optical surface plate 50.
And the like, the amount of air in the optical unit 54 is reduced to reduce foreign matters such as dust and dust in the optical unit 54, and the foreign matter adheres to the cylindrical lens 18 and the cover glass 64 to form a light beam. The adverse effect of foreign matter on the recorded image, such as the formation of white stripes caused by blocking L, is reduced.

The position and shape of such a convex portion are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined according to the configuration of the optical unit 54 as long as it does not block the optical path of the light beam L. In order to preferably reduce foreign matters in the optical unit 54, it is preferable to form the convex portion so as to eliminate unnecessary space as much as possible outside the optical path of the light beam. Therefore, the shape of the convex portion may have a spherical surface shape in addition to the rectangular parallelepiped as shown in the example, and a stepped shape such as a convex portion further formed on the convex portion, It may have a shape obtained by combining a plurality of rectangular parallelepipeds, polygonal columns, and columns.

The convex portion may be formed integrally with the lid, or may be separately molded and fixed at a predetermined position on the lid. Further, instead of forming it so as to project from the bottom surface of the lid as in the illustrated example, a convex portion may be formed on the bottom surface of the lid by denting the top surface of the lid as in press molding.

A rectifying plate 72 is formed on the upper surface of the lid 52 of the image recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example so that the cooling air from the cooling fan 56 can be efficiently applied to the heat radiating plate 60 of the LD 14 on the upper surface of the lid 52. . This straightening plate 72 will be described later in detail.

In the image recording apparatus 10 of the present invention, the optical unit 54 is formed by closing the upper surface of the above-mentioned optical surface plate 50 with such a lid 52.
The temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature of the internal temperature of the optical system may become as close as 100 ° C. depending on the environment and usage conditions. Therefore, if the optical unit 54 is completely hermetically sealed, there is a possibility that the atmospheric pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the optical system may change significantly due to temperature changes, and the mounting positions and angles of various optical members may change. is there.

Therefore, it is necessary to form the air inlet, but in the optical unit 54 of the image recording apparatus 10 according to the present invention, as a preferable mode, an optical member on the downstream side of the polygon mirror 12 which is an optical deflector, That is, it is formed at a position away from the optical path of the light beam after scanning (deflecting) the light beam L. In the illustrated example, the polygon mirror 1
An air inlet 80 is formed on the wall surface of the optical surface plate 50 on the side of 2.

As described above, when foreign matter such as dust or dust exists in the optical path of the light beam L before scanning, color unevenness and density unevenness occur, but this color unevenness is not extremely noticeable. The recorded image is relatively unusable. On the other hand, if these foreign matters are present in the optical path of the light beam L after scanning the light beam L, white streaks are formed in the recorded image, which causes a serious deterioration in image quality.

Here, since the optical unit 54 is usually manufactured in a clean room so that foreign matters such as dust and dust are not mixed therein, the foreign matters mainly enter the inside of the optical unit 54 through the air introduction port 80. Becomes Therefore, by forming the air introduction port 80 at a position away from the optical path after scanning the light beam L, the fθ lens 36, the cylindrical lens 18, the lowering mirror 38, the cover glass 64, and the like are recorded on the recorded image. It is possible to more suitably prevent foreign matter from adhering to the optical member after scanning the light beam, which has a large adverse effect.

The formation position of the air introduction port 80 is not limited to the side of the polygon mirror 12 in the illustrated example, and a position separated from the light beam optical path after scanning may be appropriately selected according to the configuration of the optical unit 54. Good. In addition, the air inlet 80,
By providing a passage for a cable such as a power supply cable to the motor of the polygon mirror 12, this cable acts as a filter to prevent foreign matter of a certain size or more from entering the optical unit 54. can do.

In the image recording apparatus 10 of the present invention, such an optical unit 54 is arranged at a predetermined position in the housing 58, but the light beam emitted from the optical unit 54 (optical surface plate 50) passes through it. The outer surface of the cover glass 64 is in contact with the outside air, and impurities are easily attached to this portion, which causes deterioration of image quality. Therefore, in the image recording apparatus 10 of the present invention, a means for cleaning the cover glass 64 is provided as a preferable mode.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the cleaning means 82, and FIG. 5 conceptually shows the usage state of the cleaning means 82.

The cleaning means 82 has a holding member 88 fixed to a holder 86 having a handle 84, and a pad 90 for cleaning the cover glass 64 is fixed to the tip of the holding member 88. Such cleaning means 82
5, the pad 90 is brought into contact with the outer surface of the cover glass 64 by being loaded into the holding portion 94 formed on the exterior wall 92 of the apparatus, and thus the image recording apparatus of the present invention. It is arranged under the cover glass 64 of 10.
Therefore, an opening 96 is formed in the holding member 88 so as not to block the optical path of the light beam L. Further, a flange 86 a is formed on the holder 86 so that light from the outside does not enter from the holding portion 94, and the holding portion 94 of the cleaning unit 82 is formed.
In the state of being fixed to, the holding portion 94 is configured to be surely closed.

Further, since such cleaning means 82 is arranged so as to block the optical path of the light beam L, it is necessary to be surely held at a predetermined position of the device. Therefore, the cleaning means 8
A rib 96 is formed on the second holder 86, and urging portions 94a and 94b which are fitted to the rib 96 are formed on the holding portion 94 formed on the exterior wall 92, so that both are firmly fitted. By doing so, the cleaning means 82 is securely held at the predetermined position.

When the outer surface of the cover glass 64 is cleaned by the cleaning means 82, the operator holds the handle 84 and moves the cleaning means 82 in the main scanning direction (direction of arrow a), so that the pad 90 causes the cover glass 64 to move. The outer surface of the cover glass 64 is wiped to remove foreign matters such as dust and dust on the outer surface of the cover glass 64.

The material of the pad 90 is not particularly limited, and various well-known glass cleaning members such as various non-woven fabrics and ultrafine fiber non-woven fabrics (for example, trade name Toraysee and Miracle cloth) can be used.

The cleaning means 82 in the illustrated example is one in which the operator manually cleans the cover glass 64, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pad 90 is automatically removed by various means. As the moving structure, the cover glass 64 may be automatically cleaned periodically or when the image quality is deteriorated. Further, the holding means of the cleaning means 82 is not limited to the method of using the rib 96 and the urging portions 94a and 94b described above, and a method of forming irregularities to be fitted with each other or a method of using various jigs. May be

Further, in the image recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, as a preferred mode, an adhesive member such as a double-sided tape is provided in the vicinity of the cover glass 64 to prevent foreign matters such as dust and dust from adhering to the cover glass 64. Then, it is attached to this adhesive member.

FIG. 6 conceptually shows the vicinity of the cover glass 64 of the image recording apparatus 10 as viewed from the main scanning direction. As described above, in the image recording apparatus 10 of the present invention, the optical unit 54 is arranged at a predetermined position in the housing 58, and the light beam L emitted from the optical unit 54 after passing through the cover glass 64 is formed in the housing 58. After passing through a slit-shaped opening 98 extending in the main scanning direction, the light is emitted from the image recording apparatus 10 and is incident on the photosensitive material A.

Here, since there is a slight gap between the lower surface of the housing 58 and the housing 58 and the optical unit 54 in the illustrated example, the double-sided tape 100 is attached to the upper surface of the housing 58 near the openings 98, respectively. It is attached. With such a structure, foreign matter such as dust and dust existing in the vicinity of the cover glass 64 can be attached before contacting and adhering to the cover glass 64, and the cover glass 64 can be more favorably attached. Can be kept clean.

Here, if the foreign matter adhered to the double-sided tape 100 is a long thread-like dust or the like and its end portion enters the optical path of the light beam L, the light beam is also blocked by this foreign matter. Image quality deterioration such as white lines occurs. Therefore, even if the double-sided tape 100 adheres a foreign substance of a large size, the position where the double-sided tape 100 is arranged is set so that the end portion thereof does not enter the optical path of the light beam L. Depending on the size, it needs to be placed at a position slightly apart from the opening 98.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the double-sided tape 100 is provided on both sides of the housing 58, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the double-sided tape is provided on only one side. It may be one. However, in order to better capture foreign matter, it is preferable to deploy double sided tape on both sides of the housing 58 if possible. Further, in the image recording device 10 of the present invention,
Not only the housing 58, but an optical surface plate 50 if necessary
An adhesive member such as the double-sided tape 100 may be provided in the vicinity of the cover glass 64 on the inner surface and / or the outer surface.

As described above, the image recording apparatus 10 of the present invention.
The optical system 54 as described above is arranged at a predetermined position inside the housing 54, and the optical system 5 is provided inside the housing 54.
4 LD 14, specifically, a cooling fan 56 for cooling the heat dissipation plate 60 is provided and configured. Here, in the image recording apparatus of the illustrated example, a straightening plate 72 for efficiently guiding the cooling air from the cooling fan 56 to the heat dissipation plate 60 is integrally formed on the upper surface of the lid 52 of the optical system 54. ing.

In the conventional image recording apparatus, a duct formed by resin molding or the like is provided in order to improve the cooling efficiency so that the light source of the light beam is efficiently blown by the wind. However, the duct is formed separately. Since it is deployed as a device, the cost of the device is improved. On the other hand, the cost can be reduced by integrally forming a rectifying plate that guides the wind from the cooling fan 56 to the LD 14 (radiation plate 60) on the upper surface of the lid 52, the ceiling surface of the housing 58, or the like. You can
The image recording device can be inexpensive. In addition, the cooling fan 56 is improved by improving the cooling efficiency of the heat sink 60.
Can be weakened, and the adverse effect of the cooling air inside the optical system 54 due to the floating of dust or dust can be reduced.

In the image recording apparatus 10 of the illustrated example, the rectifying plate 72 formed on the upper surface of the lid 52 is formed so as to have a height almost up to the ceiling surface of the housing 58. Therefore, the curved portion 72a of the rectifying plate 72 and the surface of the housing 58 that faces the heat radiating plate 60 form a duct that guides the wind from the cooling fan 56 to the heat radiating plate 60. The cooling efficiency can be improved. In addition, a linear portion 72b on the back side of the straightening plate 72
Prevents the wind from returning from the cooling fan 56, and a heat source such as a drive substrate for the LD 14 and the polygon mirror 12 is disposed between the optical system 54 and the side surface of the housing 58 in this portion. For efficient cooling. Further, in order to improve the cooling efficiency of the heat dissipation plate 60 and the drive substrate, a portion (surface) of the optical system 54 that does not require cooling.
Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical system 54 is arranged so as to be close to the side surface of the housing 58 so that the wind is not caught in an unnecessary portion.

The shape of the rectifying plate 72 is not limited to the illustrated example, and the heat radiating plate 60 can be efficiently used depending on the configuration of the optical system 54, the position of the heat radiating plate 60, the shape of the housing 58, the arrangement position of the cooling fan 56, and the like. The shape that can be cooled may be appropriately determined. Further, the current plate 72 is not limited to being integrally formed on the upper surface of the lid 52, and may be integrally formed on the ceiling surface of the housing 58.

Although the image recording apparatus of the present invention has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course it's good.

[0064]

As described in detail above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, dust, dust, etc. present in the optical system are located downstream of the optical member, particularly the optical deflector, in the light beam traveling direction. Adhesion to the optical member provided in the above can be suitably prevented, and high-quality images free of streaks, color unevenness, density unevenness, etc. can be stably recorded.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an image recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the inside of an optical system of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an optical system lid of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a cover glass cleaning unit provided in the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing how the cleaning means shown in FIG. 5 is used.

6 is a diagram conceptually showing the vicinity of the cover glass of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 image recording device 12 polygon mirror 14 (14C, 14Y, 14M) semiconductor laser (L
D) 16 (16C, 16M, 16Y) Collimator lens 18 Cylindrical mirror 20 (20C, 20M, 20Y) Cylindrical concave lens 22 (22C, 22M, 22Y) Cylindrical convex lens 24 Folding mirror 26 (26C, 26M, 26Y) ND filter 36 fθ Lens 38 Falling mirror 50 Optical surface plate 52 Lid 54 Optical system 56 Cooling fan 58 Housing 60 (60C, 60M, 60Y) Heat sink 62, 96 Opening 64 Cover glass 66, 70, 74 Space 68, 71, 76 Convex part 72 rectifying plate 80 air introduction port 82 cleaning means 84 grip 86 holder 86a flange 88 holding member 90 pad 92 exterior wall 94 holding portions 94a, 94b biasing portion 98 rib 100 double-sided tape L (LC, LM, LY) light beam A photosensitive Fee

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus for two-dimensionally scanning a photosensitive material, which deflects a light beam in a main scanning direction to relatively move in a sub scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the main scanning direction, An optical plate constituting an optical system for a light beam is mounted at a predetermined position, and a slit-shaped opening for emitting the light beam is formed on the bottom surface, and a housing-like optical surface plate having an open top, the opening. An exit window that closes the optical surface plate, and a lid body for the optical surface plate, and the lid body is formed with a convex portion that protrudes below the upper surface of the optical surface plate without blocking the optical path of the light beam. An image recording device characterized in that 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An image recording apparatus having an air introduction port formed in the optical surface plate and / or the lid, the air introduction port being formed at a position apart from a light beam optical path after the light beam scanning. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning unit that cleans an outer surface of the exit window. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive member is provided in at least a part of the vicinity of the exit window. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling fan that cools the light source of the light beam, and the cooling air from the cooling fan is used as the light source of the light beam. An image recording device in which a current plate for guiding is integrally formed on the lid and / or the housing of the image recording device.