Patent ID: 7453615
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical scanning apparatus comprising: a housing that positions and holds a plurality of light sources emitting light beams, a deflection mirror that deflects the light beams to perform main scanning, and at least one of optical image forming elements closest to the deflection mirror to form images on respective image carriers; a plurality of reflectors situated outside the housing so as to guide the light beams exiting said housing to the respective image carriers; a pair of support members that face each other to support said housing in a main scanning direction; a support frame that couples said support members to each other; a pair of ribs extending in the main scanning direction provided on a back surface of the said housing: and a warp-preventing member inserted into and engaged with a groove formed by the ribs, wherein said support members support said reflectors to be outside the housing by bridging said reflectors between said support members, and wherein relative positions of the reflectors are arranged and aligned in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the main scanning direction between said support members.