Patent ID: 8270052

Claim:
An optical scanner for scanning target surfaces with laser beams comprising: first and second light sources each configured to emit a laser beam; a light deflector configured to reflect the laser beams from the first and second light sources so as to deflect the laser beams in a main scanning direction for scanning the target surfaces; and a first frame on which the first light source, the second light source, and the light deflector are mounted, wherein the first frame has a first exposure opening extending in the main scanning direction and configured to allow the laser beam emitted from the first light source to pass therethrough from an interior of the optical scanner toward a corresponding target surface outside the optical scanner, and a second exposure opening extending in the main scanning direction and configured to allow the laser beam emitted from the second light source to pass therethrough from the interior of the optical scanner toward a corresponding target surface outside the optical scanner, wherein the light deflector is attached to the first frame in a surrounding area defined by the first exposure opening, the second exposure opening, a line segment connecting one end of the first exposure opening and one end of the second exposure opening, and a line segment connecting the other end of the first exposure opening and the other end of the second exposure opening, wherein a second frame is provided opposite to the first frame on a side of the first frame where the light deflector is positioned, and wherein at least one connecting member configured to connect the first frame and the second frame is provided in the surrounding area.