Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer nip control member being movable to a pressing position, where a pressing force for positioning a transfer roller in a transfer nip releasing position is applied to a transfer unit in a closed position, and to a releasing position, where application of the pressing force is released; a fixing nip control mechanism for changing a relative position between a fixing roller and an opposing member to a fixing position, where a fixing nip is formed, and to a fixing nip releasing position; and an interlocking mechanism for moving the transfer nip control member in the releasing position to the pressing position in conjunction with a fixing nip releasing operation by the fixing nip control mechanism. The transfer nip control member in the pressing position is moved to the releasing position when the transfer unit is moved from the closed position to an open position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a housing, a cover a process cartridge, an LED array, and a link member. The cover is pivotally movable about an axis extending in a first direction between an open position and a closed position. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a developing unit, and is attachable to and detachable from the housing in an open state where the cover is at the open position. The link member is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in interlocking relation to movement of the cover. The link member is configured to: move the developing unit away from the axis in the second direction during movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position; and move the developing unit toward the axis in the second direction during movement of the cover from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: An electric apparatus includes a casing, a power supply, a frame, and a fan. The power supply is accommodated in the casing, and includes a power supply board and a power supply component mounted on a mounting surface of the power supply board. The frame is disposed outward of the power supply within the casing. The frame is formed with a through-hole extending therethrough, and has a first part and a second part. The first part is made from a flame retardant resin, and constitutes at least a part of the ambient portion surrounding the through-hole. The at least a part of the ambient portion is positioned at a side the same as the power supply component with respect to the mounting surface. At least a part of the second part is made from a material having flame retardancy lower than that of the flame retardant resin.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a light scanning device includes a housing, a light source, a polygon mirror, a polygon motor, a cooling duct, and a fastening portion. The housing is constituted by a housing main body and an upper lid. The light source is supported at one end side of the housing main body. The cooling duct is provided in the housing main body to extend from a light-source side to a side opposite from the light source. The fastening portion is constituted by first and second fastening portions disposed on the light-source side so as to sandwich the light source therebetween and a third fastening portion disposed at a position that is on the side opposite from the light source and that does not overlap the cooling duct as seen from a screw-fastening direction.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning member that includes a cleaning portion that cleans a light transmission member, which has a substantially elongated shape and which transmits light, and a support portion that supports the cleaning portion and a wall portion that is disposed on one end side of the light transmission member in a longitudinal direction of the light transmission member and that has a surface that is formed along a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the light transmission member. The cleaning member and the wall portion each have a configuration in which when an end of the cleaning member makes contact with the wall portion and is pressed, the support portion is bent in a convex manner toward a side opposite to a side on which the light transmission member is disposed.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes: a main assembly; and a fixing unit. The main assembly includes an advancing-and-retracting member capable of advancing and retracting in a direction substantially perpendicular to a mounting direction of the fixing unit, and includes an urging member configured to urge the advancing-and-retracting member in an advancing direction. The fixing unit includes an engaging member engageable with the advancing-and-retracting member. The engaging member includes i) a retracting portion configured to retract the advancing-and-retracting member against an urging force of the urging member with a mounting operation to the main assembly, and ii) permitting portion configured to a) permit advance of the advancing-and-retracting member by the urging portion with a further mounting operation to the main assembly and b) receive a force for moving the fixing unit in a mounting direction by the advancing-and-retracting member.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a printing apparatus comprises a conveyance section, a print head, an erasing head, a cutter and a control section. The conveyance section conveys roll paper. The print head carries out printing with color erasable ink on the roll paper conveyed forward by the conveyance section. The erasing head erases the color of the color erasable ink printed on the roll paper conveyed backward by the conveyance section. The cutter cuts the roll paper printed by the print head. The control section determines whether or not to cut the roll paper by the cutter, controls the conveyance section to convey the roll paper backward in a case of not cutting the roll paper, and controls the erasing head to erase the color of the color erasable ink printed on the roll paper.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an installation section, a control board, a first connection terminal provided on an outer surface of the control board, a first electrical connection member provided on the installation section and electrically connected to a point of reference potential, a substrate installable in the installation section in a thickness direction of the control board, an external connection terminal provided on the substrate and externally exposed, a second connection terminal provided on a first surface of the substrate and connected to the first connection terminal when the substrate is installed into the installation section, and a second electrical connection member provided on a second surface of the substrate. The second electrical connection member makes contact with the first electrical connection member and is electrically connected to the point of reference potential via the first electrical connection member when the substrate is installed into the installation section.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a housing and a cover member attached to the housing. A tubular pin attachment portion is installed in a side portion of the housing. A tapping screw pin is inserted into the pin attachment portion when the housing is fastened and fixed to a fastening target with the tapping screw pin. A pin head accommodating portion formed into a tubular shape to extend in a coaxial relationship with the pin attachment portion is installed in a side portion of the cover member. The pin head accommodating portion is configured to accommodate a head portion of the tapping screw pin inserted into the pin attachment portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a photoconductive drum, a line-type LED exposing unit disposed to be opposed to the photoconductive drum, an exposing unit supporting tray configured to support the LED exposing unit to be capable of approaching and separating from the photoconductive drum in a radial direction of the photoconductive drum, an extending piece being formed in a part of an end of the exposing unit supporting tray, and a rod member disposed in parallel to the major axis direction of the LED exposing unit and moved in the major axis direction to thereby cause the LED exposing unit to approach and separate from the photoconductive drum in the radial direction of the photoconductive drum via the extending piece of the exposing unit supporting tray.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source, an optical part, an enclosure, and a retainer. The light source projects light against a target. The optical part is disposed on a light path between the light source and the target. The enclosure houses the light source and the optical part. The retainer is fixed to the enclosure and includes a plurality of optical part mounts of identical shape and different sizes. The optical part is adhered to one of the plurality of optical part mounts.

Abstract: A disclosed surface-emitting laser module includes a surface-emitting laser formed on a substrate to emit light perpendicular to its surface, a package including a recess portion in which the substrate having the surface-emitting laser is arranged, and a transparent substrate arranged to cover the recess portion of the package and the substrate having the surface-emitting laser such that the transparent substrate and the package are connected on a light emitting side of the surface-emitting laser. In the surface-emitting laser module, a high reflectance region and a low reflectance region are formed within a region enclosed by an electrode on an upper part of a mesa of the surface-emitting laser, and the transparent substrate is slanted to the surface of the substrate having the surface-emitting laser in a polarization direction of the light emitted from the surface-emitting laser determined by the high reflectance region and the low reflectance region.

Abstract: If inclination correction of scanning line is performed while the incident position of the laser beam is not suitable, the shape of a spot of the laser beam which forms an image on a photosensitive drum may not be uniform depending on the scanning position of the laser beam. The housing is provided with a U-shaped groove to which the convex portion of a lens hold member that holds the lens is engaged. With the position of the convex portion adjusted, the convex portion is attached and secured in the U-shaped groove. Thus, the installation position of the lens to an optical path of the laser beam is adjusted, and the lens can be rotated and adjusted in order to correct an inclination or a bending of scanning line.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source, optical deflector, mirror, first photosensitive drum, and second photosensitive drum. The light source emits a first light beam and a second light beam. The optical deflector deflects the first light beam and the second light beam. The mirror has a reflecting part that reflects the deflected first light beam and a passing part that passes the deflected second light beam. The passing part is displaced from the reflecting part. The first photosensitive drum performs a development with a first toner having a first color. The reflected first light beam scans the first photosensitive drum in a main scanning direction. The second photosensitive drum performs a development with a second toner having a second color different from the first color. The passed second light beam scans the second photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A device for processing media may include a front panel, a rear panel, a side panel, a support surface, and an access door assembly. The access door assembly may be pivotally coupled to the support surface and may include a major door pivotally coupled to a minor door. The minor door may be movable from an operational position to a minor support position and the major door may be movable from the operational position to a major support position in which the major door is positioned against and supported by the support surface. The side panel may define an imaginary plane that extends upward beyond the support surface and the access door assembly may be sized to be supported on the support surface without crossing the imaginary plane.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit portion having a connector to which an interface cable is connected, a case for accommodating the circuit portion and having a wiring route for the interface cable leading from the connector to an external space and a connection opening for exposing the wiring route, and a cover for opening or closing the connection opening.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a body that has a first connection portion and a second connection portion inside the body; an image processing board that is electrically connected to the first connection portion, the image processing board performing image processing; a functional board that is disposed so as to cover a part of the image processing board on one side of the image processing board; a side panel attached to the image processing board at a position opposite to the first connection portion, the side panel being a part of a side surface of the body; and an extension board disposed so as to cover another part of the image processing board on the same side as the functional board with respect to the image processing board, the extension board being electrically connected to the second connection portion and independently attachable to and removable from the image processing board.

Abstract: An optical device includes a surface-emitting laser array having a plurality of light-emitting portions; a package member on which the surface-emitting laser array is disposed; and a transparent member retained on the package member and disposed on an optical path of a light beam emitted by the surface-emitting laser array. The transparent member includes an incident plane on which the light beam emitted by the surface-emitting laser array is incident. The incident plane is inclined with respect to an emitting surface of the surface-emitting laser array at a first inclination angle which is smaller than a second inclination angle at which the light emitted by one of the light-emitting portions is incident on another, most-distant one, of the light-emitting portions via reflection by the transparent member.

Abstract: In an exposure device, a light source device having multiple light emitting devices arranged in one-dimensional or two-dimensional directions projects light against an image bearing member. A light source holding member holds the light source device in place. An optical device condenses the light projected from the light source device onto the image bearing member. An optical device holding member holds the optical device to maintain a predetermined gap between the optical device and the light source device on the light source holding member. A positioning member supports the light source holding member above the image bearing member to maintain a predetermined gap between the image bearing member and the light source device on the light source holding member. When seen from a light emitting point of the light source device, a position at which the positioning member supports the light source holding member is opposite the image bearing member.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an array substrate in which a plurality of point light sources is mounted along the main scanning direction, a light guide member disposed on a surface of the array substrate that mounts the plurality of point light sources, and guiding light from the plurality of point light sources to the document surface, a frame for fixing the light guide member and the array substrate, a positioning unit that determines the positional relationship of the frame with the light guide member and the array substrate in a configuration in which the incident surface of the light guide member is in proximity to or in contact with the plurality of point light sources; and an image reading unit that uses reflected light when illuminating light from the plurality of point light sources through the light guide member onto the document surface to thereby read the document image.

Abstract: Inkjet print head dies are directly seated upon an exterior of a tubular member so as to face different directions.

Abstract: A polygon motor unit is mounted in a housing and includes a polygon mirror, a polygon motor, a board, a thermally conductive member and an elastic member. The polygon mirror is rotated and deflects light. The polygon motor includes a shaft portion and rotates the polygon mirror. The board includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the polygon mirror and the polygon motor are mounted on the first surface. The thermally conductive member includes a positioning portion for setting a reference position, a third surface facing the second surface and a projection projecting from the third surface toward the second surface and configured to position the board with respect to the reference position by coming into contact with the second surface. The elastic member is made of a thermally conductive material and arranged between the second surface and the third surface.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes an air-tight casing, an air-tight container and a tube-like member. The air-tight casing is configured to accommodate at least a polygon mirror and a driving unit that rotates the polygon mirror. The air-tight container is disposed at a distance from the air-tight casing and outside an outer wall surface vertically above the air-tight casing. The tube-like member is configured to communicatively connect an inside of the air-tight casing and an inside of the air-tight container.

Abstract: A scanning exposure device includes: a reflecting member that reflects a light irradiated by an irradiating unit; a housing that has a bottom, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an aperture opening in a direction of a light reflected by the reflecting member; a cover that covers the aperture, forms a passing portion that allows the light reflected by the reflecting member to pass through, and provides a first fixed position at which the housing is fixed on the first sidewall and a second fixed position, paired with the first fixed position, at which the housing is fixed on the second sidewall, wherein the first fixed position and the second fixed position are arranged such that the main scanning direction passes between them.

Abstract: A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.

Abstract: A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.

Abstract: An image-forming device is provided with a shutter member that has a ventilation passage formed extending therethrough in a main scanning direction, the shutter member adapted to slide over the outside surface of the housing in a secondary scanning direction, a cover member adapted to open or close an interior of a chassis of the device. The shutter member, when the cover member is moved in a direction to open up the inside of the device chassis, is moved in a direction to shut an output window, and when the cover member is moved in a direction to close up the inside of the device chassis, is moved in a direction to open the output window. In association with movement of the shutter member towards the open direction, the ventilation passage faces a ventilation opening of a duct furnished to the device chassis.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor which is rotatable with respect to a body frame, an exposing member which is movable relative to the body frame, a spacing member which is provided between the exposing member and the photoreceptor to maintain a distance between the photoreceptor and the exposing member, a positioning member which makes a contact with the exposing member to position the exposing member in a direction of rotation of the photoreceptor, and a pressing member which is provided to the body frame to press the exposing member toward the photoreceptor and the positioning member. Accordingly, it is possible to position the exposing member accurately with respect to the photoreceptor, in any of the light-axis direction and the rotational direction of the photoreceptor.

Abstract: A printer having multiple stages of nozzles is controlled to avoid or minimize blank space between print portions when printing on roll paper. A controller in communication with the printer is configured to determine if last partial print data to be printed contains blank raster data. If so, the controller calculates the difference between a total number of rasters in the first through the last partial print data and the number of blank rasters in the last partial print data, prints the last partial print data, and controls the paper transportation mechanism to advance the roll paper only the calculated distance to eliminate excess blank space between print portions. The functionality of the controller is also embodied in a method for controlling a printer as described above.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a lens holding unit includes a laser diode to irradiate laser beam, a lens through which the laser beam passes, a sheet metal having a bottom surface to hold a bottom portion of the lens and a sidewall which uprises from the bottom surface at a right angle and holds a side portion of the lens, and a first resin member fixed to the bottom surface of the sheet metal to hold a side portion at the other side of the lens which is held on the sheet metal.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes a chassis; plural image bearing members; plural optical scanning devices having the same configuration and located on respective installation positions of the chassis after installed thereon to scan the image bearing members with light beams; and plural incompatibility imparting mechanisms. The incompatibility imparting mechanisms are located on the corresponding optical scanning devices, and have the same configuration and the same initial state before the plural optical scanning devices are installed on the chassis, but achieve incompatible states after the optical scanning devices are installed. When the optical scanning devices in the incompatible states are detached from the chassis and then attached again thereto, the incompatibility imparting mechanisms prevent the corresponding optical scanning devices from being set to positions other than the respective installation positions.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a main body; a maintenance member operated by an operator for maintenance; and a hand touch member disposed on the maintenance member. The hand touch member is formed of a conductive material, and is connected to a ground portion disposed in the main body.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical component that reflects or shapes a light beam. In a particular embodiment, the optical device can include a bending moment generating structure that generates a bending moment in a supported portion of the optical component. The optical device can also include an adjusting mechanism that adjusts the bowing amount of the optical component by adjusting the bending moment of the bending moment generating structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printing device includes a top bracket, a side bracket, and a pivoting member. The top bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The side bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive the top bracket. The pivoting member includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The pivoting member is rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the side bracket.

Abstract: A toy mailbox for children includes a storage unit and a media processing mechanism. The storage unit includes a door member for closeably opening the storage unit and an ejection slot configured on a portion of the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is coupled to the storage unit, such that the media processing mechanism is capable of dispensing a media sheet having data content printed thereon, into the storage unit through the ejection slot. Opening the storage unit enables children to access the media sheet from within the storage unit. The media processing mechanism is also capable of printing the data content on the media sheet prior to dispensing the media sheet into the storage unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit an original reading unit and a guide mechanism. The image forming unit includes a sheet supply unit; a transportation roller for transporting a medium from the sheet supply unit; an image drum unit for forming a toner image on a photosensitive drum; a transfer belt unit for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum to the medium; a fixing device for fixing the toner image to the medium; and a stacker for placing the medium. The original reading unit includes an original stage for placing an original; a scanner unit disposed below the original stage; and a transportation unit for transporting the original to the original stage and a sheet discharge unit. The guide mechanism includes a pair of guide walls integrally formed at upper edges of the image forming unit.

Abstract: An image creating apparatus includes a casing that stores therein an agent, an agent carrier rotatably supported by the casing, a hole defining member defining a plurality of holes therein and opposed to the agent carrier, a plurality of spray electrodes provided on the hole defining member respectively corresponding to the holes and forming an electric field for selectively causing the agent to be sprayed from the agent carrier towards the holes, and a positioning member provided on the casing to cover the agent carrier and positioning the hole defining member with respect to the agent carrier so that the agent carrier and the hole defining member are in a predetermined positional relationship. The angle of the positioning member is adjustable relative to the casing about a rotation shaft that is coaxial with the agent carrier.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body frame; an image formation section contained in the main body frame that forms an image on a recording medium; an ejection mechanism contained in the main body frame that ejects the recording medium on which an image has been formed to an ejection section on the upper surface of the main body frame; an image scanning device mounted on the ejection section that scans the image of a document; and an operation section provided on the upstream side in the ejection direction of the recording medium in the ejection section that operates the image scanning device; wherein sides and the backside of the ejection section being opened viewed from the operation section side.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include a first casing and a second casing above the first casing. The second casing is provided with an upper surface including a generally horizontal surface, a lower surface extending beyond the upper surface in a generally horizontal direction and a side surface connecting an end edge of the upper surface and an end edge of the lower surface with each other over the whole area. The first casing is provided with an upper surface coming into contact with the lower surface of the second casing over the whole area and a side surface including a generally vertical surface. An inclined surface connecting the generally vertical surface of the first casing and the generally horizontal surface of the second casing with each other, is provided continuously along the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include a casing including an image forming section, an ejecting section provided above the image forming section and an image scanning section provided above the ejecting section, formed with an ejecting port communicating with the ejecting section; and an operating section. A side surface of the casing closer to the ejecting port includes a generally vertical surface and an upper surface of the casing includes a generally horizontal surface. The casing is provided with an inclined surface inclined along a direction intersecting with the generally vertical surface and the generally horizontal surface for connecting the generally vertical surface and the generally horizontal surface with each other, and the ejecting port is formed on the inclined surface, while the operating section is arranged above the ejecting port on the inclined surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include a first casing and a second casing above the first casing. The second casing is provided with an upper surface including a generally horizontal surface, a lower surface extending beyond the upper surface in a generally horizontal direction and a side surface connecting an end edge of the upper surface and an end edge of the lower surface with each other over the whole area. The first casing is provided with an upper surface coming into contact with the lower surface of the second casing over the whole area and a side surface including a generally vertical surface. An inclined surface connecting the generally vertical surface of the first casing and the generally horizontal surface of the second casing with each other, is provided continuously along the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for image formation is disclosed which includes an imaging device forming images on record media; a housing defining a front face, a rear face, both side faces, a top face and a bottom face, to thereby house the imaging device; a recessed portion configured so as to be openable at selected at least one of the front face, the both side faces and the top face of the housing; and an attachment mechanism allowing a data-storable external storage device to be attached to the apparatus for electrical connection thereto, the attachment mechanism being in a position allowing the external storage device, when attached to the attachment mechanism, to be accommodated within the recessed portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body frame; an image formation section contained in the main body frame that forms an image on a recording medium; an ejection mechanism contained in the main body frame that ejects the recording medium on which an image has been formed to an ejection section on the upper surface of the main body frame; an image scanning device mounted on the ejection section that scans the image of a document; and an operation section provided on the upstream side in the ejection direction of the recording medium in the ejection section that operates the image scanning device; wherein sides and the backside of the ejection section being opened viewed from the operation section side.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a frame, a light source, an optical member, and a spacer. The light source emits a light beam. The optical member is mounted on the frame to guide the light beam to a scanning target. The spacer maintains the optical member at a predetermined position with respect to the frame. The spacer is formed of a photocurable resin that is cured in response to a predetermined light having a wavelength within a prescribed range.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes: a side wall unit including: a resin frame having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; and a sheet metal frame that is mounted over at least a part of the first surface of the resin frame and is fixed to the resin frame by at least one screw. The resin frame has at least one fixing threaded boss on the second surface, each fixing threaded boss being located at a position corresponding to one of the at least one screw and having a threaded hole opened on the first surface to receive the screw. Each fixing threaded boss includes an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall, both of which extend from the second surface in a direction away from the sheet metal frame, tip ends of the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral walls being connected, the inner peripheral wall being located around the threaded hole.

Abstract: A paper stacking unit and an image forming apparatus having the same, the paper stacking unit including: a base frame supporting a print media, a cover pivotally connected to the base frame and supporting the print media together with the base frame, and a plate connected to the cover for auxiliarily supporting the print media.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a light source, a deflector that deflects a light beam from the light source, a first optical system that guides the light beam to the deflector, a second optical system that guides the light beam from the deflector to a surface to be scanned, and a housing that holds the light source and the deflector. At least one optical element included in the first optical system or the second optical system is attached to the housing via an intermediate member. The optical element is adjustable with respect to the intermediate member. The number of directions in which the optical element can be adjusted is two or more.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image holder; an exposure member that has an exposure portion exposing the image holder; a first positioning unit that determines a distance in a first direction, which is a direction of an optical axis of the exposure member, between the exposure member and the image holder; and a second positioning unit that determines a position of the exposure member with respect to the image holder in a second direction being a direction of an axis line of the image holder, and a position of the exposure member with respect to the image holder in a third direction being perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and that determines the distance between the exposure member and the image holder at a position substantially closer to the exposure member than the position of the first positioning unit.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source, a polygon mirror, an optical member, a casing, and an exit hole cover. The light source emits a light beam. The polygon mirror rotates and deflects the light beam to be scanned in a scanning direction. The optical member focuses the light beam deflected by the polygon mirror onto a scanning target. The casing houses the polygon mirror and the optical member and includes a first wall portion having a wall inner surface opposing the polygon mirror and the optical member and a wall outer surface opposing the scanning target. The first wall portion is formed with an exit hole through which the light beam is irradiated toward the scanning target. The exit hole cover is formed of a light transmissible member and is disposed on the wall outer surface to cover the exit hole.

Abstract: An optical component bowing device is configured to include a bending moment generating structure that generates a bending moment in a supported portion of an optical component that reflects or shapes a light beam.