Optical element, optical scanning apparatus, and image forming apparatus using the optical element, and method and apparatus for fixedly joining the optical element and reducing deformation of the optical element arranged in a layer structure

Abstract

An optical element including a plurality of reference members formed on a first side surface, and a method and apparatus for fixedly joining the optical element with the first side surface facing down. The method includes providing a surface including a specific position where the optical element is placed, applying an adhesive agent to a predetermined spot within the specific position in which the optical element is placed, placing the optical element therein, causing the optical element to have convex warpage, and curing the adhesive agent. The apparatus includes mechanisms configured to apply an adhesive agent to a predetermined spot within a specific position of a surface on where the optical element is placed, and to place the optical element therein, and first and second light sources configured to cause the optical element to have convex warpage, and to cure the adhesive agent, respectively.

1 . An optical element, comprising:
 a light incident surface having a flat shape;   a light exit surface having a convex shape;   a first side surface expanded in a troffer-like-round shape between the light incident surface and the light exit surface and substantially perpendicular to the light incident surface and the light exit surface;   a second side surface opposite and in parallel to the first side surface; and   a plurality of reference members formed in a cylinder-like shape with a flat top on the first side surface.   
   
   
       2 . The optical element according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of reference members include at least three reference members arranged at triangular positions to evenly support a weight of the optical element. 
   
   
       3 . The optical element according to  claim 2 , wherein the optical element include a plastic resin. 
   
   
       4 . The optical element according to  claim 1 , wherein the first side surface includes at least three positions evenly arranged in a center region of the first side surface to be fixed with an adhesive agent. 
   
   
       5 - 18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . An apparatus for fixedly joining an optical element which includes a plurality of reference members formed on a first side surface perpendicular to a light incident surface, the apparatus comprising:
 an application mechanism configured to apply an adhesive agent to a predetermined spot within a specific position of a surface on which the optical element is placed;   a placement mechanism configured to place the optical element with the first side surface facing down into the specific position of the surface;   a first light source configured to cause the optical element placed in the specific position to have convex warpage relative to the surface; and   a second light source configured to cure the adhesive agent.   
   
   
       20 . The apparatus for fixedly joining the optical element according to  claim 19 , wherein an amount of convex warpage of the optical element is controlled by a duration of emitting light from the first light source. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus for fixedly joining the optical element according to  claim 19 , wherein an amount of convex warpage of the optical element is controlled by an intensity of light emitted from the first light source. 
   
   
       22 . An optical scanning apparatus, comprising:
 an optical element including:
 a light incident surface having a flat shape; 
 a light exit surface having a convex shape; 
 a first side surface expanded in a troffer-like-round shape between the light incident surface and the light exit surface and substantially perpendicular to the light incident surface and the light exit surface; 
 a second side surface opposite and in parallel to the first side surface; and 
 a plurality of reference members formed in a cylinder-like shape with a flat top on the first side surface. 
   
   
   
       23 . An image forming apparatus, comprising:
 an optical scanning apparatus having an optical element including:
 a light incident surface having a flat shape; 
 a light exit surface having a convex shape; 
 a first side surface expanded in a troffer-like-round shape between the light incident surface and the light exit surface and substantially perpendicular to the light incident surface and the light exit surface; 
 a second side surface opposite and in parallel to the first side surface; and 
 a plurality of reference members formed in a cylinder-like shape with a flat top on the first side surface.