| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical scanner included in an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system, the optical scanner configured in such a manner that even when air in a casing comprising at least two components expands or contracts, air is prevented from flowing in or out between the at least two components of the casing. <P>SOLUTION: An optical scanner 6 included in an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system includes: a casing 80 comprising at least two components 90, 91; a heat generating member 61 provided in the casing and generating heat; optical elements 63, 64 disposed on an optical path in the casing; and an expansion contraction member 93 provided in the casing. In order to prevent air from flowing in or out between the at least two components of the casing, which is induced by expansion or contraction of air in the casing responding to temperature fluctuations inside the casing due to changes in a heat generation quantity of the heat generating member, the expansion contraction member is formed of a flexible material that allows the expansion contraction member to deform to increase or decrease the volume of the casing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT |
