FIBER MOUNTS FOR FIBER OPTIC HARNESS IN A FIBER OPTIC-BASED IMAGING SYSTEM

摘要

A digital color printer uses different mounts for holding fibers that transport light from a distribution device to light modulators. One mount (fig 11), for holding the optical fibers relative to a photosensitive surface, includes a body (1100) having a plurality of slots (1102) therethrough to receive the optical fibers. Each slot is provided with a funnel-shaped opening (1104) on an edge of the body. The slots are substantially parallel to each other and angled relative to the edge of the body. The slots have widths selected so that, when placed within the slots, the optical fibers form essentially linear arrays. Another mount (fig 13), for grouping optical fibers to receive light from a light source, includes an element having a plurality of wells (1304) therethrough, each well connecting to an edge of the element by a respective channel section. Each channel section has a funnel-shaped section (1304) at the element edge. Each well has a circular shape selected so that input ends of fibers grouped in the well optimally couple light from the light source. A method of winding a fiber optic harness using the mounts is presented.