JP3021076B2 - Image forming element, image reading device, and optical print head - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming element, an image reading device, and an optical printer head, and more particularly, to a 1: 1 close contact image sensor used for a reading section of a facsimile or an image scanner, and an optical head for an optical printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A light source irradiates a light beam onto an image surface of an original to form an image of the original image at a position conjugate with the image surface, and photoelectrically converts the image information thus formed and transmits it as an image signal. There are many image conversion devices such as an image reading device or an optical print head for fixing an image by irradiating a light-sensitive surface with light emitted from a self-light-emitting light emitting device that emits light based on image information. And an optical system that performs optical path conversion by combining the above optical elements. In the above, an image reading apparatus using a roof mirror lens array (RMLA) will be described as an example, and the configuration and operation thereof will be described.

FIG. 9 shows a roof mirror lens array (RM).
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of an image reading apparatus using LA). In the figure, RMLA generally includes an optical path separating mirror (SM) 21, a lens array (LA) 22, and a roof mirror array (RMA), as shown in the figure. 23, lens array (LA) 2
2. An aperture plate (not shown) disposed between the roof mirror array (RMA) 23 and a housing member (not shown) for holding the above components and blocking external light. Is done.

[0004] Light from the object 24 is transmitted to an optical path separating mirror (S).
M), is transmitted through the lens array (LA) 22 after being reflected by the lens array (LA) 22, is reflected twice on the left and right surfaces of the roof mirror array (RMA) 23 in total, and is again returned to the lens array (LA)
After being transmitted through the same lens and reflected by the optical path separating mirror (SM) 21 again, an image 25 is formed at a position conjugate with the object plane. An erect real image is formed in both the arrangement direction (Y direction) and the orthogonal direction (X direction) of the lens array (LA) 22 and the roof mirror array (RMA) 23. In particular, since an erect equal-magnification image is formed in the Y direction, the necessary width is covered by overlapping images obtained by a single lens array (LA) and a roof mirror array (RMA) in the Y direction. Since the arrangement pitches of the lens array (LA), the aperture plate, and the roof mirror array (RMA) are substantially the same, the light amount distribution of each lens is substantially equal, and the light amount distribution of each lens is made uniform so that the light amount distribution in the Y direction is uniform. The light amount distribution is appropriately determined.

[0005] The following are known documents describing the prior art according to the present invention. For example, 2-21
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 856, “contact image sensor” relates to the shape of a side plate for pressing an image reading glass of an image reading apparatus, and has the following structure.

More specifically, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional contact image sensor. In the figure, 31 is a housing (frame A), 32 is a sensor substrate, 33 is a frame B, 34 is a rod lens array, 35 Is an LED (light emitting diode), 36 is an image reading glass, 37 is a platen, and 38 is a document. In the drawing, a frame B33 is fixed to one side surface of a housing 31 having a U-shaped cross section, and the rod lens array 3 is attached to the frame B33.
4 and the LED 35 are fixed, and the image information reflected from the original 8 by the illumination by the LED 35 is photoelectrically converted by the sensor of the sensor substrate 32 via the rod lens array 34.

A high-quality image signal can be obtained when the maximum light quantity position of the image information and the optical axis of the rod lens array 34 and the sensor are on the same axis.
The frame B33 and the frame B33 are formed separately, so that it takes time for adjustment for the optical axis alignment, and there is a problem that accuracy control is difficult.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-89461, "Image Input Apparatus", a housing for mounting a main part has a two-part structure. FIG. 7 is a perspective view assembly drawing of a conventional image input device, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view thereof. In the drawing, 41 is a housing, 42 is an LED, 43 is a rod lens array with a gradient index, 43a is a rod lens,
43b is a frame, 44 is a sensor board, 45 is a 1: 1 sensor, 46 is a document, and 47 is a side plate.

In the drawing, the housings 41, 41 are disposed to face each other and are fixed by side plates 47. A refractive index distribution rod lens array 43 is disposed in the middle part, and a unity magnification sensor 45 is disposed on the optical axis so that the position can be adjusted. Manuscript 4
Reference numeral 6 irradiates the LED 42, and the reflected light is converted into an image signal by the 1 × sensor 45 via the refractive index distribution rod lens array 43. However, the housings 41, 41
Since it is divided and held by the side plate 47, it has disadvantages such as complicated assembly, complicated adjustment of optical axis alignment, and difficulty in precision control.

[0010]

An object of the present invention is to improve the dimensional accuracy of a housing of a unit-magnification imaging element by simplifying the shape of the housing, and further reduce the cost. Further, the object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy and reduce the cost by simplifying the shape of the housing of the image reading device and the optical print head.

[0011]

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides (1)
In a long-sized housing in which the same cross section is continuously formed and integrally formed, a plurality of microlenses are continuously formed, and in an equal-magnification imaging element in which an imaging element for forming an actual-magnification real image is arranged, A cross-sectional shape having only one opening, the cross-sectional shape being formed in the longitudinal direction of the housing and pressing the periphery of the imaging element, and
A spring member is provided to press the housing opening in the optical axis direction.
Only, to the formation of integrally so as not to have a connection to the interior of the housing, or (2) in the same cross-section in the elongated housing which is integrally formed by continuously, magnification and magnification imaging device and illumination light source In an image reading apparatus provided with a sensor and a document reading glass, the housing has a cross-sectional shape in which only the document reading glass portion is opened, and the cross-sectional shape is in a longitudinal direction of the housing and around an imaging element. And an optical axis of the housing opening.
A spring member that presses in the direction, and is integrally formed so as not to form a connection portion requiring secondary processing inside the housing; or (3) In the above (2), a lens is used as the same-magnification imaging element. Are arranged between the lens array and the roof mirror array, and a roof mirror array on which a roof-type reflection surface is formed at an arrangement pitch of the lens array. An aperture plate having a structure for blocking stray light between lenses to be formed, and an imaging element composed of an optical path separating mirror, or (4) in the above (2), as the same-magnification imaging element Using a gradient index lens array, or
(5) In an optical print head in which a self-scanning solid-state light emitting source and a 1: 1 image forming element are arranged in a long housing in which the same cross section is continuously formed integrally, only a portion where the housing irradiates writing light. A cross-sectional shape that is formed in the longitudinal direction of the housing and presses the periphery of the imaging element , and that the imaging element is
The optical print head is characterized in that a spring member is provided for pressing the opening in the optical axis direction, and is integrally formed so as not to have a connection portion inside the housing. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on examples of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a unit-magnification imaging device according to the present invention. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens array (LA);
Is an aperture plate, 3 is a roof mirror array (RMA), 4 is an object surface, 5 is a pressing spring, and 6 is a housing.

The illustrated unit-magnification imaging device includes a lens array (LA) 1 in which a plurality of minute lenses are continuously formed, and an aperture plate 2 arranged at a pitch equal to the lens array pitch of the lens array (LA) 1. And roof mirror array (RM
A) A roof mirror lens array (RMLA) as a representative example of a microlens array composed of 3 in which the roof mirror lens array (RMLA) is slid and inserted into a housing 6 together with a pressing spring 5 and shown in the figure. Indicates this state. The housing 6 is made of a metal such as aluminum by a method such as extrusion using a mold having a sectional shape shown in the figure. As shown in the figure, the molding shape is a “U-shape” in which only one cross section is open, and the U-shape cross section is constant in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the paper).

As described above, when the housing 6 is formed integrally with no connecting portion inside as a "U-shaped" cross section having only one opening, positioning in the optical axis direction in front of the lens array (LA) 1 is performed. At the same time, a rib having a holding function can be integrated. For this reason, processing deformation such as warpage and bending is reduced, and dimensional accuracy is improved, so that a high-quality image can be formed in the longitudinal direction of the imaging element. Therefore, the performance is stabilized, and the processing cost can be reduced. The housing 6 is not limited to metal, but may be formed of resin.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 7 denotes an optical path separating mirror (SM), 8 denotes an original reading glass (contact glass), and 10 denotes an equal magnification sensor. , 11 are illumination light sources (LED: light emitting diode), 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a pressing roller, and portions having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The illustrated image reading apparatus has an illumination light source (LE).
D) An equal-magnification imaging element (roof mirror lens array: RML) composed of 11, a lens array (LA) 1, an aperture plate 2, a roof mirror array (RMA) 3, and an optical path separating mirror 7.
A) using the same-magnification imaging element (RMLA), the same-magnification sensor 10, and original reading glass (contact glass)
8 and a housing 6. In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, only one opening that opens to the outside of the housing 6 is used, and this opening is used as a document reading section, and a connection portion that requires secondary processing is not formed inside the housing 6. Shaped. Further, by simultaneously forming the housing portion on the back surface of the equal-magnification imaging element (RMLA), the opening in front of the lens array (LA) 1 can be formed simultaneously and integrally, and also in this portion, secondary processing after molding is unnecessary. Become. Therefore, there is no deformation occurring at the time of secondary processing, and processing accuracy is improved. In addition, deformation such as minute warpage or bending that occurs in extrusion molding or the like is minute, and is kept within the depth of focus of the roof mirror lens array (RMLA). This roux
The mirror lens array (RMLA) with the presser spring 5
Into the housing 6.

FIG. 3 is a view showing another embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are given to the parts which operate in the same manner as in FIGS. The illustrated image reading apparatus includes an illumination light source (LED) 11, a lens array (LA)
1. Aperture plate 2, Roof mirror array (RMA) 3, Holder
A unit- magnification imaging element (RMLA) composed of a spring 5 and an optical path separating mirror (SM) 7 is used. The unit-magnification imaging element (RMLA), the equal-magnification sensor 10, and a document reading glass (contact glass) ) 8 and a housing 6. In the image reading apparatus, only one opening that opens to the outside of the housing 6 is provided, and the opening that is a part of the housing 6 is used as a document reading unit, and the housing unit is provided on the back surface of a roof mirror lens array (RMLA). Are formed at the same time, an opening in front of the lens array (LA) 1 can be integrally formed at the same time, and the inside of the housing 6 does not have a connection portion that requires secondary processing. This roof
Color lens array (RMLA) with the presser spring 5
The slide is inserted into the housing 6.

The above-mentioned housing 6 is formed by extruding a material such as a metal or a resin having a light-shielding property by an extrusion molding method or the like using a mold having a sectional shape shown in the figure, and is formed in an integral shape having no connection portion. .

FIG. 4 is a view showing still another embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 13 denotes a gradient index rod lens array, which has the same function as in FIGS. Have the same reference numerals. The illustrated image reading apparatus uses a gradient index rod lens array 13 as an imaging element. The image reading device is an illumination light source (LED)
11, gradient index lens array 13, unity magnification sensor 1
0, original reading glass (contact glass) 8, presser bar
And a housing 5 . In the image reading device, the opening that opens to the outside of the housing 6 is 1
And an opening in front of the refractive index distribution type rod lens array 13 is integrally formed by forming a part of the housing 6 as an original reading portion and simultaneously forming a housing portion on the back surface of the unity-magnification sensor 10. And a shape that does not form a connection portion requiring secondary processing inside the housing 6. This roof mirror lens array (RMLA)
The slide is inserted into the housing 6 together with the presser spring 5.
You.

The above-mentioned housing 6 is formed by extruding a material such as a metal or a resin having a light-shielding property by an extrusion molding method or the like using a mold having a sectional shape shown in the figure, and is formed in an integral shape having no connection portion. .

FIG. 5 is a view showing an optical print head of the present invention, in which 5 is a pressing spring, 14 is a solid-state light emitting light source,
Numeral denotes a photoreceptor, and portions having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The illustrated optical print head is for forming a latent image of an image by forming light emitted from a solid-state light source 14 that emits light on a main scanning line according to image information on a line of a photoconductor 15.

The optical print head includes a solid state light source 14,
It is composed of an equal-magnification imaging element (RMLA) composed of a lens array (LA) 1, an aperture plate 2, a roof mirror array (RMA) 3, an optical path separating mirror (SM) 7, and a housing 6. The housing 6 has only one opening that opens to the outside of the housing 6, and writing light is applied to the photoconductor 15 from this opening. Further, by simultaneously forming the housing portion on the back surface of the solid state light source 14, the opening portion in front of the lens array (LA) 1 can be formed integrally and simultaneously. The shape was such that no connection portion requiring secondary processing was formed inside the housing 6. This roof mirror lens array
(RMLA) is inserted into the housing 6 together with the presser spring 5.
Ride is inserted.

The housing 6 is formed by extruding a material such as a metal or a resin having a light-shielding property by an extrusion molding method or the like using a mold having a sectional shape shown in FIG. . The solid-state light source 14 is an LED.
(Light emitting diode) array, fluorescent tube dot array, plasma emission light source, EL (fluorescence) light source, etc., but not self-luminous element. A liquid crystal shutter array (LCSA) or the like combined with an illumination light source can be used.

[0024]

As apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. (1) Action and effect corresponding to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;
A spring member is provided on the imaging element, and light from the opening of the housing is provided.
Pressing in the axial direction causes the imaging element to open the housing.
Focus position by improving flatness, following the mouth flat
The position fluctuation is reduced, and the imaging performance is improved. (2) Action and effect corresponding to claim 1; In the unity magnification imaging element, the same cross-section is continuously formed and integrally formed to form a long housing, and further, the cross-sectional shape becomes a "U-shaped" as shown in the figure. By forming the shape, warpage and bending can be reduced, processing accuracy can be improved, and optical performance can be stabilized. (3) In the image reading apparatus, an opening is formed integrally with the entire housing and an opening serving as a document reading section is formed over the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the housing. By not forming a connection part that requires secondary processing inside the housing, deformation that occurs at the time of secondary processing is prevented, and processing accuracy is improved.
Since it is an integral type that does not require secondary processing, processing costs can be reduced. Extrusion molding accompanying integral molding For example, a minute warpage or bending generated when using a metal such as aluminum can be covered within the depth of focus of the RMLA, and furthermore, the performance can be stabilized. (4) Action and effect corresponding to claim 5: a structure in which the entire housing is formed integrally and writing light is irradiated to the photoconductor 15 from the opening, and a connection portion requiring secondary processing is not formed inside the housing. By doing so, deformation that occurs at the time of secondary processing is prevented, and processing accuracy is improved. further,
Processing costs can also be reduced. Solid state light source 14
The housing can be connected to the back surface of the light emitting device, and the slit for regulating the emission angle of the light emitting light source can be integrally provided, so that secondary processing is not required.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a unit-size imaging device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an optical print head of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a conventional contact image sensor.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view assembly diagram of a conventional image input device.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional image input device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image reading apparatus using a roof mirror lens array (RMLA).

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens array (LA), 2 ... Aperture plate, 3 ... Roof mirror array (RMA), 4 ... Object surface, 5 ... Holding spring, 6
... Housing, 7 ... Optical path separating mirror (SM), 8 ... Glass for reading original (contact glass), 10 ... Imaging sensor, 11 ... Illumination light source (LED: light emitting diode), 12
... Pressing roller, 13... Indexed rod lens array, 14. Solid light source, 15.

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An equal-magnification imaging element in which a plurality of microlenses are continuously formed in an elongated housing having the same cross-section continuous and integrally formed, and an imaging element for forming an equal-magnification real image is provided. In the above, the housing is formed so as to have a cross-sectional shape having only one opening portion, the cross-sectional shape pressing in the longitudinal direction of the housing and around the imaging element, and
A bar for pressing the imaging element in the optical axis direction of the housing opening
1. A unit-magnification imaging device, comprising: a housing member ; and a unit formed integrally with the housing so as not to have a connection portion. 2. An image reading apparatus in which an illumination light source, an equal-magnification image-forming element, an equal-magnification sensor, and an original reading glass are arranged in a long housing integrally formed by continuously forming the same cross section. A cross-sectional shape in which only the original reading glass portion is open, the cross-sectional shape is formed so as to press in the longitudinal direction of the housing and around the imaging element,
And pressing the imaging element in the optical axis direction of the housing opening.
An image reading device , wherein a spring member is provided and formed integrally so as not to form a connection portion requiring secondary processing inside the housing. 3. A lens array in which a plurality of lenses are continuously formed as the unit-magnification imaging element, a roof mirror array in which a roof-type reflecting surface is formed at an arrangement pitch of the lens arrays, and the lens array And an imaging element, which is provided between the optical system and the roof mirror array, and has a structure for blocking stray light between adjacent lenses, and an imaging element including an optical path separating mirror. 2. The image reading device according to 2. 4. An image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a gradient index lens array is used as said unit-size image forming element. 5. An optical print head in which a self-scanning solid-state light-emitting source and an equal-magnification image-forming element are provided in a long housing having the same cross-section continuous and integrally formed, wherein the housing irradiates writing light. A cross-sectional shape that opens only a portion, the cross-sectional shape is formed in the longitudinal direction of the housing and so as to press around the imaging element , and the imaging element is
A spring member is provided to press the housing opening in the optical axis direction.
Only, the optical print head, characterized in that formed integrally so as not to have a connection to the interior of the housing.