JP2017050705A - Rod lens array unit, manufacturing method of rod lens array unit, optical print head, contact image sensor, image forming apparatus, and image reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to determine the position of a rod lens array with a simple method.SOLUTION: A rod lens array unit comprises: a rod lens array obtained by arraying a plurality of rod lenses in one direction and holding the rod lenses with a pair of lateral plates from both sides to be a one body; and a housing that holds the rod lens array. The housing includes a contact surface with which the second lateral plate of the rod lens array is in contact, and a positioning mechanism that has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface in contact with the first lateral plate of the rod lens array at both ends in the optical axis direction and presses the rod lens array against the contact surface to determine the position of the rod lens array.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a rod lens array unit in which a rod lens array is mounted on a casing, a manufacturing method thereof, and an optical print head, a contact image sensor, an image forming apparatus, and an image reading apparatus using the rod lens array unit.

  An optical print head used in an exposure apparatus of an image forming apparatus includes a mounting substrate in which a plurality of light emitting elements (semiconductor elements) are arranged, a rod lens array in which a plurality of gradient index rod lenses are arranged, and a housing that supports these. With body. The mounting substrate and the rod lens array are respectively positioned so that the light emitted from each light emitting element forms an image on the surface of the photosensitive drum via the rod lens, and is fixed to the housing.

  The rod lens array is inserted into an opening provided in the housing, and the lower surface (the surface facing the mounting substrate) is positioned in the optical axis direction by contacting the stepped portion of the housing. The casing is provided with a spring portion that presses the side surface of the rod lens array in order to correct warping of the rod lens array (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-64227 (see FIG. 1)

  In the configuration in which the bottom surface of the rod lens array is positioned as a reference as described above, it is necessary to manufacture the rod lens array so that the focal length of the rod lens matches the distance from the bottom surface of the rod lens array to the surface of the light emitting element. There is. Therefore, by adjusting the dimension of the rod lens array in the optical axis direction, the distance from the lower surface of the rod lens array to the surface of the light emitting element is matched with the focal length of the rod lens.

  However, when the dimension of the rod lens array in the optical axis direction is adjusted in this way, the distance from the surface of the light emitting element to the surface of the photosensitive drum changes, so the upper surface of the rod lens array (the surface facing the photosensitive drum) A mechanism for adjusting the distance from the photosensitive drum to the photosensitive drum is required, which complicates the configuration.

  In order to solve this problem, a rod lens array whose dimension in the optical axis direction is adjusted according to the distance from the surface of the light emitting element to the surface of the photosensitive drum is used, and the center position of the rod lens array in the optical axis direction is enclosed. It is desirable to match the mounting reference position on the body. However, in that case, complicated adjustment work is required.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to enable easy positioning of a rod lens array.

  The rod lens array unit of the present invention includes a rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged in one direction and sandwiched between a pair of side plates from both side surfaces, and a housing that holds the rod lens array. The housing includes a contact surface on which the second side plate of the rod lens array contacts, and a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that contact the first side plate of the rod lens array at both ends in the optical axis direction. And a positioning mechanism that presses and positions the rod lens array against the contact surface.

  The method for manufacturing a rod lens array unit according to the present invention includes a rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged and sandwiched from both sides by a first side plate and a second side plate, and the rod lens array is held. A housing, and the housing is in contact with the second side plate of the rod lens array, and the first inclined surface is in contact with the first side plate of the rod lens array at both ends in the optical axis direction. And a method of manufacturing a rod lens array unit including a positioning mechanism having a second inclined surface. The method of manufacturing the rod lens array includes a step of inserting the rod lens array between the contact surface and the positioning mechanism so that the second side plate faces the contact surface, and a first inclination of the positioning mechanism. And pressing the rod lens array against the contact surface by the surface and the second inclined surface.

  The rod lens array unit of the present invention also includes a rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged and sandwiched from both sides by a first side plate and a second side plate, and a slit into which the rod lens array is inserted. And a housing that holds the rod lens in a state of protruding from the slit to both sides in the optical axis direction.

  A rod lens array unit manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged in one direction and are sandwiched and integrated between a first side plate and a second side plate, and a rod lens array. And a housing that holds the rod lens in a state of projecting from the slit to both sides in the optical axis direction. In the manufacturing method of the rod lens array, a suction mechanism that has a contact surface that contacts the second side plate of the rod lens array and holds the rod lens array by suction, and a light is applied to the first side plate of the rod lens array. A positioning mechanism that has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are in contact with each other at both ends in the axial direction, presses the rod lens array against the contact surface for positioning, and a case that holds and moves the case A rod lens array mounting apparatus including a holder is used. The method of manufacturing the rod lens array unit includes a step of inserting the rod lens array between the contact surface and the positioning mechanism so that the second side plate faces the contact surface, and the positioning mechanism as the rod lens array. A step of positioning the rod lens array by suction against the contact surface by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, a step of holding the rod lens array by suction by the suction mechanism, and a positioning mechanism Moving the lens holder in a direction away from the rod lens array, moving the housing holder holding the housing so as to insert the rod lens array into the slit of the housing, and the rod lens array with respect to the housing Fixing by bonding.

  An optical print head according to the present invention includes the rod lens array unit described above and a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged.

  A contact image sensor according to the present invention includes the rod lens array unit described above and a substrate on which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged.

  An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the optical print head described above.

  An image reading apparatus of the present invention includes the above contact image sensor.

  According to the present invention, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are brought into contact with the rod lens array, and the rod lens array is pressed against the contact surface, whereby the rod lens array is centered in the optical axis direction. Positioning can be performed so that the position matches a predetermined mounting reference position in the housing. That is, the rod lens array can be positioned by a simple method.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance shape of the optical print head in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view (A), (C) showing the configuration of the optical print head in the first embodiment, and a perspective view (B) showing the configuration of the rod lens array. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram (A) and perspective views (B) and (C) showing a configuration of an optical print head positioning mechanism in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view (A) showing a configuration of a casing of the optical print head in the first embodiment and a plan view (B) showing an enlarged part thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (A) for explaining an assembly process of the optical print head in the first embodiment and a partial cross-sectional perspective view (B) showing an enlarged part thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (A) for explaining an assembly process of the optical print head in the first embodiment and a partial cross-sectional perspective view (B) showing an enlarged part thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (A) for explaining an assembly process of the optical print head in the first embodiment and a partial cross-sectional perspective view (B) showing an enlarged part thereof. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the assembly process of the optical print head in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (A) for explaining an assembly process of the optical print head in the first embodiment and a partial cross-sectional perspective view (B) showing an enlarged part thereof. They are a perspective view (A) which shows composition of a contact image sensor in a 1st embodiment, and a partial section perspective view (B) which expands and shows a part. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (A) showing a configuration of an optical print head in a second embodiment and a partial cross-sectional perspective view (B) showing an enlarged part thereof. FIG. 6 is a plan view (A) showing a configuration of a housing of an optical print head in a second embodiment and a plan view (B) showing an enlarged part thereof. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the rod lens array mounting apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is the fragmentary sectional perspective view (A) which shows the structure of the rod lens array mounting apparatus in 2nd Embodiment, and the fragmentary sectional perspective view (B) which expands and shows the part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the rod lens array mounting apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is the fragmentary sectional perspective view (A) which shows the structure of the rod lens array mounting apparatus in 2nd Embodiment, and the fragmentary sectional perspective view (B) which expands and shows the part. It is a fragmentary sectional perspective view (A)-(C) which shows the operation of the positioning mechanism and adsorption mechanism in a 2nd embodiment. It is a fragmentary sectional perspective view which shows the effect | action of the positioning mechanism and adsorption | suction mechanism in 2nd Embodiment. It is the perspective view (A) for demonstrating the assembly process of the optical print head in 2nd Embodiment, and the partial cross-sectional perspective views (B) and (C) which expand and show the part. It is the perspective view (A) for demonstrating the assembly process of the optical print head in 2nd Embodiment, and the fragmentary sectional perspective view (B) which expands and shows a part. It is the perspective view (A) for demonstrating the assembly process of the optical print head in 2nd Embodiment, and the fragmentary sectional perspective view (B) which expands and shows a part. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the assembly process of the optical print head in 2nd Embodiment. It is the perspective view (A) for demonstrating the assembly process of the optical print head in 2nd Embodiment, and the fragmentary sectional perspective view (B) which expands and shows a part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image forming apparatus which can apply the optical print head of 1st and 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image reading apparatus which can apply the contact image sensor of 1st and 2nd embodiment.

First embodiment.
<Overview>
In the first embodiment, a rod lens array in which the dimension in the optical axis direction is adjusted so that the conjugate length (the distance from the object-side focal point to the image-side focal point) becomes a predetermined value is used. The housing that holds the rod lens array is in contact with the rod lens array at the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface at both ends in the optical axis direction, and is positioned by pressing the rod lens array against a predetermined contact surface. It has a mechanism.

  When the rod lens array is attached to the housing, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the positioning mechanism are brought into contact with the rod lens array, and the rod lens array is pressed against the contact surface. The center position in the optical axis direction can be matched with the mounting reference position in the housing. Therefore, the rod lens array can be positioned by a simple method and mounted on the housing. Further, when the positioning mechanism presses the rod lens array, bending of the rod lens array (positional deviation in the sub-scanning method) is also suppressed.

  The rod lens array unit is applied to, for example, an optical print head of an image forming apparatus or a contact image sensor of an image reading apparatus. Hereinafter, an example in which the rod lens array is applied to an optical print head will be described.

<Configuration of optical print head>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external shape of an optical print head 10 according to the first embodiment. The optical print head 10 has a shape that is long in one direction. The longitudinal direction of the optical print head 10 is the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 501 (FIG. 24) of the image forming apparatus 500 described later.

  2A is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the optical print head 10 taken along the cross-section 2B shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, the optical print head 10 includes a rod lens array 120, a mounting substrate 130, and a housing 100 that holds them. The rod lens array 120 is disposed so as to face the photosensitive drum 501 (FIG. 24). In addition, what mounted the rod lens array 120 in the housing | casing 100 is called a "rod lens array unit."

  Here, the longitudinal direction of the optical print head 10 (that is, the longitudinal direction of the rod lens array 120) is defined as the X direction, and the optical axis direction of the rod lenses 121 (FIG. 12B) constituting the rod lens array 120 is defined as the Z direction. To do. The direction orthogonal to these X direction and Z direction is defined as the Y direction. In the Z direction, a direction from the rod lens array 120 toward the photosensitive drum 501 is an upper direction (+ Z direction), and an opposite direction is a lower direction (−Z direction).

  FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the rod lens array 120. Here, a plurality of rod lenses 121 are arranged in a line in the X direction and are integrated by being sandwiched between the first side plate 122 and the second side plate 123 from both sides in the Y direction. The first side plate 122 is located on the + Y side of the rod lens 121, and the second side plate 123 is located on the −Y side of the rod lens 121.

  For the rod lens 121, for example, a gradient index lens element wire (rod lens element wire) made of an organic material such as inorganic glass or acrylic can be used. Further, by filling a silicone adhesive or a urethane adhesive between the rod lens strands, the first side plate 122 and the second side plate 123 can be bonded and integrated.

  The first side plate 122 and the second side plate 123 can be formed of, for example, fiber reinforced plastic, phenol resin, epoxy resin, or ABS resin (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin).

  Although the rod lenses 121 are arranged in one row here, they may be arranged in a plurality of rows (for example, two rows). Further, it is desirable to provide chamfered portions (inclined surfaces) 124 and 125 at upper and lower corner portions (corner portions) of the first side plate 122.

  2A, the mounting board 130 is a printed wiring board, and a plurality of light emitting elements 140 are arranged in the X direction on the surface thereof. The light emitting element 140 is composed of a semiconductor element such as an LED (light emitting diode), for example, and is fixed to the surface of the mounting substrate 130 with a die bonding paste. The light emitting element 140 is disposed to face the rod lens array 120 with a predetermined distance. The light emitted from the light emitting element 140 forms an image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 through the rod lens 121.

  The mounting substrate 130 can be formed of, for example, a copper-clad laminated substrate made of a glass cloth epoxy resin substrate. In addition, the light emitting element 140 includes, for example, a compound semiconductor chip whose main material is gallium arsenide (GaAs) or a driver IC (integrated circuit) whose main material is gallium arsenide (GaAs) as a main material. It can be constituted by a chip integrally formed with a compound semiconductor film.

  The housing 100 can be formed by molding a resin material such as liquid crystal polymer, ABS resin, or PC (polycarbonate), or by die casting or cutting a metal material such as aluminum (Al).

  The housing 100 has side wall portions 109 that form both side walls in the X direction and both side walls in the Y direction, and a rod lens array mounting portion 108 above the side wall portions 109 (+ Z side). A space 116 into which the mounting substrate 130 is inserted is formed inside the side wall 109. A stepped portion is formed in the space 116, and the lower surface of the stepped portion is a substrate contact surface 117 with which the upper surface of the mounting substrate 130 contacts.

  The mounting substrate 130 is fixed by, for example, a UV (ultraviolet) curable adhesive 131 in a state where the upper surface is in contact with the substrate contact surface 117. The UV curable adhesive 131 can be formed of a material mainly composed of an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin. In addition, a sealant 132 is applied to eliminate a gap between the mounting substrate 130 and the housing 100. For example, a silicone resin can be used as the sealant 132.

  The rod lens array mounting portion 108 of the housing 100 has a shape in which a central portion in the Y direction protrudes in the + Z direction, and an upper surface (an end surface on the + Z side) 111 faces the photosensitive drum 501. The upper surface 111 is a surface parallel to the XY plane.

  A contact surface 110 that contacts the second side plate 123 (FIG. 2B) of the rod lens array 120 is formed on the rod lens array mounting portion 108 of the housing 100. The contact surface 110 is a surface parallel to the XZ plane. Further, a positioning mechanism 101 that positions the rod lens array 120 in the optical axis direction, that is, the Z direction is provided so as to face the contact surface 110.

  The positioning mechanism 101 includes a substantially plate-like base portion 102 having a plate surface parallel to the XZ plane, an upper inclined surface 103 (first inclined surface) provided at the upper end of the base portion 102, and a lower end of the base portion 102. And a lower inclined surface 104 (second inclined surface).

  The upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 are in contact with both of the first side plates 122 of the rod lens array 120 in the optical axis direction (here, the chamfered portions 124 and 125). The rod lens array 120 is held by the housing 100 with the first side plate 122 in contact with the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 and the second side plate 123 in contact with the contact surface 110.

  The upper surface 102 a of the base portion 102 of the positioning mechanism 101 is flush with the upper surface 111 of the rod lens array mounting portion 108. The upper surface 111 of the rod lens array mounting portion 108 and the upper surface 102a of the base portion 102 are collectively referred to as the upper surface 111 of the housing 100.

  The upper portion (the + Z side portion) of the rod lens array 120 protrudes a predetermined amount above the upper surface 111 of the housing 100. As shown in FIG. 2C, a sealing agent 112 for closing a gap around the rod lens array 120 is provided on the upper surface 111 of the housing 100. For example, a silicone resin can be used as the sealant 112.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the positioning mechanism 101. Both the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 are inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the Z direction. More specifically, the upper inclined surface 103 is inclined obliquely downward by an angle α with respect to the Z direction, and the lower inclined surface 104 is inclined obliquely upward by an angle α with respect to the Z direction.

  Further, the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 are symmetrically inclined with respect to a reference plane parallel to the XY plane passing through the mounting reference position P in the housing 100. The angle α is 45 degrees, for example.

  The upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 are in contact with both ends of the first side plate 122 of the rod lens array 120 in the optical axis direction. The upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 press the rod lens array 120 against the contact surface 110 by an elastic restoring force described later, whereby the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 is the mounting reference position. Hold to match P.

  FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the positioning mechanism 101. The upper inclined surface 103 is formed on a protruding portion 105 (first protruding portion) that protrudes upward (+ Z direction) from the upper surface 102 a of the base body portion 102 of the positioning mechanism 101. The protruding portion 105 has a tip portion 105a that extends while being inclined with respect to the Z direction, and an upper inclined surface 103 is formed on the tip portion 105a.

  In addition, a protrusion 106 (second protrusion) that protrudes in the −Y direction (direction toward the rod lens array 120) is formed at the lower end of the base portion 102 of the positioning mechanism 101. The lower inclined surface 104 is formed above the protruding portion 106.

  Here, two lower inclined surfaces 104 are provided on both sides in the X direction of one upper inclined surface 103. Further, the width (dimension in the X direction) W1 of the upper inclined surface 103 is substantially the same as the width W2 of the lower inclined surface 104. The reason why the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 are alternately formed in this way is to facilitate the molding of the positioning mechanism 101. However, it is also possible to form the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 at substantially the same position in the X direction.

  The base portion 102 of the positioning mechanism 101 is formed integrally with the housing 100 at a fixed portion 107 (shown by hatching in FIG. 3B) provided in the end region on the + X side. Note that the above-described upper inclined surface 103 and lower inclined surface 104 are arranged in the end region on the −X side of the base portion 102.

  With this configuration, the positioning mechanism 101 acts as a leaf spring that elastically deforms (flexure deformation) with the fixed portion 107 as a fulcrum, and the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 are displaced in the Y direction to the greatest extent. . Further, a gap S is provided between the housing 100 and the + Y side surface (that is, the surface opposite to the contact surface 110) of the base portion 102 of the positioning mechanism 101 so that the base portion 102 can bend and deform. Is formed.

  That is, the positioning mechanism 101 uses the reaction force of the elastic deformation of the base portion 102 to bring the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 into contact with the rod lens array 120, and the rod lens array 120 to the contact surface 110. It is pressed.

  Of the contact surface 110, a portion (projecting portion 115) facing the upper inclined surface 103 of the positioning mechanism 101 protrudes upward to substantially the same height as the upper inclined surface 103 (FIG. 5B described later). reference). This is for bringing the rod lens array 120 into contact with the contact surface 110 as evenly as possible.

  FIG. 4A is a plan view of the housing 100. A pair of insert holes 119 for positioning and fixing in the XY plane with respect to the image forming apparatus 500 (FIG. 24) of the optical print head 10 is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the housing 100. ing. Further, in order to position the optical print head 10 in the Z direction, a contact region 118 (shown by hatching in FIG. 4A) that contacts a contact portion (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 500 is also formed. Has been. Note that a mechanism for adjusting the focal distance on the image side may be provided in the contact area 118.

  In the casing 100, a plurality (here, five) of positioning mechanisms 101 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the X direction. In addition, a plurality (here, five) of the contact surfaces 110 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the X direction corresponding to each positioning mechanism 101.

  FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a rectangle 4B in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, each positioning mechanism 101 has the base portion 102, the upper inclined surface 103, and the lower inclined surface 104 described above. Each contact surface 110 faces the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 of each positioning mechanism 101 in the Y direction.

  With this configuration, when the rod lens array 120 is attached to the housing 100, the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 of the positioning mechanism 101 abut against the rod lens array 120 at a plurality of locations in the X direction. The rod lens array 120 is pressed against the contact surface 110. That is, the rod lens array 120 is positioned at a plurality of locations in the X direction.

  Returning to FIG. 2A, the mounting position of the rod lens array 120 will be described. The contact portion of the housing 100 of the optical print head 10 and the image forming apparatus 500 (the portion where the contact region 118 shown in FIG. 4A contacts) is from the surface of the light emitting element 140 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 501. Is a conjugate length TC that is the distance from the object-side focal point of the rod lens array 120 to the image-side focal point.

  The rod lens array 120 has the highest resolution when mounted at a position where the distance from the lower surface of the rod lens array 120 to the surface of the light emitting element 140 and the distance from the upper surface of the rod lens array 120 to the photosensitive drum 501 are equal. Become. Therefore, it is necessary to mount the rod lens array 120 on the housing 100 so that the center position of the conjugate length TC matches the center position C of the rod lens array 120 in the optical axis direction (FIG. 3A). .

  Since it is necessary to adjust the length A of the rod lens array 120 in the optical axis direction according to the conjugate length TC, which is a fixed value, positioning in the optical axis direction cannot be performed using the lower surface of the rod lens array 120 as a reference.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 of the positioning mechanism 101 formed on the housing 100 are brought into contact with the first side plate 122 of the rod lens array 120, so that the second The side plate 123 is pressed against the contact surface 110.

  The plate surface of the second side plate 123 of the rod lens array 120 is parallel to the contact surface 110. The upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 of the positioning mechanism 101 press the first side plate 122 of the rod lens array 120, so that the rod lens array 120 (second side plate 123) moves along the contact surface 110. The rod lens array 120 slides in the XZ plane, and the rod lens array 120 is positioned so that the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 coincides with the mounting reference position P set at the center of the conjugate length TC.

  It should be noted that it is desirable to provide chamfered portions 124 and 125 at the upper and lower corners of the first side plate 122 of the rod lens array 120 with which the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 abut to improve slidability. A configuration without a tapered surface is also possible.

  Further, it is desirable that the contact surface 110 of the housing 100 is surface-finished so that the coefficient of friction with the rod lens array 120 is as small as possible. The contact area between the contact surface 110 of the housing 100 and the rod lens array 120 is preferably as small as possible in order to reduce friction.

<Assembly process of optical print head>
Next, the assembly process of the optical print head 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5A is a perspective view for explaining a mounting process of the rod lens array 120 to the housing 100. FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rod lens array 120 and the housing 100 taken along the cross-section 5B shown in FIG.

  First, the rod lens array 120 is inserted between the positioning mechanism 101 and the contact surface 110 of the housing 100. At this time, the inserted rod lens array 120 displaces the base portion 102 of the positioning mechanism 101 in the + Y direction while being elastically deformed. If it is difficult to insert the rod lens array 120, the positioning mechanism 101 may be displaced in the + Y direction using a jig or the like.

  FIG. 6A is a perspective view for explaining a process following FIG. FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rod lens array 120 and the housing 100 in the cross-section 6B shown in FIG.

  When the rod lens array 120 is inserted between the positioning mechanism 101 and the abutment surface 110, the upper inclined surface 103 and the lower inclined surface 104 are moved to the first of the rod lens array 120 by the elastic restoring force of the base portion 102 of the positioning mechanism 101. The rod lens array 120 is pressed against the contact surface 110. Thereby, the rod lens array 120 is positioned so that the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 coincides with the mounting reference position P as described above.

  FIG. 7A is a perspective view for explaining a sealing process of a gap around the rod lens array 120. FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rod lens array 120 and the housing 100 in the cross section 7B shown in FIG.

  After the rod lens array 120 is attached to the housing 100, a slight space generated between the rod lens array 120 and the housing 100 is sealed by applying a sealant 112 to the upper surface 111 of the housing 100. . Thereby, the mounting of the rod lens array 120 on the housing 100 is completed. That is, the assembly process (manufacturing process) of the rod lens array unit (the casing 100 and the rod lens array 120) is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining the process of inserting the mounting board 130. A mounting substrate 130 on which the light emitting elements 140 are arranged is inserted into the space 116 inside the housing 100 from below. The upper surface of the mounting substrate 130 contacts the substrate contact surface 117 (FIG. 9B) in the housing 100.

  FIG. 9A is a perspective view for explaining a fixing process of the mounting substrate 130. FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rod lens array 120, the housing 100, and the mounting substrate 130 in the cross section 9B shown in FIG. 9A.

  After the mounting substrate 130 is inserted into the space 116 of the housing 100, a UV curable adhesive 131 is applied between the housing 100 and the mounting substrate 130, and the mounting substrate 130 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Is fixed to the housing 100. Further, the gap between the mounting substrate 130 and the housing 100 is sealed with a sealant 132 to prevent foreign matter from entering through the gap. Thus, the assembly process of the optical print head 10 is completed.

<Configuration of contact image sensor>
Next, a contact image sensor 20 (also referred to as a contact image sensor head) to which the rod lens array unit of the present embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the contact image sensor 20. FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the contact image sensor 20 on the surface 10B shown in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as said optical print head 10. FIG.

  The optical print head 10 is opposed to the photosensitive drum 501 (FIG. 2A), whereas the contact image sensor 20 is opposed to the document table 602 (FIG. 25) of the image reading apparatus 600. . The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are as described for the optical print head 10, but the + Z direction is a direction from the contact image sensor 20 toward the document table 602.

  The contact image sensor 20 includes a rod lens array 120, a mounting substrate 230, and a housing 200 that holds them. The housing 200 includes a side wall portion 209 that surrounds both sides in the X direction and both sides in the Y direction, and a rod lens array holding portion 208 above (+ Z side). A case in which the rod lens array 120 is mounted on the housing 200 is referred to as a rod lens array unit.

  The rod lens array holding unit 208 is provided with a positioning mechanism 201 and a contact surface 211. The positioning mechanism 201 has a base 202, an upper inclined surface 203 (first inclined surface), and a lower inclined surface 204 (second inclined surface). The upper inclined surface 203 and the lower inclined surface 204 are formed in the protruding portion 205 (first protruding portion) and the protruding portion 206 (second protruding portion), respectively.

  The structure of the base body 202, the upper inclined surface 203, the lower inclined surface 204, and the protrusions 205 and 206 is the same as the base body 102, the upper inclined surface 103, the lower inclined surface 104, and the protruding portion 105 of the positioning mechanism 101 of the optical print head 10. , 106 (FIG. 2). The base portion 202 is formed integrally with the housing 200 in the end region in the X direction, and is configured to be elastically deformed like a leaf spring. Note that the portion serving as a fulcrum for elastic deformation of the base portion 202 (the portion corresponding to the fixed portion 107 in FIG. 3C) is not shown in FIG. 10B because it is located on the front side of the cross section.

  In the positioning mechanism 201, the upper inclined surface 203 and the lower inclined surface 204 abut against the first side plate 122 of the rod lens array 120 by the elastic restoring force of the base portion 202, and the second side plate 123 of the rod lens array 120 is abutted. Press against the contact surface 210. Thus, the rod lens array 120 is positioned so that the center position C (see FIG. 3A) of the rod lens array 120 in the optical axis direction matches the mounting reference position P in the housing 200.

  The light guide 207 is held by the rod lens array holding unit 208 so as to be adjacent to the rod lens array 120. The light guide 207 is a transparent member that is long in the X direction. The light guide 207 guides light incident from a light source (not shown) disposed at the end in the longitudinal direction and emits it toward the document. The light guide 207 can be made of acrylic resin, for example.

  A space 216 into which the mounting substrate 230 is inserted is formed inside the side wall 209. The mounting substrate 230 is obtained by arranging a plurality of light receiving elements 240 on a printed wiring board and fixing them with a die bonding paste. The light receiving element 240 can be composed of a compound semiconductor chip mainly made of gallium arsenide or a C-MOS (Metal Oxide Silicon) sensor chip mainly made of Si.

  The mounting substrate 230 can be formed of, for example, a copper-clad laminated substrate made of a glass cloth epoxy resin substrate. The mounting substrate 230 is fixed by, for example, a UV curable adhesive (not shown) in a state where the upper surface is in contact with the substrate contact surface 217 formed in the space 216.

  Since the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 matches the mounting reference position P as described above, the distance from the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 to the surface of the light receiving element 240 is TC. / 2.

  The rod lens array 120 (rod lens 121, first side plate 122 and second side plate 123) of the contact image sensor 20 is mounted on the mounting substrate 230 and the housing 200 is mounted on the rod lens array 120 and mounting substrate 230 of the optical print head 10. And it can comprise with the material similar to the housing | casing 100, respectively.

  Although not shown in FIG. 10B, the gap between the rod lens array 120 and the casing 200 and the gap between the mounting substrate 230 and the casing 200 are sealed with a sealant to prevent entry of foreign matter. May be.

<Assembly process of contact image sensor>
The assembly process of the contact image sensor 20 is the same as the assembly process of the optical print head 10 described above. That is, first, the rod lens array 120 is inserted between the positioning mechanism 201 and the contact surface 210 of the housing 200. Thereby, the rod lens array 120 is positioned so that the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 coincides with the mounting reference position P as described above. Furthermore, if necessary, the gap between the rod lens array 120 and the housing 200 is sealed with a sealant. Thereby, the mounting of the rod lens array 120 on the housing 200 is completed. In other words, the assembly process (manufacturing process) of the rod lens array unit (the housing 200 and the rod lens array 120) is completed.

  After that, the mounting board 230 is inserted into the space 216 of the housing 200 and brought into contact with the board contact surface 217. And the housing | casing 200 and the mounting substrate 230 are adhere | attached with a UV hardening type adhesive agent, and the clearance gap between the mounting substrate 230 and the housing | casing 200 is sealed with a sealing agent as needed. Thereby, the assembly process of the contact image sensor 20 is completed.

<Effect of Embodiment>
As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the inclined surfaces 103 and 104 (203 and 204) of the positioning mechanism 101 (201) abut on the rod lens array 120, and the rod lens array 120 abuts. It comprised so that it might press on the surface 110 (210). Therefore, the central position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 can be made to coincide with the mounting reference position P in the casing 100 (200) simply by incorporating the rod lens array 120 into the casing 100 (200). Therefore, the assembly process of the rod lens array unit (housing and rod lens array) can be simplified, and as a result, the assembly process of the optical print head 10 and the contact image sensor 20 can be simplified.

Second embodiment.
<Overview>
In the second embodiment, the positioning mechanism as in the first embodiment is not provided in the housing that holds the rod lens array. Instead, a mounting apparatus having a positioning mechanism that positions the rod lens array so that the center position in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array coincides with the mounting reference position in the casing in the step of mounting the rod lens array in the casing. Is used.

  The rod lens array unit is applied to, for example, an optical print head of an image forming apparatus or a contact image sensor of an image reading apparatus. Hereinafter, an example in which the rod lens array is applied to an optical print head will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as 1st Embodiment.

<Configuration of optical print head>
FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the optical print head 30 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the optical print head 30 in the cross section 11B shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the optical print head 30 includes a rod lens array 120, a mounting substrate 130, and a housing 300 that holds them. The rod lens array 120 is disposed so as to face a photosensitive drum 501 (FIG. 24) of the image forming apparatus 500 described later. The rod lens array 120 mounted on the housing 300 is referred to as a rod lens array unit.

  As described in the first embodiment, the rod lens array 120 is formed by arranging a plurality of rod lenses 121 in the X direction and sandwiching them between the first side plate 122 and the second side plate 123 from both sides in the Y direction. It has become. Further, it is desirable to provide chamfered portions 124 and 125 at the upper and lower corners of the first side plate 122.

  The housing 300 includes side wall portions 309 that define both the X direction walls and the Y direction walls, and an upper plate portion 308 that faces the photosensitive drum 501. A slit 301 (see FIG. 12A) that is long in the X direction is formed at the approximate center of the upper plate portion 308. The rod lens array 120 is inserted into the slit 301 and fixed by a UV curable adhesive 306.

  A space portion 311 into which the mounting substrate 130 is inserted is formed inside the side wall portion 309 of the housing 300. The mounting substrate 130 is fixed to the space portion 311 with a UV curable adhesive 131, and the gap between the mounting substrate 130 and the housing 100 is sealed with a sealing agent 132. As described in Embodiment 1, the mounting substrate 130 is obtained by arranging a plurality of light emitting elements 140 in the X direction on the surface of a printed wiring board and fixing them with a die bonding paste.

  As described in the first embodiment, the dimension A in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 is such that the distance from the surface of the light emitting element 140 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 (conjugate length TC) becomes a predetermined value. Has been adjusted. The rod lens array 120 is positioned so that the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 matches the mounting reference position P in the housing 300. That is, in the rod lens array 120, the distance from the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 to the surface of the light emitting element 140 is half the conjugate length TC, which is the distance from the light emitting element 140 to the photosensitive drum 501. It is implemented to be.

  FIG. 12A is a plan view of the housing 300. FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a rectangle 12B in FIG. The insert hole 119 and the contact area 118 described in the first embodiment are provided at both ends of the casing 300 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). Further, a mechanism for adjusting the focal distance on the image side may be provided in the contact area 118.

  A slit 301 extending in the X direction is formed in the upper plate portion 308 of the housing 300. The slit 301 extends over substantially the entire area of the casing 300 excluding both ends in the longitudinal direction. Openings 302 (wide portions) into which a part of a later-described rod lens array mounting apparatus can be inserted are formed at a plurality of locations (here, 5 locations) of the slit 301.

<Rod lens array mounting device>
Next, the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the entire rod lens array mounting apparatus 400. 14A is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 on the surface 13A shown in FIG. FIG. 14B is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion indicated by a quadrangle 14B in FIG.

  The rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 includes a positioning mechanism 401 that positions the rod lens array 120, a table 408 that supports the positioning mechanism 401, a slide base 409 that supports the table 408 so as to be movable in the Y direction, and a slide. And a base 411 on which a stand 409 is erected.

  The rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 also includes a horizontal guide 412 that guides the table 408 on the slide base 409 in the Y direction, and a pressing spring 413 that presses the table 408 in the −Y direction. A plunger 414 for moving the table 408 in the Y direction is connected to the horizontal guide 412. The horizontal guide 412 and the pressing spring 413 are both provided on both sides of the table 408 in the X direction.

  A suction mechanism 420 that holds the rod lens array 120 by suction is provided adjacent to the positioning mechanism 401 in the −Y direction. The suction mechanism 420 is supported by an installation guide 425 attached on the base 411.

  When the plunger 414 urges the table 408 in the −Y direction, the positioning mechanism 401 supported by the table 408 is pressed by the suction mechanism 420 via the rod lens array 120. Further, the positioning mechanism 401 is pressed in parallel with the suction mechanism 420 by the pressing springs 413 provided at both ends in the X direction. The positioning mechanism 401 and the suction mechanism 420 are positioned in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction through the base 411.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a rod lens array mounting apparatus similar to FIG. 16A is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 on the surface 16A shown in FIG. FIG. 16B is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion indicated by a square 16B in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a housing holder 430 that holds the housing 300 (FIG. 11) is provided below the positioning mechanism 401. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, a pair of insert pins 431 that engage with the insert holes 119 of the housing 300 protrude upward at both ends in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the housing holder 430. ing. A pair of pressing springs 432 that press the lower surface of the upper plate portion 308 of the housing 300 is provided adjacent to the pair of insert pins 431.

  Further, an elevating shaft 433 (FIG. 16A) for moving (elevating) the housing holder 430 in the Z direction is provided at the center of the housing holder 430 in the X direction. The elevating shaft 433 is supported by a support portion 416 provided on the base 411 and is connected to a plunger (not shown).

  A pair of height reference pins 426 (FIG. 16B) that come into contact with the upper surface of the upper plate portion 308 of the housing 300 when the housing holder 430 is raised by the lifting shaft 433 are attached to the suction mechanism 420. ing. The height reference pin 426 is disposed above the pressing spring 432 described above.

  FIGS. 17A to 17C are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration and operation of the positioning mechanism 401 and the suction mechanism 420. As shown in FIG. 15 described above, the positioning mechanism 401 has a plurality of (here, five) positioning portions 402 arranged at equal intervals in the X direction.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the positioning unit 402 has an upper inclined surface 403 and a lower inclined surface 404 that come into contact with both ends in the Z direction of the first side plate 122 of the rod lens array 120. The upper inclined surface 403 is inclined obliquely downward by an angle α with respect to the Z direction, and the lower inclined surface 404 is inclined obliquely upward by an angle with respect to the Z direction. The angle α is 45 degrees, for example.

  The suction mechanism 420 has a contact surface 410 parallel to the XZ plane at a position facing the positioning portion 402. The abutting surface 410 is a surface that abuts the second side plate 123 of the rod lens array 120. Further, an opening is formed in the contact surface 410, and a vent hole 421 is formed so as to be connected to the opening. The vent hole 421 is opened on the upper surface of the base portion 422 constituting the suction mechanism 420.

  Of the portion of the suction mechanism 420 where the contact surface 410 is formed, the portion from the approximate center to the lower side (−Z side) of the contact surface 410 is formed so that the dimension in the Y direction is small. This portion becomes an insertion portion 424 that is inserted into the opening 302 of the optical print head 30 when the rod lens array 120 is mounted on the housing 300.

  The suction mechanism 420 has a plurality of (here, four) supply holes 423 (FIG. 14B) for supplying the adhesive 306 to the rod lens array 120. Each supply hole 423 is disposed between adjacent contact surfaces 410. Each supply hole 423 opens on the upper surface of the base body portion 422 of the suction mechanism 420.

<Assembly process of optical print head>
Next, an assembly process of the optical print head 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the process of mounting the rod lens array 120 on the housing 300 will be described.

  When the rod lens array 120 is mounted on the housing 300, the housing 300 is attached to the housing holder 430 (FIG. 16A) of the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400. At this time, the housing 300 is positioned with respect to the housing holder 430 by fitting the insert pins 431 of the housing holder 430 into the insert holes 119 of the housing 300.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, a rod lens array is provided between each positioning portion 402 (upper inclined surface 403 and lower inclined surface 404) of the positioning mechanism 401 and the contact surface 410 of the suction mechanism 420. 120 is inserted. At this time, the positioning mechanism 401 has not yet pressed the rod lens array 120.

  Thereafter, the table 408 is moved in the −Y direction by the plunger 414 (FIG. 15), so that the positioning mechanism 401 moves toward the contact surface 410 as shown in FIG.

  Each positioning portion 402 of the positioning mechanism 401 abuts the rod lens array 120 with the upper inclined surface 403 and the lower inclined surface 404 and presses the rod lens array 120 against the abutting surface 410.

  FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a rectangle 18 in FIG. Since the upper inclined surface 403 and the lower inclined surface 404 are in contact with the first side plate 122 of the rod lens array 120 and the second side plate 123 of the rod lens array 120 is pressed against the contact surface 410, the rod lens array 120 is It slides in the XZ plane along the contact surface 410, and the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 matches the reference position in the positioning mechanism 1 (that is, the reference position in the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400). Thus, the rod lens array 120 is positioned.

  Further, a suction device (not shown) of the suction mechanism 420 is activated and sucks air from the vent 421 to hold the rod lens array 120 in a state of being sucked by the contact surface 410. From this state, when the table 408 is moved in the −Y direction by the plunger 414 (FIG. 15), the positioning mechanism 401 is separated from the rod lens array 120, and the rod lens array 120 is held by the suction mechanism 420.

  FIG. 19A is a perspective view showing a process of inserting the rod lens array 120 into the housing 300. FIG. 19B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the surface 19B of the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 19A. FIG. 19C is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the surface 19C of the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 19A.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, when the positioning mechanism 401 is sufficiently separated from the rod lens array 120 in a state where the suction mechanism 420 holds the rod lens array 120, the housing holder that holds the housing 300 is obtained. 430 rises in the + Z direction.

  When the housing holder 430 reaches a certain height, the upper surface of the housing 300 held by the housing holder 430 comes into contact with the height reference pin 426 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the position of the housing 300 in the Z direction is determined. In addition, since the pressing spring 432 presses the upper plate portion 308 of the housing 300 against the height reference pin 426, rattling of the housing 300 is prevented.

  As the housing holder 430 is raised, the insertion portion 424 of the suction mechanism 420 is inserted into the opening 302 of the housing 300 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the rod lens array 120 sucked and held by the suction mechanism 420 is inserted into the slit 301 (FIG. 12A) of the housing 300.

  The center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 has already coincided with the reference position on the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 as described with reference to FIG. Since the housing 300 is positioned with respect to the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 by contact with the height reference pin 426, the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 is the mounting reference position in the housing 300. Matches P.

  FIG. 20A is a perspective view showing a bonding process of the rod lens array 120 to the housing 300. 20B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 on the surface 20B shown in FIG.

  After the rod lens array 120 is inserted into the slit 301 of the housing 300, a UV curable adhesive 306 is applied between the rod lens array 120 and the slit 301. The application of the adhesive 306 can be performed through the supply hole 423 of the suction mechanism 420. Further, the adhesive 306 is also applied to the + Y side of the slit 301 (the side opposite to the suction mechanism 420).

  Then, the rod lens array 120 is bonded to the housing 300 by irradiating the adhesive 306 supplied between the rod lens array 120 and the slit 301 with ultraviolet rays.

  After the rod lens array 120 is bonded to the housing 300, the suction from the vent 421 of the suction mechanism 420 is stopped. As a result, the rod lens array 120 can be separated from the suction mechanism 420. Thereafter, the housing holder 430 is lowered in the −Z direction. Then, the housing 300 to which the rod lens array 120 is bonded is removed from the housing holder 430. Thereby, the housing 300 to which the rod lens array 120 is bonded is detached from the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400.

  FIG. 21A is a perspective view showing the housing 300 to which the rod lens array 120 is bonded. FIG. 21B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the housing 300 to which the rod lens array 120 is bonded, on the surface 21B shown in FIG.

  After the housing 300 to which the rod lens array 120 is bonded is removed from the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400, the adhesive 306 is evenly applied in the X direction along the rod lens array 120 and the slit 301.

  That is, in the process shown in FIG. 20B, the rod lens array 120 is bonded to the housing 300 only at a plurality of locations in the X direction (locations corresponding to the supply holes 423). In this process, the rod lens array 120 is bonded to the housing 300 over the entire region in the X direction. Thereby, the mounting of the rod lens array 120 on the housing 300 is completed. In other words, the assembly process (manufacturing process) of the rod lens array unit (the housing 300 and the rod lens array 120) is completed.

  FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a process of inserting the mounting board 130 into the housing 300 on which the rod lens array 120 is mounted. The mounting substrate 130 on which the light emitting elements 140 are arranged is inserted into the space 311 inside the housing 300 from below.

  FIG. 23A is a perspective view illustrating a process of bonding the mounting substrate 130 to the housing 300. FIG. 23B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the housing 300 taken along the cross-section 23B illustrated in FIG. After the mounting substrate 130 is inserted into the space 311 inside the housing 300, a UV curable adhesive 131 is applied between the housing 300 and the mounting substrate 130. Thereafter, the mounting substrate 130 is fixed to the housing 300 by irradiating the adhesive 131 with ultraviolet rays. Further, the gap between the mounting substrate 130 and the housing 300 is sealed with a sealant 132 to prevent foreign matter from entering through the gap. Thereby, the assembly process of the optical print head 30 is completed.

  Although the configuration and the assembly process of the optical print head have been described here, the present embodiment can also be applied to a contact image sensor. In this case, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11B, the contact image sensor uses a mounting board 230 (see FIG. 10B) on which the light receiving element 240 is mounted instead of the mounting board 130 on which the light emitting element 140 is mounted. In addition, the light guide 207 (see FIG. 10B) is attached. The assembly process of the contact image sensor is the same as the assembly process of the optical print head 30 described above.

<Effect of Embodiment>
As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the inclined surface of the positioning mechanism 401 of the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400 in the assembly process of the optical print head (or contact image sensor) not having the positioning mechanism. Since the rod lens array 120 is abutted against the rod lens array 120 and pressed against the abutting surface 410, the center position C in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array 120 is the mounting reference position in the housing 300. The rod lens array 120 can be mounted on the housing 300 so as to match. Thereby, the assembly process of the rod lens array unit (the housing 300 and the rod lens array 120) can be simplified, and as a result, the assembly process of the optical print head (or contact image sensor) can be simplified.

  In particular, in the rod lens array mounting apparatus 400, the suction mechanism 420 holds the rod lens array 120 by suction in a state where the positioning mechanism 401 presses and positions the rod lens array 120 against the contact surface 410, and then the positioning mechanism 401 Since 401 is separated from the rod lens array 120 and the suction mechanism 420 is configured to insert the rod lens array 120 into the slit 310 of the housing 300, the rod lens array 120 is mounted on the housing 300 while maintaining the position thereof. Can do. Therefore, the rod lens array 120 can be accurately positioned with respect to the housing 300 and mounted.

<Image forming apparatus>
Next, an image forming apparatus 500 to which the optical print heads 10 and 30 described in the first and second embodiments can be applied will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 500. The image forming apparatus 500 includes process units (image forming units) 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K that form yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) images. The process units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K are arranged along the conveyance path of the recording medium 5 from the upstream side to the downstream side (here, from the right side to the left side).

  On the upper side of the process units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K, optical print heads 51Y, 51M, 51C, and 51K as exposure devices are respectively arranged so as to face the photosensitive drum 501 (described later). The optical print heads 51Y, 51M, 51C, 51K expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 to form an electrostatic latent image according to the image data of each color.

  Below the image forming apparatus 500, there are a medium cassette 510 as a medium accommodating portion for accommodating the recording medium 5, and a hopping roller for feeding the recording medium 5 (for example, printing paper) accommodated in the medium cassette 510 to the conveyance path one by one. 511. A pair of registration rollers 512 that conveys the recording medium 5 while correcting the skew of the recording medium 5 along the conveyance path of the recording medium 5 delivered from the medium cassette 510, and the recording medium 5 toward the process units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K. Further, a conveying roller pair 513 for conveying is disposed.

  The process units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K have a common configuration except for the toner to be used. The optical print heads 51Y, 51M, 51C, 51K will be described as “optical print head 51”.

  The process unit 50 includes a photosensitive drum 501 as an electrostatic latent image carrier, a charging roller 502 as a charging member, a developing roller 503 as a developer carrier, a supply roller 504 as a developer supply member, A developing blade 505 as a developer regulating member and a toner cartridge 506 as a developer container are provided.

  The photosensitive drum 501 is obtained by laminating a photosensitive layer (a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer) on the surface of a metal cylindrical member. The photosensitive drum 501 is rotated clockwise in the figure by a drive mechanism including a drive source and a gear train (not shown).

  The charging roller 502 is disposed so as to contact the photosensitive drum 501 and rotates following the photosensitive drum 501. The charging roller 502 is given a charging voltage and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 501. The developing roller 503 is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum 501 and rotates in the opposite direction to the photosensitive drum 501. The developing roller 503 is applied with a developing voltage, and attaches and develops toner (developer) to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 to form a toner image (developer image).

  The supply roller 504 is disposed so as to contact (or face) the developing roller 503 and rotates in the same direction as the developing roller 503. The supply roller 504 is supplied with a supply voltage and supplies the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 506 to the developing roller 503. The developing blade 505 is formed by bending a metal plate member and presses the bent portion against the surface of the developing roller 503. The developing blade 505 regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the surface of the developing roller 503. The toner cartridge 506 is detachably attached to the process unit 50 and contains toner. The toner cartridge 506 supplies toner to the developing roller 503 and the supply roller 504.

  A transfer roller 507 serving as a transfer member is disposed below each process unit 50 so as to face the photosensitive drum 501. The transfer roller 507 is applied with a transfer voltage, and transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 to the recording medium 5 that passes between the photosensitive drum 501 and the transfer roller 507.

  A fixing unit 514 is disposed on the downstream side (left side in the drawing) of the process units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K in the conveyance direction of the recording medium 5. The fixing unit 514 includes a fixing roller 515 and a pressure roller 516 that fix the toner image transferred to the recording medium 5 to the recording medium 5 by heat and pressure.

  Further, on the downstream side of the fixing unit 514 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium 5, discharge roller pairs 517 and 518 for discharging the recording medium 5 that has been fixed out of the image forming apparatus 500 are provided. In addition, a stacker 519 on which the discharged recording medium 5 is placed is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 500.

  In the image forming apparatus 500, in the double-sided printing mode, the double-sided printing unit 520 (FIG. 24) transports the recording medium 5 on which the transfer and fixing of the toner image to the front surface are reversed to the registration roller pair 512. Are indicated by broken lines). Description of the duplex printing unit 520 is omitted.

  As the optical print head 51 of the image forming apparatus 500, the optical print head 10 (30) of the first and second embodiments can be used.

  The basic operation of the image forming apparatus 500 is as follows. When the image forming apparatus 500 receives a print command and print data from a host device such as a personal computer, the image forming apparatus 500 executes an image forming operation. First, the hopping roller 511 rotates to feed the recording media 5 accommodated in the media cassette 510 one by one to the transport path. The recording medium 5 sent to the conveyance path is conveyed to the process units 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K by the registration roller pair 512 and the conveyance roller pair 513.

  In each process unit 50, after the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 502, the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 is exposed by the optical print head 51 to form an electrostatic latent image. The toner supplied from the toner cartridge 506 is supplied to the developing roller 503 by the supply roller 504, and a toner image having a uniform thickness is formed on the surface of the developing roller 503 by the developing blade 505. The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 is developed by the developing roller 503 to become a toner image. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 501 is transferred to the recording medium 5 that passes between the photosensitive drum 501 and the transfer roller 507. As the recording medium 5 passes through the process units 50Y, 50M, 50C and 50K, toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black are transferred onto the surface of the recording medium 5.

  The recording medium 5 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 514, where heat and pressure are applied by the fixing roller 515 and the pressure roller 516, and the toner image is fixed on the recording medium 5. The recording medium 5 on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 500 by the discharge roller pair 517 and 518 and stacked on the stacker 519. This completes the image forming operation.

<Configuration of image reading apparatus>
Next, an image reading apparatus 600 to which the contact image sensor 20 described in the first and second embodiments can be applied will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image reading apparatus 600. The image reading device 600 is, for example, a flat bed type image scanner. The image reading apparatus 600 includes a housing 601, a document table 602 provided on the top surface of the housing 601, and a lid 603 that covers the document table 602. The document table 602 is made of a material such as glass that transmits visible light, and a document (reading object) is placed on the surface thereof.

  A contact image sensor 605 is provided below the document table 602. In order to guide the contact image sensor 605 in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction), a pair of guides 606 are provided along the document table 602. The contact image sensor 605 is connected to a drive belt 607, and this drive belt 607 is connected to a stepping motor 608. Further, the contact image sensor 605 is connected to the control circuit 610 via a flexible flat cable 609.

  As the contact image sensor 605 of the image reading apparatus 600 configured as described above, the contact image sensor 20 (FIG. 10) of the first and second embodiments can be used.

  The basic operation of the image reading apparatus 600 is as follows. When a document is placed on the document table 602 and a predetermined switch (for example, a scan button) is pressed, a light source (not shown) attached to the contact image sensor 605 is turned on to illuminate the document on the document table 602. . The light reflected by the surface of the document enters the contact image sensor 605. The contact image sensor 605 takes in the light reflected on the surface of the document while moving in the sub-scanning direction by a driving belt 607 driven by a stepping motor 608. Light from the document is imaged on the light receiving element 240 by each rod lens 121 (FIG. 10B) of the rod lens array 120. The optical signal received by the light receiving element 240 is converted into an electrical signal.

  Instead of moving the contact image sensor 605 as described above, the reading head that transports the document by an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) so as to pass a predetermined reading position on the document table 602 and stops at the reading position. A document image may be read at 605.

  The present invention is applied to a rod lens array unit including a rod lens array, an optical print head or contact image sensor using the rod lens array unit, an image forming apparatus using the optical print head, and an image reading apparatus using the contact image sensor. Can do.

  Examples of the image forming apparatus include a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine. Examples of the image reading apparatus include a scanner and a multifunction machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Optical print head, 100 Case, 101 Positioning mechanism, 103 Upper inclined surface (1st inclined surface), 104 Lower inclined surface (2nd inclined surface), 110 Contact surface, 112 Sealant, 116 Space part 117 substrate contact surface, 119 insert hole, 120 rod lens array, 121 rod lens, 122 first side plate, 123 second side plate, 124, 125 chamfered portion (inclined surface), 130 mounting substrate, 131 adhesive, 132 sealant, 140 light emitting element, 20 contact image sensor, 200 housing, 201 positioning mechanism, 203 upper inclined surface (first inclined surface), 204 lower inclined surface (second inclined surface), 208 light guide , 210 contact surface, 216 space, 217 substrate contact surface, 30 optical print head, 300 housing, 301 slit, 3 2 opening portion, 306 adhesive, 311 space portion, 400 mounting device, 401 positioning mechanism, 403 upper inclined surface (first inclined surface), 404 lower inclined surface (second inclined surface), 408 table, 410 contact Surface, 411 Base, 414 Plunger, 420 Suction mechanism, 421 Vent, 424 Insertion section, 425 Installation guide, 426 Height reference pin, 423 Hole section, 430 Housing holder, 500 Image forming apparatus, 501 Photosensitive drum, 50 , 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K Process unit (image forming unit) 51, 51Y, 51M, 51C, 51K LED head (exposure device), 507 transfer roller (transfer member), 514 fixing device (fixing unit), 600 image Reading device, 602 Document table, 605 Contact image sensor.

Claims (20)

A rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged and integrated by being sandwiched from both sides by a first side plate and a second side plate;
A housing for holding the rod lens array;
The housing is
A contact surface that contacts the second side plate of the rod lens array;
The first side plate of the rod lens array has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that contact at both ends in the optical axis direction, and the rod lens array is pressed against the contact surface for positioning. A rod lens array unit comprising: a positioning mechanism that The positioning mechanism has an elastically deformable base portion having the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface,
2. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are brought into contact with the first side plate of the rod lens array by utilizing an elastic force of the base portion. Rod lens array unit. The base portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the rod lens array,
The base portion has the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface at one end portion in the longitudinal direction, and is elastically deformable around the other end portion in the longitudinal direction. Item 3. The rod lens array unit according to Item 2.   The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are formed in a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion that protrude at least from the base portion toward the contact surface. The rod lens array unit according to claim 2 or 3.   The rod lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of the contact surfaces and a plurality of positioning mechanisms are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the rod lens array.   The rod lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the casing is provided with a sealing agent for sealing a gap with the rod lens array. .   The rod lens according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first side plate of the rod lens array is chamfered at both ends in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array. Array unit. A rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged and integrated by being sandwiched from both sides by a first side plate and a second side plate;
A housing for holding the rod lens array;
The housing is
A contact surface that contacts the second side plate of the rod lens array;
A rod lens array unit manufacturing method comprising: a positioning mechanism having a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are in contact with the first side plate of the rod lens array at both ends in the optical axis direction. ,
Inserting the rod lens array between the contact surface and the positioning mechanism such that the second side plate faces the contact surface;
And a step of pressing and positioning the rod lens array against the contact surface by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the positioning mechanism. In the step of positioning the rod lens array by pressing against the contact surface, the positioning mechanism uses the elastic force of the base portion on which the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are formed, and The method for manufacturing a rod lens array unit according to claim 8, wherein the rod lens array is pressed against the contact surface.   The method for manufacturing a rod lens array unit according to claim 8, further comprising a step of sealing a gap between the housing and the rod lens array with a sealant. A rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged and integrated by being sandwiched from both sides by a first side plate and a second side plate;
A rod lens array unit comprising: a housing having a slit for inserting the rod lens array, and holding the rod lens in a state of projecting from the slit to both sides in the optical axis direction.   The rod lens array unit according to claim 11, wherein the first side plate of the rod lens array is chamfered at both ends in the optical axis direction of the rod lens array. A rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged in one direction and are integrated by being sandwiched from both sides by a first side plate and a second side plate;
A rod lens array unit comprising: a slit for inserting the rod lens array; and a housing that holds the rod lens in a state of protruding from the slit to both sides in the optical axis direction,
A suction mechanism having a contact surface that contacts the second side plate of the rod lens array, and holding the rod lens array by suction;
The first side plate of the rod lens array has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that contact at both ends in the optical axis direction, and the rod lens array is pressed against the contact surface for positioning. A positioning mechanism to
Using a rod lens array mounting apparatus comprising a housing holder that holds and moves the housing,
Inserting the rod lens array between the contact surface and the positioning mechanism such that the second side plate faces the contact surface;
Moving the positioning mechanism toward the rod lens array, and pressing and positioning the rod lens array against the abutting surface by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface;
Holding the rod lens array by suction by the suction mechanism;
Moving the positioning mechanism away from the rod lens array;
Moving the housing holder holding the housing so as to insert the rod lens array into the slit of the housing;
And a step of fixing the rod lens array to the housing by adhesion.   14. The method of manufacturing a rod lens array unit according to claim 13, wherein a wide portion for inserting a part of the suction mechanism is formed in the slit of the housing. The positioning mechanism of the rod lens array mounting apparatus has a plurality of positioning portions each including the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface in the longitudinal direction of the rod lens array,
The rod lens array according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the suction mechanism of the rod lens array mounting apparatus includes a plurality of the contact surfaces so as to face the positioning portions. Unit manufacturing method.   16. The suction mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the suction mechanism has a plurality of ventilation holes for holding the rod lens array by suction and a hole for supplying an adhesive to the rod lens array. The manufacturing method of the rod lens array unit of any one of these. A rod lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 11 and 12,
An optical print head comprising: a substrate attached to the housing and having a plurality of light emitting elements arranged thereon. A rod lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 11 and 12,
A contact image sensor comprising: a substrate attached to the housing; and a substrate on which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged.   An image forming apparatus comprising the optical print head according to claim 17. An image reading apparatus comprising the contact image sensor according to claim 18.

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