Lens array unit method of producing lens array unit and optical device using lens array unit

Abstract

A lens array unit (U1) comprising first and second lens arrays (1, 2), the first and second lens arrays (1, 2) having a plurality of convex lenses (11, 21) capable of forming erect, full-size images. The lens arrays are formed by integrally molding a plurality of lenses (11, 21) and supports (10, 20) for supporting these lenses by a transparent resin, whereby the lens arrays can be produced easily.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a lens array assembly used in, for example, an image reading device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a lens array constituting the lens array assembly and an optical device incorporating the lens array assembly. Background technique [0002] In the image reading device installed in the facsimile device and the scanning device, by using a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a straight line, the image of the original document is read from the upright position at equal magnification. At this time, by adopting a lens array including a plurality of lenses for imaging, the original image is formed upright at the same magnification on the plurality of light receiving elements. For this reason, as an example of the prior art, as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, there is a lens array 9 in which a plurality of lenses 91 are placed on a support portion 90 made of resin. [0003] Each lens ...

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Problems solved by technology

[0006] That is, since the lens 91 is a self-focusing lens having the above-mentioned unique optical characteristics, its manufacture is not easy.

For manufacturers who do not have special equipment for making self-focusing lenses, it is very difficult to manufacture lens 91, and the cost of manufacturing lens array 9 is high for this reason

[0007] Also, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the manufacturing operation of a plurality of lenses 91 and the forming operation of the support portion 90 are performed separately, the production efficiency of the lens array 9 is poor.

As a result, the manufacturing cost of the lens array 9 is further increased.

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