Reading device, image forming device

Abstract

This invention provides a reading device and an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing light passing through apertures from entering the portion surrounding a lens in an optical component, excluding the lens itself. The reading device comprises: a light-shielding member of thickness (T) in which a plurality of through-holes of diameter (D) are formed at intervals (P), through which light reflected from an original document passes; an optical component having surfaces separated from and opposite the light-shielding member, each having a lens formed at a position opposite to the aperture, a light-shielding film formed on the surface at a position other than the lens surface of the lens, the distance (L) of the lens from the light-shielding member in the optical axis direction being 0 < L ≤ T(P / D-1); and a substrate having elements for receiving light passing through the optical component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a reading device and an image forming device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image reading optical system unit comprising a first optical component, an aperture, and a second optical component arranged along an optical axis. The first optical component, the aperture, and the second optical component are arranged in an array on a straight line orthogonal to the optical axis, and have a plurality of positioning units. The positioning unit closest to the center line or on the central axis among the plurality of positioning units is shaped to restrict displacement in the length direction, while the other positioning units are shaped to allow displacement in the length direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-217128

[0004] The image reading device includes: a light-shielding member having a plurality of through holes therein, through which light reflected from an original document having an image is formed; an optical member having lenses formed at positions opposite to the plurality of holes, through which light passes; and a substrate having an element for receiving light that has passed through the optical member.

[0005] In this structure, light passing through the hole formed in the light-shielding component is incident on the lens opposite the hole. However, if the hole and the lens are separated in the direction of the lens's optical axis, light passing through the hole may sometimes be incident on parts of the optical component surrounding the lens, excluding the lens itself. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to suppress light passing through the aperture from entering the portion of the optical component surrounding the lens, excluding the lens, compared to a situation where no light-shielding film is formed on the entire surface of the optical component opposite to the light-shielding component, and the distance between the optical component and the light-shielding component is significantly separated.

[0007] The optical component has a plurality of through holes of diameter D through which light reflected from the original document passes; an optical component having a surface that is separate from and opposite the light-shielding component and has a lens formed at a position opposite to the hole, and a light-shielding film formed at least at a position other than the lens surface of the lens on the surface, the distance L of the lens from the light-shielding component in the optical axis direction being 0 < L ≤ T(P / D-1); and a substrate having an element for receiving light that has passed through the optical component.

[0008] According to the reading device of the first embodiment, the reading device of the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the diameter of the exposed portion of the lens surface where the light-shielding film is not formed is smaller than the diameter of the hole.

[0009] According to the reading device of the second aspect, the reading device according to the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that two optical components are provided, arranged along the optical axis in the order of the light-shielding component, the optical component on one side, the optical component on the other side, and the substrate from the original side, and a plurality of other lenses corresponding to the lens are formed on the surface of the other optical component facing the side opposite to the surface of the optical component on one side, and a light-shielding film is formed at least at a position other than the lens surface of the other lenses on the surface of the other side.

[0010] According to the reading device of the third embodiment, the reading device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the optical component on one side and the optical component on the other side are symmetrical in the direction of the optical axis.

[0011] According to any of the first to fourth embodiments of the reading device, the reading device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a housing on which the optical component is mounted, the light-shielding component comprising: a base portion extending in a direction; and protrusions extending from both sides of the base portion in a width direction intersecting with the first direction, the optical component having a side portion extending in the first direction and facing the width direction, a protrusion provided on the side portion, a pair of clamping surfaces for clamping the optical component in the housing from the width direction, and a recessed portion for retracting the protrusion formed on the clamping surface, wherein when viewed from the optical axis direction, the protrusion at least covers a portion of the recessed portion.

[0012] According to the reading device of the fifth embodiment, the reading device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, when viewed from the optical axis direction, the protrusion covers the entire recess.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reading device is able to suppress light passing through the aperture from entering the portion of the optical component surrounding the lens, excluding the lens, compared to a case where no light-shielding film is formed on the entire surface of the optical component opposite to the light-shielding component, and the distance between the optical component and the light-shielding component is significantly separated.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the reading device can suppress light passing through the aperture from entering the lens adjacent to the lens opposite the aperture, compared to the case where no light-shielding film is formed on the entire lens surface, even when the axis of the aperture is offset from the optical axis of the lens.

[0016] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the reading device is able to suppress a portion of the light reflected on the lens surface from the aperture and emitted toward the substrate from the other side surface, compared to the case where no light-shielding film is formed on the entire surface of the other side of the optical component on the other side.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the reading device of the present invention, the same components can be used for the optical components on one side and the optical components on the other side.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the reading device can suppress light reflected from the original from the document from the optical component and entering the optical component from the side of the optical component through the recess, compared to the case where the protrusion and the recess are separated when viewed from the optical axis direction.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the reading device can suppress light reflected from the original from the document from entering the optical component from the side of the optical component through the recess, compared to the case where the protrusion covers part of the recess when viewed from the optical axis direction. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram illustrating the image reading unit of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the image reading unit and the like of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an image reading unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a reading device, etc.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the sliding member of the reading device in the image reading unit of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a working diagram illustrating the image reading unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8This is an exploded perspective view showing a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the lens array provided in the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view showing the lens array and light-shielding component provided in the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a top view showing the lens array provided in the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 15 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lens array provided in the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the lens array and light-shielding component arranged in the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 17 This is a top view showing the lens array and light-shielding component installed in the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 18 This is a top view of a light-shielding component installed in a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 19 This is an enlarged top view showing a light-shielding component provided in a reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 20 This is a top view showing the light-shielding portion provided in the light-shielding component of the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the end of the light-shielding portion provided in the light-shielding member of the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the light-shielding portion provided in the light-shielding component of the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 23 (A) Figure 23 (B) is a top view and a cross-sectional view showing the end of the light-shielding portion provided in the light-shielding member of the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 24 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lens array and light-shielding component provided in the reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view of the reading device used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the reading device according to the embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view of the reading device used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the reading device according to the embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view of the reading device used to illustrate the manufacturing method of the reading device according to the embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 28 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lens array and light-shielding member provided in the reading device according to the comparison method relative to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 29 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the lens array and light-shielding components arranged in a reading device according to a comparative method relative to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Symbol Explanation

[0051] 10 - Image forming apparatus; 46 - Secondary transfer roller (an example of a transfer apparatus); 100 - Reading device; 102 - Light-receiving substrate (an example of a substrate); 114 - Housing; 126 - Light-receiving element (an example of an element); 140 - Clamping surface; 140a - Recess; 146 - Light-shielding film; 150 - Light-shielding component; 152 - Lens array (an example of an optical component); 152a - Upper surface (an example of a surface); 152b - Lower surface (an example of a surface on the other side); 152c - Side surface; 160 - Light-shielding part; 162a - Base part; 162b - Protrusion; 164 - Thick lens (an example of a lens); 166 - Fixing member (an example of a protrusion); 170 - Through hole (an example of a hole); G - Original document. Detailed Implementation

[0052] according to Figures 1 to 29An example of a reading device and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, arrow H in the figures indicates the vertical direction of the device, arrow W indicates the width direction of the device (horizontal direction), and arrow D indicates the depth direction of the device (horizontal direction).

[0053] (Overall structure)

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes, in the vertical direction (arrow H direction) from below to above, a receiving section 14 for receiving a sheet component P which is a recording medium, a conveying section 16 for conveying the sheet component P received in the receiving section 14, an image forming section 20 for forming an image on the sheet component P conveyed from the receiving section 14 by the conveying section 16, and an image reading unit 60 for reading the image formed on the original document G.

[0055] [Containment Department 14]

[0056] The receiving section 14 includes a receiving member 26 that can be pulled out from the housing 10a of the image forming apparatus 10 toward the front side in the depth direction of the apparatus, and a sheet member P is loaded in the receiving member 26. In addition, the receiving section 14 includes a delivery roller 30 that delivers the uppermost sheet member P loaded in the receiving member 26 to the conveying path 28 of the sheet member P.

[0057] [Transportation Department 16]

[0058] The conveying section 16 has a plurality of conveying rollers 32 that convey the sheet component P along the conveying path 28.

[0059] [Image forming unit 20]

[0060] The image forming unit 20 has four image forming units 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Furthermore, in the following description, Y, M, C, and K may be omitted when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

[0061] Each color image forming unit 18 is detachable from the housing 10a. Furthermore, each color image forming unit 18 includes an image holder 36, a charging roller 38 that charges the surface of the image holder 36, and an exposure device 42 that irradiates the charged image holder 36 with exposure light. Additionally, each color image forming unit 18 includes a developing device 40 that develops an electrostatic latent image to visualize it as a toner image. This electrostatic latent image is formed by exposing the charged image holder 36 to the aforementioned exposure device 42.

[0062] Furthermore, the image forming unit 20 includes a ring-shaped transfer belt 22 that winds in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and a primary transfer roller 44 that transfers the toner image formed by the image forming units 18 of each color onto the transfer belt 22. Additionally, the image forming unit 20 includes a secondary transfer roller 46 that transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 22 onto the sheet member P, and a fixing device 50 that heats / presses the sheet member P with the transferred toner image to fix the toner image onto the sheet member P. The secondary transfer roller 46 is an example of a transfer device.

[0063] [Image reading unit 60]

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the image reading unit 60 includes: a first transparent plate 62 (=table glass) for mounting the original document G when reading an image of the original document G; and a second transparent plate 72 disposed on one side of the first transparent plate 62 in the device width direction (left side in the figure). Moreover, the first transparent plate 62 and the second transparent plate 72 are embedded in the upper part of the housing 60a of the image reading unit 60.

[0065] An opening / closing cover 66 is disposed above the first transparent plate 62 and the second transparent plate 72 to open or close the first transparent plate 62 and the second transparent plate 72. Moreover, a conveying device 64 (=ADF device) is provided inside the opening / closing cover 66. The conveying device 64 conveys a plurality of original documents G along a conveying path 70 inside the opening / closing cover 66 and causes them to pass through the original document reading position R above the second transparent plate 72.

[0066] Furthermore, a reading device 100 is provided inside the housing 60a. This reading device 100 reads the image of the original document G placed on the first transparent plate 62 and the image of the original document G that has been conveyed to the original document reading position R by the conveying device 64. In addition, the image reading unit 60 includes a driving device 74 that drives the reading device 100 along the width direction of the device. The reading device 100 will be described later.

[0067] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the drive device 74 includes a shaft 76 extending along the width direction of the device (=the moving direction of the reading device 100) and a sliding member 78 mounted on the lower surface of the housing 114 of the reading device 100 and slidably supported on the shaft 76.

[0068] Additionally, the drive unit 74 includes a motor 80, a drive pulley 84 that is driven to rotate by transmitting driving force from the motor 80, a driven pulley 86 that rotates passively, and an annular circulating belt 82 wound around the drive pulley 84 and the driven pulley 86. The drive pulley 84 is mounted at one end of the shaft 76, and the driven pulley 86 is mounted at the other end of the shaft 76.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the sliding member 78 is mounted on the central portion of the device in the longitudinal direction within the lower surface of the housing 114. (As shown...) Figure 5 As shown, the sliding member 78 has a slit 78a that extends in the vertical direction and is embedded in a portion of the circulating belt 82, and a sliding surface 78b that is semi-circular when viewed from the width direction of the device and slides with the shaft 76.

[0070] And, as Figure 4 As shown, in the housing 60a, a pair of support portions 90 from both ends of the lower support shaft 76 are integrally formed with the housing 60a.

[0071] (The role of the overall structure)

[0072] In the image forming apparatus 10, an image is formed in the following manner.

[0073] first, Figure 6 The image reading unit 60 shown reads the image of the original document G. Specifically, when reading the image of the original document G transmitted by the transmission device 64, the motor 80 (reference) Figure 4 The driving force of the original document G is transmitted to the reading device 100 via the circulating belt 82, causing it to move to the end reading position in the width direction of the device and then stop. Furthermore, the reading device 100, which is located at the reading position, reads the image of the original document G transmitted by the conveying device 64.

[0074] In contrast, when reading the image of the original document G placed on the first transparent plate 62, such as Figure 2 As shown, the reading device 100, positioned at the reading start position (the solid line position in the figure), reads the image of the original document G while moving along the width direction of the device along the first transparent plate 62 toward the reading end position (the double-dotted line position in the figure). Thus, the reading device 100 reads the image of the original document G placed on the first transparent plate 62.

[0075] (Reading device 100)

[0076] Next, the reading device 100 will be described.

[0077] Figure 7 The reading device 100 shown uses a known CIS (Contact Image Sensor) method to read the image formed on the original document G. Furthermore, as... Figure 8As shown, the reading device 100 includes a light-receiving substrate 102, a pair of wiring cables 104 connected to the light-receiving substrate 102, a rigid substrate 106 connected to the wiring cables 104, and a light-emitting element 128 mounted on the rigid substrate 106. Additionally, the reading device 100 includes a pair of cylindrical light guides 110 (light guides), a light-concentrating section 112 that focuses light reflected from the original document G (reflected light), and a housing 114. The light-receiving substrate 102 is an example of a substrate.

[0078] [Shell 114]

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, the housing 114 is box-shaped, extending along the depth of the device. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, a pair of light guide housing portions 114a, each housing a pair of light guides 110, and a lens housing portion 114b, between the pair of light guide housing portions 114a, housing a light-concentrating portion 112. Furthermore, in the housing 114, as... Figure 10 As shown, a pair of substrate receiving portions 114c, which house a rigid substrate 106, are formed in such a way that they clamp the light guide receiving portion 114a from the depth direction of the device.

[0080] -Light guide housing 114a-

[0081] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, a pair of light guide housing portions 114a are arranged along the width direction of the device, and each light guide housing portion 114a extends along the depth direction of the device. In addition, the cross-section of each light guide housing portion 114a intersecting the length direction is a semi-circular shape with an opening at the top.

[0082] -Lens housing 114b-

[0083] like Figure 9 As shown, the lens receiving portion 114b is formed between a pair of light guide receiving portions 114a in the width direction of the device, and extends through the housing 114 in the vertical direction of the device.

[0084] -Substrate housing 114c-

[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, a pair of substrate receiving portions 114c are formed relative to light guide receiving portions 114a on the inner and front sides in the depth direction of the device, respectively. Specifically, the substrate receiving portions 114c are formed between the wall portions 119 at both ends of the housing 114 in the depth direction of the device and the light guide receiving portions 114a.

[0086] -other-

[0087] like Figure 9As shown, a height difference surface 117 is formed in the lower part of the housing 114, which contacts the upper surface of the edge of the light-receiving substrate 102.

[0088] [Light guide 110]

[0089] like Figure 9 As shown, the light guide 110 is housed in the light guide housing portion 114a of the housing 114, and is formed from a transparent material (e.g., acrylic resin) into a cylindrical shape extending along the depth direction of the device. Moreover, a pair of light guides 110 are arranged along the width direction of the device.

[0090] The central portion of the light guide 110 along its length is fixed to the housing 114 by a fixing part (not shown) so that it can extend and retract along the depth direction of the device. Furthermore, with the light guide 110 fixed to the housing 114, the end face 110a of the light guide 110 and the wall portion 119 of the housing 114 separate in the depth direction of the device, and this separated portion becomes the substrate receiving portion 114c (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0091] Furthermore, a reflective component (not shown) is provided on the light guide 110. This reflective component causes light incident from the end face 110a of the light guide 110 to travel along the length direction and directs the light towards the top of the focusing portion 112 (along the length direction). Figure 9 (The arrow points out in the direction of B)

[0092] [Focusing section 112]

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown, the light-concentrating part 112 is housed in the lens housing 114b of the housing 114, and the light-concentrating part 112 includes a light-shielding member 150 and a pair of lens arrays 152. Furthermore, the pair of lens arrays 152 and the light-shielding member 150 will be described in detail later.

[0094] [Light-receiving substrate 102]

[0095] like Figure 9 As shown, the thickness direction of the light-receiving substrate 102 is the vertical direction of the device, and the light-receiving substrate 102 is disposed at the lower end of the housing 114. Moreover, with the upper surface of the edge of the light-receiving substrate 102 in contact with the height difference surface 117 of the housing 114, the light-receiving substrate 102 is fixed to the housing 114 by a fixing unit (not shown).

[0096] Viewed from above, the light-receiving substrate 102 has a rectangular shape extending along the depth direction of the device. Furthermore, a plurality of light-receiving elements 126 are arranged (or mounted) on the upper surface of the light-receiving substrate 102 along the depth direction of the device. Additionally, the light-receiving elements 126 disposed on the light-receiving substrate 102 are positioned opposite the light-concentrating portion 112 in the vertical direction of the device. The light-receiving element 126 is an example of a component.

[0097] [Wiring cable 104]

[0098] Wiring cable 104 is provided with a pair, such as Figure 8 As shown, it is a so-called flexible flat cable whose base is connected to both ends of the device in the depth direction of the light-receiving substrate 102. The base of the wiring cable 104 on one side is connected to the end of the device in the depth direction of the light-receiving substrate 102 (left side in the figure), and the base of the wiring cable 104 on the other side is connected to the end of the device in the depth direction of the light-receiving substrate 102 (right side in the figure).

[0099] [Rigid substrate 106]

[0100] The rigid substrate 106 is provided with a pair, such as Figure 8 As shown, it is connected to the front end of the wiring cable 104 and has a rectangular shape that extends along the width direction of the device when viewed from the depth direction of the device. Furthermore, two LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 128 (hereinafter referred to as "light-emitting elements 128") extending along the width direction of the device are provided on one side surface (i.e., the surfaces facing each other) of each rigid substrate 106.

[0101] Moreover, such as Figure 10 As shown, the light-emitting element 128 disposed on the rigid substrate 106 is housed in the substrate housing portion 114c of the housing 114 in a state opposite to the end face 110a of the light guide 110.

[0102] (Function of the reading device 100)

[0103] Next, the function of the reading device 100 will be explained.

[0104] Figure 10 The light-emitting element 128 illuminates light onto the end face 110a of the light guide 110. Furthermore, the light guide 110 guides light incident from its end face 110a along its length. Moreover, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, the light guide 110 irradiates light upward toward the light focusing part 112 (in the direction of arrow B in the figure) through a reflective member (not shown) formed along its length direction.

[0105] Additionally, the focusing section 112 guides (focuses) the light emitted from the light guide 110 and illuminating the original document G, as well as the light reflected from the original document G, to the light receiving element 126. The light receiving element 126 receives the light reflected from the original document G and converts it into an electrical signal. In this manner, the reading device 100 reads the image formed on the original document G.

[0106] (Structure of the main parts)

[0107] Next, the structure of the housing 114, which houses the portion with the pair of lens arrays 152 and the light-shielding component 150, will be described, along with the pair of lens arrays 152 and the light-shielding component 150. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, the light-shielding member 150, a pair of lens arrays 152, and the light-receiving substrate 102 are arranged from top to bottom from the original G side. In the following description, the lens array 152 on the side of the light-shielding member 150 is sometimes referred to as the lens array 152 on one side, and the lens array 152 on the side of the light-receiving substrate 102 is referred to as the lens array 152 on the other side.

[0108] [Shell 114]

[0109] like Figure 11 As shown, an opening 130 is formed in the housing 114, extending along the depth direction of the device and penetrating through the vertical direction of the device. Furthermore, a pair of upward-facing surfaces 132 extending along the depth direction of the device and facing upward are formed at the upper end of the opening 130 in the housing 114. These two upward-facing surfaces 132 are arranged to sandwich the opening 130 in the width direction of the device. A light-shielding member 150 is placed on these two upward-facing surfaces 132 from above and is fixed to the housing 114 by a fastener 166.

[0110] Furthermore, a pair of side surfaces 134 extending along the depth direction of the device and clamping the opening 130 in the width direction of the device are formed in the housing 114. A pair of upward-facing elevation difference surfaces 136, a pair of upward-facing elevation difference surfaces 137 extending along the depth direction of the device, and a pair of upward-facing elevation difference surfaces 138 extending along the depth direction of the device are formed in these side surfaces 134. Here, the pair of elevation difference surfaces 136 consists of a pair of recesses 140a formed between the pair of elevation difference surfaces 137 and spaced apart along the depth direction of the device (see reference). Figure 17 The pair of bottom surfaces in the housing 114. Furthermore, a pair of upper surfaces 132, a pair of elevation difference surfaces 137, a pair of elevation difference surfaces 136, and a pair of elevation difference surfaces 138 are arranged in this order from top to bottom. Moreover, a pair of lens arrays 152 are mounted above the pair of elevation difference surfaces 138 and are fixed to the housing 114 by a fastener (not shown) injected into the recess 140a.

[0111] Furthermore, the side surface 134 of the portion between the height difference surface 138 and the height difference surface 137 in the vertical direction of the device is a pair of clamping surfaces 140 that clamp a pair of lens arrays 152 from the width direction of the device.

[0112] [Lens Array 152]

[0113] Lens array 152 is integrally formed using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a transparent resin material, and is in the shape of a cuboid extending along the depth of the device. Lens array 152 is an example of an optical component.

[0114] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, the lens array 152 has an upper surface 152a that faces upward and extends along the depth direction of the device when viewed from above, and a lower surface 152b that faces downward and extends along the depth direction of the device when viewed from below. Additionally, the lens array 152 has protrusions 154 formed on the upper surface 152a at both ends in the device width direction, protruding upward from the upper surface 152a and extending along the depth direction of the device, and protrusions 156 formed on the lower surface 152b at both ends in the device width direction, protruding downward from the lower surface 152b and extending along the depth direction of the device.

[0115] Furthermore, a plurality of convex surfaces 158 protruding from the planar portion of the upper surface 152a or the planar portion of the lower surface 152b are formed on the upper surface 152a and the lower surface 152b, respectively. Additionally, each convex surface 158 is spherical, and the amount by which it protrudes from the planar portion of the upper surface 152a or the planar portion of the lower surface 152b is less than the amount by which the protrusions 154 and 156 protrude from the planar portion of the upper surface 152a or the planar portion of the lower surface 152b. Furthermore, the amount by which the plurality of convex surfaces 158 protruding from the planar portion of the upper surface 152a is the same as the amount by which the plurality of convex surfaces 158 protruding from the planar portion of the lower surface 152b is protruding. Also, the amount by which the protrusion 154 protruding from the planar portion of the upper surface 152a is the same as the amount by which the protrusion 156 protruding from the planar portion of the lower surface 152b is protruding.

[0116] The spherical convex surfaces 158 are arranged in two staggered rows along the depth of the device (see reference). Figure 14Furthermore, the number of convex surfaces 158 arranged in the column on one side is the same as the number of convex surfaces 158 arranged in the column on the other side. Additionally, "interlaced" means "different from each other." Moreover, when viewed from above, the convex surfaces 158 protruding from the upper surface 152a and the convex surfaces 158 protruding from the lower surface 152b are positioned at the same location. In other words, in a lens array 152 (lens array 152 on one side or lens array 152 on the other side), the convex surfaces 158 protruding from the upper surface 152a and the convex surfaces 158 protruding from the lower surface 152b are opposite each other in the vertical direction of the device. Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent convex surfaces 158 along the depth direction of the device, the spacing between adjacent convex surfaces 158 in a direction inclined to one side relative to the depth direction of the device, and the spacing between adjacent convex surfaces 158 in a direction inclined to the other side relative to the depth direction of the device are the same.

[0117] Moreover, such as Figure 15 As shown, the lens array 152 is arranged such that the convex surface 158 formed on the lens array 152 and the through hole 170 formed on the light shielding member 150 (described later) are opposite each other in the vertical direction of the device.

[0118] Additionally, the diameter of the convex surface 158 (is) Figure 15 The diameter of d01, and the diameter of the convex surface 158 as viewed from above, is larger than the diameter of the through hole 170 of the light-shielding member 150. Figure 15 (d11). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the portion of the convex surface 158 opposite the through hole 170 in the vertical direction of the device is the lens surface 144. In other words, the portion of the lens array 152 that projects the through hole 170 downwards is the lens surface 144. Moreover, as... Figure 11 As shown, the thick lens 164, which corresponds to a rod lens in the rod lens array, is formed by lens surfaces 144 formed on the upper surface 152a and the lower surface 152b. In other words, the thick lens 164 is constituted by a pair of convex surfaces 158 facing each other in the vertical direction of the device within a lens array 152. Therefore, in this embodiment, the optical axis direction of the thick lens 164 is the vertical direction of the device.

[0119] That is, the light-shielding member 150, the lens array 152 on one side, the lens array 152 on the other side, and the light-receiving substrate 102 are arranged in this order from the original G side along the optical axis of the thick lens 164. In addition, the thick lens 164 is an example of a lens.

[0120] In addition, in this embodiment, the lens array 152 on the other side uses a lens array that is reversed vertically (rotated by 180 degrees) from the lens array 152 on one side. That is, the lens array 152 on one side and the lens array 152 on the other side are symmetrical in the vertical direction of the device.

[0121] And, as Figure 14 , Figure 16 As shown, the tops of the protrusions 154 and 156 of each lens array 152 are aligned so that when viewed from above, the thick lens 164 of one side of the lens array 152 overlaps with the thick lens 164 of the other side of the lens array 152.

[0122] Furthermore, with the tops of the protrusions 154 and 156 of each lens array 152 abutting, a fastener 148 (e.g., a UV-curable adhesive) is applied across each lens array 152, and the lens arrays 152 are then secured to each other using the fastener 148. Specifically, as... Figure 16 As shown, on the side 152c of the lens array 152, there are multiple fasteners 148 spaced apart along the depth direction of the device. These fasteners 148 protrude from the side 152c of the lens array 152 toward both sides in the width direction of the device. The fasteners 148 are an example of protrusions.

[0123] Therefore, as Figure 11 , Figure 17 As shown, a recess 140a is formed on the clamping surface 140 of the housing 114 to avoid contact between the fastener 148 protruding from the side 152c and the clamping surface 140. The amount of recess 140a is recessed from the clamping surface 140 greater than the amount of protrusion of the fastener 148 from the side 152c. Furthermore, the recess 140a is formed in the vertical direction of the device to a depth greater than the area where the fastener 148 is disposed to fix the pair of lens arrays 152.

[0124] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, a light-shielding film 146 is formed on the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 disposed on one side of the light-shielding member 150. Specifically, the light-shielding film 146 is formed on the planar portion of the upper surface 152a and the outer peripheral portion of the lens surface 144. In other words, the light-shielding film 146 is formed on the planar portion of the upper surface 152a, the convex surface 158 of the upper surface 152a excluding the lens surface 144, and the peripheral portion of the lens surface 144. Here, "light-shielding film" refers to a film with a light transmittance (JIS K 7105) of 30% or less. Furthermore, the light transmittance of the light-shielding film 146 can be 30% or less, preferably 15% or less, and more preferably 5% or less. Thus, the light-shielding film functions as a transmission suppression unit to suppress light transmission.

[0125] In this embodiment, as an example, the light-shielding film 146 is a black coating (=coating) formed on the upper surface 152a by inkjet printing.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the portion opposite the through hole 170 in the vertical direction of the device is the lens surface 144 of the thick lens 164. In other words, the diameter of the thick lens 164 ( Figure 15 The diameter d02 is the same as the diameter d11 of the through hole 170.

[0127] Furthermore, the diameter of the exposed portion of the lens surface 144 where the light-shielding film 146 is not formed ( Figure 15 The diameter d03 of the exposed portion is smaller than the diameter d02 of the lens surface 144. In other words, the diameter d03 of the exposed portion is smaller than the diameter d11 of the through hole 170. The upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 on one side is an example of a surface.

[0128] That is, between the diameter d01 of the convex surface 158, the diameter d02 of the thick lens 164, and the diameter d03 of the exposed portion of the lens surface 144 of the thick lens 164 that is not covered by the light-shielding film 146, the following equation (1) holds.

[0129] d01>d02>d03……(1)

[0130] In this embodiment, as an example, the diameter d01 is set to 0.5 mm, the diameter d02 of the lens surface 144 is set to 0.45 mm, and the diameter d03 of the exposed portion of the lens surface 144 is set to 0.4 mm. Furthermore, the spacing (pitch) between adjacent thick lenses 164 is set to 0.55 mm.

[0131] Furthermore, as described above, the lens array 152 on the other side uses a lens array that is inverted vertically (rotated 180 degrees) from the lens array 152 on one side. Therefore, similar to the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 on one side, a light-shielding film 146 is also formed on the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side. The lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side is an example of the surface on the other side. Moreover, the pair of lens arrays 152 are fixed to the housing 114 using fasteners (e.g., UV-curable adhesive).

[0132] [Light-shielding component 150]

[0133] like Figure 18 , Figure 19As shown, a light-shielding member 150 extends along the depth direction of the device, and a plurality of cylindrical through holes 170 are formed in the light-shielding member 150 extending along the vertical direction of the device. This light-shielding member 150 is a member that blocks light that does not pass through the through holes 170 (i.e., unwanted light, such as light in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction of the device) by allowing light to pass through the through holes 170. In other words, this light-shielding member 150 is a member that blocks light that is not needed in image reading (i.e., unwanted light, such as light in a direction inclined relative to the optical axis direction of the thick lens 164) by allowing light to pass through the through holes 170. The depth direction of the device is an example of one direction.

[0134] Moreover, such as Figure 11 As shown, the light-shielding member 150 is arranged such that the opening 130 formed in the housing 114 and the through hole 170 are opposite each other in the vertical direction of the device. The through hole 170 is an example of a hole.

[0135] Viewed from above, the plurality of through holes 170 and the plurality of lens surfaces 144 formed in the lens array 152 (see reference) Figure 15 (overlap). Therefore, as Figure 18 , Figure 19 As shown, the through holes 170 are arranged in two staggered rows along the depth direction of the device. Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent through holes 170 along the depth direction of the device and the spacing between adjacent through holes 170 in a direction inclined relative to the depth direction of the device are the same as the spacing between adjacent thick lenses 164.

[0136] In this embodiment, as an example, the length of the light-shielding member 150 in the longitudinal direction of the device ( Figure 18 L1 is set to 336 mm, and the diameter of the through hole 170 is ( Figure 19 The d11) is set to 0.45 mm as described above. And the spacing (pitch) of the through holes 170 is set to 0.55 mm.

[0137] Furthermore, the light-shielding member 150 is formed by fixing 12 light-shielding portions 160 extending along the depth direction of the device to the housing 114 using fasteners 166 (e.g., UV-curable adhesive). Specifically, as Figure 11 As shown, the fastener 166 is provided at multiple locations across the upper surface 132 of the housing 114 and the light-shielding member 150, spaced apart along the depth of the device.

[0138] -Light shielding part 160-

[0139] The light-shielding portion 160 is integrally molded from a black resin material (e.g., acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS resin)). In this embodiment, as an example, Figure 20The length of the light-shielding part 160 in the longitudinal direction shown in (A) is... Figure 20 The thickness of (A) in the vertical direction is set to 28 [mm]. Figure 20 The (B) of T01) is set to 5 [mm].

[0140] And, as Figure 20 (A) Figure 20 As shown in (B), the light-shielding portion 160 has a base portion 162a extending in the depth direction of the device and protrusion portions 162b respectively disposed on both sides of the base portion 162a in the depth direction of the device and extending to both sides in the width direction of the device relative to the base portion 162a. The width direction of the device is an example of the width direction.

[0141] In this embodiment, as an example, the protrusion 162b extends 0.3 mm from each side of the base portion 162a in the width direction of the device, and the width of the protrusion 162b is ( Figure 20 The W2 of (A) is set to 2.6 [mm]. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the shape of the light-shielding portion 160 relative to its center of gravity ( Figure 20 Point G1) shown in (A) is symmetrical.

[0142] Moreover, such as Figure 17 As shown, when viewed from above, the protrusion 162b of the adjacent light-shielding portion 160 covers the entire recess 140a formed on the clamping surface 140 of the housing 114. Thus, the protrusion 162b suppresses light reflected from the original document G from entering the lens array 152 through the recess 140a. In other words, the protrusion 162b functions as a suppression unit to prevent light from passing through the recess 140a.

[0143] And, as Figure 20 As shown in (A), a through hole 170 is formed in the light-shielding part 160, and two U-shaped grooves 172 extending in the vertical direction of the device are formed at both ends of the light-shielding part 160 in the depth direction of the device.

[0144] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, a first protrusion 174 protruding along the depth direction of the device is formed on the upper part of the device in the vertical direction at one end of the light-shielding portion 160 in the device depth direction. Furthermore, a second protrusion 176 protruding along the depth direction of the device is formed on the lower part of the device in the vertical direction at the other end of the light-shielding portion 160 in the device depth direction. Additionally, the first protrusion 174 and the second protrusion 176 are divided into three parts by a groove 172.

[0145] And, as Figure 22 , Figure 23As shown, with a plurality of light-shielding portions 160 arranged and fixed along the depth direction of the device, the slots 172 of adjacent light-shielding portions 160 on one side and light-shielding portions 160 on the other side face each other, thereby forming a through hole 170. Specifically, one side of the light-shielding portion is... Figures 21-23 The light-blocking portion 160 shown on the left side of the paper. Furthermore, the light-blocking portion on the other side is... Figures 21-23 The light-blocking part 160 is shown on the right side of the paper.

[0146] Furthermore, apart from the two through holes 170 portions formed by the opposing slots 172 in the depth direction of the device, the first protrusion 174 and the second protrusion 176 overlap in the vertical direction of the device throughout the entire region in the width direction of the device. In other words, the first protrusion 174 and the second protrusion 176 overlap in the vertical direction of the device throughout the entire region of the adjacent light-shielding portions 160 that are close to and opposite each other in the vertical direction of the device. Additionally, as... Figure 21 As shown, an upward-facing surface 176a is formed on the side of the first protrusion 174 of the second protrusion 176. Furthermore, a downward-facing surface is formed on the side of the second protrusion 176 of the first protrusion 174. Therefore, the entire area of ​​adjacent light-shielding portions 160 that are close to and opposite each other in the vertical direction of the device refers to the portion where the upward-facing surface 176a and the downward-facing surface 174a are close to and opposite each other. Furthermore, "close to" means having a gap of, for example, within 100 μm, and also includes the concept of a gap of 0 (= contact). The upward-facing surface 176a is an example of an intersecting surface.

[0147] Furthermore, a gap is formed between adjacent light-shielding portions 160 in the depth direction of the device to absorb individual deviations of the light-shielding portions 160. In other words, the length (protrusion amount) of the first protrusion 174 and the second protrusion 176 in the depth direction of the light-shielding portion 160 is provided to form this gap. Here, "individual deviation" refers to the manufacturing deviation of the component, which is the deviation of the processing dimensions of each light-shielding portion 160. The light-shielding portion 160 is long in the depth direction of the device and is molded as a single piece from resin material. Therefore, the length of the light-shielding portion 160 in the depth direction of the device is easily affected by molding shrinkage, which can easily cause deviations.

[0148] In addition, such as Figure 24 As shown, when the diameter of the through hole 170 of the light-shielding part 160 is set to d11, the interval (spacing) of the through holes 170 is set to P, the thickness of the light-shielding part 160 is set to T01, and the distance between the planar portion of the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 in the vertical direction (=optical axis direction) and the light-shielding part 160 is set to L11, the following equation (2) holds. In other words, when the distance between the lens array 152 in the vertical direction and the light-shielding member 150 is set to L11, the following equation (2) holds.

[0149] 0<L11≤T01(P / d11-1)……(2)

[0150] In addition, L11 is an example of L, T01 is an example of T, and d11 is an example of D.

[0151] Thus, the light B01, which is most tilted relative to the vertical direction of the device, is suppressed from incident into the thick lens 164 adjacent to the thick lens 164 opposite to the through hole 170.

[0152] (Manufacturing method of reading device 100)

[0153] Next, the manufacturing method of the reading device 100 will be explained.

[0154] First, such as Figure 25 As shown, a light-receiving substrate 102 having a plurality of light-receiving elements 126 and a housing 114 having a pair of lens arrays 152 fixed thereon are prepared. The pair of lens arrays 152 have a plurality of thick lenses 164 through which light incident on the light-receiving elements 126 passes.

[0155] Next, as Figure 26 As shown, the light-shielding portion 160 with the through hole 170 is positioned opposite the lens array 152 in the vertical direction of the device. Specifically, the innermost light-shielding portion 160 in the longitudinal direction of the device is held by a robotic arm (not shown) and placed on the upward-facing surface 132, so that it is opposite the lens array 152.

[0156] Next, as Figure 27 As shown, light B02 is shone onto the light-shielding part 160 from above, and while the amount of light passing through the through hole 170 and then through the pair of lens arrays 152 is measured by the light-receiving element 126, the light-shielding part 160 is moved to one side or the other side in the depth direction of the device.

[0157] Specifically, light B02 is emitted from the light irradiation device 500. This light B02 passes through the through-hole 170 and then through the thick lens 164 of a pair of lens arrays 152 (see reference). Figure 11 The light reaches the light receiving element 126. The light receiving element 126 performs photoelectric conversion on the light B02 that reaches the light receiving element 126. The electrical signal converted by the light receiving element 126 is sent to a light intensity measuring device (not shown) that is electrically connected to the light receiving element 126, and the light intensity is measured by the light intensity measuring device.

[0158] Furthermore, while measuring the light intensity using the light-receiving element 126, the light-shielding part 160 is moved to one side or the other in the depth direction of the device, so that the average value of the light intensity measured by all the light-receiving elements 126 reaches or exceeds a predetermined reference value. In other words, the robot holding the light-shielding part 160 is moved to one side or the other in the depth direction of the device, so that the average value of the light intensity measured by the light intensity measuring device reaches or exceeds a predetermined reference value. Moreover, when the average value of the light intensity reaches or exceeds the reference value (i.e., at a certain time), the movement of the light-shielding part 160 in the depth direction of the device is stopped.

[0159] Next, light B02 is irradiated onto the light-shielding part 160, and while the amount of light passing through the pair of lens arrays 152 after passing through the through hole 170 is measured by the light-receiving element 126, the light-shielding part 160 is moved to one side or the other side in the width direction of the device.

[0160] Specifically, the emission of light B02 from the light irradiation device 500 continues uninterrupted. This light B02 passes through the through-hole 170 and then through the thick lens 164 of a pair of lens arrays 152 (see reference). Figure 11 The light reaches the light receiving element 126. The light receiving element 126 performs photoelectric conversion on the light B02 that reaches it. The electrical signal converted by the light receiving element 126 is sent to the aforementioned light intensity measuring device (not shown) electrically connected to the light receiving element 126, and the light intensity is measured by the light intensity measuring device. Moreover, while the light intensity is measured by the light receiving element 126, the light shield 160 is moved to one side or the other side in the width direction of the device, so that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the light intensity measured by the light receiving element 126 is below a predetermined reference value. In other words, the robot holding the light shield 160 is moved to one side or the other side in the width direction of the device, so that the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the light intensity measured by the light intensity measuring device is below a predetermined reference value. Moreover, when the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the light intensity is below the reference value (i.e., at a certain time), the movement of the light shield 160 in the width direction of the device is stopped.

[0161] Furthermore, once the average light intensity reaches or exceeds a reference value, even if the light-shielding part 160 is moved to one side or the other side in the width direction of the device, the average light intensity measured by the light-receiving element 126 will remain at or above the reference value. This is because the average light intensity is highly dependent on the position of the light-shielding part 160 in the depth direction of the device.

[0162] Next, use fastener 166 (e.g., a UV-curable adhesive). (See reference...) Figure 11The light-shielding part 160 is fixed to the housing 114. If the light-shielding part 160 is fixed to the housing 114 using the fastener 166, the robot will release its grip on the light-shielding part 160 and then grip the light-shielding part 160 fixed to the housing 114.

[0163] Furthermore, by performing the aforementioned process sequentially from the inner side of the light-shielding part 160 in the depth direction of the device toward the front side in the depth direction of the device, the light-shielding member 150 composed of a plurality of light-shielding parts 160 is fixed to the housing 114.

[0164] In addition, the remaining components, such as a pair of light guides 110, are installed in the housing 114 to manufacture the reading device according to this embodiment.

[0165] (The function of the main structural components)

[0166] Next, the function of the main structure will be explained while comparing it with the reading devices 300 and 400 involved in the comparison method. First, regarding the structure of the reading devices 300 and 400 involved in the comparison method, the parts that differ from those of the reading device 100 will be explained. Next, the differences in the function of these different parts will be explained.

[0167] [Structure of the reading device 300]

[0168] like Figure 28 As shown, the lens array 152 of the reading device 300 involved in the comparison method does not undergo surface treatment such as a light-shielding film. Furthermore, when the distance between the planar portion of the lens array 152 in the vertical direction (=optical axis direction) and the light-shielding portion 160 is set to L21, the following equation (3) holds true. Thus, in the reading device 300 involved in the comparison method, the distance between the lens array 152 and the light-shielding portion 160 is significantly separated.

[0169] L21>T01(P / d11-1)……(3)

[0170] [Structure of the reading device 400]

[0171] like Figure 29 As shown, the lens array 152 of the reading device 400 involved in the comparison method does not undergo surface treatment such as a light-shielding film. In addition, the planar portion of the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 in the vertical direction (= optical axis direction) of the device is in contact with the light-shielding portion 160.

[0172] [Function of reading devices 100, 300 and 400]

[0173] The light reflected from the original G (reflected light) passes through the formation on... Figure 11After passing through the through-hole 170 of the light-shielding portion 160, light enters the thick lens 164 of the lens array 152 on one side. Furthermore, light entering the thick lens 164 of the lens array 152 on one side exits and enters the thick lens 164 of the lens array 152 on the other side. Light entering the thick lens 164 of the lens array 152 on the other side exits and is concentrated (focused) on... Figure 9 The light-receiving element 126 shown.

[0174] -Reader 300-

[0175] Here, as Figure 28 As shown, in the lens array 152 of the reading device 300 involved in the comparison method, no surface treatment such as a light-shielding film is performed. In addition, the distance L21 between the lens array 152 and the light-shielding part 160 satisfies the aforementioned equation (3).

[0176] Therefore, light B21, which is inclined relative to the vertical direction of the device, passes through the through hole 170 and is incident on the planar portion of the upper surface 152a. Furthermore, light B22, which is further inclined relative to the vertical direction of the device, is incident on the thick lens 164 adjacent to the thick lens 164 opposite to the through hole 170.

[0177] -Reader 400-

[0178] And, as Figure 29 As shown, in the lens array 152 of the reading device 400 involved in the comparison method, no surface treatment such as a light-shielding film is performed. In addition, the lens array 152 is in contact with the light-shielding part 160 (not separated).

[0179] Therefore, light B21, which is inclined relative to the vertical direction of the device, passes through the through-hole 170 and is reflected once on the inner surface of the through-hole 170 of the light-shielding part 160 before entering the thick lens 164. Additionally, light inclined at a large angle (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) relative to the vertical direction of the device also enters the through-hole 170 of the light-shielding part 160 and is reflected on the inner surface of the through-hole 170. However, this light, which enters the through-hole at a large angle, is repeatedly reflected multiple times on the inner surface of the through-hole 170, resulting in repeated attenuation of the light intensity. Therefore, even if it enters the thick lens 164, the amount of light is negligible. However, light B21 is reflected only once below the inner surface of the through-hole 170, thus reducing the attenuation of light intensity due to reflection. Therefore, if this light enters the thick lens 164, it could potentially become stray light.

[0180] -Reader device 100-

[0181] In contrast, in the lens array 152 of the reading device 100 according to this embodiment, such as Figure 15 , Figure 24 As shown, a light-shielding film 146 is formed on the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 disposed on one side of the light-shielding member 150. Specifically, the light-shielding film 146 is formed on the planar portion of the upper surface 152a and the outer peripheral portion of the lens surface 144. In addition, the distance L11 between the lens array 152 and the light-shielding member 160 satisfies the aforementioned equation (2).

[0182] (Summarize)

[0183] As explained above, in the reading device 100, a light-shielding film 146 is formed on the planar portion of the upper surface 152a and the outer peripheral portion of the lens surface 144. Furthermore, the distance L11 between the lens array 152 and the light-shielding member 150 satisfies the aforementioned equation (2). Therefore, compared to the reading device 300 in the comparison method, light passing through the through-hole 170 can be suppressed from entering the portion surrounding the thick lens 164 in the lens array 152, excluding the thick lens 164 itself.

[0184] Furthermore, the lens array 152 and the light-shielding member 150 are separated in the vertical direction of the device. Therefore, compared with the reading device 400 according to the comparison method, light reflected once below the through hole 170 can be suppressed from entering the thick lens 164. Moreover, compared with the case where the lens array 152 is in contact with the light-shielding member 150, damage to the lens array due to contact with the light-shielding member 150 can be suppressed.

[0185] Furthermore, in the reading device 100, by suppressing the light incident on the portion surrounding the thick lens 164 in the lens array 152 other than the thick lens 164, stray light is reduced compared to the reading device 300 involved in the comparison method, thus suppressing the degradation of the read image quality. Here, "stray light" refers to scattered light generated around the optical path (around the optical axis of the thick lens 164) that affects the performance of the reading device and is unwanted light when reading images.

[0186] Furthermore, in the reading device 100, the diameter d03 of the exposed portion of the thick lens 164 that is not covered by the light-shielding film 146 is smaller than the diameter d11 of the through hole 170 of the light-shielding part 160. In other words, as explained in the aforementioned formula (1), the diameter d03 of the exposed portion that is not covered by the light-shielding film 146 is smaller than the diameter d02 of the thick lens 164. Therefore, when the light-shielding part 160 is fixed to the housing 114, etc., as described in the "Manufacturing Method of Reading Device 100", even if the axis of the through hole 170 is offset from the optical axis of the thick lens 164, compared with the case where the diameter of the exposed portion and the diameter d11 of the through hole 170 are the same, it is possible to suppress the light passing through the through hole 170 from entering the thick lens 164 adjacent to the thick lens 164 opposite to the through hole 170.

[0187] Furthermore, in the reading device 100, similar to the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 on one side, a light-shielding film 146 is also formed on the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side. Therefore, compared to the case where no light-shielding film is formed on the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side, light that is tilted relative to the optical axis (=the vertical direction of the device) can be suppressed from escaping from the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side.

[0188] This will be explained in detail. A portion of the light incident through the through-hole 170 of the light-shielding portion 160 onto the thick lens 164 of the lens array 152 on one side may be reflected by one or both of the lens surface 144 of the upper surface 152a and the convex surface 158 of the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on one side, resulting in stray light. Similarly, a portion of the light incident onto the thick lens 164 of the lens array 152 on the other side may be reflected by one or both of the convex surface 158 of the upper surface 152a and the convex surface 158 of the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side, resulting in stray light. In the reading device 100, similar to the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 on one side, a light-shielding film 146 is also formed on the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress stray light from the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side from emitting towards the light-receiving element 126 of the light-receiving substrate 102.

[0189] Furthermore, in the reading device 100, the lens array 152 on one side of the original document G and the lens array 152 on the other side of the light-receiving substrate 102 are symmetrical in the vertical direction of the device. Therefore, by using a lens array that is vertically reversed (rotated 180 degrees) on one side of the lens array 152 for the lens array 152 on the other side, the same components are used for the lens array 152 on one side and the other lens array 152.

[0190] Furthermore, in the reading device 100, when viewed from above (corresponding to the optical axis direction), the protrusion 162b of the light-shielding portion 160 covers the recess 140a formed on the clamping surface 140 of the housing 114. Therefore, compared to the case where the protrusion 162b is separated from the recess 140a when viewed from above, light can be suppressed from entering the lens array 152 through the recess 140a.

[0191] Furthermore, in the reading device 100, when viewed from above, the protrusion 162b of the light-shielding portion 160 covers the entire recess 140a formed on the clamping surface 140 of the housing 114. Therefore, compared to the case where the protrusion 162b of the light-shielding portion 160 covers only a portion of the recess 140a when viewed from above (the case where the protrusion 162b does not cover the recess 140a), light can be suppressed from entering the lens array 152 through the recess 140a.

[0192] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a reading device 100. Therefore, compared to the case where a reading device 300 or 400 is included in the comparison method, image quality degradation during reading can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the decline in the quality of the output image.

[0193] Furthermore, while specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and various other embodiments can be employed within the scope of the present invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in the above embodiment, the diameter d03 of the exposed portion not covered by the light-shielding film 146 is smaller than the diameter d11 of the through hole 170 of the light-shielding portion 160. However, the diameter of the exposed portion may also be the same as the diameter of the through hole. However, in this case, the function achieved by the diameter d03 of the exposed portion being smaller than the diameter d11 of the through hole 170 will not be utilized.

[0194] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, similar to the upper surface 152a of the lens array 152 on one side, a light-shielding film 146 is also formed on the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side. However, a light-shielding film may not be formed on the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side. In this case, the effect of forming a light-shielding film on the lower surface 152b of the lens array 152 on the other side will not be realized.

[0195] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lens array 152 on one side and the lens array 152 on the other side are symmetrical in the vertical direction of the device, but they can also be asymmetrical. However, in this case, the function that is achieved through symmetry will not be utilized.

[0196] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when viewed from above, the protrusion 162b of the light-shielding portion 160 covers the recess 140a formed on the clamping surface 140 of the housing 114, but it may not cover it. However, in this case, the function of covering the recess 140a by the protrusion 162b will not be utilized.

[0197] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the light-shielding member 150 is formed by a plurality of light-shielding portions 160, but the light-shielding member 150 may also be formed as a single unit.

[0198] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reading device includes a pair of lens arrays 152, but the lens array may also be a single one.

[0199] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A reading apparatus comprising: a light-blocking member having a plurality of through-holes each having a diameter D formed at intervals P in a thickness T, light reflected from a document passing through the plurality of through-holes each having a diameter D; an optical member having a surface on which a lens is formed in opposition to the light-blocking member and at a position opposite to the through-holes, a light-blocking film being formed at a position of a planar portion in the surface and a peripheral portion of a lens face of the lens, a distance L of the lens from the light-blocking member in an optical axis direction being 0 < L ≤ T (P / D-1); and a substrate having an element that receives light that has passed through the optical member; and a housing in which the optical member is mounted, the light-blocking member comprising: a base portion extending in a direction; and a protruding portion protruding from both sides of the base portion in a width direction intersecting the direction, the optical member having a side surface extending in the direction and facing the width direction, the side surface being provided with a convex portion, a pair of clamping surfaces clamping the optical member from the width direction being formed in the housing, the clamping surfaces being provided with a recess in which the convex portion retreats, the protruding portion covering at least a portion of the recess when viewed from the optical axis direction.

2. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of an exposed portion of the lens face of the lens on which the light-blocking film is not formed is smaller than the diameter of the through-hole.

3. The reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein two of the optical members are provided, including a first optical member and a second optical member, the first optical member and the second optical member being arranged in the optical axis direction in the order of the light-blocking member, the first optical member, the second optical member, and the substrate from the document side, a plurality of other lenses corresponding to the lenses are formed on a first surface of the second optical member, a light-blocking film is formed on at least a position of the first surface of the second optical member other than a lens face of the other lenses, the lens is located on a first surface of the first optical member, the first surface of the first optical member is located on a side of the first optical member distal from the second optical member, and the first surface of the second optical member is located on another side of the second optical member distal from the first optical member.

4. The reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first optical member and the second optical member are symmetrical in the optical axis direction.

5. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion covers the entire recess when viewed from the optical axis direction. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Images