Reflecting mirror lens array and image forming apparatus using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a mirror lens array and an image forming apparatus using the same, which can effectively shield scattered light that causes noise light and can achieve excellent optical characteristics. The mirror lens array (20) has a structure in which a plurality of optical devices (21) are arranged. Each optical device (21) has: an incident surface (22) for incident light; an exiting lens surface (25) for emitting light incident via the incident surface 22; an upstream reflecting surface (23) and a downstream reflecting surface (24) for reflecting light incident via the incident surface (22) to the exiting lens surface (25); and a light-shielding film (26) for shielding light. The incident surface (22) includes: an incident lens surface (221) for passing effective light emitted from the exiting lens surface (25) in the light incident on the incident surface (22); and a pointing lens surface (222) for directing useless light that becomes scattered light in the light incident on the incident surface (22) toward the light-shielding film (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mirror lens array assembled in a copier, printer, scanner, etc., and an image forming apparatus employing the mirror lens array. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the original document reading device of the image forming apparatus has a mirror lens array for refracting and reflecting light incident from the original document surface and converging it onto the sensor array. Furthermore, the exposure device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus has a mirror lens array for refracting and reflecting image signal-based light incident from the light source and converging it onto the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0003] The mirror lens array of the exposure apparatus has, for example, multiple optical devices that converge light from multiple light sources arranged in the main scanning direction onto the surface of a photosensitive drum. The mirror lens array has a structure in which multiple optical devices are integrally connected in the main scanning direction. The mirror lens array can, for example, be formed of a transparent resin.

[0004] Each optical element in a mirror lens array has a light-shielding layer on a portion of its surface. The light-shielding layer blocks light that is not needed for exposure (e.g., light that is unexpectedly incident on adjacent optical elements).

[0005] Mirror lens arrays are typically formed by injection molding. Therefore, in addition to the lens surface and reflective surface used to guide the effective light required for exposure, each optical element in a mirror lens array also has a surface portion that generates scattered light, leading to noise. When scattered light is generated and reflected or refracted at this surface portion, and this scattered light is mixed with the effective light before exiting, it becomes a cause of image quality degradation. However, when forming a mirror lens array by injection molding, it is difficult to eliminate the unwanted surface portions that generate this scattered light. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mirror lens array and an image forming apparatus using the mirror lens array, which can effectively block scattered light that causes noise light and can achieve excellent optical properties.

[0007] The mirror lens array of the embodiment has a structure in which multiple optical elements are arranged. Each optical element has: an incident surface for incident light; an exiting surface for emitting light incident via the incident surface; at least one reflecting surface for reflecting light incident via the incident surface toward the exiting surface; and a light-shielding portion for blocking light. The incident surface includes: an effective surface through which effective light from the exiting surface passes through the light incident on the incident surface; and a pointing surface that directs useless light that becomes scattered light from the light incident on the incident surface toward the light-shielding portion.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: a light source that emits light based on an image signal; the aforementioned mirror lens array that guides the light from the light source; a photosensitive drum having a surface that receives the light based on the image signal guided by the mirror lens array and forms an electrostatic latent image; and a developing apparatus that supplies a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum and develops it.

[0009] Another embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: a light source that emits light based on an image signal; and the aforementioned mirror lens array that guides the light from the light source, wherein the image forming apparatus irradiates a photosensitive medium with the light based on the image signal guided by the mirror lens array and forms an image. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a photocopier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 It shows the assembly in Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the original document reading device of a photocopier.

[0012] Figure 3 It shows the assembly in Figure 2 A perspective view of the mirror lens array of the original document reading device.

[0013] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view showing the assembly. Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the exposure device in the image forming section of a photocopier.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the main parts of a printer according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 Observing from the direction of arrow F6 Figure 3 A magnified stereoscopic view of a portion of the mirror lens array.

[0016] Figure 7 Observing from the direction of arrow F7 Figure 3 A magnified stereoscopic view of a portion of the mirror lens array.

[0017] Figure 8 Observing from the direction of arrow F8 Figure 3 A magnified stereoscopic view of a portion of the mirror lens array.

[0018] Figure 9 Observing from the direction of arrow F9 Figure 3 A magnified top view of a portion of the mirror lens array.

[0019] Figure 10 It is cut along F10-F10. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a mirror lens array.

[0020] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 3 A top view of a portion of the mirror lens array.

[0021] Figure 12 It is cut along F12-F12. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a mirror lens array.

[0022] Figure 13 It is cut along F13-F13. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a mirror lens array.

[0023] Figure 14 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the shapes of the first and second cylindrical surfaces of the mirror lens array.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0025] 10…Original document reading device, 20…Reflecting mirror lens array, 21…Optical device, 22…Incident surface, 23…Upstream side reflecting surface, 24…Downstream side reflecting surface, 25…Emission side lens surface, 26…Light-shielding film, 27…Gutter, 28…Inclined surface, 29…Plane, 30…Image forming unit, 100…Copier, 200…Printer, 206…Surface portion, 210…Exposure device, 221…Incident side lens surface, 222…Pointing lens surface, 501, 502, 503, 504…Exposure device, 2221…First cylindrical surface, 2222…Second cylindrical surface, 2223…Gutter, 2224, 2225…Point, F…Imaging point, O…Object point. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a copier 100 as an image forming apparatus. The copier 100 is, for example, an LED copier with a solid-state scanning method that uses an exposure optical system that employs a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED as a light source.

[0028] The copier 100 has a housing 2. The housing 2 has a transparent document stage glass 3 on its upper surface for placing the original document. The copier 100 has an automatic document feeder (ADF) 4 above the document stage glass 3. The ADF 4 can open and close the document stage glass 3. The ADF 4 feeds the original document through the document reading position (reading glass 5) described later, and functions as an original document presser for pressing the original document placed on the document stage glass 3.

[0029] The copier 100 has a document reading device 10 below the document table glass 3 for reading information recorded on the surface of the original document, i.e., the document surface. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the document reading device 10. The document reading device 10 can be moved along the document stage glass 3 in the sub-scanning direction (left-right direction shown in the diagram) by a drive mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, the document reading device 10 can be fixedly disposed under the transparent reading glass 5. Figure 1 (as shown in the image), the reading glass 5 and the original document stage glass 3 are arranged side by side on the same plane.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the document reading device 10 has a rectangular block-shaped support body 11. The support body 11 has an elongated structure extending in a main scanning direction (orthogonal to the paper surface) parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum described later. The document reading device 10 has an elongated substrate 12 extending in the main scanning direction and arranged horizontally. The support body 11 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 12. The substrate 12 and the support body 11 can move along the document stage glass 3 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0031] The support body 11 has two illumination devices 13 and 14 on the upper surface of the original document stage glass 3 side (reading glass 5 side). Illumination devices 13 and 14 each have an elongated structure extending in the main scanning direction. Illumination devices 13 and 14 are oriented towards each other. Figure 2 The illumination devices 13 and 14 separate in the left-right direction (sub-scanning direction). The illumination devices 13 and 14, together with the support body 11, move in the sub-scanning direction to illuminate the surface of the original document placed on the document stage glass 3. Alternatively, the illumination devices 13 and 14 illuminate the original document fed along the reading glass 5 through the reading glass 5. The support body 11 supports the illumination devices 13 and 14 in an angle where the illumination light emitted from them is directed towards the reading area of ​​the original document.

[0032] The lighting devices 13 and 14, for example, have a light source that arranges a plurality of LED elements (not shown) in the main scanning direction, and have a light guide (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction. In addition, fluorescent tubes, xenon tubes, cold cathode ray tubes, organic EL tubes, etc., can also be used as the lighting devices 13 and 14.

[0033] The support 11 supports a reflector lens array 20 near its upper surface and between the two lighting devices 13 and 14. Figure 3 A perspective view of the external appearance of the mirror lens array 20 is shown. The mirror lens array 20 has an elongated structure extending in the main scanning direction. The mirror lens array 20 enables the upright image of the original document to be imaged on the image sensor 15 mounted on the substrate 12. The mirror lens array 20 will be described in detail later.

[0034] Image sensor 15 (photoelectric conversion unit) has an elongated structure extending in the main scanning direction. Image sensor 15 is a line sensor in which multiple imaging elements that convert light into electrical signals are arranged in a linear fashion. Image sensor 15 is one or more line sensors. Image sensor 15 arranges multiple imaging elements side by side in the main scanning direction. Image sensor 15 can be composed of, for example, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), or other imaging elements.

[0035] The support 11 has a light-shielding member 16 on its upper surface. The light-shielding member 16 has an elongated structure extending in the main scanning direction. The light-shielding member 16 can be formed, for example, by bending a rectangular plate along its long side. The light-shielding member 16 has a slit 17 that allows reflected light from the original to pass through and guides it toward the mirror lens array 20. The light-shielding member 16 has a light-shielding material on its surface. The slit 17 of the light-shielding member 16 functions as an aperture that allows reflected light from the original to pass through and limits the width of the reflected light in the sub-scanning direction. The width of the slit 17 in the sub-scanning direction and its arrangement position are related to the width and arrangement position of the incident surface 22 (described later) of the mirror lens array 20 through the slit 17.

[0036] The support 11 has a space 111 for accommodating the mirror lens array 20 and a space 112 for accommodating the image sensor 15. In other words, the support 11 has a partition 113 that divides the two spaces 111 and 112 vertically. The partition 113 has a slit 18 extending in the main scanning direction. The slit 18 allows light emitted from the emission side lens surface 25 of the mirror lens array 20 (described later) to pass through, and defines the width of the light in the sub-scanning direction. Thus, unnecessary light (unnecessary light) and scattered light not required for reading the original are blocked by the edge of the slit 18.

[0037] For example, when the original document reading device 10 is fixed below the reading glass 5 Figure 1 and Figure 2In the indicated state, when the original is fed through ADF4, illumination devices 13 and 14 illuminate the original through the reading glass 5. Reflected light from the original enters the mirror lens array 20 through the slit 17 of the light-shielding member 16. The mirror lens array 20 reflects and converges the reflected light from the original, as described later, and exits through the slit 18 towards the image sensor 15. The image sensor 15 receives the reflected light from the original at its imaging point and performs photoelectric conversion to output an image signal.

[0038] At this time, the document reading device 10 reads the upright image of the original document on the reading glass 5 line by line along the main scanning direction. The document reading device 10 can acquire an image of the entire document (multiple line portions) by passing the original document through the reading glass 5 in the sub-scanning direction. Alternatively, when the original document is placed on the document stage glass 3 and the document reading device 10 moves along the document stage glass 3 in the sub-scanning direction, the document reading device 10 can also acquire an image of the entire document (multiple line portions).

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the copier 100 has an image forming unit 30 located approximately in the center of the housing 2. Above the image forming unit 30, the copier 100 has an intermediate transfer belt 40. Along the travel direction of the intermediate transfer belt 40, the image forming unit 30 includes a yellow image forming unit 301, a magenta image forming unit 302, a cyan image forming unit 303, and a black image forming unit 304. The image forming units 301, 302, 303, and 304 of each color have substantially the same structure; therefore, the black image forming unit 304 will be used as an example for description here, and detailed descriptions of the other color image forming units 301, 302, and 303 will be omitted.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the black image forming unit 304 and its surrounding structure. The black image forming unit 304 includes a photosensitive drum 314, a charged charger 324, an exposure device 504, a developer 334 (developing device), a primary transfer roller 344, a cleaner 354, and a scraper 364. Figure 4 Including an enlarged view of the exposure device 504.

[0041] The photosensitive drum 314 has a rotation axis extending in the main scanning direction orthogonal to the paper surface. The photosensitive drum 314 has an outer peripheral surface that contacts the surface (outer side) of the intermediate transfer belt 40. The photosensitive drum 314 rotates so that its outer peripheral surface and the intermediate transfer belt 40 move in the same direction at the same speed. A drive mechanism (not shown) of the image forming unit 30 causes the photosensitive drum 314 to rotate at the same speed as the intermediate transfer belt 40 in the direction of the arrow shown (clockwise).

[0042] The primary transfer roller 344 clamps the intermediate transfer belt 40 in the middle, facing the photosensitive drum 314 from above. The primary transfer roller 344 has a rotating shaft extending in the main scanning direction. The primary transfer roller 344 has an outer peripheral surface that contacts the back (inner surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 40. That is, the intermediate transfer belt 40 travels between the photosensitive drum 314 and the primary transfer roller 344.

[0043] The charged charger 324 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 314. The exposure apparatus 504 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 314 with exposure light based on the image signal of black after color decomposition, forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image signal of black on the surface of the photosensitive drum 314. The developer 334 supplies black toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 314, forming a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 314.

[0044] The primary transfer roller 344 overlays toner images of other colors onto a black toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 314 and transfers it onto the intermediate transfer belt 40. A cleaner 354 and a scraper 364 remove any remaining toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 314. The toner images overlaid on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 40 move along the intermediate transfer belt 40 between a pair of secondary transfer rollers 371, 372 (hereinafter referred to collectively as transfer roller pair 37).

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown in the enlarged view, the exposure apparatus 504 of the black image forming unit 304 includes a mirror lens array 20, a light source unit 52, and a housing 54. These components 20, 52, and 54 of the exposure apparatus 504 have elongated structures extending in the main scanning direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 314, and have a length approximately the same as the photosensitive drum 314 in the main scanning direction. The exposure apparatus 504 is separated from and opposite the photosensitive drum 314 in the illustration below it.

[0046] The housing 54 of the exposure apparatus 504 houses a mirror lens array 20 with the same structure as the mirror lens array 20 of the document reading device 10 described above. The housing 54 holds the mirror lens array 20 with its orientation reversed from that of the mirror lens array 20 of the document reading device 10. Furthermore, the housing 54 houses a light source unit 52. The housing 54 is fixed in a state where the light source 51 (described later) of the light source unit 52 is aligned with the mirror lens array 20.

[0047] The housing 54 integrally comprises a top wall 541 extending in the main scanning direction and two side walls 542, 542. The top wall 541 has a slit 5411 extending in the main scanning direction. The housing 54 can be formed, for example, by shaping a rectangular sheet of metal. The top wall 541 has an elongated rectangular plate-like structure. The top wall 541 of the housing 54 faces the surface of the photosensitive drum 314.

[0048] The housing 54 has two side walls 542, 542, each having an upper wall portion 5421, a shoulder wall portion (protruding wall portion) 5422, and a lower wall portion 5423. The two side walls 542 have a shape that flips the same structure left and right. In addition, the housing 54 may also have two end walls (not shown) disposed at both ends of the main scanning direction.

[0049] The upper wall portions 5421 of each sidewall 542 are integrally connected to the two ends of the top wall 541 in the sub-scanning direction. The upper wall portions 5421 extend from the ends of the top wall 541 in the sub-scanning direction in a direction opposite to the direction toward the photosensitive drum 314, and are approximately orthogonal to the top wall 541. The ends of the upper wall portions 5421 away from the top wall 541 are integrally connected to the shoulder wall portions 5422. The shoulder wall portions 5422 extend from the ends of the upper wall portions 5421 in a direction away from each other in the sub-scanning direction, and are approximately orthogonal to the upper wall portions 5421. The ends of the shoulder wall portions 5422 away from the upper wall portions 5421 are integrally connected to the lower wall portions 5423. The lower wall portions 5423 extend from the ends of the shoulder wall portions 5422 in a direction opposite to the direction toward the photosensitive drum 314, and are approximately orthogonal to the shoulder wall portions 5422.

[0050] Inside the housing 54, there is a narrower receiving space 5431 between two upper wall portions 5421 along the sub-scanning direction, and a wider receiving space 5432 between two lower wall portions 5423 along the sub-scanning direction. The mirror lens array 20 is housed in the narrower receiving space 5431 near the photosensitive drum 314, and the light source unit 52 is housed in the wider receiving space 5432 away from the photosensitive drum 314.

[0051] The slit 5411 provided in the top wall 541 of the housing 54 has a width in the sub-scanning direction that allows light required for exposure to pass through. The slit 5411 limits the width of the sub-scanning direction of the light passing through, and shields unwanted light and scattered light unwanted for exposure through the edge of the slit 5411. The top wall 541 has a long rectangular plate-shaped protective glass 55 on the outer surface on the side of the photosensitive drum 314, which covers the entire length of the slit 5411. The protective glass 55 is fixed to the outer surface of the top wall 541 by an adhesive S, thereby preventing toner, dust, etc. from adhering to the mirror lens array 20.

[0052] Within the housing 54, the mirror lens array 20 is housed within the receiving space 5431, extending in the main scanning direction. An adhesive S secures the mirror lens array 20 to the inner surface of the upper wall portion 5421 of one side of the housing 54. The mirror lens array 20 reflects and converges light incident from the light source 51 of the light source unit 52, as described later, and emits it onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 314. The mirror lens array 20 will be described in detail later.

[0053] The light source unit 52 includes a light source 51 and a bracket 53. The bracket 53 has a generally U-shaped cross-section extending in the main scanning direction. The bracket 53 has a top wall 531 for mounting the light source 51. The top wall 531 is a long rectangular plate. The bracket 53 has two side walls 532 that are continuous with the end edge of the top wall 531 in the sub-scanning direction. The side walls 532 are also long rectangular plates. The two side walls 532 extend from the end edge of the top wall 531 in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the opposite side of the light source 51. The bracket 53 can be formed, for example, by shaping a rectangular plate-shaped sheet metal. The bracket 53 is fixed to the housing 54 by bonding the outer surfaces of the two side walls 532 of the bracket 53 to the inner surfaces of the lower wall portion 5423 of the housing 54 using an adhesive S.

[0054] The top wall 531 of the support 53 has a light source 51 on its upper surface (the surface on the side of the mirror lens array 20) as shown in the figure. An adhesive S fixes the light source 51 to the upper surface of the top wall 531. The light source 51 is, for example, a component in which multiple light-emitting elements (not shown) are arranged linearly in the main scanning direction and mounted on the surface of a substrate (not shown) or a glass plate. The light source 51 has multiple light-emitting elements arranged in one or more lines.

[0055] The light source 51 emits light based on black-and-white image data (image signal) obtained by color decomposing image data acquired through the document reader 10 or image data acquired through an external device such as a personal computer (not shown). The multiple light-emitting elements of the light source 51 include, for example, LEDs or OLEDs that emit or extinguish based on the image data.

[0056] Light emitted from light source 51 is incident on incident surface 22 of mirror lens array 20, which is disposed in receiving space 5431 and will be described later. Mirror lens array 20 reflects and converges the light from light source 51 and emits it through exiting lens surface 25, which will be described later. Photosensitive drum 314 receives the light emitted from mirror lens array 20 and guided through slit 5411 and protective glass 55.

[0057] At this time, the photosensitive drum 314 rotates, and the exposure device 504 writes an electrostatic latent image line by line along the main scanning direction on the surface of the photosensitive drum 314. Then, by rotating the photosensitive drum 314 by a certain amount, the exposure device 504 forms an electrostatic latent image for black on the surface of the photosensitive drum 314 after color decomposition, corresponding to the overall image of the original document.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the copier 100 has a pair of transfer rollers 37 that transfer tonal images of various colors, which are superimposed on the surface of an intermediate transfer belt 40, onto a piece of paper P. Figure 4 As shown, one of the transfer rollers (left side of the diagram) is one of the rollers that wraps around the intermediate transfer belt 40. The other transfer roller (right side of the diagram) clamps the intermediate transfer belt 40 in the middle, opposite to one of the transfer rollers 371. The various tonal images superimposed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 40 pass through the clamping part of the transfer roller 372 as the intermediate transfer belt 40 travels.

[0059] The copier 100 has a paper tray 61 near the lower end of its housing 2, which can hold multiple sheets of paper P of a predetermined size. The paper tray 61 can be pulled out from the front surface of the housing 2 and stored inside the housing 2, for example. Above the right end of the paper tray 61 in the figure, the copier 100 has a pickup roller 62 for picking up the uppermost sheet P in the overlapping direction of the sheets P contained in the paper tray 61. The pickup roller 62 picks up sheets of paper P one by one from the paper tray 61 by contacting its circumference with the sheet P and rotating it.

[0060] The copier 100 has a paper discharge tray 63 located above the housing 2. The paper discharge tray 63 is positioned below the original document stage glass 3, discharging the paper P, after image formation, into the copier 100's body. The copier 100 has a longitudinal transport path 64 between the pickup roller 62 and the paper discharge tray 63 for longitudinally transporting the paper P taken from the paper tray 61 towards the paper discharge tray 63. The longitudinal transport path 64 extends through the clamping portion of the transfer roller pair 37 and includes multiple transport roller pairs 641 and transport guides (not shown). At the end of the longitudinal transport path 64, the copier 100 has a paper discharge roller pair 631 for discharging the paper P into the paper discharge tray 63. The paper discharge roller pair 631 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions.

[0061] The copier 100 has a fixing roller pair 65 on the longitudinal transport path 64 downstream of the transfer roller pair 37 (upper side of the figure). The fixing roller pair 65 heats and presses the paper P transported via the longitudinal transport path 64, so that the toner image transferred to the surface of the paper P is fixed to the surface of the paper P.

[0062] The copier 100 has a flipping transport path 66 for flipping a piece of paper P with an image formed on one side and feeding it into the clamping part of the transfer roller pair 37. The flipping transport path 66 has a plurality of transport roller pairs 661 that transport the paper P by rotating it while clamping it, and transport guides (not shown). The copier 100 has a gate 67 on the upstream side of the paper discharge roller pair 631 for switching the transport destination of the paper P between the longitudinal transport path 64 and the flipping transport path 66.

[0063] The copier 100 rotates the pickup roller 62 and removes paper P from the paper tray 61. The copier 100 then rotates multiple transport roller pairs 641 to transport the paper P removed from the paper tray 61 to the output tray 63 via the longitudinal transport path 64. Simultaneously, in coordination with the transport timing of the paper P, the copier 100 feeds the toner images of various colors, formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 40, into the clamping portion of the transfer roller pair 37. Then, the copier 100 applies a transfer voltage to the paper P from the transfer roller pair 37, transferring the toner images of various colors onto the surface of the paper P.

[0064] In this way, the copier 100 feeds the paper P with the toner image transferred into the clamping part between the fixing roller pair 65 and heats and presses it, so that the toner image melts and is pressed onto the surface of the paper P, thereby fixing the toner image onto the paper P. The copier 100 then discharges the paper P with the image formed as described above to the paper discharge tray 63 via the paper discharge roller pair 631.

[0065] At this time, when the duplex mode, in which image formation is also performed on the back side of the paper P, is selected, the copier 100 switches the gate 67 to the reversing transport path 66 at a time when the rear end of the paper P discharged in the discharge direction is about to disengage from the clamping part of the paper discharge roller pair 631. After this, the copier 100 reverses the paper discharge roller pair 631 to reverse the direction of the paper P transport. Thus, the copier 100 can make the rear end of the paper P point towards the reversing transport path 66, flipping the paper P and feeding it back into the clamping part of the transfer roller pair 37.

[0066] Furthermore, the copier 100 forms toner images based on image data formed on the back side of the paper P on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 40, and moves the intermediate transfer belt 40 holding the toner images of each color, thereby feeding the toner images of each color into the clamping part of the transfer roller pair 37. Then, the copier 100 transfers and fixes the toner images on the back side of the paper P after it has been flipped over as described above, and discharges them to the paper discharge tray 63 via the paper discharge roller pair 631.

[0067] The copier 100 includes a control unit 70 that controls the operation of the aforementioned mechanisms. The control unit 70 includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit 70 executes programs stored in the memory via the processor to perform various processing functions. The control unit 70 controls the original document reader 10 to acquire an image from the original document. Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the image forming unit 30 to form an image on the surface of the paper P. For example, the control unit 70 inputs image data read by the original document reader 10 into the image forming unit 30. The control unit 70 controls the operation of multiple transport roller pairs 641 and 661 to transport the paper P via the longitudinal transport path 64 and the flip transport path 66.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of a printer 200, which is an image forming apparatus in another embodiment. The printer 200 is, for example, a printer that develops images assembled in a high-resolution camera, or a printer for quickly imaging photographs of images taken by a digital camera, etc.

[0069] Printer 200 has a photosensitive medium 201, such as silver halide photographic film, directed in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure (in... Figure 5 (In the middle, on the right) A conveying mechanism (not shown) conveys the photosensitive medium 201 in a horizontal orientation. The photosensitive medium 201 has a receiving portion 2011 for containing developer on its leading side in the conveying direction. The printer 200 has a pair of pressing rollers 202, 203 along the conveying path of the photosensitive medium 201, which clamp and press the photosensitive medium 201 to release the seal (break the seal) of the receiving portion 2011. The pair of pressing rollers 202, 203 have a length exceeding the width in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the photosensitive medium 201.

[0070] The conveying mechanism transports the photosensitive medium 201 through a pair of pressing rollers 202 and 203. At least one of the pressing rollers 202 and 203 is forced against the other by a spring (not shown), thereby pressing the rollers 202 and 203 towards each other. As the photosensitive medium 201 is transported between the pair of pressing rollers 202 and 203, the rollers 202 and 203 crush the photosensitive medium 201 and continue transporting it. As a result, the receiving portion 2011 of the photosensitive medium 201 is crushed by the rollers 202 and 203, releasing the seal, and by further transporting the photosensitive medium 201, the developer is distributed across the entire surface of the photosensitive medium 201.

[0071] The printer 200 has an exposure device 210 upstream of a pair of pressure rollers 202 and 203 along the transport direction of the photosensitive medium 201. The printer 200 has the exposure device 210 separately and oppositely positioned below the diagram of the transport path. The exposure device 210 exposes the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium 201 transported via the transport path with exposure light of the three colors (RGB) after color decomposition of image data, thereby forming a color latent image on the photosensitive medium 201.

[0072] The exposure apparatus 210 has a support 211 extending in a width direction (orthogonal to the paper plane) orthogonal to the transport direction of the photosensitive medium 201. The support 211 supports the mirror lens array 20, which has the same structure as the mirror lens array 20 described above. The mirror lens array 20 extends in a width direction orthogonal to the paper plane and reflects and converges light incident from the light sources 2121, 2122, and 2123 in a manner described later, and emits it towards the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium 201. The mirror lens array 20 will be described in detail later.

[0073] Light sources 2121, 2122, and 2123 are, for example, OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), and are equipped with filters and apertures of various colors arranged in two alternating columns relative to the white organic EL element 213. The white organic EL element 213 is mounted on transparent glass 216. Furthermore, the OLED is isolated from external gases by the transparent glass 216, a sealing plate 215, and a frame-shaped adhesive 218 applied to the outer periphery of the sealing plate 215 and configured to seal the space between the transparent glass 216 and the sealing plate 215, thus preventing moisture absorption. The white organic EL element 213 is connected to a flexible substrate 219 and is powered by circuitry on the flexible substrate 219. A support 211 supports the transparent glass 216 between the reflector lens array 20 and the light sources 2121, 2122, and 2123.

[0074] Furthermore, the support 211 supports a transparent protective glass 214 on the photosensitive medium 201 side of the mirror lens array 20. The protective glass 214 protects the mirror lens array 20 while also preventing dust from adhering to it. The support 211 has a slit 217 extending in the width direction on the light-emitting side of the protective glass 214. The slit 217 has a width sufficient to allow the light component required for exposure to pass through, and its edges shield light not required for exposure.

[0075] While the printer 200 transports the photosensitive medium 201 via the transport mechanism, it illuminates the photosensitive medium 201 with light from light sources 2121, 2122, and 2123 via the reflective lens array 20, thereby forming a color latent image on the photosensitive medium 201. Furthermore, the printer 200 transports the photosensitive medium 201 via the transport mechanism and feeds it between a pair of pressure rollers 202 and 203. The pair of pressure rollers 202 and 203 crush the receiving portion 2011 of the photosensitive medium 201, releasing its seal and supplying developer to the photosensitive medium 201. Thus, the color latent image of the photosensitive medium 201 is developed, forming a color image on the photosensitive medium 201.

[0076] Below, refer to Figure 3 ,as well as Figures 6 to 10 The mirror lens array 20 described above will now be explained. The mirror lens array 20 of this embodiment has a general structure that can be used in the original document reading device 10, exposure devices 501, 502, 503, and 504 of the copier 100, and can also be used in the exposure device 210 of the printer 200.

[0077] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the external appearance of the mirror lens array 20. Figure 6 From Figure 3 A magnified stereoscopic view of four consecutive optical devices 21 in the main scanning direction of the mirror lens array 20 when viewed in the direction of arrow F6. Figure 7 From Figure 3 A magnified stereoscopic view of the four consecutive optical devices 21 of the reflective lens array 20 when viewed in the direction of arrow F7. Figure 8 From Figure 3 A magnified stereoscopic view of the four consecutive optical devices 21 of the reflective lens array 20 when viewed in the direction of arrow F8. Figure 9 From Figure 3 The top view of the four consecutive optical elements 21 of the mirror lens array 20 when viewed in the direction of arrow F9. Figure 10 It is a plane orthogonal to the long side of the reflector lens array 20. Figure 9 (shown as F10-F10) A cross-sectional view of the center of the main scanning direction of an optical device 21 when the reflector lens array 20 is cut open.

[0078] The mirror lens array 20 can be aligned along its long side along the main scanning direction ( Figure 3 The orientation (in the direction of the arrow) is assembled in the original document reading device 10, exposure devices 501, 502, 503, 504, and printer 200, and the exposure device 210 is also included. The reflective lens array 20 has multiple (in the direction of the arrow) Figures 6 to 9Only four (shown in the image) are transparent optical elements 21 of approximately the same shape, integrally arranged in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, in addition to the multiple optical elements 21, the mirror lens array 20 has extensions 2001 at both ends of its long side that can be accessed by an operator holding the mirror lens array 20 with their fingers. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the mirror lens array 20 is formed integrally from transparent resin. The mirror lens array 20 can also be formed from transparent glass.

[0079] like Figure 10 As shown, each optical element 21 of the mirror lens array 20 guides the diffused light from object point O to image at imaging point F located on the image plane (not shown). One optical element 21 images light from multiple object points O arranged in the main scanning direction onto the image plane. For example, one optical element 21 images light from object points O within a width of two to three times the spacing (pitch) of the optical element 21 arranged in the main scanning direction onto the image plane. Each optical element 21 of the mirror lens array 20 reflects the incident light twice and emits it, thereby forming an upright image of object point O at imaging point F.

[0080] For example, when assembling the mirror lens array 20 into Figure 2 In the case of the document reading device 10 shown, multiple optical elements 21 cause reflected light from the document to be imaged on the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 15. Furthermore, when the mirror lens array 20 is assembled... Figure 4 In the case of the exposure apparatus 504 shown, multiple optical elements 21 cause light from the light source 51 to image onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 314. Furthermore, when the mirror lens array 20 is assembled... Figure 5 In the case of the printer 200 shown, multiple optical devices 21 cause light from light sources 2121, 2122, and 2123 to form an image on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive medium 201.

[0081] The structure of the mirror lens array 20 of this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0082] Each optical element 21 of the mirror lens array 20 has an incident surface 22, an upstream reflecting surface 23, a downstream reflecting surface 24, an exiting lens surface 25 (emission surface), and a light-shielding film 26 (light-shielding part) on its surface. The incident surface 22 includes an incident lens surface 221 (effective surface) and a pointing lens surface 222 (pointing surface). The pointing lens surface 222 includes a first cylindrical surface 2221 and a second cylindrical surface 2222. The incident lens surface 221, the first cylindrical surface 2221, the second cylindrical surface 2222, the downstream reflecting surface 24, and the exiting lens surface 25 are free-form surfaces that convex outwards. The upstream reflecting surface 23 is a flat surface.

[0083] The incident-side lens surface 221 allows effective light (e.g., light required for exposure) from the exit-side lens surface 25 to pass through from the light incident on the incident surface 22. The first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 pointing towards the lens surface 222 direct unwanted light (which becomes scattered light) from the light incident on the incident surface 22 toward the light-shielding film 26. The incident surface 22 may also include the incident-side lens surface 221 and surfaces pointing away from the lens surface 222.

[0084] The first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 are cylindrical surfaces formed by moving each surface along the main scanning direction on a line intersecting with a surface perpendicular to the main scanning direction. Therefore, the first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 of the plurality of optical devices 21 each constitute a surface connected along the entire length of the mirror lens array 20. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 are parts of cylindrical surfaces with different curvatures.

[0085] Optical device 21 has a slot 2223 extending in the main scanning direction between a first cylindrical surface 2221 and a second cylindrical surface 2222. The slots 2223 of multiple optical devices 21 form a connected slot in the main scanning direction of the mirror lens array 20. Each optical device 21 has an incident-side lens surface 221 at the bottom of the slot 2223. The incident-side lens surface 221 of each optical device 21 is a freeform surface that converges effective light and is a surface with a different shape from the first cylindrical surface 2221 and the second cylindrical surface 2222. The width and depth of the slot 2223 are determined according to the shape and size of the incident-side lens surface 221. The slot 2223 is not an essential component of this invention.

[0086] The arrangement direction of the first cylindrical surface 2221, the groove 2223 (i.e., the incident-side lens surface 221), and the second cylindrical surface 2222 is the direction intersecting the main scanning direction. That is, the first cylindrical surface 2221 is adjacent to one side of the incident-side lens surface 221, which has multiple optical devices 21 arranged in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The second cylindrical surface 2222 is adjacent to the other side of the incident-side lens surface 221, which has multiple optical devices 21 arranged in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction.

[0087] Optical element 21 has a ridge 2002 extending in the main scanning direction between the first cylindrical surface 2221 pointing to the lens surface 222 and the upstream reflecting surface 23. The ridges 2002 of multiple optical elements 21 are connected in a straight line along the entire length of the mirror lens array 20.

[0088] like Figure 7As shown, the upstream reflective surfaces 23 of the multiple optical devices 21 form a comb-like flat surface with the ends of the ridge 2002 connected to each other as a single plane. In other words, the mirror lens array 20 has multiple slots 27 that divide the reflective surfaces between the upstream reflective surfaces 23 of the multiple optical devices 21.

[0089] The mirror lens array 20 has surface portions between a plurality of slots 27 and a plurality of exit-side lens surfaces 25 that do not contribute to guiding effective light. These surface portions include an inclined surface 28 continuous with the bottom surface of the plurality of slots 27, and a plane 29 continuous with the edge of the inclined surface 28 away from the slots 27 and connected to the plurality of exit-side lens surfaces 25. The inner surface of the slots 27 is also a surface portion that does not contribute to guiding effective light. The inclined surface 28 and the plane 29 are flat surfaces extending along the entire length of the mirror lens array 20. The edge between the inclined surface 28 and the plane 29 extends in a straight line in the main scanning direction and protrudes outward from the mirror lens array 20.

[0090] Multiple optical elements 21 each have an exit-side lens surface 25 that is continuous with the end edge of the plane 29 away from the inclined surface 28. Furthermore, each optical element 21 has a downstream-side reflecting surface 24 on its surface. Between the second cylindrical surface 2222 of the incident surface 22 and the downstream-side reflecting surface 24, the optical element 21 has a surface portion 206 that does not contribute to guiding the effective light required for exposure. This surface portion 206 is a generally flat surface extending over the entire length of the mirror lens array 20.

[0091] The mirror lens array 20 has a flange 205 that is continuous with the end edges of the plurality of exit-side lens surfaces 25 away from the plane 29. The flange 205 extends along the entire length of the mirror lens array 20. The flange 205 abuts, for example, against the inner surface of the housing 54 of the exposure apparatus 504, thereby positioning the mirror lens array 20 within the housing 54.

[0092] The optical device 21 has a light-shielding film 26 on the aforementioned surface portion that does not contribute to guiding effective light. The light-shielding film 26 is formed by coating the aforementioned surface portion with a light-shielding material using a dispenser, inkjet head, or the like. The light-shielding material is, for example, a highly light-shielding ink (e.g., a UV ink containing light-shielding materials such as carbon black, pigments, and dyes) using a polymer as a substrate having approximately the same refractive index as the mirror lens array 20. The light-shielding film 26 prevents light transmitted within the mirror lens array 20 from being reflected and from escaping outside the mirror lens array 20.

[0093] The mirror lens array 20 of this embodiment has a light-shielding film 26 on the inner surface, inclined surface 28, and plane 29 of the plurality of slots 27. The light-shielding film 26 may also be provided on the surface portion 206 between the second cylindrical surface 2222 and the downstream reflective surface 24. When the light-shielding film 26 is formed on the inner surface of the slot 27, for example, light-shielding material is injected into the slot 27 using a dispenser, and the light-shielding material is coated on the inner surface of the slot 27 through capillary action, wetting expansion, etc. In this way, when the light-shielding film 26 is coated on the inner surface of the slot 27 using capillary action, wetting expansion, etc., an appropriate amount of light-shielding material can be coated continuously and quickly, the operation can be simple, and the light-shielding material can be uniformly coated on each optical device 21.

[0094] A virtual boundary surface between two adjacent optical devices 21 in the main scanning direction ( Figure 6-8 The cross-section of the optical element 21 is a surface orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and is approximately orthogonal to the aforementioned surfaces 22 (221, 222), 23, 24, 25, 28, and 29. The surfaces 22 (221, 222), 23, 24, 25, 28, and 29 of the optical element 21 are approximately along the long side of the mirror lens array 20. In other words, in the mirror lens array 20 that integrally connects multiple optical elements 21 in the main scanning direction, the surfaces 22 (221, 222), 23, 24, 25, 28, and 29 of the optical element 21 are continuous surfaces connected in the main scanning direction.

[0095] The function of the mirror lens array 20 will now be explained using the case where the mirror lens array 20 is assembled in the exposure apparatus 504 as an example. For instance, when the mirror lens array 20 is assembled in the exposure apparatus 504, the incident surface 22 of the plurality of optical devices 21 and the light source 51 ( Figure 4 The mirror lens array 20 is fixedly mounted on the housing 54 in a relative orientation.

[0096] Light emitted from light source 51 is incident on the incident surface 22 of multiple optical devices 21. That is, diffused light from light source 51 located at object point O is incident on incident surface 22. Assuming that light source 51 is a linear light source extending in the main scanning direction, object point O is a plurality of points arranged in a line in the main scanning direction.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown, the effective light required for exposure in the light incident on the incident surface 22 is incident on the mirror lens array 20 via the incident-side lens surfaces 221 of multiple optical devices 21. The incident-side lens surfaces 221 of each optical device 21 converge the incident diffused light and form an inverted image in the center.

[0098] The upstream reflecting surface 23 reflects the effective light incident via the incident-side lens surface 221 to the downstream reflecting surface 24 through total internal reflection or Fresnel reflection. The downstream reflecting surface 24 further reflects the effective light reflected by the upstream reflecting surface 23 to the exiting-side lens surface 25 through total internal reflection or Fresnel reflection. The downstream reflecting surface 24 can also be formed by a flat surface.

[0099] The exit-side lens surface 25 emits the effective light reflected by the downstream-side reflecting surface 24 onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 314 disposed at the imaging point F. In this case, the imaging point F is also a plurality of points arranged in a line along the main scanning direction. The exit-side lens surface 25 cooperates with the downstream-side reflecting surface 24 to form an upright image, which is an inverted image formed by the incident-side lens surface 221. The effective light emitted from the exit-side lens surface 25 images the surface of the photosensitive drum 314 disposed at the imaging point F.

[0100] In addition to the effective light described above, unwanted light, which is not needed for exposure, is also incident on the incident surface 22 of each optical element 21. For example, there is a possibility that unwanted light may be incident on the mirror lens array 20 via at least one of the first cylindrical surface 2221 and the second cylindrical surface 2222 adjacent to the incident-side lens surface 221 in the incident surface 22. Such unwanted light may be refracted and reflected by the surfaces of the mirror lens array 20 to become scattered light, and may mix with the effective light described above emitted via the exit-side lens surface 25 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 314 to become noise light.

[0101] Therefore, in this embodiment, unwanted light incident via at least one of the first cylindrical surface 2221 and the second cylindrical surface 2222 is directed towards the light-shielding film 26, thereby suppressing scattered light and preventing noise light from mixing into the effective light for imaging on the surface of the photosensitive drum 314. In other words, in this embodiment, the first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 are arranged adjacent to the incident-side lens surface 221, and these first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 are shaped to direct unwanted light incident on the first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 towards the light-shielding film 26.

[0102] Below, refer to Figures 11 to 14 The light guiding path of useless light incident on the mirror lens array 20 via the first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 is described. Figure 11 This is a top view showing four optical elements 21 of the mirror lens array 20 in the main scanning direction. Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of an optical device 21 cut along the F12-F12 line in the center of the main scanning direction. Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view of the mirror lens array 20 cut along the line F13-F13 on the illusory boundary surface between two consecutive optical devices 21 in the main scanning direction. Figure 14 This is a diagram used to illustrate the shapes of the first cylindrical surface 2221 and the second cylindrical surface 2222.

[0103] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the first cylindrical surface 2221 refracts and converges the unwanted light incident on it downwards, away from the upstream reflecting surface 23. Therefore, the unwanted light incident on the first cylindrical surface 2221 is directed towards the light-shielding film 26 coated on the inner surface of the comb-shaped groove 27 and the light-shielding film 26 coated on the inclined surface 28. A portion of the unwanted light, after being reflected by the upstream reflecting surface 23, is directed towards the light-shielding film 26 coated on the inner surface of the comb-shaped groove 27.

[0104] like Figure 14 As shown, the first cylindrical surface 2221 has a shape in which a surface orthogonal to the main scanning direction (the cross-section in the figure) and a curve intersecting the first cylindrical surface 2221 overlap with a portion of a circle centered at a point 2224 on the side of the second cylindrical surface 2222, which is closer to the optical axis 2220 than the effective light axis. In this way, by setting the shape of the first cylindrical surface 2221, unwanted light incident on the first cylindrical surface 2221 can be directed downwards as shown in the figure and guided to the light-shielding film 26.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the second cylindrical surface 2222 causes unwanted light incident on the second cylindrical surface 2222 to refract and converge toward the light-shielding film 26. Therefore, the unwanted light incident on the second cylindrical surface 2222 is directed toward the light-shielding film 26 coated on the inner surface of the comb-shaped groove 27, the light-shielding film 26 coated on the inclined surface 28, and the light-shielding film 26 coated on the plane 29. A portion of the unwanted light is reflected by the surface portion 206 and then directed toward the light-shielding film 26 coated on the inner surface of the comb-shaped groove 27 and the light-shielding film 26 coated on the inclined surface 28.

[0106] like Figure 14 As shown, the second cylindrical surface 2222 has a surface orthogonal to the main scanning direction (the cross-section in the figure), and the curve intersecting the second cylindrical surface 2222 has a shape that overlaps with a portion of a circle centered at a point 2225 closer to the first cylindrical surface 2221 than the optical axis 2220 of the effective light. In this way, by setting the shape of the second cylindrical surface 2222, the unwanted light incident on the second cylindrical surface 2222 can be directed upwards as shown in the figure and guided to the light-shielding film 26.

[0107] Furthermore, since the first cylindrical surface 2221 is located on the same side as the upstream reflecting surface 23 relative to the optical axis 2220, useless light is refracted significantly in a way that useless light does not incident on the upstream reflecting surface 23, thereby increasing the curvature. On the other hand, since the second cylindrical surface 2222 is located on the opposite side of the upstream reflecting surface 23 relative to the optical axis 2220, useless light is refracted significantly in a way that useless light does not incident on the upstream reflecting surface 23, thereby decreasing the curvature.

[0108] As described above, according to this embodiment, since unwanted light incident on the first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221, 2222 adjacent to the incident-side lens surface 221 is guided to the light-shielding film 26, scattered light that causes noise light can be effectively blocked. That is, according to this embodiment, a mirror lens array 20 with good optical characteristics can be provided.

[0109] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described; however, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are encompassed within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0110] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where a pointing lens surface 222 is provided only on the incident surface 22 to guide unwanted light toward the light-shielding film 26 has been described. However, other pointing lens surfaces may also be provided on other parts of the surface of the mirror lens array 20. However, it is effective to provide the pointing lens surface 222 on the incident surface 22 where light is incident, and it is effective to provide it side by side with the incident side lens surface 221.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the light-shielding film 26 is provided only on the inner surface of the plurality of slots 27, the inclined surface 28, and the plane 29 to block useless light has been described. However, other light-shielding films 26 may also be provided on other parts of the surface of the mirror lens array 20. For example, the light-shielding film may be provided on the surface portion 206 between the second cylindrical surface 2222 of the incident surface 22 and the downstream reflecting surface 24. By increasing the area where the light-shielding film 26 is provided, the flexibility of the shape, arrangement position, etc. of the pointing lens surface 222 can be improved.

[0112] In addition to the aforementioned light-shielding film 26, a structure that enables the surface portion of the mirror lens array 20 to have a light-shielding function can also be provided as a light-shielding part to block unwanted light. For example, a separate component with a light-shielding function can be manufactured, and in order to prevent air from entering between their respective boundaries and causing reflection, an optical adhesive with a substantially the same refractive index is used to bond the separate component to the mirror lens array 20.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where the incident-side lens surface 221 of each optical device 21 is a freeform surface has been described; however, this is not a limitation, and the incident-side lens surface 221 may also be a spherical surface. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where the first cylindrical surface 2221 and the second cylindrical surface 2222 are cylindrical surfaces has been described; however, this is not a limitation, and the first and second cylindrical surfaces 2221 and 2222 may also be freeform surfaces.

Claims

1. A mirror lens array comprising a plurality of optical elements, wherein the optical elements have: Incident surface, incident light; The exiting surface emits light that has been incident through the incident surface; At least one reflecting surface reflects light incident via the incident surface toward the exiting surface; as well as The light-blocking section is used to block light. In the mirror lens array, The incident surface includes: An effective surface, allowing effective light emitted from the exiting surface to pass through in the light incident on the incident surface; and The direction is such that the useless light that becomes scattered light in the light incident on the incident surface is directed toward the light-shielding part. The pointing surface includes: a first cylindrical surface, adjacent to one side of the effective surface in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the plurality of optical devices are arranged; and a second cylindrical surface, adjacent to the other side of the effective surface in the intersecting direction.

2. The mirror lens array of claim 1, wherein, The first cylindrical surface and the second cylindrical surface are cylindrical. The first cylindrical surface has the following shape: the curve intersecting the first cylindrical surface with the plane orthogonal to the direction in which the optical devices are arranged overlaps with a portion of a circle centered on a point on the second cylindrical surface that is closer to the optical axis than the light incident on the effective surface. The second cylindrical surface has the following shape: the curve intersecting the second cylindrical surface with the plane orthogonal to the direction in which the optical devices are arranged overlaps with a portion of a circle centered at a point closer to the first cylindrical surface than the optical axis.

3. The mirror lens array according to claim 1, wherein, The effective surface is a freeform surface.

4. The mirror lens array according to claim 1, wherein, The effective surface is a sphere.

5. The mirror lens array according to claim 1, wherein, The light-shielding part is a light-shielding film.

6. An image forming apparatus comprising: The mirror lens array according to any one of claims 1 to 5 guides reflected light from the original document surface; The photoelectric conversion unit receives reflected light from the original document surface guided by the mirror lens array and outputs an image signal; and The image forming unit forms an image based on the image signal output by the photoelectric conversion unit.

7. An image forming apparatus comprising: A light source that emits light based on image signals; The mirror lens array according to any one of claims 1 to 5 guides light from the light source; A photosensitive drum has a surface that receives light based on the image signal guided by the mirror lens array and forms an electrostatic latent image; as well as The developing apparatus supplies a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum and develops it.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising: A light source that emits light based on image signals; and The mirror lens array according to any one of claims 1 to 5 guides the light from the light source. The image forming apparatus illuminates a photosensitive medium with light based on the image signal guided by the mirror lens array and forms an image.

Images