JP2013255067A - Integrated scanning optical unit, image reading device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an integrated scanning optical unit that suppresses a temperature rise of a light-emitting element by using document reading operation and return operation and efficiently dissipating heat of the light-emitting element with a simple configuration, and suppresses an increase in manufacturing costs, the number of components, and weight; and an image reading device including the integrated scanning optical unit; and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A housing 412 includes a plurality of pieces of introduction means for introducing air from the outside to the inside of the housing 412 through a housing-side opening 605 by using movement of an integrated scanning optical unit in a sub scanning direction. The housing 412 includes the plurality of pieces of introduction means on both side surfaces of the housing 412, and on an extended line of both ends of a straight line connecting both end parts in a main scanning direction of a light source 402. The introduction means has a configuration to guide the air introduced from the housing-side opening 605 to said both end parts.

Description

  The present invention relates to an integrated scanning optical unit, an image reading apparatus, and an image reading apparatus.

  Conventionally, an integrated scanning optical unit having a light emitting element for irradiating light to read a document, an image reading device such as a scanner device provided with this integrated scanning optical unit, and a facsimile equipped with this image reading device Image forming apparatuses such as apparatuses, copying machines, and multifunction machines are widely used.

  In order to reduce the size of the image reading apparatus, this image reading apparatus uses an optical system such as an illumination system, a mirror, and an imaging lens, and an integrated scanning optical unit in which an image sensor such as a CCD is housed in a frame. Yes. An image reading apparatus that reads a two-dimensional image by scanning the integrated scanning optical unit along a document surface is known.

  In the conventional integrated scanning optical unit, a short focus optical lens is used for the purpose of downsizing the integrated scanning optical unit. However, when using a short-focus optical lens, it is necessary to increase the irradiance of the illumination system at both ends because the amount of irradiation light required at both ends in the main scanning direction is larger than that of the prior art according to the Cos4 power law. There was a problem. This problem is currently addressed by using a high-intensity LED (Light Emitting Diode) package as a point light source, or by concentrating the LED packages at the ends.

  In addition, with the demand for productivity improvement in the market, it is necessary to increase the linear speed of the integrated scanning optical unit. However, in order to increase the linear velocity, there is a problem that the amount of irradiation light required at both ends in the main scanning direction is larger than before, and the irradiance of the illumination system at both ends needs to be increased.

  It is necessary to increase the illuminance to solve both problems. However, since the amount of heat generated by the LED unit increases as the illuminance increases, there is a concern that the operation of the point light source becomes unstable or the temperature rating of the point light source is exceeded.

  Further, in order to solve the above problems, conventionally, a method of separately providing a heat radiating means such as a fan has been adopted, but there has been a problem of an increase in manufacturing cost, the number of parts, and weight.

  A conventional image reading apparatus employs an apparatus that cools a light source by a carriage operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The image reading apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 emits light by applying air to a portion of a support member where a circuit board including a light emitting element is fixed and returning heat to the support member during a carriage return operation. The element is cooled. A through hole is formed in the support member.

  Moreover, the conventional light emitting element array employs a heat radiating fin that radiates heat generated from the light emitting element array (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The light emitting element array disclosed in Patent Document 2 conducts heat generated from the light emitting element array to a heat pipe via a heat dissipation substrate. One end side of the heat pipe is embedded inside the heat dissipation board, and the other end side protrudes outside the heat dissipation board. The heat conducted to the heat pipe is radiated by the radiating fin provided on the other end side of the heat pipe.

JP 2007-306309 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 04-135349

  However, the image reading apparatus of Patent Document 1 does not employ an integrated scanning optical unit that needs to increase the irradiance of the light irradiated on the document as described above. On the other hand, when an integrated scanning optical unit is used, a cooling method for a light source with higher cooling efficiency is required. Further, as a new problem, there is a demand for increasing the irradiance of light irradiated on a document by increasing the amount of light emitted at both ends in the main scanning direction.

  In addition, the light-emitting element array of Patent Document 2 requires a separate member such as a heat pipe, a heat radiating fin, and a cooling fan, and thus has a problem of an increase in manufacturing cost, the number of parts, and weight.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and utilizes a manuscript reading operation and a return operation to efficiently dissipate a light emitting element with a simple configuration, thereby suppressing a temperature rise of the light emitting element, and manufacturing. An object of the present invention is to provide an integrated scanning optical unit in which an increase in cost, the number of parts, and weight are suppressed, and an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same.

  In order to achieve the above object, an integrated scanning optical unit according to the present invention includes a light source arranged linearly in a main scanning direction, a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source to a document, and the light guide. A reflection mirror that reflects light reflected when the light guided from the document is irradiated on the document, an imaging lens that converges the light reflected by the reflection mirror, and light that is converged by the imaging lens. An image sensor for receiving light is mounted on a housing, and the housing is provided with a housing side opening on both ends of a straight line connecting both ends of the light source in the main scanning direction. On both side surfaces, there are provided introduction means for introducing air from the outside to the inside of the housing through the housing side opening by utilizing the movement of the integrated scanning optical unit in the sub-scanning direction. Introducing means comprises a structure configured to guide the air introduced from said housing side opening in the opposite end portions.

  According to the present invention, the temperature increase of the light emitting element is suppressed by efficiently radiating the light emitting element with a simple configuration using the document reading operation and the return operation, and the increase in the manufacturing cost, the number of parts, and the weight is suppressed. In addition, an integrated scanning optical unit, and an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same can be provided.

1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state where a scanner cover part and a scanner frame part are disassembled. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the inside of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an integrated scanning optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state during a document reading operation. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an integrated scanning optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a rear view. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an integrated scanning optical unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state during a document reading operation. It is sectional drawing of the integrated scanning optical unit which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state at the time of return operation | movement. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a side channel formed in the integrated scanning optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the integrated scanning optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state during a document reading operation. It is a partial cross section figure of the integrated scanning optical unit which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state at the time of return operation | movement. It is a perspective view of the LED unit supported by the support member used for the integrated scanning optical unit which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view of the side part flow path formed in the integrated scanning optical unit which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the conventional integrated scanning optical unit.

  Hereinafter, an integrated scanning optical unit, an image reading apparatus, and an image forming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured as an electrophotographic digital copier, for example. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 101, an image reading apparatus 102, and a document conveying apparatus 103. The image reading apparatus 102 is on the image forming apparatus main body 101, and the document conveying apparatus 103 is on the image reading apparatus 102.

  The document conveying device 103 conveys a document to the image reading device 102. Specifically, the document conveying device 103 separates the documents one by one from the document bundle placed on the tray, and conveys the document onto a contact glass 203 of the image reading device 102 described later. The document conveying device 103 is attached to the image reading device 102 so as to be openable and closable via an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge (not shown). The opening / closing mechanism is provided between the document conveying apparatus 103 and the image reading apparatus 102 and is provided on the back surface of the image forming apparatus 100 (that is, the left rear side in FIG. 1).

  The image reading device 102 reads an image of a document conveyed from the document conveying device 103. Specifically, the image reading apparatus 102 reads an image of a document by irradiating the document with light and converting reflected light from the document into an image signal. The image reading apparatus 102 includes an integrated scanning optical unit 301 described later. The integrated scanning optical unit 301 includes a light irradiation device including a light source and the like.

  A document to be read by the image reading apparatus 102 is lifted up on the front side of the document conveying apparatus 103 (that is, the right front side in FIG. 1) to open the document conveying apparatus 103, and is placed on the contact glass 203 (see FIG. 3). The sheet is placed or automatically conveyed one by one from the document conveying device 103 so as to be supplied onto the contact glass 203. Therefore, the document conveying device 103 has an arbitrary configuration.

  The image forming apparatus main body 101 forms an image of a document read by the image reading apparatus 102 on a predetermined sheet. Specifically, the image forming apparatus main body 101 forms an image of a document on the photosensitive drum using toner based on the image of the document read by the image reading device 102, and the toner on the photosensitive drum on a predetermined sheet. After the toner images are superposed and transferred, the transferred toner is melted to fix the original image on a predetermined sheet.

  The configuration of the image reading apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading apparatus 102 includes a scanner cover unit 201 and a scanner frame unit 202. The scanner frame unit 202 has a box shape having an opening. The scanner cover unit 201 is fixed to the scanner frame unit 202 with screws so as to cover the opening of the scanner frame unit 202.

  Two contact glasses 203 and 204 are attached to the scanner cover portion 201. The resin material constituting the scanner cover part 201 and the scanner frame part 202 are both ABS resin. The resin material to be configured is not limited to ABS resin.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading apparatus 102 includes an integrated scanning optical unit 301 and two guide rods 302 and 303 therein. The integrated scanning optical unit 301 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction while being guided by two guide rods 302 and 303. The two guide rods 302 and 303 are inserted on one side and the other side of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 in the main scanning direction, and extend in the sub scanning direction of the integrated scanning optical unit 301.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image reading apparatus 102 includes an integrated scanning optical unit 301 and moving means for moving the integrated scanning optical unit 301 in the sub-scanning direction. The moving means includes a motor 701, a motor gear 702, a first timing belt 703, a drive gear 704, a first pulley 705, a second timing belt 706, a second pulley 707, and a fixing portion 708. It is configured.

  The motor gear 702 is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 701 and is configured to be rotatable with the operation of the motor 701. The first timing belt 703 is engaged with the motor gear 702 and the drive gear 704 so as to circulate between the motor gear 702 and the drive gear 704 as the motor gear 702 rotates. The drive gear 704 is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as the rotation direction of the motor gear 702 when the first timing belt 703 rotates.

  The first pulley 705 is formed integrally with the drive gear 704 and is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as the rotation direction of the drive gear 704. The second timing belt 706 is engaged with the first pulley 705 and the second pulley 707 so as to circulate between the first pulley 705 and the second pulley 707 as the first pulley 705 rotates. The second pulley 707 is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as the rotation direction of the first pulley 705 when the second timing belt 706 rotates.

  The integrated scanning optical unit 301 is fixed to the second timing belt 706 at a fixing portion 708. The integrated scanning optical unit 301 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by being guided by the guide rods 302 and 303 when the second timing belt 706 rotates. The fixing unit 708 will be described later.

  The operation of the image reading apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a predetermined instruction is given, the image reading apparatus 102 rotates the motor 701 to move the integrated scanning optical unit 301 in the sub-scanning direction. The rotated motor 701 rotates the motor gear 702 attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 701. The rotated motor gear 702 rotates the first timing belt 703 and rotates the drive gear 704 and the first pulley 705. The rotated first pulley 705 rotates the second timing belt 706 to rotate the second pulley 707. The integrated scanning optical unit 301 fixed to the second timing belt 706 via the fixing portion 708 is guided by the guide rods 302 and 303 and moves in the sub-scanning direction as the second timing belt 706 circulates.

  4 shows a state in which the integrated scanning optical unit 301 is located at the home position. When an instruction to read the document on the contact glass 203 is given, the motor 701 rotates in one direction, and the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves from the home position in the document reading operation direction a1.

  When the document has been read, the motor 701 rotates to the other side, and the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves to the home position in the return operation direction a2. In an image reading apparatus that requires high productivity, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 operates at a speed of about 500 mm / s.

  The configuration of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 412, a light emitting element (hereinafter referred to as “LED”) unit 403, a light guide plate 404, a reflector 405, The reflection mirror 406, the imaging lens 407, and the image sensor 408 are integrally configured.

  The housing 412 includes a frame 410 and a flow path forming member 411. The flow path forming member 411 is attached to the upper part of the frame 410. The frame 410 and the flow path forming member 411 are each made of resin.

  The flow path forming member 411 may be attached to a support member that fixes the LED unit 403 to the frame 410, or may be integrally formed with the frame 410.

  Hereinafter, each surface, front and rear, left and right, and top and bottom of the frame 410 and the housing 412 refer to a case where the original P is viewed from the original reading operation direction a1 to the return operation direction a2.

  The first flow path 512 includes a frame 410 and a flow path forming member 411 and has a first opening 511. The second flow path 521 is configured by the reflection mirror 406 and the flow path forming member 411 and has a second opening 520. The first flow path 512 and the second flow path 521 communicate with each other and are configured to allow air to flow. The first opening 511, the second opening 520, the third opening 517, the fourth opening 518, and the fifth opening 519 described later are all long in the main scanning direction.

  In the integrated scanning optical unit 301, the reflection mirror 406 is used as a part of the second flow path 521. However, the reflection mirror 406 is not necessarily required, and the frame 410 is also the flow path forming member 411. Also good.

  The second flow path 521 and the second opening 520 are vertically partitioned by the light guide plate 404. The partitioned upper part constitutes a second upper channel 514 and a second upper opening 513, respectively, and the partitioned lower part constitutes a second lower channel 516 and a second lower opening 515, respectively. The second upper flow path 514 and the second lower flow path 516 are each configured to become narrower toward the LED unit 403.

  The first flow path 512 guides the air flowing in from the first opening 511 to the LED unit 403 and guides the air discharged from the second flow path 521 to the outside of the housing 412. The first flow path 512 is configured to become narrower from the first opening 511 toward the LED unit 403. The air that has passed through the LED unit 403 passes through the second flow path 521 and is discharged out of the housing 412.

  The first opening 511 is open toward the document reading operation direction a1 which is one side in the sub-scanning direction. The first opening 511 is formed by the frame 410 and the flow path forming member 411 at the upper front end of the housing 412 and occupies approximately 1/3 of the front of the housing 412.

  The second flow path 521 guides the air flowing in from the second opening 520 to the LED unit 403 and guides the air discharged from the first flow path 512 to the outside of the housing 412. The second flow path 521 is configured to become narrower from the second opening 520 toward the LED unit 403. The air that has passed through the LED unit 403 passes through the first flow path 512 and is discharged out of the housing 412.

  Note that the first flow path 512 and the second flow path 521 may each be configured such that a part thereof becomes narrower toward the LED unit 403.

  The second opening 520 opens toward the return operation direction a2, which is the other in the sub-scanning direction. The second opening 520 faces the back surface of the frame 410. A fifth opening 519 described later is provided on the back surface of the frame 410 facing the second lower opening 515.

  The housing 412 further includes a third opening 517, a fourth opening 518, and a fifth opening 519.

  The third opening 517 allows light emitted from the LED unit 403 toward the document P to pass through, or allows reflected light L from the document P toward the housing 412 to pass. The third opening 517 guides air to the second upper flow path 514 and discharges air from the second upper flow path 514 to the outside of the housing 412 when the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves in the sub-scanning direction. Is for. The third opening 517 is configured by the frame 410 and the flow path forming member 411. The third opening 517 is located at the rear when the housing 412 is viewed from above.

  The fourth opening 518 is for guiding the reflected light L from the document P that has passed through the third opening 517 to the reflection mirror 406. The fourth opening 518 is provided at a position facing the third opening 517 in the frame 410. The fourth opening 518 is located at the rear when the frame 410 is viewed from above. The ceiling part of the frame 410 has been pushed up from the front part to the rear part, and the end point of the pushed-up part is at a position lower than the upper end of the back surface of the frame 410.

  The fifth opening 519 is for guiding air to the second lower flow path 516 or discharging the air from the second lower flow path 516 to the outside of the housing 412 depending on the traveling direction of the integrated scanning optical unit 301. is there. The fifth opening 519 is provided at a position facing the second lower opening 515 in the frame 410. The fifth opening 519 is provided on the back of the housing 412 and below the reflector 405.

  The LED unit 403 emits light. The LED unit 403 includes an LED package 402 and an LED substrate 401. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the LED unit 403 includes a plurality of LED packages 402 arranged in a substantially straight line in the main scanning direction on an LED substrate 401.

  Therefore, the light source is composed of a plurality of LED packages 402. In this case, the end of the light source in the main scanning direction refers to the vicinity of the LED package 402 closest to the housing 412 among the plurality of LED packages 402. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 and shows one LED package 402 on this cross-section.

  The light source may be a light source having an elongated tubular single structure such as a cold cathode tube, or may be a surface light source such as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

  The LED unit 403 is located between the frame 410 and the flow path forming member 411. The LED unit 403 is disposed in the flow path and is located at a connection portion between the first flow path 512 and the second flow path 521. The LED package 402 is positioned so that the irradiation surface of the LED package 402 faces the incident surface of the light guide plate 404. Both ends of the LED substrate 401 in the main scanning direction protrude out of the housing 412 from an insertion port in a flow path forming member 411 (not shown). The LED unit 403 is fixed to the flow path forming member 411 via the LED substrate 401. A method for fixing the LED unit 403 will be described later.

  In addition, you may fix the LED unit 403 to the flame | frame 410 not using the flow-path formation member 411 but using a support member as needed.

  Between the LED unit 403 and the flow path forming member 411 that is the upper wall of the flow path, a space X that allows air to pass is provided. In addition, a space Y that allows air to come and go is provided between the LED unit 403 and the frame 410, which is the lower wall of the flow path, and the reflection mirror 406, regardless of the presence or absence of a support member.

  With this configuration, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 provides the spaces X and Y above and below the LED unit 403 as described above, thereby allowing air from the flow path to flow up and down the LED unit 403 during operation. 403 can be efficiently cooled.

  The light guide plate 404 guides the light emitted from the LED unit 403 to the document P. The light guide plate 404 is used to uniformly irradiate the original P with light. The light incident on the light guide plate 404 becomes light having an appropriate illuminance distribution while traveling while being totally reflected inside. The LED unit 403 and the light guide plate 404 are not in contact with each other and are separated. The light guide plate 404 is usually made of a highly transmissive resin (for example, acrylic resin). Part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 404 is applied to the reflector 405.

  The light guide plate 404 is located between the flow path forming member 411 and the fourth reflection mirror 406d. The light guide plate 404 receives light from the incident surface and emits light from the output surface. Therefore, the light guide plate 404 is positioned such that the incident surface of the light guide plate 404 is directed to the exit surface of the LED package 402 and the exit surface of the light guide plate 404 is directed to the document surface.

  The reflector 405 is for improving the illuminance distribution on the document surface. The reflector 405 uniformly irradiates the light emitted from the light guide plate 404 toward the document P. The reflector 405 is configured by evaporating aluminum on the surface of a base material molded into the shape of the surface on which the reflector 405 is installed.

  In addition, the reflector 405 is configured such that a reflective sheet such as an aluminum foil is adhered to a base material formed into a reflective surface shape, or a surface on which the reflector 405 is installed is coated with a reflective material. Or may be configured by plating with a reflective material.

  The reflector 405 is provided above the fifth opening 519 on the back surface of the housing 412. The reflector 405 is disposed at an angle so as to reflect a part of the light emitted from the light guide plate 404 to the reading area of the document P.

  The first reflection mirror 406 a, the second reflection mirror 406 b, the third reflection mirror 406 c, the fourth reflection mirror 406 d, and the fifth reflection mirror 406 e receive the light reflected from the document P via the imaging lens 407 and the image sensor. 408 receives light. The number of reflection mirrors 406 is arbitrary, but a plurality of reflection mirrors 406 are usually used. In the present embodiment, the back surface of the reflective surface of the fourth mirror 406d forms part of the second lower flow path 516.

  The imaging lens 407 converges the light reflected by the reflection mirror 406. The converged light is received by the image sensor 408. The imaging lens 407 converges the light reflected by the last reflecting mirror that reflects light last among the plurality of reflecting mirrors 406. In the present embodiment, the fifth reflection mirror 406e corresponds to the final reflection mirror.

  The image sensor 408 receives the light converged by the imaging lens 407 and converts the received light into an electrical signal, thereby reading an image of the document P. Therefore, the image sensor 408 is disposed at the imaging position of the imaging lens 407. The image sensor 408 is composed of a photoelectric conversion element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), for example. The fifth reflection mirror 406e, the imaging lens 407, and the image sensor 408, which are final reflection mirrors, are positioned on a straight line.

  The image sensor 408 is installed on the scanner board unit 409. In addition to the image sensor 408, electronic components such as an IC chip and a chip capacitor are mounted on the scanner board unit 409. The scanner board unit 409 processes an image of the document P read by the image sensor 408 and transmits the processed image to an exposure device in an image forming apparatus (not shown).

  The scanner board unit 409 on which the image sensor 408 is installed is fixed with screws so as to cover an opening at the lower back of the housing 412 (not shown) so that the image sensor 408 is positioned in the housing 412.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, guide rods 302 and 303 are provided on the left and right sides of the scanner board unit 409 when the housing 412 is viewed from the back. The guide rods 302 and 303 penetrate the integrated scanning optical unit 301 in the sub scanning direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B), first protrusion-shaped receiving portions 421 are provided on the upper portions of both side surfaces of the housing 412. A second protruding receiving portion 422 is provided at the lower portion of the right side surface of the housing 412. The second protruding receiving portion 422 is located below the first protruding receiving portion 421.

  The first protruding receiving portion 421 is for fixing the LED unit 403 outside the housing 412 and is integrally formed with the flow path forming member 411. Both ends of the LED substrate 401 protrude out of the housing 412 from an insertion port in the flow path forming member 411 (not shown). The first protrusion-like receiving portion 421 is formed at a position so as to overlap the end portion of the LED substrate 401 protruding outside the housing 412. The LED unit 403 is fixed to the flow path forming member 411 by fixing the end portion of the LED substrate 401 to the first protruding receiving portion 421 with a screw.

  The second protruding receiving portion 422 is for fixing the second timing belt 706 to the housing 412 and is integrally formed with the frame 410. A fastener 423 is used to fix the second timing belt 706 with the second protruding receiving portion 422. The second timing belt 706 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the second protrusion receiving part 422 and the fastener 423, and the fastener 423 is fixed to the second protrusion receiving part 422 with a screw. 412 is fixed. A portion where the second timing belt 706 is fixed to the housing 412 is referred to as a fixing portion 708.

  The operation of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 4, when a predetermined instruction is given, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves in the document reading operation direction a1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the light emitted from the LED unit 403 strikes the document P on the contact lens 203 via the light guide plate 404 or the light guide plate 404 and the reflector 405. The reflected light L reflected by the original P is reflected toward the first mirror 406a. The reflected light L is reflected in the order of the first reflecting mirror 406a, the second reflecting mirror 406b, the third reflecting mirror 406c, the fourth reflecting mirror 406d, and the fifth reflecting mirror 406e, and is guided to the imaging lens 407. The reflected light L guided to the imaging lens 407 is converged and guided to the image sensor 408. The converged light guided to the image sensor 408 is converted into an electric signal and read as image data of the original P. The read image data of the document P is sent to the image forming apparatus main body 101 and formed on a predetermined sheet.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 4, when the original P is read, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves in the return operation direction a2 up to the home position.

  With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the cooling method of the LED unit 403 at the time of operation | movement of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves in the document reading operation direction a1, as shown by an arrow a3, air flows into the first flow path 512 from the first opening 511.

  The inflowing air passes through the first flow path 512, hits the LED unit 403 from the operation direction, and passes through the space X formed above the LED unit 403 and the space Y formed below, thereby heating it during use. The temperature of the LED unit 403 is cooled. At this time, since the first flow path 512 is narrowed from the first opening 511 toward the LED unit 403, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 obtains stronger wind pressure near the LED unit 403 during operation. be able to. From the viewpoint of obtaining a larger air volume, the wider opening is preferable.

  Note that the entire first flow path 512 is not necessarily narrowed from the first opening 511 toward the LED unit 403, and a part of the first flow path 512 may be narrowed.

  The air that has passed near the LED unit 403 is heated because the temperature of the LED unit 403 is transmitted. The air that has passed in the vicinity of the LED unit 403 passes through the second flow path 521 and is discharged out of the housing 412 through the third opening 517 and the fifth opening 519.

  Specifically, the air that has passed through the second upper flow path 514 passes through the second upper opening 513 and is discharged from the third opening 517 to the outside of the housing 412 as indicated by an arrow a4. On the other hand, the air passing through the second lower flow path 516 passes through the second lower opening 515 and is discharged out of the housing 412 through the second lower opening 515 as indicated by an arrow a5.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves in the return operation direction a2, as shown by arrows a6 and a7, air flows into the second flow path 521 from the second opening 520.

  Specifically, the air flowing in from the third opening 517 passes through the second upper flow path 514 and passes through the space X formed above the LED unit 403 as indicated by an arrow a6. The air flowing in from the fifth opening 519 passes through the second lower flow path 516 and the space Y formed below the LED unit 403 as indicated by an arrow a7. In this way, the inflowing air passes above and below the LED unit 403, thereby cooling the temperature of the LED unit 403 that is heated during use.

  At this time, the second upper channel 514 and the second lower channel 516 are narrowed toward the vicinity of the LED unit 403 from the second upper opening 513 and the second lower opening 515, respectively. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 can obtain a stronger wind pressure near the LED unit 403. From the viewpoint of obtaining a larger air volume, the wider opening is preferable.

  Note that the entire second flow path 521 is not necessarily narrowed from the second opening 520 toward the LED unit 403, and a portion of the second flow path 521 may be narrowed. If the reflector 405 is disposed at an appropriate position, the portion facing the second opening 520 on the back surface of the housing 412 does not form the fifth opening 519 but may be omitted in the first place.

  The air that has passed near the LED unit 403 is heated because the temperature of the LED unit 403 is transmitted. The air that has passed near the LED unit 403 passes through the first flow path 512 and is discharged out of the housing 412 from the first opening 511.

  Therefore, according to FIGS. 7 and 8, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 has a space Y that allows air to flow when the first channel 512 and the second channel 521 are not provided or under the LED unit 403. Compared with the case where there is no LED unit 403, the LED unit 403 can be cooled efficiently.

  Therefore, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the first flow path 512 that opens toward one side in the sub-scanning direction and the second flow path 521 that opens toward the other side in the sub-scanning direction. The first flow path 512 and the second flow path 521 communicate with each other, and the light source 402 is between the light source 402 and the upper wall of the flow path and between the light source 402 and the lower wall of the flow path. It has the structure arrange | positioned in a flow path so that the space X and Y which can come and go of air are formed.

  With this configuration, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention uses the document reading operation and the return operation to take in air from the formed flow path, and the taken-in air from above and below the light source. Since it can be passed, the light source can be efficiently cooled.

  Therefore, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress an increase in the temperature of the light emitting element by efficiently radiating the light emitting element using the document reading operation and the return operation. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the present invention can suppress problems such as unstable operation of the light source and exceeding the temperature rating of the light source.

  Since the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize the above-described operation with a simple configuration in which the structure of the housing and the position of the LED unit are changed, an increase in manufacturing cost, number of parts, and weight is increased. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which at least a part of the first channel 512 or at least a part of the second channel 521 is narrowed toward the light source 402. .

  With this configuration, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention can obtain a stronger wind pressure near the LED unit 403 during operation. Therefore, air can be applied to the LED unit 403 at a higher wind speed, and air can be passed through the space X formed above the LED unit 403 and the space Y formed below faster. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention can efficiently cool the LED unit 403.

  Further, in the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the opening 520 of the second flow path 521 faces the wall surface of the housing 412, and the housing faces the opening 520 of the second flow path 521. 412 is provided with an opening 519 on the wall surface.

  With this configuration, when the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention operates toward the other side in the sub-scanning direction, a sufficient amount of air flows into the second flow path 521 and also in the sub-scanning direction. When operating toward one of these, the air that has passed through the first flow path 512 can be quickly discharged out of the housing 412. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention can efficiently cool the LED unit 403.

  In the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second flow path 521 is partitioned upward and downward by the light guide plate 404, and the second lower flow path 516 partitioned downward is the light guide plate. 404 and a reflection mirror 406 are formed.

  With this configuration, since the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention does not form a flow path by the frame 410 or the flow path forming member 411, the overall height of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 is reduced accordingly. can do. Accordingly, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be further downsized.

  With reference to FIGS. 9-11, the structure of the introduction means with which the both sides of the housing 412 are equipped is demonstrated.

  The introducing means is provided on both side surfaces of the housing 412 and uses the movement of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 in the sub-scanning direction to allow air to flow from the outside to the inside of the housing 412 through the housing-side opening 605 described later. It is to be introduced. The introducing means forms a side channel. The introducing means is configured to guide air introduced from a housing opening 605 described later to both ends of the light source in the main scanning direction. 9 to 11 illustrate only the left side surface of the housing 412 for the sake of convenience, the right side surface is similarly configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, a circular housing side opening 605 is provided on the side surface of the housing 412 on both ends of a straight line connecting the LED packages 402 arranged in a straight line. At this time, the straight line connecting the LED packages 402 is the same as the straight line connecting the LED packages 402 at both ends closest to the housing 412 in the main scanning direction. A first side channel 602 and a second side channel 604 are provided on the side surface of the housing 412 so as to cover the housing side opening 605.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the both ends of the LED substrate 401 protrude from the insertion port (not shown) in the flow path forming member 411 to the outside of the flow path forming member 411, respectively. ing. On the side surface of the flow path forming member 411, a first protruding receiving portion 421 is provided at a position that overlaps the end portion of the LED substrate 401. Both end portions of the LED substrate 401 projecting out of the flow path forming member 411 are fixed to the frame 410 by screws in the first protruding receiving portion 421. In addition, the screw used for fixation is abbreviate | omitted in FIGS.

  The first side channel 602 communicates with the housing side opening 605 and the first side opening 601. The first side opening 601 opens toward one side in the sub-scanning direction. Specifically, the first side channel 602 extends from the housing side opening 605 in the document reading operation direction a1 which is one of the sub-scanning directions, and is provided in the document reading operation direction a1. 601. The first side channel 602 communicates with substantially half of the housing side opening 605.

  The second side channel 604 communicates with the housing side opening 605 and the second side opening 603. The second side opening 603 opens toward the other side in the sub-scanning direction. Specifically, the second side channel 604 extends from the housing side opening 605 to the return operation direction a1 which is the other in the sub-scanning direction, and extends to the second side opening 603 provided in the return operation direction a1. Communicates. The second side channel 604 communicates with substantially half of the housing side opening 605.

  Since the first side opening 601 and the second side opening 603 face one or the other in the sub-scanning direction, they are located on a straight line perpendicular to the vertical direction.

  With this configuration, during the operation of the integrated scanning optical unit 301, the air flowing in from the first side opening 601 and the second side opening 603 flows into the first side channel 602 and the second side flow, respectively. It flows through the path 604 and flows into the housing 412 from the housing side opening 605. The air that has flowed into the housing 412 is blown toward both ends of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction from the housing-side opening 605.

  Note that only one of the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 may be formed. In that case, the provided side channel is configured to communicate with the entire housing-side opening 605.

  The first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 extend from the first side opening 601 and the second side opening 603 toward the housing side opening 605 with the same hole diameter for a while. It is provided so as to narrow from the middle. Therefore, at least a part of the first side channel 602 or the second side channel 604 is narrowed toward the housing side opening 605. The first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 are configured to be narrowest toward the housing side opening 605.

  With this configuration, the air flowing into the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 has a higher wind speed and is blown to both ends of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction with a higher wind pressure. Therefore, the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 can efficiently cool both ends of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction.

  The entire first side channel 602 or the entire second side channel 604 may be narrowed toward the housing side opening 605.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, between the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604, the flow from the respective side openings toward the housing side openings 605 flows into the channels. The air is partitioned by a guide portion 606 for guiding air to the housing side opening 605. 10 and 11 has a Y-shaped cross section. The guide part 606 completely partitions the air flow from one side channel toward the other side channel.

  With this configuration, all of the air flowing in from the one side opening is discharged from the housing side opening 605 into the housing 412, so that the LED unit 403 can be efficiently cooled. However, the air between the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 is configured to allow air to pass through the housing side opening 605, so that the air inside the housing 412 May be discharged from the side channel. The shape of the guide portion 606 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a triangular cross section or a T-shaped cross section.

  Note that the guide portion 606 between the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 may partially communicate. However, in this case, part of the air flowing in from one side opening does not enter the housing 412 from the housing side opening 605 and flows out to the other side opening, so that the LED unit The cooling efficiency of 403 may be lowered. Therefore, the guide part 606 completely partitions between the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604, and all of the air flowing into the one side channel from one side opening is obtained. The housing 412 is preferably configured to enter the housing 412 from the housing side opening 605.

  The first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 are integrally formed with the channel forming member 411. For this reason, it is preferable at the point which does not increase the number of parts.

  The first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604 may be configured by installing a side channel forming member which is a separate member so as to cover the housing side opening 605. Specifically, when viewed from the outside of the housing 412 in the main scanning direction, the housing side opening 605 covers the housing side opening 605 and opens one or both in the sub scanning direction. May be provided to form one or both of the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604.

  With reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a cooling method of the LED unit 403 using the introducing means during the operation of the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves in the document reading operation direction a1, air flows from the first side opening 601 to the first side channel 602 as indicated by an arrow a9. The air that has flowed in flows into the housing 412 from the housing side opening 605.

  Since the first side channel 602 is completely partitioned from the second side channel 604 by the guide 606, all the air from the first side channel 602 flows out into the housing 412. At this time, since the first side channel 602 is narrowed from the middle to the housing side opening 605, a higher wind speed can be obtained. Therefore, the first side channel 602 can give a stronger wind pressure to the end of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction.

  The air that has flowed into the housing 412 hits the end of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction as indicated by an arrow a10 and passes above the LED unit 403 to cool the LED unit 403. The air heated by transmitting the temperature of the LED unit 403 is discharged from the third opening 517 through the second upper flow path 514.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the integrated scanning optical unit 301 moves in the return operation direction a <b> 2, air flows from the second side opening 603 into the second side channel 604 as indicated by an arrow a <b> 11. The air that has flowed in flows into the housing 412 from the housing side opening 605.

  Since the second side channel 604 is completely partitioned from the first side channel 602 by the guide 606, all the air from the second side channel 604 flows into the housing 412. At this time, since the second side channel 604 is narrowed from the middle to the housing side opening 605, a higher wind speed can be obtained. Therefore, the second side channel 604 can apply a stronger wind pressure to the end of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction.

  The air that has flowed into the housing 412 hits the end of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction as indicated by an arrow a12 and passes above the LED unit 403 to cool the LED unit 403. The air heated by transmitting the temperature of the LED unit 403 is discharged from the first opening 511 through the first flow path 512.

  Therefore, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 includes one or both of the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604, so that the air is directed from the side of the housing 412 toward the end of the LED unit 403. Spray. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 can efficiently cool both ends in the main scanning direction of the LED unit 403 that generates a large amount of heat.

  Note that the effect of providing the side channel is exhibited even in an integrated scanning optical unit in which the first channel 512 and the second channel 521 are not formed.

  With reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, an integrated scanning optical unit (hereinafter referred to as “modified example”) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The modification differs from the integrated scanning unit 301 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the following (i) to (ii).

(I) Point where the LED unit 403 is supported by the support member 431 (ii) Both ends of the bottom plate 432 of the support member 431 protrude out of the housing 412, and the LED unit 403 is attached to the housing 412 via the protrusion. Fixed point

  As shown in FIG. 12, the LED unit 403 is supported by a support member 431. The support member 431 includes a bottom plate 432 and an inclined plate 433 extending obliquely upward from the bottom plate 432. The bottom plate 432 is longer in the main scanning direction than the inclined plate 433, and both end portions of the bottom plate 432 in the main scanning direction extend beyond the inclined plate 433. The LED unit 403 is fixed on the middle of the inclined plate 433. In the inclined plate 433, a through-hole 434 that allows air to come and go is formed between the LED unit 403 and the bottom plate 432 that are fixed. Although not shown, the light guide plate 404 is fixed near the tip of the inclined plate 433 rather than the fixed LED unit 403.

  As shown in FIG. 13, both ends of the bottom plate 432 of the support member 431 in the main scanning direction protrude from the housing 412 through insertion ports (not shown) in the frame 410. The protruding portion of the bottom plate 432 is fixed with a screw to the first protruding receiving portion 421 provided at a position overlapping with the protruding portion. Thereby, the LED unit 403 is fixed to the housing 412.

  The configuration and positional relationship of the LED unit 403, the housing side opening 605, the first side channel 602, and the second side channel 604 are the first embodiment of the present invention described above with reference to FIG. This is the same as the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to FIG. In FIG. 13, the screws used for fixing are omitted.

  Thus, also in the modified example, during the operation of the modified example, the air flowing in from the first side opening 601 and the second side opening 603 flows into the first side channel 602 and the second side, respectively. It flows through the flow path 604 and flows into the housing 412 from the housing side opening 605. The air that has flowed into the housing 412 is blown toward both ends of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction from the housing-side opening 605.

  And the LED unit 403 which is a light source of the modification is similar to the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the flow path forming member 411 which is the upper wall of the flow path. And between the LED unit 403 and the frame 410, which is the lower wall of the flow path, and the reflection mirror 406, a configuration is arranged in the flow path so as to form spaces X and Y in which air can pass. Have.

  As described above, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: (1) the light source 402 arranged linearly in the main scanning direction, and the light guide that guides the light emitted from the light source 402 to the document P. A body 404, a reflection mirror 406 that reflects the light reflected by the light guided from the light guide 404 on the original P, and an imaging lens 407 that converges the light reflected by the reflection mirror 406. , An integrated scanning optical unit in which an image sensor 408 that receives light converged by the imaging lens 407 is mounted on a housing 412, and both ends of the light source 402 in the main scanning direction are connected to the housing 412. Housing-side openings 605 are provided on both ends of the straight line, and the movement in the sub-scanning direction of the integrated scanning optical unit is used on both side surfaces of the housing 412. And introducing means for introducing air from the outside to the inside of the housing 412 through the housing side opening 605, and the air introduced from the housing side opening 605 is guided to the both ends. The structure is provided.

  With this configuration, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can blow air from both side surfaces of the housing 412 toward both ends of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction when moving in the sub scanning direction. it can. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can efficiently cool both ends in the main scanning direction of the LED unit 403 having a larger amount of heat generation.

  Therefore, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress the temperature rise of the light emitting element by efficiently radiating the light emitting element using the document reading operation and the return operation. As a result, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the present invention can suppress problems such as unstable operation of the light source and exceeding the temperature rating of the light source.

  The integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize the above-described operation with a simple configuration in which the structure of the housing and the position of the LED unit are changed, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost, the number of parts, and the weight. Can be suppressed.

  In the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the integrated scanning optical unit, (2) the introduction means is a first opening that opens toward the housing side opening 605 and one of the sub scanning directions. A first side channel 602 that communicates with the side opening 601, and a second side channel 602 that communicates with the housing side opening 605 and the second side opening 603 that opens toward the other side in the sub-scanning direction. The side flow path 604 is configured to form one or both of them.

  With this configuration, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention has a first side channel 602 that opens to one side in the sub-scanning direction and a second side channel 604 that opens to the other side in the sub-scanning direction. , Either or both. Thus, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention efficiently covers both ends in the main scanning direction of the LED unit 403 that generates a large amount of heat during one or both of the document reading operation and the return operation. Can be cooled.

  In the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the integrated scanning optical unit, (3) at least a part of the side flow paths 602 and 604 becomes narrower toward the housing side opening 605. It has the composition which is.

  With this configuration, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can increase the wind speed when air passes through the side channels 602 and 604 during operation. As a result, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can strike air at both ends of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction with a higher wind pressure. Therefore, both end portions in the main scanning direction of the LED unit 403 having a large amount of heat generation can be efficiently cooled.

  In addition, an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has a configuration including (4) the integrated scanning optical unit. An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has a configuration including (5) the image reading apparatus. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus including an integrated scanning optical unit that can efficiently cool the LED unit 403 during operation, and an image forming apparatus including the image reading apparatus.

  A conventional integrated scanning optical unit 900 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the conventional integrated scanning optical unit 900 is different from the integrated scanning unit according to the embodiment of the present invention (see, for example, FIG. 5) in the following [1] to [5]. .

[1] The first channel 512 and the second channel 521 described in the embodiment of the present invention are not formed. [2] The first side channel 602 and the second side described in the embodiment of the present invention. The point where the partial flow path 604 is not formed [3] The point where the space Y is not formed between the LED unit 909 and the frame 910 [4] The fifth opening 519 described in the embodiment of the present invention is formed. [5] A cooling fan 905 is provided as a heat dissipation means of the LED unit 909.

  Therefore, regarding the above [1] and [2], the conventional integrated scanning optical unit 900 cannot apply air from the traveling direction toward the LED unit 909 during operation.

  On the other hand, regarding the above [1], the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention has the first flow path 512 and the second flow path 521 formed, so that the LED can be moved from the traveling direction during operation. Air can be applied to the unit 403. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can cool the LED unit 403 efficiently.

  Regarding the above [2], the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the first side channel 602 and the second side channel 604, so that the housing 412 is in operation. Air can be applied from the side toward both ends of the LED unit 403 in the main scanning direction. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can efficiently cool both ends in the main scanning direction of the LED unit 403 that generates a large amount of heat.

  Regarding [3] above, the conventional integrated scanning optical unit 900 does not allow air to pass between the LED unit 909 and the frame 910 during operation.

  On the other hand, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the first flow path 512 and the second flow path 521 and has the space X and the space Y. The inflowing gas can be passed from above and below the LED unit 403. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can cool the LED unit 403 efficiently.

  Regarding the above [4], the conventional integrated scanning optical unit 900 cannot take air into the frame 910 during operation, and even when air is taken into the frame 910 It cannot be discharged efficiently.

  On the other hand, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention has the fifth opening even when the flow path 521 having the opening facing the front or back of the housing 412 is formed. By including 519, air can be efficiently taken into the flow path 521. In addition, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention has the fifth opening 519, so that the gas flowing into the housing 412 can be efficiently discharged in the direction opposite to the traveling direction. Therefore, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can take in air efficiently and has good exhaust efficiency of the inflowed air, so that more air can be guided to the LED unit 403. Thereby, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can cool the LED unit 403 efficiently.

  Regarding [5], since the conventional integrated scanning optical unit 900 needs to be provided with a separate heat radiation means 931, the manufacturing cost, the number of parts, and the weight increase. On the other hand, the integrated scanning optical unit according to the embodiment of the present invention can cool the LED unit 403 with a simple configuration without providing a separate heat dissipation means. Therefore, the integrated scanning optical unit 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention can cool the LED unit 403 without increasing the manufacturing cost, the number of parts, and the weight.

  As described above, the integrated scanning unit according to the present invention uses the document reading operation and the return operation, and efficiently dissipates the light emitting element with a simple configuration, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the light emitting element, the manufacturing cost, The increase in the number of parts and the weight can be suppressed, and it is useful as an integrated scanning optical unit used in an image reading apparatus, and an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same.

301 Integrated Scanning Optical Unit 401 LED Board 402 LED Package (Light Source)
403 LED unit 404 Light guide plate 406a First reflecting mirror 406b Second reflecting mirror 406c Third reflecting mirror 406d Fourth reflecting mirror 406e Fifth reflecting mirror 407 Imaging lens 408 Image sensor 410 Frame 411 Flow path forming member 412 Housing 511 First Opening 512 first flow path 513 second upper opening 514 second upper flow path 515 second lower opening 516 second lower flow path 519 fifth opening 520 second opening 521 second flow path X, Y air 601 1st side part opening part 602 1st side part flow path (introduction means)
603 2nd side part opening part 604 2nd side part flow path (introduction means)
605 Housing side opening

Claims (5)

A light source arranged linearly in the main scanning direction, a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source to the document, and light reflected by irradiating the document with light guided from the light guide An integrated scanning optical unit in which a reflecting mirror that reflects light, an imaging lens that converges light reflected by the reflecting mirror, and an image sensor that receives light converged by the imaging lens are mounted on a housing. There,
The housing is provided with a housing-side opening on both ends of a straight line connecting both ends in the main scanning direction of the light source,
Both side surfaces of the housing are provided with introducing means for introducing air from the outside to the inside of the housing through the housing side opening by using movement of the integrated scanning optical unit in the sub-scanning direction,
The integrated scanning optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the introducing means is configured to guide air introduced from the housing side opening to the both ends.   The introduction means includes a first side channel that communicates with the housing side opening and a first side opening that opens toward one side in the sub-scanning direction, and the housing side opening and the sub-scanning direction. 2. The integrated scanning optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the integrated scanning optical unit is formed of one or both of a second side channel that communicates with a second side opening that opens toward the other side. .   3. The integrated scanning optical unit according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the side channel is narrowed toward the opening on the housing side.   An image reading apparatus comprising the integrated scanning optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image reading apparatus according to claim 4.

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