JP5218734B2 - Reading illumination component, document illumination device, image reading device, image forming device, and image transmitting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reading illumination component including a light guide that guides a light beam from a light emitting element in a reading target direction, and a document illumination device, an image reading device, an image forming apparatus, and the like that include the reading illumination component in a reading unit. The present invention relates to an image transmission device.

  In recent years, light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs) have been actively developed, and the brightness of LEDs has been rapidly increased. LEDs generally have advantages such as long life, high efficiency, high G resistance, and monochromatic light emission, and are expected to be applied in many lighting fields. One of the applications is a reading illumination component of an image reading apparatus such as a digital copying machine or an image scanner.

  When a document illuminating device for image reading is configured using light emitting elements such as LEDs, even if a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in the main scanning direction and the document surface (illuminated surface) is directly illuminated, High divergence and high illuminance cannot be obtained. There is a configuration in which a cylindrical lens is used to collect a light beam in the sub-scanning direction, but the light is partially condensed and uneven in the main scanning direction.

  An original illuminating device using LEDs is more effective in reducing the size than an original illuminating device using rod-shaped lamps, but many LEDs are used because of their low absolute luminance. An LED having a light condensing property is likely to have a large illuminance unevenness in the main scanning direction. Therefore, an LED having a relatively wide light emission distribution is used. In this case, the illuminance unevenness in the main scanning direction can be made equal to or less than the desired illuminance unevenness by selecting the LED arrangement interval, but it is difficult to ensure the illuminance in the sub-scanning direction.

As described in Cited Documents 1 to 7, an optical reading that solves the above problems by using a reading illumination component provided with a light guide of various shapes and structures on the light emitting surface side of the LED. A device has been proposed and implemented.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-126579 JP 2001-238048 A JP 2005-122440 A JP 2005-123675 A JP 2005-252646 A JP 2006-17951 A JP 2006-67551 A

  However, in the reading illumination component in which the light guide is used in the conventional technology, the light guide is configured to improve the illuminance on the incident surface facing the light emitting surface of the light emitting element so as to effectively use the light. However, no consideration is given to side-emitting light that is emitted at an angle from the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element, and the configuration is such that the side-emitting light is wasted. Effective use can be said to be insufficient.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems and to improve the ratio of light incident on the light guide to the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element, that is, to improve the incident efficiency, thereby effectively utilizing light and saving energy. And a reading illumination component capable of increasing the amount of illumination light to a reading target, and a document illumination device, an image reading device, an image forming device, and an image transmission device provided with the reading illumination component in a reading unit Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at a predetermined interval in a main scanning direction with respect to a reading target, and light beams from the plurality of light emitting elements to be illuminated of the reading target. A light guide that guides in the direction of the region, and a surface on which the light beam emitted from the light emitting element is incident is an incident surface of the light guide, and the light beam guided by traveling or reflecting inside the light guide is In a reading illumination component having an exit surface as an exit surface, a first entrance surface formed in a convex shape facing the light emitting surface of the light emitting element on the entrance surface, and an outer periphery of the first entrance surface A second incident surface that is connected to the light emitting element, the second incident surface is formed in a cylindrical shape that covers the side surface of the light emitting element, and is convex toward the light emitting element side . The side surface portion of the light guide facing the incident surface of the Characterized in that it is formed as a reflecting surface for light reflected by this configuration, the incident surface in such a manner that the light emitting element becomes possible incident luminous flux to luminous, composed of the first and second entrance surface 2 With the two convex surfaces, the ratio of the light incident on the light guide to the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element, that is, the incident efficiency is improved, and the light can be effectively used.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first aspect, the first incident surface is formed in a pyramid shape. With this configuration, the first incident surface is a pyramid. However, it is easy to create a mold and can be easily realized.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the second aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the second incident surface parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is the same as the pyramid shape of the first incident surface. With this configuration, the connection part of the first incident surface and the second incident surface is a polygon of the same size, connected without gaps and without deformation. Optically, the entrance surface is smoothly joined.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the second or third aspect, the contour shape connecting the first incident surface and the second incident surface on the incident surface is in the main scanning direction. It is characterized by an elongated polygonal shape. With this configuration, the degree of light collection in the sub-scanning direction is improved compared to the main scanning direction, and light can be used effectively.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first, third, or fourth aspect, the light guide has a reflecting surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to the illuminated area. As a feature, with this configuration, the light incident from the second incident surface can be guided to the output surface without leaking, thereby effectively using the light.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first, second, or fourth aspect, the apex of the pyramid on the first incident surface is disposed on a substantially vertical line at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. With this configuration, the center of the emitted light emission intensity distribution of the light emitting element and the center of the first incident surface (that is, the apex of the pyramid) can be made to substantially coincide with each other, so that the light is incident from the first incident surface. The subsequent light travel distribution becomes symmetrical, and there is no light traveling on a useless optical path, so that the light can be effectively used.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the sixth aspect, the distance between the apex of the pyramid on the first incident surface and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less. By this configuration, the distance between the apex of the pyramid and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is restricted to 0.2 mm or less, so that the light incident from the light emitting element is spread before the first incident surface. Therefore, the light can be effectively used.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first aspect, the first incident surface is formed in a conical shape. With this configuration, the light guide for the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element is provided. The ratio of light incident on the body, that is, the incident efficiency is improved, and the light can be effectively used.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the eighth aspect, the second incident surface has a circular cross-sectional shape parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. The connection portion between the first incident surface and the second incident surface is connected without a gap and without deformation, and the joining of the incident surface becomes optically smooth.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or ninth aspect, the light guide has a reflecting surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to the illuminated area to be read. According to this configuration, the light can be effectively used by guiding the light incident from the second incident surface to the output surface without leaking.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or eighth aspect, the apex of the cone on the first incident surface is disposed on a substantially vertical line at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. According to this configuration, the center of the emitted light emission intensity distribution of the light emitting element and the center of the first incident surface (the apex of the cone) can be approximately matched, whereby light after incident from the first incident surface can be obtained. As a result, there is no light traveling along a useless optical path, and the light can be effectively used.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the illumination component for reading according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the apex of the cone on the first incident surface and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less. By this configuration, the distance between the apex of the cone and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is restricted to 0.2 mm or less, so that the light incident from the light emitting element is spread before the first incident surface. Therefore, the light can be effectively used.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first aspect, the first incident surface is formed in an elliptical cone having a major axis in the main scanning direction. The ratio of the light incident on the light guide with respect to the total luminous flux emitted from the light, that is, the incident efficiency is improved, and the light can be effectively used.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or thirteenth aspect, the second incident surface has an elliptical shape in which a cross-sectional shape parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element has a major axis in the main scanning direction. With this configuration, the connection portion between the first incident surface and the second incident surface is connected without a gap and without deformation, and the optically joined surface can be smoothly joined. Become.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or fourteenth aspect, the light guide has a reflecting surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to the illuminated region. With this configuration, the light can be effectively used by guiding the light incident from the second incident surface to the output surface without leaking.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or thirteenth aspect, the apex of the elliptical cone on the first incident surface is disposed on a substantially vertical line at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. With this configuration, the center of the emitted light emission intensity distribution of the light emitting element and the center of the first incident surface (the apex of the elliptical cone) can be made to substantially coincide with each other. The traveling distribution of light becomes symmetric, and there is no light traveling on a useless optical path, so that the light can be effectively used.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the sixteenth aspect, the distance between the apex of the elliptical cone on the first incident surface and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less. With this configuration, the distance between the apex of the elliptical cone and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is regulated to 0.2 mm or less, so that the light emitted from the light emitting element is spread before the first Since the light can be introduced into the light guide from the incident surface, the light can be effectively used.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first aspect, the first incident surface is formed in a wedge shape having a ridge line extending in the main scanning direction. The ratio of the light incident on the light guide relative to the total luminous flux emitted from the element, that is, the incident efficiency is improved, and the light can be effectively used.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or eighteenth aspect, the second incident surface has a quadrangular cross-sectional shape parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. As a result, the connecting portion between the first incident surface and the second incident surface is connected without a gap and without deformation, so that the joining of the incident surfaces becomes smooth optically.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or the nineteenth aspect, the light guide has a reflecting surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to the illuminated region. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively use the light by guiding the light incident from the second incident surface to the emission surface without leaking.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first or eighteenth aspect, the wedge-shaped ridge line on the first incident surface is arranged on a substantially vertical line at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element in the sub-scanning direction. With this configuration, the center of the emitted light emission intensity distribution of the light emitting element and the center of the first incident surface (the apex of the wedge shape) can be approximately matched, thereby the first incident surface. Since the traveling distribution of the light after the incident becomes symmetric, there is no light traveling along a useless optical path, and the light can be effectively used.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the twenty-first aspect, the distance between the wedge-shaped ridge line on the first incident surface and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less. By this configuration, the distance between the apex of the wedge shape and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is regulated to 0.2 mm or less by this configuration, so that the light emitted from the light emitting element is spread. Since the light can be introduced into the light guide from the first incident surface, the light can be effectively used.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the reading illumination component according to the first aspect, the light emitting element is an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at a predetermined interval in the main scanning direction of document reading, and a length for reading on the surface of the document disposed between the plurality of light emitting elements and the document. 24. A document illumination device comprising a document illumination member having a light guide for guiding light beams from the plurality of light emitting elements to an illuminated region having a width and a width, as the document illumination member. As described above, the ratio of the light incident on the light guide relative to the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element, that is, the incident efficiency is improved, and the light is effectively used. Since it is used, energy saving is realized as a document illuminating device, and the amount of illumination light to the illuminated area is increased, so that optical characteristics are improved and a clearer and better document image can be obtained. In addition, the drive power supply device can be reduced in size by energy saving, and an inexpensive device as a whole can be realized.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at a predetermined interval in the main scanning direction of the image reading target, and the plurality of light emitting elements and the image reading target are arranged, and the image reading target An image illuminating member having a light guide for guiding a light beam from the plurality of light emitting elements to an illuminated area having a length and a width for reading the image, and an image by receiving reflected light after illuminating the image reading object In an image reading apparatus provided with a photoelectric conversion member for obtaining information, the reading illumination component according to any one of claims 1 to 23 is used as the image illumination member. With this configuration, as described above The ratio of the light incident on the light guide relative to the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element, that is, the incident efficiency is improved and the light is effectively used, so that energy saving is realized as the image reading apparatus, and the illuminated area What By the amount of illumination light is increased, improved optical properties, clearer and good images are acquired. In addition, the drive power supply device can be reduced in size by energy saving, and an inexpensive device as a whole can be realized.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an image reading unit; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image information read by the image reading unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 25 is used as a portion, and this configuration improves the ratio of light incident on the light guide to the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element, that is, the incidence efficiency as described above. In addition, since effective use of light is achieved, energy saving is realized as an image forming apparatus, and an increase in the amount of illumination light to the illuminated area improves optical characteristics, resulting in clearer and better image information. As a result, high-quality image formation is performed. In addition, the drive power supply device can be reduced in size by energy saving, and an inexpensive device as a whole can be realized.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image transmission apparatus comprising: an image reading unit; and an image transmission unit that transmits an image via a communication line based on image information read by the image reading unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 25 is used as a portion, and this configuration improves the ratio of light incident on the light guide to the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element, that is, the incidence efficiency as described above. In addition, since effective use of light is achieved, energy saving is realized as an image transmission device, and the amount of illumination light to the illuminated area is increased, thereby improving optical characteristics and providing clearer and better image information. Obtained and high-quality image transmission is executed. In addition, the drive power supply device can be reduced in size by energy saving, and an inexpensive device as a whole can be realized.

  According to the illumination component for reading according to the present invention, the first incident surface formed in a convex shape facing the light emitting surface of the light emitting element, and the second incident surface connected at the outer periphery of the first incident surface. And the second incident surface has a cylindrical shape covering the side surface of the light emitting element and a convex shape on the light emitting element side, so that the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element can be incident. Thus, the incidence ratio of the light flux emitted from the light emitting element to the light guide, that is, the incidence efficiency is improved, and the effective use of light is greatly improved. As a result, energy saving by driving the light source is realized, and the amount of illumination light to the irradiation area is increased and improved, so that various optical characteristics are improved.

  For this reason, in the original illumination device, the image reading device, the image forming device, and the image transmitting device using the reading illumination component according to the present invention, a good original and image are read, so that accurate original information and image information are obtained. In addition, energy saving and downsizing of the drive power supply unit can be achieved, so that an inexpensive device can be realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a traveling body in an embodiment of a document reading apparatus equipped with a reading illumination component according to the present invention. A document D to be read is placed on a contact glass 1 and read. The illuminated area A illuminated by the light emitted from the illumination member 2 is a predetermined range on the contact glass 1 set in advance.

  In FIG. 1, the light (light beam) emitted from the reading illumination member 2 is reflected from the reading unit B on the reading line (main scanning direction) for reading the document image, and the reflected light 3 (reading optical axis) is the mirror 4. , 5 and 6, and is connected to a light receiving surface of a CCD (charge imaging element) 9 which is a photoelectric conversion element disposed on an SBU (scanner board unit) 8 by an imaging lens 7 installed on the optical path. Imaged. The CCD 9 is configured to be converted into document image data by photoelectric conversion and output.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in the sub-scanning direction of a reading illumination member that is Embodiment 1 of the reading illumination component according to the present invention. The reading illumination member 2 is a light guide 11 formed of glass or transparent resin. However, the emission surface 12 is slightly wider than the illuminated area A, and the cross-sectional shape thereof is elongated as a whole (as shown in FIG. 1, installed substantially vertically and obliquely). The lower end portion of the light guide 11 is an incident surface 15 composed of two surfaces 13 and 14 as will be described later. Opposing the incident surface 15, an LED 16 as a light emitting element as a light source is installed. The light emitting surface 16 a of the LED 16 is disposed at a position surrounded by the incident surface 15 of the light guide 11. A portion of the light guide 11 that faces the incident surface 15 is an emission surface 12, and the light guide 11 has the same cross-sectional shape in the direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction, and is in the main scanning direction. The plurality of LEDs 16 are arranged side by side.

  The light emitted from the LED 14 enters the light guide 11 from the two surfaces 13 and 14 of the light incident surface 15 of the light guide 11, and reaches the light emission surface 12 while traveling straight inside the light guide 11 or reflecting from the side surface. .

  The first incident surface 13, which is one surface of the incident surface 15, has a convex shape (pyramidal shape, conical shape) above the light emitting surface 16 a of the LED 16 so that the apex of the convex portion 13 a faces the light emission center of the LED 16. It is configured. Further, the second incident surface 14, which is the other surface of the incident surface 15, is a surface in which the upper portion is continuously coupled to the first incident surface 13 at the joint portion 17 and the lower surface is in contact with the upper surface of the substrate 20 on which the LED 16 is mounted. 18, and the entire second incident surface 14 is formed in a convex shape toward the LED 16.

  On the side surface portion of the light guide 11 facing the second incident surface 14, there is provided a reflection surface 19 formed by performing metal vapor deposition that is cut obliquely and reflects light inward.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the main scanning direction of Embodiment 1 of the reading illumination member. Here, an example in which three LEDs 16 are installed in the main scanning direction is shown, but the number of LEDs 16 installed is not limited.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light guide 11 is configured to have the incident surface 15 composed of the two surfaces 13 and 14 in the same manner as described above in the installation portion of each LED 16.

  4 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the LED 16 and the apex of the convex portion 13a of the first incident surface 13 in the present embodiment, and the light emitting surface of the LED 16 and the apex of the convex portion 13a of the first incident surface 13. The gap C with respect to 16a is set to 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm, and the closer to the gap, the better the incident efficiency and the more effective use of light. This is because the light emitted from the LED 16 can be introduced into the light guide 11 from the first incident surface 13 before spreading.

  5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing a part of incident light in the light guide 11 as light rays. The light emitted from the emission surface 12 reaches the illuminated area A on the contact glass 1 and illuminates the document D.

  FIG. 5 shows the state of the illumination light beam viewed from the surface in the sub-scanning direction in the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows the state of the illumination light beam viewed from the surface in the main scanning direction in the present embodiment. The light emitted from 16 a is condensed (refracted) by the lens action of the convex portion 13 a of the first incident surface 13, and enters the light guide 11. Further, the light that spreads to the side that could not be incident on the first incident surface 13 reaches the second incident surface 14, and the light is reflected by the convex lens action of the second incident surface 14. Is spread (refracted) and enters the light guide 11. Thereafter, the light beam that has passed through the second incident surface 14 is reflected by the reflecting surface 19, and its direction is deflected toward the emitting surface 12 and travels.

  As described above, in this embodiment, all the light emitted from the LED 16 enters the light guide 11 from the first incident surface 13 or the second incident surface 14, and the total light flux emitted from the LED 16 is reduced. The ratio of the light incident on the light guide 11, that is, the incident efficiency is improved, and the light is effectively used. Thereby, energy saving is realized, and a so-called environment-friendly device can be provided. In addition, an increase in the amount of illumination light to the irradiated area improves the optical characteristics and enables a clearer and better reading of the original image. In addition, by saving energy, the light source drive power supply device can be reduced in size, and an inexpensive device as a whole can be realized.

  FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view (projected view of the AA cross section in FIG. 4) of the incident surface portion of the reading illumination member that is Embodiment 2 of the reading illumination component according to the present invention, FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view (projection view of a BB cross section in FIG. 4) in which the upper part of the incident surface of the second embodiment is cut.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the second incident surface 14 is formed as a hexagonal (polygonal) cut end (end surface) 14-1 extending in the main scanning direction. The outline 18-1 of the contact surface 18 between the incident surface 14 and the substrate 20 is a hexagon larger than the cut surface 14-1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, a joint portion 17 between the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 is a hexagonal joint line (contour line) 17-1 extending in the main scanning direction. It is trying to become.

  In the second embodiment, except for the shape of the second incident surface, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained by setting the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view (projected view of the AA cross section in FIG. 4) of the incident surface portion of the reading illumination member that is Embodiment 3 of the reading illumination component according to the present invention, FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view (projected view of a BB cross section in FIG. 4) in which the upper part of the incident surface of Embodiment 3 is cross-sectioned.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the second incident surface 14 is a circular cut end (end surface) 14-2, and the contact surface between the second incident surface 14 and the substrate 20. The 18 outlines 18-2 are formed in a larger circle than the cut end 14-2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the joint portion 17 between the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 is a circular joint line (contour line) 17-2. As a result, the joint portion 17 has a circular shape of the same size, and is joined continuously (endlessly) without a gap and without deformation. The joint between the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 is thus performed. Becomes smooth.

  In the third embodiment, except for the shape of the second incident surface, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained by setting the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view (projected view of the AA cross section in FIG. 4) of the incident surface portion of the reading illumination member that is Embodiment 4 of the reading illumination component according to the present invention, FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view (projected view of a BB cross section in FIG. 4) of the upper surface of the incident surface according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the second incident surface 14 is formed into an elliptical cut end (end surface) 14-3 extending in the main scanning direction, and the second incident surface 14. The outline 18-3 of the contact surface 18 with the substrate 20 is formed in an elliptical shape larger than the cut 14-3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the joint portion 17 between the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 is an elliptical joint line (contour line) 17-3 extending in the main scanning direction. It is trying to become. As a result, the joint portion 17 has an elliptical shape of the same size, and is joined continuously (endlessly) without a gap and without deformation, and the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 are connected to each other. Joining is smooth.

  In the fourth embodiment, except for the shape of the second incident surface, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are obtained by setting the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view (projected view of the AA cross section in FIG. 4) of the incident illumination portion of the reading illumination member that is Embodiment 5 of the reading illumination component according to the present invention, FIG. ) Is a cross-sectional view of the upper part of the incident surface of the fifth embodiment (projected view of the BB cross section in FIG. 4), and FIG. 11 is an explanatory perspective view for explaining the configuration of the incident surface of the fifth embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the first incident surface 13 is formed in a wedge shape having a ridge line 21 extending in the main scanning direction, and as shown in FIG. 14 becomes a rectangular cut end (end face) 14-4 extending in the main scanning direction, and the outline 18-4 of the contact surface 18 between the second incident surface 14 and the substrate 20 is larger than the cut 14-4. It is designed to be a rectangle.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, a joint portion 17 between the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 is formed by a rectangular joint line (contour line) 17-4 extending in the main scanning direction. It is trying to become. As a result, the joint portion 17 is a quadrangle of the same size, and is joined continuously (endlessly) without a gap and without deformation. The joint between the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 is thus performed. Becomes smooth.

  The contour shape (joint line) 17-4 at the joint portion 17 between the first incident surface 13 and the second incident surface 14 is a quadrangle extending in the main scanning direction, and therefore is more in the sub-scanning direction than the main scanning direction. The degree of condensing can be improved and more effective use of light can be achieved (the condensing degree is further improved because the width in the sub-scanning direction is narrower than that in the main scanning direction).

  In the fifth embodiment, except for the shape of the incident surface, the same effects as in the first embodiment are obtained by setting the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining the main part of the embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 13 shows the main part of the embodiment of the image forming apparatus in which the image reading apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the present embodiment is an image reading apparatus such as an image scanner on which the traveling body 30 having the configuration shown in FIG. Is a housing provided with a contact glass 1 on which an object to be read is placed, and a moving drive mechanism (not shown) of the traveling body 30 is installed inside the housing 31 to drive the movement. It is scanned in the sub-scanning direction by the mechanism and can read a two-dimensional image.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, an image forming unit 100, a paper feeding unit 200, an image reading unit 300, and a document feeding unit 400 are installed in the same manner as a known image forming apparatus. An image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 12 is installed as the image reading unit 300. Then, when the document feeder 400 automatically or manually feeds the document onto the contact glass 1 of the image reading unit, the image reading unit 300 sub-scans the traveling body 30 at a predetermined speed, with reference to FIG. As described above, document image data is captured by the CCD 9, and the image forming unit 100 color-codes a plurality of photoconductors as known based on information obtained by color-separating the read image data. An image is formed, and the image is superimposed and transferred onto a transfer sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 200 to create a full color hard copy.

  Further, by providing an image transmission / reception function in this image forming apparatus, it is possible to transmit / receive an image read by the image reading unit 300 to / from a partner apparatus via a wireless or communication line as an image transmission / reception apparatus. .

  In the apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, by using the reading illumination component in the image reading unit (apparatus) according to the embodiment of the present invention, the total luminous flux emitted from the light emitting element (LED) is used. Effective use of light can be achieved. As a result, energy saving can be realized, and a so-called environment-friendly device can be obtained. Further, the amount of illumination light to the irradiated area is increased, so that optical characteristics are improved and a clearer and better image can be obtained. Further, the power supply device can be reduced in size by energy saving, and an inexpensive device can be realized.

  The present invention is applied to an illuminating unit to be read in a copying machine, a FAX, a scanner, an image filing system, a bar code reader, a digital camera, a microscope, or the like configured to optically read a read target, and particularly as a light source. This is effective when the light emitting element is an LED.

Sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the traveling body in embodiment of the original reading apparatus carrying the illumination component for reading which concerns on this invention. Sectional drawing of the reading illumination member which is Embodiment 1 of the reading illumination components which concern on this invention in the subscanning direction Sectional drawing of the reading illumination member which is Embodiment 1 in the main scanning direction Sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of the vertex of the convex part of the 1st entrance plane in this embodiment, and LED. Sectional drawing which shows the state of the illumination light beam seen from the surface of the subscanning direction of the light guide in this embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the state of the illumination light beam seen from the surface of the main scanning direction of the light guide in this embodiment (A) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane part of the reading illumination member which is Embodiment 2 of the illumination component for reading based on this invention, (b) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane upper part of Embodiment 2. (A) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane part of the illumination member for reading which is Embodiment 3 of the illumination component for reading concerning this invention, (b) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane upper part of Embodiment 3. (A) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane part of the illumination member for reading which is Embodiment 4 of the illumination component for reading which concerns on this invention, (b) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane upper part of Embodiment 4. (A) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane part of the reading illumination member which is Embodiment 5 of the illumination component for reading which concerns on this invention, (b) is sectional drawing which cut down the entrance plane upper part of Embodiment 5. An explanatory perspective view for explaining a configuration of an incident surface according to the fifth embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus in which the image reading apparatus of FIG. 12 is installed in an image reading unit.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Contact glass 2 Reading illumination member 3 Reflected light (reading optical axis)
4, 5, 6 Mirror 7 Imaging lens 8 SBU (scanner board unit)
9 CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Light guide 12 Output surface 13 1st incident surface 13a 1st incident surface convex part 14 2nd incident surfaces 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4 Cut face of 2nd incident surface (End face)
15 Incident surface 16 LED
16a LED light-emitting surface 17 Junction lines 17-1, 17-2, 17-3, 17-4 of the first incident surface and the second incident surface
18 Contact surfaces 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, 18-4 with the upper surface of the substrate Outline line 19 of the contact surface Reflecting surface 20 Substrate 21 Ridge line 30 extending in the main scanning direction of the first incident surface Image forming unit 200 Paper feeding unit 300 Image reading unit 400 Document feeding unit A Illuminated area B Reading unit

Claims (27)

A plurality of light emitting elements arranged at predetermined intervals in the main scanning direction with respect to the reading target; and a light guide that guides light beams from the plurality of light emitting elements toward the illuminated area of the reading target. In the reading illumination component in which the surface on which the light beam emitted from the light emitting element is incident is an incident surface, and the surface from which the light beam guided by traveling or reflected inside the light guide is emitted is an emission surface.
Forming a first incident surface formed in a convex shape facing the light emitting surface of the light emitting element on the incident surface, and a second incident surface connected at the outer periphery of the first incident surface; A second incident surface is formed in a cylindrical shape that covers the side surface of the light emitting element and is convex toward the light emitting element side, and a side surface portion of the light guide facing the second incident surface is An illumination part for reading which is formed as a reflective surface which is cut obliquely and reflects light inward .   2. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the first incident surface is formed in a pyramid shape.   3. The reading device according to claim 2, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the second incident surface parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is a polygon having the same number of angles as the pyramid shape of the first incident surface. Lighting parts.   The contour of the first incident surface and the second incident surface connected to each other on the incident surface is a polygonal shape extending in the main scanning direction. Reading illumination parts.   5. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the light guide includes a reflection surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to the illuminated region.   5. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the apex of the pyramid on the first incident surface is disposed on a substantially vertical line at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element.   The reading illumination component according to claim 6, wherein a distance between a vertex of the pyramid on the first incident surface and a center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less.   2. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the first incident surface is formed in a conical shape.   9. The reading illumination component according to claim 8, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the second incident surface parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is circular.   10. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the light guide has a reflecting surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to an illuminated area to be read.   9. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the apex of the cone on the first incident surface is disposed on a substantially vertical line at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element.   The reading illumination component according to claim 10, wherein a distance between a vertex of the cone on the first incident surface and a center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less.   2. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the first incident surface is formed in an elliptical cone having a major axis in the main scanning direction.   14. The illumination component for reading according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element on the second incident surface is an ellipse having a major axis in the main scanning direction.   15. The illumination component for reading according to claim 1 or 14, wherein the light guide has a reflecting surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to the illuminated region.   14. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the apex of the elliptical cone on the first incident surface is disposed on a substantially vertical line at the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element.   The illumination component for reading according to claim 16, wherein a distance between an apex of the elliptical cone on the first incident surface and a center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less.   2. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the first incident surface is formed in a wedge shape having a ridge line extending in the main scanning direction.   19. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the second incident surface parallel to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is a quadrangle.   The illumination component for reading according to claim 1 or 19, wherein the light guide has a reflective surface portion that guides light incident from the second incident surface to the illuminated region.   19. The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein a wedge-shaped ridge line on the first incident surface is disposed on a substantially vertical line at a center in a sub-scanning direction on the light emitting surface of the light emitting element.   The illumination component for reading according to claim 21, wherein the distance between the wedge-shaped ridge line on the first incident surface and the center of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element is 0.2 mm or less.   The reading illumination component according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). A plurality of light emitting elements arranged at a predetermined interval in the main scanning direction of document reading, and an illuminated area having a length and a width for reading on the document surface are disposed between the plurality of light emitting elements and the document. In an original illuminating device comprising an original illuminating member having a light guide that guides light beams from a plurality of light emitting elements,
24. An original illuminating apparatus using the reading illumination component according to claim 1 as the original illuminating member. A plurality of light emitting elements arranged at predetermined intervals in the main scanning direction of the image reading target, and disposed between the plurality of light emitting elements and the image reading target, and have a length and a width for reading the image reading target. An image illuminating member having a light guide that guides light beams from the plurality of light emitting elements to an illuminated area, and a photoelectric conversion member that receives reflected light after illuminating the image reading target and obtains image information In the image reading device,
An image reading apparatus using the reading illumination component according to any one of claims 1 to 23 as the image illumination member. An image forming apparatus including an image reading unit and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image information read by the image reading unit.
An image forming apparatus using the image reading apparatus according to claim 25 as the image reading section. In an image transmission apparatus including an image reading unit and an image transmission unit that transmits an image via a communication line based on image information read by the image reading unit,
An image transmitting apparatus using the image reading apparatus according to claim 25 as the image reading unit.

Images