JP6294939B2 - Imaging element array, reader and optical apparatus using imaging element array - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an imaging element array, a reading apparatus using the imaging element array, and an optical apparatus .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a scanner, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP), an image of a document is formed on an image sensor by using an illumination device and a microlens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged to read the document image. I have to. Also, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP), a light emitting element such as an LED and a microlens array are used, and the light from the LED is coupled onto the photosensitive drum via the microlens array. An image is formed (exposed) on the photosensitive drum.

  Microlens arrays are used in facsimile optical systems, optical print heads of LED or LCD printers, liquid crystal display devices, solid-state imaging devices, multiple image transfer devices using optical interconnections, confocal laser microscopes, and the like. Accordingly, a wide range of applications such as the optical communication field, the optical disk field, the image display field, the image transmission / combination field, the optical measurement field, the optical sensing field, and the optical processing field are expected. In particular, a high quality (high resolution) micro imaging element array free from stray light is required.

  There is an example described in Patent Document 1 as a lens array used in an optical apparatus such as a contact image sensor. The lens array of Patent Document 1 includes first and second lens arrays in which a plurality of convex lenses each having a length in the optical axis direction are arranged in a line, and light between the convex lenses of the first and second lens arrays. They are laminated so that the axes are aligned, and are combined so that an erecting equal-magnification image can be obtained. In addition, in order to optically separate the plurality of convex lenses, a concave portion is provided between each of the plurality of convex lenses, and the inner wall surface defining the concave portion is covered with a black or dark shade material. According to such a configuration, the light that leaks from the inside of each convex lens to the side and the light that travels from the side of each convex lens toward the inside of each convex lens are absorbed by the light shielding material. Therefore, stray light between the convex lenses is prevented.

  However, in order to cover the inner wall surface that defines the recess with the light shielding material, a method of applying the light shielding material to the recess by a non-contact method, for example, an ink jet method may be considered, but it is difficult to uniformly cover the recess with the applied light shielding material. Thus, sufficient light shielding characteristics cannot be obtained. In addition to the inner wall surface, there is a problem that a light shielding material adheres and optical performance such as optical efficiency is deteriorated.

JP 2000-321526 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention relates to an imaging element array, a reading apparatus using the imaging element array, and an optical apparatus .

The imaging element array according to the embodiment includes a base material having an incident surface and an output surface that transmit light, a first plane portion of the base material that is opposed to each other between the incident surface and the output surface, and A convex portion provided on the second plane portion so as to protrude outwardly and having a reflective surface formed at the top, and the light incident on the incident surface is reflected by the reflective surface formed on each convex portion. An imaging element array in which a plurality of imaging elements led to the exit surface are aligned and integrally formed, wherein the convex portions adjacent to each other on the first surface and the second surface on which the convex portions of the base material are formed A dropping region of a light shielding material formed in a triangular shape so as to become narrower toward a lowering direction of the inclination, and a dropping region of the light shielding material that is located at a position away from the boundary portion between In order to guide the light-shielding material dripped onto the boundary part respectively, It is composed of a guide groove formed toward the boundary portion from the curled end portion and the light shielding material guided to the boundary portion between the convex portions, and is disposed in the peripheral portion of the light reflection region of the convex portion. A light shielding film .

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged configuration diagram illustrating an image forming unit according to an embodiment. 1 is an enlarged configuration diagram illustrating an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging element array according to an embodiment. The perspective view which expands and shows the image formation element array which concerns on one Embodiment. The side view which expands and shows the image formation element array which concerns on one Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the image formation element array which formed the light shielding film based on one Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of an imaging element array according to an embodiment. The perspective view which expands and shows the mirror surface of the imaging element array which concerns on one Embodiment. The top view explaining formation of the light shielding film in one embodiment. The top view which shows the dropping position of the guide groove and light-shielding material in one Embodiment. Sectional drawing explaining the guide groove in FIG. The top view which shows the 1st example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The top view which shows the 2nd example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The top view and perspective view which show the 3rd example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The top view and sectional drawing which show the 4th example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The top view and sectional drawing which show the 5th example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The top view which shows the 6th example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The top view which shows the 7th example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The top view which shows the 8th example of the guide groove in 2nd Embodiment. The front view which expands and shows the lens surface of the image formation element array which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

  Embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same location.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus which is an example of an optical apparatus using an imaging element array according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals), a printer, a copier, or the like, which is a multifunction peripheral. In the following description, an MFP will be described as an example.

  A transparent glass platen 12 is provided above the main body 11 of the MFP 10, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 13 is provided on the platen 12 so as to be freely opened and closed. An operation panel 14 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 11. The operation panel 14 has various keys and a touch panel type display unit.

  A scanner unit 15 as a reading device is provided below the ADF 13 in the main body 11. The scanner unit 15 generates image data by reading a document sent by the ADF 13 or a document placed on a document table, and includes a contact image sensor 16 (hereinafter simply referred to as an image sensor). The image sensor 16 is arranged in the main scanning direction (the depth direction in FIG. 1).

  When reading an image of a document placed on the document table 12, the image sensor 16 reads the document image line by line while moving along the document table 12. This is executed over the entire document size, and one page of document is read. When reading an image of a document sent by the ADF 13, the image sensor 16 is at a fixed position (the position shown in the figure).

  Further, a printer unit 17 is provided at the center of the main body 11, and a plurality of cassettes 18 for storing various sizes of paper are provided at the bottom of the main body 11. The printer unit 17 includes a photosensitive drum and an optical scanning device that exposes the photosensitive drum. The optical scanning device has a scanning head 19 including an LED as a light emitting element, and scans the photosensitive member with light rays from the scanning head 19 to generate an image.

  The printer unit 17 processes image data read by the scanner unit 15 and image data created by a PC (Personal Computer) or the like to form an image on a sheet as a recording medium. The printer unit 17 is a tandem color laser printer, for example, and includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

  The image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are arranged below the intermediate transfer belt 21 in parallel from upstream to downstream. The scanning head 19 also has a plurality of scanning heads 19Y, 19M, 19C, and 19K corresponding to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged configuration diagram illustrating the image forming unit 20K among the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. In the following description, since the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K have the same configuration, the image forming unit 20K will be described as a representative.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 20K includes a photosensitive drum 22K that is an image carrier. A charging charger 23K, a developing device 24K, a primary transfer roller 25K, a cleaner 26K, a blade 27K, and the like are arranged around the photosensitive drum 22K along the rotation direction t. The exposure position of the photosensitive drum 22K is irradiated with light from the scanning head 19K, and an electrostatic latent image is carried on the photosensitive drum 22K.

  The charging charger 23K of the image forming unit 20K uniformly charges the entire surface of the photosensitive drum 22K. The developing device 24K supplies a two-component developer containing black toner and a carrier to the photosensitive drum 22K by a developing roller 24a to which a developing bias is applied, and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 22K. The cleaner 26K removes residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22K using the blade 27K.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a toner cartridge 28 for supplying toner to the developing devices 24Y to 24K is provided above the image forming units 20Y to 20K. The toner cartridge 28 includes toner cartridges (28Y to 28K) of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

  The intermediate transfer belt 21 is stretched around the driving roller 31 and the driven roller 32 and moves cyclically. The intermediate transfer belt 21 is in contact with the photosensitive drums 22Y to 22K. As shown in FIG. 2, a primary transfer voltage is applied by a primary transfer roller 25K to a position of the intermediate transfer belt 21 facing the photosensitive drum 22K, and a toner image on the photosensitive drum 22K is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 21. Primary transfer.

  A secondary transfer roller 33 is disposed opposite to the drive roller 31 that stretches the intermediate transfer belt 21. When the sheet S passes between the driving roller 31 and the secondary transfer roller 33, a secondary transfer voltage is applied to the sheet S by the secondary transfer roller 33. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is secondarily transferred to the paper S. A belt cleaner 34 is provided near the driven roller 32 of the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a conveyance roller 35 for conveying the paper S taken out from the paper feed cassette 18 is provided between the paper feed cassette 18 and the secondary transfer roller 33. Further, a fixing device 36 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer roller 33. Further, a conveyance roller 37 is provided downstream of the fixing device 36. The conveyance roller 37 discharges the paper S to the paper discharge unit 38. Further, a reverse conveyance path 39 is provided downstream of the fixing device 36. The reverse conveyance path 39 reverses the sheet S and guides it in the direction of the secondary transfer roller 33, and is used when performing duplex printing.

  Next, the configuration of the scanning head 19K will be described with reference to FIG. The scanning head 19K faces the photosensitive drum 22K and exposes the photosensitive drum 22K. The photosensitive drum 22K rotates at a preset rotation speed and can store electric charges on the surface. The photosensitive drum 22K is exposed to light from the scanning head 19K and exposed to light, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 22K is statically exposed. An electrostatic latent image is formed.

  The scanning head 19 </ b> K has an imaging element array 50, and the imaging element array 50 is supported by the holding member 41. The holding member 41 has a support 42 at the bottom, and the support 42 is provided with an LED element 43 as a light source. The LED elements 43 are provided at regular intervals in a straight line in the main scanning direction. Further, a substrate (not shown) including a driver IC that controls light emission of the LED element 43 is disposed on the support 42. A detailed configuration of the imaging element array 50 will be described later.

  The drive IC constitutes a control unit, which generates a control signal for the scanning head 19K based on image data read by the scanner unit 15 or image data created by a PC or the like, and controls the LED element with a predetermined light amount according to the control signal. Make it emit light. The light beam emitted from the LED element 43 enters the imaging element array 50, passes through the imaging element array 50, forms an image on the photosensitive drum 22K, and forms an image on the photosensitive drum 22K. A cover glass 44 is attached to the upper part (outgoing side) of the scanning head 19K.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the contact image sensor 16 of the scanner unit 15 (reading device). The image sensor 16 reads an image of a document placed on the document table 12 or an image of a document fed by the ADF 13 according to an operation on the operation panel 14. The image sensor 16 is a one-dimensional sensor arranged in the main scanning direction and includes a housing 45.

  The housing 45 is disposed on a substrate 46, and two LED line illumination devices 47 and 48 that irradiate light in the direction of the document are disposed on the upper surface of the housing 45 on the document table 12 side in the main scanning direction (the depth direction in the figure). ) So as to extend. The LED line illumination devices 47 and 48 are light sources and include an LED and a light guide. The light source is not limited to the LED, and may be a fluorescent tube, a xenon tube, a cold cathode tube, an organic EL, or the like.

  An imaging element array 50 is supported between the LED line illumination devices 47 and 48 at the top of the housing 45, and a sensor 49 made of CCD, CMOS, or the like is mounted on the substrate 46 at the bottom of the housing 45. Has been. A light shielding body 52 having a slit 51 is attached to the upper portion of the housing 45.

  The LED line illumination devices 47 and 48 irradiate the image reading position of the document on the document table 12, and the light reflected at the image reading position enters the imaging element array 50 through the slit 51. The imaging element array 50 functions as an erecting equal-magnification lens. The light incident on the imaging element array 50 is emitted from the exit surface of the imaging element array 50 and forms an image on the sensor 49. That is, the light reflected by the original document among the light irradiated by the illumination devices 47 and 48 is transmitted through the imaging element array 50. The imaged light is converted into an electric signal by the sensor 49, and the electric signal is transferred to a memory unit (not shown) of the substrate 46.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the imaging element array 50 used in the reading device and the image forming apparatus will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the imaging element array 50 according to the first embodiment. The light incident direction is indicated by an arrow A, and the light emission direction is indicated by an arrow B.

  The imaging element array 50 reflects the light incident from the lens surface 51 that is the incident surface, the lens surface 52 that is the output surface, and the lens surface 51 a plurality of times (twice in the example of FIG. 4), and the output lens surface. A plurality of imaging elements each having reflecting surfaces 53 and 54 that are reflected by 52 are arranged in the main scanning direction. The imaging element array 50 including a plurality of imaging elements is integrally formed of resin or glass. In the following description, the imaging element array 50 may be simply referred to as the array 50.

  In FIG. 4, a lens surface 51 is an asymmetric lens surface (incident surface) in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and a lens surface 52 is an asymmetric lens surface (exit surface) in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. ). The lens surfaces 51 and 52 transmit light rays and are convex surfaces with respect to the base material of the imaging element array 50. Further, the reflecting surfaces 53 and 54 reflect light rays, and are convex surfaces (convex lenses) with respect to the base material of the imaging element array 50. Hereinafter, the lens surface 51 may be referred to as an incident lens surface, the lens surface 52 as an exit lens surface, and the reflection surfaces 53 and 54 as a mirror surface. In FIG. 4, “main” indicates the main scanning direction, and “sub” indicates the sub-scanning direction.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the imaging element array 50. FIG. 6 is a side view of the imaging element array 50. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the imaging element array 50 includes an incident lens surface 51, mirror surfaces 53 and 54, and an exit lens surface 52. Incident light X (shown only in the central ray of the optical path in FIG. 6) enters the lens surface 51. The mirror surface 53 has a convex structure protruding outward as seen from the incident direction of light, and a reflective surface is formed on the top of the convex portion. Similarly, the mirror surface 54 has a convex structure protruding outward as seen from the light incident direction, and a reflecting surface is formed on the top of the convex portion.

  The incident light beam X enters the incident lens surface 51 that is asymmetric in the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, becomes convergent light in both the main and sub-scanning directions, and enters the mirror surface 53 that is asymmetric in the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. To do. Since the light beams are incident at an incident angle that satisfies the total reflection condition, all the light beams are reflected and enter the mirror surface 54 that is symmetrical in the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction at an incident angle that satisfies the total reflection condition. Here, all the light rays are reflected to form an inverted image, guided to the outgoing lens surface 54 that is asymmetric in the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, transmitted through the outgoing lens surface 54, and imaged again. A double erect image is formed on the image plane.

  In the imaging element array 50 in which the lens and the mirror are integrated, the incident light X that has passed through the light transmission region of the incident lens surface 51 is converged and directed toward the mirror surface 53 and reflected by the light reflection region of the mirror surface 53. To the mirror surface 54. The light beam reflected by the light reflection region of the mirror surface 54 is emitted through the light transmission region of the emission lens surface 52 and forms an image on the image plane. In addition, a light shielding material is applied to the light transmission region of the incident mirror surface, the light reflection region of the mirror surfaces 53 and 54, and the light transmission region of the output mirror surface 52 to form a light shielding film so as to prevent stray light. I have to.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the imaging element array 50, and shows an example in which a light shielding film 60 is formed on the periphery (including the wall surface 55) of the light reflection region of the convex portion of the mirror surface 53. Although a light shielding film is also formed on the periphery (including the wall surface 56) of the light reflection region of the convex portion of the mirror surface 54, the illustration is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mirror surface 53 as viewed from above. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the mirror surface 53 as viewed obliquely from above. Since the mirror surface 54 has the same shape as the mirror surface 53, description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the mirror surface 53 is formed on the top of the convex portion 57, and the light beam X enters the mirror surface 53, is reflected by the mirror surface 53, and is emitted. The light beam X (solid line) is totally reflected by the mirror surface 53, travels to the next optical surface (mirror surface 54), exits from the exit lens surface 52, and finally the image surface (sensor 49 or photoconductor drum 22). ). Further, by forming the light shielding film 60 on the wall surface 55 between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53, the light reaching the wall surface 55 can be absorbed, and stray light can be prevented from being imaged on the image plane.

  When the imaging element array 50 is manufactured using a transparent polymer resin, a resin such as a polycarbonate resin, an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or a polystyrene resin, or a thermoplastic resin is used. The imaging element array 50 is manufactured by a method having high efficiency and high productivity by plastic molding by injection molding, injection compression molding, compression molding, etc., using a mold for molding the imaging element array 50. can do. Instead of the transparent polymer resin, quartz, optical glass, electrooptic glass (such as non-alkali glass), translucent ceramics, or the like may be used.

  The light shielding film 60 uses, for example, an organic light shielding liquid (monomer or solvent system) as a light shielding material. The light shielding film 60 is preferably formed using a light-shielding material having high fluidity, and a material having a low viscosity and a low surface tension is desirable in order to facilitate wetting and spreading when supplied to the application position. The light shielding film 60 is desirably made of a material having a low reflectance in order to prevent performance degradation such as a ghost accompanying reflection on the film surface after the light shielding film is formed. Further, it is desirable that the light shielding film 60 has a high content of light-shielding pigment or dye so that a sufficient transmission density can be obtained with a thin film as much as possible.

  7 and 8, the filled region (gray portion) indicates the light shielding film 60 formed in the peripheral portion of the light reflection region of the mirror surface 53, and the light shielding film 60 is formed by applying a light shielding material and spreading it. To do. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the light shielding film 60 is applied to a portion that does not interfere with the mirror surface 53, and not only the boundary portion between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53 but also the peripheral portion of the mirror surface 53 and the mirror surface 53. Is applied to the wall surface 55 of the convex portion provided with

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing the mirror surface 53, and a region where the light shielding material is applied (the light shielding film 60) is shown in gray. A circle 61 in the figure shows an example of a dropping position where the light shielding material is dropped. The dropping position 61 is set, for example, between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53 or between the mirror surfaces 53 at a position slightly away from the tip of the mirror surface 53. The light shielding material is dropped using a coating apparatus (not shown) of a non-contact method such as an ink jet method or a liquid contact method such as a dispenser. When the light shielding material is dropped, the light shielding material spreads out and wets between the mirror surfaces 53 and the wall surface 55 of the mirror surface 53 to form a light shielding film 60.

  In the case of a non-contact method such as an ink jet method, a light shielding region is obtained from the amount of liquid (droplet diameter) applied from an ink jet device, misdirection (direction), and distance, and an appropriate light shielding material application region is obtained. Further, in the case of a liquid contact method such as a dispenser, the light shielding material application area is determined by the amount of liquid applied (droplet diameter). As a result, it is possible to prevent the light shielding material from interfering with the mirror surface 53 (the liquid coming into contact with the surface of the mirror surface) by securing an appropriate size of the light shielding material application region. By applying the light shielding material to the light shielding material application region using an application device such as an ink jet method or a dispenser, the mirror surface 53 is not soiled, and the optical performance can be prevented from being deteriorated.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the guide groove that promotes the wetting and spreading when the light shielding material is applied, and is an example in which a thin groove 62 is provided as a guide groove at the boundary between adjacent mirror surfaces 53. A plurality of grooves 62 are provided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface 53. An ellipse 61 indicates a position where the light shielding material is dropped, and is set between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53. By providing a plurality of grooves 62 in parallel at the boundary between the mirror surfaces 53, the light shielding material spreads in the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface 53 in a short time along the edges of the grooves 62 due to the same phenomenon as the capillary phenomenon. It becomes possible. In addition, the thickness of the light shielding material applied between the mirror surfaces 53, that is, the leveling state is uniform, and the light shielding film 60 in which the variation in the light shielding characteristics is suppressed can be formed.

  12A and 12B are cross-sectional views showing the shape of the groove 62. FIG. (A) shows a case in which a concave groove 621 is formed on the surface 501 of the imaging element array 50. FIG. 6B shows a case where a convex groove 622 is formed on the surface 501 of the imaging element array 50. Regardless of the shape, the light-shielding material can spread in a short time along the edges of the plurality of grooves 621 and 622 in the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface 53 due to the same phenomenon as the capillary phenomenon. The light shielding film 60 can be accurately formed on the peripheral portion of 53. Therefore, it is possible to provide an imaging element array that does not deteriorate the optical performance.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, how to form the light shielding film 60 on the imaging element array 50 will be described. The second embodiment shows some examples of the guide groove 62 that makes it easy to wet and spread the light shielding material when the light shielding film 60 is formed around the light reflection region of the mirror 53 (or the mirror 54).

  FIG. 13 is a diagram in which the pattern shape of the guide groove 62 in FIG. 11 is changed, and a plurality of oblique grooves 62 are formed between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53. An ellipse 61 indicates a position where the light shielding material is dropped, and is set between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53. Since the grooves 62 are formed radially from the central portion between the mirror surfaces 53, the light shielding material has high uniformity and can shorten the time for spreading wet.

  FIG. 14 shows an example in which a thin groove 62 is provided between adjacent mirror surfaces 53. The groove 62 has a shape extending longer than the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface 53. An ellipse 61 indicates the dropping position of the light shielding material. The dropping position 61 is set on a groove 62 that is off the tip of the mirror surface 53. By making the groove 62 longer than the mirror surface 53 and dropping the light shielding material onto the region 61 away from the convex surface of the mirror surface 53, the light shielding material has a boundary between the mirror surfaces 53 adjacent to each other along the groove shape. It is possible to quickly spread and wet the part, and a uniform leveling state can be maintained. Further, by setting the application position 61 of the light shielding material at a place other than the region between the mirror surfaces 53, it is possible to prevent the light shielding material from being applied onto the mirror surface 53. Accordingly, application errors can be reduced, and the array 50 with higher accuracy can be manufactured.

  In FIG. 15A, a narrow groove 62 is provided between adjacent mirror surfaces 53, and the groove 62 extends longer than the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface 53, that is, the extended portion, that is, the convex structure of the mirror surface 53. A triangular projection 63 is formed in a region away from the surface. An ellipse 61 indicates the dropping position of the light shielding material, and drops on the triangular convex portion 63.

  FIG. 15B is an enlarged perspective view showing the triangular convex portion 63. By dropping the light shielding material onto the triangular convex portion 63, the light shielding material can efficiently flow into the groove 62, and the time for spreading the wetting can be shortened. Further, the amount of the light shielding material that flows into the groove 62 can be controlled even if the application position of the light shielding material varies somewhat.

  FIG. 16A shows an example in which a thin groove 62 is provided between adjacent mirror surfaces 53. The groove 62 extends longer than the longitudinal direction of the mirror surface 53, and an extended portion, that is, a region away from the convex structure surface of the mirror surface 53 is inclined.

  FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view, and the front end of the mirror surface 53 in the longitudinal direction is inclined (indicated by the inclined portion 502), and the long ellipse 61 indicates the position where the light shielding material is dropped. Dripping. Moreover, the area of the part which receives a light-shielding material can be enlarged by dripping the light-shielding material on the flat surface rather than dropping the light-shielding material on the flat surface.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 16B, the width W2 when dropped on the inclined portion 502 can be made wider than the width W1 when dropped on the flat surface (W1 <W2). Since the light shielding material can be dripped widely onto the inclined surface 502 and flows down into the groove 62 along the inclined surface 502, the time required for the light shielding material to wet and spread is shortened, and the efficiency is improved even if the application position of the light shielding material slightly varies. It is possible to flow the light shielding material through the groove 62 well.

  11 to 16 show an example in which the groove 62 is provided between the mirror surfaces 53 adjacent to each other, but the shape that improves the wetting and spreading of the light shielding material is not limited to these, and the capillary phenomenon Other shapes are also conceivable that promote wetting and spreading. 17 to 20 show modified examples of the guide groove.

  In FIG. 17A, a large number of semicircular convex portions 64 are provided between adjacent mirror surfaces 53 and around the tip of the mirror surface 53. By forming a large number of semicircular convex portions 64, a guide groove is formed between the convex portions 64 and the light shielding material can be guided along the guide grooves. An ellipse 61 indicates an example of a dropping position of the light shielding material, and drops between the tip portions of the adjacent mirror surfaces 53.

  FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the mirror surface 53, and there are a large number of semicircular convex portions 64 between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53, and the light shielding material spreads out so as to sew between the convex portions 64. Then, the light shielding film 60 is formed. The light shielding film 60 is cured by, for example, irradiating ultraviolet rays, but it takes time to cure if the light shielding film 60 is thick. When the light shielding material is applied to the semicircular convex portions 64, the thickness of the light shielding film 60 can be reduced, and the curing time by ultraviolet rays can be shortened.

  FIG. 18 shows an example in which a thin groove 62 is provided between adjacent mirror surfaces 53. The groove 62 has a shape extending radially from the position deviated from the tip of the mirror surface 53 toward the boundary between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53. Grooves 62 are densely provided at the starting portion, and the grooves 62 become sparser toward the radial ends. An ellipse 61 indicates the dropping position of the light shielding material. The dropping position 61 is set at a portion where the grooves 62 are densely present. The light shielding material spreads quickly between the mirror surfaces 53 from the dense portion of the groove 62 toward the sparse portion.

  In FIG. 19, lattice-like grooves 65 are provided between adjacent mirror surfaces 53 and around the tip of the mirror surface 53. An ellipse 61 shows an example of the dropping position of the light shielding material, and is set between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53 and between the tips of the mirror surfaces 53.

  FIG. 20 shows a grid-like groove 66 that is inclined between adjacent mirror surfaces 53 and around the tip of the mirror surface 53. An ellipse 61 shows an example of the dropping position of the light shielding material, and is set between the adjacent mirror surfaces 53 and between the tips of the mirror surfaces 53.

  In order to improve the spreading of the light shielding material, physical surface treatment such as corona treatment or plasma treatment may be performed before the light shielding material is applied.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 21 shows an imaging element array 50 according to the third embodiment, and is a front view showing an example in which a light shielding film 60 is formed around the entrance lens surface 51 (or the exit lens surface 52).

  FIG. 21 shows a method of forming the light shielding film 60 on the incident lens surface 51. The incident lens surface 51 is a surface having a convex structure with respect to the base material of the array 50, and a boundary portion 71 that functions as a guide groove is formed between the adjacent incident lens surfaces 51. As shown in FIG. 21A, a triangular groove 72 is provided at a position slightly away from the boundary between adjacent lens surfaces 51. An ellipse 61 in FIG. 21 (b) indicates the dropping position of the light shielding material. By dropping the light shielding material into the triangular groove 72, the light shielding material easily flows along the edge of the triangular groove 72 as shown in FIG. 21C, and the boundary between the adjacent lens surfaces 51 is obtained. The light shielding film 60 can be formed on the portion of the lens surface 51 other than the light transmission region by spreading wet to the portion 71.

  The triangular groove 72 may be provided not only at the upper part between the lens surfaces 51 but also at the lower part between the lens surfaces 51. A triangular groove provided in the lower portion is indicated by 72 '. The light shielding film 60 can be efficiently applied to the periphery of each lens surface 51 in a short time by using the upper and lower triangular grooves 72, 72 '.

  In the embodiment described above, the dropping position 61 of the light shielding material is an example, and a position avoiding the mirror surface 53, for example, between a plurality of mirror surfaces 53 or from the tip of the mirror surface 53. It is good to make it drop in a slightly separated area. Similarly, the lens surface 51 may be dropped at a position slightly away from the lens surface 51.

  In the above description, the example in which the light shielding film 60 is formed around the mirror surface 53 or around the incident lens 51 has been described. However, the light shielding film 60 is formed around the mirror surface 54 or around the exit lens 52. In this case, the same method as in the above example can be used.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, in a reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus using an imaging element array in which a light-transmitting surface or a reflecting surface is a surface having a convex structure with respect to a substrate, an imaging element is provided. By providing a guide groove in the periphery of the light transmission region or light reflection region of the child array and applying a light shielding material to the guide groove, the light shielding material is efficiently applied to the periphery of the surface of the convex structure by capillary action. It is possible to provide a reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can be formed and do not deteriorate optical performance.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof as well as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

10: Image forming apparatus 15: Scanner unit (reading apparatus)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Contact-type image sensor 19 ... Scanning head 50 ... Imaging element array 51 ... Incident lens surface 52 ... Outgoing lens surface 53, 54 ... Reflecting surface 60 ... Light shielding film 61 ... Light-dropping material drop position 62 ... Guide groove 71 ... Boundary Part

Claims (5)

A base material having an incident surface and an output surface that transmit light, and an outward direction on the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion of the base material that face each other between the incident surface and the output surface. An imaging element that protrudes from the projection surface and has a reflection surface formed at the top, and reflects the light incident on the incident surface on the reflection surface formed on each projection and guides it to the emission surface. A plurality of image forming element arrays integrally formed side by side on the first surface and the second surface on which the convex portions of the base material are formed,
A dripping of a light-shielding material that is located away from the boundary between the adjacent convex portions, has a slope that decreases toward the boundary, and is formed in a triangular shape so as to become narrower in the downward direction of the slope. Area,
In order to guide the light-shielding material dropped in the dropping region to the boundary portion, respectively, a guide groove formed from the narrowed end portion of the dropping region toward the boundary portion;
A light-shielding film made of the light-shielding material guided at the boundary between the convex portions, and arranged at the periphery of the light-reflecting region of the convex portions;
An imaging element array comprising: A base material having an incident surface and an output surface that transmit light, and an outward direction on the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion of the base material that face each other between the incident surface and the output surface. An imaging element that protrudes from the projection surface and has a reflection surface formed at the top, and reflects the light incident on the incident surface on the reflection surface formed on each projection and guides it to the emission surface. A plurality of image forming element arrays integrally formed side by side on the first surface and the second surface on which the convex portions of the base material are formed,
An inclined surface formed at a position away from a boundary portion between the convex portions adjacent to each other and descending toward the boundary portion;
A guide groove formed continuously from the descending end of the inclined surface to the boundary portion to guide the light shielding material dropped onto the inclined surface to the boundary portion;
A light-shielding film made of the light-shielding material guided by the boundary and disposed in the periphery of the light-reflecting region of the convex part;
An imaging element array comprising: A light source disposed in the main scanning direction of the document on the document table and irradiating the document with light;
An imaging element array having an entrance surface and an exit surface that transmit light from the original, and disposed in the main scanning direction;
A sensor disposed at a position where light emitted from the emission surface of the imaging element array forms an image,
The imaging element array includes:
A base material having the entrance surface and the exit surface , and projecting outwardly on the first plane portion and the second plane portion of the substrate facing each other between the entrance surface and the exit surface, respectively. An imaging element that has a reflecting surface formed on the top of the reflecting surface and reflects the light incident on the incident surface on the reflecting surface formed on each of the projecting portions and guides it to the emitting surface. The first surface and the second surface on which the plurality of protrusions of the base material are formed by arranging a plurality of them in a direction ,
A dripping of a light-shielding material that is located away from the boundary between the adjacent convex portions, has a slope that decreases toward the boundary, and is formed in a triangular shape so as to become narrower in the downward direction of the slope. Area,
In order to guide the light-shielding material dropped in the dropping region to the boundary portion, respectively, a guide groove formed from the narrowed end portion of the dropping region toward the boundary portion;
Made by the light blocking member induced in the boundary portion between the convex portion, and the light-shielding film disposed on the periphery of the light reflecting region of the convex portion,
A reading apparatus comprising: A light source disposed in the main scanning direction of the document on the document table and irradiating the document with light;
An imaging element array having an entrance surface and an exit surface that transmit light from the original, and disposed in the main scanning direction;
A sensor disposed at a position where light emitted from the emission surface of the imaging element array forms an image,
The imaging element array includes:
A base material having the entrance surface and the exit surface , and projecting outwardly on the first plane portion and the second plane portion of the substrate facing each other between the entrance surface and the exit surface, respectively. provided and a convex portion formed on the top of the reflective surface, the main scanning of the imaging element that leads to the emission surface is reflected by the reflecting surface formed on the convex portion of each of the light incident on the incident surface The first surface and the second surface on which the plurality of protrusions of the base material are formed by arranging a plurality of them in a direction ,
An inclined surface formed at a position away from a boundary portion between the convex portions adjacent to each other and descending toward the boundary portion;
A guide groove formed continuously from the descending end of the inclined surface to the boundary portion to guide the light shielding material dropped onto the inclined surface to the boundary portion;
A light-shielding film that is made of the light-shielding material guided to the boundary part and is arranged in the peripheral part of the light reflection region of the convex part;
A reading apparatus comprising: A light source that emits light;
The imaging element array according to claim 1 or 2, wherein light from the light source is incident to form an image on an image plane;
An optical device comprising:

Images