JP7211316B2 - Image reading device and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof, in which transmitted light and reflected light from an object to be read (illuminated object) are converged by a lens array arranged in an array and read by a sensor element array. be.

An image reading device (a line image sensor for reading images and an image input device using it) irradiates an object to be read (irradiated object) with light, and arranges the transmitted light and reflected light from the object to be read in an array. It is used for image reading equipment such as copiers and scanners that convert images, characters, patterns, etc. on the object to be read into electronic information by reading with an optical sensor array arranged in a line with a rod lens. .

Line image sensors used in devices such as copiers and scanners, which are used to digitize information such as images, characters, and patterns printed on paper media, have rod-shaped lenses arrayed according to the reading width. Using a rod lens array arranged in a shape, the reflected and transmitted light containing information of the object to be read illuminated by the line light source is imaged onto the optical sensor array arranged on the opposite side of the lens array as the center. It is configured to read with

The rod lens used here is made of an inorganic material such as glass or resin, and is formed by distributing the refractive index in the radial direction so as to form an erect equal-magnification optical system with a predetermined aperture angle and conjugate length. It is By arranging such rod lenses in an array, it is possible to obtain a continuous linear image.

Although the optical system (line image sensor) of such a reading device has a fixed focus, the conjugate length (distance between focal points) of lenses can be shortened. This feature makes it possible to form a more compact image input system than conventional optical systems that reduce an image and form an image on a small sensor surface. ) is used as a line image sensor for reading the back side. In addition, the application is expanding to use in production lines such as print inspection and film inspection in commercial printing lines.

The optical system of the reading device (line image sensor) is becoming more and more popular, and the tolerance for the positional relationship between the focal position and the object to be read has increased due to the short conjugate length, which has contributed to the miniaturization of image sensor products. The low depth of field (shallowness or smallness of the depth of field) is becoming a serious problem. In particular, in the case of inline inspection of paper or film printing for image inspection, the object to be read may be conveyed at a high speed of 200 m/min or more, and the change in resolution of the read image due to the fluttering of the object to be read may be detected by the line image sensor. This is a big problem when using. Against this background, various studies have been conducted on increasing the depth of field in line image sensors.

Conventional image reading devices irradiate the object to be read with light, converge the transmitted light and reflected light from the object to be read by a rod lens arranged in an array, and read the light with a photosensor array arranged in a line. There is a thing (for example, see patent document 1). As described above, such an image reading apparatus is used in image reading equipment such as copiers and scanners that convert images, characters, patterns, etc. on an object to be read into electronic information. Patent document 1 proposes that the depth of field is improved by limiting the optical path of light emitted from a single lens by arranging a light shielding member externally attached to the lens array for each lens. there is

The lens body array of the image reading device includes a rod lens array and a microlens array of an erect equal-magnification optical system. Such lens body arrays are used in devices such as copiers and scanners that are used to digitize information such as images, characters, and patterns printed on paper media. In Patent Document 1, an image reading device (line image sensor) uses a rod lens array in which rod-shaped lenses are arranged in an array according to a reading width, and reads information on an object to be read illuminated by a line light source. Readings are disclosed by imaging reflected and transmitted light, including light, onto a photosensor array located on the opposite side of the lens array.

Further, the rod lens array disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed of an inorganic material such as glass, resin, or the like, and has a refractive index of are distributed, and by arranging these rod lenses in an array, it is possible to obtain a continuous line-shaped image.

Furthermore, rod lens arrays are used not only in the input section of facsimiles, but also in recent years as line image sensors for reading the back side of the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) of document scanners and copiers. Applications are also expanding to use in production lines such as print inspections and film inspections. Although the rod lens has a fixed focal point, the conjugate length (distance between focal points) of the lens can be shortened, making it a more compact image input system than conventional optical systems that reduce an image and form an image on a small sensor surface. This is because

With the spread of specific applications, attempts have been made to improve the short conjugation length, which has contributed to the miniaturization of image sensor products, and to further expand the specific applications. In order to further expand the application, it is necessary to improve the tolerance (depth of field) for the positional relationship between the focus position and the object to be read (shallow or small depth of field). In particular, in the case of in-line inspection of paper for image inspection or film printing, the object to be read may be conveyed at a high speed of 200 m/min or more, which causes the object to flutter and change the resolution of the read image. Need to improve on that.

Against this background, various studies have been conducted on increasing the depth of field in line image sensors. For example, by forming an overlap limiting member between the lens elements of the lens element body to limit the overlap of images by a plurality of lens elements, the imaging diameter of each lens element is controlled to expand the depth of field ( (For example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, by making the periphery of the rod lens an opaque, light-absorbing layer, it is possible to avoid resolution deterioration due to images overlapping between the rod lenses, and the depth of field characteristics of the rod lens array are reduced to the depth of field of the rod lens alone. By approximating the characteristics, there is a rod lens array that expands the depth of field (improves the depth of field) as a whole (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In Patent Document 2, by forming the peripheral portion of the rod lens into an opaque, light-absorbing layer, the reduction in resolution due to overlapping of images between the rod lenses is avoided. As a result, Patent Document 2 attempts to improve the depth of field characteristics of the rod lens array as a whole by bringing the depth of field characteristics of the rod lens array closer to the depth of field characteristics of the rod lens alone.

Furthermore, by forming the peripheral portion of the rod lens into an opaque, light absorbing layer and providing a gap between the rod lenses when arranging the rod lenses, the characteristic uniformity of the rod lens array is ensured. There is one that improves the variation in the amount of light and resolution between lenses that occurs in the disclosed configuration, and further expands the depth of field (improves the depth of field) (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Specifically, in Patent Document 3, a gap is provided between the rod lenses when the rod lenses are arranged by forming the periphery of the rod lenses into an opaque, light-absorbing layer. By securing the characteristic uniformity of the rod lens array with this gap, it is possible to improve the light amount and resolution variations between lenses that occur in the configuration of Patent Document 2, and further to improve the depth of field. .

There is also an image reading device provided with a light shielding wall for suppressing stray light instead of an overlap restricting member between lens elements of a lens element body (see, for example, Patent Document 4). The shape of the light-shielding wall in the direction of the plane of the lens plate includes, for example, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape (honeycomb shape), a circular shape, and a shape in which everything except the lens is used as the light-shielding wall.

JP-A-6-342131 JP-A-2000-35519 WO2013/146873 JP-A-2005-37891

In the improvement of the rod lens alone as disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to ensure the uniformity of resolution and brightness with respect to the position change in the depth direction of the reading target medium as disclosed in Patent Document 3 as a problem. Also, when a long line sensor is formed, the relative position between the lens and the sensor array changes due to differences in thermal expansion due to environmental changes, especially temperature fluctuations, which changes the brightness distribution. There is also the problem that the unevenness in sensitivity reduces the image quality.

In addition, in order to ensure the independence of the lens, it is necessary to reduce the area of the part that functions as a lens. required, and it is difficult to construct a faster reading system. With the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, the uniformity of resolution and brightness that accompanies the medium position change in Patent Document 2 can be ensured, but compared to Patent Document 2, the area of the portion that functions as a lens must be further reduced. Otherwise, the amount of light contributing to image formation decreases and the image becomes dark, or it is necessary to prepare brighter illumination than necessary, making it difficult to configure a faster reading system.

The above example is difficult to accommodate various working distances (the distance from the end of the lens to the reading medium) because it requires changing the basic characteristics of the lens. Furthermore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a general-purpose product can be used for the lens array, but as a light shielding member, a light shielding member having a pitch that matches the ideal lens pitch is prepared in advance to limit the optical path emitted from the lens. This is an attempt to improve the depth of field.

However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 assumes that each light shielding part is formed of one member or is configured by combining them, and combines a light shielding member and a lens array to configure an optical system. It is difficult to accurately arrange the light shielding member at a predetermined position according to the dimensional variation in the actual lens array with a lens diameter of 0.3 to 1.0 mm, such as the variation in the thickness of the individual rod lenses and the variation in the array pitch. There is a problem.

In addition, when the member disclosed in Patent Document 4 is used as an overlap limiting member (slit portion) between lens elements (lens bodies) of the lens element body, it is difficult to align the slit portion and the lens body. There were also issues.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is intended to extend the depth of field (improve the depth of field) without making it essential to change the basic characteristics of the lens body. The present invention relates to an image reading device and a method for manufacturing the same.

An image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies, arranged along the main scanning direction. a sensor element array arranged in an array; and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction, wherein the slit portion the length of the main scanning direction is adjusted so that the arrangement period of the cylindrical member matches the arrangement period of the lens bodies in the lens body array in the main scanning direction; Converged light passes through , and while one end of each of the lens body array and the slit section in the main scanning direction is fixed, the other end of the slit section in the main scanning direction is fixed. It is characterized in that the slit portion is deformed by applying pressure from the side .

A method for manufacturing an image reading device according to the present invention includes a lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along a main scanning direction, and sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies, respectively. and a slit portion having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged between the lens body array and the sensor element array and arranged in the main scanning direction. a method for manufacturing an image reading device through which the light converged by the lens body passes through the cylindrical member, comprising: a facing step of facing the lens body array and the slit section; an adjusting step in which the length is adjusted to match the arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit section with the arrangement period of the lens bodies in the lens body array in the main scanning direction; and fixing one end of each of the lens body array and the slit section in the main scanning direction, and the adjusting step applies pressure from the other end of the slit section in the main scanning direction. and adjusting the length of the slit portion in the main scanning direction by deforming the slit portion .

As described above, according to the present invention, the slit section is set by adjusting the arrangement period of the cylindrical members and the length in the main scanning direction. ) and a method of manufacturing the same.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image reading apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing overlapping images of an image reading device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing overlapping images of an image reading device; FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram for explaining an overlap preventing portion (member for optical path limitation) of the image reading apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a slit portion of the image reading device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a slit portion of the image reading device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view of a lens body array and a slit portion of an image reading device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. It is process drawing which shows the manufacturing method of the image reading device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is process drawing which shows the manufacturing method of the image reading device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing characteristics of a single lens, which is an example for comparison with the image reading apparatuses according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing characteristics of a plurality of lenses, which are comparative examples for the image reading apparatuses according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing characteristics of the image reading apparatuses according to Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention and characteristics of a plurality of lenses as comparative examples; It is a manufacturing process diagram of the slit portion of the image reading device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a slit portion of the image reading device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a slit portion of the image reading device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; It is process drawing which shows the manufacturing method of the image reading device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is process drawing which shows the manufacturing method of the image reading device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lens body array and a slit portion of the image reading device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. FIG. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the surface of the image reading apparatus along the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction). FIG. 1B is a partial perspective view of the image reading device. FIG. 3(a) is a view of a single lens body (rod lens) among views showing overlapping images of an image reading device. FIG. 3B is a diagram of a lens body array (rod lens array) among diagrams showing overlapping images of an image reading device.

1 to 9, a lens body array 1 is formed by arranging lens bodies 2 in an array along the main scanning direction of the image reading apparatus. The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction) intersect, preferably perpendicular to each other. The main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction (conveying direction) are orthogonal to the depth of focus direction (depth of field direction). In the present application, the optical axis direction of the lens body array 1 (lens body 2) is exemplified as orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction). In the present application, the case where the lens body 2 is the rod lens 2, that is, the case where the lens body array 1 is the rod lens array 1 is exemplified, but the lens body array 1 may be the microlens array 1 or the like. In the present application, a rod lens array 1 is illustrated in which a plurality of rod lenses 2 are held by two holding plates 2P that extend in the main scanning direction and face each other.

1 to 9, the lens body 2 is preferably an erect equal-magnification optical system. In the sensor element array 3, sensor elements 4 (sensor ICs 4) each receiving light converged by the lens body 2 are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. The slit portion 5 is arranged between the lens body array 1 and the sensor element array 3 to prevent the images of the lens bodies 2 from overlapping each other. The slit portions of the slit portion 5 are shown arranged for each optical axis of the lens body 2 . The slit portion 5 can be said to be an overlap prevention portion 5 (light blocking member 5, emitted light limiting member 5) that is a member for limiting the optical path.

In FIGS. 1 to 9, the object 9 to be read (irradiated object 9, Object 9) is a sheet-like object including documents, banknotes, securities, etc., substrates, webs (fabrics, fabrics, etc.), images, characters, and so on. An object to be converted into electronic information, such as a pattern, is mainly present on the surface of the object to be read 9. The object 9 to be read is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction). The lens body array 1 (lens body 2) converges reflected light or transmitted light from the object to be read 9. In the present application, the light source 10 is an LED array, and the light source 10 This illustrates a case where reflected light originating from the light emitted from the housing 12 is converged and reflected from the reading object 9. The sensor substrate 11 is a substrate on which the sensor element array 3 (sensor elements 4) is formed. is a housing of the image reading apparatus that holds or houses the lens body array 1 (lens body 2), the sensor substrate 11 (sensor element array 3 (sensor element 4)), the slit portion 5, and the light source 10. The light source 10 and The sensor substrate 11 may be outside the image reading device (housing 12).The object 9 to be read may be conveyed in the sub-scanning direction (conveyance direction), or the object 9 itself may be conveyed. , the image reading device (housing 12) may be transported.

In other words, the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment has a medium image formed by the light source 10 that illuminates the object 9 to be read on the reading center of the rod lens array 1 and the rod lens array 1 with the rod lens array 1 as the center. can be said to be a line image sensor having a sensor element array 3 that converts to electrical signals. Further, the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a lens body array 1 in which lens bodies 2 are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and sensor elements 4 that respectively receive light converged by the lens bodies 2. A slit portion having a sensor element array 3 arranged in an array along the main scanning direction and a plurality of cylindrical members 6 arranged between the lens body array 1 and the sensor element array 3 and arranged in the main scanning direction. 5.

Specifically, in the slit section 5 of the image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the length in the main scanning direction is adjusted so that the arrangement period of the cylindrical members 6 is equal to the arrangement period of the lens bodies 2 in the lens body array 1 in the main scanning direction. consistent with the cycle. Furthermore, the light converged by the lens body 2 passes through the cylindrical member 6 . Preferably, the cylindrical member 6 is a hexagonal cylinder, the slit portion 5 has a hexagonal cylindrical structure continuous with the cylindrical member 6 in the sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, and the honeycomb structure 7 (honeycomb Ring 7) may be used. As described in Embodiment 2, the tubular member 6 may be an elliptical tubular 8 (elliptical tubular structure 8). Such a slit portion 5 (cylindrical member 6 including a honeycomb structure 7 or an elliptical cylindrical structure 8) can be compressed or stretched in the main scanning direction if it is made of, for example, a flexible material. can. Here, the necessity of the slit section 5 and the basic functions of the slit section 5 in the image reading apparatus (line image sensor) according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

First, the necessity of the slit portion 5 will be explained in detail. A point to be improved in the line image sensor using the rod lens array 1 is securing the depth of field as described in the problem to be solved by the invention. The entire image formed by the imaging optical system (lens) is not formed by a single rod lens 2 alone. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the images of a plurality of rod lenses 2 are superimposed to form an overall image.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main reason for the decrease in the depth of field is that the lenses are arranged in an array rather than the performance of a single lens. image is not superimposed in the correct position. The degree of overlap m is a value obtained by dividing the diameter of the region where one rod lens 2 transfers an image at the conjugate point by the diameter of the rod lens 2, which is half. The blurring of the image results from not being superimposed on the correct position. A parameter indicating the degree of overlap of images by adjacent rod lenses 2 is represented by the degree of overlap m, and indicates the number of lenses that overlap images in one direction from the center of the optical axis of the rod lens 2 of interest.

By arranging the rod lens 2 on the array, at the conjugate point, as shown in FIG. 1, the area where one rod lens image is formed is an area corresponding to m lenses on one side from the lens center as indicated by the degree of overlap. This means that the light passing through the 2×m rod lenses 2 is used to form one image. It is necessary that the image is formed at the same point without error in placement. However, in reality, each rod lens 2 has a different optical characteristic, and there is also an assembly error. The optical characteristics are lower than when the two are used alone.

Further, as shown in the left part of FIG. 3(a), when the positional relationship between the object 9 to be read and the sensor element array 3 is at a conjugate point, the rod lens 2 forms an erect image of the same size. . However, as shown on the right side of FIG. will be reduced. In this case, the image of each rod lens 2 is reduced on the sensor element array 3, and the image formed on the sensor element array 3 by each rod lens 2 as the rod lens array 1 is It will shift little by little. Therefore, as shown on the right side of FIG. 3(b), the blur amount increases and the resolution decreases compared to the case shown on the left side of FIG. 3(b).

As described above, the performance of the rod lens 2 alone is not the main factor for the decrease in the depth of field caused by the decrease in resolution due to the position of the reading object 9 moving away from the conjugate point (focus position). The main factor is that the rod lens 2 is used as the rod lens array 1, and the difference in the characteristics of the adjacent rod lenses 2 defined by the above-mentioned degree of overlap m, optical axis deviation due to assembly error, and the reading object 9 from the focal position. Images formed by the individual rod lenses 2 are not superimposed at regular positions on the sensor element array 3 due to image enlargement/reduction due to the shift, and the image is formed with a positional shift, resulting in blurring of the image. This is due to Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, it is necessary to use the slit portion 5 to avoid the reduction of the depth of field.

Next, basic functions of the slit section 5 of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG. As the rod lens 2 schematically shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, SLA (trade name) SLA9A-1 series product manufactured by Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. “aperture angle 9°, conjugate length about 80 mm, lens diameter Φ=about 1.5 mm. 0 mm” was used. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the slit portion 5 viewed from the rod lens 2 (rod lens array 1) side. Pitch in FIG. 5 indicates the arrangement period (pitch) of the slit portions 5 (cylindrical members 6). More specifically, it is the arrangement period (pitch) of the honeycomb structure 7 (hexagonal tubular structure tubular members 6). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slit portion 5, and the dashed-dotted line indicates the main scanning direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rod lens array 1 and the slit portion 5, and the dashed-dotted line indicates the main scanning direction.

5 passes through the center of the hexagonal tubular structure tubular member 6 and is parallel to the sub-scanning direction. Specifically, the dashed-dotted line indicates that the arrangement period (pitch) of the honeycomb structure 7 (hexagonal tubular structure tubular members 6) is the basic period (pitch) between the axes passing through the centers of adjacent tubular members 6. be. n in FIG. 5 is a positive integer equal to or greater than the number of rod lenses 2 in the rod lens array 1 . 7 can be said to be a state in which the rod lens array 1 is opposed to the slit portion 5 shown in FIG. However, it shows the state after at least the adjustment step, not the facing step, which will be described later. 8 and 9 will be referred to in the description of the method for manufacturing the image reading device according to the first embodiment.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the overall configuration of the image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1 illuminates the reading medium on the reading center of the rod lens array 1 with the rod lens array 1 as the center. A line image sensor (image reading) having an LED array (light source 10) and a sensor element array 3 that converts a medium image formed by forming an image by a rod lens array 1 from light reflected on the document surface of an object 9 to be read into an electric signal. equipment). 5 to 9 show that the slit portion 5 shown in FIG. 1 has a three-row honeycomb structure 7 (honeycomb ring 7), and the tubular member 6 has a hexagonal tubular structure.

In this line image sensor, the honeycomb ring is arranged on the sensor-side light emitting surface of the rod lens array 1 in the lens array arrangement direction, that is, in the main scanning direction, and the opposing surface is perpendicular to the main scanning direction of the rod lens array 1 . 7 was implemented and fixed. The honeycomb ring 7 (slit portion 5) is made by gluing and pasting 0.05 mm thick aluminum sheets, the surface of which is satin-finished and then blackened (non-reflective), to the required number of light-shielding walls. A honeycomb (regular hexagonal ring) having a side of 3 mm formed by a 10 mm thick cut piece was used. In other words, it can be said that the cylinder member 6 has a satin-finished interior and is processed to have a black surface. This black surface can also be said to be a black velvet surface. A black velvet surface includes a black and satin-like surface.

Here, a method for manufacturing the image reading device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. As described above, the image reader includes a lens body array 1, a sensor element array 3, and a plurality of cylindrical members 6 arranged between the lens body array 1 and the sensor element array 3 and arranged in the main scanning direction. and a slit portion 5 having. In the method of manufacturing the image reading device, the cylindrical member 6 allows the light converged by the lens body 2 to pass therethrough. Specifically, the manufacturing method of the image reading device includes a facing step of facing the lens body array 1 and the slit portion 5, and adjusting the length of the slit portion 5 in the main scanning direction to adjust the length of the cylindrical member 6 in the slit portion 5. It includes an adjustment step for matching the arrangement period (pitch) with the arrangement period (pitch) of the lens bodies 2 in the lens body array 1 in the main scanning direction. The arrangement period (pitch) of the lens body array 1 (lens bodies 2) is defined as the basic period (pitch) between axes passing through the centers of adjacent lens bodies 2. As shown in FIG. The arrangement period (pitch) of the slit portions 5 (cylindrical members 6) is the basic period (pitch) between the axes passing through the centers of the adjacent cylindrical members 6. As shown in FIG.

The adjustment step adjusts the length of the slit portion 5 in the main scanning direction by compressing (reducing) or pulling it from the main scanning direction, or by performing both of them. In the present application, as shown in the process diagram of FIG. 8, the adjustment step applies pressure from the main scanning direction to deform (reduce) the slit portion 5, thereby adjusting the length of the slit portion 5 in the main scanning direction. Here is an example of when That is, the position of the wall surface having a thickness of 0.1 mm of one of the honeycombs (cylindrical member 6) of the honeycomb ring 7 (slit portion 5) is aligned with the predetermined rod lens array and fixed, and the adjacent rod lenses 2 and the honeycomb light shielding walls are arranged in sequence. The position of the honeycomb (honeycomb ring 7) is adjusted and fixed while compressing so that the positions of the rod lens array 1 and the honeycomb (cylindrical member 6) are aligned so that the light shielding walls 13 of the rod lens array 1 and the honeycomb (cylindrical member 6) are at predetermined positions one-to-one. do. The honeycomb light shielding wall 13 (light shielding wall 13 ) means an inner wall surface of the tubular member 6 . It can be said that the slit portion 5 is compressed and deformed in the main scanning direction, and the length in the main scanning direction is shortened. It can be said that such an adjustment step adjusts the length of the flexible slit portion 5 in the main scanning direction. 9 shows the rod lens array 1 and the honeycomb (cylindrical member 6) after the adjustment step. FIG. 7 corresponds to a perspective view of that state.

By processing in this way, the light-shielding wall 13 using the honeycomb (cylindrical member 6) can also be seen in the sub-scanning direction (the direction perpendicular to the direction of the lens body 2 and the sensor element 4). By compressing the ring 7 (slit portion 5), the other wall surface of the honeycomb ring 7 can be kept away from the reaching range of the light emitted from the lens, and the influence of reflection on the structure can be eliminated. The adjusting step is to deform the slit portion 5 having the honeycomb ring 7 (regular hexagonal cylindrical member 6), the length of one side of which is at least twice the diameter of the lens body 2. is preferably

More specifically, the facing step preferably fixes one end of each of the lens body array 1 and the slit portion 5 in the main scanning direction. In the adjusting step, it is preferable to deform the slit portion by applying pressure from the other end side of the slit portion 5 in the main scanning direction. Further, it can be said that the method for manufacturing the image reading device according to Embodiment 1 further includes a fixing step. The fixing step fixes the arrangement period of the cylindrical members 6 in the slit portion 5 adjusted in the adjusting step. When the slit portion 5 (cylindrical member 6) is the honeycomb ring 7, the fixing step can be said to be a portion of the cylindrical structure that is continuous with the cylindrical member 6 in the sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction.

Here, a preferred example of the adjustment step (adjustment step and fixing step) will be described using the process charts of FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 and 9, the positioning pin 7P is a pin for positioning the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7). The resin 7R is a resin that fixes the positioning pin 7P. For example, the resin 7R may be an ultraviolet curable resin. The positioning pin 7P fixed to the resin 7R can also be called the fixing pin 7P. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) is temporarily fixed with positioning pins 7P for positioning. Then, the rod lens array 2 and the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) are aligned at one end in the main scanning direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer circumference of the rod lens 2 at one end in the main scanning direction is aligned with the wall surface (light shielding wall 13) of the cylindrical member 6 at one end in the main scanning direction. Let Next, the positioning pin 7P on one end side in the main scanning direction is fixed (at least temporarily fixed) with the resin 7R. The process up to this point may be regarded as a facing step.

After fixing (at least temporarily fixing) the positioning pin 7P on one end side in the main scanning direction of the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) with the resin 7R, as an adjustment step, the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) A pressure is applied from the other end side in the main scanning direction to deform (reduce) the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7). As shown in FIG. 9, pressure is applied until the arrangement period (pitch) of the cylindrical members 6 (honeycomb structure 7) matches the arrangement period (pitch) of the rod lenses 2 (rod lens array 1). Thereafter, the remaining positioning pins 7P are fixed with the resin 7R in a state in which the arrangement period (pitch) of the cylindrical members 6 (honeycomb structure 7) and the arrangement period (pitch) of the rod lenses 2 (rod lens array 1) match. do. If the positioning pin 7P is temporarily fixed with the resin 7R, it is fixed in the same manner as the remaining positioning pins 7P. Note that FIG. 9 shows that the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) is compressed and deformed in the main scanning direction and elongated in the sub-scanning direction. In other words, it can be said that the cylindrical member 6 has a longer diameter in the sub-scanning direction than in the main scanning direction.

In FIG. 8, because of the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7), the portion of the cylindrical structure that is continuous with the cylindrical member 6 in the sub-scanning direction is provisionally fixed with a positioning pin 7P (one end in the main scanning direction side). In FIG. 9, similarly, for the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7), the portion of the cylindrical structure that is continuous with the cylindrical member 6 in the sub-scanning direction is fixed. In FIGS. 8 and 9, six positioning pins 7P (fixing pins 7P) are formed in two rows of tubular structures that are continuous with the tubular member 6 in the sub-scanning direction. For each row, positioning pins 7P (fixing pins 7P) are formed at one end in the main scanning direction, the other end in the main scanning direction, and a total of three positions therebetween.

In the image reading device and manufacturing method thereof according to the first embodiment, the number of positioning pins 7P (fixing pins 7P) is not limited to six shown in FIGS. In order to deform the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) by applying pressure from the side of the other end portion of the portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) in the main scanning direction, one end portion in the main scanning direction is fixed (at least temporarily fixed). This is also desirable in terms of alignment between the rod lens array 1 (rod lenses 2) and the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7).

As described above, ensuring a long depth of field in a line image sensor using the rod lens array 1 is important. Here, with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, it will be described that the image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1 can secure a long depth of field.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing characteristics of a single lens, which is an example for comparison with the slit section 5 and the rod lens array 1 (rod lens 2). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing characteristics of a plurality of lenses, which are comparative examples for the slit section 5 and the rod lens array 1 (rod lens 2). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the characteristics of the slit section 5 and the rod lens array 1 (rod lens 2) and the characteristics of a plurality of lenses that are comparative examples. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows the depth-of-field characteristics of the image reading apparatus, which are values for a resolution of 5.681 lp/mm (line pairs/mm).

10, 11, and 12, the vertical axis represents the MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) of the lens. On the horizontal axis, ΔL (mm) is the depth of field (DOF). The comparative lens (rod lens) whose characteristics are shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. , lens diameter Φ=about 1.0 mm. FIG. 10 shows the characteristics of a single lens. FIG. 11 shows the characteristics of multiple lenses. In FIG. 12, R, G, and B indicate red wavelength light, green wavelength light, red wavelength light, and green wavelength light, respectively. In FIG. 12, the dashed line indicates the characteristics of the lens that is an example for comparison (characteristics shown for each of R, G, and B described above), and the solid line indicates the characteristics of the slit portion 5 and the rod lens array 1 (rod lens 2) (the above-described R, characteristics shown for each of G and B).

In general, an image formed by a lens of an erecting equal-magnification optical system, such as the comparative lens, has good depth of field and resolution characteristics with the lens alone, as shown in FIG. is not formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 3(b) described above, images formed by a plurality of rod lenses are superimposed on each other. As described above, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main reason for the decrease in depth of field is the array of lenses rather than the performance of a single lens. This is because the images formed by the individual lenses are not superimposed at regular positions due to optical axis misalignment due to differences in characteristics and assembly errors, resulting in blurred images.

Due to these factors, the images formed through the lenses are images from a plurality of lenses overlapped. Since the individual images are superimposed, the image forming positions from the individual lenses are shifted, and the resolution is further reduced. In this state, when the reading object 9 (Object 9) deviates from the conjugate point, the resolution abruptly drops, causing deterioration of the depth of field. When the reading object 9 (Object 9) deviates from the focal position as shown, the resolution rapidly decreases, that is, the depth of field becomes shallow.

On the other hand, the depth of field in the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is indicated by the solid line in FIG. In FIG. 12, the slit portion 5 and the rod lens array 1 (rod lens 2 ), the resolution at the peak is slightly reduced. However, it can be seen from the solid line in FIG. 12 that the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment is greatly improved against the positional fluctuation of the reading object 9 (Object 9). area can be obtained.

In the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the slit portion 5 can be realized by other regular polygonal ring columns having parallel facing surfaces and having surfaces that can be bent at portions other than the facing surfaces. A similar effect can be expected. Also, the material forming the slit portion 5 may be an aluminum sheet or the like, but a metal sheet such as copper may also be used. Furthermore, if the slit portion 5 has a thickness of 0.5 to 0.1 mm, the surface of which can be treated with a resin sheet, paper, or the like to prevent reflection, and the shape of a regular polygonal ring column such as a honeycomb can be maintained, the same effect can be obtained. can get. As the thickness of the sheet used for the slit section 5 becomes thinner, the restricted area of the emitted light is reduced, so that the decrease in the brightness of the optical system can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the configuration of the image reading device (line image sensor) according to the preferred embodiment 1, the emitted light restricting member 5 has a height necessary for restricting the emitted light, and the rod lens array 1 is perpendicular to the rod lens arrangement direction. It is a row of rings with polygonal prismatic cross-sections with non-reflection-treated surfaces. The shape of the polygonal ring in the emitted light restricting member 5 includes a regular hexagonal honeycomb structure 7 . Furthermore, in the regular hexagonal honeycomb structure 7 in the emitted light restricting member 5 , it is preferable that the length of one side of the honeycomb be at least twice the diameter of the rod lenses 2 forming the rod lens array 1 .

A preferred configuration of the method for manufacturing the image reading device (line image sensor) according to Embodiment 1 is that the emitted light restricting member 5 is attached to the rod lens array 1 with one of the light shielding walls 13 as a reference. Align with 2. Next, each rod lens 2 of the rod lens array 1 and each light shielding wall 13 are aligned by aligning and fixing each rod lens 2 and each light shielding wall 13 while compressing the light shielding member 5 . be.

A preferred configuration of the image reading apparatus (line image sensor) according to Embodiment 1 is a rod lens array 1 in which rod lenses 2 having a predetermined diameter are arranged in one or more rows longer than the reading length. Photoelectric conversion elements (sensor It is composed of a sensor element array 3 in which elements 4) are arranged. Further, an emitted light limiting member 5 for limiting the optical path of the light emitted from the rod lens 2 is provided on the photoelectric conversion element (sensor element 4) side of the rod lens array 1, and the light shielding wall 13 and the light shielding wall 13 in the emitted light limiting member 5 are provided. It has an integrated connection structure, and has a structure in which the pitch between the light shielding walls 13 can be adjusted by deforming the light shielding wall connecting portion.

Embodiment 2.
Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 10 to 18. FIG. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. 1 through 4 and FIG. 10 through FIG. 12 are the same as those of the first embodiment except for the difference in the slit portion 5, so that they are omitted. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing a plate member 8P (sheet 8P) to be described later. FIG. 13(b) is a diagram showing an elliptical tube 8 (elliptical tube structure 8) formed from a plate material 8P (sheet 8P).

In the image reading device and the manufacturing method thereof according to Embodiment 1, it is preferable that the cylindrical member 6 is a hexagonal cylinder and the slit portion 5 is the honeycomb structure 7 (honeycomb ring 7). . The image reading device and the manufacturing method thereof according to the second embodiment exemplify the case where the tubular member 6 is an elliptical tubular 8 (elliptical tubular structure 8). Therefore, the slit portion 5 becomes a ring column row 14 (ring column array 14) having a plurality of elliptical cylinders 8 (elliptical cylinder structure 8) arranged in the main scanning direction.

13 to 18, the ring column row 14 (ring column array 14) is the slit portion 5 (the honeycomb structure 7 in Embodiment 1). In FIG. 13, a plate material 8P (sheet 8P) is a plate material (sheet) before being processed into the ring column row 14 (ring column array 14). The plate material 8P (sheet 8P) is made of a metal sheet such as aluminum or copper, a resin sheet, paper, etc., having a thickness of 0.5 to 0.1 mm that can maintain its shape, like the slit portion 5 (honeycomb structure 7) of the first embodiment. Any sheet will do. The light shielding wall 13 means an inner wall surface of the elliptical cylindrical structure 8 (cylindrical member 6). The cylinder member 6 may be a circular cylinder 8 (cylindrical structure 8, ring column 8).

When the cylindrical member is a circular cylinder 8 (cylindrical structure 8, ring column 8), the slit section 5 includes a plurality of circular cylinders 8 (cylindrical structure 8, ring column 8) arranged in the main scanning direction. It becomes the ring pillar row 14 (ring pillar array 14) which has. These also include steps prior to adjusting the length in the main scanning direction. That is, this also applies to the shape of the cylindrical member 6 (slit portion 5) in the finally completed image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment.

In other words, in the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment, the emitted light restricting member 5 is a ring having a height necessary for restricting the emitted light and having a diameter not less than three times the diameter of the rod lenses 2 constituting the rod lens array 1. The length in the main scanning direction is adjusted by adhering and connecting the pillars 8 in a row with a width equal to or more than 1 times the diameter of the rod lens 2 .

In the method of manufacturing the image reading device according to the second embodiment, first, a ring column 8 having a predetermined height and three times or more the lens diameter of the rod lens 2 used in the image reading device according to the second embodiment is prepared. . As shown in FIG. 7, which is a manufacturing process diagram of the slit portion 5, the plate material 8P (sheet 8P) is rolled so that the portions corresponding to the paste margin overlap, and the paste margin is fixed to form an elliptical shape. A cylinder 8 (elliptical cylindrical structure 8) is formed. 14 and 15, by gluing with a width equal to or larger than the lens diameter of the central object portion of the ring column 8, which is an elliptical cylinder 8 (elliptical cylinder structure 8), and by sticking the ring columns 8 in a row. An aligned ring post array 14 is provided.

The assembly of the ring column array 14 and the rod lens array 1 is performed in the same way as the light shielding wall 13 in the first embodiment, with the portion where the ring columns 8 are bonded together as the light shielding wall 13, and the center of the light shielding wall 13 and the lens center are The light shielding wall 13 is positioned between the lens arrays so as to match and is fixed. This corresponds to a facing step for facing the lens body array 1 and the slit section 5 . The sheets (plate material 8P, sheet 8P) using the ring post 8 are subjected to satin finishing and blackening (antireflection) treatment in the same manner as the tubular member 6 in the first embodiment.

Next, in the adjustment step, as shown in FIG. 16, the slit portion 5 having a circular cylindrical member 6 and having a diameter longer than three times the diameter of the rod lens 2 is deformed. It is something that makes Specifically, each light shielding wall 13 is aligned between predetermined rod lenses 2 while compressing the ring column array 14 so that the rod lens array 1 and the light shielding wall 13 of the ring column 8 are positioned one-to-one at predetermined positions. (Figs. 17 and 18). Also, the method of manufacturing the image reading device according to the second embodiment may further include a fixing step. The fixing step fixes the arrangement period of the cylindrical members 6 (ring pillars 8) in the slit portion 5 (ring pillar array 14) adjusted in the adjusting step. Although illustration is omitted, in the case of the ring columnar array 14 in which the slit portions 5 (cylindrical members 6) are arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction, the fixing step is continuous with the cylindrical members 6 in the sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. It can be said that it fixes the part of the cylindrical structure to which it carries out.

The depth of field in the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment can obtain the same characteristics as the depth of field in the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. In order to reduce the influence of reflected light from portions other than the light shielding wall 13 portion of the ring column 8, the diameter of the ring column is increased to move the wall surface away from the emission range of the rod lens 2, thereby enabling adjustment.

In the image reading apparatus according to the first and second embodiments and the method of manufacturing the same, at least one set of light shielding walls 13 having a predetermined height as the light shielding wall 13 and faces parallel to each other is provided. The light shielding member 5 is formed by connecting at least two or more polygonal prisms each having a polygonal cross section formed by the light shielding wall 13 having a surface or more, or the diameter is at least three times the diameter of the rod lens 2. A light shielding member 5 is formed by connecting at least two or more ring columns 8 whose inner surfaces are non-reflection treated and which are bonded to each other at least by the diameter width of the rod lens 2 and connected in one row.

Therefore, the light shielding member 5 is arranged on the rod lens array 1 by compressing and fixing the light shielding wall 13 of the polygonal prism group or the ring group while aligning it with the connecting portion between the rod lenses 2 . With this arrangement, the interference caused by the image superimposition between the rod lenses 2 is reduced, the depth of field is improved while suppressing the decrease in the amount of light, and the members connecting the light shielding walls are expanded and contracted. As a result, the position of the light shielding wall 13 with respect to the lens is maintained with respect to the dimensional change of the rod lens array 1, and stable characteristics can be maintained with respect to the change of the lens array 2. FIG.

The image reading apparatus and the manufacturing method thereof according to Embodiments 1 and 2 are capable of improving the depth of field even with a standard rod lens array, and furthermore, are resistant to changes in operating environment conditions. It is possible to maintain the characteristics even in a wide range of conditions, and it has stable characteristics and can improve the depth of field well. In other words, in the sensor system using the lens configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, dimensional changes due to thermal expansion and contraction of the lens array due to temperature and humidity changes that are assumed during image capturing Since the light shielding member is constructed as a separate component, it is easy to always maintain a constant positional relationship between the light shielding member and the rod lens. Furthermore, in the image reading apparatuses according to Embodiments 1 and 2, since the positions of the individual lenses of the lens array and the positions of the light shielding members are less likely to change, multiple images and image shading occur, resulting in a significant deterioration in image quality. It is easy to prevent

1... lens body array (rod lens array), 2... lens body (rod lens),
2P... holding plate, 3... sensor element array, 4... sensor element (sensor IC),
5 Slit portion (overlapping prevention portion, light shielding member, emitted light restricting member), 6 Cylindrical member,
7...Honeycomb structure (honeycomb ring), 7P...Positioning pin (fixing pin),
7R... resin, 8... oval tube structure (ring column, cylindrical structure), 8P... plate material,
9 .. object to be read (object to be irradiated), 10.. light source, 11.. sensor substrate,
12: housing, 13: honeycomb light shielding wall (light shielding wall),
14... Ring column row (ring column array).

Claims (18)

A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction,
the length of the slit portion is adjusted in the main scanning direction so that the arrangement period of the cylindrical members matches the arrangement period of the lens bodies in the lens body array in the main scanning direction;
The cylindrical member passes light converged by the lens body ,
In the slit portion, pressure is applied from the side of the other end portion in the main scanning direction of the slit portion in a state in which one end portions of the lens body array and the slit portion in the main scanning direction are respectively fixed. In addition, the image reading device is characterized in that the slit portion is deformed . The cylindrical member is a hexagonal cylinder, and the slit portion has a hexagonal cylindrical structure continuous with the cylindrical member in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, and has a honeycomb structure. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1 . 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is an elliptical tube. A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction,
the length of the slit portion is adjusted in the main scanning direction so that the arrangement period of the cylindrical members matches the arrangement period of the lens bodies in the lens body array in the main scanning direction;
The cylindrical member is a hexagonal cylinder obtained by compressing a length of a regular hexagonal cylinder having a side length of at least twice the diameter of the lens body in the main scanning direction, and the lens body converges. is what the light passes through,
The image reading device, wherein the slit portion has a honeycomb structure in which the hexagonal cylindrical members are connected in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction,
the length of the slit portion is adjusted in the main scanning direction so that the arrangement period of the cylindrical members matches the arrangement period of the lens bodies in the lens body array in the main scanning direction;
The cylinder member is an elliptical cylinder obtained by compressing the length of a circular cylinder having a diameter three times or more the diameter of the lens body in the main scanning direction, and the lens body converges. An image reading device characterized by passing light. 6. The image reader according to claim 1, wherein the slit portion is made of a flexible material. 7. The cylindrical member according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein a diameter in the sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction is longer than a diameter in the main scanning direction. image reader. 8. The slit portion is deformed by being compressed in the main scanning direction, and is elongated in a sub - scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. 1. The image reading device according to 1. 9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical member has a satin-finished interior and is black-colored. A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction, wherein the cylindrical member converges the lens bodies. A method for manufacturing an image reading device through which light passes,
a facing step in which the lens body array and the slit section face each other; a length of the slit section in the main scanning direction is adjusted to adjust an arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit section; an adjusting step for matching the array period of the lens bodies in the lens body array ,
The facing step fixes one end of each of the lens body array and the slit section in the main scanning direction,
In the adjusting step, pressure is applied from the other end side of the slit portion in the main scanning direction to deform the slit portion, thereby adjusting the length of the slit portion in the main scanning direction. A method for manufacturing an image reading device. A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction, wherein the cylindrical member converges the lens bodies. A method for manufacturing an image reading device through which light passes,
a facing step in which the lens body array and the slit section face each other; a length of the slit section in the main scanning direction is adjusted to adjust an arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit section; an adjusting step for matching the array period of the lens bodies in the lens body array,
In the adjusting step, pressure is applied from the main scanning direction to the slit portion having the regular hexagonal cylindrical member, the length of one side of which is at least twice the diameter of the lens body, to deform the slit portion. and adjusting the length of the slit portion in the main scanning direction. A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction, wherein the cylindrical member converges the lens bodies. A method for manufacturing an image reading device through which light passes,
a facing step in which the lens body array and the slit section face each other; a length of the slit section in the main scanning direction is adjusted to adjust an arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit section; an adjusting step for matching the array period of the lens bodies in the lens body array,
In the adjusting step, pressure is applied from the main scanning direction to the slit portion having the circular cylindrical member whose diameter is three times or more the diameter of the lens body to deform the slit portion. and adjusting the length of the slit portion in the main scanning direction. The facing step fixes one end of each of the lens body array and the slit section in the main scanning direction,
13. The image reading apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the adjusting step deforms the slit portion by applying pressure from the other end side of the slit portion in the main scanning direction. Production method. 14. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the adjusting step adjusts the length of the flexible slit portion in the main scanning direction. manufacturing method. A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction, wherein the cylindrical member converges the lens bodies. A method for manufacturing an image reading device through which light passes,
a facing step in which the lens body array and the slit section face each other; a length of the slit section in the main scanning direction is adjusted to adjust an arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit section; An image characterized by comprising: an adjusting step for matching an arrangement period of the lens bodies in a lens body array; and a fixing step for fixing the arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit portion adjusted by the adjusting step. A reading device manufacturing method. A lens body array in which lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction, and a sensor element array in which sensor elements for receiving light converged by the lens bodies are arranged in an array along the main scanning direction. and a slit portion disposed between the lens body array and the sensor element array and having a plurality of cylindrical members arranged in the main scanning direction, wherein the cylindrical member converges the lens bodies. A method for manufacturing an image reading device through which light passes,
a facing step in which the lens body array and the slit section face each other; a length of the slit section in the main scanning direction is adjusted to adjust an arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit section; an adjusting step for matching the arrangement period of the lens bodies in the lens body array; and a fixing step for fixing the arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit portion adjusted by the adjusting step,
In the adjusting step, pressure is applied in the main scanning direction to deform the slit portion, thereby adjusting the length of the slit portion in the main scanning direction . 15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14 , further comprising a fixing step, wherein the fixing step fixes the arrangement period of the cylindrical members in the slit portion adjusted by the adjusting step. 10. A method for manufacturing the image reading device according to claim 1. 18. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17 , wherein the fixing step fixes a portion of the cylindrical structure that is continuous with the cylindrical member in a sub-scanning direction that intersects with the main scanning direction. manufacturing method.

Images