JPH01500258A - Video lens array and optical print head - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Image lens array and optical stamp head technology field The present invention utilizes an optical print head and a print head that directs light emitted from the head to a photosensitive surface. Regarding the means of transmitting the In order to maintain: 11) the printing head from the photosensitive surface; and (2) the transmission means marking part. ;] Relates to a means for accurately spacing from the head.

High-speed optical printing devices used in data processing systems convert electrical input signals into printed form. with the purpose of converting the linear and a light source such as a ray, photodiode, or similar device. light from rays is exposed to light through multiple graded optical fibers forming a video lens array. This type of lk arm lens array, which is often transmitted to the surface, was developed in April 1972. Staggered bird as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,658,407, issued May 25th. 5ELFOC (a commercial product of Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.) formed on the original fiber bundle in two rows of arrangement. Product name) Can be used commercially as a lens. For more information on lens arrays, click here. Please refer to the patent.

A gradient index optical fiber 10 is shown in FIG.

The refractive index distribution of an optical fiber varies from the R1 axis of the optical fiber toward its outer circumference. Changes into a shape.

Figure 2 shows a [1 lun array] formed from 100 bundles of original fibers in two rows in a staggered arrangement. 12, if the distances L1 and L2 are properly chosen and made equal, the object An erect image can be obtained at the same magnification. The distance LTc is the total conjugate distance of the lens (tot?Ll conjugated, i.e. the distance between the object and the image plane), but t=L=L, and l　2 LTQ=L7 +L, +L2 Here, LF is the length of the video lens array 120 source fiber 10.

for transmitting light between the LED array 14 and a photosensitive means such as the photoconductive member 16. For this purpose, an image lens array as shown in FIG. 2 has been proposed. Get optimal resolution For dimensions LTC.

L2, O and L2 must be set and maintained accurately.

In prior art designs such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,147,412, The total conjugate distance LTO does not change from lens to lens, that is, the object plane and image plane This assumption assumes that the interval can be fixed to the total conjugate distance. Although it is suitable for prescription use, in reality the lens parameter LTO%LF is There is considerable variation from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even between lenses from the same manufacturer.

Therefore, it is possible to easily and accurately compensate for changes in lens dimensions. Position the image lens array over the print head and ensure that the marking area is in the rad image plane. It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for effecting and positioning the photosensitive means.

The described positioning means offer several significant advantages. These advantages are Due to the precise positioning adjustment means incorporated in the positioning means, these The advantage is that the +11 tolerance can be large, so the cost of B products is high, and the f2i lens a Adjustments are made during the intermediate assembly to the Ray's stamp head, so 1 is usually done. This section of the machine level positioning means can be used for both final factory assembly and use dust field. Also, (3) mark Hlj to 1/r and inside the lens array. The compatibility of the inter-assembly parts allows for direct replacement in the dust field.

According to the present invention, a mirror image formed by a plurality of gradient end index optical fibers is provided. An image lens is positioned over a printhead with a linear array of light sources as follows: Provides an easy means to do so. The Il+ light source moves from the photosensitive surface to the image lens so that they can be easily spaced by a distance equal to the total conjugate distance of the rays. and 121, so that the optical fiber is exactly centered between the light source and the light surface. Ensure accurate spacing from the light source in a direction along the optical axis of the original fiber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the print head is placed against the photosensitive surface. Detachably supported so as to be spaced from the optical plane by the total conjugate distance of the optical fiber. Positioning means are provided for. The mounting means is to attach the lens array to the light source and photosensitive surface. Support the head so that it rests in the center between the two.

The invention, its objects and advantages, are explained in more detail in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. This will become even clearer.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. . here: Figure 1 (E) shows the original fiber according to the prior art, showing the geometry of the fiber. Figure with; Figure 2 shows the image lens formed by the two rows of original fibers in the staggered arrangement shown in Figure 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an array with the LED array in the object plane and the photosensitive means in the image plane; The figure also shows the mark 81j head having; FIG. 3 shows the features of an electrophotographic device including the image lens array and print head of FIG. Plan; FIG. 4 shows the inside of a print head and an image lens with positioning means according to the invention. %f! A perspective view of the assembly; FIGS. 5 and 6 each show a piece 91 of the positioning means. 1. Plan and side views showing details of part 1; and FIGS. FIG. 7 is a plan view and a side view, respectively, showing details of the other side portion of the positioning means.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Here, in particular, it is provided that the device according to the invention forms or more directly Describe the elements that cooperate with each other. Not specifically indicated or mentioned here Elements, items, and/or intermediate parts that are not It can take a form As an aid to understanding the present invention, the book) I will simply describe it. However, the device of the invention can also be used with other types of devices. Available for use.

According to FIG. 3, an electrophotographic device, generally designated 18, includes a photoconductor 22, The illustrated light guide includes a charging station 20 for supplying a uniform charge to the photosensitive means. The electric body is an endless roller that is wound around a roller of rice grains and driven in the direction of arrow 24. It's svelte. Printing - The light from the selection LED on the RAD 26 is transmitted by the photoconductor 29, the image is transmitted onto the photoconductive substrate 22 by the image lens array 28. A source that hits a charged photoconductor selectively annihilates part of the charge, causing photoconductivity. Forms an electrostatic latent image on the body. Identification of mark rehead activated at a certain point in time Selective operation of the LED is by appointment only @electronic device 30, logic control device 32, and light This is done by inserting data from the link 34.

A magnetic brush stage 1736 applies toner particles to the photoconductor to develop the m-image. The toner image formed during transfer is then moved to a transfer separation station 38, where it is Here, the image is fed from a continuous path 40 K Is, which is a paper feeder (not shown) for copying. transferred to paper.

After the photoconductor passes through the transfer and separation station, the photoconductor is transferred to station 42. It is cleaned and becomes available for the next operation cycle. According to FIG. 4, the print head 2 assembly 44 is shown schematically in the third panel. 6 and a video lens array 28, the head itself includes an axial array of LEDs. B. A commercially available product having a transparent surface plate that destroys the LED, and a thermally conductive cooling seat 46. It is a device.

The video lens array 28 is arranged in a staggered manner above the ED area L/A of the print head. The edge of an optical fiber, including a gradient end-index optical fiber bundle of In the two directions (fiber optical direction) and ffo (c direction), as shown in Figure 2. , E In the direction perpendicular to the ED play, the print corresponds to the LED in the longitudinal direction of the head. be placed exactly as shown. It is preferable that the lens array is longer than the 1z LED array. , therefore V = position of the lens array along the X direction (direction along the LED array) The cedar-style mirroring lens described here is less rigorous and is available commercially. The array is somewhat legible and bends easily, with very slight bends. is also sufficient to significantly defocus the image of the LED on the light guide t=. therefore , the image lens array 28 is sandwiched between two stiffeners 48,50. Reinforcement material 48 is a pair of reinforcing members (and an image lens at the same time) for attaching them to the print head. It has arms 52.54.

Details of the attachment means for arm 52 are best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Inter - The face block 56 has a pair of screws 58 and 60 and a block that this screw passes through. It is slidably mounted onto the printing rack 26 by an elongated hole in the rack. video lens After the array 28 is properly aligned with the LED array in the lateral direction (Y direction in Figure 4). , the block 56 (with the screws left unscrewed) allows the upright wings 62 to be attached to the arm 52 of the stiffener 48. is slid until it makes contact with the Screw ss, 60 is tightened on the video lens array. (2 directions K in Fig. 4) from the LED 7 ray (in the two directions K in Fig. 4). When the screw 64 is tightened, the arm 52 is fully engaged with the print head. be bundled.

The mounting means G's of the arm 54 can be clearly understood from FIGS. 7 and 8. The thermal expansion coefficient of the lay and reinforcement material is different from the thermal expansion coefficient of the printing-\rad, so This must be taken into consideration when designing the means. Installation of arm 54 is complete. -・Instead of installation of M52 and f8J-, it is necessary to install the pin before making such thermal expansion possible. The Z image 1/lens array 28 is properly aligned with the LEDs 1 and 1 as shown in the figure. In a pocket spaced appropriately from the LED array, Final installation becomes possible. The block t-knock 66 is Receive each extension hole in the hole 66 and mark it with a screw 68.70 of 7jt. It is attached to the print head 26F so that it can slide in the X direction. oT blasphemy pot board 72!2, that It is attached to block 66 by a pair of screws 74.76 at each end, screws 74. 76 also passes through the elongated hole and extends perpendicular to the board interface block. Enables directional (two-way) transportation.

At Chiryu Junior High School, the interfuse block 66 and the Kei 72 above it have holes in the planks. The arm 54 is rotated until it aligns with the pre-drilled taper hole from the inner edge of the arm 54. is moved against. After the screw 78 is inserted into this tapered hole, the screw 68.70 ．． 74° When 76 and 78 are tightened, the direction of the optical axis of the lens array 28 ( Z direction) and L h: Movement in the direction perpendicular to the D array (Y direction) is stopped. As shown, the intermediate assembly position is fixed, but the expansion is performed at a different rate than the expansion of the mark rehead. The expansion and contraction due to the heat of the Totsuka lens array and the reinforcing material is in the longitudinal direction (X Direction] is possible.

With said device, Il! <　Tsuka Lens prints RAD LED array and video lens a A fitting will be provided to maintain the distance between the ray and the ray at a distance of L12. Easy and quick execution of rigorous logic without the need for extremely precise 8U products It may be possible, but in order to obtain an IIL suitable swimming degree and uniformity, it is necessary to The head intermediate assembly 44 has an LED light on the photo frame [118]. A distance L7 equal to 12 from the surface of the JL body 22 to the total conjugate distance of the image lens array 28. The lens itself is placed at a distance of C and is at a distance from the photoconductor. The equipment for this purpose shall be arranged to provide a spacing of L2. A collapsible attachment means is provided which connects the print-\rad 26's LED array and light. The distance between the conductor 22 and the surface (3) depends on the particular image recording head mounted on the print head. It is possible in part to match the total conjugate distance L+'rc of the lens array.

Three positioning structures are provided on the basket photo mount. Positioning structure; plate 8 V-shaped amount in 2 080. and extends from the @horizontal board (no indication) in the electrophotographic device Contains a pair of bins 84.86. The apertures 80 and the bins 84,86 are located on the roller 29. fixed to the main frame of the xerographic device at a precisely known location relative to the This particular relationship is kept largely unchanged from machine to machine, so once Once configured, the printhead assembly 44 will work with most No further adjustment is required in the field. A pair of mounting brackets are used to attach the printhead assembly 44 to the machine main frame. 90 and 94 are articulatedly secured to the print head 26. The bracket 90 92 and the screws when the plate is attached to the interface block 56. It includes a pair of elongated grooves extending therethrough. The second bracket 94 has an opening 96°98 and and the screws pass through when the second plate is attached to the interface block 66. The holes 89 and 91 in the bracket 94 and the pair of elongated grooves are formed by rollers. 29 Yoke 5 Once secured to mark 81, the device bracket holds printhead assembly 44. It can be used to fold the main frame of an electrophotographic device. The bottle 92 is inside the plate 82 It extends through the diameter hole 80 and rests on the f section of the visceral hole to form a reference surface there.

The bin 84 of the iL xerographic main frame extends through the aperture 96 and is located at the base of the aperture 96. The semi-surface rests on top of the bottle. Therefore, the distance between the print head and the photoconductor is Determined only by adjusting the position of the bracket 90.94 on the head The pin 86 extends through the aperture 98 to permit rotation of the bracket 94 about the pin 84. This generally restrains the stamp head assembly.

Before the screws supporting the bracket) 90.94 to the print head are tightened, position II; the distance to the photoconductor of the LED array is Determination of the distance dimension that will be adjusted to be equal to the total conjugate distance is not part of the invention. The glaze method is available until a satisfactory print quality is obtained. A trial and error method of performing test prints can also be used. On the other hand, commonality Japanese Patent Application No. 58-146832 discloses that an array of photodetectors is placed in the image plane. Test by adjusting the position of the optical system according to the detected value. Describes a system in which inkling is unnecessary.

Reference bin 92 and base hole 96.98 of LED array and p=lens array Regardless of whether methods such as and are used to adjust the relative position to When the knot is made, it's 90.941'! , firmly screw onto the print head 26. be taught. This opens the hole in the bracket 94 and the vial 92 on the bracket 9o. , the LED array 14, and the projection lens array 12 have an accurate positional relationship between them. Ru. Also, V-shaped dosing hole 80 in plate 82. Bins 84, 86 on the main frame of the device and An accurate positional relationship also occurs between the surfaces of the rollers 29 and 29. Therefore, printing herad assembly The body 44 can be easily removed from the electrophotographic device, and the correct position can be maintained even when re-balling. It will have reproducibility ■The reference planes of the shape hole 8o and the bottles 84 and 86 are all It can be precisely fixed during manufacturing in most electrophotographic equipment, so the print head assembly can be Field exchange can be performed without adjustment. Part I” head assembly compatibility is confirmed. will be maintained.

If final adjustment of the distance between the printhead assembly 44 and the photosensitive surface is necessary, There may also be applications where tight focusing is required; The v@ node is between the bracket 94 and the bin 84.86, and between the plate 82 and the bin 92. This can be provided by limited relative movement between and.

FIG.3 FIG, 5 FIG, 6 FIG, 7 FIG, 8 Submission of translation of written amendment (Article 184-7 of the Patent Law 1. Display of patent application PCT/US87101578 2. Name of the invention Video Lens Array and Optical Print Head 3, Patent Applicant Address: 14650, New York, USA. Rochinister City State ・Street 343 Name (707) Eastman Kodak Company 4, Agent Address: Room 206, Shin-Otemachi Building, 2-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone (270) 6641-6646 The scope of the claims 1゜(1) Photosensitive surface; (2) a print head with a linear array of light sources; and (3) nearly identical total conjugate distances; Gradient index optical fiber comprising a plurality of optical fibers 2 having a distance A video lens array in which the total conjugate distance differs for each lens array. Gradient index fiber optic video selected from a group of arrays lens array; In a device having; The light source play is spaced from the photosensitive surface by the full conjugate distance of the selected lens array. for removably supporting the print head relative to the photosensitive surface so that A positioning means having a predetermined fixed spatial relationship with respect to the photosensitive surface; means for forming a fixed structure; B. Adjustable on the print head to support the print head relative to the photosensitive surface means for forming a reference surface attached to and engageable in cooperative relation with said positioning structure; ; where the reference surface and the locating structure include a bottle and a structure that freely receives the bottle; The bottle has an aperture having substantially larger dimensions than that of the bottle to accommodate the print head. When placed, the bottle automatically abuts against the positioning surface of the aperture and aligns with the photosensitive surface. positioning means adapted to accurately position the print head relative to the printhead; and Place the image lens so that the lens array is centered between the light source play and the photosensitive surface. mounting means for fixedly supporting the array on the print head; and a device containing.

2. The reference surface forming means is fixed on a bracket, and the bracket is connected to the print head. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is adjustably positioned thereon.

international search report One bite---Medium-1-IA-・-ms+1laPCT/IJs11710157 BANNEX To Ding HE! NTEx 8noN L SE input RCI (REF 'OR'T ON Kasumi---+++---++---Hibiki-++++++++---- ・-Ichitsu Tsuruwa+++----Ichiichi Sui INTERNATIONAL APPLICA TION No, PCT/υS 8710157B (SA Yu8077)+ ---+Ku---Kiichi++Fraud-tatami--1+++--1-・-------・-Wa+ ・−11−−Mine・−・＋＋＋＋＋−Mari−−

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. (1) Photosensitive surface; (2) a print head with a linear array of light sources; and (3) approximately the same total conjugate distance Gradient index fiber optic video comprising multiple optical fibers with A lens array in which the total conjugate distance differs for each lens array. Gradient Intex optical fiber with selectable grooves In a device having: The light source array moves the print head from the photosensitive surface to the selected lens array. Positioning means for removably supporting the entire conjugate distance apart stage; and the image lens array is used as the print head, and the lens array is used as the light source array and the photosensitive Attachment means for fixed support placed centrally between surfaces; and a device containing. 2. The print head positioning means; means for forming a positioning structure having a predetermined fixed spatial relationship with respect to the photosensitive surface; Beauty Adjustable in the print head array to support the print head relative to the photosensitive surface forming a second reference surface operably mounted and cooperatively engageable with the positioning structure; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means for determining. 3. The reference plane forming means is fixed on the placket, and the bracket is fixed on the print head. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the device is adjustable in position. 4. A plurality of optical fibers having approximately the same total conjugate distance, the length of the optical fiber being The total conjugate distance of the lens array is - for each lens array in the group. Multiple optical fibers can be selected from different lens array grooves. gradient index fiber optic imaging lens array with a light source; A printhead having a linear array, the light source array being selectable from the photosensitive surface. by the positioning means so that they are spaced apart by the full conjugate distance of the lens array. a supportable printing head; and The image lens array is used as the print head, and the lens array is placed between the light source array and the photosensitive surface. Attachment means for fixed support in a centered manner; A method using an apparatus comprising a photosensitive surface and a positioning means.