JPH06217084A - Light transmission body and illuminator having light transmission body and information processor having the illuminator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To increase the uniformity of an illuminance, and to easily attain a low power consumption and miniaturization by providing an area for reflecting and/or diffusing a light flux made incident to a light transmissive member, at a side opposed to the outgoing face of a light flux. CONSTITUTION:An LED light source 8 is arranged at one edge face of the longitudinal direction of a light transmissive member 3 whose cross section is rectangular, and an area 5 formed at one part of the light transmissive member 3 by a means which makes the surface rough or paints the surface with a light diffusion reflective paint or the like for reflecting the light flux is arranged at the face opposed to the outgoing face of the light flux from the light transmissive member 3. Then, a projecting part 35 is provided at the light transmissive member 3, and the area 5 is provided at the edge face of the projecting part 35. The area 5 is provided at the lower face of the projecting part 35 provided so as to be projecting from a face 31 provided at the light transmissive member 3, so that the quantity of the light flux from the LED light source 8 directly made incident to the area 5 can be reduced. That is, most of the light flux from the LED light source 8 is made incident after reflected in the light transmissive member 3 at least more than one time without directly made incident to the area 5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light guide, an illuminator having the light guide, and an information processing apparatus having the illuminator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a discharge tube such as a fluorescent tube or an LED array in which a large number of LED chips are arranged in an array has been used as an illuminating device for a reading apparatus of a facsimile machine, an electronic copying machine or other information processing apparatus. . In recent years, in particular, since facsimile machines and the like are required to be smaller in size and lower in price as they are used at home, many use an LED array.

An example of a lighting device using such an LED array will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, 41
Is an LED array, 42 is an illuminated surface such as a document surface, and 43
Is an LED chip. FIG. 4 (A) shows a schematic configuration diagram of an illuminating device using an LED array together with a document to be illuminated, and FIG. 4 (B) illuminates the document with the illuminating device shown in FIG. 4 (A). An example of the illuminance distribution on the document surface in the case of performing is shown. As shown in FIG. 4 (B), the LED
By increasing the number of chips, that is, by arranging the LED chips densely, the illuminance on the document surface can be made substantially uniform and a high illuminance can be obtained. However, since the number of LED chips used is large, it is difficult to achieve a sufficient cost reduction in terms of cost.
However, there is a limit to achieving even lower power consumption.

If the number of LED chips to be used is reduced for further cost reduction, that is, if LED chips are roughly arranged, the LED chip arrangement interval becomes large, resulting in uneven illuminance distribution on the illuminated surface. As a result, uniform illumination cannot be performed. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B). In FIG. 5, members designated by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 are the same as those in FIG.

FIG. 5 (A) shows a schematic configuration diagram of an illuminating device using an LED array together with a document illuminated as in FIG. 4 (A), and FIG. 5 (B) shows FIG. An example of the illuminance distribution on the document surface when the document is illuminated by the illumination device shown in A) is shown. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the number of LEDs in the LED array is reduced, the illuminance on the original surface of the portion corresponding to the LED chips is high, but the illuminance on the original surface between the LED chips is low, which is extremely uneven. The lighting condition is set. Such an illuminance distribution makes it difficult to read an original accurately, requires a circuit for correcting the uneven illuminance distribution, and may cause a problem of higher cost.

On the other hand, a linear illuminating device using a light source such as a tungsten lamp or a halogen lamp as a light source and linearly expanding a luminous flux emitted from this high source is shown in FIG. Has been. In FIG.
Reference numeral 1 is a light bulb such as a halogen lamp, 2 is a reflecting mirror having a light-collecting shape such as a spherical surface or an elliptical shape, 3 is a translucent member such as a quartz rod having a circular cross section, and 4 is a light bulb 1
An incident surface on which the light flux emitted from the light enters the transparent member 3,
Reference numeral 5 denotes an area for reflecting a light beam propagating through the translucent member 3 and scattering the light beam to the outside of the translucent member 3.
This region 5 is formed by a means such as roughening the surface of a part of the translucent member 3 or applying light diffusive and reflective paint. Reference numeral 6 is a reflecting surface provided on the end portion of the translucent member 3 on the side opposite to the light bulb 1 side. This reflective surface may be provided by vapor-depositing a metal such as aluminum on the surface of the terminal end of the translucent member 3 or by applying a light diffusive reflective paint, or may be provided as a separate member. It is also known that the translucent member 3 has a square or rectangular cross section.

A light beam L emitted from the light bulb 1 and incident on the transparent member 3 through the incident surface 4 of the transparent member 3 is repeatedly reflected on the inner surface of the transparent member 3 and propagates therein. , Reaches the surface on the opposite side of the incident surface 4, and is reflected there as well to propagate inside the translucent member 3. Then, when light is incident on the area 5 while repeating reflection, the luminous flux is diffused there and a part of the light l ₁ is emitted to the outside with the side facing the area 5 as the emission surface. The other part of the diffused light flux l ₂
Is obliquely incident on this exit surface, so that it is totally reflected and propagates in the translucent member. Then, the light that has repeatedly propagated and finally reaches the incident surface 4 is emitted from the incident surface 4 to the outside.

When the light bulb 1 is used as a light source, the amount of light emission can be increased by applying a large amount of power even if there is a loss such that the light is emitted from the incident surface 4 to the outside. Can be obtained.

However, in addition to the problems that the use of a light bulb requires a large amount of power consumption in exchange for high illuminance, the calorific value is large, and the device cannot be downsized, the life of the light bulb is longer than that of a fluorescent tube. However, since it is quite short and it is necessary to replace it in accordance with a decrease in light amount or disconnection, there is also a problem that it cannot be maintenance-free like an LED.

Therefore, it is desired that an illumination device as a reading light source of an information processing device such as a facsimile uses an LED light source as a light source and linearly emits a light flux from the LED light source. As another example of the illumination device using such an LED chip as a light source, a configuration as shown in FIG. 7 can be considered. FIG. 7A shows a schematic configuration diagram of the illuminating device together with an illuminated original document, and FIG. 7B shows a case where the original is illuminated by the illuminating device shown in FIG. 7A. An example of the illuminance distribution on the illumination surface 42 is shown. That is, it is conceivable to replace the light source of the illumination device as described in FIG. 6 with the LED light source 71. Note that, in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6 are the same members.

There are many types of LED light sources, which cannot be generally explained, but in recent years, an LED chip called a surface mount type has been known as one that has achieved further miniaturization and is convenient for mounting. ing. FIG. 8 shows this surface-mounted LED light source. In FIG. 8, 81 is LE
D chip, 82 is a substrate, 83 is a reflective frame, 84 is a translucent resin, and 85 and 86 are electrodes formed on the surface of the substrate 82, respectively. Such an LED light source has a size of the light source itself of 2 to 3 mm or less and a height of 2 mm or less, and is being miniaturized. Further, since the electrodes 85 and 86 are drawn out to the back surface via the side surface of the substrate 82, at the time of mounting, heating (reflow) is simply performed on a mounting substrate on which cream solder is printed by using a reflow oven or the like. It is enough and you can implement efficiently. Therefore, it is more desirable to use such an LED light source for use as a linear light source.

Since such an LED light source has a light emission directivity as shown in FIG. 8, it is guided by the translucent member 3 as shown in FIG. To illuminate the LED, as shown in FIG.
There is a problem in the uniformity of the illuminance distribution such that the illuminance on the light source 71 side is high and the other parts are low.

This is because the light beam obliquely emitted from the LED light source 71 directly enters the region 5 of the transparent member 3, is scattered there, and is taken out of the transparent member 3.

[0014]

The present invention is based on the conventional LE.
Since a large number of LED chips are used in the illuminating means in which the D chips are arranged in a line and the information processing apparatus having the illuminating means, it is difficult to achieve a sufficient cost reduction, and the LED However, there is a limit to achieving even lower power consumption, and as a result of reducing the number of LEDs in the LED array, LE
The illuminance on the document surface of the part corresponding to the D chip is high, but the LED
The illuminance on the document surface between the chips is extremely uneven, or the illuminance on the document surface becomes uneven when LED chips are arranged on the end surface of the translucent member.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to solve the problem that a circuit for correcting the unevenness of the illuminance distribution is required, which causes a problem of higher cost.

Further, the present invention requires a large amount of power consumption which the illuminating means using a light bulb and an information processing apparatus having the illuminating means have, and has a large amount of heat generation and cannot be downsized. The purpose is to solve the problem that maintenance-free is not possible.

Further, the present invention provides an illuminating device having high illuminance uniformity, low power consumption and easy miniaturization, a light guide used in the illuminating device, and an information processing device having the illuminating device. With the goal.

Further, the present invention has a problem of uneven illumination caused when the LED light source is used as a light source of a linear illumination device and a problem that the difference in illuminance between the LED light source side and the side away from the LED light source is large. The purpose is to resolve.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a light guide having a light incident surface at an end and a surface for emitting the incident light beam on another surface in the longitudinal direction different from the end. In the body
This is achieved by a light guide provided on the side facing the exit surface of the light flux and having a region for reflecting and / or diffusing the light flux incident in the light transmissive member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a light-transmissive member having a light incident surface at an end and a surface for emitting the incident light beam on another surface in the longitudinal direction different from the end. And a light source provided to emit a light flux incident from the light incident surface, in a light transmissive member on a side facing the light flux exit surface of the light transmissive member. The illumination device is characterized in that a region for reflecting and / or diffusing an incident light beam is provided, and the center of the light source is arranged at a position deviated from the normal line direction of the region.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged facing a document sheet image to be read, an illuminating device for illuminating the document sheet, and conveying the document sheet. And a controller for controlling the output unit for recording an image on a document by an electric signal corresponding to image information, the photoelectric conversion device, the light source, the transport unit, and the output unit. In the image processing device having the above, the illuminating means has a light incident surface at an end, and a translucent member having a surface for emitting the incident light flux on one surface in a longitudinal direction different from the end, In a lighting device provided with a light source provided to emit a light flux incident from a light incident surface, the light transmissive member is incident on the light transmissive member on a side facing the light flux exit surface. Luminous flux Provided with elevation and / or an area for diffusion, it is achieved by an information processing apparatus according to claim in which the center of the light source at a position deviated from the normal direction of the area are arranged.

[0021]

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining the lighting device of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, a schematic side view of the lighting device of the present invention seen from the side is a surface to be illuminated. FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light-transmissive member 3 and the region 5, which is shown together with an illuminated original, and in which FIG. 1A is cut along a plane perpendicular to the paper surface. ) Is a schematic side view of the illumination device viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting device of the present invention has the LED light source 8 arranged on one end face in the longitudinal direction of the light transmissive member 3 having a rectangular cross section, and faces the emission part of the light flux from the light transmissive member 3. In order to reflect (or diffuse) the light flux on the surface to be covered, a region 5 formed by means such as roughening the surface of the translucent member 3 or applying a light diffusive and reflective paint is arranged. There is. Further, in order to reflect the light flux propagating in the transparent member 3 on the end surface on the opposite side of the LED light source 8, metal such as aluminum is vapor-deposited on the surface of the terminal end of the transparent member 3 or light diffuse reflection is performed. A reflective portion is provided by applying a conductive paint or provided as a separate member.

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1C, the center position of the LED light source is arranged so as to be displaced (offset) from the normal line passing through the center of the lateral width of the region 5. .

The luminous flux emitted from the LED light source 8 normally repeats reflection inside the transparent member, propagates inside the transparent member, reaches the reflecting portion 6, and then returns toward the LED light source 8. Come on. In addition, the light beam incident on the region 5 during the propagation is diffused and reflected on the region 5 and passes through the emitting portion to be irradiated on the original surface which is the surface to be irradiated (l ₁ ), or is reflected again within the translucent member 3. Propagate (l ₂ ).

Further, in the present invention, since the LED light source 8 is arranged so as to be displaced from the normal line passing through the center of the width of the region 5, the luminous flux directly incident on the region 5 from the LED light source 8 is reduced, The illuminance becomes high only on the side of the LED light source 8 and the unevenness of the illuminance that occurs in the longitudinal direction of the translucent member 3 is sufficiently eliminated. In addition, the light flux incident on the region 5 becomes indirect light that is the light flux emitted from the LED light source 8 and reflected inside the translucent member 3, so that the light flux emitted from the emission unit is the longitudinal direction of the translucent member 3. It is evened out in all directions.

The above will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows the same side surface as FIG. 1C, and a part of the luminous flux emitted from the LED light source 8 is indicated by arrows l ₃ and l ₄ . As shown in FIG.
The luminous flux emitted from the ED light source 8 includes direct light indicated by l ₃ and indirect light indicated by l ₄ .

However, in the present invention, the area 5
Since the LED light source 8 is provided so as to be displaced from the normal line passing through the center of the light source, the proportion of the direct light l _{3 that} is incident is reduced and the indirect light l ₄ is increased as a whole, so that the light flux emitted from the emission portion is transmitted through the transparent member 3 It can be made uniform.

The LED light source 8 is displaced by at least the position where the LED light source 8 deviates from the normal line passing through the center of the region 5. However, if it is too far away, the luminous flux from the LED light source 8 becomes almost indirect light. Since there is a loss of luminous flux in the transparent member 3, it is desirable to appropriately determine. It should be noted that the illuminance decreases on the side where the LED light source 8 is arranged when the distance is extremely large.

FIG. 3 is for explaining the difference between the lighting device of the present invention and the conventional lighting device, and FIGS.
3B shows a comparative example of the present invention, and FIG. 3C shows an illuminating device of the present invention. Moreover, in FIG.
A schematic side view of the translucent member and the LED light source viewed from the same direction as the direction of arrow A shown in (A), and an illuminance distribution when the illustrated illumination device is used are shown.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a translucent member having a circular cross section is used, the center of the member is aligned with the center of the LED light source, and the normal line passing through the center of the region 5 is described above. FIG. 3B is an example of a case where it is arranged so as to pass through the center. In FIG. 3B, a translucent member having a rectangular cross section is used, and the intersection of the diagonal lines thereof is aligned with the center of the LED light source, and the center of the area 5 This is an example of a case where the normal line is arranged so as to pass through the center.

FIG. 3C shows an example of the illuminating device of the present invention as described above, using a translucent member having a rectangular cross section,
L at a position separated by a from the line passing through the center of the width of region 5
The center of the ED light source 8 is aligned.

In any case, the center of the light source and the area 5
The distance to the surface of the translucent member provided with was the same distance a.

The light beam emitted from the LED light source 8 and incident on the translucent member is directly incident on the region 5 without being reflected on the inner surface of the translucent member even once and after being reflected on the inner surface at least once. It can be considered separately from the incident indirect incident light.

Considering the direct incident light, the amount of light directly incident on the region 5 depends on the angle Δθ at which the region 5 is seen from the LED light source 8. The larger Δθ is, the larger the light amount of the direct incident light is, and the smaller is smaller. Area 5
Where w is the width and a is the vertical distance from the LED light source to the take-out portion, the area 5 is shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B).
Since there is an LED light source directly above, this angle Δθ is Δθ =
2 tan ⁻¹ {(w / 2) / a} ≈w / a.

On the other hand, in the present invention shown in FIG. 3C, since the LED light source is not directly above the area 5 but laterally displaced by the distance a, Δθ is Δθ = 2 tan ⁻¹ {(w /
2 × 2 ^1/2 ) / 2 ^1/2 × a} ≈w / 2a, and FIG.
It becomes about half of (A) and FIG. 3 (B).

Therefore, in the present invention, the light amount of the direct incident light is reduced as compared with the conventional one.

On the other hand, the indirect incident light is increased accordingly. As a result, the illuminance distribution as a whole is improved because the peak near the LED light source is relaxed.

This can be easily understood by looking at the graph of relative illuminance with respect to the position from the light source in FIG. In the conventional devices, the peak and the light amount of the direct incident light on the light source side are large, so that the total light amount of the indirect incident light and the direct incident light is non-uniform with the peak on the light source side. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the light amount on the light source side is reduced, but the light amount is uniform as a whole, so that it can be seen that it is more convenient as a uniform illumination device.

FIG. 9 shows a modification of the illumination device of the present invention shown in FIG. The illumination device shown in FIG. 9 differs greatly from the illumination device shown in FIG. 1 in that the transparent member 3 is used to further reduce the direct incident light from the LED light source.
The point is that the convex portion 35 is provided on the surface and the region 5 is provided on the end surface of the convex portion 35.

As shown in FIG. 9, the luminous flux from the LED light source is provided on the lower surface of the convex portion 35 provided so that the region 5 projects from the surface provided on 31 of the translucent member 3. The amount of light directly incident on the area 5 is reduced as compared with the case of the lighting device shown in FIG. In other words, most of the light flux from the LED light source does not directly enter the region 5, but is reflected at least once in the translucent member 3 and then enters.

That is, in the illumination device shown in FIG. 9, the direct incident light is reduced and the ratio of indirect incident light is increased. As a result, when compared with FIG. 3C, the proportion of the direct incident light is reduced,
The illuminance on the D light source side decreases, and the illuminance of the indirect incident light increases, although slightly, because the proportion of the indirect incident light increases.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, by providing the translucent member 3 with a convex portion and forming the region 5 on this end face, the illuminance can be made more uniform and the illuminance can be improved. Can be made.

FIG. 10 shows another modification of the illumination device shown in FIG. In the lighting device shown in FIG. 10, the translucent member 3 extends around the region 5 on the side opposite to the side where the LED light source is provided.

With such a structure, the illuminance related to the indirect incident light becomes more uniform, so that the illuminance on the LED light source side is high, but the illuminance on the part excluding a part on the LED light source side is more uniform. To be done.

FIG. 11 shows an illumination device having a shape obtained by combining the illumination devices shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. That is, the convex portion 35 is provided on the surface of the translucent member opposite to the original irradiation surface, the area 5 is formed on the end surface of the convex portion 35, and the LED light source 8 is provided with the area 5 as the center. The transparent member 3 also extends to the open side.

With this structure, the area 5
Since the light flux incident on is the indirect incident light reflected more in the translucent member 3, the illuminance distribution related to the indirect incident light becomes more uniform. For the direct incident light, see FIG.
It is similar to the case of.

Therefore, as compared with the case of FIG. 9, the contribution of the indirect incident light is made more uniform as a whole illuminance, so that it can be made more uniform.

When the LED light source is used, the amount of light is reduced as compared with the case where an incandescent lamp is used. Therefore, in order to further increase the light quantity, the number of LED chips may be increased.

In order to arrange more LED light sources in accordance with the gist of the present invention, the end face of the translucent member for providing the LED light source may be made larger.

For example, as shown in FIG.
By providing the LED light source 8 also on the extended transparent member 3 side, it is possible to further improve the light amount.
In this case, both the direct incident light and the indirect incident light incident on the region 5 increase, but the incident light amount of the direct incident light and the indirect incident light from the LED light source 8 to the region 5 are balanced. Then, for example, when the position where the LED light source 8 is arranged is appropriately separated from the convex portion 35 (region 5), not only the illuminance on the LED light source 8 side is increased but the overall illuminance can be made even higher.

When the LED light source 8 sandwiching the region 5 (the convex portion 35) is arranged farther from the region 5, the illuminance on the side where the LED light source 8 is arranged is reduced as the direct incident light on the region 5 is reduced. In some cases, the contribution of indirect incident light to the region 5 increases and the illuminance at a position away from the LED light source increases. In such a case, FIG.
As shown in (B), the region 5 (the protrusion 3
The LED light source 8 may be further arranged at a position corresponding to 5). By doing so, it is possible to increase the illuminance on the side where the LED light source 8 is arranged and the illuminance on the part away from it. It goes without saying that such arrangement of the LED light source 8 is performed by balancing the direct incident light and the indirect incident light on the region 5.

Since the illuminance of the illuminating device is roughly proportional to the number of LED chips, the illuminance can be further improved by adopting the configuration shown in FIG.

Of course, the arrangement of the LED light source as shown in FIG. 12 is almost the same in size as that of the illumination device shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, so that it is a preferable structure for improving the illuminance. Is.

Further, in order to achieve more uniform illuminance and higher light illuminance, the translucent member 3 as in the above-described example.
It is desirable not only to provide the LED light source 8 only on one end face of the above, but also to provide the LED light source 8 on both end faces of the translucent member 3 so as to face each other.

An example of this is shown in FIG. FIG. 13 (A) shows a schematic side view of a preferable lighting device of the present invention together with a document surface which is a surface to be illuminated, and FIG. 13 (B).
13A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the translucent member 3 and the region 5 when FIG. 13A is cut along a plane perpendicular to the paper surface, and FIG. 13C is a direction of an arrow A shown in FIG. It is a typical side view which looked at the illuminating device.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the illumination device of the present invention, the LED light sources 8 are provided at both ends of the translucent member 3, so that the illuminance is further improved and the translucent member is also provided. An illuminance distribution can be made symmetrical over 3 points.

By the way, in an information processing apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus, the area read by the line sensor in the direction intersecting the scanning direction (the relative movement direction of the sensor and the document) within one scanning period is not so wide. . Further, as shown in FIG. 30, among the light fluxes diffused / reflected in the area 5, the light fluxes emitted from the emission section facing the illuminated surface contribute to the illumination of the illuminated surface. Since the generated light flux is diffused light, the illuminance of illuminating the non-illuminated surface decreases more rapidly as the illuminated surface moves away from the light emitting portion of the translucent member 3.

Therefore, when it is desired to further increase the illumination intensity, it is effective to collect the light flux emitted from the translucent member with the lens.

FIG. 14 shows an example of this. 14 is shown in FIG.
The cylindrical lens 9 provided along the transparent member 3 is arranged on the illuminated surface side of the transparent member 3 of the illuminating device shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, it is effective to provide the center of the cylindrical lens 9 at a position facing the region 5, but it is not necessary to be particular about this as long as the required light intensity can be obtained.

By providing the lens on the illuminated surface side of the translucent member 3 as described above, the light flux emitted from the translucent member 3 can be condensed and applied to the illuminated surface, so that the illuminance is increased. The distribution itself does not substantially change, but the average illuminance can be improved.

As a result, it is possible to use a sensor having a lower sensitivity, and it is possible to cope with higher speed reading when a sensor having the same sensitivity is used.
Further, it is possible to obtain an illuminance that can sufficiently solve the problem of sensitivity deterioration due to a decrease in light amount in a filter due to colorization while maintaining high-speed reading.

In the case of the region 5 that has been roughened or coated with a light diffusing coating, the light beam incident on it is more uniformly diffused, but the light beam traveling backward to the end face of the translucent member 3 is Due to the presence of the component, there is a surface that is not sufficient in terms of utilization efficiency of the light flux emitted from the LED light source 8. Therefore, in order to further improve the average illuminance, it is also effective to change the area 5 from a rough surface or a coating of light diffusing material to a sawtooth reflecting surface.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which the area 5 of the illuminating device of FIG. 1 has a saw-toothed reflecting surface. This sawtooth-shaped reflective surface 5 is formed by forming a part of the side surface of the transparent member 3 integrally with the transparent member 3 or by cutting the transparent member 3, or by a separate member. The other sawtooth-shaped member is a transparent member 3
It can be formed by bonding it to the side surface with an adhesive or ultrasonic bonding. Above all, it is preferable to integrally form the transparent member from the viewpoint of cost and reduction of the number of manufacturing steps. A on the surface of the area 5 which is the sawtooth reflection surface
It is preferable to deposit a bright metal such as silver or silver.

As shown in FIG. 15A, a part of the luminous flux emitted from the LED light source 8 enters the area 5, and the area 5
The illuminated surface is illuminated by being reflected by the reflective surface of. The light flux incident on the area 5 is not substantially diffusely reflected because it is not the rough surface or the light diffusing paint surface as described above. Therefore,
The light incident on the reflecting surface is efficiently reflected on the irradiated surface side.

The region 5 serving as the saw-toothed reflecting surface will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 16 is a schematic side sectional view of the translucent member 3, and FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. LED light source 8
The light beam L emitted from the laser light enters the transparent member 3 through the incident side end surface 4 of the transparent member 3, and propagates while being repeatedly reflected in the transparent member 3 as described above. This light flux L
Part of the light reaches the sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface 7 of the rear region 5 which is reflected in the transparent member 3, is reflected there, and is taken out of the transparent member 3.

That is, the luminous flux from the LED light source 8 is incident on the reflecting surface 7 of the region 5 arranged in the X-axis direction, reflected and taken out to the outside.

By the way, the angle of the light beam from the LED light source 8 in the transparent member with respect to the X axis is θ, and the critical angle is determined by the refractive index of the transparent member and the refractive index of the external medium (usually air). Is θ _C , the angle θ of the incident light beam in the translucent member is
Satisfies −θ _C <θ <θ _C.

When the light beam propagates while repeating total reflection on the side surface of the translucent member, the light beam must have an angle of the critical angle θ _C or more with respect to the normal to the side surface. The angle θ of the light beam propagating in the optical member 3 is −
(90−θ _C ) <θ <(90−θ _C ).

Therefore, from the above two conditions, the angle θ with respect to the X-axis of the light flux which is incident from the LED light source 8 through the incident end face 4 into the translucent member and propagates while repeating the inside thereof is the above two conditions. The narrower of

Now, _letting θ _{lim be} the smaller of θ _C and 90−θ _C , −θ _lim <θ <θ _lim .

As shown in FIG. 17, the manner in which this light beam is incident on and reflected by the saw-toothed reflecting portion 7 is as shown in FIG.
Of the light fluxes propagating in the light fluxes, only the light fluxes having a negative angle θ with respect to the X axis are in the range of θ = 0 to _−θlim . Here, when the angle of the small reflecting surface, that is, the angle α of the reflecting surface 7 with respect to the X axis is α = {90 + (− θ _lim / 2)} / 2, the luminous flux is 90 degrees ± ( The region which is reflected in the range of θ _lim / 2) and _faces the region 5 is taken out to the outside as an emitting portion. At this time, if the emission part and the X axis are substantially parallel, the incident angles of these light beams on the emission part do not exceed (θ _lim / 2). Θ _lim above is θ _C
And 90-θ _C , _whichever is smaller, θ _lim ≦ θ _C , and the incident angle to the emitting portion is smaller than the critical angle.

For this reason, the luminous flux that is totally reflected by the exit surface and travels in the translucent member 3 in the opposite direction and is emitted from the incident end surface 4 is reduced, so that the luminous illuminating device has a high utilization efficiency of the luminous flux. You can

Note that α is α = {90 + (− θ _lim /
2)} / 2, even if it does not exactly match the angle determined by
If (90−θ _C ) <α <(90 + θ _C −θ _lim ) / 2 is satisfied, the incident angle of the light flux reflected by the sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface 7 on the exit portion exceeds the critical angle θ _C. The same effect can be obtained.

For example, when acrylic resin is used for the translucent member 3, θ _lim = θ _C ≈42 °, so α = {90
By setting + (− 42/2)} / 2 = 34.5≈35 °, the light flux incident from the LED light source 8 can be efficiently extracted to the outside of the translucent member 3. Also, the above α
In the range of, 24 ° <α <47 °.

The light beam propagating through the transparent member 3 is + when the diameter of the transparent member 3 is sufficiently smaller than its length.
Since the distribution is substantially uniform between θ _lim and −θ _lim , the above α is as close as possible to 90 + (− θ _lim / 2) degrees. Therefore, it is more preferable.

18 and 19 are obtained by replacing the region 5 of the illuminating device shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 with a region 5 having a saw-toothed reflecting surface 7, respectively.

By thus forming the saw-toothed reflecting surface on the end surface of the convex portion 35, the average illuminance can be further improved, and the illuminance unevenness can also be improved.

As described above, the light flux incident on the transparent member 3 may exit from the end face of the transparent member 3 when it reaches the end. This causes a decrease in the utilization efficiency of the luminous flux. Most of the light flux corresponding to this loss has not been incident on the region 5 while being repeatedly reflected in the translucent member 3. In addition, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, among the light fluxes emitted from the LED light source 8, the component perpendicular to the side surface of the translucent member 3 or at an angle close thereto is not easily incident on the region 5 because reflection between the side surfaces is repeated. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the illumination efficiency by performing reflection so that the light flux easily enters the region 5 during the propagation in the translucent member 3. Hereinafter, that point will be described.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining an example of another illuminating device of the present invention. FIG. 20 (A) is a schematic side view of the illuminating device of the present invention seen from the side. FIG. 20B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light-transmissive member 3 and the region 5, which is shown together with an illuminated original serving as an illumination surface, and is obtained by cutting FIG. 20A along a plane perpendicular to the paper surface. FIG. 20C is a schematic side view of the lighting device viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. The basic configuration of the lighting device in this example is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but in the lighting device shown in FIG. 20, the side surface on the opposite side where the region 5 of the translucent member 3 is provided is the region. It is not parallel to the side surface on which 5 is provided. Also. As shown in the figure, the length of the side in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the transparent member 3 on the surface where the region 3 of the transparent member 3 is provided is the transparent surface on the illuminated surface side. The length is shorter than the length of the side of the optical member 3 in the direction perpendicular to the length direction. In other words, the side surface of the translucent member 3 that is farther from the region 5 has a slope 201 whose side surface extends toward the illuminated surface.
It is said that.

As shown in FIG. 21, a part of the luminous flux emitted from the LED light source 8 is the translucent member 3 as described above.
However, since the side surface is inclined in this example, the angle of reflection changes and the probability of incidence on the region 5 increases. As a result, the utilization efficiency of the luminous flux emitted from the LED light source 8 is improved, so that the irradiation intensity can be improved.

Inclining the side surface of the transparent member 3
It can also be applied to a translucent member having another shape as described above. In any case, since the probability that the light beam is incident on the region 5 can be increased by providing the slope, it is possible to further improve the illuminance as compared with the case where the slope is not provided. For example, an example of a case where one side surface of the translucent member 3 of the lighting device described in FIG. 23 in FIG. 23 is a slanted surface 201 is illustrated in FIGS. An example in which the opposite side surfaces of the translucent member 3 of the device are inclined surfaces 201 will be shown. Incidentally. Figure 24 ~
In the case of the translucent member having the extending portion as shown in FIG. 27, at least one of the side surfaces may be inclined. Further, it goes without saying that this region 5 may be either of the above-mentioned types of diffusion and reflection.

As described above, when it is desired to further increase the illumination intensity, it is effective to collect the light flux emitted from the translucent member with the lens. However,
If the lens is incorporated in the lighting device as a separate member, the cost is increased because accuracy is required for the optical axis alignment of the lens and the number of assembling steps is increased. Further, since the lens is a separate body, the light flux emitted from the translucent member 3 is reflected by the lens surface when it enters the lens and is lost. The loss due to this reflection is at most about 4%, but it is natural that it is preferable not to have this loss in order to improve the illuminance.

The loss itself due to reflection can be substantially solved by subjecting the lens surface to an antireflection treatment. However, the cost is high because the number of steps for performing the antireflection treatment is further increased. Also,
Even if the problem of the reflection of the lens can be solved by the antireflection treatment, the problems of the assembling accuracy and the assembling man-hour cannot be solved.

Therefore, when forming the translucent member using an organic resin such as an acrylic resin or glass, it is desirable to integrally mold the lens portion at the same time. In the case of any material, it is possible to integrally form the lens portion and the transparent member portion by, for example, molding.

FIG. 28 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining an example of another illuminating device of the present invention. FIG. 28 (A) is a schematic side view of the illuminating device of the present invention seen from the side. FIG. 28B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light-transmissive member 3 and the region 5, which is shown together with an illuminated original serving as an illumination surface and is cut along a plane perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 28A. FIG. 28 (C) is a schematic side view of the lighting device viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 28 (A). The basic configuration of the illumination device in this example is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but the illumination device shown in FIG. 28 has a convex lens on the surface side facing the portion where the region 5 of the translucent member 3 is provided. Has been shaped.

With such a structure, the light flux diffused and reflected in the area 5 is condensed by the condensing effect of the lens portion 36. In FIG. 28, the light beam diffused and reflected in the region 5 is emitted from the lens portion 3 of the translucent member 3 as a substantially parallel light beam. This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 29, a part of the luminous flux emitted from the LED light source 8 is reflected at least once in the translucent member 3 and is incident on the region 5. The light flux incident on the region 5 is diffused and reflected, part of which is reflected again in the translucent member 3, and the other part of which travels toward the lens portion 36. Then, when the light is emitted from the lens unit 36, it is condensed by the lens effect and is emitted to the illuminated surface as a substantially parallel light beam.

Therefore, even if there is a distance between the illuminated surface and the illuminating device, the illuminated surface can be illuminated with a sufficiently high illuminance, so that extremely efficient illumination can be performed. In addition, since the illuminated surface can be illuminated with a sufficiently high illuminance even if it is separated from the illuminated surface, the degree of freedom in designing an information processing device using this illumination device is also improved.

Further, in FIG. 28, since the translucent member 3 is extended in the lateral direction by the amount of the lens portion 36 as compared with FIG. 1, more uniform illumination can be performed.

In the present invention, the light flux diffused / reflected in the area 5 by the lens does not have to be completely condensed (or imaged) on the illuminated surface.

By thus providing the light-transmitting member 3 with the function of a lens, not only the size can be reduced and the cost can be reduced, but also a lighting device with a more uniform light illuminance can be provided. . Further, when the light-transmissive member 3 is provided with the function of a lens, it is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 28. For example, as shown in FIGS.
It goes without saying that the translucent member 3 of the illuminating device shown in each of FIGS. 9, 20, 25 and 26 may have a lens function.

The illuminance of indirect incident light emitted from the LED light source and incident on the region 5 decreases as it propagates through the inside of the translucent member (away from the LED light source). In addition, the illuminance of the direct incident light incident on the area 5 is also LE.
D Decreases with distance from the light source. Therefore, even if LED light sources are provided at both ends of the translucent member 3, if the length of the translucent member 3 in the longitudinal direction is lengthened, the illuminance at the central portion tends to decrease. FIG. 37 (A) shows a graph of relative illuminance with respect to the longitudinal direction of the translucent member 3 by the illumination device shown in FIG. 34 described above. As can be seen from the figure, the illuminance distribution is much more uniform than the conventional one. However, there is a decrease in relative illuminance in the central portion in the longitudinal direction, and it is desired to make this even more uniform. Hereinafter, that point will be described.

FIG. 35 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining an example of another illuminating device of the present invention. FIG. 35 (A) is a schematic side view of the illuminating device of the present invention seen from the side. FIG. 35 (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the translucent member 3 and the region 5, which is shown together with an illuminated original serving as an illumination surface, and FIG. 35 (A) is cut along a plane perpendicular to the paper surface. FIG. 35C is a schematic side view of the lighting device viewed from the direction of arrow A shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, the lighting device of this example is
L is provided on both end surfaces of the translucent member 3 having a lens portion (light condensing portion).
The ED light source 8 is arranged, and the translucent member 3 has a convex portion 35 arranged so as to face the lens portion, and a region 5 is formed on an end surface of the convex portion 35. The translucent member 3 has a cross-section in which a lens portion of a convex lens is formed in a trapezoidal portion having a short side on the region 5 side. The LED light source 8 is provided with three shapes corresponding to the area 5 and a position sandwiching the area on both end face sides. Further, in the lighting device shown in the figure, the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the translucent member 3 is made thinner than the end portion.

FIG. 36A shows a schematic plan view of the present lighting device, and FIG. 36B shows a schematic side view thereof. As shown in the figure, in this lighting device, the protruding portion of the translucent member decreases toward the center in the longitudinal direction. That is, the cross-sectional area of the translucent member decreases from both ends toward the center.

FIG. 37B shows the illuminance distribution in the longitudinal direction of the translucent member 3 in the illumination device having such a configuration. When the central portion of the light-transmissive member 3 is formed into a constricted shape as in this example, a part of the light beam emitted from the LED light source 8 provided at one end portion reaches the area 5 before reaching the other end portion. Since the probability of becoming a light beam (indirect incident light) incident on is increased, the irradiation intensity near the center increases. That is, the light flux that has been repeatedly reflected and has proceeded from one end to the other end is reflected by the inclined surface 201 and becomes further reflected light in the translucent member 3 due to the decrease in the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion. Therefore, the amount of the luminous flux incident on the region 5 is increased as compared with the case where the constriction is not provided, so that the overall illuminance, particularly the illuminance with distance from the LED light source can be improved.

Of course, it is desirable to determine the amount of the constriction in consideration of the length of the transparent member, the width of the region 5, the thickness of the transparent member, the cross-sectional area, the arrangement of the LED light source, and the like.

If the light-transmissive member has a lens portion, it is desirable that the characteristics of the lens do not change, for example, the shape of the lens does not change.
It is desirable to keep the distance between the lens surface and the lens surface the same.

The shape of the constriction may be linear as shown in the figure or may have a curvature,
The shape may be a combination thereof.

Further, the translucent member 3 may be formed in a shape as shown in FIG. The translucent member 3 shown in the figure has a trapezoidal shape in which the incident end face of the light flux from the LED light source is rectangular and the center in the longitudinal direction is a single side on the lower side. The cross section of the portion closer to the center side than the incident end face is shaped such that both lower corners of the rectangle of the end face portion are cut, and the region of the cut shape is gradually enlarged to form the trapezoidal shape. Is connected to the slope.

By adopting the shape as shown in the figure, an illuminating device having a more uniform illuminance characteristic in the longitudinal direction can be obtained.

FIG. 39 shows an example in which the area 5 of the illumination device shown in FIG. 35 is changed from the diffusing surface to the sawtooth reflecting surface described above. When the desired angle of the light collecting portion from the region 5 is sufficiently large (depending on the depth and shape of the convex portion, for example, 60 degrees or more), the angle of the light beam incident on the region 5 becomes close to that of vertical incidence. By making the region 5 a sawtooth-shaped reflecting surface as in this example, the incident light beam is mainly reflected toward the light converging portion and emitted as a light beam that is parallel or close thereto. Therefore,
With the configuration of this example, the illumination device has higher illuminance and uniform illuminance in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 40 shows an example in which a cylindrical lens 9 is further arranged as a condensing part in the illuminating device of FIG. By doing so, it is possible to further condense the light emitted as a parallel light flux, and thus it is possible to illuminate the illuminated surface with a higher illuminance.

Next, the mounting of the LED light source will be described. Although the LED light source is arranged in the above-mentioned example, the description of the specific mounting of the LED light source is omitted. The mounting of the LED light source will be described in more detail below. Incidentally. It goes without saying that the mounting of the LED light source can be applied to any of the above-described illumination devices, and can be applied to any of the illumination devices obtained by appropriately modifying and combining the above-described illumination devices.

When mounting the LED light source, what is required is to mount the LED light source exactly at the designed position, to simplify the mounting process including accuracy, and to transmit the light beam emitted from the LED light source without loss as much as possible. It is to make it enter the optical member. If this requirement is satisfied, there is no particular restriction on the mounting of the LED light source.

LE is the simplest example of the attachment.
That is, the D chip is bonded to the end surface of the translucent member. However, the adhesive method cannot easily replace the LED light source, and when a resin such as acrylic is used for the translucent member, the expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity is large, so that the adhesive is peeled off or the LED is damaged. Problems may occur.

Further, when the translucent member and the LED light source are arranged apart from each other, the distance between the LED light source and the end face of the translucent member may change due to expansion and contraction of the translucent member, resulting in loss of light flux. .

As an example for solving such a problem, FIG.
There is a mounting method as shown in.

As shown in FIG. 41, in this example, an LED is provided with a projecting portion 3a formed on the end surface of the transparent member 3 and a reflecting frame 83 extending so as to fit into the projecting portion 3a. It has a light source 8.

With such a structure, the outer surface of the transparent sealing resin 84 and the incident side end surface 4 of the transparent member 3 are formed.
Even if there is a gap between and, since there is the reflection frame 83, it is possible to eliminate the loss that the light beam is diffusely reflected and leaks to the outside. Further, since a part of the light flux reflected by the reflection frame 83 is incident on the light-transmissive member 3 from the incident side end surface 4, the utilization efficiency of the light flux emitted from the LED chip 81 is improved more efficiently. The reflective frame 83 may be adhered to the protruding portion 3a of the translucent member 3, but simply fitting it can alleviate the stress associated with the expansion and contraction of the translucent member 3 and the reflective frame 83. It is preferable because it is possible.

The LED light source 8 is provided by providing the translucent member 3 with the protruding portion 3a and fitting the protruding portion 3a with the LED light source 8.
The positioning accuracy of the attachment of is improved, and the process can be further simplified by only fitting.

FIG. 42 shows a modification of the method of mounting the LED light source shown in FIG. In this example, the LED chip is surface-mounted on the surface of the mounting substrate 11, and the area around the LED chip is integrated with a reflection frame formed of white resin or metal.
This is an example in which the reflection frame 11 of the light source 8 and the protruding portion 3a are fitted together.

With this structure, the protrusion 3a is formed in a desired size and shape, and L is adjusted accordingly.
Since the ED light source can be attached, it is possible to more easily obtain the illumination characteristic that matches the required characteristic.

A reflecting portion may be further formed in at least a part of the area other than the area where the LED light source is attached. By providing the reflection portion, the light beam propagated from the opposite end face side is repeatedly reflected internally without being emitted from the end face of the translucent member, so that the light beam utilization efficiency can be improved.

Although the protrusion 3a is not always necessary,
As described above, it is preferable that the positioning accuracy is improved. The protrusion 3a can be formed at the same time as the translucent member 3, but may be provided by cutting if necessary.

Further, the LED light source may be of a form fitted into a concave portion provided on the incident side end surface of the translucent member.
In this case, although a part of the light flux emitted from the LED chip has a loss, it is effective in terms of positioning accuracy and further reducing the amount of protrusion of the mounting portion.

FIG. 43 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of a photoelectric conversion device using the lighting device of the present invention shown in FIG. In the figure, 14 is a sensor substrate, 1
Reference numeral 5 is a protective glass, and 16 is a housing of the photoelectric conversion device. On the sensor substrate 14, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements formed by using a thin film semiconductor layer such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon are arranged one-dimensionally. Protective glass 15
Are provided on a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (not shown), and protect the photoelectric conversion elements from damage due to relative movement with the document. The housing 16 has a space for fitting with the illumination device and the cylindrical lens 9, and is set at a predetermined position by inserting the illumination device and the cylindrical lens 9 from one end side. The LED light source 8 is screwed to the screw 161 provided on the housing by using the screw 162 as a mounting means for fitting the reflection frame 10 to the protruding portion 3a of the translucent member 3 and mounting the mounting substrate.

The light-transmissive member 3 is provided with a mounting portion 37 for fitting with the housing 16. Of course, the mounting portion 37 does not necessarily have to be provided, and is not limited to the shape illustrated here.

Next, an example in which the lighting device of the present invention is applied to an information processing device will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 44 shows an example of an information processing device (for example, a facsimile) constructed by using the photoelectric conversion device according to the present invention.

Here, 102 is a feeding roller for feeding the document 17 toward the reading position, and 104 is the document P.
It is a separating piece for surely separating and feeding the sheets one by one. 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes a conveyance roller which is provided at the reading position of the photoelectric conversion device 100 to regulate the surface to be read of the document 17 and convey the document 17.

W is a recording medium in the form of roll paper in the illustrated example, and image information read by the photoelectric conversion device 100 or image information transmitted from the outside in the case of a facsimile device or the like is formed. . Reference numeral 110 denotes a recording head for performing the image formation, and various types such as a thermal head and an inkjet recording head can be used. The recording head may be of a serial type or a line type. A platen roller 112 conveys the recording medium W to the recording position of the recording head 110 and regulates the recording surface.

Reference numeral 120 denotes an operation panel provided with a switch for receiving an operation input, a message, a display section for notifying the state of the apparatus, and the like.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a system control board, which is provided with a control section for controlling each section, a drive circuit for photoelectric conversion elements, an image information processing section, a transmission / reception section, and the like. 1
40 is a power supply for the apparatus.

45 and 46 are schematic enlarged views of the photoelectric conversion device portion of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 45 shows an example in which a perfect contact type sensor is used and the photoelectric conversion device shown in FIG. 43 is used. Figure 46
Is an example using the image forming optical type 19, and the light flux emitted from the illumination means shown in FIG. 35 illuminates the original document 17, and the light reflected according to the original document information is photoelectrically converted through the image forming optical form 19. An image is formed on the element 20.

Further, as shown in FIG. 51, an image forming optical system 25 is provided on the original side, and a photoelectric conversion element 22 using a thin film semiconductor formed on the sensor substrate 21 is connected through a protective layer (protective glass) 23. It is also good as an image-reading type.

In any of the cases, the surface of the document to be irradiated was irradiated with a very uniform illuminance distribution, and extremely excellent reading could be performed.

Further, even when the above-mentioned other illuminating device is used, it is possible to perform extremely excellent reading as compared with the case where the conventional illuminating device is used.

The illumination device of the present invention is suitable for color reading because it can obtain a sufficient amount of light. Further, a filter may be interposed between the LED light source and the end surface of the transparent member 3 in order to change the color temperature or the tint of the irradiation light, or the transparent member itself may be dyed. When the translucent member is dyed, it is preferable to dye the incident end face, but if only the surface is required to be dyed, it is desirable to dye only the exit face emitted from the translucent member. This is because if the entire translucent member is dyed or colored, the amount of attenuation of the light flux due to internal reflection becomes large and the light amount at the center (or at a position away from the LED light source) is reduced.

Next, as an output method applicable to the information processing apparatus and the like shown in FIG. 44, as described above, a thermal transfer recording method or a thermal recording method using a thermal head, or an inkjet using an inkjet recording head is used. There is a recording method.

A configuration example in which the recording head of such a system is applied to the output portion of the information processing apparatus as the output means will be described below. Note that only the output part will be described here.

Among the ink jet recording methods, the use of a recording head utilizing heat energy brings about a more excellent effect in the present invention. This is because the head itself can be miniaturized, and the effect of miniaturization of the lighting device can be taught as the entire information processing device.

Regarding its typical structure and principle, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4740.
What is done using the basic principles disclosed in 796 is preferred. This method is applicable to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type,
In particular, the on-demand type is suitable because the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

To briefly explain this method, the electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink) is used for the recorded information, and the rapid change over the nucleate boiling is performed. By applying at least one drive signal that gives rise to a temperature rise, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal converter, causing film boiling on the heat acting surface of the recording head,
As a result, air bubbles are formed in the liquid corresponding to this recording signal. Due to the growth and contraction of the bubbles, the liquid is ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one suit. It is more preferable to make the driving signal into a pulse shape, because the bubbles can be grown and contracted immediately and appropriately, and thus the ejection of the liquid with excellent responsiveness can be achieved.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are preferable. In addition,
By adopting the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124, which describes the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise on the heat acting surface, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the constitution of the recording head, as described in the above-mentioned respective specifications, the combination constitution of the ejection port, the liquid passage, and the electrothermal converter (including the straight liquid passage or the liquid passage having the bent portion) is included. In addition to the above), a configuration using US Pat. Nos. 4,558,333 and 4,459,600, which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting surface is arranged in a bending region, is also applicable.

In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a structure in which a common slit is used as a liquid discharge portion for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is discharged. It is also effective to apply a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to each section.

Further, a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium which can be recorded by the recording apparatus may be used. In this case, a plurality of recording heads as described in each of the above specifications may be used. The recording heads may be combined to satisfy the length, or may be integrally formed as one recording head.

In addition, when the recording head of the replaceable chip type, which is electrically connected to the apparatus main body and can supply ink from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body, or the recording head itself is electrically connected, It is also preferable to use a cartridge-type recording head integrally provided with a general connection and an ink tank.

Further, it is more preferable to add recovery means, preliminary auxiliary means, etc. to the recording head provided as the configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, since it is possible to make it further maintenance-free. It is a thing.

Specifically, these are capping means, cleaning means, pressure or suction means for the recording head, heating means such as an electrothermal converter for heating the recording head, and recording. Having a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection different from that is also effective for stable recording.

Further, the recording mode is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but the recording head may be integrally formed or a plurality of combinations may be used, but different colors of multicolor or full color are possible. You can

In the above description, an example of a liquid (ink) has been described, but the ink may be an ink that is solid at room temperature or an ink that is in a softened state at room temperature. it can. In the above-mentioned inkjet method, the temperature of the ink itself is generally adjusted in the range of 30 ° C to 70 ° C to control the temperature of the ink so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. It may be in any liquid form. In addition, the ink may be positively used in a liquid state from a solid state by raising the temperature by thermal energy.

Next, a brief description will be given of an ink jet recording head used in a system in which recording is performed by ejecting a liquid using such thermal energy.

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram for explaining an example of such an ink jet recording head. An electric heating film formed on a substrate 1102 is subjected to semiconductor manufacturing process steps such as etching, vapor deposition and sputtering. Converter 1103, electrode 1104, liquid path 1105, top plate 110
An inkjet recording head composed of 6 is shown. The recording liquid 1112 is supplied to the recording head 11 from a liquid storage chamber (not shown) through a liquid supply pipe 1107.
01 to the common liquid chamber 1108. In the figure, 1109 is a connector for a liquid supply pipe.

Liquid 11 supplied into common liquid chamber 1108
12 is supplied into the liquid path 1110 by so-called capillary reduction,
By forming a meniscus at the discharge port (orifice) surface at the tip of the liquid passage, the meniscus is held stably. By energizing the electrothermal converter 1103 here, the liquid on the surface of the electrothermal converter is rapidly heated, bubbles are generated in the liquid path, and the liquid is ejected from the ejection port 1111 by expansion and contraction of the bubbles. Droplets are formed.

With the configuration as described above, the discharge port density 16
It is possible to form a full-line type inkjet head in which 128 or 256 ejection ports are arranged in a high-density ejection port arrangement of nozzles / mm or more, and further ejection ports are arranged over the entire recording width.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing the outline of the external structure of the output section using the ink jet recording system.

In the figure, reference numeral 1801 denotes an ink jet recording head (hereinafter referred to as recording head) for ejecting ink based on a predetermined recording signal to record a desired image, 180
2 is the recording head 1801 in the recording direction (main scanning direction)
It is a carriage for scanning movement. The carriage 1802 is slidably supported by guide shafts 1803 and 1804, and the timing belt 180
It reciprocates in the main scanning direction in conjunction with 8. Pulley 18
The timing belt 1 engaged with 06, 1807
808 is driven by a carriage motor 1805 via a pulley 1807.

The recording 1809 is guided by a paper pan 1810 and is conveyed by a paper feed roller (not shown) which is pressed against a pinch roller.

This conveyance is performed by using the paper feed motor 1816 as a drive source. The conveyed recording paper 1809 is tensioned by a paper discharge roller 1813 and a spur 1814, and is a paper pressing plate 1812 formed of an elastic member.
It is conveyed while being in close contact with the heater 1811. The recording paper 1809 to which the ink ejected from the recording head 1801 adheres is heated by the heater 1811, and the adhered ink evaporates the water content of the recording paper 1801.
Settles in 9.

1815 is a unit called a recovery system,
This is for maintaining the ejection characteristics in a normal state by removing foreign matter and ink of high viscosity attached to the ejection ports (not shown) of the recording head 1801.

Reference numeral 1818a is a cap which constitutes a part of the recovery system unit 1815, and is for capping the ejection port of the recording head 1801 to prevent clogging. It is desirable to dispose the ink absorber 1818 inside the cap 1818a.

On the recording area side of the recovery system unit 1815, there is provided a blade 1817 for cleaning foreign matter and ink adhering to the surface of the recording head 1801 on which the ejection port is formed and adhering to the ejection port surface. There is.

In the present invention, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 50, the electric signal carrying the image information read by the photoelectric conversion device is converted into an electric signal for recording by the image processing means, and the CPU ( Recording is performed by controlling the carriage motor, paper feed motor, recovery device, etc. by a controller such as a central processing circuit.

The electric signal carrying the image information is
It may be transmitted to another image processing apparatus via the communication means and output there, or information may be received from another information processing apparatus via the communication means and recorded by the recording head.

Next, a full line type recording head 193
FIG. 49 shows an outline of an output part when the No. 2 is mounted.

In FIG. 49, reference numeral 1965 is a conveyor belt for conveying the recording medium.
Reference numeral 5 conveys a recording medium (not shown) as the conveyance roller 1964 rotates. The lower surface of the recording head 1932 is an ejection port surface 1931 in which a plurality of ejection ports are arranged corresponding to the recording area of the recording medium.

In this case as well, recording can be performed as in the case of the serial type described above.

Of course, the above-mentioned output portion is given as an example, and many modifications can be considered.

However, when the method of ejecting the liquid by utilizing the thermal energy is used as described above, not only can the size be reduced, but also higher-definition recording can be performed, and therefore, the present invention can be used. The effect can be further emphasized, and the information processing apparatus as a whole can be made extremely excellent.

[0164]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small illuminating device capable of performing uniform illumination with high intensity.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an illuminating device having a simple structure and a simple manufacturing process.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photoelectric conversion device and an information processing device capable of performing stable image reading.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a reliable and simplified process of mounting the light source.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention, and the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined appropriately.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an illumination device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a difference between the lighting device of the present invention and a conventional lighting device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device using an LED array.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device using an LED array.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device using a translucent member.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device using a translucent member.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of an LED light source.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a view for explaining the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining an illuminance distribution in the longitudinal direction of the lighting device.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining an example of the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining attachment of the light source of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a schematic sectional view for explaining attachment of the light source of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an information processing device to which the lighting device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 45 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an information processing device to which the lighting device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 46 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an information processing device to which the lighting device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 47 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of an inkjet recording head applicable to the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a recording section using an inkjet recording method applicable to the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a recording unit using an inkjet recording system applicable to the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a block height drawing for explaining an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an information processing device to which the lighting device of the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Translucent member 4 Incident surface 5 Area 6 Reflecting surface 8 LED light source

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Itabashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (44)

[Claims] 1. A light guide body having a light incident surface at an end thereof and having a surface for emitting the incident light beam on one surface in a longitudinal direction different from the end portion, the light guide surface being opposed to the light emission surface. A light guide body that is provided on the side and has a region for reflecting and / or diffusing a light beam that has entered the translucent member. 2. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein the region is provided on an end surface of a convex portion formed on a surface of the light beam that faces the exit surface. 3. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein a shape of a cross section parallel to the end portion of the light guide is substantially rectangular. 4. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the cross section of the light guide parallel to the end portion is substantially trapezoidal. 5. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the cross section parallel to the end of the light guide is substantially rectangular at the end face portion and substantially trapezoidal at the central portion. 6. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein the region is formed of a light reflective paint. 7. The region according to claim 1, wherein the region is a rough surface.
The light guide according to. 8. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein the region has a saw-toothed reflecting surface. 9. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein a light condensing section is provided on a surface side from which the light flux is emitted. 10. A light-transmissive member having a light incident surface at an end thereof, and a surface for emitting the incident light flux on another surface in a longitudinal direction different from the end, and the light incident surface being incident. A light source provided for emitting a light flux to be emitted, in a lighting device provided with the light emitting surface of the translucent member,
A region for reflecting and / or diffusing the incident light beam is provided in the translucent member, and the center of the light source is arranged at a position deviated from the normal direction of the region. Lighting equipment. 11. The illumination device according to claim 10, wherein the region is provided on an end surface of a convex portion formed on a surface opposite to an exit surface of the light flux. 12. The shape of a cross section parallel to the end portion of the translucent member is substantially rectangular.
The lighting device according to. 13. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein a cross section of the light transmissive member parallel to the end portion has a substantially trapezoidal shape. 14. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein a shape of a cross section parallel to the end portion of the light guide is substantially rectangular at an end surface portion and substantially trapezoidal at a central portion. 15. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the region is formed of a light-reflecting paint. 16. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the region is a rough surface. 17. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the region has a saw-toothed reflecting surface. 18. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein a light condensing unit is provided on a surface side from which the light flux is emitted. 19. The illumination device according to claim 10, wherein the light incident end portion is provided with a protrusion that fits into a light source. 20. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the light source is an LED. 21. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the translucent member is provided with a mounting portion. 22. The lighting device has at least a housing that fits with the translucent member.
The lighting device according to 1. 23. (a) A photoelectric conversion device having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged facing a document sheet image to be read; (b) an illumination device for illuminating the document sheet; (c) the document. Conveying means for conveying a sheet; (d) Output unit for recording an image on a document by an electric signal corresponding to image information; (e) The photoelectric conversion device, the light source, the conveying means and the In the image processing device having a controller for controlling the output unit, the illuminating unit has a light incident surface at an end, and emits the incident light beam on one surface in a longitudinal direction different from the end. A translucent member having a surface,
In a lighting device including a light source provided to emit a light beam incident from the light incident surface, the light source is incident on the light transmissive member on a side facing the light beam emission surface. An information processing apparatus, wherein an area for reflecting and / or diffusing the light flux is provided, and the center of the light source is arranged at a position deviated from the normal line direction of the area. 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the area is provided on an end surface of a convex portion formed on a surface of the light beam that faces the exit surface. 25. The shape of a cross section parallel to the end portion of the translucent member is substantially rectangular.
The information processing device according to 1. 26. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein a cross section of the translucent member parallel to the end is substantially trapezoidal in shape. 27. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein a shape of a cross section of the light guide parallel to the end portion is substantially rectangular at an end face portion and substantially trapezoidal at a central portion. 28. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the region is formed of a light reflective paint. 29. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the area is a rough surface. 30. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the region has a saw-toothed reflecting surface. 31. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein a light condensing unit is provided on a surface side from which the light flux is emitted. 32. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the light incident end portion is provided with a protrusion that fits into a light source. 33. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the light source is an LED. 34. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the translucent member is provided with a mounting portion. 35. The lighting device has a housing that fits at least with the translucent member.
4. The information processing device according to item 4. 36. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the output unit has at least one of an inkjet recording head and a thermal recording head. 37. The information processing apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the inkjet recording head includes an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy for forming bubbles for ejecting ink from the inkjet head. 38. The information processing apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising a recovery unit for recovering the ejection failure of the inkjet recording head and / or a cleaning unit for cleaning the inkjet recording head. 39. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising the communication unit controlled by the controller. 40. The information processing apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the recovery means includes a capping means. 41. The information processing apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the capping means has an ink absorber. 42. The information processing apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the cleaning unit is a cleaning blade. 43. The information processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the apparatus further includes a heater for heating the discharged recording paper. 44. The information processing apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the inkjet recording head is a full line head.