Optical imaging assembly having improved image sensor orientation

In a reading apparatus for bar code symbols, in combination:

• an image sensor including a two-dimensional array of photosensitive elements;
• focusing means for focusing an image of a bar code symbol on said array;
• illuminating means for illuminating said bar code symbol;
• means for supporting said illuminating means in illuminating relationship to said bar code symbol, and for supporting said focusing means in imaging relationship to said array;
• said image sensor being so oriented with respect to said supporting means that, when the reading apparatus is held in its normal reading orientation with respect to a 1D bar code symbol, an image of said bar code symbol is formed approximately across a diagonal of said array.

In an optical unit for use in a symbol reader, in combination:

• a light redirecting panel having a plurality of contoured openings passing therethrough between a front face and a back face of said panel said contoured openings defining light reflecting surfaces for directing light incident thereupon onto a target symbol in front of said panel;
• an LED board mounted in parallel alignment with said panel behind the back face of said panel, said LED board having a plurality of low profile light emitting diodes mounted thereon for illuminating said target symbol, said light emitting diodes being positioned behind respective openings in said panel;
• an imager housing secured to the LED board, said housing defining a recessed chamber that opens through the back of said housing and a hollow lens barrel extending forward of said recessed chamber that passes through coaxially aligned holes in said panel and said LED board;
• 2D image sensor including a rectangular array of photosensitive elements;
• an imaging optics assembly mounted within said lens barrel for forming an image of said symbol on said array;
• an imager board secured to said housing for supporting said image sensor in proximity to said imaging optics assembly;
• wherein said image sensor is so oriented on said imager board that, when the optical unit is held approximately in its optimum orientation with respect to a 1D symbol, said image extends approximately across a diagonal of said array.

In an optical unit for use in reading bar code symbols, in combination:

• a first circuit board having a plurality of light sources mounted thereon for directing light onto a target symbol situated in front of said first board;
• an imager housing secured to said first circuit board, said housing defining a hollow lens barrel extending toward said symbol;
• an imager including a rectangular array of photosensitive elements;
• a second circuit board secured to one of said imager housing and first circuit board for supporting said imager in proximity to said housing;
• a lens system mounted in said lens barrel having at least one lens element for focusing an image of said symbol upon said array;
• wherein said imager is so mounted with respect to said lens system that, when the unit is held in its normal position with respect to a 1D bar code symbol, said image extends substantially across a diagonal of said rectangular array.