Light emitting diode array and optical image forming apparatus with light emitting diode array
AssigneeRicoh Company, Ltd.
InventorsKouji Masuda, Suzuki Seizo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An image forming system utilizing a light emitting diode (LED array) having LEDs arranged along a curved line. The LEDs are either edge emitting type LEDs or surface emitting type LEDs. The LEDs of the LED array emit light towards a center or optical axis of the lens. A plurality of lenses are connected together to form a lens array. Alternatively, two lens arrays can be utilized. If two lens arrays are utilized, each of the lenses in the lens array includes an aspherical surface. The curved LED array prevents the flaring of light and produces an even pattern of light emission on a light receiving surface such as a photoconductive drum.
Claims38
An image forming system, comprising:
- a light emitting diode, “LED,” array having LEDs disposed thereon along a curved line, each of the LEDs forming the curved line, and a direction of emission of the LEDs and the curved line being generally planar;
- a light sensitive element;
- and
- a lens which focuses light emitted from the LEDs to the light sensitive element.
An image forming system, comprising:
- an LED, Light Emitting Diode, array means having LEDs disposed thereon along a curved line, each of the LEDs forming the curved line, the LED array means for emitting light, and a direction of emission of the LEDs and the curved line being generally planar;
- photosensitive means for being sensitive to light;
- and
- lens means for focusing light emitted from the LEDs to the photosensitive means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.