LIGHT PIPE LED ILLUMINATOR FOR ILLUMINATING AN IMAGE BEARING SURFACE

摘要

An illumination apparatus for illuminating an image bearing surface, comprising including an end-coupled illuminator comprising a light pipe having a first end face, a lateral surface and an illuminator longitudinal axis, a first light source (e.g., an LED) arranged to emit first light into the light pipe through the first end face, and a plurality of extractors disposed at selected locations along the illuminator longitudinal axis each adapted to deflect a corresponding portion of the first light from the light pipe though the lateral surface. The apparatus also includes a diffuser positioned to receive the portions of the first light and diffuse the portions of the first light in the direction of the illuminator longitudinal axis. The illumination apparatus may be included in a copier or a printer.

主权项

1. An illumination apparatus for illuminating an image bearing surface, comprising:
an end-coupled illuminator comprising a light pipe having a first end face, a lateral surface and an illuminator longitudinal axis, a first light source arranged to emit first light into the light pipe through the first end face, and a plurality of extractors disposed at selected locations along the illuminator longitudinal axis each configured to deflect a corresponding portion of the first light from the light pipe though the lateral surface; and a diffuser positioned to receive the portions of the first light and diffuse the portions of the first light in the direction of the illuminator longitudinal axis.