Abstract: An optical unit includes an optical module that includes a light emitting element array in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged, a lens array disposed facing the light emitting element array on an optical path of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements, and a fixing part configured to fix the light emitting element array to the lens array. The optical unit also includes a member configured to have a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the light emitting element array and a fastening part configured to fasten the optical module on a surface of the member. The fastening part is configured to fasten the optical module so as to enable expanding and contracting in a plane parallel to the surface of the member.

Abstract: A laser device and an internal combustion engine. The laser device includes a light source configured to emit light, an optical system configured to concentrate the light emitted from the light source, a housing configured to accommodate the optical system, and a window disposed to the housing, to which the light passed through the optical system is incident. The window includes an optical window through which the light exited from the optical system passes, an optical window holding member configured to hold the optical window, a joint configured to join the optical window to the optical window holding member, and a protective layer disposed to a face of the joint. The internal combustion engine includes the laser device according to claim, and a combustion chamber configured to burn fuel to produce inflammable gas. In the internal combustion engine, the fuel is ignited by the laser device.

Abstract: An optical unit includes an optical module that includes a light emitting element array in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged, a lens array disposed facing the light emitting element array on an optical path of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements, and a fixing part configured to fix the light emitting element array to the lens array. The optical unit also includes a member configured to have a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the light emitting element array and a fastening part configured to fasten the optical module on a surface of the member. The fastening part is configured to fasten the optical module so as to enable expanding and contracting in a plane parallel to the surface of the member.

Abstract: A laser device and an internal combustion engine. The laser device includes a light source configured to emit light, an optical system configured to concentrate the light emitted from the light source, a housing configured to accommodate the optical system, and a window disposed to the housing, to which the light passed through the optical system is incident. The window includes an optical window through which the light exited from the optical system passes, an optical window holding member configured to hold the optical window, a joint configured to join the optical window to the optical window holding member, and a protective layer disposed to a face of the joint. The internal combustion engine includes the laser device according to claim, and a combustion chamber configured to burn fuel to produce inflammable gas. In the internal combustion engine, the fuel is ignited by the laser device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an optical unit, including a step of bringing two side face portions of a ceramic package into contact with two contact portions of a jig, a step of placing plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements in a predetermined region of the ceramic package with reference to the contact portions of the jig, and a step of connecting the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements to a wiring line part formed in the ceramic package by using a bonding wire, wherein at least one of the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements is placed between one of the two contact portions of the jig and another one of the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements in the step of placing the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an optical unit, including a step of bringing two side face portions of a ceramic package into contact with two contact portions of a jig, a step of placing plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements in a predetermined region of the ceramic package with reference to the contact portions of the jig, and a step of connecting the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements to a wiring line part formed in the ceramic package by using a bonding wire, wherein at least one of the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements is placed between one of the two contact portions of the jig and another one of the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements in the step of placing the plural light-receiving and light-emitting elements.

Abstract: An optical device including an optical element; a package member in which the optical element is held on a bottom surface of the package member in an area surrounded by walls; and a plate member that seals the area surrounded by the walls and the bottom surface in an airtight manner, the plate member being translucent and joined to the package member with a resin material. The walls have a structure including steps, the plate member is joined onto one of the steps of the walls, and at least a part of the walls facing side surfaces of the plate member includes a positioning part for positioning the plate member and a retaining part for retaining the resin material, in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface.

Abstract: An optical device including an optical element; a package member in which the optical element is held on a bottom surface of the package member in an area surrounded by walls; and a plate member that seals the area surrounded by the walls and the bottom surface in an airtight manner, the plate member being translucent and joined to the package member with a resin material. The walls have a structure including steps, the plate member is joined onto one of the steps of the walls, and at least a part of the walls facing side surfaces of the plate member includes a positioning part for positioning the plate member and a retaining part for retaining the resin material, in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming units or process units is disclosed. The process units may each be moved into and out of the body of the apparatus by hand. A plurality of support members for supporting the ends of the process units to be operated by hand extend substantially parallel to a linear path for conveying a recording medium, but outside of paths for moving the process units into and out of the apparatus body. A positioning mechanism positions the above end of the individual process unit relative to the support members. The positioning mechanism is implemented by holes formed in the support members, and pins studded on a positioning wall included in the individual process unit. The apparatus allows the process units to be positioned thereon accurately with a high mechanical strength, while allowing them to be mounted and dismounted with ease.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a contact type image sensor device optically reading the document, a platen roller pushing the document against a surface of the image sensor, a flame supporting the contact type image sensor device. The flame has a mounting surface to which the contact type image sensor device is fixed and a side wall which rise from the mounting surface in the vicinity of the contact type image sensor device. A gap is formed between the contact type image sensor device and the side wall. The image apparatus also includes a filling agent filling the gap including substantially spherical particles having an anti-friction characteristic.

Abstract: A contact type image sensor includes a transparent base plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a light receiving layer formed on the first surface of the transparent base plate, the light receiving layer generating an electric signal in response to light irradiated thereon, a driving circuit layer formed on the first surface of the transparent base plate, the driving circuit layer including a thin-film transistor for driving the light receiving member, and a conducting thin film formed on at least the second surface of the transparent base plate to thereby electrically shield the light receiving layer and the driving circuit layer.