Lens array and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a lens array includes forming a plurality of lenses on a transparent substrate, depositing a uv-curable ink on the transparent substrate around the plurality of lenses, and curing the uv-curable ink to form a light-shielding film disposed on the transparent substrate around the plurality of lenses. The inside of the light-shielding film is heated after the uv-curable ink is cured.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a lens array, comprising:
 forming a plurality of lenses on a transparent substrate;   depositing a uv-curable ink on the transparent substrate around the plurality of lenses; and   curing the uv-curable ink to form a light-shielding film disposed on the transparent substrate around the plurality of lenses,   wherein the inside of the light-shielding film is heated after the uv-curable ink is cured.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of curing comprises exposing the uv-curable ink to ultraviolet radiation. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the inside of the light-shielding film is heated through thermal decomposition of a thermal acid generator in the uv-curable ink after the step of curing. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the inside of the light-shielding film ink is heated using a heating process after the step of curing. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the heating process comprises exposing the light-shielding film to infrared radiation. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of depositing comprises coating the transparent substrate with the uv-curable ink using an inkjet process. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the transparent substrate comprises a glass plate.