Imaging device

Abstract

An imaging apparatus comprising: a housing; a cartridge including an image-carrying member and detachable from the housing; a discharge exposure unit having a light source member and a light guide member, the light guide member forming a light guide path for guiding light from the light source member to be emitted to the image-carrying member, and the discharge exposure unit exposing the image-carrying member; and an opening / closing member capable of being opened / closed and disposed on a surface having an opening portion to cover the opening portion, through which the cartridge is inserted / removed, wherein the light source member is configured to be exposed to the surface of the housing opened / closed by the opening / closing member and is detachable from the light guide member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrophotographic imaging device, such as a photocopier or printer. Background Technology

[0002] In electrophotographic imaging devices, especially medium- to high-speed devices with relatively fast printing speeds, image defects known as drum ghosting are caused by differences in the electrical potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum, which serves as the image-carrying component. Therefore, a structure is known to prevent this image defect, wherein a discharge exposure unit is provided, which discharges the residual potential by emitting light onto the surface of the photosensitive drum before charging. In the electrophotographic process of charging, exposure, development, and transfer on the photosensitive drum, electrostatic discharge by the discharge exposure unit occurs after transfer and before charging.

[0003] As the light source for the discharge exposure unit, LEDs are mainly used. When the LEDs reach the end of their lifespan and their light intensity decreases, there is a concern that this will cause image defects such as drum ghosting. Therefore, replacement work is performed by maintenance personnel as needed. That is, when the discharge exposure unit irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum to prevent the aforementioned drum ghosting, the entire area along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum needs to be irradiated with a light intensity not less than a predetermined lower limit value. On the other hand, if the amount of light to be emitted is large, photosensitive fatigue of the photosensitive drum will easily develop. Therefore, an upper limit value for the discharge exposure unit irradiating the photosensitive drum is also determined, and the discharge exposure unit irradiates the photosensitive drum while satisfying the set upper and lower limits. In the discharge exposure unit described above, a structure is adopted in which a light guide unit is provided that uses light from the LED as a light source to irradiate the photosensitive drum (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-189793). In addition, as another construction, there is a known construction in which a photosensitive drum is directly irradiated by light from an LED substrate on which a plurality of LEDs are arranged, without inserting or providing a light guide unit such as a light guide (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-169466). Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the aforementioned conventional technologies, the discharge exposure unit requires rapid attachment / removal or replacement when the LED reaches the end of its lifespan or fails. However, with the reduction in the size of imaging devices, the spacing between each component has become extremely small. Because the discharge exposure unit is located close to the transfer unit and transfer belt, replacing the discharge exposure unit during maintenance becomes difficult. In particular, replacement is extremely difficult when inserting a hand into the imaging device body due to poor visibility and limited working space.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that improves the operability of changing light source components in an imaging apparatus including an exposure unit for eliminating static electricity.

[0006] The imaging apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems includes:

[0007] case;

[0008] A box, the box including an image-carrying member and capable of being attached to / removed from the housing;

[0009] A discharge exposure unit has a light source component and a light guide component, the light guide component forming a light guide path for guiding light from the light source component to be emitted onto the image carrier component, and the discharge exposure unit exposes the image carrier component; and

[0010] An opening / closing member, capable of being opened / closed, is disposed on a surface having an opening to cover the opening, through which the housing is inserted / removed.

[0011] The light source component is configured to be exposed to the surface of the housing when it is opened / closed by the opening / closing component, and is capable of being attached to / detached from the light guide component.

[0012] According to the present invention, in an imaging apparatus including an exposure unit for electrostatic discharge, the workability of the light source component can be improved.

[0013] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state when the processing cartridge of the imaging device is attached / detached;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the processing box and the discharge exposure unit;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the discharge exposure unit according to the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the component structure of the discharge exposure unit according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6A and Figure 6BThis is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the component structure of the discharge exposure unit according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the arrangement relationship between the housing and the LED substrate according to the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the discharge exposure unit according to the second embodiment;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the component structure of the discharge exposure unit according to the second embodiment; and

[0023] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the arrangement relationship between the housing and the LED substrate according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following description, embodiments (examples) of the present invention will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments may be appropriately varied depending on the construction of the device to which the present invention is applied, various conditions, etc. Therefore, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments.

[0025] First Embodiment

[0026] In this embodiment, a case applied to a color laser beam printer is described, which employs a four-drum type and a processing cartridge type capable of forming a full-color image using an electrophotographic system. Here, the processing cartridge type is configured such that the electrophotographic image-carrying member (photosensitive drum) and the developing unit, which serves as the processing unit for performing imaging processing, are integrated into a single processing cartridge, and this processing cartridge is configured to be attachable to / detachable from the imaging device body. In the following description, the device body refers to components in the construction of the imaging device other than detachable components such as the processing cartridge.

[0027] (1) General structure of the imaging device

[0028] The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described based on the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the main body of the imaging device 100 when viewed from the front side in an embodiment of the present invention. (See also:) Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device is a tandem color imaging device, in which four processing boxes 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are arranged in a straight line.

[0029] (1-1) The formation process of toner images

[0030] Toner images are formed via a photosensitive drum 1, a charging unit 2, an exposure unit 3, and a developing unit 4 with a developing roller. The imaging apparatus 100 includes four rotatable photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. Around each photosensitive drum 1, in the direction of rotation, are arranged sequentially a charging unit 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and an exposure unit 3 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 by emitting laser light based on image information. Subsequently, developing rollers 24 (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) and transfer units 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are provided as developing units. The developing units form an image as a toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image, and the transfer units transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 to an intermediate transfer belt 12e. Furthermore, the cleaning unit 8 (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) is positioned adjacent to the charging unit 2. This cleaning unit removes residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer.

[0031] The photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), charging unit 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), developing unit 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), and cleaning unit 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are integrated together to form processing cartridges 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d). These four processing cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d have the same structure, but differ in that images of different colors are formed by toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk).

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state when the processing cartridge 7 of the imaging device 100 is attached / removed. Processing cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are respectively configured to be attached / removed inside the housing 40 of the imaging device 100, and in this embodiment, are configured such that the processing cartridges can be attached / removed by opening / closing cover 42 from the front side of the imaging device 100. Furthermore, a protective cover 41 protecting the discharge exposure unit, which will be described later, is further attached to the imaging device 100.

[0033] In this embodiment, the construction and operation of each imaging part share many common aspects. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the suffixes a, b, c, d assigned to the reference numerals to indicate that the element is set to any color will be omitted, and a general description will be provided.

[0034] Next, each component constituting the processing box 7 will be described. The photosensitive drum 1 is constructed by applying an organic photoconductor layer (OPC) to the outer peripheral surface of an aluminum cylinder, and its two ends are rotatably supported by bearings or the like. When driving force is transmitted from a drive motor (not shown) to one end of the photosensitive drum 1, the photosensitive drum moves along... Figure 1 The clockwise rotation / driving direction is indicated by the middle arrow.

[0035] The charging unit 2 is a conductive roller formed in the shape of a roller, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by contacting the roller with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 and applying a charging voltage using a power source (not shown). The exposure unit 3 is arranged vertically below the processing box 7 and exposes the photosensitive drum 1 based on the image signal.

[0036] The developing unit 4 includes a toner container 25 and a developing roller 24. Toner containers 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d respectively contain toner for each of the colors Y, M, C, and Bk. The developing rollers 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are configured to be adjacent to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, and can be switched to either a contact state or a separation state relative to the respective photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. In the contact state, the developing roller 24 is rotated / driven by a drive unit (not shown), and by applying voltage, the developing roller develops the toner onto the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d.

[0037] Using the above structure, toner images of colors Y, M, C, and Bk are formed on the surfaces of photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. The toner images formed on the surfaces of photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are sequentially transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12e (initial transfer process). Afterward, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaning unit 8 of the cleaning unit 5 and recovered by the residual toner container 26.

[0038] (1-2) Transfer and fixing processes to the sheet

[0039] After the sheet S is fed to the secondary transfer section 15 via the paper feeding device 13, the toner image is transferred to the sheet S in the secondary transfer section 15. The intermediate transfer unit 12 carries the toner image formed by the primary transfer process and feeds it to the secondary transfer section 15. The fixing device 14 is located downstream of the secondary transfer section 15 in the sheet S feeding direction and fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet S.

[0040] First, the structure of the paper feeding device 13, the intermediate transfer unit 12, and the fixing device 14 will be described. The paper feeding device 13 consists of a paper feeding cassette 11 that mainly holds the sheet S, a paper feeding roller 9, a separating unit 23, and a pair of blocking rollers 17 that clamp and transport the sheet S. The paper feeding cassette 11 can be pulled out from the imaging device 100. The user pulls the paper feeding cassette 11 out from the imaging device 100, then places the sheet S on the paper feeding cassette 11 and attaches it to the imaging device 100, thereby supplying the sheet S.

[0041] The intermediate transfer unit 12 mainly consists of an intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer material) 12e, a drive roller 12f, a driven roller 12g, primary transfer rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d (serving as the primary transfer unit), and a cleaning device 22. The intermediate transfer belt 12e is an annular cylindrical belt that extends between the drive roller 12f and the driven roller 12g. The driven roller 12g is driven by a biasing unit (not shown) towards... Figure 1 The intermediate transfer belt 12e is biased in direction A as indicated by the middle arrow, and a predetermined tension is applied. The intermediate transfer belt 12e is moved at a predetermined speed along the drive roller 12f by rotating / driving the drive roller 12f using a motor (not shown). Figure 1 Rotate in direction B as indicated by the middle arrow. Each primary transfer roller 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d is positioned inside the intermediate transfer belt 12e, opposite to each of the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d. By applying voltage to the primary transfer rollers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, the toner image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d is initially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12e.

[0042] The fixing device 14 mainly consists of a fixing film 14a, a pressure roller 14b, a heating element 14c, and a paper discharge roller pair 20. The fixing film 14a is an annular cylindrical strip, and its outer peripheral surface is disposed on the toner image surface side of the sheet S. The heating element 14c is disposed inside the fixing film 14a, and the pressure roller 14b contacts the fixing film 14a via pressure. The pressure roller 14b is rotated / driven by a drive unit (not shown), which rotates the fixing film 14a accordingly, and the fixing film 14a is heated by the heating element 14c.

[0043] In the conveying direction of the sheet S, the paper discharge roller pair 20 and the paper discharge tray 21 are disposed downstream of the fixing film 14a. The paper discharge tray 21 has an inclined surface 21a that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The inclined surface 21a is inclined in a direction that decreases towards the side of the paper discharge roller pair 20.

[0044] The operation of the paper feeding device 13, the intermediate transfer unit 12, and the fixing device 14 will then be described. The paper feeding roller 9 makes pressure contact with the sheet S housed in the paper feeding cassette 11 and feeds the sheet S by rotating at a predetermined controlled time. The sheet S is separated one sheet at a time by the separating unit 23 and fed. Afterwards, the sheet S is conveyed to the secondary transfer section 15 by the blocking roller pair 17. Furthermore, toner images of four colors are transferred in an overlapping manner and carried on the intermediate transfer belt 12e, and then conveyed to the secondary transfer section 15. In the secondary transfer section 15, a bias voltage is applied to the secondary transfer unit 16, thereby transferring the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 12e onto the conveyed sheet S. After the secondary transfer, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12e is removed by the cleaning device 22 and conveyed to a toner collection container (not shown) provided in the imaging device 100. The sheet S, conveyed from the secondary transfer section 15, is held / conveyed by the fixing film 14a and the pressure roller 14b, and the toner image is heated / fixed onto the sheet S. The sheet S with the toner image fixed is then held / conveyed by the discharge roller pair 20 and discharged to the discharge tray 21. Even when multiple sheets S are stacked on the discharge tray 21, subsequent sheets S are discharged. Since the stacked sheets S are also tilted by following the inclined surface 21a provided in the discharge tray 21, the discharged sheets S do not push out the stacked sheets S, but are stacked in an aligned state on the discharge tray 21.

[0045] Regarding the aforementioned imaging apparatus, a typical example is a color laser printer, such as a tandem type, which transfers two or more colors of color toner onto recording material via an intermediate transfer belt to form an image. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, but can also be applied to monochrome laser printers using a single color monochromatic toner.

[0046] (2) Structure of the electrostatic elimination exposure device

[0047] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the discharge exposure unit 30 and its surrounding components in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the discharge exposure unit 30 is not disposed in the processing cartridge 7, but rather on a support member 40a forming part of a housing 40, which is the main frame of the imaging apparatus 100, and the discharge exposure unit 30 is disposed near the photosensitive drum 1, close to the intermediate transfer belt 12e. Around the photosensitive drum 1, the charging unit 2, the exposure portion of the exposure unit 3, the developing roller 24, the primary transfer portions of the primary transfer rollers 12a to 12d, the discharge exposure unit 30, and the cleaning unit 8 are arranged sequentially from upstream of the imaging process. The discharge exposure unit 30 is disposed downstream of the primary transfer portion and upstream of the cleaning unit 8 in the imaging process. That is, the discharge exposure unit 30 is configured to have appropriate gaps with each component in the area enclosed by the photosensitive drum 1 to be electrostatically discharged, the cleaning unit 5, the intermediate transfer belt 12e, and the developing unit 4 of the adjacent processing cartridge 7.

[0048] The structure of the discharge exposure unit 30 will be described. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the discharge exposure unit 30. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the components of the discharge exposure unit 30 separated. The discharge exposure unit 30 consists of an LED substrate 31 as a light source, a light guide 32 as a light guide, and a positioning member 33 placed between and connecting the two. In the LED substrate 31, an LED 31a, which serves as a light source, is mounted on a substrate portion 31b. The light guide 32 is an elongated member along the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1, and is formed with a light guide path that guides light incident from the LED 31a to be emitted to the photosensitive drum 1. The light guide 32 needs to receive incident light and emit light; therefore, in this embodiment, the light guide is formed of transparent resin. The light guide path of the light guide 32 consists of a first light guide path 32c and a second light guide path 32d extending along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The first light guide path 32c faces the LED 31a. When light from the LED 31a is incident on the first light guide path 32c, the light is guided from the first light guide path 32c to the second light guide path 32d. The second light guide path 32d emits light throughout the entire area in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first light guide path 32c extends from the second light guide path 32d along the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1, similar to the second light guide path 32d.

[0049] The positioning member 33 includes a through-hole 33a that guides light from the LED 31a to the light guide 32, and a substrate holding portion 33b that engages with the substrate portion 31b. In this embodiment, the LED substrate 31 is configured to engage with the positioning member 33 such that the surface having the LED 31a is perpendicular to the through-hole 33a. The substrate holding portion 33b has an elastically deformable snap-fit ​​structure and holds the LED substrate 31 by engaging with the substrate portion 31b. As an elastically deformable portion, the substrate holding portion 33b is constructed by having a cantilever structure extending in the same direction as the through-hole 33a. By pressing the LED substrate 31 into the positioning member 33, the substrate holding portion 33b elastically deforms towards a non-controlled position, and when the LED substrate 31 is assembled in a predetermined position, the substrate portion 31b is held by returning to a controlled position.

[0050] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the component structure of the discharge exposure unit at the cross-section of the axis of the through hole 33a. Figure 6A It shows the state before the constituent parts are assembled, and Figure 6B The assembled state is shown. In this embodiment, the through-hole 33a of the positioning member 33 is configured such that two square holes with different cross-sectional dimensions are connected to each other, and a step is provided between the two square holes. When the positioning member 33 engages with the light guide 32, the first light guide path 32c engages with the hole with the larger cross-section of the through-hole 33a, and when it is pushed in a certain amount or more, it contacts the step and is positioned, preventing further pushing. Furthermore, the positioning member 33 and the LED substrate 31 are configured such that when they are engaged through the substrate holding portion 33b and the substrate portion 31b, the LED 31a is assembled in the hole with the smaller cross-section, and the light from the LED 31a is transmitted to the light guide 32 through the through-hole 33a. Note that in this embodiment, the through-hole 33a is a square hole that conforms to the shape of the LED 31a or the first light guide path 32c, but the shape of the through-hole 33a can be changed accordingly when the shapes of the LED 31a and the first light guide path 32c change.

[0051] With the above configuration, the LED 31a and the light guide 32, connected by the positioning member 33, are held in a positioned state and configured such that light emitted from the LED 31a is incident on the light guide 32 without loss. The light from the LED 31a differs from a laser beam; it has a directional characteristic that extends from the light source at a predetermined scanning angle. Therefore, in order to properly illuminate the photosensitive drum 1, the LED 31a and the light guide 32 need to be controlled at a predetermined position. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, a reflective surface 32a and a protective portion 32b covering the reflective surface are provided on the light guide 32, and light incident on the light guide 32 and reflected by the reflective surface 32a is emitted to the photosensitive drum 1.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the housing 40 and the discharge exposure unit 30. Since the protective portion 32b of the light guide 32 is mounted on the support member 40a, which forms part of the housing 40, the discharge exposure unit 30 is supported by the housing 40, and the LED 31a and positioning member 33 are arranged to be exposed on the surface of the housing 40. As described above, since the area where the discharge exposure unit 30 can be disposed is small and limited, the light guide 32 has a shape that extends in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1 and is prone to deformation due to warping, etc. Therefore, by supporting the light guide 32 with the more robust support member 40a, a predetermined position and orientation are maintained relative to the photosensitive drum 1 and the intermediate transfer belt 12e.

[0053] When the light guide 32 is mounted on the support 40a, the second light guide path 32d has a recessed shape extending along the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1. The reflective surface 30a is disposed in the recessed shape, and the outer surface side of the reflective surface 30a is positioned opposite to the support 40a. Furthermore, with the protective portion 32b mounted on the support 40a, the protective portion 32b is positioned to cover the portion above the opposing surface of the reflective surface 30a and the support 40a. That is, with the support 40a supporting the light guide 32, the reflective surface 32a is configured such that it is located below the protective portion 32b in the vertical direction. Therefore, the reflective surface 32a faces the support 40a, and its upper portion is covered by the protective portion 32b. Thus, foreign objects and the like are almost impossible to enter a portion of the reflective surface 32a from the outside, and this configuration prevents inconsistencies such as reflectivity degradation.

[0054] Furthermore, the support member 40a is included in the housing 40 parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1 and functions as a guide member, guiding the processing cartridge 7 when it is attached to / removed from the imaging device 100 body. Since the support member 40a, which supports the light guide 32, controls the position and orientation of the processing cartridge 7 during attachment / removal, it is configured such that the attachment / removal operation of the processing cartridge 7 can be performed while maintaining a predetermined gap relative to the light guide 32. In other words, because the support member 40a controls the processing cartridge 7, interference between the processing cartridge 7 and the discharge exposure unit 30, or breakage or damage to the light guide 32, is prevented.

[0055] like Figure 7As shown, the housing 40 has an opening 40b through which the photosensitive drum 1 can be inserted / removed from the front side of the imaging device 100. When the user attaches / removes the processing cartridge 7 attached to the imaging device 100, the user operates the insertion / removal of the photosensitive drum 1 in the axial direction through the opening 40b. The LED substrate 31 is disposed on the outer side of the housing 40 and on the side with the opening 40b, and is disposed on the outer side of the area for attachment / removal, so that no interference occurs when the processing cartridge 7 is attached / removed. When a charge such as electrostatic charge is applied to the conductor portion of the circuit portion such as the LED substrate 31, the LED 31a is damaged and no longer functions as a discharge exposure unit. Therefore, the LED substrate 31 and the positioning member 33 are covered by a protective cover 41 so that the user cannot come into contact with it (see Figure 2 In this embodiment, the protective cover 41 is configured to be removable from the housing 40 and is formed of resin as an antistatic insulator.

[0056] Subsequently, it will be used Figure 3 and Figure 4 The operation of the discharge exposure unit 30 during imaging processing is described. As described above, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 of the processing cartridge 7 through imaging processing is transferred by the primary transfer rollers 12a to 12d to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12e, which serves as the toner image carrier (see [link]). Figure 3 When imaging processing begins, LED 31a of the discharge exposure unit 30 emits light to illuminate the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, which has undergone the initial transfer treatment, using discharge light from the discharge exposure unit 30. During imaging processing, LED 31a emits light, and the emitted light enters the light guide 32. The light incident on the light guide 32 is repeatedly reflected within the light guide 32 and transmitted along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1, and is reflected back to the photosensitive drum 1 by the reflective surface 32a. The light guide 32 emits a predetermined amount of light to the photosensitive drum 1, which has undergone the initial transfer treatment, and discharges the residual potential on the photosensitive drum 1 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4 ).

[0057] (3) Structure of the opening / closing lid

[0058] In this embodiment, the imaging device has an open / close cover 42 that can be switched from a closed state to an open state on its front side. Figure 2 An example of the opening / closing cover 42 in this embodiment is shown. The opening / closing cover 42 can be opened / closed about the rotation axis 42a. In this embodiment, when the user opens the opening / closing cover 42 to enter the open state, the user can approach the processing box 7 to perform operations such as replacing the processing box 7. Furthermore, at times other than replacement operations, by closing the opening / closing cover 42, the processing box 7 can be covered and protected. Here, as... Figure 4As shown, the LED substrate 31 of the discharge exposure unit 30 is disposed on one side of the attachment / removal processing box 7 (on the front side of the imaging device 100), but since it is disposed on the outside of the area for attachment / removal, it does not obstruct the attachment / removal operation of the processing box 7.

[0059] (4) Replacement of LED substrate

[0060] Will be used Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 Describes the replacement operation of LED substrate 31. The worker performing the replacement operation (e.g., a maintenance personnel) opens / closes cover 42 and removes protective cover 41 (see...). Figure 2 When the protective cover 41 is removed, the LED substrate 31 and the positioning member 33 can be accessed (see [link]). Figure 5 The LED substrate 31 that needs to be replaced is removed from the positioning member 33 and pulled out from the electrical connection portion, such as a connector (not shown), thereby removing the LED substrate 31 from the imaging device 100 (see [link]). Figure 7 In other words, in this embodiment, since the LED substrate 31 and the positioning member 33 are located on the outside of the housing 40, good visibility is ensured, guaranteeing sufficient working space. Furthermore, since there is no need to attach / remove the processing box 7, the LED substrate 31 can be removed only from the positioning member 33. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the entire system of the discharge exposure unit 30 from the imaging device 100, allowing for easy replacement. Thus, the construction of the discharge exposure unit 30 in this embodiment enables easy replacement of the LED substrate 31 that needs to be replaced, and provides an imaging device that improves maintenance performance. Note that in this embodiment, the light guide 32 is configured to include a light guide path; however, even in a construction where the light guide member does not include a similar light guide path, a similar effect of improved maintenance performance can be achieved through a construction with the mounting positions of the positioning member 33 and the LED substrate 31.

[0061] Second Embodiment

[0062] Subsequently, it will be used Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Note that in the second embodiment, constructions different from those in the first embodiment will be described in detail. Unless specifically described separately, materials, shapes, etc., are similar to those in the first embodiment. These parts are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0063] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described based on the accompanying drawings. Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the discharge exposure unit in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the discharge exposure unit 50. Furthermore, Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the housing and LED substrate of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the discharge exposure unit in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the schematic structure of the discharge exposure unit 50. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the components of the discharge exposure unit 50 separated. The discharge exposure unit 50 mainly consists of an LED substrate 51, a light guide 52, and a positioning member 53. In the LED substrate 51, an LED 51a, which serves as a light source, is mounted on a substrate portion 51b. The light guide 52 consists of a reflective surface 52a, a protective portion 52b, a first light guide path 52c, and a second light guide path 52d. The positioning member 53 includes a through-hole 53a for guiding light from the LED 51a to the light guide 52, and a substrate holding portion 53b that engages with the substrate portion 51b.

[0065] The end of the first light guide path 52c faces the LED 51a via the through hole 53a of the positioning member 53, and guides the light incident from the LED 51a to the second light guide path 52d. The second light guide path 52d extends along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1 and guides light along the axial direction. In this embodiment, the distal end of the first light guide path 52c extends in a direction that intersects and is orthogonal to the axial direction of the second light guide path 52d. That is, the structure is such that the optical axis of the LED 51a and the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1 are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, a reflective surface 52a is provided on the surface of the second light guide path 52d on the side opposite to the photosensitive drum 1. The light guided in the second light guide path 52d is reflected by the reflective surface 52a toward the photosensitive drum 1, and the light is emitted from the second light guide path 52d to the photosensitive drum 1. A protective portion 52b (see above) is provided above the reflective surface 52a, mounted on the housing 40 and covering the reflective surface. Figure 3 ).

[0066] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, LED 51a and light guide 52 are connected by positioning member 53, which is configured to detachably hold LED substrate 51. Since LED 51a and light guide 52 connected by positioning member 53 are held in a positioned state, they are arranged such that light emitted from LED 51a is incident on the first light guide path 52c of light guide 52 without loss.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, when the discharge exposure unit 50 is mounted on the housing 40, the first light guide path 52c is arranged to face upwards in the vertical direction, and the LED substrate 51 is disposed on the outside of the housing 40. With the above structure, since the LED substrate 51 can be pushed from above, it is easy to apply force, has good workability, and it is easy to prevent the LED substrate 51 from slipping and the LED 51a from being damaged during replacement operations.

[0068] With the above-described structure, since the LED substrate 51 and the positioning member 53 are located on the outside of the housing 40 in this embodiment, visibility is good and sufficient working space is ensured. Furthermore, since there is no need to attach / remove the processing box 7, the LED substrate 51 can be removed only from the positioning member 53. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the entire discharge exposure unit 50 system from the imaging apparatus 100, allowing for easy replacement. Thus, the structure of the discharge exposure unit 50 in this embodiment enables easy replacement of the LED substrate 51 that needs to be replaced, and provides an imaging apparatus that improves maintenance performance.

[0069] Variant

[0070] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made within its scope. An example of a modification will be shown below.

[0071] Variant 1

[0072] In the above embodiment, the light guide directs light from the outside of the housing to its inside through an opening for attaching / removing the processing box. However, a similar working effect can be achieved even if the light guide is used through another opening. For example, an opening for the light guide and an opening for the processing box 7 can be provided separately.

[0073] Variant 2

[0074] In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a processing box-type imaging device. However, even if the developing unit or image carrier is not detachably attached to the main body of the imaging device, a similar working effect can be obtained as long as an opening is provided on the housing for the light guide 32 to pass through.

[0075] Variant 3

[0076] In the above embodiments, the through-hole of the positioning member is composed of two square holes and is positioned by contact between the light guide and the end of the hole. However, a similar working effect can be obtained when the through-hole is composed of a single hole. For example, the movement of the through-hole in the axial direction can be controlled by setting a step on the end side of the light guide and by contacting the end of the positioning member with the step.

[0077] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense to cover all variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus, comprising: case; A box, the box including an image-carrying member and capable of being attached to / removed from the housing; A discharge exposure unit has a light source component and a light guide component. The light guide component forms a light guide path for guiding light from the light source component to the image carrier component, and the discharge exposure unit exposes the image carrier component. as well as An opening / closing member, capable of being opened / closed, is disposed on the outer surface of the housing having an opening portion to cover the opening portion through which the cartridge within the housing is inserted / removed. The light source component is configured to be exposed to the outer surface of the housing as it is opened / closed by the opening / closing component, and is capable of being attached to / detached from the light guide component. The housing has a support member that guides the image-carrying member when the box is attached or detached; The optical guide component is mounted on the support member; The light guide component has a reflective surface and a protective portion; the reflective surface causes light to be reflected toward the image-carrying component; and When the light guide member is mounted on the support, the reflective surface is opposite to the support, and the protective portion covers the reflective surface and the portion of the support above the surface opposite to the reflective surface.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The discharge exposure unit has a positioning member, which is placed between the light source member and the light guide member and connects the light source member and the light guide member.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The positioning component connects the light source component and the light guide component, such that the optical axis of the light source component extends parallel to the rotation axis of the image carrying component.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The positioning component connects the light source component and the light guide component, such that the optical axis of the light source component extends along a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the image carrying component.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The image-carrying component is capable of rotating inside the housing; and The optical guide path includes: The first optical guide path is into which light emitted by the light source component is emitted; as well as A second light guide path extends from the first light guide path along the surface of the image carrier member parallel to the rotation axis of the image carrier member, and such that light is emitted onto the entire area of ​​the surface of the image carrier member in the longitudinal direction along the rotation axis.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The positioning component connects the light source component and the light guide component, such that the optical axis of the light source component extends parallel to the rotation axis.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The positioning component connects the light source component and the light guide component, such that the first light guide path is aligned with the direction in which the light source component extends along the second light guide path.

8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The positioning member connects the light source member and the light guide member, such that the optical axis of the light source member extends along a direction intersecting the rotation axis.

9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The first optical guide path includes a portion extending in a direction that intersects the direction in which the second optical guide path extends.

10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The first optical guide path includes a portion that extends upward in a vertical direction.

11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The light source component is located near the opening.

12. The image processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a protective cover mounted on the housing and detachable from the housing to cover the light source component inside the opening / closing member.

Images