Lighting device and drawing device

Abstract

The light emitting device (40) comprises: a base (42) extending in one direction and having an opening (132A); a plurality of light emitting parts (44) arranged on the front side (42A) of the base (42) in a staggered manner in one direction, the light emitting parts (44) respectively comprising a supporting body (60) extending in one direction and a plurality of light sources (64) arranged on the supporting body (60) along one direction; and an air supply device (130) blowing air toward the light emitting part (44) via the opening (132A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting device and a drawing device. Background Art

[0002] The following patent document 1 discloses an exposure device, which has a first exposure head and a second exposure head, the first exposure head having: a plurality of first light-emitting elements, which are arranged side by side in a first direction and emit first lights respectively; a first optical system, which is arranged opposite to the plurality of first light-emitting elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction, so that the plurality of first lights respectively emitted from the plurality of first light-emitting elements are imaged respectively; a first joint; and a first substrate, which supports the plurality of first light-emitting elements, the first optical system and the first joint, the second exposure head having: a plurality of second light-emitting elements, which are arranged side by side in the first direction and emit second lights respectively; a second optical system, which is arranged opposite to the plurality of second light-emitting elements in the second direction, so that the plurality of second lights respectively emitted from the plurality of second light-emitting elements are imaged respectively; a second joint, which is engaged with the first joint; and a second substrate, which supports the plurality of second light-emitting elements, the second optical system and the second joint. In the exposure device, the first joint is arranged at a first position in the first base corresponding to an imaging position of the first optical system, and the second joint is arranged at a second position in the second base corresponding to an imaging position of the second optical system.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-177664 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting device and a drawing device in which the size of the light emitting device in the width direction is reduced compared with a case where an air blowing unit is arranged outside the width direction of a base.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] The light-emitting device of the first embodiment comprises: a base body extending in one direction and having an opening; a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged on the front side of the base body in a staggered manner in the one direction, the light-emitting parts respectively comprising a supporting body extending in the one direction and a plurality of light sources arranged on the supporting body along the one direction; and an air blowing part blowing air toward the light-emitting part side through the opening.

[0010] A light emitting device according to a second aspect is the light emitting device according to the first aspect, wherein the opening penetrates from the back side of the base to the front side of the base where the light emitting unit is arranged.

[0011] A light emitting device according to a third aspect is the light emitting device according to the second aspect, wherein the light emitting unit is disposed above the base, and the air blowing unit is configured to flow air from a lower side to an upper side of the base.

[0012] A light emitting device according to a fourth aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the base has a plurality of openings along the one direction.

[0013] In the light emitting device of the fifth aspect, in the light emitting device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a light emitting portion for emitting light from the plurality of light sources is provided in the light emitting portion, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the light emitting portion is provided on the side opposite to the opening relative to the light emitting portion.

[0014] A light emitting device according to a sixth aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the opening penetrates the base in a direction inclined with respect to the front surface of the base.

[0015] A light emitting device according to a seventh aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein a substrate is provided on a side of the light emitting portion, and the base has the opening at a position corresponding to the substrate.

[0016] A light emitting device according to an eighth aspect is the light emitting device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the substrate has a heat generating element, and the base has the opening at a position corresponding to the heat generating element.

[0017] In the light-emitting device of the 9th aspect, in the light-emitting device described in any one of the 1st aspect to the 8th aspect, the plurality of light-emitting portions are arranged in a staggered manner in a width direction intersecting with the one direction of the substrate, and the opening is provided on the inner side of the width direction of the substrate compared with the light-emitting portion.

[0018] A light emitting device according to a tenth aspect is the light emitting device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the three light emitting portions are arranged alternately on the base in a plan view.

[0019] A light emitting device according to an eleventh aspect is the light emitting device according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, wherein inner side portions of the plurality of light emitting portions in the width direction of the base are inclined inwardly with respect to a front surface of the base.

[0020] In the light-emitting device of the 12th aspect, in the light-emitting device described in any one of the 1st to 11th aspects, the base has a plurality of openings in one direction of the base, and the air blowing part also has a lower cover, in which a main flow path for supplying air to the plurality of openings is provided along the one direction of the base.

[0021] A light emitting device according to a thirteenth aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the base is made of a metal block.

[0022] A light emitting device according to a fourteenth aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the support body is formed of a metal block.

[0023] A light emitting device according to a fifteenth aspect is the light emitting device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the light emitting portion includes a light emitting element substrate on which the light source is provided, and the light emitting element substrate is disposed on a front surface side of the support body opposite to the base body.

[0024] The light-emitting device of the 16th embodiment comprises: a base body, which is composed of a metal block extending in one direction; and a plurality of light-emitting parts, which are arranged on the front side of the base body in a staggered manner in the one direction, and the light-emitting parts respectively have a supporting body extending in the one direction and a plurality of light sources arranged on the supporting body along the one direction, and the base is provided with an opening along the one direction of the light-emitting parts.

[0025] A light emitting device according to a seventeenth aspect is the light emitting device according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the base has a plurality of openings along the one direction of the light emitting portion.

[0026] In the light-emitting device of the 18th aspect, in the light-emitting device described in the 16th aspect or the 17th aspect, the plurality of light-emitting portions are arranged in a staggered manner in a width direction intersecting with the one direction of the substrate, and the opening is provided on the inner side of the width direction of the substrate compared to the light-emitting portion.

[0027] The drawing device of the 19th mode comprises: the light-emitting device described in any one of the 1st to 18th modes; and an area where a photosensitive material is arranged, which moves relative to the light-emitting device in a direction intersecting the one direction and is irradiated with light from the light-emitting device.

[0028] A drawing device according to a 20th aspect is the drawing device according to the 19th aspect, wherein the region is provided on a surface of a cylindrical member rotating in a circumferential direction.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the light emitting device of the first aspect, the dimension of the light emitting device in the width direction is reduced compared to a case where the air blowing unit is arranged outside the base in the width direction.

[0031] According to the light emitting device of the second aspect, the dimension of the light emitting device in the width direction is reduced compared to a structure in which air is caused to flow from the side of the base toward the front side.

[0032] According to the light emitting device of the third aspect, compared with a structure in which air is caused to flow from above to below the base, powder diffused around the light emitting device is suppressed from intruding into the light emitting device.

[0033] According to the light emitting device of the fourth aspect, the light emitting portion is cooled more uniformly than in a case where a single opening is provided.

[0034] According to the light emitting device of the fifth aspect, the flow of air is less likely to be blocked by the cleaning mechanism, compared with a case where the cleaning mechanism is provided on the same side as the opening.

[0035] According to the light emitting device of the sixth aspect, the light emitting portion can be cooled more easily than in a case where the opening is formed perpendicularly to the front surface of the base.

[0036] According to the light emitting device of the seventh aspect, the substrate can be cooled more easily than in a case where the opening is located at a position offset from the substrate.

[0037] According to the light emitting device of the eighth aspect, the heat generating element can be cooled more easily than in a case where the opening is located at a position offset from the heat generating element of the substrate.

[0038] According to the light emitting device of the ninth aspect, the dimension in the width direction of the base is reduced compared to a case where the opening is arranged on the outer side in the width direction of the base relative to the light emitting portion.

[0039] According to the light emitting device of the tenth aspect, in the structure where the three light emitting units are alternately arranged on the base in a plan view, the width dimension of the base is reduced compared to a case where the opening is provided outside the light emitting units in the width direction of the base.

[0040] According to the light emitting device of the eleventh aspect, air is efficiently blown to the plurality of light emitting parts, compared with a case where the inner side portions of the plurality of light emitting parts are arranged perpendicularly to the front surface of the base.

[0041] According to the light emitting device of the twelfth aspect, air can be efficiently supplied to the plurality of openings, compared to a case where air is supplied to the plurality of openings through different flow paths.

[0042] According to the light emitting device of the thirteenth aspect, compared with a case where the base is made of sheet metal, heat dissipation of the plurality of light emitting parts is improved.

[0043] According to the light emitting device of the fourteenth aspect, compared with the case where the support body is made of resin, the heat dissipation of the plurality of light emitting parts is improved.

[0044] According to the light emitting device of the fifteenth aspect, in the structure having the light emitting element substrate on the front side of the support, heat dissipation of the plurality of light emitting parts is improved compared to a case where the support is made of resin.

[0045] According to the light emitting device of the sixteenth aspect, when the air blowing unit is arranged on the back side of the base, the air flows from the lower side to the upper side of the base.

[0046] According to the light emitting device of the seventeenth aspect, it is easier to cool the light emitting portion than in a case where there is only one opening.

[0047] According to the light emitting device of the eighteenth aspect, the dimension of the substrate in the width direction is reduced compared to a case where the opening is arranged on the outer side in the width direction of the substrate relative to the light emitting portion.

[0048] According to the drawing device of the nineteenth aspect, compared with a case where the air blowing unit is arranged outside in the width direction of the base, the entire drawing device including the light emitting device can be miniaturized.

[0049] According to the drawing device of the twentieth aspect, in the structure having the cylindrical member, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the entire drawing device having the light emitting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus including an exposure device according to a first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing an exposure device used in the image forming apparatus.

[0052] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram showing the exposure device in a state viewed from the top and bottom.

[0053] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a plurality of light emitting units of the exposure device.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a perspective view in which a part of the exposure device is enlarged.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of light emitting units of the exposure device in a state where the light emitting units are cut along the short-side direction.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the exposure device in a state cut along the short side direction.

[0057] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply device of the exposure device in a state cut along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0058] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a light emitting section of an exposure device.

[0059] Fig.10 This is a perspective view showing a part of the light emitting unit in a state where it is cut away along the short side direction.

[0060] Fig.11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply device of the exposure apparatus according to the second embodiment in a state cut along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

[0061] Fig.12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the air supply device of the exposure apparatus according to the third embodiment is cut along the short-side direction of the substrate.

[0062] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing the structure of a drawing device having a light emitting device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described.

[0064] [First embodiment]

[0065] <Image Forming Apparatus 10>

[0066] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an image forming apparatus 10 having an exposure device 40 according to a first embodiment. First, the structure of the image forming apparatus 10 is described. Next, the exposure device 40 used in the image forming apparatus 10 is described. Here, the image forming apparatus 10 is an example of a drawing apparatus, and the exposure device 40 is an example of a light emitting device. As an example, the image forming apparatus 10 is an image forming apparatus that forms an image using multiple colors, such as a full-color printer for commercial printing that particularly requires high image quality.

[0067] The image forming apparatus 10 is a wide-format image forming apparatus corresponding to a width (i.e., a width exceeding 364 mm) of the recording medium P when the B3 longitudinal feed is used. As an example, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to a recording medium P having a size of 420 mm or more for the A2 longitudinal feed and 1456 mm or less for the B0 transverse feed. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to 728 mm for the B2 transverse feed.

[0068] Figure 1The image forming device 10 shown is an example of an image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium. Specifically, the image forming device 10 is an electronic photographic image forming device that forms a toner image (an example of an image) on a recording medium P. Toner is an example of a powder. More specifically, the image forming device 10 includes an image forming unit 14 and a fixing device 16. Next, each unit (the image forming unit 14 and the fixing device 16) of the image forming device 10 will be described.

[0069] <Image Forming Unit 14>

[0070] The image forming section 14 has a function of forming a toner image on the recording medium P. Specifically, the image forming section 14 includes a toner image forming section 22 and a transfer device 17 .

[0071] <Toner Image Forming Section 22>

[0072] Figure 1 The toner image forming units 22 shown are provided in plurality so as to form toner images for each color. In the present embodiment, the toner image forming units 22 for a total of four colors, namely yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), are provided. Figure 1 The (Y), (M), (C), and (K) shown represent the structural parts corresponding to the above-mentioned respective colors.

[0073] The toner image forming units 22 of the respective colors are similarly configured except for the toner used. Therefore, the toner image forming units 22 of the respective colors are represented by Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , each component of the toner image forming section 22 (K) is denoted by a reference numeral.

[0074] Specifically, the toner image forming section 22 of each color has a Figure 1 The photosensitive drum 32 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (in the direction of rotation). Here, the photosensitive drum 32 is an example of a cylindrical member, and the photosensitive body on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 is an example of a region where a photosensitive material is arranged. In addition, the toner image forming unit 22 of each color includes a charger 23, an exposure device 40, and a developing device 38.

[0075] In the toner image forming section 22 for each color, the charger 23 charges the photosensitive drum 32. Then, the exposure device 40 exposes the photosensitive drum 32 charged by the charger 23 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 32. Furthermore, the developing device 38 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 32 by the exposure device 40 to form a toner image.

[0076] The photosensitive drum 32 rotates while holding the electrostatic latent image formed as described above on the outer periphery, and the electrostatic latent image is transported to the developing device 38. The specific structure of the exposure device 40 will be described later.

[0077] <Transfer Device 17>

[0078] Figure 1 The transfer device 17 shown in the figure is a device for transferring the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit 22 onto the recording medium P. Specifically, the transfer device 17 performs primary transfer by overlapping the toner images of the photosensitive drums 32 of each color with the transfer belt 24 as an intermediate transfer body, and performs secondary transfer of the overlapped toner images onto the recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the transfer device 17 has a transfer belt 24 , a primary transfer roller 26 , and a secondary transfer roller 28 .

[0079] The primary transfer roller 26 is a roller that transfers the toner image of each color of the photosensitive drum 32 to the transfer belt 24 at the primary transfer position T1 between the photosensitive drum 32 and the primary transfer roller 26. In the present embodiment, a primary transfer electric field is applied between the primary transfer roller 26 and the photosensitive drum 32, whereby the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to the transfer belt 24 at the primary transfer position T1.

[0080] The toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 32 of each color to the outer peripheral surface of the transfer belt 24. Specifically, the transfer belt 24 is constructed as follows. Figure 1 As shown, the transfer belt 24 is in an endless shape and is wound around a plurality of rollers 39 to determine its posture.

[0081] For example, the driving roller 39D among the plurality of rollers 39 is driven to rotate by a driving unit (not shown), whereby the transfer belt 24 is looped in the direction of arrow A. Figure 1 The roller 39B shown is an opposing roller 39B that opposes the secondary transfer roller 28 .

[0082] The secondary transfer roller 28 is a roller that transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 24 onto the recording medium P at the secondary transfer position T2 between the opposing roller 39B and the secondary transfer roller 28. In the present embodiment, a secondary transfer electric field is applied between the opposing roller 39B and the secondary transfer roller 28, whereby the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 24 is transferred onto the recording medium P at the secondary transfer position T2.

[0083] <Fixing Device 16>

[0084] Figure 1 The fixing device 16 shown in the figure is a device that fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium P by the secondary transfer roller 28 to the recording medium P. Specifically, Figure 1As shown, the fixing device 16 has a heating roller 16A as a heating member and a pressure roller 16B as a pressure member. In the fixing device 16, the recording medium P is heated and pressed by the heating roller 16A and the pressure roller 16B, thereby fixing the toner image formed on the recording medium P to the recording medium P.

[0085] <Exposure Device 40>

[0086] Next, the structure of the exposure device 40 which is a main part of this embodiment is demonstrated. Figure 2 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the exposure device 40. Figure 3 1 is a top view showing the exposure device 40 when viewed from the top and bottom. In the following description, the arrow X direction shown in the figure is set as the width direction of the exposure device 40, and the arrow Y direction is set as the height direction of the exposure device 40. In addition, the arrow Z direction orthogonal to the device width direction and the device height direction is set as the depth direction of the exposure device 40. In addition, the above-mentioned width direction and height direction are directions specified for convenience of description, and therefore, the structure of the exposure device 40 is not limited to these directions.

[0087] (Overall Structure of Exposure Device 40)

[0088] First, the overall structure of the exposure device 40 will be described, and then each component of the exposure device 40 will be described.

[0089] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the exposure device 40 includes a base 42 extending in one direction (in the arrow Z direction in this embodiment), and a substrate 42 provided on one side of the base 42 in the arrow Y direction (in the arrow Y direction). Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the present embodiment, three light emitting portions 44 extending in one direction of the base 42 are provided. Figure 3 The light emitting parts 44 each have the same structure. Figure 3 The light emitting portion 44 is a long rectangular member in a plan view as shown in the figure. The length of the light emitting portion 44 in one direction (ie, the longitudinal direction) is shorter than the length of the base 42 in one direction (ie, the longitudinal direction).

[0090] As an example, the three light emitting units 44 are arranged staggered in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42, and are arranged staggered in the width direction orthogonal to the one direction of the base 42, that is, the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42. The exposure device 40 is arranged along the photosensitive drum 32 (refer to Figure 1), the length of the exposure device 40 in one direction (arrow Z direction) is greater than the axial length of the photosensitive drum 32. One or more of the three light emitting portions 44 are opposite to the area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 where the photosensitive body is provided. Thus, the light emitted from the exposure device 40 is irradiated to the surface of the photosensitive drum 32.

[0091] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the exposure device 40 shown in FIG. 1 , the side of the base 42 provided with the light emitting section 44 is shown as the upper side in the vertical direction, and light is irradiated from the light emitting section 44 toward the upper side. Figure 1 In the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the exposure device 40 is arranged in the opposite vertical direction. Figure 1 In the figure, the exposure device 40 is arranged such that the side of the base 42 provided with the light emitting section 44 is on the lower side in the vertical direction, and light is irradiated from the light emitting section 44 toward the photosensitive drum 32 on the lower side.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the three light emitting units 44 are arranged in a staggered manner when viewed from the upper side in the vertical direction of the exposure device 40 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). More specifically, two light-emitting portions 44 are arranged on one side in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the substrate 42 at both end sides in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the substrate 42. One light-emitting portion 44 is arranged on the other side in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the substrate 42 at the central portion in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the substrate 42. When viewed from the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the substrate 42, the ends of the two light-emitting portions 44 arranged on one side in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the substrate 42 and the end of the one light-emitting portion 44 arranged on the other side in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the substrate 42 overlap with each other. That is, in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the substrate 42, a portion of the irradiation range of light from the three light-emitting portions 44 overlaps.

[0093] In addition, when viewed from one direction of the base 42 (arrow Z direction), the two light-emitting portions 44 arranged on one side of the short side direction of the base 42 (arrow X direction) and the one light-emitting portion 44 arranged on the other side of the short side direction of the base 42 (arrow X direction) do not overlap.

[0094] In addition, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the exposure device 40 includes a harness 46 electrically connected to the three light emitting units 44, a plurality of brackets 48 holding the harness 46, and a lower cover 50 covering the harness 46 and the brackets 48 from the outside. The harness 46 bundles a plurality of wirings for power supply into a bundle to form a collective component. The bracket 48 is mounted on the base 42 and extends from the base 42 to the other side in the direction of arrow Y (at the bottom of the base 42). Figure 2The lower cover 50 is attached to the other side of the base 42 in the direction of arrow Y (in the vertical direction). Figure 2 The middle is the lower side in the up-down direction).

[0095] In addition, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the exposure device 40 has a side cover 52 covering the sides of the three light emitting units 44. The side cover 52 is plate-shaped, and the lower end side is attached to both sides of the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42. In addition, the exposure device 40 has a cleaning device 54 for cleaning the lens unit 68 described later of the light emitting unit 44.

[0096] In addition, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the exposure device 40 includes a plurality of spacers 56 sandwiched between the base 42 and the light emitting unit 44, and a fastening member 58 that fixes the light emitting unit 44 to the base 42 while sandwiching the plurality of spacers 56. The fastening member 58 is, for example, a member having a spiral groove and fastened by the groove. In other words, it is a member having a threaded mechanism, such as a screw, a bolt, a screw, etc.

[0097] And, if Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the exposure device 40 includes an air supply device 130 that blows air toward the light emitting section 44 through an opening 132A provided in the base 42 .

[0098] Although not shown in the figure, positioning shafts extending upward and downward are provided at both ends of the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction). The positioning shafts contact the bearing members provided at both ends of the photosensitive drum 32, thereby positioning the exposure device 40 relative to the photosensitive drum 32 in the irradiation direction.

[0099] (Base 42)

[0100] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the base 42 is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped elongated member. The base 42 is arranged on the photosensitive drum 32 ( Figure 1 ) at positions opposite to each other along the entire axial length.

[0101] A recessed portion 80 (see FIG. 1 ) into which the spacer 56 enters is provided on the upper front surface 42A of the base body 42 in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction). Figure 6 ). As an example, three spacers 56 are arranged at intervals in one direction (arrow Z direction) for one light emitting portion 44. In the present embodiment, three spacers 56 are arranged for each of the three light emitting portions 44.

[0102] The recessed portion 80 includes an inclined surface 80A constituting a bottom surface and inclined relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42, a vertical wall 80B disposed at an end portion of the inclined surface 80A in the downward direction, and two vertical walls (not shown) disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the inclined surface 80A (see FIG. Figure 6 As an example, the inclined surfaces 80A corresponding to the two light emitting portions 44 arranged on one side in the short-side direction of the base 42 and the inclined surfaces 80A corresponding to the one light emitting portion 44 arranged on the other side in the short-side direction of the base 42 are inclined in opposite directions. In the exposure device 40, the inclined surfaces 80A having opposite inclination directions are adjusted so that the two light emitting portions 44 arranged on one side in the short-side direction of the base 42 and the one light emitting portion 44 arranged on the other side in the short-side direction of the base 42 are directed toward the photosensitive drum 32 (refer to Figure 1 ) is irradiated with light at the center.

[0103] In the present embodiment, the base 42 is composed of a metal block. The metal block in the present embodiment does not include a general sheet metal formed into a shape by bending, but refers to a block of metal having a thickness that is substantially impossible to be bent in the shape of the base used as the exposure device 40. As an example, it is a block of metal having a thickness of 10% or more relative to the width of the base 42. Furthermore, it may be composed of a block of metal having a thickness of 20% or more and 100% or less relative to the width of the base 42.

[0104] Conventional wide-format image forming apparatuses are used for black-and-white image output that does not require high image quality compared to full-color printers for commercial printing, and use sheet metal as a base. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is a full-color printer for commercial printing, which requires high image quality. Therefore, in order to suppress the influence of the deflection of the base 42 on the image quality, a metal block with higher rigidity than sheet metal is used.

[0105] In addition, the base 42 is made of, for example, steel or stainless steel. Here, the base 42 may also be made of a metal block other than steel or stainless steel. For example, aluminum, which has a higher thermal conductivity than steel or stainless steel and is lightweight, may also be used. However, in this embodiment, the heat generated by the light source 64 is mainly dissipated by the support body 60. Therefore, in the base 42, rigidity is given priority over thermal conductivity and weight, and steel or stainless steel is used.

[0106] In addition, the thickness of the base 42 in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) is preferably greater than the thickness of the support body 60 constituting the light emitting portion 44. Thus, the rigidity of the base 42 (bending rigidity in the arrow Y direction) is greater than the rigidity of the light emitting portion 44. The thickness of the base 42 in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) is preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more, and further preferably 20 mm or more.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown, a concave portion 82 is formed on the back surface 42B of the base 42 opposite to the front surface 42A, which is cut toward the spacer 56 side, that is, the concave portion 80 side. The concave portions 82 are respectively provided at positions of the base 42 corresponding to the concave portions 80. The concave portion 82 is formed in an inclined direction from the back surface 42B of the base 42 toward the central portion side in the short side direction (X direction) of the base 42. For example, the concave portion 82 is circular when viewed from the back surface 42B of the base 42. The inner diameter of the concave portion 82 is larger than the outer shape of the head portion 58A of the fastening member 58. A through hole 84 is provided on the bottom surface 82A of the concave portion 82 for the shaft portion 58B of the fastening member 58 to pass through the base 42. The through hole 84 opens on the inclined surface 80A of the concave portion 80.

[0108] (Light emitting unit 44)

[0109] like Figure 2 to Figure 7 As shown, the three light emitting parts 44 have the same structure as described above. As an example, two light emitting parts 44 on one side of the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42 and one light emitting part 44 on the other side of the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42 are arranged symmetrically in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42.

[0110] like Figure 6 As shown, the light emitting portion 44 has a support body 60 extending in one direction (arrow Z direction), and a light emitting element substrate 62 supported on the front side of the support body 60. The front side of the support body 60 is a surface on the side opposite to the base body 42 in the up-down direction (arrow Y direction) (in this embodiment, it is an upper surface in the up-down direction). A plurality of light sources 64 arranged along one direction (arrow Z direction) are provided on the light emitting element substrate 62. In this embodiment, the light source 64 is, for example, configured to include a plurality of light emitting elements. As an example, the light source 64 is a light emitting element array having a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of light emitting elements formed along one direction on the semiconductor substrate. In this embodiment, the light emitting element array as the light source 64 is arranged staggered along one direction on the light emitting element substrate 62. In addition, the light source 64 may not be a light emitting element array, but a single light emitting element. In addition, each light emitting element is composed of a light emitting diode, a light emitting thyristor, a laser element, etc., and has a resolution of 2400 dpi as an example when arranged in one direction. The light emitting element substrate 62 is a substrate for making any one or more of the plurality of light sources 64 emit light. exist Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , only one light source 64 provided in each light emitting unit 44 is shown, and illustration of other light sources arranged along one direction is omitted.

[0111] The light emitting portion 44 includes a pair of mounting portions 66 provided on the surface of the light emitting element substrate 62 on the opposite side from the support body 60, and a lens portion 68 held in a state sandwiched between the upper ends of the pair of mounting portions 66. Here, the lens portion 68 is an example of a light emitting portion from which light from the plurality of light sources 64 is emitted.

[0112] The pair of mounting portions 66 and the lens portion 68 extend along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the support body 60 (see Figure 4 The lens portion 68 is disposed at a position opposite to the plurality of light sources 64, with a space between the lens portion 68 and the plurality of light sources 64. In the exposure device 40, light emitted from the plurality of light sources 64 is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 32 (see Figure 1 ) surface.

[0113] The support body 60 is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped component. In the present embodiment, the support body 60 is composed of a metal block, similar to the base body 42. For example, the support body 60 is composed of steel or stainless steel. Here, the base body 42 may also be composed of a metal block other than steel or stainless steel. For example, it may be a metal block of aluminum having a higher thermal conductivity than steel or stainless steel and being lighter. However, when the thermal expansion coefficients are different between the base body 42 and the support body 60, distortion and deflection may occur. Therefore, from the viewpoint of suppressing distortion and deflection, it is preferred that the base body 42 and the support body 60 are composed of the same material.

[0114] A screw hole 74 (see FIG. 7 ) for fastening the shaft portion 58B of the fastening member 58 is formed on the surface of the support body 60 on the side of the base body 42 . Figure 6 The screw hole 74 is provided at a position facing the through hole 84 of the base body 42 .

[0115] The fastening member 58 is inserted into the concave portion 82 of the base 42, and the shaft portion 58B of the fastening member 58 is fastened to the screw hole 74 of the support 60 via the spacer 56 while the shaft portion 58B of the fastening member 58 passes through the through hole 84 of the base 42. Thus, the light emitting unit 44 is fixed to the base 42 from the inside of the concave portion 82 of the base 42 by the fastening member 58. In the state where the light emitting unit 44 is fixed to the base 42 by the fastening member 58, the spacer 56 is sandwiched between the base 42 and the support 60.

[0116] Here, a method of fixing the support body 60 from the front side (the emission surface side) relative to the front side of the base 42 using a fastening member 58 is considered. However, the support body 60 of the present embodiment is different from the support body made of a resin material and the support body made of sheet metal, and is made of a heavy metal block. Therefore, the size of the fastening member 58 is required to be a fastening member commensurate with the mass. In this case, a space for the fastening member 58 of a larger size is required on the front side of the support body 60, and the size of the support body 60 will increase. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a structure for fastening from the back side of the support body 60 is adopted.

[0117] Furthermore, in the structure in which the fastening member 58 is provided not only on the two end sides but also on the central part side of the support body 60, since the light source 64 is present on the central part side, it is difficult to adopt a structure in which fastening is performed from the front side of the support body 60. Therefore, by adopting a structure in which fastening is performed from the back side of the base body 42, in the structure in which fastening is performed on the two end sides and the central part side of the support body 60, fastening is performed only from the back side of the base body 42.

[0118] In addition, the screw hole 74 and the concave portion 82 of the base 42 are provided at a position overlapping with the light source 64 when viewed from the optical axis direction of the light source 64. According to this structure, compared with the case where the screw hole 74 and the concave portion 82 of the base 42 are provided at a position not overlapping with the light source 64, the heat generated by the light source 64 is easily released to the base 42 side via the fastening member 58.

[0119] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, in the light emitting unit 44, a drive substrate 72 is mounted on the support body 60 via a mounting fixture 70. Here, the drive substrate 72 is an example of a substrate. The drive substrate 72 extends in one direction (arrow Z direction). The length of the drive substrate 72 in one direction is shorter than the length of the support body 60 in one direction (refer to FIG. Fig. 9 The driving substrate 72 is a substrate for driving the light emitting unit 44, and an ASIC substrate (application specific integrated circuit, ASIC) or the like is used, for example.

[0120] The mounting tool 70 includes a fastening bolt 70A and a pipe body 70B disposed between the support body 60 and the drive substrate 72 (see Fig.10). As an example, the tube body 70B is made of metal and is joined to the drive substrate 72 by welding or the like. Although not shown in the figure, an opening connected to the through hole of the tube body 70B is formed in the drive substrate 72. The shaft portion of the fastening bolt 70A is a structure that penetrates the tube body 70B. Moreover, the shaft portion of the fastening bolt 70A penetrates the tube body 70B from the drive substrate 72 side and is fastened to the support body 60, thereby the drive substrate 72 is mounted on the support body 60. The drive substrate 72 is mounted on the support body 60 by two mounting fixtures 70 arranged at both ends of the drive substrate 72 in one direction.

[0121] The surface (i.e., plate surface) of the drive substrate 72 is arranged along the inner side portion 60A in the short-side direction of the support body 60 in the short-side direction (arrow X direction) of the base body 42 (see FIG. Figure 7 Here, the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 refers to a side close to the center portion of the base body 42 in the short side direction.

[0122] A gap is formed between the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 and the surface (plate surface) of the drive substrate 72 by the tube 70B of the mounting tool 70. That is, the drive substrate 72 is mounted by the mounting tool 70 without directly contacting the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 in the light emitting unit 44.

[0123] The inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 is an inclined surface that is inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42. Here, the inner side portion 60A is an example of an inclined portion. The plate surface of the drive substrate 72 is also inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42 like the inner side portion 60A.

[0124] In the three light emitting units 44 , a drive substrate 72 is provided on the inner side portion 60A of each support body 60 .

[0125] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the side, the drive substrate 72 provided in one light emitting portion 44 is provided at a position that does not overlap with other light emitting portions 44 adjacent to the one light emitting portion 44. In addition, the lengths of the drive substrates 72 provided in the three light emitting portions 44 on the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction) are the same, and the lengths are shorter than the lengths of the light emitting portions 44 provided in the center in one direction, which are the portions that do not overlap with the light emitting portions 44 on both sides in one direction.

[0126] like Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, three flexible cables 100 are connected to the light emitting element substrate 62 on the upper side of the support body 60, and the three flexible cables 100 extend from the upper part of the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 to the outside of the support body 60. The three flexible cables 100 extending to the outside of the support body 60 are respectively electrically connected to three driving elements 73 provided on the driving substrate 72. As the driving element 73, for example, an integrated circuit is used. Here, the driving element 73 is an example of a heating element.

[0127] In addition, a connector 104 is provided in the middle portion of the drive substrate 72 in one direction (arrow Z direction) to be electrically connected to the flat cable 102 from the outside of the light emitting unit 44. The connection port of the connector 104 is arranged in a direction intersecting the surface (board surface) of the drive substrate 72. The connection portion of the flat cable 102 can be plugged in and out of the connector 104 in a direction intersecting the surface (board surface) of the drive substrate 72.

[0128] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the flat cable 102 connected to the connector 104 extends from the drive substrate 72 to the side opposite to the support body 60. A through portion 106 is formed in the base 42 at a position corresponding to the position where the flat cable 102 is connected to the drive substrate 72, and passes through in the up-down direction (arrow Y direction). The through portion 106 is provided in the base 42 at a position on the side of the drive substrate 72 in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42 and on the opposite side to the light emitting portion 44 having the drive substrate 72 (i.e., a position where the light emitting portion 44 is not provided). The flat cable 102 is inserted through the through portion 106 of the base 42, and thereby extends to the inside of the lower cover 50 on the back surface 42B side of the base 42.

[0129] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the flat cables 102 are connected to the driving substrates 72 provided in the three light emitting units 44 via the connectors 104. Through-holes 106 are provided on the sides of the driving substrates 72 near the three light emitting units 44 in the base 42. The flat cables 102 of the three light emitting units 44 are inserted through the through-holes 106 of the base 42, and extend to the inside of the lower cover 50 on the back surface 42B side of the base 42 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ).

[0130] (Spacer 56)

[0131] like Figure 6As shown in the figure, the spacer 56 is sandwiched between the base 42 and the light emitting portion 44 in the optical axis direction of the light source 64. As an example, the spacer 56 is plate-shaped and is composed of one component (i.e., a single component). In this embodiment, the spacer 56 is U-shaped when viewed from the optical axis direction of the light source 64. The spacer 56 has a main body 56A and a recessed portion 56B cut from one side of the main body 56A.

[0132] The spacer 56 is disposed on the inclined surface 80A of the recess 80 of the base 42. At the position where the spacer 56 is disposed on the inclined surface 80A, the thickness of the spacer 56 is greater than the depth of the recess 80. The fastening member 58 fixes the light emitting unit 44 to the base 42 so that a compressive load is applied to the spacer 56.

[0133] (Bracket 48)

[0134] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bracket 48 includes a U-shaped support portion 48A protruding from the back surface 42B of the base 42 to the side opposite to the light emitting portion 44, and a pair of mounting portions 48B bent from the upper end of the support portion 48A to the inside (i.e., the inside in the short side direction of the base 42). The support portion 48A includes a flat surface portion 49 facing the back surface 42B of the base 42 at the middle portion of the lower side of the U-shape. The support portion 48A is formed in a shape in which the side opposite to the flat surface portion 49 of the support portion 48A is open on the side of the base 42. The pair of mounting portions 48B are mounted on the base 42 by the fastening member 110 in a state of surface contact with the back surface 42B of the base 42.

[0135] The bracket 48 is provided in a plurality of positions at intervals in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42 (see Figure 5 ). The flat cable 102 is held by the flat surface portion 49 of the support portion 48A. The flat cable 102 is supported by the plurality of brackets 48 and is thereby arranged in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42 inside the lower cover 50 .

[0136] (Lower cover 50)

[0137] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower cover 50 covers the harness 46 and the flat cable 102 electrically connected to the three light emitting units 44. The lower cover 50 is mounted on the lower side of the base 42 in the vertical direction (i.e. Figure 5 The lower cover 50 is formed on the back side 42B side of the base 42 shown in the figure), protrudes from the base 42 to the side opposite to the light emitting portion 44, and covers a portion of the back side 42B of the base 42. In the present embodiment, the cross section of the lower cover 50 is U-shaped, and the upper end of the lower cover 50 is attached to both sides of the base 42 in the short side direction (arrow X direction) by a plurality of fastening members 86.

[0138] (Side cover 52)

[0139] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the side covers 52 are provided at both ends in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42. The side covers 52 are arranged along one direction (arrow Z direction) to the sides of the three light emitting parts 44. Thus, the side covers 52 have the function of protecting the three light emitting parts 44 from the outside.

[0140] When the exposure device 40 is viewed from the side (viewed from the arrow X direction), the side cover 52 is provided at a position overlapping with the three light emitting units 44. The length of the side cover 52 along one direction (arrow Z direction) is longer than the length region of the base 42 where the three light emitting units 44 are arranged (see FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0141] like Figure 7 As shown, a support portion 122 for supporting the side cover 52 is provided on the inner side of the side cover 52. A mounting portion 120 is provided at the end portion in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the front surface 42A of the base 42, and the support portion 122 is supported by the mounting portion 120. One side of the support portion 122 in the width direction is in contact with the support body 60, and the other side in the width direction is in contact with the inner side surface of the side cover 52. The support portion 122 has the following function: by contacting the side cover 52, the side cover 52 is supported so as not to fall in the direction of the light emitting portion 44. The support portions 122 are respectively provided on the side cover 52 on both sides in the short side direction of the base 42. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of support portions 122 are provided at intervals in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the side cover 52.

[0142] (Air supply device 130)

[0143] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the air supply device 130 has a supply path 132 for supplying air to the front surface 42A side of the base 42. In addition, the air supply device 130 has a lower cover 50, which is mounted on the end of the side opposite to the light emitting portion 44 (i.e., the back surface 42B side) of the base 42, and a main flow path 134 for air to flow is formed inside the lower cover 50. In addition, the air supply device 130 has a fan 136, which is arranged at one end of the lower cover 50 in one direction (arrow Z direction). Here, the air supply device 130 is an example of an air blowing unit that blows air to the light emitting portion 44 side.

[0144] As an example, the supply path 132 is provided as a through hole that penetrates the base 42 in the up-down direction (arrow Y direction). An opening 132A opened on the front surface 42A of the base 42 is provided at the upper end of the supply path 132. As an example, the light emitting portion 44 is arranged on the upper side of the base 42 in the up-down direction (arrow Y direction), and the supply path 132 is configured to allow air to flow from the bottom to the top of the base 42. That is, the supply path 132 supplies air from the back surface 42B side of the base 42 toward the front surface 42A side where the light emitting portion 44 is arranged.

[0145] A plurality of supply paths 132 are provided along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the light emitting unit 44. In the present embodiment, three supply paths 132 are provided along one direction (arrow Z direction) of one light emitting unit 44 at intervals.

[0146] As an example, the supply path 132 is provided at a position corresponding to the drive substrate 72 mounted on the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 in the light emitting unit 44. That is, the opening 132A of the supply path 132 is arranged on the lower side of the drive substrate 72 in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) (see Figure 7 ) As an example, the supply path 132 and the opening 132A are provided as long holes extending in one direction along the base 42 .

[0147] As an example, the openings 132A of the three supply paths 132 are respectively opposite to the three driving elements 73 provided on the driving substrate 72. That is, the openings 132A of the three supply paths 132 are arranged on the lower side of the three driving elements 73 provided on the driving substrate 72 in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) (see FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). Thus, air is blown from the opening 132A of the supply path 132 toward the driving element 73 of the driving substrate 72 .

[0148] Of the three light emitting portions 44, the light emitting portions 44 at both ends of the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction) and the light emitting portion 44 at the center of the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction) are arranged to be staggered in the width direction intersecting the one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42. That is, as described above, the three light emitting portions 44 are arranged in a staggered manner on the base 42 when viewed from above. The opening 132A of the supply path 132 is provided on the inner side of the short side direction (width direction) of the base 42 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 In the present embodiment, the three openings 132A corresponding to the light emitting portions 44 on the base 42 are arranged in a staggered manner when viewed from above.

[0149] In the present embodiment, the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 in the light emitting portion 44 is tilted inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42. The drive substrate 72 is arranged along the inner side portion 60A, and thus, the drive substrate 72 is tilted inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42. Thus, air is blown from the opening 132A of the supply path 132 toward the drive substrate 72 tilted inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42.

[0150] As described above, the cross section of the lower cover 50 along the short side direction of the base 42 is U-shaped, and the upper end of the lower cover 50 is attached to the side surface of the base 42 by the fastening member 86. The lower cover 50 covers the back surface 42B side of the base 42 and is arranged along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42. The main flow path 134 inside the lower cover 50 is provided along one direction (Z direction) of the base 42, and air is supplied from the main flow path 134 to the plurality of supply paths 132 of the base 42.

[0151] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , inside the lower cover 50, the flat cables 102 connected to the light emitting units 44 are arranged along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42. The lower cover 50 also serves as a cover for covering the flat cables 102. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the flat cable 102 is omitted.

[0152] The fan 136 rotates to introduce air into the main flow path 134 in the lower cover 50. Then, the air is supplied along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the main flow path 134 by the rotation of the fan 136.

[0153] In the air supply device 130, the air is introduced into the main flow path 134 inside the lower cover 50 by the rotation of the fan 136. Then, the air flows in one direction (arrow Z direction) toward the end on the side opposite to the fan 136 in the main flow path 134 of the lower cover 50. A part of the air flowing in one direction (arrow Z direction) along the base 42 is supplied to the plurality of supply paths 132 of the base 42. Then, the air is blown from the opening 132A of the supply path 132 toward the drive substrate 72 side of the light emitting unit 44.

[0154] (Cleaning device 54)

[0155] like Figure 7 As shown, the cleaning device 54 has a belt-shaped cleaning portion 126 (see Figure 2). Here, the cleaning device 54 is an example of a cleaning mechanism. The cleaning portion 126 is arranged in a direction intersecting the lens portion 68. In addition, the cleaning device 54 has a shaft 128, which is connected to the cleaning portion 126 through a connecting member not shown in the figure, and moves the cleaning portion 126 along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the lens portion 68. A hole portion 123 for inserting the shaft 128 is provided in a part of the plurality of support portions 122. The support portion 122 has a function as a guide portion for guiding the shaft 128.

[0156] The shaft 128, the support portion 122, and the mounting portion 120 are provided on the side opposite to the opening 132A with respect to the light emitting portion 44. The shaft 128, the support portion 122, and the mounting portion 120 constituting the cleaning device 54 are an example of a cleaning mechanism.

[0157] <Function and Effect>

[0158] Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0159] The exposure device 40 is provided with a base 42 and three light emitting units 44. The base 42 is composed of a metal block extending in one direction (arrow Z direction). In the three light emitting units 44, a plurality of light sources 64 arranged in one direction are supported on a support 60 extending in one direction (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ).

[0160] In the exposure device 40, the base 42 is arranged over the entire length of the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 32. In addition, three light emitting units 44 are arranged to be staggered in one direction of the base 42, and at least one of the three light emitting units 44 is opposed to the region where the photosensitive body is provided in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 32. In the exposure device 40, light from the light emitting units 44 is irradiated to the photosensitive drum 32, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image in the region where the photosensitive body is provided on the photosensitive drum 32.

[0161] In the above-mentioned exposure device 40, three light-emitting units 44 are staggered in one direction (arrow Z direction) and arranged on the base 42, and the length of the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction) is longer than the length of a single light-emitting unit 44 in one direction (arrow Z direction).

[0162] In the structure where a plurality of light emitting units are arranged on a base body while being staggered in one direction, the heat generated by the drive substrates provided in the plurality of light emitting units increases, and the expansion of the components due to heat may cause image quality degradation.

[0163] In the exposure device 40 of this embodiment, an air supply device 130 is provided to blow air toward the light emitting portion 44 through an opening 132A provided in the base 42. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the size of the light emitting device in the width direction is reduced compared to the case where the air blowing portion is arranged outside the width direction of the base.

[0164] Furthermore, in the exposure device 40, the air supply device 130 is configured to flow air from the back side 42B of the base 42 toward the front side 42A where the light emitting unit 44 is disposed, through the supply path 132. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the size of the exposure device 40 in the width direction is reduced compared to a configuration in which the air flows from the side side of the base toward the front side.

[0165] Furthermore, in the exposure device 40, a plurality of openings 132A are provided along one direction of the light emitting portion 44. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the light emitting portion is uniformly cooled compared to the case where a single opening is provided.

[0166] Furthermore, in the exposure device 40, the light emitting unit 44 is provided with a lens unit 68 for emitting light from the plurality of light sources 64, and the shaft 128 and the support unit 122 and the like constituting the cleaning device 54 for cleaning the lens unit 68 are provided on the side opposite to the opening of the light emitting unit 44. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the flow of air is not easily obstructed by the shaft 128 and the support unit 122 and the like constituting the cleaning device 54.

[0167] Furthermore, in the exposure device 40, the drive substrate 72 is provided on the side of the light emitting unit 44, and the opening 132A is provided at a position of the base 42 corresponding to the drive substrate 72. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the drive substrate 72 is easier to cool than when the opening is provided at a position offset from the substrate.

[0168] In the exposure device 40, the opening 132A is provided at a position corresponding to the driving element 73 of the driving substrate 72. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the driving element 73 is easily cooled compared with a case where the opening is provided at a position offset from the heating element of the substrate.

[0169] Furthermore, in the exposure device 40, the three light emitting units 44 are arranged to be staggered in the width direction intersecting one direction of the base 42, and the opening 132A is provided on the inner side of the short side direction (i.e., the width direction) of the base 42 compared with the light emitting unit 44. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the size of the base 42 in the width direction is reduced compared with the case where the opening is provided on the outer side in the width direction of the base compared with the light emitting unit.

[0170] In the exposure device 40 , in a structure where the three light emitting units 44 are arranged in a staggered manner on the base 42 in a plan view, the width dimension of the base 42 is reduced compared to a case where the opening is provided outside the light emitting units in the width direction of the base.

[0171] Furthermore, in the exposure device 40, the inner side portions 60A of the three light emitting portions 44 in the width direction of the base 42 are inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, air is efficiently blown to the three light emitting portions 44 compared to a case where the inner side portions of the plurality of light emitting portions are arranged perpendicularly to the front surface of the base.

[0172] Furthermore, in the exposure device 40, a plurality of openings 132A are provided in one direction of the base 42, and a main flow path 134 for supplying air to the plurality of openings 132A is provided along the one direction of the base 42. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, air can be supplied to the plurality of openings 132A more efficiently than in a case where air is supplied to the plurality of openings through different flow paths.

[0173] In addition, in the exposure device 40, the base 42 is formed of a metal block. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the heat dissipation of the three light emitting units 44 is good compared with the case where the base is a sheet metal.

[0174] In the exposure device 40, the support body 60 of the light emitting unit 44 is formed of a metal block. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the heat dissipation of the three light emitting units 44 is better than that in the case where the support body is made of resin.

[0175] In the exposure device 40 , in the structure having the light emitting element substrate 62 on the front side of the support 60 (ie, the side opposite to the base 42 ), the heat dissipation of the three light emitting units 44 is better than when the support is made of resin.

[0176] In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with an exposure device 40 and a photosensitive drum 32, and the photosensitive drum 32 moves relative to the exposure device 40 in a direction intersecting one direction (Z direction) and is irradiated with light from the exposure device 40. An area where a photosensitive material is arranged is provided on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a case where the air blowing section is arranged outside in the width direction of the base, the image forming apparatus 10 having the exposure device 40 can be made smaller as a whole.

[0177] In the image forming apparatus 10, the area where the photosensitive material is arranged is provided on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 which is a cylindrical member rotating in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, in the structure including the photosensitive drum 32, the image forming apparatus 10 including the exposure device 40 can be made compact as a whole.

[0178] In the above-mentioned exposure device 40, the light emitting unit 44 may be arranged above the base 42, and the air supply device 130 may be configured to flow air from the bottom to the top of the base 42 through the supply path 132. As an example, the exposure device 40 may be configured such that the photosensitive drum 32 is arranged above the exposure device 40. Thus, in the exposure device 40, compared with the configuration in which the air is flowed from the top to the bottom of the base, powder such as toner diffused around the exposure device 40 is suppressed from intruding into the exposure device 40.

[0179] [Second embodiment]

[0180] Next, the exposure apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when the same components and parts as those of the first embodiment are provided, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted, and the description will be mainly focused on the differences.

[0181] Fig.11 An exposure device 150 according to a second embodiment is shown. The exposure device 150 includes an air supply device 152 as an example of an air blowing unit. In the exposure device 150, only the air supply device 152 is changed, and the other structures are the same as those of the exposure device 40 according to the first embodiment.

[0182] The air supply device 152 has a lower cover 154, which is attached to the end of the base 42 on the side opposite to the light emitting portion 44, and has a main flow path 156 formed inside for air flow. The cross section of the lower cover 154 along the short side direction of the base 42 is U-shaped, and the upper end of the lower cover 154 is attached to the side of the base 42 by a fastening member not shown. The lower cover 154 covers the back surface 42B side of the base 42 and is arranged along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42.

[0183] The air supply device 152 includes a cylinder portion 158 disposed on both end sides in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the lower cover 154 and extending downward, and a fan 160 provided at the lower end of the cylinder portion 158 .

[0184] Although not shown in the figure, flat cables connected to the light emitting units 44 are arranged inside the lower cover 154 along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42. The lower cover 154 also serves as a cover covering the flat cables.

[0185] In the air supply device 152, the air is introduced from the cylinder 158 to the main flow path 156 inside the lower cover 154 by the rotation of the fan 160. Then, the air is separated from the two cylinders 158 to both sides of the lower cover 154 by the two fans 160, and flows toward both end sides in one direction (arrow Z direction) in the main flow path 156 of the lower cover 154. At this time, the air is blown to the drive substrate 72 side of each light emitting unit 44 through the multiple supply paths 132 of the base 42.

[0186] The above-described exposure device 150 can obtain the same operation and effects as those of the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment by using the same configuration.

[0187] [Third embodiment]

[0188] Next, the exposure apparatus of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, when the same components and parts as those of the first embodiment are provided, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted, and the description will be mainly focused on the differences.

[0189] Fig.12 An exposure device 170 of a third embodiment is shown. The exposure device 170 includes a base 172 and an air supply device 173 as an example of an air blowing unit. In the exposure device 170, only the base 172 and the air supply device 173 are changed, and the other structures are the same as those of the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment.

[0190] like Fig.12 As shown, the exposure device 170 has a supply path 174 that penetrates the base 172 in an oblique direction relative to the front surface 42A of the base 172. An opening 174A opened on the front surface 42A of the base 172 is provided at the upper end of the supply path 174. The opening 174A blows air toward the light emitting portion 44 in an oblique direction relative to the front surface of the base 172.

[0191] In this embodiment, the supply path 174 is configured to supply air in an oblique direction from the outside to the inside in the short side direction (ie, the width direction) of the base 172. Fig.12 The cross section shown is linear when viewed, and the lower end of the supply path 174 opened at the back side 42B of the supply path 174 is arranged on the outside in the short side direction (i.e., width direction) of the base 172. The opening 174A of the supply path 174 opened at the front side 42A of the supply path 174 is arranged on the inside in the short side direction (i.e., width direction) of the base 172. The opening 174A of the supply path 174 is arranged on the lower side in the up-down direction of the drive substrate 72, and the drive substrate 72 is attached to the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 of the light emitting unit 44.

[0192] In the present embodiment, the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 is an inclined surface that is inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42. The plate surface of the drive substrate 72 is also inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42, similarly to the inner side portion 60A. Thus, air is blown from the opening 174A of the supply path 174 to the drive substrate 72 that is inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42 in an inclined direction.

[0193] Although not shown in the figure, three supply paths 174 are arranged at intervals in one direction of the three light emitting units 44 .

[0194] The above-described exposure device 170 has the following operations and effects in addition to the operations and effects based on the same structure as the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment.

[0195] In the exposure device 170, the air passing through the opening 174A is blown toward the light emitting portion 44 in a direction inclined relative to the front surface 42A of the base 172. Therefore, in the exposure device 170, the light emitting portion 44 is easily cooled compared to a case where the opening is formed perpendicularly relative to the front surface of the base. In addition, in the exposure device 170, air is blown in an inclined direction from the opening 174A of the supply path 174 toward the drive substrate 72 inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42. Therefore, in the exposure device 170, the air is easily brought into contact with the plate surface of the drive substrate 72 compared to a case where the drive substrate is arranged in a vertical direction.

[0196] [Fourth embodiment]

[0197] Fig.13 A drawing device 200 including a light emitting device 202 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0198] like Fig.13 As shown, the drawing device 200 includes a light emitting device 202 and a cylindrical member 204 which is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the light emitting device 202 and rotates in the circumferential direction.

[0199] The light emitting device 202 has the same structure as the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment.

[0200] The cylindrical member 204 has a cylindrical portion 204A and shaft portions 204B extending on both sides of the cylindrical portion 204A. The shaft portion 204B is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown), and the cylindrical portion 204A rotates in the circumferential direction by the rotation of the shaft portion 204B.

[0201] A substrate 206 is mounted on the surface of the cylindrical portion 204A. An area 206A where a photosensitive material is arranged is provided on the surface of the substrate 206. As an example, the substrate 206 is a plate for computer-to-plate (CTP) used in a platemaking process of offset printing. In addition, as an example, the area 206A where a photosensitive material is arranged is an area where a photosensitive material such as a photoresist is applied.

[0202] As an example, the light emitting device 202 is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) relative to the cylindrical member 204, and the light emitting portion of the light emitting device 202 irradiates light to the upper substrate 206. Although not shown in the figure, in the light emitting device 202, the light emitting portion is arranged above the base, and the air blowing portion is configured to flow air from the lower side of the base to the upper side.

[0203] In the drawing device 200, while rotating the cylindrical member 204, the light emitting device 202 irradiates a predetermined pattern of light to the region 206A of the substrate 206 where the photosensitive material is arranged. As a result, a predetermined pattern is drawn in the region 206A of the substrate 206 where the photosensitive material is arranged. Then, by developing the substrate 206, a printing plate used in an offset printing device is produced. In addition, as a light source of the drawing device 200 in this case, a laser element can be used as an example.

[0204] The above-described light emitting device 202 has the following functions and effects in addition to the functions and effects of the same structure as those of the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment.

[0205] In the above-mentioned light emitting device 202, the light emitting device 202 is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) relative to the cylindrical member 204. In the light emitting device 202, the light emitting part is arranged above the base, and the air blowing part is a structure that allows air to flow from the bottom to the top of the base. Therefore, in the light emitting device 202, compared with the structure that allows air to flow from the top to the bottom of the base, the powder diffused around the light emitting device 202 is suppressed from intruding into the light emitting device 202.

[0206] In the drawing device 200 including the light emitting device 202 described above, the entire drawing device 200 including the light emitting device 202 can be miniaturized compared to a case where the air blowing unit is arranged outside in the width direction of the base.

[0207] Furthermore, according to the drawing device 200, in the configuration including the cylindrical member 204, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the entire drawing device 200 including the light emitting device 202.

[0208] In the drawing apparatus 200, the light emitting device 202 may be changed to a configuration similar to the exposure device 150 of the second embodiment or the exposure device 170 of the third embodiment instead of the configuration similar to the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment.

[0209] [Supplementary explanation]

[0210] In the exposure devices of the first to third embodiments and the light emitting device of the fourth embodiment, three light emitting units are arranged on the substrate, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, a structure in which one light emitting unit is arranged on the substrate, a structure in which two light emitting units are arranged on the substrate, or a structure in which four or more light emitting units are arranged on the substrate may also be used. In addition, the positions of the plurality of light emitting units arranged on the substrate can also be appropriately set.

[0211] In addition, in the exposure devices of the first to third embodiments and the light-emitting device of the fourth embodiment, the base is composed of a metal block, but the present invention is not limited to this. The material or shape of the base can be changed. For example, the base can also be composed of a resin, or it can also be composed of other metal materials such as sheet metal. In addition, the structural components of the light-emitting part or the shape of the structural components of the light-emitting part can be changed. Although the support body of the light-emitting part is composed of a metal block, the present invention is not limited to this. The material or shape of the support body can be changed. For example, the support body can also be composed of a resin, or it can also be composed of other metal materials such as sheet metal.

[0212] In the exposure devices of the first to third embodiments and the light emitting device of the fourth embodiment, the shape, position and number of the supply path provided on the substrate can also be changed. In addition, the shape of the lower cover constituting the main flow path of the air supply device, the position of the fan and the number of the fan can also be changed.

[0213] In the exposure devices of the first to third embodiments and the light emitting device of the fourth embodiment, air is introduced by a fan provided in the lower cover and blown toward the light emitting portion through the opening of the base, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a fan may be provided in the side cover at the end in the width direction of the base to suck air and blow it toward the light emitting portion through the opening of the base.

[0214] In addition, in the exposure devices of the first to third embodiments and the light-emitting device of the fourth embodiment, the opening of the substrate is arranged on the inner side of the width direction of the substrate compared with the light-emitting portion, but the position of the opening of the substrate can also be arranged on the outer side of the width direction of the substrate compared with the light-emitting portion.

[0215] In the exposure devices of the first to third embodiments and the light emitting device of the fourth embodiment, the opening provided in the base body may be in any form as long as it is a shape capable of blowing air toward the light emitting portion. The opening may be, for example, a hole shape with the periphery completely surrounded or a groove shape with a portion of the periphery open.

[0216] In the exposure devices of the first to third embodiments, the photosensitive drum is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction relative to the exposure device, but the photosensitive drum may be arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the exposure device. In the light emitting device of the fourth embodiment, the substrate of the cylindrical member is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the light emitting device, but the substrate of the cylindrical member may be arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction relative to the light emitting device.

[0217] In the drawing device 200 of the fourth embodiment, the substrate 206 attached to the cylindrical portion 204A of the cylindrical member 204 is irradiated with light from the light emitting device 202, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the substrate may be arranged on a flat table, and the light emitting device and the table may be relatively moved in a direction intersecting with one direction of the light emitting device, and the light emitting device may be irradiated with light to the substrate.

[0218] Furthermore, in the drawing device 200 of the fourth embodiment, the substrate 206 is a plate for CTP used in the platemaking process of offset printing, and light is irradiated from the light emitting device 202 to the area 206A of the substrate 206 where the photosensitive material is arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the above-mentioned light emitting device and drawing device can be used for exposure when manufacturing a printed wiring board (PWB: printed wiring board). For example, for a substrate coated with a photosensitive material such as a photoresist, it is also possible to directly draw without using a photomask, thereby manufacturing a printed wiring board. The substrate to be used can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. In the case of a flexible substrate, it is also possible to fix it on a Fig.13 The cylindrical member 204 is rotated while being drawn in a state.

[0219] Furthermore, the above-mentioned light-emitting device and drawing device can be used for the formation of color filters in the manufacturing process of liquid crystal display devices (LCD), the exposure of dry film resist (DFR) in the manufacturing process of thin film transistors (TFT), the exposure of dry film resist (DFR) in the manufacturing process of plasma display panels (PDP), the exposure of photosensitive materials such as photoresists in the manufacturing process of semiconductor elements, the exposure of photosensitive materials such as photoresists in the platemaking process of other printing such as gravure printing other than offset printing, or the exposure of photosensitive materials in the manufacturing process of watch parts, etc., which are used for parts that use photolithography. Here, photolithography refers to the following technology: by exposing the surface of a substance provided with a photosensitive material in a pattern, a pattern consisting of exposed parts and unexposed parts is generated.

[0220] In addition, the above-mentioned light emitting device and drawing device can also use any one of a photon mode photosensitive material that directly records information by exposure and a thermal mode photosensitive material that records information by using heat generated by exposure. In addition, as a light source of the drawing device 200, an LED element or a laser element can be used according to the exposure object.

[0221] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0222] This application is based on the Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-054934) filed on March 25, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A light emitting device, comprising: a base extending in one direction and having an opening; a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged on the front side of the base body in a staggered manner in the one direction, each of the light-emitting parts having a support body extending in the one direction and a plurality of light sources arranged on the support body along the one direction; and an air blowing unit that blows air toward the light emitting unit through the opening, A driving substrate is provided on the side of the light emitting portion. The base has the opening at a position corresponding to the drive substrate.

2. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The opening penetrates from the rear side of the base to the front side of the base where the light emitting unit is arranged.

3. The light emitting device according to claim 2, wherein: The light emitting portion is arranged above the substrate, The air blowing unit is configured to flow air from below the base body to above the base body.

4. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The base has a plurality of openings along the one direction.

5. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The light emitting portion is provided with a light emitting portion for emitting light from the plurality of light sources. A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the light emitting portion is provided on a side opposite to the opening with respect to the light emitting portion.

6. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The opening penetrates the base body in a direction inclined with respect to the front side of the base body.

7. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving substrate has a heating element. The base has the opening at a position corresponding to the heating element.

8. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The plurality of light emitting portions are arranged in a staggered manner in a width direction intersecting the one direction of the base, The opening is provided at an inner side of the light emitting portion in the width direction of the base.

9. The light emitting device according to claim 8, wherein: When viewed from above, the three light emitting portions are arranged alternately on the base.

10. The light emitting device according to claim 8, wherein: The inner side portions of the plurality of light emitting portions in the width direction of the base are inclined inwardly with respect to the front surface of the base.

11. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The base has a plurality of openings in the one direction, The air blowing portion further includes a lower cover in which a main flow path for supplying air to the plurality of openings is provided along the one direction of the base.

12. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The base body is formed from a metal block.

13. The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The support body is formed from a metal block.

14. The light emitting device according to claim 13, wherein: The light emitting unit includes a light emitting element substrate provided with the light source. The light emitting element substrate is disposed on the front surface side of the support body opposite to the base body.

15. A light emitting device, comprising: a base body composed of a metal block extending in one direction; and A plurality of light-emitting parts are arranged on the front side of the base body in a staggered manner in the one direction, each of the light-emitting parts having a support body extending in the one direction and a plurality of light sources arranged on the support body along the one direction, An opening is provided on the base along the one direction of the light emitting portion. A driving substrate is provided on the side of the light emitting portion. The base has the opening at a position corresponding to the drive substrate. The light emitting device includes an air blowing portion that blows air toward the light emitting portion via the opening.

16. The light emitting device according to claim 15, wherein: The base has a plurality of openings along the one direction of the light emitting portion.

17. The light emitting device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The plurality of light emitting portions are arranged in a staggered manner in a width direction intersecting the one direction of the base, The opening is provided at an inner side of the light emitting portion in the width direction of the base.

18. A drawing device, comprising: The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 17; and A region in which a photosensitive material is arranged moves relative to the light emitting device in a direction intersecting the one direction and is irradiated with light from the light emitting device.

19. The drawing device according to claim 18, wherein: The region is provided on the surface of a cylindrical member that rotates in the circumferential direction.

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