Lighting device and drawing device

Abstract

The exposure device (40) comprises: a base (42) extending in one direction; a plurality of light-emitting units (44) arranged on the front side of the base (42) in a staggered manner in a direction intersecting the one direction, wherein a plurality of light sources in the light-emitting units (44) are supported in one direction on a support (60) extending in one direction; and a driving substrate (72) respectively arranged along one direction on the inner side portions of the plurality of light-emitting units (44) in a direction intersecting the one direction of the base (42) to drive the light-emitting units (44).

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 that can suppress damage to a substrate during operation compared to a case where a substrate is provided on the outer side of a light emitting portion in a width direction intersecting one direction of a base.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] The light-emitting device of the first mode comprises: a base extending in one direction; a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged on the front side of the base in a staggered manner in a direction intersecting the one direction, the direction intersecting the one direction being the in-plane direction of the front side, 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 a substrate respectively arranged along the one direction on the inner side portions of the plurality of light-emitting parts in the direction intersecting the one direction, for driving the light-emitting parts.

[0010] A light emitting device according to a second aspect is the light emitting device according to the first aspect, wherein the inner side portion of the light emitting portion has an inclined portion inclined inwardly with respect to the front surface of the base, and the substrate is provided along the inclined portion.

[0011] The light-emitting device of the third aspect is a light-emitting device described in the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the substrate provided in one of the light-emitting portions is provided at a position that does not overlap with other light-emitting portions adjacent to the one light-emitting portion when viewed from the side in a direction intersecting with the one direction.

[0012] The light-emitting device of the fourth embodiment is the light-emitting device described in the third embodiment, wherein, when observed in a plan view, the three light-emitting portions are arranged on the front side of the base body in a staggered manner in the one direction, and the lengths of the substrates respectively arranged in the three light-emitting portions in the one direction are the same, and are shorter than the length of the lower portion in the one direction, which is the portion of the light-emitting portion arranged in the central portion in the one direction that does not overlap with the light-emitting portions on both sides in the one direction when observed in a side view.

[0013] A light emitting device of the fifth aspect is a light emitting device described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the height of the substrate is smaller than the height of the supporting body, and the center of the substrate in the height direction is offset to one side in the height direction from the center of the supporting body in the height direction.

[0014] A light emitting device according to a sixth aspect is the light emitting device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the center of the substrate in the height direction is offset and provided to be lower in the height direction than the center of the support in the height direction.

[0015] A light emitting device according to a seventh aspect is the light emitting device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the center of the substrate in the height direction is offset upward in the height direction relative to the center of the support body in the height direction.

[0016] A light emitting device according to an eighth aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the substrate is mounted on the light emitting portion via a mounting portion in a state where the substrate is not in direct contact with the inner side portion of the light emitting portion.

[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, a connector electrically connected to the wiring from the outside of the light-emitting part is provided on the substrate, and the connecting part of the wiring can be plugged in and out relative to the connector in a direction intersecting with the surface of the substrate.

[0018] A light emitting device according to a tenth aspect is the light emitting device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the connector is provided at a position not overlapping with other light emitting portions adjacent to the light emitting portion when viewed from the side in a direction intersecting the one direction.

[0019] The light-emitting device of the 11th embodiment comprises: a substrate, which extends in one direction; a plurality of light-emitting parts, which are arranged on the front side of the substrate in a staggered manner in a direction intersecting the one direction, the direction intersecting the one direction being the in-plane direction of the front side, 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 wiring, which is respectively arranged on the inner side parts of the plurality of light-emitting parts in the direction intersecting the one direction, and is led out from the light-emitting parts.

[0020] A light emitting device according to a twelfth aspect is the light emitting device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein, when viewed from the side in a direction intersecting with the one direction, a position where the wiring is led out of one of the light emitting portions is a position that does not overlap with other light emitting portions adjacent to the one light emitting portion.

[0021] A light emitting device according to a 13th aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to 12th aspects, wherein a recessed grip portion into which a worker's finger can be inserted is provided on the back side of the base.

[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 base is made of a metal block.

[0023] A light emitting device according to a fifteenth aspect is the light emitting device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the support body is formed of a metal block.

[0024] A light emitting device according to a sixteenth aspect is a light emitting device according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect, wherein the metal block is made of stainless steel or steel.

[0025] The drawing device of the 17th mode comprises: the light-emitting device described in any one of the 1st to 16th modes; and an area, which moves relative to the light-emitting device in a direction intersecting the one direction and is configured with a photosensitive material for irradiation with light from the light-emitting device.

[0026] An image drawing device according to an eighteenth aspect is the image drawing device according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the region is provided on a surface of a cylindrical member rotating in a circumferential direction.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the light emitting device of the first aspect, compared with a case where the substrate is provided on the outer side of the light emitting portion in the width direction intersecting with one direction of the base, damage to the substrate during operation is suppressed.

[0029] According to the light emitting device of the second aspect, the substrate is less likely to be damaged compared to a case where the substrate is provided along the vertical direction on the inner side portion of the light emitting portion.

[0030] According to the light emitting device of the third aspect, the light emitting sections can be brought closer together in the width direction of the base body, compared with a case where the substrate of one light emitting section is provided at a position overlapping with another light emitting section adjacent to the one light emitting section in a side view.

[0031] According to the light emitting device of the fourth aspect, in the structure in which the three light emitting sections are arranged alternately on the front side of the base, the substrates of the respective light emitting sections can be made common.

[0032] According to the light emitting device of the fifth aspect, it is easier for an operator to grasp the substrate by hand than in a case where the substrate has a width equal to the height of the support body.

[0033] According to the light emitting device of the sixth aspect, compared with a case where the substrate is arranged on the upper side in the height direction of the support body, it is easier for the operator to grasp the substrate from the lower side.

[0034] According to the light emitting device of the seventh aspect, compared with a case where the substrate is arranged on the lower side in the height direction of the support body, interference between the substrate and the base body is suppressed.

[0035] According to the light emitting device of the eighth aspect, compared with a case where the substrate is mounted in direct contact with the inner side portion of the light emitting portion, transfer of heat from the substrate to the support body is suppressed.

[0036] According to the light emitting device of the ninth aspect, compared with a case where the wiring connection portion can be inserted and removed from the connector along the surface of the substrate, interference between the wiring connection portion inserted and removed from the connector and components on the surface side of the substrate is suppressed.

[0037] According to the light emitting device of the tenth aspect, compared with a case where the connector is provided at a position overlapping with other light emitting portions adjacent to the light emitting portion, interference between the connection portion of the wiring inserted into and removed from the connector and the other light emitting portions is suppressed.

[0038] According to the light emitting device of the eleventh aspect, compared with a case where the wiring led out from the light emitting portion is provided on the outer side of the light emitting portion in the width direction intersecting with one direction of the base, damage to the wiring during operation is suppressed.

[0039] According to the light emitting device of the twelfth aspect, the light emitting portions are brought closer to each other in the width direction of the substrate, compared to a case where the lead wiring of one light emitting portion overlaps with another light emitting portion adjacent to the one light emitting portion in a side view.

[0040] According to the light emitting device of the thirteenth aspect, the operator can hold the base body more easily than in a case where the portion of the base body to be held by the operator is planar.

[0041] According to the light-emitting device of the 14th embodiment, in a structure where the light-emitting device is heavier than when the base is made of sheet metal, damage to the substrate of the light-emitting part during operation is suppressed compared to a case where the substrate is provided on the outer side portion of the light-emitting part in a width direction intersecting with one direction of the base.

[0042] According to the light-emitting device of the fifteenth embodiment, in a structure in which the light-emitting device is heavier than in a case in which the supporting body is formed of resin, damage to the substrate of the light-emitting portion during operation is suppressed compared to a case in which the substrate is provided on the outer side portion of the light-emitting portion in a width direction intersecting with one direction of the base.

[0043] According to the light-emitting device of the 16th embodiment, in a structure in which the metal block is heavier than the aluminum alloy, damage to the substrate of the light-emitting portion during operation is suppressed compared to a case in which a substrate is provided on the outer side of the light-emitting portion in a width direction intersecting with one direction of the base.

[0044] According to the drawing device of the seventeenth aspect, compared with a case where a substrate is provided on the outer side of the light emitting portion in the width direction intersecting with one direction of the base, damage to the substrate of the light emitting portion during operation of the drawing device is suppressed.

[0045] According to the drawing device of the eighteenth aspect, in the structure having the cylindrical member, damage to the substrate of the light emitting section during operation of the drawing device is suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus including an exposure device according to a first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2It is a perspective view showing an exposure device used in the image forming apparatus.

[0048] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram showing the exposure device in a state viewed from the top and bottom.

[0049] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a plurality of light emitting units of the exposure device.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a perspective view in which a part of the exposure device is enlarged.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a plurality of light emitting units of the exposure device in a state where the plurality of light emitting units are cut along the short-side direction.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the exposure device in a state cut along the short side direction.

[0053] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a light emitting section of an exposure device.

[0054] Fig. 9 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.

[0055] Fig.10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the light emitting portion is cut along the short side direction.

[0056] Fig.11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a light emitting section of an exposure device according to a second embodiment in a state cut along a short-side direction.

[0057] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing the structure of a drawing device having a light emitting device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Next, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described.

[0059] [First embodiment]

[0060] <Image Forming Apparatus 10>

[0061] Figure 11 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.

[0062] The image forming apparatus 10 is a wide-format image forming apparatus corresponding to a width (i.e., a width exceeding 364 mm) that exceeds the width of the recording medium P when longitudinally fed in accordance with B3. As an example, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to a recording medium P of a size of 420 mm or more when longitudinally fed in accordance with A2 and 1456 mm or less when transversely fed in accordance with B0. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to 728 mm when transversely fed in accordance with B2.

[0063] Figure 1 The 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.

[0064] <Image Forming Unit 14>

[0065] 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 .

[0066] <Toner Image Forming Section 22>

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 representing the respective colors are as follows. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , each component of the toner image forming section 22 (K) is denoted by a reference numeral.

[0069] Specifically, the toner image forming section 22 of each color has a toner image forming section 22 extending in one direction (for example Figure 1 The photosensitive drum 32 is a rotating drum (counterclockwise in the image). 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.

[0070] 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. 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] <Transfer Device 17>

[0073] 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 to 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 to 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 .

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 has the following structure. 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.

[0076] 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 1The roller 39B shown is an opposing roller 39B that opposes the secondary transfer roller 28 .

[0077] 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.

[0078] <Fixing Device 16>

[0079] 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 1 As 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.

[0080] <Exposure Device 40>

[0081] Next, the structure of the exposure device 40 which is a main part of this embodiment is demonstrated. Figure 2 It 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. 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. 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.

[0082] (Overall Structure of Exposure Device 40)

[0083] First, the overall structure of the exposure device 40 will be described, and then each component of the exposure device 40 will be described.

[0084] 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 disposed on one side of the base 42 in the arrow Y direction (in the arrow Y direction). Figure 2 and Figure 3In 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 are of the same structure. Figure 3 The light emitting portion 44 is a long member having a rectangular shape when viewed from above. 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).

[0085] 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 in-plane direction of the front surface of the base 42 and in a direction intersecting the one direction of the base 42 (arrow X direction). In the present embodiment, the three light emitting units 44 are arranged staggered in the width direction orthogonal to the one direction of the base 42, that is, in 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 in the central portion in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the substrate 42 and on the other side in the short side direction (arrow X 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] like 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 wires for power supply into a bundle to form a collection 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 2 The 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).

[0090] like 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 in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42. The exposure device 40 has a cleaning device 54 for cleaning the lens unit 68 described later of the light emitting unit 44.

[0091] And, 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] (Base 42)

[0094] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 surface 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 surface 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 the opposite directions. In the exposure device 40, the inclined surface 80A inclined in the opposite directions is 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.

[0097] As an example, the base 42 is composed of a metal block. The metal block in this 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 cannot be substantially 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.

[0098] Conventional wide-format image forming apparatuses are used to output black-and-white images that do not require high image quality compared to full-color printers for commercial printing, and use sheet metal as a base. However, 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.

[0099] 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 through the support 60. Therefore, in the base 42, rigidity is given priority over thermal conductivity and weight, and steel or stainless steel is used.

[0100] 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.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, a concave portion 82 cut toward the spacer 56 side, i.e., the concave portion 80 side, is formed on the back surface 42B of the base 42 on the opposite side to the front surface 42A. 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.

[0102] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a concave handle portion 90 cut from the back surface 42B is formed at both ends of the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction). The shape of the handle portion 90 is symmetrical in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42. As an example, the handle portion 90 is a shape in which a corner portion in the short side direction (X direction) of the back surface 42B of the base 42 is cut, and becomes a concave portion formed on the back surface 42B of the base 42. The handle portion 90 is shaped such that when the back surface 42B of the base 42 is placed on a flat surface, the operator's fingers can be inserted from both sides of the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction).

[0103] (Light emitting unit 44)

[0104] like Figure 2 to Figure 7 As shown, the three light emitting parts 44 have the same structure as described above. As an example, the two light emitting parts 44 on one side of the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42 and the 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.

[0105] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 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 a surface (the upper surface in this embodiment) on the opposite side of the base body 42 in the up-down direction (arrow Y direction) of the support body 60. A plurality of light sources 64 arranged along one direction are provided on the light emitting element substrate 62. In this embodiment, the light source 64 is 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 in a staggered manner along one direction on the light emitting element substrate 62. The light source 64 may not be a light emitting element array, but a single light emitting element. Each light emitting element is composed of a light emitting diode, a light emitting thyristor, a laser element, etc., and when a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged along one direction, as an example, it has a resolution of 2400dpi. The light emitting element substrate 62 is a substrate for making any one or more of the plurality of light sources 64 emit light. In Figure 6 and Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , only one light source 64 provided in the light emitting section 44 is shown, and illustration of other light sources is omitted.

[0106] 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 of being sandwiched between upper ends of the pair of mounting portions 66 .

[0107] 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 passes through the lens portion 68 and is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 32 (see Figure 1 ) surface.

[0108] 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, deformation and deflection may occur. Therefore, from the viewpoint of suppressing deformation and deflection, it is preferred that the base body 42 and the support body 60 are composed of the same material.

[0109] The surface of the support body 60 on the side of the base body 42 is formed with a screw hole 74 (see Figure 6 The screw hole 74 is provided at a position facing the through hole 84 of the base body 42 .

[0110] 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 portion 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 portion 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.

[0111] Here, a method of fixing the front side (exit surface side) of the support body 60 relative to the front side of the base 42 using a fastening component 58 is considered. However, the support body 60 of the present embodiment is different from the support body made of resin material and the support body made of sheet metal, and is made of a heavy metal block. Therefore, the size of the fastening component 58 is required to be a fastening component commensurate with the mass. In this case, a space for the fastening component 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.

[0112] In the structure where the fastening member 58 is provided not only on both 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 the fastening is performed from the front side of the support body 60. Therefore, by adopting a structure in which the fastening is performed from the back side of the base body 42, in the structure in which the fastening is performed on both end sides and the central part side of the support body 60, it is sufficient to fasten only from the back side of the base body 42.

[0113] The screw hole 74 and the concave portion 82 of the base 42 are provided at positions overlapping 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 positions not overlapping 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.

[0114] like Figure 6 to Figure 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, and the mounting fixture 70 is an example of a mounting unit. 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. 1 ). Figure 8 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.

[0115] 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. 9 and 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 60B. 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, whereby 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 in one direction of the drive substrate 72. The two mounting fixtures 70 are arranged on the diagonal line of the drive substrate 72.

[0116] 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 short side direction of the base 42. For example, when the support body 60 is arranged at a position overlapping with the center line of the short side direction of the base 42, the side with a wider distance between the support body 60 and the end edge of the base 42 in the short side direction (that is, the side with a larger gap between the support body 60 and the end edge of the base 42 in the short side direction) becomes the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60.

[0117] The surface (plate surface) of the drive substrate 72 and the inner side portion (side surface) 60A of the support body 60 are arranged opposite to each other. 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 device 70. That is, the drive substrate 72 is mounted by the mounting device 70 without being in direct contact with the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 in the light-emitting portion 44. By forming a gap between the drive substrate 72 and the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60, air passes between the drive substrate 72 and the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60, and heat can be dissipated from the drive substrate 72.

[0118] The inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 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, similarly to the inner side portion 60A.

[0119] In the two light emitting portions 44 in the short side direction of the base 42, a drive substrate 72 is provided along one direction on the inner side portion 60A of each support body 60 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 That is, in the three light emitting units 44 , the drive substrate 72 is provided on the inner side portion 60A of each support body 60 .

[0120] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the side in the direction of arrow X, the drive substrate 72 provided on one light emitting portion 44 is not provided at an overlapping position with the other light emitting portions 44 adjacent to the light emitting portion 44. The lengths of the drive substrates 72 on the three light emitting portions 44 respectively arranged on the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction) are the same, and the length is shorter than the length in one direction of the lower portion, which is the portion of the light emitting portion 44 arranged in the center in one direction that does not overlap with the light emitting portions 44 on both sides in one direction when viewed from the side. In this embodiment, the three light emitting portions 44 respectively mounted with the drive substrates 72 are common.

[0121] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown, the height of the drive substrate 72 (ie, the width in the vertical direction) is smaller than the height of the support body 60 , and the center of the substrate 72 in the height direction is configured to be offset from the center of the substrate in the height direction of the support body 60 to one side in the height direction.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the center of the drive substrate 72 in the height direction is offset and arranged to be lower in the height direction than the center of the support body 60 in the height direction. The drive substrate 72 does not contact the front surface 42A of the base body 42.

[0123] like Figure 7 to Figure 10 As 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 electrically connected to the three integrated circuits 73 provided on the driving substrate 72, respectively.

[0124] 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. Here, the flat cable 102 is an example of wiring. 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.

[0125] 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 on the base 42 at a position corresponding to the connection between the flat cable 102 and the drive substrate 72, and passes through in the up-down direction (arrow Y direction). The through portion 106 is provided at a position on the side of the base 42 close to the drive substrate 72 and opposite to the light emitting portion 44 having the drive substrate 72 in the short side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42 (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.

[0126] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the flat cables 102 are connected to the driving substrates 72 provided on the three light emitting units 44 via the connectors 104. The connectors 104 are arranged at positions that do not overlap with other light emitting units 44 adjacent to the light emitting units 44 having the connectors 104. In the base 42, through-holes 106 are provided on the side of the driving substrates 72 of the three light emitting units 44. 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 ).

[0127] In the exposure device 40 of the present embodiment, flat cables 102 led out from the light emitting sections 44 are provided at the inner end portions of the light emitting sections 44 in the short-side direction (arrow X direction) of the base 42. When viewed from the side, the positions of the led-out flat cables 102 of the light emitting sections 44 are positions that do not overlap with other light emitting sections 44 adjacent to the light emitting section 44 in the short-side direction (arrow X direction).

[0128] As an example, the length of the light emitting portion 44 in the height direction (arrow Y direction) is longer than the length in the width direction (arrow X direction) orthogonal to one direction (arrow Z direction). That is, the length of the light emitting portion 44 in the up-down direction (arrow Y direction) is longer than the length in the short side direction (arrow X direction). Therefore, compared with the case where the length of the light emitting portion in the height direction is shorter than the length in the width direction orthogonal to one direction, the center of gravity of the light emitting portion 44 becomes higher.

[0129] (Spacer 56)

[0130] like Figure 6 As shown, 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 obtained by cutting out one side of the main body 56A.

[0131] The spacer 56 is disposed on the inclined surface 80A of the recess 80 of the base 42. The thickness of the spacer 56 at the position where the spacer 56 is disposed on the inclined surface 80A is greater than the depth of the recess 80. The fastening member 58 fixes the light emitting unit 44 to the base 42 so as to apply a compressive load to the spacer 56.

[0132] (Bracket 48)

[0133] 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 inner side (i.e., the inner side in the short side direction of the base 42). The support portion 48A includes a plane 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 shaped such that the side opposite to the plane portion 49 is open to the base 42 side. The pair of mounting portions 48B are mounted to the base 42 by the fastening member 110 in a state of surface contact with the back surface 42B of the base 42.

[0134] The bracket 48 is provided in a plurality of positions at intervals in one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42 (see Figure 5The 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 arranged inside the lower cover 50 along one direction (arrow Z direction) of the base 42 .

[0135] (Lower cover 50)

[0136] like 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 installed 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.

[0137] The lower cover 50 has a structure that raises the position of the base 42 when the lower surface is laid flat. Since the base 42 is made of a metal block, the position of the base 42 is raised, and thereby the center of gravity of the exposure device 40 is raised.

[0138] The length of the lower cover 50 in one direction (arrow Z direction) is shorter than the length of the base 42 in one direction (arrow Z direction). In other words, when viewed from the back surface 42B side of the base 42, the area of ​​the lower cover 50 is smaller than the area of ​​the base 42. The handles 90 on both sides of the base 42 in one direction are exposed at the outer side of the lower cover 50 in one direction.

[0139] (Side cover 52)

[0140] like Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the side covers 52 are provided at both ends of 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.

[0141] 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 ).

[0142] like Figure 7As shown, a support portion 122 for supporting the side cover 52 is provided inside the side cover 52. A mounting portion 120 is provided at an 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. The support portion 122 has the following function: by contacting with the side cover 52, the side cover 52 is supported so as not to fall in the direction of the light emitting portion 44. 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.

[0143] The cleaning device 54 includes a belt-shaped cleaning portion 126 (see FIG. 1 ) for cleaning the upper surface 68A of the lens portion 68. Figure 2 ). The cleaning portion 126 is arranged in a direction intersecting the lens portion 68. The cleaning device 54 has a shaft 128, which is connected to the cleaning portion 126 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.

[0144] <Function and Effect>

[0145] Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0146] 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). The three light emitting units 44 support a plurality of light sources 64 (see Figure 6 ), the plurality of light sources 64 are arranged along one direction on a supporting body 60 extending along one direction.

[0147] In the exposure device 40, the base 42 is arranged over the entire length of the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 32. Three light emitting units 44 are arranged staggered in one direction on the front surface 42A side of the base 42, and are arranged staggered in a direction intersecting the one direction of the base 42. Moreover, any one or more of the three light emitting units 44 are opposite 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.

[0148] In the above-described exposure device 40, three light emitting units 44 are provided on the base 42. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the mass of the entire exposure device 40 becomes heavier than in the case where three light emitting units are provided on a sheet metal.

[0149] For example, in a structure where the overall mass of the exposure device is heavy, when a drive substrate is provided on the side of the light emitting portion, or wiring is led out from the side of the light emitting portion, there is a problem that the drive substrate or wiring may be damaged due to contact between a certain component and the drive substrate or wiring during operation of the exposure device, etc. Here, an example of operation includes manufacturing or maintenance.

[0150] In the exposure device 40 of the present embodiment, the drive substrate 72 is provided along one direction on the inner side portions 60A of the support bodies 60 of the three light emitting units 44 in the direction intersecting with one direction of the base 42. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, compared with the case where the substrate is provided on the outer side portions of the light emitting units in the width direction intersecting with one direction of the base, damage of the drive substrate 72 during operation is suppressed.

[0151] In the exposure device 40, the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 of the light emitting unit 44 is inclined inwardly relative to the front surface 42A of the base 42, and the drive substrate 72 is provided along the inner side portion 60A. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the drive substrate 72 is less likely to be damaged than in the case where the substrate is provided along the vertical direction on the inner side portion of the light emitting unit.

[0152] In the exposure device 40, the drive substrate 72 provided in one light emitting section 44 is provided at a position that does not overlap with other light emitting sections 44 adjacent to the one light emitting section 44 when viewed from the side. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the light emitting sections 44 are brought closer to each other in the width direction (short side direction) of the base 42, compared with a case where the substrate of one light emitting section is provided at a position that overlaps with other light emitting sections adjacent to the one light emitting section when viewed from the side.

[0153] In the exposure device 40, when viewed from above, at least three light emitting units 44 are staggered on the front side 42A of the base 42. That is, the three light emitting units 44 are staggered in one direction of the base 42 and staggered in a direction intersecting the one direction. The lengths of the drive substrates 72 respectively arranged in the three light emitting units 44 are the same, and the length of the drive substrate 72 is shorter than the length of the lower portion, which is the portion that does not overlap with the light emitting units 44 on both sides in one direction in terms of the length of the light emitting unit 44 arranged in the center in one direction. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, in the structure in which the three light emitting units are staggered on the front side of the base, the drive substrates 72 of the respective light emitting units 44 can be made common.

[0154] In the exposure device 40, the height of the drive substrate 72 is smaller than the height of the support body 60, and the center of the height direction of the drive substrate 72 is offset to one side in the height direction compared to the center of the height direction of the support body 60. Therefore, compared with the case where the width of the substrate is the same as the height of the support body in the exposure device 40, it is easier for the operator to grasp the drive substrate 72.

[0155] In the exposure device 40, the center of the drive substrate 72 in the height direction is offset to the lower side in the height direction compared to the center of the support body 60 in the height direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the substrate is arranged on the upper side in the height direction of the support body in the exposure device 40, it is easier for the operator to grasp the drive substrate 72 from the lower side.

[0156] In the exposure device 40, the drive substrate 72 is mounted on the support body 60 by the mounting fixture 70 in a state where it is not in direct contact with the inner side portion 60A of the support body 60 of the light emitting portion 44. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, compared with the case where the substrate is mounted in a state where it is in direct contact with the inner side portion of the light emitting portion, the heat transfer of the drive substrate 72 to the support body 60 is suppressed.

[0157] In the exposure device 40, the drive substrate 72 is provided with a connector 104 that is electrically connected to the flat cable 102 from the outside of the light emitting unit 44. The connecting portion of the flat cable 102 can be plugged in and out of the connector 104 in a direction intersecting the surface of the drive substrate 72. Therefore, compared with a case where the connecting portion of the wiring in the exposure device 40 can be plugged in and out of the connector along the surface of the substrate, the connecting portion of the flat cable 102 plugged in and out of the connector 104 is prevented from interfering with the components on the front side of the drive substrate 72.

[0158] In the exposure device 40, the connector 104 is provided at a position that does not overlap with other light emitting units 44 adjacent to the light emitting unit 44 provided with the connector 104 when viewed from the side in a direction intersecting the one direction. Therefore, compared with a case where the connector is provided at a position overlapping with other light emitting units adjacent to the light emitting unit in the exposure device 40, interference between the connection portion of the flat cable 102 plugged in and out of the connector 104 and other light emitting units 44 is suppressed.

[0159] In the exposure device 40, the flat cables 102 are respectively provided on the inner side portions of the plurality of light emitting units 44 in the width direction intersecting one direction of the base 42. Therefore, compared with the case where the wiring led out from the light emitting unit is provided on the outer side portions of the light emitting unit in the width direction intersecting one direction of the base in the exposure device 40, the flat cables 102 are prevented from being damaged during operation.

[0160] In the exposure device 40, the position of the lead-out flat cable 102 of one light emitting section 44 is a position that does not overlap with other light emitting sections 44 adjacent to the one light emitting section 44 when viewed from the side. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, the light emitting sections 44 are brought closer to each other in the width direction of the base 42, compared with a case where the position of the lead-out wiring of one light emitting section overlaps with other light emitting sections adjacent to the one light emitting section when viewed from the side.

[0161] In the exposure device 40, a concave grip portion 90 into which the operator's fingers can be inserted is provided on the back surface 42B side of the base 42. Therefore, the operator can hold the base 42 more easily than when the portion of the base held by the operator is flat in the exposure device 40.

[0162] In the exposure device 40, the base 42 is made of a metal block. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, in a structure where the exposure device is heavier than when the base is made of sheet metal, damage to the drive substrate 72 of the light emitting unit 44 during operation is suppressed compared to a case where the substrate is provided on the outer side of the light emitting unit in the width direction intersecting with one direction of the base.

[0163] In the exposure device 40, the support body 60 is formed of a metal block. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, in a structure where the exposure device is heavier than in a case where the support body is formed of a resin, damage to the drive substrate 72 of the light emitting unit 44 during operation is suppressed compared to a case where a substrate is provided on the outer side portion of the light emitting unit in a width direction intersecting with one direction of the base.

[0164] In the exposure device 40, the metal block is made of stainless steel or steel. Therefore, in the exposure device 40, in a structure where the metal block is heavier than the aluminum alloy, damage to the drive substrate 72 of the light emitting unit 44 during operation is suppressed compared to a case where the substrate is provided on the outer side of the light emitting unit in the width direction intersecting with one direction of the base.

[0165] 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 a substrate is provided on the outer side of the light emitting portion in the width direction intersecting one direction of the base, damage to the drive substrate 72 of the light emitting portion 44 during operation of the image forming apparatus 10 is suppressed.

[0166] 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 drive substrate 72 of the light emitting unit 44 is prevented from being damaged during the operation of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0167] [Second embodiment]

[0168] Next, the exposure device of the second embodiment is described. The basic structure of the exposure device of the second embodiment is the same as the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, when the same structural elements, components, etc. as those of the first embodiment are provided, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description is omitted, and the description will be centered on the differences.

[0169] Fig.11 FIG. 1 shows a light emitting unit 150 used in an exposure device of the second embodiment. In the exposure device of the second embodiment, the mounting position of the drive substrate 72 in the light emitting unit 150 is changed, and the other structures are the same as those of the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the light emitting unit 150 includes a support body 152 and a drive substrate 72 mounted on the inner side portion 60A of the support body 152 via a mounting fixture 70. The support body 152 is formed of a rectangular parallelepiped metal block. The inner side portion 60A of the support body 152 is opposite to the front side 42A of the base body 42 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ) tilted inwards.

[0170] The height of the drive substrate 72 is smaller than the height of the support body 152, and the center of the drive substrate 72 in the height direction is offset to one side in the height direction compared with the center of the support body 152 in the height direction. In the present embodiment, the center of the drive substrate 72 in the height direction is offset to the upper side in the height direction compared with the center of the support body 152 in the height direction.

[0171] The exposure apparatus of the second embodiment has the following operations and effects in addition to the operations and effects of the same structure as those of the exposure apparatus 40 of the first embodiment.

[0172] In the exposure device of the second embodiment, compared with the case where the substrate is arranged at the lower side in the height direction of the support, the drive substrate 72 and the base 42 (see Figure 4 ) between them.

[0173] [Third embodiment]

[0174] Fig.12A drawing device 200 including a light emitting device 202 according to a third embodiment is shown. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0175] like Fig.12 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.

[0176] The light emitting device 202 has the same structure as the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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. 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.

[0179] 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, the predetermined pattern is drawn on 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. As a light source of the drawing device 200 in this case, a laser element can be used, for example.

[0180] 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.

[0181] In the drawing device 200 having the light emitting device 202 described above, compared with a case where the light emitting unit of the light emitting device is exposed to the outside, collision with components of the light emitting unit 44 during operation of the drawing device 200 is suppressed.

[0182] According to the drawing device 200, in the structure including the cylindrical member 204, collision between the drawing device 200 and the light emitting unit 44 components during operation is suppressed.

[0183] In the drawing apparatus 200 , the light emitting device 202 may be changed to the same structure as the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment instead of the same structure as the exposure device 40 of the first embodiment, and may be changed to the same structure as the exposure device of the second embodiment.

[0184] [Supplementary explanation]

[0185] The exposure apparatus of the first and second embodiments and the light emitting apparatus of the third embodiment are configured with three light emitting units on the substrate, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, it may be configured with one light emitting unit on the substrate, two light emitting units on the substrate, or four or more light emitting units on the substrate. The positions of the plurality of light emitting units configured on the substrate can also be appropriately set.

[0186] In the exposure devices of the first to second embodiments and the light-emitting device of the third embodiment, the substrate is composed of a metal block, but the present invention is not limited to this. The material or shape of the substrate can be changed. For example, the substrate can also be composed of a resin, or it can also be composed of other metal materials such as sheet metal. The structural components of the light-emitting part or the shape of the structural components of the light-emitting part can be changed. The support body of the light-emitting part is composed of a metal block, but 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.

[0187] In the exposure apparatus of the first and second embodiments and the light emitting apparatus of the third embodiment, the shape of the drive substrate 72 and the shape of the mounting fixture 70 can be changed. The plate surface of the drive substrate may also be configured not to be opposed to the inner side portion (side surface) of the light emitting portion. For example, the plate surface of the drive substrate may also be arranged in a direction intersecting the inner side portion (side surface) of the light emitting portion.

[0188] In the exposure devices of the first and second embodiments and the light emitting device of the third embodiment, the shape of the drive substrate 72 and the shape of the mounting device 70 can be changed. The drive substrate 72 is provided on the inner side portion 60A of the support body, and the lead-out direction of the flexible cable 100 is arranged on the inner side of the support body, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, it is also possible to configure that the drive substrate is provided on the inner side portion of the support body, and the lead-out direction of the wiring is changed to a direction other than the inner side of the support body. For example, it is also possible to configure that the lead-out direction of the wiring is arranged on the inner side of the support body, and the drive substrate is changed to a position other than the inner side portion of the support body. The wiring may also be led out from the light emitting element substrate 62.

[0189] In the drawing device 200 of the third 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, 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.

[0190] In the drawing device 200 of the third embodiment, the substrate 206 is a CTP plate 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, a printed wiring board can be manufactured by directly drawing a substrate coated with a photosensitive material such as a photoresist without using a photomask. The substrate to be used can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. In the case of a flexible substrate, it can also be fixed to Fig.12 The cylindrical member 204 is rotated while being drawn in a state.

[0191] 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 into a pattern, a pattern consisting of exposed parts and unexposed parts is generated.

[0192] The above-mentioned light emitting device and drawing device can also use either a photon mode photosensitive material that directly records information by exposure or a thermal mode photosensitive material that records information using heat generated by exposure. As the light source of the drawing device 200, an LED element or a laser element can be used according to the exposure object.

[0193] Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0194] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-054930 filed on March 25, 2020.

Claims

1. A light emitting device, comprising: a base extending in one direction; a plurality of light-emitting parts arranged on the front side of the substrate in a staggered manner in a direction intersecting the one direction, the direction intersecting the one direction being an in-plane direction of the front side, the light-emitting parts respectively comprising a support extending in the one direction and a plurality of light sources arranged on the support along the one direction; and The substrate has inclined portions which are provided along the one direction on the inner side portions of the plurality of light emitting portions in a direction intersecting the one direction and are inclined inwardly relative to the front surface of the base body, and drives the light emitting portions.

2. The light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The light emitting device includes a wiring, which is provided on the inner side of the light emitting portion and is led out from the substrate.

3. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The substrate provided in one of the light emitting sections is provided at a position not overlapping with other light emitting sections adjacent to the one light emitting section when viewed from the side in a direction intersecting the one direction.

4. The light emitting device according to claim 3, wherein: When viewed from above, the three light emitting portions are arranged on the front side of the base body in a staggered manner in the one direction. The lengths of the substrates respectively arranged in the three light-emitting portions in the one direction are the same, and are shorter than the length of the lower portion in the one direction. This portion is the light-emitting portion arranged in the central portion in the one direction and does not overlap with the light-emitting portions on both sides in the one direction when viewed from the side.

5. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The height of the substrate is smaller than the height of the support body, The center of the substrate in the height direction is disposed offset to one side in the height direction from the center of the support in the height direction.

6. The light emitting device according to claim 5, wherein: The center of the substrate in the height direction is offset and arranged to be lower in the height direction than the center of the support body in the height direction.

7. The light emitting device according to claim 5, wherein: The center of the substrate in the height direction is disposed offset upward in the height direction relative to the center of the support body in the height direction.

8. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The substrate is mounted on the light emitting portion by a mounting portion in a state where the substrate does not directly contact the inner side portion of the light emitting portion.

9. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The substrate is provided with a connector electrically connected to wiring from outside the light emitting unit. The connection portion of the wiring can be inserted and removed from the connector in a direction intersecting with a surface of the substrate.

10. The light emitting device according to claim 9, wherein: The connector is provided at a position that does not overlap with other light emitting portions adjacent to the light emitting portion when viewed from the side in a direction intersecting the one direction.

11. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A concave handle portion into which a worker's finger can be inserted is provided on the back side of the base.

12. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base body is formed from a metal block.

13. The light emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support body is formed from a metal block.

14. The light emitting device according to claim 12, wherein: The metal block is made of stainless steel or steel.

15. A drawing device, comprising: The light emitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and A region where a photosensitive material is disposed moves relative to the light emitting device in a direction intersecting the one direction and is irradiated with light from the light emitting device.

16. The drawing device according to claim 15, wherein: The region is provided on the surface of a cylindrical member that rotates in the circumferential direction.

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