Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can reduce the space required to move the print head, thereby enabling miniaturization of the image forming apparatus itself. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 100 comprises an image carrier (1), a print head 3, a detachable member (70), and a moving device 300. The moving device 300 comprises a lifting mechanism 200 that moves the print head 3 up and down in a vertical direction K along the optical axis direction N of the light-emitting elements 31 to 31, and a lifting member 218 that is movable in the moving direction H. The lifting mechanism 200 lowers the print head 3 by moving the lifting member 218 to one side H1 when the detachable member (70) is detached from the image forming apparatus body 101, and raises the print head 3 by moving the lifting member 218 to the other side H2 when the detachable member (70) is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus body 101.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to image forming apparatuses such as copiers, multifunction peripherals, printers, and facsimile machines. [Background Art]

[0002] As an image forming apparatus, there is known an apparatus which enables easy cleaning of a surface of a lens array by comprising: an elongated print head including a substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a line and a lens array that condenses light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements onto an image carrier (e.g., a photosensitive drum); an attachment / detachment member (e.g., a cartridge) that is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus main body; and a moving device that moves the print head relative to the image carrier in conjunction with attachment / detachment of the attachment / detachment member to / from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus including an optical print head (print head) that is rotatably movable between an exposure position, which is a position where a lens (lens array) faces a photosensitive drum (image carrier) for exposing the photosensitive drum, and a movement position that is moved above the exposure position in the vertical direction, wherein the optical print head moves between the exposure position and the movement position in conjunction with attachment / detachment of a cartridge (attachment / detachment member) to / from a housing, and the optical print head is located at the movement position when the cartridge is detached from the housing. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-86146 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] In conventional image forming apparatuses, the print head is rotated to move it, which increases the space required to move the print head, and consequently, the overall size of the image forming apparatus increases.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the space required to move the print head, thereby enabling miniaturization of the image forming apparatus body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus comprising: an image carrier; a long print head having a substrate having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line and a lens array for focusing light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements onto the image carrier; a detachable member that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus; and a moving device that moves the print head relative to the image carrier in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the detachable member to and from the main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein the moving device comprises a lifting mechanism that moves the print head up and down in a vertical direction along the optical axis direction of the light-emitting elements, and a lifting member that can move in a predetermined movement direction perpendicular to the lifting direction, wherein the lifting mechanism lowers the print head by moving the lifting member to one side in the movement direction when the detachable member is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and raises the print head by moving the lifting member to the other side in the movement direction when the detachable member is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the space required to move the print head can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the image forming apparatus itself. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from the upper right, showing an example of a print head in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, mounted on the main frame. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view from the upper right, showing the print head supported on the mounting structure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the print head from the upper left side. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a print head. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the photoconductor unit, print head, and mounting system, seen from the upper left. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view from diagonally above of one side of the movable device portion of the erection section where the print head is installed. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the print head and mounting section, viewed from an oblique angle above. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the print head and mounting section, viewed from a diagonal downward angle. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view from diagonally above of the other side of the movable device portion of the erection section where the print head is installed. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the print head and mounting section, viewed from an oblique angle above. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the print head and mounting section, viewed from a diagonal downward angle. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus with the outer cover member on the right side removed, viewed from the upper rear right side. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of an integrated cartridge, which includes a toner container and a waste toner container, viewed from the upper left rear. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the right end portion of the moving device in the main body of the image forming apparatus, viewed from diagonally above and behind. [Figure 16]It is a perspective view of the left end portion of the moving device in the image forming apparatus main body, viewed obliquely from the front upper side. [Figure 17] It is an exploded perspective view of the left end portion of the moving device in the image forming apparatus main body, viewed obliquely from the front upper side. [Figure 18] It is an exploded perspective view of the left end portion of the moving device in the image forming apparatus main body, viewed obliquely from the rear upper side. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view showing the print head and the moving device portion in the image forming apparatus main body according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view of another example of the cleaning member and the print head, viewed obliquely from the upper left side. [Figure 21] It is a side view of another example of the cleaning member and the print head shown in FIG. 20. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] (Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Note that In the following description, the left-right direction is defined as the X direction along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1, the right side as the X1 direction, the left side as the X2 direction, the front-rear direction as the Y direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1, the front side as the Y1 direction, the rear side as the Y2 direction, and the up-down direction as the Z direction.

[0012] The image data handled by the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to either a color image using black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), or a monochrome image using a single color (e.g., black). For this reason, four photoreceptor drums 1 (an example of an image carrier), chargers 2, print heads 3, developing units 4, primary transfer units 5, and drum cleaning units 6 are provided to form four types of toner images corresponding to each color, and these are associated with black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, forming four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may also be a monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0013] At each image station Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, the chargers 2-2 uniformly charge the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drums 1-1, which are rotated in a predetermined rotation direction R, to a predetermined potential. The print heads 3-3 expose the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drums 1-1, forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drums 1-1. The developing device 4 develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drums 1-1, forming a toner image on the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drums 1-1. As a result, toner images of each color are formed on the surface 1a of each photoreceptor drum 1-1. The drum cleaning devices 6-6 remove and recover residual toner from the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drums 1-1. The primary transfer devices 5-5 sequentially transfer the toner images of each color on the surface 1a of each photoreceptor drum 1-1 onto an intermediate transfer belt 23 that moves circulating by the drive rollers 21 and driven rollers 22 of the belt drive device 20, forming a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 23. The belt cleaning device 7 removes and recovers residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 23.

[0014] A transfer nip section TN is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 23 and the transfer roller 81 of the secondary transfer device 8. The transfer roller 81 of the secondary transfer device 8 traps the sheet P, such as recording paper, which has been transported through the sheet transport path 11, in the transfer nip section TN and transports it together with the intermediate transfer belt 23, while transferring the color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 23 onto the sheet P. The fixing device 9 traps the sheet P between a fixing member (fixing belt 91 in this example) and a pressurizing member (pressure roller 92 in this example), heats and pressurizes it, and fixes the color toner image on the sheet P.

[0015] The sheet P is pulled out from the paper feed cassette 13 by the pickup roller 12, transported through the sheet transport path 11, passes through the secondary transfer device 8 and the fixing device 9, and is delivered to the discharge tray 15 via the discharge roller 14. The sheet transport path 11 is equipped with a registration roller 16 and the like. The registration roller 16 temporarily stops the sheet P, aligns the leading edge of the sheet P, and then starts transporting the sheet P in accordance with the timing of toner image transfer at the transfer nip section TN between the intermediate transfer belt 23 and the transfer roller 81.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the right side X1, showing an example of print heads 3-3 in the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, mounted on the main frame FL (FL1-FL3). Figure 3 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the right side X1, showing the print head 3 shown in Figure 2 supported on the mounting section 210. Figure 4 is a perspective view taken from diagonally above the left side X2, showing the print head 3. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the print head 3.

[0017] In the following description, the multiple light-emitting elements 31-31 in the print heads 3-3 (see Figure 5) will be described as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs; hereinafter simply referred to as OLEDs). However, the light-emitting elements 31-31 are not limited to OLEDs and may also be inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light-emitting elements such as nano-light-emitting diodes (nano-scale light-emitting diodes), which are smaller than a micrometer.

[0018] Since each print head 3-3 etc. has the same configuration, they will be shown in a single diagram from Figure 3 onward, and in the following explanation, each print head 3-3 etc. will simply be referred to as print head 3 etc.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment comprises a photoreceptor drum 1 and a long print head 3. The print head 3 comprises a light-emitting element panel 311 (an example of a substrate) and a lens array 32. The light-emitting element panel 311 extends in the longitudinal direction L and has a plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31. The light-emitting elements 31-31 emit light to expose the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drum 1. The light-emitting elements 31-31 are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction L of the print head 3 and are arranged in a line. In this example, the light-emitting element panel 311 is a film-like panel (flexible OLED panel) (light-emitting element panel) on which OLED elements (31-31) are mounted. This makes it possible to miniaturize and reduce the cost of the print head 3.

[0020] The lens array 32 extends in the longitudinal direction L and focuses the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 31-31 onto the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drum 1. The lens array 32 is positioned opposite the light-emitting elements 31-31.

[0021] A print head 3 is installed on the mounting section 210. The mounting section 210 is mounted between the main frame FLs of the image forming apparatus main body 101 (see Figure 1) (in this example, between the main frame FL1 on the right side X1 and the main frame FL2 on the left side X2).

[0022] In this example, the main frame FL3 is installed between the main frames FL1 and FL2, oriented in a direction perpendicular to the vertical Z direction. The installation section 210 is placed on the main frame FL3.

[0023] <Printhead> As shown in Figure 5, the print head 3 further comprises a drive member 312, a lens holding member 313, a panel holding member 314 (base member), and a main body member 315. The panel holding member 314 and the main body member 315 constitute a support member 316. The drive member 312 drives the light-emitting elements 31-31. The lens holding member 313 holds the lens array 32. The panel holding member 314 is made of a rigid material and fixes the lens holding member 313 while the light-emitting element panel 311 is fixed. The main body member 315 holds the drive member 312, the lens holding member 313, and the panel holding member 314. The lens holding member 313 and the panel holding member 314 extend in the longitudinal direction L.

[0024] In this example, the drive member 312 includes a flexible circuit board 312a (connection cable member), a printed wiring board 312b (PWB: Printed Wiring Board) (connection board), a drive circuit element 312c, and a protective member 312d. One end of the connection cable member (312a) is connected to one end of the light-emitting element panel 311, and the other end is connected to one end of the printed wiring board 312b. The connection cable member (312a) is a flexible circuit board (COF: Chip on Film) on which a drive circuit element 312c (driver IC) that drives the OLED elements (31~31) on the light-emitting element panel 311 is mounted on a film. The printed wiring board 312b connected to the connection cable member (312a) has an input terminal 312b1 (connector terminal) and is connected to connector CN via the input terminal 312b1. The protective member 312d protects the exposed portions of the light-emitting element panel 311 and the connection cable member (312a). Connector CN is connected to an image processing device (not shown) provided on the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus. The light-emitting elements 31-31 are provided on the inside of the light-emitting element panel 311 so as not to protrude from the outer surface (for example, by deposition).

[0025] The panel holding member 314 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The surface 314a of the panel holding member 314 on the side of the photoreceptor drum 1 (one side N1) in the optical axis direction N is bonded to the back surface of the light-emitting element panel 311, which is provided with light-emitting elements 31-31, on the side opposite to the light-emitting elements 31-31, by an adhesive member E (for example, double-sided adhesive tape) (see Figure 5).

[0026] (Regarding this embodiment) Next, an example of the detachable member (70) and an example of the moving device 300 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 19.

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the photoreceptor unit 400, print head 3, and mounting section 210 from above on the left side X2. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the moving device 300 on one side L1 of the mounting section 210 on which the print head 3 is installed, viewed from diagonally above. Figures 8 and 9 are exploded perspective views of the print head 3 and mounting section 210 shown in Figure 7, viewed from diagonally above and diagonally below, respectively.

[0028] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the moving device 300 on the other side L2 of the mounting section 210 where the print head 3 is installed, viewed from diagonally above. Figures 11 and 12 are exploded perspective views of the print head 3 and mounting section 210 shown in Figure 10, viewed from diagonally above and diagonally below, respectively.

[0029] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 with the exterior cover member on the right side X1 removed, viewed from diagonally rear and above the right side X1. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the integrated cartridge 70-70, which includes toner containers 71-71 and a waste toner container 72, viewed from diagonally rear and above the left side X2. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the end portion of the right side X1 of the moving device 300 in the main body of the image forming apparatus 101, viewed from diagonally rear and above.

[0030] Figures 16 and 17 are perspective and exploded perspective views, respectively, of the left X2 end portion of the moving device 300 in the image forming apparatus body 101, viewed from an oblique front-upward angle. Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the left X2 end portion of the moving device 300 in the image forming apparatus body 101, viewed from an oblique rear-upward angle. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the print head 3 and moving device 300 portion of the image forming apparatus body 101 according to this embodiment.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment further includes a detachable member (70) that can be attached to and detached from the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus, and a moving device 300.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a toner container 71 (toner cartridge) (see Figures 13 and 14) and a waste toner container 72 (see Figures 13 and 14). The toner container 71 contains toner. The waste toner container 72 contains waste toner. In this example, the toner container 71 and the waste toner container 72 are integrally formed to constitute an integrated cartridge 70 (an example of a detachable member). The integrated cartridge 70 is attached to the image forming apparatus body 101 from either the left or right direction X (in this example, the left X2 direction). More specifically, the integrated cartridge 70 is located on one side of the image forming apparatus body 101 in the left or right direction X (in this example, the right X1). Specifically, the integrated cartridge 70 is removed from the image forming apparatus body 101 on one side (X1) in the left-right direction X, and then mounted from one side (X1) to the other side (X2) in the left-right direction X, and attached to the right side of the image forming apparatus body 101.

[0033] The integrated cartridge 70 has two containers arranged vertically within a single container, separated by a partition wall 70b (see Figure 13). The toner container 71 is the upper container, and the waste toner container 72 is the lower container.

[0034] The moving device 300 moves the print head 3 relative to the photoreceptor drum 1 in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the attachment / detachment member (70) to the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus. The moving device 300 includes a lifting mechanism 200 and a lifting member 218. The lifting mechanism 200 moves the print head 3 up and down in a lifting direction K along the optical axis direction N of the light-emitting elements 31 to 31. The lifting member 218 is configured to be movable in a predetermined movement direction H perpendicular to the lifting direction K.

[0035] The lifting mechanism 200 lowers the print head 3 by moving the lifting member 218 to one side H1 in the direction of movement H when the detachable member (70) is detached from the image forming apparatus body 101, and raises the print head 3 by moving the lifting member 218 to the other side H2 in the direction of movement H when the detachable member (70) is attached to the image forming apparatus body 101.

[0036] More specifically, the lifting mechanism 200 positions the print head 3 relative to the photoreceptor drum 1 so as to maintain a constant distance (focal length) between the print head 3 and the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0037] The lifting mechanism 200 comprises a positioning section 301 (301a, 301b) and a positioned section 302 (302a, 302b). The positioning section 301 (301a, 301b) is provided on the print head 3 and determines the position of the print head 3 relative to the photoreceptor drum 1. The positioning section 301 (301a, 301b) is provided on the lens holding member 313. The positioned section 302 (302a, 302b) is provided on the main body side member, which is a member on the image forming apparatus main body 101 side [in this example, the housing 401 of the photoreceptor drum 1 (see Figure 6)], and is in contact with the positioning section 301 (301a, 301b).

[0038] The moving device 300 further includes biasing members 216 (216a, 216b) (see Figures 7 to 12) that bias the print head 3 toward the main body side member (in this example, the housing 401 of the photoreceptor drum 1) via the positioning parts 301 (301a, 301b). The positioned parts 302 (302a, 302b) are biased by the biasing members 216 (216a, 216b) and come into contact with the positioning parts 301 (301a, 301b). Here, the multiple holding parts 315a, 315a (see Figures 4 and 10) of the lens holding member 313, which is provided with the positioning parts 301 (301a, 301b), have the effect of restricting excessive movement toward the main body side member (401) by the biasing members 216 (216a, 216b) of the panel holding member 314.

[0039] In this configuration, the biasing members 216 (216a, 216b) ensure that the positioning part 301 (301a, 301b) is reliably brought into contact with the positioned part 302 (302a, 302b), thereby stably maintaining the distance between the print head 3 and the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0040] In this example, the positioning section 301 is a pair of positioning sections 301a and 301b, respectively, provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction L of the print head 3. The positioned section 302 is a pair of positioned sections 302a and 302b, corresponding to the pair of positioning sections 301a and 301b. The pair of positioning sections 301a and 301b are provided on both ends (outside the lens array 32) in the longitudinal direction L of the surface 313a of the lens holding member 313 on the lens array 32 side. The biasing member 216 is a pair of biasing members 216a and 216b.

[0041] The lifting mechanism 200 further comprises a pair of holding parts 217a and 217b. The pair of holding parts 217a and 217b are provided to be movable in the optical axis direction N at both ends (outside the print head 3) in the longitudinal direction L of the mounting body 211. The print head 3 is provided to be movable in the optical axis direction N relative to the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b. The print head 3 is biased toward the photoreceptor drum 1 by a pair of biasing members 216a and 216b, which are positioned between the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b, while its movement toward one side N1 in the optical axis direction N is restricted by the restricting parts 217a1 and 217b1.

[0042] More specifically, insertion projections (217c, 217d), (217c, 217d) are erected on the surface 217g of the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b on the mounting part 210 side. The insertion projections (217c, 217d), (217c, 217d) extend toward the print head 3 side (one side N1) in the optical axis direction N. On the back surface 314b of the panel holding member 314, insertion recesses (314d, 314e), (314d, 314e) (see Figures 9 and 12) are provided through which the insertion projections (217c, 217d), (217c, 217d) are inserted, respectively. This allows the print head 3 to be restricted in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction M relative to the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b, while allowing the print head 3 to move freely in the optical axis direction N relative to the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b. The pair of biasing members 216a and 216b are coil springs and are inserted into the insertion protrusions 217c, 217c on one side M1 between the panel holding member 314 and the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b. This allows the print head 3 to be biased toward the photoreceptor drum 1 relative to the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b.

[0043] Furthermore, the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b are provided with restricting parts 217a1 and 217b1. The pair of holding parts 217a and 217b and the restricting parts 217a1 and 217b1 are integrally formed. The restricting parts 217a1 and 217b1 detachably restrict the movement of the panel holding member 314 in the optical axis direction N of the print head 3 to one side N1. The restricting parts 217a1 and 217b1 have locking parts 217a11 and 217b11 that engage with the surface 314a of the panel holding member 314.

[0044] On the surface 211f of the mounting section body 211 on the print head 3 side, insertion protrusions (211g,211g), (211g,211g) are erected at both ends in the longitudinal direction L. The insertion protrusions (211g,211g), (211g,211g) extend toward one side N1 in the optical axis direction N. On the back surface 217e of the pair of holding sections 217a,217b on the mounting section 210 side, insertion recesses (217f,217f), (217f,217f) (see Figures 9 and 12) are provided through which the insertion protrusions (211g,211g), (211g,211g) are inserted, respectively. This allows the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b to be restricted in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction M relative to the erection unit body 211, while allowing the pair of holding parts 217a and 217b to be movable on one side N1 and the other side N2 in the optical axis direction N relative to the erection unit body 211.

[0045] The lifting member 218 is movable relative to the main body of the erection section 211 in the direction of movement H (longitudinal direction L), and movement in the direction of movement H causes a pair of holding parts 217a and 217b to be raised and lowered relative to the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0046] The lifting member 218 extends in the direction of movement H and is provided between a pair of holding parts 217a, 217b and the surface 211f of the erection part body 211. The lifting member 218 is provided with a plurality (two) inclined surfaces 218a, 218a (see Figures 8 to 11) and a top surface 218b, 218b (see Figures 8 to 11). The inclined surfaces 218a, 218a slide with the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b as the lifting member 218 moves toward either one side H1 and the other side H2 in the direction of movement H, and inclined to move the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b toward the side away from and toward the photoreceptor drum 1, respectively. The pair of holding parts 217a, 217b are also provided with inclined surfaces 217h, 217h (see Figures 11 and 12). The inclined surfaces 217h, 217h are provided at locations on the lifting member 218 of the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b that correspond to the inclined surfaces 218a, 218a, and are inclined along the inclined surfaces 218a, 218a.

[0047] In this example, the moving device 300 further includes a biasing member 219 (a coil spring in this example) that biases the lifting member 218 toward the detachable member (70) (see Figures 11, 12, 16 to 18).

[0048] The biasing member 219 is provided between the lifting member 218 and the fixing part 102 (see Figures 16 to 19) fixed to the main frame FL3, so as to bias the lifting member 218 toward the detachable member (70).

[0049] In the moving device 300 described above, when the detachable member (70) is attached to the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus, the detachable member (70) is in contact with the lifting member 218, and the print head 3 is in a close position close to the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0050] More specifically, the top surfaces 218b, 218b of the lifting member 218 contact the back surface 217e of the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b, thereby supporting the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b. This allows the print head 3 to approach the photoreceptor drum 1 at a predetermined distance, enabling it to be in an image-forming state.

[0051] In this state, when the operator detaches the detachable member (70) from the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus and the contact between the detachable member (70) and the lifting member 218 is released, the lifting member 218 moves to the detachment position on the other side H2 in the direction of movement H. At this time, the lens array 32 of the print head 3 separates from the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0052] More specifically, when the operator detaches the attachment / detachment member (70) and releases contact between the attachment / detachment member (70) and the lifting / lowering member 218, the biasing force of the biasing member 219 causes the lifting / lowering member 218 to move from the proximity position to one side H1 in the direction of movement H. As a result, the top surfaces 218b, 218b of the lifting / lowering member 218 separate from the back surfaces 217e of the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b, and the inclined surfaces 218a, 218a slide against the inclined surfaces 217h, 217h of the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b. At this time, the biasing force applied by the biasing members 216a, 216b to the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b is released, and the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b move away from (descend) the photoreceptor drum 1. As the lifting member 218 moves further to one side H1 in the direction of movement H, the lifting member 218 reaches the separated position, and the lens array 32 of the print head 3 separates from the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drum 1. This allows the operator to reliably clean the surface 32a of the lens array 32.

[0053] On the other hand, when the operator attaches the detachable member (70) to the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus and the detachable member (70) comes into contact with the lifting member 218, the lifting member 218 moves to a proximity position on the other side H2 in the direction of movement H. At this time, the lens array 32 of the print head 3 comes into close proximity to the surface 1a of the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0054] More specifically, when the attachment member (70) is attached by the operator, and the attachment member (70) comes into contact with the lifting member 218, the lifting member 218 moves from the separated position to the other side H2 in the direction of movement H, against the biasing force of the biasing member 219. As a result, the inclined surfaces 218a, 218a of the lifting member 218 slide against the inclined surfaces 217h, 217h of the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b. At this time, a biasing force is applied to the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b by the biasing members 216a, 216b, causing the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b to move closer to (rise) the photoreceptor drum 1. As the lifting member 218 moves further toward the other side H2 in the direction of movement H, the top surfaces 218b, 218b come into contact with the back surfaces 217e of the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b, placing the pair of holding parts 217a, 217b on them, and the lifting member 218 reaches the proximity position. As a result, the print head 3 approaches the photoreceptor drum 1 at a predetermined distance, enabling it to enter an image-forming state.

[0055] Thus, according to this embodiment, when moving the print head 3, the lifting member 218 is moved in a predetermined movement direction H that is perpendicular to the lifting direction K, so that the space required to move the print head 3 can be reduced, and thereby the image forming apparatus body 101 can be made smaller.

[0056] Moreover, while the structure for moving the print head becomes complex when the print head is rotated as in conventional technology, in this embodiment, the lifting member 218 is moved in the movement direction H, thus simplifying the structure for moving the print head 3.

[0057] (First Embodiment) In this embodiment, the detachable member (70) has a projection 70a (see Figure 14) that presses the lifting member 218 toward the other side H2 in the direction of movement H when attached to the image forming apparatus body 101. Specifically, the projection 70a protrudes toward the lifting member 218 from the surface of the detachable member body 701 that faces the lifting member 218. When the projection 70a is detached from the image forming apparatus body 101, it releases the pressure on the lifting member 218 toward the other side H2 in the direction of movement H.

[0058] In this configuration, the projection 70a on the detachable member (70) ensures that the lifting member 218 can be reliably moved to the other side H2 in the direction of movement H.

[0059] (Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, the inclined surface 218a of the lifting member 218 is movable in a movement direction H along the rotation axis direction (X) of the photoreceptor drum 1, and is inclined such that the height in the optical axis direction N decreases from one side H1 to the other side H2 in the movement direction H.

[0060] In this configuration, the inclined surface 218a of the lifting member 218 can be used to reliably raise and lower the print head 3.

[0061] (Third embodiment) Figure 20 is a perspective view of another example of the cleaning member 500 and print head 3, viewed from diagonally above the left side X2. Figure 21 is a side view of another example of the cleaning member 500 and print head 3 shown in Figure 20.

[0062] However, even if the photoreceptor drum 1 and the lens array 32 are separated, it is difficult for the operator to easily clean the surface 32a of the lens array 32.

[0063] In this regard, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment further includes a cleaning member 500 (cleaning rod) having a cleaning tool 511 (for example, a cleaning sheet such as nonwoven fabric) for cleaning the lens array 32. The cleaning member 500 is movable in a movement direction H along the rotation axis direction (X) of the photoreceptor drum 1.

[0064] The cleaning member 500 cleans the surface 32a of the lens array 32 by moving in the direction H while the cleaning tool 511 is in contact with the surface 32a of the lens array 32.

[0065] In this configuration, when the photoreceptor drum 1 and the lens array 32 are separated, the cleaning tool 511 of the cleaning member 500 can reliably clean the surface 32a of the lens array 32.

[0066] More specifically, the cleaning member 500 has a main body 510, an engaging portion 501, a connecting portion 520, and a handle portion 530. The main body 510 faces the surface 32a of the lens array 32. A cleaning tool 511 is provided on the lens array 32 side of the main body 510. The engaging portion 501 engages with the lens holding member 313 so as to be movable in the direction of movement H. The connecting portion 520 connects the main body 510 and the engaging portion 501. The handle portion 530 is grasped by the operator and moves the main body 510 together with the engaging portion 501 and the connecting portion 520 by the operator's movement operation in the direction of movement H. The handle portion 530 is connected to one end H1 of the main body 510 in the direction of movement H and extends in the direction of movement H.

[0067] More specifically, the engaging portion 501 is a pair of engaging portions 501, 501 facing the wall surfaces 313b, 313b on both sides (one side M1 and the other side M2) in the width direction M that is perpendicular to both the optical axis direction N and the movement direction H of the lens holding member 313. The connecting portion 520 is a pair of connecting portions 520, 520 that extend from both ends of the main body portion 510 in the width direction M toward the lens holding member 313, with a pair of engaging portions 501, 501 connected to their tips.

[0068] On the side walls 313b, 313b of the lens holding member 313 in the width direction M, a pair of guide portions (3131, 3131), (3131, 3131) extending in the direction of movement H are provided projecting at a predetermined interval in the optical axis direction N. The pair of engaging portions 501, 501 are sandwiched between the pair of guide portions (3131, 3131), (3131, 3131).

[0069] As described above, when the operator grasps the handle portion 530 of the cleaning member 500 and moves the main body portion 510 in the direction of movement H, the cleaning tool 511 of the main body portion 510 comes into contact with the surface 32a of the lens array 32, and the engaging portion 501 of the connecting portion 520 slides while engaging with the lens holding member 313. This ensures that the cleaning tool 511 of the cleaning member 500 reliably cleans the surface 32a of the lens array 32.

[0070] (Fourth Embodiment) In this embodiment, the detachable member (70) is a toner container 71 for storing toner and / or a waste toner container 72 for storing waste toner.

[0071] In this configuration, the surface 32a of the lens array 32 can be cleaned when attaching (especially replacing) the toner container 71 and / or waste toner container 72 (in this example, the integrated cartridge 70) to and from the image forming apparatus body 101.

[0072] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in a variety of other ways. Therefore, these embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be constrained. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Furthermore, any variations or modifications falling within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Photosensitive drum (an example of an image carrier) 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Image forming apparatus main unit 102 Fixed part 200 Lifting mechanism 210 Erection section 211 Main body of the erection section 211f surface 216 Biasing member 217a Holding part 217a1 Regulatory Department 217b Holding part 217b1 Regulatory Department 217c Through projection 217e back side 217g surface 217h Slope 218 Lifting Member 218a Slope 218b Top surface 219 Biasing member 3 Printheads 300 Mobile devices 301 Positioning section 302 Positioning part 31 Light-emitting element 311 Light-emitting element panel (example of a substrate) 313 Lens holding member 3131 Information Department 314 Panel holding member 315 Main body components 316 Support member 32 lens array 32a surface 500 Cleaning parts 501 Engagement part 510 Main Unit 511 Cleaning Tools 520 Connection part 70. Integrated cartridge (an example of a detachable component) 701 Detachable component body 70a protrusion 70b Bulkhead 71 Toner container 72 Waste toner container FL main frame H Moving direction K Up / Down Direction L Longitudinal direction M direction N optical axis direction X Left and right directions Y forward and backward direction Z (Up / Down Direction)

Claims

1. Image carrier and, A long print head comprising a substrate having multiple light-emitting elements arranged in a line, and a lens array that focuses the light emitted by the multiple light-emitting elements onto the image carrier, A detachable member that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, A moving device that moves the print head relative to the image carrier in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the detachable member to the main body of the image forming apparatus, An image forming apparatus comprising, The moving device comprises a lifting mechanism for moving the print head up and down in a vertical direction along the optical axis of the light-emitting element, and a lifting member that is movable in a predetermined movement direction perpendicular to the lifting direction, wherein the lifting mechanism lowers the print head by moving the lifting member to one side in the movement direction when the detachable member is detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and raises the print head by moving the lifting member to the other side in the movement direction when the detachable member is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the detachable member has a projection that presses the lifting member toward the other side in the direction of movement when it is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the lifting member is movable in the direction of movement along the rotation axis direction of the image carrier and has an inclined surface that is inclined such that the height in the optical axis direction decreases as you move from one side to the other in the direction of movement.

4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The cleaning member further comprises a cleaning tool for cleaning the lens array, The cleaning member is movable in the direction of movement along the rotation axis of the image carrier, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the cleaning member cleans the surface of the lens array by moving in the direction of movement while the cleaning tool is in contact with the surface of the lens array.

5. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the detachable member is a toner container for storing toner and / or a waste toner container for storing waste toner.

Images