Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To obtain an image forming apparatus that facilitates attachment and detachment operations of image forming units compared with a configuration in which the attachment and detachment directions of light emitting units are the same in all image forming units.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a first image forming unit that has a rotating first image holding body, and a first light emitting unit having a plurality of first light emitting devices provided on a first substrate extending in an axial direction of the first image holding body and irradiating an outer peripheral surface of the first image holding body with light; and a second image forming unit that has a rotating second image holding body, and a second light emitting unit having a plurality of second light emitting devices provided on a second substrate extending in an axial direction of the second image holding body and irradiating an outer peripheral surface of the second image holding body with light. The attachment and detachment directions of the first light emitting unit in the first image forming unit are different from the attachment and detachment directions of the second light emitting unit in the second image forming unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 includes a device housing having an opening / closing door that opens and closes between a closed position and an open position, and an image holding member that holds an image. From a direction intersecting the axial direction of the image holding member, the opening of the opening / closing door is provided. A mounting body that is detachably mounted in the device housing, an image writing tool that is provided facing the image holding member and writes an image to the image holding member, and the image writing tool is moved in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening / closing door. When the opening / closing door is closed, it is guided to a writing position, and when the opening / closing door is opened, it is guided to a retracted position retracted from the attachment / detachment space portion of the mounting body. The guiding mechanism includes a first guiding mechanism that guides the image writing tool along a first guiding portion provided on the mounting body while the opening / closing door reaches an intermediate position located between the closed position and the open position, and a second guiding mechanism that guides the image writing tool along a second guiding portion provided on the device housing while the opening / closing door reaches the open position from the intermediate position. An image forming apparatus is disclosed that has a second guiding mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus in which the attachment / detachment operation of the image forming unit is easier compared to a configuration in which the attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit is the same in all image forming units.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The image forming apparatus according to the first aspect includes a first image holding member that rotates, and a first light emitting unit provided with a plurality of first light emitting elements that irradiate light onto the outer peripheral surface of the first image holding member on a first base body extending in the axial direction of the first image holding member, and a first image forming unit having the same; a second image holding member that rotates, and a second light emitting unit provided with a plurality of second light emitting elements that irradiate light onto the outer peripheral surface of the second image holding member on a second base body extending in the axial direction of the second image holding member, and a second image forming unit having the same, wherein a detachment direction of the first light emitting unit in the first image forming unit is different from a detachment direction of the second light emitting unit in the second image forming unit.

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first light emitting unit is detached from the first image forming unit by moving in a first direction away from the first image holding member, and the second light emitting unit is detached from the second image forming unit by moving in a second direction away from the second image holding member and moving in a direction intersecting the second direction at a predetermined position in the second direction.

[0007] The image forming apparatus according to the third aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the first direction is a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the first light emitting unit, and the second direction is a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the second light emitting unit.

[0008] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein, when viewed from the axial direction of the second image holding member, the second light emitting unit is detached from the second image forming unit by moving in a direction intersecting the second direction at a predetermined position in the second direction.

[0009] The image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect has a transfer member onto which images are transferred from the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit in any one of the first to fourth aspects. Either a plurality of the first image forming units or a plurality of the second image forming units are arranged above the transfer member, and the other of the plurality of the first image forming units and the plurality of the second image forming units are arranged below the transfer member. The first light emitting unit is detached from the first image forming unit by moving in the direction of gravity, and the second light emitting unit is detached from the second image forming unit by moving in the direction of gravity.

[0010] The image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect that cites the second aspect. A plurality of the first image forming units are arranged above the transfer member, and a plurality of the second image forming units are arranged below the transfer member. The first direction is the upper side in the direction of gravity, and the second direction is the lower side in the direction of gravity.

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect. The transfer member has a horizontal portion extending in the horizontal direction and an inclined portion extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction. A plurality of the first image forming units are arranged at intervals along the horizontal portion, and a plurality of the second image forming units are arranged at intervals along the inclined portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, compared with a configuration in which the attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit is the same in all the image forming units, the attachment / detachment operation of the image forming unit becomes easier.

[0013] According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the attachment / detachment operation of the light emitting unit with respect to the image forming unit becomes easier regardless of the installation location of the apparatus.

[0014] According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, compared with the configuration in which the first direction intersects the light irradiation direction of the first light emitting unit and the second direction intersects the light irradiation direction of the second light emitting unit, even if the space is small, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit can be easily detached from the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit.

[0015] According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, compared with the configuration in which the second light emitting unit is detached from the second image forming unit by moving the second light emitting unit in the axial direction of the image holding member at a predetermined position in the second direction, even if the space is small, the second light emitting unit can be easily detached from the second image forming unit.

[0016] According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, compared with the configuration in which the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are detached by moving them in the horizontal direction, the attachment / detachment space of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit can be reduced.

[0017] According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, compared with the configuration in which a plurality of first image forming units are arranged below the transfer member, the attachment / detachment space of the image forming unit below the transfer member can be reduced.

[0018] According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, compared with the configuration in which a plurality of first image forming units are arranged on the inclined portion of the transfer member, the second light emitting unit can be easily attached to and detached from the second image forming unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 5

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described.

[0021] 〔First Embodiment〕 <Image forming apparatus 10> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 including an exposure apparatus 40 according to the first embodiment. First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. Next, the exposure apparatus 40 used in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. The image forming apparatus 10 is, as an example, an image forming apparatus that forms an image in a plurality of colors, for example, a full-color printer for commercial printing that particularly requires high image quality.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 10 is a wide-format image forming apparatus corresponding to a width exceeding the width of the recording medium P during B3 vertical feeding (i.e., a width exceeding 364 mm). As an example, it corresponds to a recording medium P with a size of 420 mm or more for A2 vertical feeding and 1456 mm or less for B0 horizontal feeding. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to 728 mm for B2 horizontal feeding.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that forms a toner image (an example of an image) on the recording medium P. The toner is an example of powder. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 14 and a fixing device 16. Hereinafter, each part (image forming unit 14 and fixing device 16) of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0024] (Image forming unit 14) The image forming unit 14 has a function of forming a toner image on the recording medium P. Specifically, the image forming unit 14 includes a toner image forming unit 22 and a transfer device 17.

[0025] <Toner image forming unit 22> The toner image forming unit 22 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of units configured to form toner images for each color. In the present embodiment, a total of four toner image forming units 22 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are provided. (Y), (M), (C), and (K) shown in FIG. 1 indicate components corresponding to the respective colors.

[0026] Since the toner image forming units 22 for each color have the same configuration except for the toner used, reference numerals are assigned to each part of the toner image forming unit 22 (K) in FIG. 1 to represent the toner image forming units 22 for each color.

[0027] Each color toner image forming unit 22 specifically has a photosensitive drum 32 that rotates in one direction (for example, the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1). Here, the photosensitive drum 32 is an example of an image holding member. Further, each color toner image forming unit 22 includes a charger 23, an exposure device 40, and a developing device 38.

[0028] In each color toner image forming unit 22, the charger 23 charges the photosensitive drum 32. Further, 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. Also, 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.

[0029] The photosensitive drum 32 rotates while holding the electrostatic latent image formed as described above on its outer periphery, and the electrostatic latent image is conveyed to the developing device 38. The specific configuration of the exposure device 40 will be described later.

[0030] -Transfer device 17- The transfer device 17 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that transfers the toner image formed by the toner image forming unit 22 to the recording medium P. Specifically, the transfer device 17 superposes the toner image of each color photosensitive drum 32 on the transfer belt 24 as an intermediate transfer member for primary transfer, and secondarily transfers the superposed toner image to the recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the transfer device 17 includes a transfer belt 24, a primary transfer roll 26, and a secondary transfer roll 28.

[0031] The primary transfer roll 26 is a roll that transfers the toner image of each color photosensitive drum 32 to the transfer belt 24 at the primary transfer position T1 between the photosensitive drum 32 and the primary transfer roll 26. In the present embodiment, a primary transfer electric field is applied between the primary transfer roll 26 and the photosensitive drum 32, so that the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to the transfer belt 24 at the primary transfer position T1.

[0032] The transfer belt 24 has toner images transferred from the photoreceptor drums 32 of respective colors to its outer peripheral surface. Specifically, the transfer belt 24 is configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer belt 24 is annular and is wound around a plurality of rolls 39 to determine its posture.

[0033] For example, among the plurality of rolls 39, the drive roll 39D of the transfer belt 24 is rotationally driven by a drive unit (not shown), and thus circulates in the direction of arrow A. Note that, among the plurality of rolls 39, the roll 39B shown in FIG. 1 is an opposing roll 39B that opposes the secondary transfer roll 28.

[0034] The secondary transfer roll 28 is a roll that transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 24 to the recording medium P at a secondary transfer position T2 between the opposing roll 39B and the secondary transfer roll 28. In the present embodiment, a secondary transfer electric field is applied between the opposing roll 39B and the secondary transfer roll 28, so that the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 24 is transferred to the recording medium P at the secondary transfer position T2.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer belt 24, which is an example of a transfer member in the present embodiment, has a horizontal portion 24A extending in the horizontal direction and an inclined portion 24B extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction.

[0036] -Fixing device 16- The fixing device 16 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P by the secondary transfer roll 28 to the recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 16 has a heating roll 16A as a heating member and a pressure roll 16B as a pressure member. In the fixing device 16, the heating roll 16A and the pressure roll 16B heat and press the recording medium P, thereby fixing the toner image formed on the recording medium P to the recording medium P.

[0037] <Exposure device 40> Next, the configuration of the exposure apparatus 40 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the exposure apparatus 40. In the following description, the direction of arrow Y shown in the figure is defined as the width direction of the exposure apparatus 40, and the direction of arrow Z is defined as the height direction of the exposure apparatus 40. Also, the direction of arrow X orthogonal to each of the apparatus width direction and the apparatus height direction is defined as the depth direction of the exposure apparatus 40. Note that the above width direction and height direction are directions defined for convenience of explanation, and thus the configuration of the exposure apparatus 40 is not limited to these directions.

[0038] First, the overall configuration of the exposure apparatus 40 will be described, and then each member of the exposure apparatus 40 will be described.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure apparatus 40 includes a light emitting unit 41, a position adjusting unit 130, and a pressing unit 129.

[0040] (Light emitting unit 41) As shown in FIG. 5, the light emitting unit 41 includes a base 42 extending in one direction (in the present embodiment, the direction of arrow X), and a plurality of light irradiation units 44 provided on one surface of the base 42 in the direction of arrow Z. In the present embodiment, three light irradiation units 44 extending in one direction of the base 42 are provided. The base 42 is a rectangular long member in a plan view shown in FIG. 5. The light irradiation units 44 each have the same configuration and are rectangular long members in a plan view shown in FIG. 5.

[0041] As an example, the three light irradiation units 44 are arranged so as to be shifted in one direction of the base 42, that is, in the extending direction of the base 42 (the direction of arrow X), and are also arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction orthogonal to one direction of the base 42, that is, in the short side direction of the base 42 (the direction of arrow Y). The light emitting unit 41 is arranged along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 32 (see FIG. 1). The length of the light emitting unit 41 in one direction is equal to or greater than the length of the photosensitive drum 32 in the axial direction. One or more of the three light irradiation units 44 face the surface (outer peripheral surface) of the photosensitive drum 32. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 32. Note that, regarding the light irradiation direction of the photoreceptor drum 32 of the light emitting unit 41, when there is one light irradiation unit 44, the optical axis direction of the light irradiation unit 44 is the light irradiation direction. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of light irradiation units 44 as in the present embodiment, the direction from the midpoint in the short side direction (Y direction) of the substrate 42 between the principal points of each light irradiation unit 44 toward the focal point when viewed from one direction (X direction) of the substrate 42 is the light irradiation direction. In the present embodiment, the positions and angles of each light emitting unit 41 are adjusted so that the direction toward the center of the photoreceptor drum 32 becomes the light irradiation direction.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the three light irradiation units 44 are arranged in a staggered pattern in a plan view of the light emitting unit 41 (see FIG. 5). More specifically, two light irradiation units 44 are arranged on one side in the short side direction of the substrate 42 on both end sides in one direction of the substrate 42. One light irradiation unit 44 is arranged on the other side in the short side direction of the substrate 42 at the central portion in one direction of the substrate 42. The ends of the two light irradiation units 44 arranged on one side in the short side direction of the substrate 42 and the ends of the one light irradiation unit 44 arranged on the other side in the short side direction of the substrate 42 overlap each other when viewed from the short side direction of the substrate 42. That is, in one direction of the substrate 42, a part of the light irradiation ranges from the three light irradiation units 44 overlaps.

[0043] Note that, in the present embodiment, the description of the drive substrate, power supply, and wirings for operating the light emitting unit 41 is omitted.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the light irradiation unit 44 has a plurality of light sources (not shown) arranged along one direction (arrow X direction). The light source of the present embodiment is configured to include, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements. As an example, the light source is a light emitting element array having a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of light emitting elements formed along one direction on this semiconductor substrate. Note that the light source may be a single light emitting element instead of a light emitting element array. Further, each light emitting element is composed of a light emitting diode, a light emitting thyristor, a laser element, etc., and in a state of being arranged along one direction, it has a resolution of 2400 dpi as an example.

[0045] In the light emitting unit 41, light emitted from a plurality of light sources passes through a lens unit (not shown) and is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 (see FIG. 1), which is the object to be irradiated.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, a positioning portion 160 is provided between the base body 42 and the photosensitive drum 32. Specifically, the positioning portion 160 is disposed between the base body 42 and the photosensitive drum 32 and determines the position in a direction orthogonal to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41 with respect to the photosensitive drum 32. More specifically, the positioning portion 160 determines the position in the Y direction among the directions orthogonal to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41. In the present embodiment, the positioning portions 160 are provided on both end sides in the extending direction (X direction) of the base body 42. Note that in FIG. 2, only the positioning portion provided on one end side in the extending direction (X direction) of the base body 42, that is, the front side in the depth direction, is shown.

[0047] The positioning portion 160 determines the position in the Y direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 32 by contacting the drum flange 33. Specifically, the positioning portion 160 is a columnar protrusion that protrudes from the surface 42A of the base body 42 toward the drum flange 33. Note that the shape of the positioning portion 160 is not limited to this configuration. The shape of the positioning portion 160 may be a polygonal column, an elliptical column, or any other shape. The positioning portion 160, which is a columnar protrusion, is adapted to fit into the restraining portion 34 of the drum flange 33. Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, both end portions in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 32 are rotatably supported by a pair of drum flanges 33. The pair of drum flanges 33 is attached to a device main body (here, the frame of the image forming unit 14) not shown.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the restraining portion 34 is a recessed portion extending in the X direction. In other words, the restraining portion 34 is a groove portion extending in the X direction and open at both ends. When the positioning portion 160 fits into the restraining portion 34, the movement of the positioning portion 160 in the Y direction is restricted by the wall surface of the restraining portion 34 facing in the Y direction. That is, the positioning portion 160 determines the position in the Y direction of the light emitting unit 41 by being restrained by the restraining portion 34.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the position adjusting unit 130 is a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the light emitting unit 41 and the photosensitive drum 32. Specifically, the position adjusting unit 130 adjusts the position of the light emitting unit 41 in the light irradiation direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 32. More specifically, the position adjusting unit 130 moves the light emitting unit 41 in the light irradiation direction to adjust the position of the light emitting unit 41 in the light irradiation direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 32. In the present embodiment, the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41 is substantially the same as the Z direction.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the position adjusting unit 130 includes a contact member 132, a shaft member 134, and a moving member 136.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the contact member 132 is a member whose outer peripheral surface 132A contacts the surface 42A of the base body 42. The contact member 132 is in the shape of a disk and is rotatably supported by the shaft member 134. Specifically, the contact member 132 is supported by the shaft member 134 so as to rotate relative to the shaft member 134. As an example, the contact member 132 of the present embodiment is a ball bearing.

[0052] The shaft member 134 is a member that rotatably supports the contact member 132. The shaft member 134 supports the contact member 132 so as to be relatively rotatable. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shaft member 134 is a substantially columnar member, and both end portions in the axial direction are received by a pair of receiving portions 138. Specifically, the pair of receiving portions 138 are arranged to face each other in the X direction, which is the short side direction of the base body 42. The pair of receiving portions 138 are portions that receive the shaft member 134 so as to be rotatable and movable in the light irradiation direction with the X direction as the axial direction. In other words, the contact member 132 is arranged between the pair of receiving portions 138 of the shaft member 134.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, a pair of receiving portions 138 are the hole walls of elongated holes respectively formed in a pair of support plates 140 that are arranged to face each other in the X direction with the contact member 132 interposed therebetween. The longitudinal direction of this elongated hole is the Z direction. Therefore, both axial ends of the shaft member 134 can be supported so as to be rotatable and movable in the light irradiation direction. Further, stoppers for preventing detachment (not shown) are attached to both axial ends of the shaft member 134.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 2, the moving member 136 is a member that contacts the shaft member 134 and moves the shaft member 134 in the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41.

[0055] The moving member 136 is movable in the X direction. Specifically, the position adjusting unit 130 includes a feed member 142 and a drive source 144, and the moving member 136 is moved in the X direction by the feed member 142. In the present embodiment, the feed member 142 is a feed screw as an example of a screw member. The feed member 142 passes through a connecting plate 146 that connects the X-direction ends of the pair of support plates 140. The drive source 144 is connected to one axial end of the feed member 142. The drive source 144 rotationally drives the feed member 142. The drive source 144 of the present embodiment is an electric motor as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Further, the drive source 144 is attached to a mounting plate 148 that protrudes from the connecting plate 146 to one side in the X direction (the left side in Fig. 2, the front side in the depth direction). In the present embodiment, the housing 131 of the position adjusting unit 130 is constituted by the pair of support plates 140, the connecting plate 146, and the mounting plate 148. This housing 131 is attached to a frame (not shown) of the image forming unit 14.

[0056] The moving member 136 is provided with a conversion unit 150 that converts the moving force in the X direction applied by the feeding member 142 into a moving force for the shaft member 134 to move in the light irradiation direction. Specifically, the conversion unit 150 is provided at a portion of the moving member 136 that contacts the shaft member 134 and is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the X direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the moving member 136 has a pair of conversion units 150 (a pair of inclined surfaces), and the pair of conversion units 150 are respectively in contact with both axial sides of the shaft member 134 with the contact member 132 interposed therebetween. As an example, the moving member 136 of the present embodiment is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and a groove portion 136A extending in the X direction in which a part of the outer periphery of the contact member 132 is accommodated is formed at a portion corresponding to the contact member 132. The pair of conversion units 150 are respectively formed on both side portions with the groove portion 136A of the shaft member 134 interposed therebetween.

[0057] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the base body 42 is pressed from the pressing portion 129 disposed on the side opposite to the position adjusting portion 130 toward the position adjusting portion 130 side. That is, the base body 42 is clamped under pressure in the Z direction by the position adjusting portion 130 and the pressing portion 129. When the moving member 136 moves in the X direction, a moving force in the Z direction is applied to the shaft member 134 through the inclined surface that is the conversion unit 150 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 134. When this moving force in the Z direction is applied to the shaft member 134, it is transmitted from the shaft member 134 to the base body 42 through the contact member 132, and the pressing convex portion 129A of the pressing portion 129 is pushed back, and the base body 42 moves in the Z direction, that is, the position is adjusted. Note that as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the pressing portion 129 of the present embodiment has a pressing convex portion 129A that contacts the back surface 42B of the base body 42 and presses the base body 42 in the light irradiation direction, a housing 129B that houses the pressing convex portion 129A, and a biasing member 129C that is disposed in the housing 129B and biases the pressing convex portion 129A in the light irradiation direction. Here, for example, a coil spring can be used as the biasing member 129C. Note that the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Instead of the coil spring, an electric actuator or the like may be used.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the feeding member 142 passing through the moving member 136 and the contact member 132 overlap in the light irradiation direction.

[0059] Also, the friction coefficient between the contact member 132 and the base 42 is smaller than the friction coefficient between the shaft member 134 and the contact member 132. Specifically, in the present embodiment, since the contact member 132 is a ball bearing, the contact member 132 rotates relative to the shaft member 134 before friction occurs between the contact member 132 and the base 42.

[0060] Also, the ends of the pair of support plates 140 in the Z direction are connected by a connecting plate 147. An opening 147A is formed in this connecting plate 147, and a part of the outer periphery of the contact member 132 protrudes from this opening 147A. A part of the protruding portion of the contact member 132 is in contact with the surface 42A of the base 42.

[0061] And the drive source 144 is arranged on the side opposite to the positioning portion 160 side (the front side in the depth direction of the apparatus) in the X direction of the position adjusting portion 130.

[0062] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in the light emitting portion 41 of the present embodiment, a measuring instrument 162 is provided adjacent to the light irradiation portion 44 in the width direction (Y direction) of the base 42. This measuring instrument 162 is a device for measuring the distance from the light emitting portion 41 to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 32.

[0063] In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the distance from the light emitting portion 41 to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 32 is measured by the measuring instruments 162 provided on both end sides of the base 42, and the measurement information is sent to a control device (not shown). In the control device, each position adjusting portion 130 is operated based on the measurement information. Specifically, the driving amount of the drive source 144 is adjusted based on the measurement information. When the value measured by the measuring instrument 162 falls within a preset range, the control device stops the operation of the drive source 144. Note that the position adjustment of the light emitting portion 41 using the position adjusting portion 130 may be performed at the timing when the light emitting portion 41 is attached to the photoreceptor drum 32, or may be performed at the timing after a predetermined time (period) has elapsed.

[0064] Next, the configuration of the main part of the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described. In the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, the attachment / detachment directions of the light emitting units 41 of the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M, and the toner image forming units 22C and 22K are different from each other. Specifically, the attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit 41Y in the toner image forming unit 22Y and the attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit 41M in the toner image forming unit 22M are the same direction. The attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit 41C in the toner image forming unit 22C and the attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit 41K in the toner image forming unit 22K are the same direction. And the attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit 41Y in the toner image forming unit 22Y and the attachment / detachment direction of the light emitting unit 41C in the toner image forming unit 22C are different directions.

[0065] Note that the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M of the present embodiment are an example of the first image forming unit in the present invention. That is, the photosensitive drums 32Y and 32M of the present embodiment are an example of the first image holding body in the present invention, and the light emitting units 41Y and 41M of the present embodiment are an example of the first light emitting unit in the present invention. Also, the toner image forming units 22C and 22K of the present embodiment are an example of the second image forming unit in the present invention. That is, the photosensitive drums 32C and 32K of the present embodiment are an example of the second image holding body in the present invention, and the light emitting units 41C and 41K of the present embodiment are an example of the second light emitting unit in the present invention.

[0066] In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M are respectively arranged above the transfer belt 24. Specifically, the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M are arranged at intervals along the horizontal portion 24A of the transfer belt 24.

[0067] In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner image forming units 22C and 22K are respectively arranged below the transfer belt 24. Specifically, the toner image forming units 22C and 22K are arranged at intervals along the inclined portion 24B of the transfer belt 24.

[0068] The light emitting units 41Y and 41M are detached from the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M respectively by moving in the first direction away from the photoreceptor drums 32Y and 32M. Here, the first direction of the toner image forming unit 22Y in the present embodiment is the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41Y (for example, the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction). Also, the first direction of the toner image forming unit 22M in the present embodiment is the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41M and is the upper side in the direction of gravity. Specifically, in the toner image forming unit 22Y, when detaching the light emitting unit 41Y, the biasing member 129C of the pressing unit 129 is contracted from the state shown in FIG. 9. That is, the spring force applied to the light emitting unit 41Y is removed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the pressurized clamping state of the light emitting unit 41Y by the pressing unit 129 and the position adjusting unit 130 is released. That is, the positioning of the light emitting unit 41Y with respect to the photoreceptor drum 32Y can be released. At this time, the light emitting unit 41Y is temporarily supported by the contact member 132 of the position adjusting unit 130. In that state, as shown in FIG. 11, the pressing unit 129 is retracted from the movement path of the light emitting unit 41Y. Note that the movement path of the light emitting unit 41Y is the same direction as the attachment / detachment direction and the first direction, and here it is the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41Y. After retracting the pressing unit 129, the light emitting unit 41Y is moved in the first direction, so that the light emitting unit 41Y is detached from the toner image forming unit 22Y. Note that the procedure for detaching the light emitting unit 41M in the toner image forming unit 22M is the same as the procedure for detaching the light emitting unit 41M in the toner image forming unit 22Y. Therefore, the description of the procedure for detaching the light emitting unit 41M in the toner image forming unit 22M is omitted.

[0069] The light emitting units 41C and 41K move in a second direction away from the photoreceptor drums 32C and 32K, and move in a direction intersecting the second direction at a predetermined position in the second direction, thereby being detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K respectively. Here, the second direction of the toner image forming unit 22C in the present embodiment is the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41C (for example, the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction). Also, the second direction of the toner image forming unit 22K in the present embodiment is the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41K and is the lower side in the direction of gravity. Specifically, in the toner image forming unit 22C, when detaching the light emitting unit 41C, the biasing member 129C of the pressing unit 129 is contracted from the state shown in FIG. 6. That is, the spring force applied to the light emitting unit 41C is removed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressurized clamping state of the light emitting unit 41C by the pressing unit 129 and the position adjusting unit 130 is released. That is, the positioning of the light emitting unit 41C with respect to the photoreceptor drum 32C can be released. Thereby, the light emitting unit 41C moves in the second direction and contacts the end face 129B1 of the housing 129B. In other words, the light emitting unit 41C is temporarily supported by the end face 129B1 of the housing 129B of the pressing unit 129. In that state, when viewed from the X direction (see FIG. 8), the light emitting unit 41C is moved in a direction intersecting the second direction, thereby being detached from the toner image forming unit 22C. Specifically, the light emitting unit 41C is moved in a direction intersecting the second direction, here the arrow Y direction, at a predetermined position in the second direction (the position temporarily supported by the housing 129B), whereby the light emitting unit 41C is detached from the toner image forming unit 22C. Note that the procedure for detaching the light emitting unit 41C in the toner image forming unit 22C is the same as the procedure for detaching the light emitting unit 41K in the toner image forming unit 22K. Therefore, the description of the procedure for detaching the light emitting unit 41K in the toner image forming unit 22K is omitted.

[0070] Next, the operation and effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0071] In the image forming apparatus 10 using the exposure apparatus 40 of the present embodiment, the detachment directions of the light emitting units 41Y and 41M of the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M, respectively, and the detachment directions of the light emitting units 41C and 41K of the toner image forming units 22C and 22K, respectively, are different. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the detachment operations of the toner image forming units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are facilitated as compared with the configuration in which the detachment directions of the respective light emitting units are the same in all the toner image forming units.

[0072] In the image forming apparatus 10, the light emitting units 41Y and 41M are detached from the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M by moving in the first direction in which they are separated from the respective photosensitive drums 32Y and 32M. Further, the light emitting units 41C and 41K are detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K by moving in the second direction in which they are separated from the respective photosensitive drums 32C and 32K and then moving in a direction intersecting the second direction at a predetermined position in the second direction. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, the detachment operations of the light emitting units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K with respect to the toner image forming units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are facilitated regardless of the installation location of the apparatus.

[0073] In the image forming apparatus 10, the first direction is the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting units 41Y and 41M, and the second direction is the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting units 41C and 41K. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 10, as compared with the configuration in which the first direction intersects the light irradiation direction of the light emitting units 41Y and 41M and the second direction intersects the light irradiation direction of the light emitting units 41C and 41K, even if the space is small, the light emitting units 41Y and 41M can be easily detached from the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M, and the light emitting units 41C and 41KM can be easily detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K.

[0074] In the image forming apparatus 10, when viewed from the X direction, the light emitting units 41C and 41K are detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K by moving in a direction intersecting the second direction at a predetermined position in the second direction. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a configuration in which the light emitting units 41C and 41K are detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K by moving the light emitting units 41C and 41K in the X direction at a predetermined position in the second direction, the light emitting units 41C and 41K can be easily detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K even if the space is small.

[0075] In the image forming apparatus 10, the light emitting units 41Y and 41M are detached from the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M by moving in the gravitational direction. Further, the light emitting units 41C and 41K are detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K by moving in the gravitational direction. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a configuration in which the light emitting units 41Y, 41M and the second light emitting units 41C, 41K are detached by moving them in the horizontal direction, the attachment / detachment space of the light emitting units 41Y, 41M and the light emitting units 41C, 41K can be reduced.

[0076] In the image forming apparatus 10, the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M are disposed above the transfer belt 24, and the first direction for detaching the respective light emitting units 41Y and 41M from the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M is the upper side in the gravitational direction. Further, the toner image forming units 22C and 22K are disposed below the transfer belt 24, and the second direction for detaching the respective light emitting units 41C and 41K from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K is the lower side in the gravitational direction. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 10, compared with a configuration in which the toner image forming units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K are disposed below the transfer belt 24, the attachment / detachment space of the toner image forming units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K on the lower side of the transfer belt 24 can be reduced.

[0077] In the image forming apparatus 10, the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M are disposed on the horizontal portion 24A of the transfer belt 24, and the toner image forming units 22C and 22K are disposed on the inclined portion 24B of the transfer belt 24. For this reason, in the image forming apparatus 10, the light emitting units 41C and 41K can be more easily attached to and detached from the toner image forming units 22C and 22K than in a configuration where the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M are disposed on the inclined portion 24B of the transfer belt 24.

[0078] In the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M of the foregoing embodiment, the light emitting units 41Y and 41M are detached along the first direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, regarding the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M as well, similar to the toner image forming units 22C and 22K, first, the light emitting units 41Y and 41M may be moved in the first direction and then moved in a direction intersecting the first direction at a predetermined position.

[0079] In the image forming apparatus 10 of the foregoing embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the toner image forming units 22Y and 22M are disposed on the horizontal portion 24A of the transfer belt 24, and the toner image forming units 22C and 22K are disposed on the inclined portion 24B, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as in the image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 12, the toner image forming units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K may be disposed on the horizontal portion 24A of the transfer belt 24 with spaces therebetween. In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the toner image forming units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K is configured to be detached along the first direction, and the remaining ones are configured to be moved in the second direction and then moved in a direction intersecting the second direction and detached.

[0080] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the first direction of the toner image forming unit 22Y is set to be the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41Y and above the gravitational direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first direction of the toner image forming unit 22Y is not limited as long as the light emitting unit 41Y can be separated from the photosensitive drum 32Y. For example, the first direction of the toner image forming unit 22Y may be above the gravitational direction, or may be inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, ±15 degrees) with respect to the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41Y while being above the gravitational direction. The same applies to the first direction of the toner image forming unit 22M. Also, the second direction of the toner image forming unit 22C is set to be the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41C and below the gravitational direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second direction of the toner image forming unit 22C is not limited as long as the light emitting unit 41C can be separated from the photosensitive drum 32C. For example, the second direction of the toner image forming unit 22C may be below the gravitational direction, or may be inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, ±15 degrees) with respect to the direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the light emitting unit 41C while being below the gravitational direction. The same applies to the second direction of the toner image forming unit 22K. Further, when the light emitting unit 41C moves in a direction intersecting the second direction after moving in the second direction, this intersecting direction may be, for example, the X direction, the Y direction, the Z direction, or a direction that is a combination of these.

[0081] In the image forming apparatus of the above-described embodiment, three light emitting units are arranged on the base. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, one light emitting unit may be arranged on the base, two light emitting units may be arranged on the base, or four or more light emitting units may be arranged on the base. Also, the positions of the plurality of light emitting units arranged on the base can be set appropriately.

[0082] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the foregoing embodiment can be used for applications of members to which photolithography is applied, such as formation of a color filter in a manufacturing process of a liquid crystal display (LCD), exposure of a dry film resist (DFR) in a manufacturing process of a thin film transistor (TFT), exposure of a dry film resist (DFR) in a manufacturing process of a plasma display panel (PDP), exposure of a photosensitive material such as a photoresist in a manufacturing process of a semiconductor element, exposure of a photosensitive material such as a photoresist in a plate-making process of other printing such as gravure printing other than offset printing, or exposure of a photosensitive material in a manufacturing process of a watch part. Here, photolithography refers to a technique for generating a pattern composed of an exposed portion and an unexposed portion by exposing the surface of a substance on which a photosensitive material is disposed in a pattern shape.

[0083] In addition, the above-described image forming apparatus can use either a photon mode photosensitive material in which information is directly recorded by exposure or a heat mode photosensitive material in which information is recorded by heat generated by exposure. Further, as the light source of the image forming apparatus, an LED element or a laser element can be used according to the exposure target.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 10 Image forming apparatus 22Y, 22M Toner image forming unit (an example of the first image forming unit) 22C, 22K Toner image forming unit (an example of the first image forming unit) 24 Transfer belt (an example of a transfer member) 24A Horizontal portion 24B Inclined portion 32Y, 32M Photoconductor drum (an example of the first image holding member) 32C and 32K photoreceptor drums (an example of the second image holding member) 40 Exposure device 41Y and 41M light emitting parts (an example of the first light emitting part) 41C and 41K light emitting parts (an example of the second light emitting part) 42 Substrate 200 Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. A first image forming unit including a rotating first image carrier and a first light emitting unit provided on a first base body extending in the axial direction of the first image carrier and having a plurality of first light emitting elements for irradiating light onto the outer peripheral surface of the first image carrier; A second image forming unit including a rotating second image carrier and a second light emitting unit provided on a second base body extending in the axial direction of the second image carrier and having a plurality of second light emitting elements for irradiating light onto the outer peripheral surface of the second image carrier; Comprising: The detachment direction of the first light emitting unit in the first image forming unit is different from the detachment direction of the second light emitting unit in the second image forming unit; The first light emitting unit is detached from the first image forming unit by moving in a first direction away from the first image carrier; The second light emitting unit is detached from the second image forming unit by moving in a second direction away from the second image carrier and moving in a direction intersecting the second direction at a predetermined position in the second direction, an image forming apparatus.

2. The first direction is a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the first light emitting unit; The second direction is a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the second light emitting unit, the image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. When viewed from the axial direction of the second image carrier, the second light emitting unit is detached from the second image forming unit by moving in a direction intersecting the second direction at a predetermined position in the second direction, the image forming apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. Having a transfer member onto which an image is transferred from the first image forming unit and the second image forming unit; Either one of a plurality of the first image forming units and a plurality of the second image forming units is disposed above the transfer member; The other of a plurality of the first image forming units and a plurality of the second image forming units is disposed below the transfer member; The first light emitting unit is detached from the first image forming unit by moving in the direction of gravity; The second light emitting unit is detached from the second image forming unit by moving in the direction of gravity, the image forming apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. A plurality of the first image forming units are disposed above the transfer member; A plurality of the second image forming units are disposed below the transfer member; The first direction is the upper side in the direction of gravity; The second direction is the lower side in the direction of gravity, the image forming apparatus according to Claim 4.

6. The transfer member has a horizontal portion extending in the horizontal direction and an inclined portion extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction. A plurality of the first image forming units are arranged at intervals along the horizontal portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a plurality of the second image forming units are arranged at intervals along the inclined portion.

Images