JP6052072B2 - Light irradiation device, image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a light irradiation device and an image forming apparatus.

  In Patent Document 1, a plurality of photosensitive drums arranged, a plurality of LED units that are arranged opposite to the photosensitive drum and arranged with a plurality of light emitting units to expose the photosensitive drum, and LEDs in a main direction in which the light emitting units are arranged are arranged. An image forming apparatus including a main body frame disposed on both sides of a unit is disclosed.

No. 2009-157142

  The present invention prevents the positioning member that positions the irradiation unit in the main scanning direction from hindering movement of the irradiation unit along the irradiation direction.

  The invention according to claim 1 irradiates the irradiated surface with light, performs main scanning in the main scanning direction, and irradiates the irradiation unit supported by the support unit so as to be movable along the light irradiation direction. The irradiation unit is positioned in the main scanning direction by contacting one end of the irradiation unit in the main scanning direction, and the support unit is arranged around an axis along the sub-scanning direction as the irradiation unit moves along the irradiation direction. And a positioning member that swings relative to.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the irradiation unit and the positioning member are held in contact so that the positioning member swings around the axis as the irradiation unit moves along the irradiation direction. Part.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contact portion that is provided integrally with the positioning member and contacts the irradiation portion on the opposite side of the irradiation direction, and biasing the contact portion toward the irradiation portion. A force member.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the irradiation unit is positioned in the irradiation direction by contacting an irradiation direction positioning unit provided on the irradiation direction side with respect to the irradiation unit, and the biasing member includes the contact unit. The irradiation unit is biased toward the irradiation direction positioning unit.

  In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the state where the irradiation unit is positioned in the irradiation direction, the contact portion that contacts the one end of the positioning member has a swing axis in the positioning member and a height in the irradiation direction. The same.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the contact portion of the positioning member that contacts the one end of the irradiation portion is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the sub-scanning direction.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the light irradiation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a latent image is formed by irradiating light onto the image holding body and the surface of the image holding body as the irradiated surface. An apparatus.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning member does not hinder the movement of the irradiation unit in the irradiation direction as compared with the case where the positioning member that positions the irradiation unit in the main scanning direction does not swing. it can.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning member that positions the irradiation unit in the main scanning direction does not hinder the movement of the irradiation unit in the irradiation direction as compared with the case where the holding unit in the present configuration is not provided. You can

  According to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning member that positions the irradiation unit in the main scanning direction prevents the movement of the irradiation unit along the irradiation direction as compared with the case where the biasing member in this configuration is not provided. I can not.

  According to the structure of Claim 4 of this invention, compared with the case where the urging member which urges | biases an irradiation part toward an irradiation direction positioning member is provided separately, a number of parts is reduced.

  According to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present invention, even when the contact site is displaced with respect to the irradiation unit along the swinging direction of the positioning member as compared with the case without this configuration, the main scanning of the irradiation unit is performed. Misalignment in the direction can be reduced.

  According to the configuration of claim 6 of the present invention, compared to the case where the contact part is not arcuate, in the case where the direction in which the irradiation part contacts the contact part is changed with the movement of the irradiation part in the irradiation direction, The direction is changed smoothly.

  According to the structure of Claim 7 of this invention, compared with the case where it does not have the light irradiation apparatus in this structure, the image defect resulting from the distance between an image holding body and an irradiation part becoming an appropriate distance can be suppressed.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a front sectional view showing a configuration of a print head according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a print head, a support structure thereof, and a photoreceptor module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a print head, a support structure thereof, and a photoreceptor module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a print head, a support structure thereof, and a photoreceptor module according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a print head, a support structure thereof, and a photoreceptor module according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the print head which concerns on this embodiment, and its support structure. It is a perspective view which looks up from the lower side the structure of the longitudinal direction one end side of the print head which concerns on this embodiment, and its support structure. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the longitudinal direction one end side of the print head which concerns on this embodiment, and its support structure. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the longitudinal direction one end side of the print head which concerns on this embodiment, and its support structure. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the longitudinal direction one end side of the print head which concerns on this embodiment, and its support structure. It is a perspective view showing the composition of the print head concerning this embodiment and the longitudinal direction other end side of the support structure. It is a sectional side view showing the composition of the print head concerning this embodiment and the longitudinal direction other end side of the support structure. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the height of the axial part (oscillation axis | shaft) and positioning part which concern on this embodiment, and the position shift of a X direction.

  Below, an example of an embodiment concerning the present invention is described based on a drawing.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus 10)
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body (apparatus housing) 11 in which each component is housed. Inside the image forming apparatus main body 11, a recording medium accommodating unit 12 that accommodates a recording medium P such as paper, an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on the recording medium P, and the recording medium accommodating unit 12 to the image forming unit. 14, a transport unit 16 that transports the recording medium P to 14, and a control unit 20 that controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. In addition, a recording medium discharge unit 18 for discharging the recording medium P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 14 is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 11.

  The image forming unit 14 includes image forming units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K (hereinafter referred to as 22Y to 22K) that form toner images of colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). An intermediate transfer belt 24 to which the toner images formed by the image forming units 22Y to 22K are transferred, and a first transfer member for transferring the toner images formed by the image forming units 22Y to 22K to the intermediate transfer belt 24 And a second transfer roll 28 as a second transfer member for transferring the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24 by the first transfer roll 26 from the intermediate transfer belt 24 to the recording medium P. A fixing device 30 for fixing the toner image transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 24 to the recording medium P by the second transfer roll 28 to the recording medium P; It is equipped with a.

  The image forming units 22Y to 22K are arranged side by side along a substantially horizontal direction. Each of the image forming units 22Y to 22K has a photoreceptor 32 (an example of an image carrier) that rotates in one direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1).

  Around each photoconductor 32, the charging device 34 for charging the photoconductor 32 and the photoconductor 32 charged by the charging device 34 are exposed in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 32, and the photoconductor 32 is electrostatically charged. An exposure device 59 (an example of a light irradiation device) that forms a latent image, a developing device 38 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 32 by the exposure device 59, and a transfer of the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt 24 And a removal device 40 for removing the developer remaining on the photoreceptor 32 later.

  The exposure device 59 is disposed below the photoconductor 32 and includes a print head 60 (an example of an irradiation unit) and a support structure 70 (see FIG. 3) that supports the print head 60. The print head 60 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive member 32 (an example of the irradiated surface) from below with exposure light based on the image information sent from the control unit 20 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 32. It comes to form. Examples of the image information sent from the control unit 20 include image information generated by an external device and acquired by the control unit 20 from the external device, and image information generated by reading an image such as a document in the image forming apparatus 10. and so on. The specific configuration of the print head 60 and the support structure 70 of the print head 60 will be described later. In FIG. 2, the exposure light from the print head 60 is indicated by a symbol L.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer belt 24 is formed in an annular shape and is disposed above the image forming units 22 </ b> Y to 22 </ b> K. Winding rolls 42, 43, 44, 45 around which the intermediate transfer belt 24 is wound are provided on the inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt 24. For example, when the winding roll 45 is driven to rotate, the intermediate transfer belt 24 is circulated (rotated) in one direction (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1) while being in contact with the photoreceptor 32. The winding roll 42 is an opposing roll that faces the second transfer roll 28 with the intermediate transfer belt 24 interposed therebetween.

  Further, on the outer peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt 24, a removing device 25 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 24 and removes the developer remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 24 after the transfer of the toner image onto the recording medium P. Is provided opposite to the winding roll 45 with the intermediate transfer belt 24 interposed therebetween.

  The first transfer roll 26 faces the photoconductor 32 with the intermediate transfer belt 24 interposed therebetween. A space between the first transfer roll 26 and the photoconductor 32 is a first transfer position where the toner image formed on the photoconductor 32 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24.

  The second transfer roll 28 faces the winding roll 42 with the intermediate transfer belt 24 interposed therebetween. A space between the second transfer roll 28 and the winding roll 42 is a second transfer position T2 where the toner image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24 is transferred to the recording medium P.

  The transport unit 16 is disposed along the transport path 48, a feed roll 46 that feeds the recording medium P accommodated in the recording medium container 12, a transport path 48 that transports the recording medium P sent to the transport roll 46, and the transport path 48. And a plurality of transport rolls 50 for transporting the recording medium P sent out by the feed roll 46 to the second transfer position T2.

  The fixing device 30 fixes the toner image transferred at the second transfer position T2 to the recording medium P conveyed from the second transfer position T2. A discharge roll 52 that discharges the recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed to the recording medium discharge unit 18 is provided downstream of the fixing device 30 in the transport direction.

(Image forming operation)
Next, an image forming operation for forming an image on the recording medium P in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the recording medium P sent out from the recording medium container 12 by the sending roll 46 is sent to the second transfer position T <b> 2 by the plurality of transport rolls 50.

  On the other hand, in the image forming units 22 </ b> Y to 22 </ b> K, the photoconductor 32 charged by the charging device 34 is exposed by the print head 60 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 32. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 38 to form a toner image on the photoreceptor 32. The color toner images formed by the image forming units 22Y to 22K are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 24 at the first transfer position to form a color image. Then, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 24 is transferred to the recording medium P at the second transfer position T2.

  The recording medium P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 30, and the transferred toner image is fixed by the fixing device 30. The recording medium P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the recording medium discharge unit 18 by the discharge roll 52. As described above, a series of image forming operations are performed.

(Image forming apparatus body 11)
Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 11 will be described. The arrow Z direction in the figure indicates the light irradiation direction in the print head 60, and the arrow X direction in the figure indicates the main scanning direction of the print head 60 (the axial direction of the photoconductor 32). The arrow Y direction indicates the sub-scanning direction of the print head 60.
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the image forming apparatus main body 11 includes a front frame 13 and a rear frame 15. The front frame 13 is provided with positioning pins 13A for positioning a photoreceptor module 100 described later so as to protrude forward of the apparatus (left side in FIG. 3). Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a screw hole 13 </ b> B into which a screw 73 described later is screwed is formed in the front frame 13.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a coupling member 17 is rotatably provided on the rear frame 15. The coupling member 17 is axially connected to a shaft portion 17A, a gear 17B to which a driving force is transmitted from a driving motor (not shown), and a supported member 130 (coupling) described later provided on the photosensitive member 32 side. A coupling portion 17C that meshes with each other. A plurality of insertion holes 15E into which a plurality of positioning pins 92F of a support body 92 described later are inserted are formed in the lower portion of the rear frame 15.

(Photoreceptor module 100)
Next, the configuration of the photoreceptor module 100 will be described.
In the present embodiment, in each of the image forming units 22Y to 22K, the photoconductor 32, the charging device 34, and the removal device 40 are configured as an integrated photoconductor module 100 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the photoconductor module 100 includes a housing 110, supported members 130 and 140 provided at both ends in the axial direction of the photoconductor 32, and supported members provided on the housing 110. And supports 150 and 160 for supporting 130 and 140.

  The housing 110 includes an upper wall 112 disposed on the upper side of the photoconductor 32 and side walls 114 and 120 formed downward from the upper wall 112 on one end side and the other end side in the axial direction of the photoconductor 32. Yes.

  The side wall 120 has a protrusion 122 that protrudes upward from the upper wall 112 on the other axial end side (left end side in FIG. 3) of the photoconductor 32. The protrusion 122 is formed with an insertion hole 124 into which the positioning pin 13A of the front frame 13 is inserted in the X direction.

  In addition, an opening 126 through which the print head 60 can enter in the X direction is formed in the lower portion of the side wall 120. A push-up portion 128 is provided below the opening 126 in the side wall 120 for gradually pushing up the other axial end side (left end side in FIG. 3) of the print head 60 entering the opening 126. The push-up portion 128 extends to the rear side (right side in FIG. 3) while being inclined downward. An inclined surface 129 that comes into contact with a pressed upper surface 75 </ b> A (described later) of the print head 60 is formed on the push-up portion 128.

  Specifically, the supported member 130 is a coupling intermittently connected to the coupling portion 17C of the coupling member 17 disposed on the rear frame 15 in the X direction, and is one end side in the axial direction of the photoconductor 32 (FIG. 3). At the right end). An insertion hole 132 through which the coupling member 17 is inserted and extracted is formed in the supported member 130 along the central axis of the photoreceptor 32.

  The support 150 is attached to the side wall 114 and protrudes from the side wall 114 toward the supported member 130 to the front side (left side in FIG. 3). The support 150 supports the supported member 130 in a rotatable manner. Thus, the support 150 supports the one end side in the axial direction of the photoconductor 32 so as to be rotatable. An insertion hole 152 into which the coupling member 17 is inserted and extracted is formed in the support 150 along the central axis of the photoreceptor 32.

  Further, a reference surface 154 (an example of an irradiation direction positioning portion) serving as a reference for positioning (positioning) in the Z direction with respect to one longitudinal end portion (right end portion in FIG. 3) of the print head 60 is provided at the lower end portion of the support 150. Is formed. The reference surface 154 faces downward. An inclined surface 156 is formed in the mounting direction of the photoconductor module 100 with respect to the reference surface 154 (right side in FIG. 3). The inclined surface 156 faces downward and gradually increases as it goes in the mounting direction of the photoreceptor module 100 (right side in FIG. 3).

  The supported member 140 is fixed to the other end side in the axial direction of the photoconductor 32 (left end side in FIG. 3). An insertion hole 142 into which a later-described protrusion 162 of the support 160 is inserted is formed in the supported member 140 along the central axis of the photoreceptor 32.

  The support 160 is attached to the side wall 120 and has a protrusion 162 that protrudes to the rear side (right side in FIG. 3). The protrusion 162 is inserted into the insertion hole 142 of the supported member 140, and the protrusion 162 rotatably supports the supported member 140, so that the support 160 can rotate the other end in the axial direction of the photoreceptor 32. I support it.

  A reference surface 164 serving as a reference for positioning (positioning) in the Z direction with respect to the other longitudinal end portion (left end portion in FIG. 3) of the print head 60 is formed at the lower end portion of the support body 160. The reference surface 164 faces downward. An inclined surface 166 is formed in the mounting direction (right side) of the photoreceptor module 100 with respect to the reference surface 164. The inclined surface 166 faces downward and gradually increases as it goes in the mounting direction of the photoconductor module 100 (right side in FIG. 3).

  Further, the photoreceptor module 100 has a Y-direction positioning unit 170 (see FIG. 12) that positions the print head 60 in the Y direction at the other longitudinal end portion (left end portion in FIG. 3) of the print head 60. Yes. The Y-direction positioning unit 170 has a reference surface 172 (see FIG. 12) that serves as a reference for positioning (positioning) in the Y direction with respect to the other longitudinal end of the print head 60 (left end in FIG. 3). Yes.

  In this photoreceptor module 100, the positioning pin 13A of the front frame 13 is inserted into and removed from the insertion hole 124 of the side wall 120, and the insertion hole 132 of the supported member 130 and the insertion hole 152 of the support 150 are inserted. Thus, the coupling member 17 is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 11 in the axial direction of the photoconductor 32. Specifically, the photoconductor module 100 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 11 in the right direction (attachment direction) in FIG. 3 and removed in the left direction (removal direction) in FIG. Yes. Thereby, the photoconductor module 100 is replaced according to the lifetime of the photoconductor 32 or the like.

  Note that the photoconductor module 100 may employ a configuration of only the photoconductor 32 that does not include the charging device 34 and the removing device 40, and a developing device 38 is further integrated in addition to the charging device 34 and the removing device 40. A configuration may be adopted. In other words, the photoreceptor module 100 only needs to include at least the photoreceptor 32. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the photoreceptor module 100 and the print head 60 are configured separately.

(Configuration of print head 60)
Next, the configuration of the print head 60 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the print head 60.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print head 60 includes an LED array 62, a circuit board 64 on which the LED array 62 is mounted on one surface (upper surface in FIG. 2) 64A, a lens array 66, and a circuit board 64. A housing 63 as a support for supporting the other surface (the lower surface in FIG. 2) and a holder 68 (housing) for supporting the lens array 66 are provided.

  The LED array 62 is configured by arranging a plurality of LED elements 62A (light emitting diodes) as light emitting elements along the X direction. Specifically, the plurality of LED elements 62A are arranged in a zigzag pattern along the X direction, for example.

  The circuit board 64 has a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the LED array 62. This drive circuit (not shown) and the LED array 62 are electrically connected, and the LED array 62 emits light by a drive signal from the drive circuit (not shown).

  The lens array 66 includes a plurality of rod lenses 66A that form an image of light emitted from the LED array 62 on the photoconductor 32 along the X direction. Specifically, the rod lenses 66A are arranged in a staggered manner along the X direction, for example, corresponding to the arrangement of the LED elements 62A.

  The housing 63 has a length along the X direction, and is configured by a block (or a plate-like member) formed of a resin material or a metal material. Further, the housing 63 has, for example, a rectangular shape in which the Z direction is long and the Y direction is short as viewed in the X direction.

  The holder 68 supports the lens array 66 so that the LED array 62 and the lens array 66 face each other. Specifically, the holder 68 has a lower part joined to the housing 63 and an upper part joined to the lens array 66. The holder 68 forms a sealed space surrounded by the inner wall, the circuit board 64, and the lens array 66, and dust is prevented from entering the space from the outside. Further, guide grooves 69 for guiding a cleaning member 67 (see FIG. 1) for cleaning the surface of the lens array 66 are formed on both side surfaces of the holder 68.

  At one end in the longitudinal direction of the holder 68 (the right end in FIG. 3), an abutting surface 68A that abuts against the reference surface 154 of the photoreceptor module 100 is formed. The abutting surface 68A is configured by a surface facing upward. An inclined surface 68B is formed on the abutting surface 68A on the side of the photoreceptor module 100 in the removal direction (left side in FIG. 3). The inclined surface 68B faces upward and gradually decreases in the direction of removal of the photosensitive module 100 (left side in FIG. 3).

  At the other end in the longitudinal direction of the holder 68 (left end in FIG. 3), a contact surface 68C that contacts the reference surface 164 of the photoreceptor module 100 is formed. The abutting surface 68C is configured by a surface facing upward. An inclined surface 68D is formed on the removal direction side (left side in FIG. 3) of the photoreceptor module 100 with respect to the abutting surface 68C. The inclined surface 68D faces upward and gradually decreases in the direction of removal of the photoreceptor module 100 (left side in FIG. 3).

  In the print head 60 of the present embodiment, the plurality of LED elements 62A arranged along the X direction sequentially emit light, and the light emitted from the LED array 62 by the rod lens 66A forms an image on the photoconductor 32. Thereby, the light from the print head 60 is main-scanned in the X direction (main scanning direction) with respect to the surface of the photosensitive member 32 (an example of the irradiated surface).

(Support structure of print head 60)
Next, the support structure 70 that supports the print head 60 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the support structure 70 includes a support frame 72 that supports the print head 60 and a positioning member 80 that contacts the one end of the print head 60 in the X direction and positions the print head 60 in the X direction. An example of a positioning member) and a holding spring 74 that holds the print head 60 and the positioning member 80 in contact with each other (an example of a holding unit, see FIGS. 8 and 10).

  Furthermore, the support structure 70 urges the print head 60 toward the irradiation direction (Z direction, the photoconductor 32 side) and the support mechanism 90 that supports the support frame 72 and the positioning member 80 in a swingable manner. Coil spring 76 (an example of an urging member) and a coil spring 78.

(Support frame 72)
As shown in FIG. 8, the support frame 72 includes a bottom plate 72A disposed on the lower side of the print head 60, and side plates 72B and 72C erected from both ends of the bottom plate 72A in the Y direction. The support frame 72 is formed in a U-shape (U-shape) as viewed in the X direction by the bottom plate 72A and the side plates 72B and 72C. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the support frame 72 is open in the irradiation direction (Z direction, photoconductor 32 side). Further, the support frame 72 is made of a conductive material having conductivity such as a metal plate.

  The bottom plate 72A and the side plates 72B and 72C of the support frame 72 have a length along the print head 60 (X direction). A through hole 72D through which a shaft portion 94 for swingably supporting the support frame 72 is inserted is formed along one end of the longitudinal direction of the side plates 72B and 72C (the right end portion in FIG. 7). ing. A notch 72E into which a Y-direction positioning portion 92D (described later) enters is formed on the center side in the longitudinal direction from the through hole 72D in one longitudinal end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 7) of the side plate 72B.

  Further, a stopper 72K as a restricting portion for restricting the upward movement of the print head 60 is provided at one longitudinal end portion (right end portion in FIG. 7) of the side wall 72C. The stopper 72K is formed so as to protrude from the upper end of the side wall 72C toward the side wall 72B. The stopper 72K is printed in a state in which the photoreceptor module 100 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 11 (abutting surface 68A of the holder 68 is not in contact with the reference surface 154 of the photoreceptor module 100, a state shown in FIG. 3). By contacting the upper surface of one end side in the longitudinal direction of the holder 68 of the head 60, the upward movement of the print head 60 is restricted.

  At the other end in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 72A (the left end in FIG. 7), as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a fixed portion for fixing the support frame 72 to the front frame 13 of the image forming apparatus main body 11. 72F is formed. The fixed portion 72F extends downward from the other longitudinal end of the bottom plate 72A (the left end in FIGS. 12 and 13). A through-hole 72H through which a screw 73 screwed into the screw hole 13B of the front frame 13 is inserted is formed in the fixed portion 72F.

  Further, a stopper 71 serving as a restricting portion for restricting the upward movement of the print head 60 is provided at the other longitudinal end portion (left end portion in FIG. 7) of the bottom plate 72A. This stopper 71 is printed in a state in which the photosensitive module 100 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 11 (abutting surface 68C of the holder 68 is not in contact with the reference surface 164 of the photosensitive member module 100, a state shown in FIG. 3). By contacting the upper surface of the holder 68 of the head 60 at the other end in the longitudinal direction, the upward movement of the print head 60 is restricted.

  Further, on the side opposite to the side wall 72B with respect to the other longitudinal end portion (left end portion in FIG. 7) of the side plate 72C, as shown in FIG. 12, the photosensitive module 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 11. Accordingly, a pushed-up member 75 that is pushed up by the push-up portion 128 (see FIG. 3) of the photoconductor module 100 is provided. The pushed-up member 75 is formed with a pushed upper surface 75 </ b> A that comes into contact with the inclined surface 129 of the raised portion 128 and is pushed up by the inclined surface 129. The pressed upper surface 75A is inclined in the same manner as the inclined surface 129.

(Positioning member 80 (an example of a positioning member))
As shown in FIG. 10, the positioning member 80 contacts a main body 81 (supported portion) that is swingably supported by the support mechanism 90, and one end surface 68 </ b> K in the X direction of the holder 68 of the print head 60. The positioning portion 82 (an example of a contact portion) that positions the print head 60 in the X direction and the contact portion 84 that contacts the bottom surface 68H of the holder 68 of the print head 60 are provided.

  The main body 81 is formed with a through-hole 85 through which a shaft 94 described later for pivotally supporting the positioning member 80 is inserted. The main body 81 has a facing wall 86 facing the one end face 68K in the X direction of the print head 60.

  The positioning portion 82 is formed on the side surface of the facing wall 86 on the print head 60 side so as to protrude toward the print head 60 side. Specifically, the positioning portion 82 is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the Y direction.

  Insertion holes 87 and 88 into which one end and the other end of the holding spring 74 are inserted are formed on both sides in the X direction of the facing wall 86 in the positioning member 80. By inserting one end and the other end of the holding spring 74 into the insertion holes 87 and 88 (a sandwich plate 74B described later), the side wall 68E of the holder 68 of the print head 60 and the opposing wall 86 are sandwiched. A holding spring 74 is attached. That is, the facing wall 86 and the insertion holes 87 and 88 function as a mounting portion to which the holding spring 74 is mounted.

  The contact portion 84 is disposed on the opposite side to the through hole 85 with respect to the facing wall 86 (left side in FIG. 10). The contact portion 84 is formed in a columnar shape protruding in a convex shape toward the print head 60 (upward in FIG. 10). A disk-shaped flange portion 83 having a diameter larger than that of the contact portion 84 is formed below the contact portion 84. Further, a columnar insertion portion 89 to be inserted into a coil spring 76 described later is formed below the flange portion 83.

(Holding spring 74 (an example of a holding part))
The holding spring 74 includes a back plate 74A and a pair of sandwiching plates 74B that sandwich the side wall 68E of the print head 60 and the opposing wall 86. In the holding spring 74, the pair of sandwiching plates 74 </ b> B sandwich the side wall 68 </ b> E of the holder 68 and the opposing wall 86 in a state in which the space between the pair of sandwiching plates 74 </ b> B is expanded and elastically changed. The contact state in which the side wall 68E and the opposing wall 86 are in contact with each other is maintained.

(Support mechanism 90)
As shown in FIG. 9, the support mechanism 90 includes a support 92 that is positioned (fixed) with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 11, and a shaft that supports the support frame 72 and the positioning member 80 in a swingable manner. And a pressing member 96 that presses and fixes the shaft portion 94 against the support body 92.

  The support body 92 is disposed on the side walls 92A and 92B provided so as to sandwich the positioning member 80 and the support frame 72 in the Y direction, and one end side in the longitudinal direction of the support frame 72 (the right end side in FIGS. 9 and 10). A side wall 92C. The side walls 92A and 92B are formed with recesses (not shown) that open upward and into which the shaft portion 94 is inserted from above.

  The support 92 is provided so as to protrude from the side wall 92A to the side wall 92B, and has a Y-direction positioning portion 92D that positions the print head 60 in the Y direction. A reference surface 92E serving as a reference for positioning (positioning) in the Y direction with respect to one longitudinal end portion of the print head 60 is formed in the Y direction positioning portion 92D.

  A plurality of positioning pins 92F for positioning the support 92 with respect to the rear frame 15 are inserted into the side wall 92C into the insertion holes 15E (see FIG. 3) of the rear frame 15 (see FIG. 9). Projected to the right).

  The pressing member 96 is formed in a U shape (U shape) and a plate shape in plan view. The pressing member 96 has a function of fixing the shaft portion 94 to the support body 92 by pressing the shaft portion 94. Further, the pressing member 96 is made of a conductive material such as a metal plate. The pressing member 96 is formed with a contact portion 96 </ b> A (contact point) that protrudes obliquely upward toward the rear frame 15 side (see FIG. 3) and contacts the rear frame 15.

  The shaft portion 94 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the Y direction as the axial direction. The shaft portion 94 is inserted into the through holes 72D of the side plates 72B and 72C of the support frame 72 and the through holes 85 of the positioning member 80, and the concave portions (illustrated) of the side walls 92A and 92B of the support 92 are shown. (Omitted) By being inserted and pressed against the pressing member 96, the concave portion is fixed to the support 92. Thus, the shaft portion 94 supports the support frame 72 and the positioning member 80 so as to be swingable with respect to the support body 92. Note that a stopper 95 is provided at both ends of the shaft portion 94 so that the shaft portion 94 does not fall off the support 92 in the axial direction.

  Furthermore, the shaft portion 94 is made of a conductive material having conductivity such as a metal rod. The shaft portion 94 is in contact with the support frame 72 and the pressing member 96 that are also made of a conductive material. Accordingly, the print head 60 is grounded (grounded) to the rear frame 15 through the support frame 72, the shaft portion 94, and the pressing member 96.

(Coil spring 76 (an example of an urging member))
As shown in FIG. 10, the coil spring 76 extends in the Z direction so that one end in the axial direction (lower end) is in contact with one end in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 72A of the support frame 72 (right end in FIG. 3). ing. The other axial end portion (upper end portion) of the coil spring 76 is held by the positioning member 80 by inserting the insertion portion 89 of the positioning member 80 therein. The other axial end of the coil spring 76 is in contact with the flange portion 83. Accordingly, the contact portion 84 of the positioning member 80 is urged toward the print head 60 by the coil spring 76. Further, the print head 60 is urged toward the reference surface 154 of the housing 110 of the photoreceptor module 100 by the coil spring 76 via the contact portion 84.

(Coil spring 78 and contact member 79)
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the coil spring 78 has one end in the axial direction (lower end) extending in the Z direction and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 72A of the support frame 72 (the left end in FIG. 3). ) Is in contact. A contact member 79 that contacts the bottom surface of the print head 60 (holder 68) is provided at the other axial end portion (upper end portion) of the coil spring 76.

  The contact member 79 includes a columnar contact portion 79A that protrudes upward and contacts the bottom surface of the print head 60 (holder 68), and a disk-shaped flange portion that is larger in diameter than the contact portion 79A below the contact portion 79A. 79B, and a columnar insertion portion 79C inserted into the upper end portion of the coil spring 78 below the flange portion 79B. With the insertion portion 79C inserted into the upper end portion of the coil spring 78, the upper end portion of the coil spring 76 is in contact with the flange portion 79B. As a result, the coil spring 78 urges the print head 60 toward the reference surface 164 of the housing 110 of the photoreceptor module 100 via the contact portion 79 </ b> A of the contact member 79.

(Positioning of print head 60)
Positioning of the print head 60 in the Y direction is performed as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the reference surface 92E of the Y-direction positioning portion 92D of the support 92 hits the side surface 68F of the longitudinal end of the holder 68 of the print head 60 (the right end in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 12, the reference surface 172 of the photoreceptor module 100 hits the side surface 68G of the other longitudinal end portion (the right end portion in FIG. 7) of the holder 68 of the print head 60. Are positioned in the Y direction.

  It should be noted that a biasing force such as a leaf spring that biases the holder 68 toward the reference surface 92E and the reference surface 172 is provided at each position facing the reference surface 92E and the reference surface 172 with the holder 68 of the print head 60 interposed therebetween. A member (not shown) is provided.

  Positioning of the print head 60 in the X direction is performed as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the print head 60 is positioned in the X direction when the position determining portion 82 of the position determining member 80 hits one end surface 68 </ b> K in the X direction of the holder 68 of the print head 60. The side wall 68E of the holder 68 and the opposing wall 86 of the positioning member 80 are held by the holding spring 74, so that the contact state between the positioning portion 82 and the one end face 68K is maintained.

  Positioning of the print head 60 in the Z direction is performed as follows.

  In a state where the photoconductor module 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 11 (the state shown in FIG. 6), with respect to the abutting surface 68A and the abutting surface 68C of the print head 60 biased upward by the coil spring 76 and the coil spring 78. When the reference surface 154 and the reference surface 164 of the photoconductor module 100 contact each other, the print head 60 is positioned in the Z direction.

  When the photosensitive module 100 is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 11 (the state shown in FIG. 3), the print head 60 urged upward by the coil spring 76 and the coil spring 78 is moved to the stopper 72K of the support frame 72 and the stopper 72K. By hitting the stopper 71, the print head 60 is restricted from moving upward beyond the restriction position. As described above, the print head 60 moves up and down (moves along the Z direction) between the X direction positioning position positioned in the Z direction and the above limit position.

(Oscillation of the support frame 72)
As described above, the support frame 72 is supported by the shaft portion 94 so that the support frame 72 can swing in the vertical direction about the shaft portion 94 as a swing shaft. Specifically, the support frame 72 has a directly-facing position (see FIGS. 5 and 6) facing the photoconductor 32 in a state along the axial direction (X direction) of the photoconductor 32, and the longitudinal direction of the support frame 72. The other end portion (left end portion in FIG. 3) is lowered and can swing between a retreat position (see FIG. 3) where the other end portion retreats from the photoconductor 32.

  In the present embodiment, when the photoreceptor module 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 11, the inclined surface 129 of the push-up unit 128 pushes up the pressed upper surface 75 </ b> A of the print head 60, and the support frame 72 is moved from the retracted position. It swings to the opposite position.

  Further, when the photoreceptor module 100 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 11, the inclined surface 129 of the push-up portion 128 is retracted from the pressed upper surface 75 </ b> A of the print head 60, and the support frame 72 is correctly moved by its own weight. It swings from the counter position to the retracted position.

  Further, the support frame 72 is restricted in a state where the bottom plate 72A of the support frame 72 hits the front frame 13 and swings downward beyond the retracted position at the retracted position. Note that a backlash (gap) is formed between the front frame 13 and the fixed portion 72F, although not shown in FIG.

(Oscillation of positioning member 80)
The positioning member 80 is also supported by the shaft portion 94 as described above, so that it can swing in the vertical direction about the shaft portion 94 as a swing shaft. The positioning member 80 swings independently of the support frame 72. That is, the positioning member 80 can swing independently even when the support frame 72 is in a stationary state in which the support frame 72 is not swinging.

  Further, since the positioning member 80 is pressed against the print head 60 by the coil spring 76 and the side wall 68E of the print head 60 and the opposing wall 86 are sandwiched by the holding spring 74, the positioning member 80 is moved up and down. It swings following the movement (movement along the irradiation direction (Z direction)). Accordingly, when the support frame 72 is located at the directly-facing position, the print head 60 is moved up and down between the X-direction positioning position (position shown in FIG. 6) and the restriction position (position shown in FIG. 3). The positioning member 80 swings up and down between a lower position (position shown in FIG. 10) and an upper position (position shown in FIG. 11).

  The positioning member 80 swings up and down between a lower position (position shown in FIG. 10) and an upper position (position shown in FIG. The direction of contact with the end face 68K is changed. Further, in the state where the positioning member 80 is located at the lower position, the height (position) of the positioning portion 82 is set so that the shaft portion 94 (swinging shaft) and the positioning portion 82 have the same height. Is set.

(Operation according to this embodiment)
Next, the operation according to this embodiment will be described. Here, the operation when the photoreceptor module 100 detached from the image forming apparatus main body 11 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 11 will be described.

  When the photosensitive module 100 is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 11, as shown in FIG. 3, the support frame 72 is located at the retracted position, the print head 60 is located at the restricting position, and the positioning member. 80 is located in the upper position.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the photoconductor module 100 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 11 along the X direction from the front frame 13 side toward the rear frame 15 side. Then, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the inclined surface 129 of the push-up portion 128 of the photoreceptor module 100 pushes up the pushed upper surface 75A of the print head 60, and the support frame 72 is directed from the retracted position to the facing position. Rocks. At this time, the print head 60 and the positioning member 80 swing together with the support frame 72 without changing their positions relative to the support frame 72.

  Further, when the photoconductor module 100 moves in the mounting direction (rear frame 15 side), as shown in FIG. 5, at one end side in the axial direction of the photoconductor module 100 (right end side in FIG. 5), The inclined surface 156 hits the inclined surface 68B of the print head 60, and gradually pushes one end side in the longitudinal direction of the print head 60 (the right end side in FIG. 5) downward with respect to the support frame 72. Also on the other axial end side (left end side in FIG. 5) of the photoconductor module 100, the inclined surface 166 of the photoconductor module 100 hits the inclined surface 68 </ b> D of the printhead 60, and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the printhead 60. (Left end side in FIG. 5) is gradually pushed downward with respect to the support frame 72. At this time, the positioning member 80 also swings downward with respect to the support frame 72 following the downward movement of the print head 60.

  Further, when the photoconductor module 100 moves in the mounting direction (rear frame 15 side), as shown in FIG. 6, at one end side in the axial direction of the photoconductor module 100 (right end side in FIG. 6), The reference surface 154 contacts the abutting surface 68A of the print head 60. Further, on the other axial end side (left end side in FIG. 6) of the photoconductor module 100, the reference surface 164 of the photoconductor module 100 contacts the abutting surface 68 </ b> C of the print head 60. As a result, the print head 60 is positioned in the Z direction.

  When the photoconductor module 100 attached to the image forming apparatus main body 11 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 11, the operation is performed in the reverse order of the above-described operation.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the positioning member 80 also swings downward following (being accompanied by) the downward movement of the print head 60, and therefore between the print head 60 and the positioning member 80. The positioning member 80 is less likely to prevent the print head 60 from moving downward. When the photoreceptor module 100 is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 11, the positioning member 80 also swings upward following (in association with) the upward movement of the print head 60. For this reason, the positioning member 80 is unlikely to hinder the upward movement of the print head 60.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the holding spring 74 sandwiches the side wall 68E of the print head 60 and the opposing wall 86, so that the positioning member 80 of the print head 60 is compared to the case where the holding spring 74 is not provided. Since the print head 60 and the positioning member 80 are less likely to move relative to each other in the Z direction following the vertical movement, friction is unlikely to occur between the print head 60 and the positioning member 80, and the positioning member 80 is moved to the print head 60. It is difficult to prevent the vertical movement of the.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the contact portion 84 of the positioning member 80 is urged toward the print head 60 by the coil spring 76. For this reason, the positioning member 80 follows the vertical movement of the print head 60, and the print head 60 and the positioning member 80 are unlikely to move relative to each other in the Z direction. Therefore, friction between the print head 60 and the positioning member 80 occurs. And the positioning member 80 is unlikely to prevent the print head 60 from moving up and down.

  In the present embodiment, the coil spring 76 biases the print head 60 upward via the contact portion 84 of the positioning member 80, so that the biasing member that biases the print head 60 upward, and the positioning The number of parts is reduced as compared with a case where the member 80 is separately provided with a biasing member that biases the member 80 toward the print head 60.

  In the present embodiment, since the contact portion 84 is formed on the positioning member 80, the number of parts is reduced as compared with the case where the contact portion 84 is provided as a separate member from the positioning member 80.

  In the present embodiment, in the state where the positioning member 80 is located at the lower position, the height of the positioning portion 82 is set so that the shaft portion 94 (swinging shaft) and the positioning portion 82 have the same height. (Position) is set. For this reason, even when the positioning unit 82 is displaced along the swinging direction of the positioning member 80 with respect to the print head 60 as compared with the case where the heights are different, the positioning unit 82 performs the X direction (main scanning). Misalignment in the X direction of the print head 60 positioned in the direction) is reduced. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when the height of the positioning portion 82 is set to the same height H2 as the shaft portion 94 (swing shaft), the positioning portion 82 is set to the heights H1 and H3. When the position is displaced with respect to the print head 60, the position displacement length in the X direction is L1. On the other hand, when the height of the positioning portion 82 is set to H3 which is a height different from that of the shaft portion 94 (swing shaft), the positioning portion 82 is set to the heights H2 and H4 at the print head 60. When the position is shifted with respect to the position, the position shift length in the X direction is L2 longer than L1. The heights H1 to H4 indicate the heights arranged at equal intervals in the Z direction.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the positioning portion 82 is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the Y direction, the print head 60 is moved along with the vertical movement of the print head 60 as compared with the case where the positioning portion 82 is not in the arc shape. Even if the direction in which the positioning unit 82 contacts is changed, the direction in which the positioning unit 82 contacts is changed smoothly.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the positioning member 80 does not easily prevent the print head 60 from moving up and down, the positioning accuracy in the Z direction of the print head 60 is improved, and the distance between the photoconductor 32 and the print head 60 is increased. Since it becomes an appropriate distance, the image defect resulting from the said distance not becoming an appropriate distance is suppressed.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, the support frame 72 swings. However, the support frame 72 may be fixed to the image forming apparatus main body 11 without swinging. In this case, the push-up portion 128 provided in the photoconductor module 100 is not necessary.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the contact part 84 was formed in the positioning member 80, the structure by which the contact part 84 is provided as a member different from the positioning member 80 may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the height of the positioning portion 82 is set so that the height of the shaft portion 94 (swinging shaft) and the positioning portion 82 is the same in the state where the positioning member 80 is located at the lower position. Although the height (position) is set, the height may be different.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the position determination part 82 was formed in circular arc shape by the Y direction view, it is not restricted to this, For example, the position determination part 82 is a pointed shape by the Y direction view. Also good. Further, the positioning unit 82 may be in surface contact with the print head 60 or may be line contact along the Y direction.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made. For example, the modification examples described above may be appropriately combined.

10 Image Forming Device 32 Photoconductor (Example of Image Holding Body)
59 Exposure device (an example of a light irradiation device)
60 Print head (an example of an irradiation unit)
72 Support frame (an example of a support part)
74 Holding spring (an example of a holding part)
76 Coil spring (an example of a biasing member)
80 Positioning member (an example of a positioning member)
82 Positioning part (example of contact area)
84 Contact portion 154 Reference surface (an example of an irradiation direction positioning portion)
164 Reference plane (example of irradiation direction positioning part)

Claims (7)

An irradiation unit that irradiates light to an irradiated surface and performs main scanning in the main scanning direction of the light, and is supported by the support unit so as to be movable along the irradiation direction of the light;
The irradiation unit is in contact with one end of the irradiation unit in the main scanning direction to position the irradiation unit in the main scanning direction, and the axis of rotation around the axis along the sub-scanning direction as the irradiation unit moves along the irradiation direction. A positioning member that swings relative to the support;
A light irradiation apparatus comprising: A holding unit that holds the irradiation unit and the positioning member in contact with each other so that the positioning member swings around the axis as the irradiation unit moves along the irradiation direction;
The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A contact portion provided integrally with the positioning member and in contact with the irradiation portion on the side opposite to the irradiation direction;
A biasing member that biases the contact portion toward the irradiation portion;
The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The irradiation unit is positioned in the irradiation direction by contacting an irradiation direction positioning unit provided on the irradiation direction side with respect to the irradiation unit,
The light irradiating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the urging member urges the irradiation unit toward the irradiation direction positioning unit via the contact unit.   The contact portion that contacts the one end of the positioning member in a state where the irradiation unit is positioned in the irradiation direction has the same height in the irradiation direction as the swing axis of the positioning member. 5. The light irradiation apparatus according to any one of 4 above.   The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion of the positioning member that contacts the one end of the irradiation unit is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the sub-scanning direction. An image carrier,
The light irradiation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a latent image is formed by irradiating light onto the surface of the image carrier as the irradiated surface.
An image forming apparatus comprising: