JP2008221658A - Line head and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a line head that can capture a clear image and allow a face of a lens array at an emission side of the light to be readily and surely cleaned, and an image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: This line head 13 comprises a lens support section 65, the lens array 6 having a plurality of lenses 64 which are supported by the lens support section 65 and are arranged in a plurality of rows in a main scanning direction and in a plurality of columns in a sub-scanning direction, each of which the incident face of the light L is made to be a convex face 62, and a plurality of light emitting element groups 71, each of which is constituted of a plurality of light emitting elements 74 provided to each lens 64 and is disposed to the incident side of the light L of the lens array 6 corresponding to each lens 64. In the plurality of lenses 64, at least two lenses 64 residing in each row have different focal lengths. In the lens array 6, the top face 63 at the emission side of the light L is made to be flat. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a line head and an image forming apparatus having the line head.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been used to form an image on a recording medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a microlens array, a light emitting element array that is installed on the light incident surface side of the microlens array, and emits light toward the microlens array, and the light of the microlens array. And a photosensitive member having a light receiving surface (image forming surface) that receives light from the microlens array. The microlens array includes a plurality of microlenses and a support member (holding member) that supports each microlens. Each microlens has a convex surface on the light incident side surface and the light emission side surface. That is, each microlens is composed of a biconvex lens.

  In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, the microlens array and the light emitting element array are arranged to face each other via a gap, and a space (hereinafter, this space is referred to as “inside space”) is formed between them. ing. The inner space is normally kept airtight by a casing (fixing member) that fixes the microlens array and the light emitting element array. Therefore, dust, dust, toner particles, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as “foreign substances”) that contaminate the light incident side surface of the microlens array are prevented from entering the inner space. .

  In addition, a space (hereinafter, this space is referred to as an “outer space”) is also formed between the microlens array and the photoreceptor (light receiving surface). This outer space communicates with the outside of the image forming apparatus (the room in which the image forming apparatus is used). For this reason, when outside (indoor) air enters the image forming apparatus, the air reaches the outer space, and further, foreign matter contained in the air is exposed to the light emitting side surface of the microlens array. Adhere to. As described above, each microlens has a convex curved surface on the light exit side. For this reason, there is a problem that a concave portion (dent) is formed between adjacent convex curved surfaces, and the adhered foreign matter is accumulated in the concave portion. It is difficult to remove the accumulated foreign matter. In addition, in the microlens array to which foreign matter is attached, light is blocked or scattered by the foreign matter. For this reason, it is said that a clear image is not formed on the photoconductor because the amount of light applied to the photoconductor is insufficient, or a portion to be exposed of the photoconductor is not properly exposed due to scattered light or the like. There was also a problem.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-307697

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a line head and an image forming apparatus that can obtain a clear image and can easily and reliably clean the surface of the lens array on the light emission side.

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
The line head of the present invention has a lens support portion having an elongated outer shape, and is supported by the lens support portion. When the longitudinal direction is a main scanning direction and the width direction is a sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction is A plurality of lenses arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction and having a light incident surface as a convex curved surface, and a lens array,
A light emitting element group including a plurality of light emitting elements provided for one lens, and a plurality of light emitting element groups respectively provided corresponding to the lenses on the light incident side of the lens array; Prepared,
The plurality of lenses are such that at least two of the lenses belonging to one row have different focal lengths.
The lens array is characterized in that the light exit surface is a flat surface.
Accordingly, the adhesion of foreign matter can be suppressed or the adhered foreign matter can be easily removed by cleaning, so that a clear image can be obtained and the surface on the light emitting side of the lens array can be easily and reliably cleaned. be able to.

In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the lenses having different focal lengths have different shapes of the convex curved surfaces.
Thereby, when light is emitted from the light emitting element group corresponding to the lens toward each lens, the light transmitted through each lens is surely focused.
In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the lenses having different focal lengths have spherical convex surfaces and different radii of curvature.
Thereby, when light is emitted from the light emitting element group corresponding to the lens toward each lens, the light transmitted through each lens is surely focused.

In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the two adjacent lenses belonging to one row are arranged so as to be shifted in the main scanning direction.
Thereby, the arrangement density of lenses can be made relatively high.
In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that each of the lenses is made of resin and / or glass.
Thereby, each lens can be suitably formed.

In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the lens support portion is made of glass.
Thereby, a lens support part can be formed suitably.
In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, the lens array includes an integrally molded body in which the lens support portion and the lenses are integrally molded, and the light emission side surface of the integrally molded body is a flat surface. It is preferable that
Thereby, when manufacturing a lens array, the manufacture can be performed easily.

In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the plurality of light emitting element groups belonging to one column emit light with a time difference from each other.
Thereby, a clearer image is obtained.
In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that in each of the light emitting element groups, the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a plurality of rows in the main scanning direction and in a plurality of rows in the sub scanning direction.
Thereby, a clearer image is obtained.

In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that in each of the light emitting element groups, two adjacent light emitting elements belonging to one column are arranged so as to be shifted in the main scanning direction.
Thereby, a clearer image is obtained.
In the line head according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that in each of the light emitting element groups, the light emitting elements belonging to one row and the light emitting elements belonging to a row different from the row emit light with a time difference.
Thereby, a clearer image is obtained.

In the line head of the present invention, each of the light emitting elements is preferably an organic electroluminescence element.
Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting element can be appropriately set to white light or monochromatic light according to the constituent material of the light emitting element.
In the line head of the present invention, the line head is disposed to face a light receiving surface of a photosensitive member that receives light emitted from the lens array,
It is preferable to have positioning means for regulating the distance between the light receiving surface and the lens array.
Thereby, the positioning of the light receiving surface and the lens array is ensured.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a photoreceptor having a light receiving surface that receives light;
A line head disposed opposite the light receiving surface;
The line head is
A lens support portion having an elongated outer shape, and supported by the lens support portion, where the longitudinal direction is the main scanning direction and the width direction is the sub-scanning direction, a plurality of rows are arranged in the main scanning direction, A lens array having a plurality of lenses arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction and having a light incident surface as a convex curved surface,
A light emitting element group including a plurality of light emitting elements provided for one lens, and a plurality of light emitting element groups respectively provided corresponding to the lenses on the light incident side of the lens array; Prepared,
The plurality of lenses are such that at least two of the lenses belonging to one row have different focal lengths.
The lens array is characterized in that the light exit surface is a flat surface.
Accordingly, the adhesion of foreign matter can be suppressed or the adhered foreign matter can be easily removed by cleaning, so that a clear image can be obtained and the surface on the light emitting side of the lens array can be easily and reliably cleaned. be able to.
In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus includes a cleaning unit that cleans a plane on the light emission side of the lens array.
Thereby, when cleaning the surface of the lens array on the light emission side, the operation can be easily and reliably performed.

Hereinafter, a line head and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial sectional perspective view of the line head of the present invention included in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the line head shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are partial longitudinal sectional views of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the cleaning tool is housed, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the cleaning tool is cleaned, and FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 5 (also in FIG. 6). 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the organic EL element of the line head shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 9 to 14 are schematic perspective views showing operating states of the line head shown in FIG. 2 over time. . In the following, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 6, and 8 to 14 is “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side is “lower” or “lower”. To tell. In FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the light shielding member is omitted.

An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an electrophotographic printer that records an image on a recording medium P through a series of image forming processes including a charging process, an exposure process, a developing process, a transfer process, and a fixing process. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color printer that employs a so-called tandem method.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 10 for a charging process, an exposure process, and a developing process, a transfer unit 20 for a transfer process, and a fixing unit for a fixing process. 30, a transport mechanism 40 for transporting a recording medium P such as paper, and a paper feed unit 50 that supplies the recording medium P to the transport mechanism 40.

The image forming unit 10 includes an image forming station 10Y that forms a yellow toner image, an image forming station 10M that forms a magenta toner image, an image forming station 10C that forms a cyan toner image, and a black toner image. Four image forming stations including an image forming station 10K to be formed are provided.
Each of the image forming stations 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K has a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 11 that carries an electrostatic latent image, and a charging unit 12 and a line head are provided around (outer peripheral side). An (exposure unit) 13, a developing device 14, and a cleaning unit 15 are provided. Since these apparatuses constituting the image forming stations 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K have the same configuration, only one apparatus will be described below.

  The photosensitive drum 11 has a cylindrical shape as a whole. The outer peripheral surface (cylindrical surface) of the photosensitive drum 11 constitutes a light receiving surface 111 that receives light L (emitted light) from the line head 13 (lens array 6). That is, a photosensitive layer (not shown) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11. Further, the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatable around the axis in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Further, portions (both ends) of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11 excluding the light receiving surface 111 are non-photosensitive regions 112 that are not sensitive to the light L.

The charging unit 12 uniformly charges the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11 by corona charging or the like.
The line head 13 receives image information from a host computer such as a personal computer (not shown) and irradiates the light L toward the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11 in response to the image information. On the other hand, the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11 is in a uniformly charged state, and a latent image corresponding to the irradiation pattern of the light L is formed. The configuration of the line head 13 will be described in detail later.

The developing device 14 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores toner, and supplies toner from the storage unit to the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11 that carries an electrostatic latent image. To do. Thereby, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 is visualized (developed) as a toner image.
The cleaning unit 15 has a rubber cleaning blade 151 that abuts on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11, so that the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 after the primary transfer described later is scraped off and removed by the cleaning blade 151. It has become.
The transfer unit 20 collectively transfers the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 11 of the image forming stations 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K as described above to the recording medium P.

  In each of the image forming stations 10Y, 10C, 10M, and 10K, the charging unit 12 charges the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11 and the line head 13 exposes the light receiving surface 111 while the photosensitive drum 11 rotates once. Then, supply of toner to the light receiving surface 111 by the developing device 14, primary transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 21 by pressure contact with a primary transfer roller 22 described later, and cleaning of the light receiving surface 111 by the cleaning unit 15 are sequentially performed.

The transfer unit 20 includes an endless belt-like intermediate transfer belt 21, and the intermediate transfer belt 21 includes a plurality of (four in the configuration shown in FIG. 1) primary transfer rollers 22, drive rollers 23, and driven rollers 24. It is stretched and driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1 at the same peripheral speed as that of the photosensitive drum 11 by the rotation of the drive roller 23.
Each primary transfer roller 22 is disposed opposite to the corresponding photosensitive drum 11 via an intermediate transfer belt 21, and transfers a single color toner image on the photosensitive drum 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 21 (primary transfer). It is like that. At the time of primary transfer, the primary transfer roller 22 is applied with a primary transfer voltage (primary transfer bias) having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner.

On the intermediate transfer belt 21, a toner image of at least one of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is carried. For example, when a full-color image is formed, four color toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 21 to form a full-color toner image as an intermediate transfer image.
Further, the transfer unit 20 includes a secondary transfer roller 25 disposed to face the driving roller 23 via the intermediate transfer belt 21, and a cleaning unit 26 disposed to face the driven roller 24 via the intermediate transfer belt 21. have.

The secondary transfer roller 25 transfers a single-color or full-color toner image (intermediate transfer image) formed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 to a recording medium P such as paper, film, or cloth supplied from the paper supply unit 50. (Secondary transfer). The secondary transfer roller 25 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 21 and applied with a secondary transfer voltage (secondary transfer bias) during secondary transfer. During such secondary transfer, the drive roller 23 also functions as a backup roller for the secondary transfer roller 25.
The cleaning unit 26 has a rubber cleaning blade 261 that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21, and the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 21 after the secondary transfer is scraped off and removed by the cleaning blade 261. It has become.

  The fixing unit 30 includes a fixing roller 301 and a pressure roller 302 that is pressed against the fixing roller 301, and is configured such that the recording medium P passes between the fixing roller 301 and the pressure roller 302. Yes. The fixing roller 301 has a built-in heater for heating the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roller, and can heat and press the recording medium P passing therethrough. The fixing unit 30 having such a configuration heats and presses the recording medium P that has received the secondary transfer of the toner image, and fuses the toner image to the recording medium P to fix it as a permanent image.

The conveyance mechanism 40 includes a registration roller pair 41 that conveys the recording medium P while feeding the recording medium P to the secondary transfer portion between the secondary transfer roller 25 and the intermediate transfer belt 21 described above, and fixing by the fixing unit 30. Conveying roller pairs 42, 43, and 44 for nipping and conveying the processed recording medium P are provided.
When such a transport mechanism 40 forms an image on only one surface of the recording medium P, the transport mechanism 40 sandwiches and transports the recording medium P fixed on one surface by the fixing unit 30 by the transport roller pair 42. Then, it is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1. When forming an image on both surfaces of the recording medium P, the recording medium P fixed on one surface by the fixing unit 30 is once sandwiched by the conveying roller pair 42 and then the conveying roller pair 42 is driven in reverse. Then, the pair of conveying rollers 43 and 44 are driven, the recording medium P is turned upside down and returned to the registration roller pair 41, and an image is formed on the other surface of the recording medium P by the same operation as described above.
The paper feeding unit 50 includes a paper feeding cassette 51 that stores unused recording media P, and a pickup roller 52 that feeds the recording media P from the paper feeding cassette 51 to the registration roller pair 41 one by one. .

Next, the line head 13 will be described. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the longitudinal direction of the long lens array 6 is referred to as “main scanning direction”, and the width direction is referred to as “sub-scanning direction”.
As shown in FIG. 3, the line head 13 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 11 so as to face the light receiving surface 111. The line head 13 includes a lens array 6, a light shielding member 8, and a light emitting element array 7 that are sequentially arranged from the photosensitive drum 11 side, and a casing 9 that houses these members. In the line head 13, when the light L is emitted from the light emitting element array 7, the light L enters the lens array 6 through the light shielding member 8. The light L incident on the lens array 6 passes through the lens array 6 and is emitted toward the photosensitive drum 11.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the lens array 6 is composed of a plate-like body whose outer shape is long.
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of spherical surfaces, that is, convex curved surfaces 62 are formed on the lower surface (incident surface) 61 on which the light L of the lens array 6 is incident. Further, the upper surface (outgoing surface) 63 from which the light L of the lens array 6 is emitted is not formed with a convex curved surface as formed in the lower surface 61, and is a flat surface. When the light L is emitted from the light emitting element array 7, the light L is incident on each convex curved surface 62 and is emitted from the upper surface 63. In the lens array 6, the portions surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3 are lenses 64 that function as optical paths. In the present embodiment, a portion excluding each lens 64 of the lens array 6 (mainly a portion around each lens 64), that is, a portion that does not function as an optical path is referred to as a lens support portion 65.
Each lens 64 is configured by a plano-convex lens in which the light L incident side surface is a convex curved surface 62 and the light L emission side surface is a flat surface. Further, as described above, the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 is a flat surface, and the light exit surface 643 of the light L of each lens 64 is located on the same plane.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, these lenses 64 composed of plano-convex lenses are spaced apart from each other, arranged in a plurality of rows in the main scanning direction, and arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of lenses 64 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and n columns (n is an integer of 2 or more). Also, hereinafter, among the three lenses 64 belonging to one row (lens row), the lens 64 located at the center is referred to as “lens 64b” and is located on the left side in FIG. 3 (upper side in FIG. 4). The lens 64 is referred to as “lens 64a”, and the lens 64 positioned on the right side in FIG. 3 (lower side in FIG. 4) is referred to as “lens 64c”.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the three lenses 64 in one lens row, the lens 64a and the lens 64c are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other via the lens axis 641 of the lens 64b. In the lenses 64 a to 64 c, the exit surface 643 of the lens 64 b is disposed closest to the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11, and the exit surfaces 643 of the lenses 64 a and 64 c are respectively from the exit surface 643 of the lens 64 b. Is also located far away.

In the lenses 64 a to 64 c arranged in this way, a condensing point (focus) 642 is formed on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11 by the light L transmitted through the lenses 64 a to 64 c, respectively. Among these condensing points 642, the condensing points 642 of the lenses 64a and 64c are substantially the same in distance from their exit surfaces 643 (upper surface 63). Further, the condensing point 642 of the lens 64b is shorter from the exit surface 643 than the distance between the condensing point 642 and the exit surface 643 of the lens 64a (the lens 64c is the same).
For this reason, the lens 64a and the lens 64c have the same focal length (image formation distance), and the lens 64a (the lens 64c is the same) and the lens 64b have different focal lengths.

  Such an optical characteristic makes the curvature radius (shape) of the convex curved surfaces 62 of the lens 64a and the lens 64c equal, and the curvature radius of the convex curved surfaces 62 of the lens 64a (the lens 64c is the same) and the lens 64b. It is obtained by making it different. Specifically, the radius of curvature of the convex curved surface 62 of the lens 64b is smaller than the radius of curvature of the convex curved surface 62 of the lens 64a. Further, the radius of curvature of each convex curved surface 62 is such that when the light L is irradiated from the light emitting element array 7 toward the lenses 64 a to 64 c, the light L transmitted through these lenses 64 a to 64 c is applied to the photosensitive drum 11. It is set to collect light on the light receiving surface 111.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in each lens row, the lenses 64a to 64c are sequentially arranged at regular intervals in the main scanning direction (right direction in FIG. 4). That is, in each lens row, the line connecting the lens centers of the lenses 64a to 64c is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the main scanning direction. The amount of deviation between these lenses 64 will be described in detail later.

Each lens 64 is preferably made of, for example, a resin material and / or a glass material.
As this resin material, various resin materials can be used. For example, a liquid crystal polymer such as polyamide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyamideimide aromatic polyester, polyolefin such as polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene, modified polyolefin, polycarbonate, acrylic (Methacrylic), Polymethylmethacrylate, Polyethylene terephthalate, Polybutylene terephthalate and other polyesters, Polyether, Polyetheretherketone, Polyetherimide, Polyacetal and other thermoplastic resins, Epoxy resins, Phenol resins, Urea resins, Melamine resins Thermosetting resins such as saturated polyester resins and polyimide resins, photocurable resins, etc. are mentioned, and one or more of these are combined. It is possible to have.

Examples of the glass material include various glass materials such as soda glass, crystalline glass, quartz glass, lead glass, potassium glass, borosilicate glass, and alkali-free glass.
Further, in each lens 64, it is particularly preferable that the vicinity of the convex curved surface 62 is made of a resin material and the portion excluding the vicinity of the convex curved surface 62 is made of a glass material. In this case, the lens 64 has excellent adhesion between the vicinity of the convex curved surface 62 made of a resin material and the portion excluding the vicinity of the convex curved surface 62 made of a glass material. Thereby, the lifetime of the line head 13 provided with such a lens array 6 can be extended. Moreover, when manufacturing the lens array 6, the process becomes easy.

  The lens support portion 65 can also be made of the resin material or glass material described above, but is preferably made of a glass material, and in particular, is made of the same glass material as that of each lens 64. More preferably. When each lens 64 and the lens support portion 65 are made of the same glass material, the lens array 6 can be made of an integrally molded body in which each lens 64 and the lens support portion 65 are integrally formed. . Thereby, when manufacturing the lens array 6, the manufacture can be performed easily. Further, the lens array 6 having high stability against environmental changes can be obtained. The same applies to the case where each lens 64 and the lens support portion 65 are integrally formed of a resin material.

In the lens array 6, for example, a flat plate member having a flat upper surface and a lower surface may be formed, and a plurality of convex portions protruding in a spherical shape may be formed on one surface of the member. In this case, the flat member can be made of, for example, a glass material, and each convex portion can be made of a resin material.
When the lens array 6 is formed of an integrally molded body, the upper surface 63 on the light emitting side of the light L of the integrally molded body is a flat surface, and the exit surfaces 643 of the lenses 64 are positioned on the same surface. When the lens array 6 is manufactured, the upper surface 63 can be easily and reliably made flat over the entire surface by, for example, a single grinding (polishing) process.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light emitting element array 7 is installed on the light incident side of the lens array 6 via the light shielding member 8. The light emitting element array 7 includes a plurality of light emitting element groups (light emitting element groups) 71 and a support plate (head substrate) 72.
The support plate 72 supports each light emitting element group 71, and is configured by a plate-like body having a long outer shape. The support plate 72 is disposed in parallel with the lens array 6.

The support plate 72 is longer in the main scanning direction than the lens array 6 in the main scanning direction. The length of the support plate 72 in the sub-scanning direction is also set longer than the length of the lens array 6 in the sub-scanning direction.
Although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the support plate 72, For example, various metal materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel, various plastics, etc. can be used individually or in combination. When the support plate 72 is made of various metal materials, heat generated by light emission of each light emitting element 74 can be efficiently radiated through the support plate 72. Further, when the support plate 72 is made of various plastics, it contributes to weight reduction of the support plate 72.

On the back side of the support plate 72, a box-shaped storage portion 73 is installed. In this storage portion 73, a plurality of light emitting element groups 71, conductive wires (not shown) electrically connected to these light emitting element groups 71 (each light emitting element 74), or each light emitting element 74 is driven. A circuit board (not shown) is housed.
The plurality of light emitting element groups 71 are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and n columns (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2), as in the case of the plurality of lenses 64 described above (for example, see FIG. 4). . The plurality of light emitting element groups 71 arranged in this way correspond to the respective lenses 64. Each light emitting element group 71 is composed of a plurality (eight in this embodiment) of light emitting elements 74.

As shown in FIG. 3, the eight light emitting elements 74 constituting each light emitting element group 71 are arranged on the same plane as the lower surface 721 of the support plate 72. The light L emitted from each light emitting element 74 passes through a corresponding lens 64 to form a condensing point 642 on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the eight light emitting elements 74 are spaced apart from each other, arranged in four columns in the main scanning direction, and arranged in two rows in the sub scanning direction. As described above, the eight light emitting elements 74 are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 4 columns. Two adjacent light emitting elements 74 belonging to one row (light emitting element row) are arranged shifted in the main scanning direction.

  The amount of deviation is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to the extent described below, for example. For convenience of explanation, eight light emitting elements 74 belonging to the light emitting element group 71 located in the first row and the first column will be representatively described. Further, “number” is assigned to each of these eight light emitting elements 74. The numbers are No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8 in order from the lower right light emitting element 74 in FIG. For example, see FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the first to eighth light emitting elements 74, the seventh light emitting element 74 supplements the space between the eighth light emitting element 74 and the sixth light emitting element 74 adjacent in the main scanning direction. It shifts to do (fill). Similarly, between the 6th light emitting element 74 and the 4th light emitting element 74 is complemented by the 5th light emitting element 74, and between the 4th light emitting element 74 and the 2nd light emitting element 74. Is supplemented by a third light emitting element 74.
Thus, in the eight light emitting elements 74 having a matrix of 2 rows and 4 columns, the light emitting elements 74 adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction are complemented by one light emitting element 74 in the next row.

  For example, there is a limit to arranging the eight light emitting elements 74 in one row as densely as possible. However, by arranging the eight light emitting elements 74 to be shifted as described above, the arrangement density of these light emitting elements 74 is reduced. Can be higher. Thereby, when an image is recorded on the recording medium P, the recording density on the recording medium P becomes higher. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the recording medium P having a high resolution, a multi-gradation and a clear image.

The eight light emitting elements 74 belonging to one light emitting element group 71 are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 4 columns in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a matrix of 4 rows and 2 columns. May be arranged.
As described above, the plurality of light emitting element groups 71 are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and n columns. As shown in FIG. 4, the three light emitting element groups 71 belonging to one row (light emitting element group row) are arranged at equal intervals in the main scanning direction (right direction in FIG. 4).

  The amount of deviation is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to the extent described below, for example. For convenience of explanation, the light emitting element group 71 in the first column (the leftmost column) in FIG. 4 will be representatively described. 4 (the same applies to FIGS. 9 to 14), the light emitting element group 71 in the first row and the first column is referred to as “light emitting element group 71a”, and the light emitting element group 71 in the second row and first column is referred to as “light emitting element group 71b”. The light emitting element group 71 in the third row and first column is referred to as “light emitting element group 71 c”, and the light emitting element group 71 in the second row and second column is referred to as “light emitting element group 71 d”.

The light emitting element groups 71a to 71c are complemented by the light emitting element group 71b between the light emitting element groups 71a and 71d, and further the remaining part (half) that cannot be complemented by the light emitting element group 71b is complemented by the light emitting element group 71c. It is shifted to do.
In this way, in the light emitting element group 71 having a matrix shape of 3 rows and n columns, the interval between the adjacent light emitting element groups 71 is sequentially changed in the light emitting element group 71 in the next row or the light emitting element group 71 in the next row. Complement.

For example, there is a limit in arranging the plurality of light emitting element groups 71 in one row as densely as possible. However, by arranging the plurality of light emitting element groups 71 so as to be shifted as described above, these light emitting element groups 71 are arranged. The arrangement density of can be made higher. Thus, coupled with the fact that the eight light emitting elements 74 in one light emitting element group 71 are shifted, the recording density for the recording medium P becomes higher when an image is recorded on the recording medium P. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the recording medium P having higher resolution, multi-gradation, good color reproducibility and carrying a clearer image.
The light emitting element groups 71 belonging to the same row (light emitting element row) of one light emitting element group 71 are turned on / off at the same timing. The circuit board is configured to perform such control.
Further, the lenses 64 of the lens array 6 described above have the same amount of deviation.

As shown in FIG. 8, each light emitting element 74 is comprised by the organic EL element (organic electroluminescent element), respectively.
The light-emitting element 74 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a substrate 741, an anode 742 provided over the substrate 741, an organic EL layer 743 provided over the anode 742, a cathode 744 provided over the organic EL layer 743, And a protective layer 745 provided to cover each of the layers 742, 743, and 744.

In addition, the organic EL layer 743 is a stacked body including a plurality of layers stacked in this order from the anode 742 side, in the order of a hole transport layer 746, a light emitting layer 747, and an electron transport layer 748.
In addition, when a DC voltage is applied between the anode 742 and the cathode 744, an electron transported through the electron transport layer 748 and a hole transport layer 746 are transported in the light emitting layer 747. Excitons (excitons) are generated by the energy released during the recombination, and energy (fluorescence or phosphorescence) is released when the excitons return to the ground state. That is, the light emitting element 74 (light emitting layer 747) emits light.

In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 74 is an element having a bottom emission structure in which the light L from the light emitting layer 747 is taken out and visually recognized. Therefore, the light emitting element 74 is supported by the support plate 72 so that the surface on the substrate 741 side is on the lens array 6 side.
The substrate 741 serves as a support for the light emitting element 74, and the layers are formed on the substrate 741.

  The substrate 741 has an insulating property and is substantially transparent (colorless transparent, colored transparent or translucent). Examples of such materials include resin materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polypropylene, cycloolefin polymer, polyamide, polyethersulfone, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyarylate, quartz glass, and soda glass. Such glass materials can be used, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

The anode 742 is an electrode that injects holes into the organic EL layer 743 (a hole transport layer 746 described later). The constituent material of the anode 742 is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), SnO ₂ , Sb-containing SnO ₂ , oxides such as Al-containing ZnO, Au, Pt, Ag, Cu or the like. An alloy etc. are mentioned, At least 1 sort (s) of these can be used.

The cathode 744 is an electrode that injects electrons into the organic EL layer 743 (an electron transport layer 748 described later). The cathode 744 also has a function as a reflective film that reflects the light L leaked to the cathode 744 side to the anode 742 side. Thereby, more light quantity of the light L which goes to the lens array 6 side can be ensured.
Examples of the constituent material of the cathode 744 include Li, Mg, Ca, Sr, La, Ce, Er, Eu, Sc, Y, Yb, Ag, Cu, Al, Cs, Rb, and alloys containing these. At least one of them can be used.

An organic EL layer 743 is provided between the anode 742 and the cathode 744. As described above, the organic EL layer 743 includes the hole transport layer 746, the light emitting layer 747, and the electron transport layer 748, which are formed on the anode 742 in this order.
The hole transport layer 746 has a function of transporting holes injected from the anode 742 to the light emitting layer 747.
The constituent material (hole transport material) of the hole transport layer 746 may be any material as long as it has a hole transport capability, but is preferably a conjugated compound. A conjugated compound is particularly excellent in hole transport capability because it can transport holes very smoothly due to the property of its unique electron cloud spread.

  Examples of such hole transport materials include arylcycloalkane compounds such as 1,1-bis (4-di-para-triaminophenyl) cyclohexane, 4,4 ′, 4 ″ -trimethyl. Arylamine compounds such as triphenylamine, phenylenediamine compounds such as N, N, N ′, N′-tetraphenyl-para-phenylenediamine, triazole compounds such as triazole, imidazoles such as imidazole Compounds, oxadiazole compounds such as 1,3,4-oxadiazole, anthracene compounds such as anthracene, fluorenone compounds such as fluorenone, aniline compounds such as polyaniline, phthalocyanine compounds such as phthalocyanine Compounds, etc., one of these or It can be used in combination of more than seeds.

The electron transport layer 748 has a function of transporting electrons injected from the cathode 744 to the light emitting layer 747.
As a constituent material (electron transport material) of the electron transport layer 748, for example, 1,3,5-tris [(3-phenyl-6-tri-fluoromethyl) quinoxalin-2-yl] benzene (TPQ1) is used. Benzene compounds (starburst compounds), naphthalene compounds such as naphthalene, phenanthrene compounds such as phenanthrene, chrysene compounds such as chrysene, perylene compounds such as perylene, anthracene compounds such as anthracene, An oxadiazole-based compound such as oxadiazole, a triazole-based compound such as triazole, and the like can be given, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

The light-emitting layer 747 is made of a constituent material that can inject holes from the anode 742 side when a voltage is applied and electrons from the cathode 744 side and can provide a field where holes and electrons recombine. Any one can be used.
As a constituent material (light emitting material) of the light emitting layer 747, 1,3,5-tris [(3-phenyl-6-tri-fluoromethyl) quinoxalin-2-yl] benzene (TPQ1), 1,3 , 5-tris [{3- (4-t-butylphenyl) -6-trisfluoromethyl} quinoxalin-2-yl] benzene (TPQ2), phthalocyanine, copper phthalocyanine (CuPc), iron phthalocyanine Low molecular weight compounds such as metal or metal-free phthalocyanine compounds such as tris (8-hydroxyquinolinolate) aluminum (Alq ₃ ), factory (2-phenylpyridine) iridium (Ir (ppy) ₃ ) Polymers such as oxadiazole polymers, triazole polymers, carbazole polymers The light L which has the target luminescent color can be obtained combining these 1 type (s) or 2 or more types.

  In the present embodiment, each light emitting element 74 is configured to emit red light. Here, examples of the light-emitting layer 747 that emits red light include (4-dicyanomethylene) -2-methyl-6- (paradimethylaminostyryl) -4H-pyran (DCM), Nile red, and the like. In addition, each light emitting element 74 is not limited to being configured to emit red light, and may be configured to emit monochromatic light of other colors or white light. Thus, in the organic EL element, the light L emitted from the light emitting layer 747 can be appropriately set to monochromatic light of an arbitrary color according to the constituent material of the light emitting layer 747.

The protective layer 745 is provided so as to cover the layers 742, 743, and 744 constituting the light emitting element 74. The protective layer 745 has a function of hermetically sealing the layers 742, 743, and 744 included in the light-emitting element 74 and blocking oxygen and moisture. By providing the protective layer 745, effects such as improvement in reliability of the light-emitting element 74 and prevention of deterioration and deterioration can be obtained.
As a constituent material of the protective layer 745, for example, a constituent material similar to that of the substrate 741 can be used.

Each light emitting element 74 is configured by such an organic EL element. Thereby, the space | interval (pitch) between the light emitting elements 74 can be set comparatively small. Thereby, when an image is recorded on the recording medium P, the recording density on the recording medium P becomes relatively high. Therefore, the recording medium P carrying a clearer image can be obtained.
An optical path adjusting member such as a reflector for preventing the light L from spreading may be provided on the outer peripheral side of each light emitting element 74.

As shown in FIG. 3, a light shielding member 8 is installed between the lens array 6 and the light emitting element array 7. The light shielding member 8 prevents crosstalk of the light L between the adjacent light emitting element groups 71.
The light shielding member 8 is configured by a block body having a long outer shape. A plurality of through holes 84 that penetrate the light shielding member 8 in the vertical direction (thickness direction) in FIG. 3 are formed in the light shielding member 8 configured by this block body. Each of these through holes 84 is disposed at a position corresponding to each lens 64 and forms an optical path from the light emitting element group 71 to the corresponding lens 64. Each through hole 84 has a circular shape in plan view, and includes eight light emitting elements 74 of the light emitting element group 71 corresponding to the through hole 84 inside thereof.

Each through-hole has a cylindrical shape in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, but is not limited thereto, and may have a truncated cone shape that expands upward, for example.
The light shielding member 8 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. That is, the upper surface 81 and the lower surface 82 of the light shielding member 8 are parallel, and the side surfaces 83 are also parallel. The upper surface 81 is applied to the lower surface 61 of the lens array 6, and the lower surface 82 is applied to the upper surface 722 of the support plate 72 of the light emitting element array 7. At least one of the upper surface 81 and the lower surface 82 may be fixed by, for example, adhesion (adhesion with an adhesive or a solvent).

Each through hole 84 is sealed at both ends by the convex curved surface 62 of the lens 64 corresponding to the through hole 84 and the upper surface 722 of the light emitting element array 7. That is, in the line head 13, a closed space is formed by the inner peripheral surface 841 of each through hole 84, the convex curved surface 62 of the lens 64 corresponding to the through hole 84, and the upper surface 722 of the light emitting element array 7.
When the light L is emitted from each light emitting element 74, the light L reliably enters the lens 64 that defines the closed space via the corresponding closed space (through hole 84). As described above, the light L from the light emitting element 74 is incident only on the lens 64 corresponding to the light emitting element 74, and is prevented from entering, for example, another adjacent lens 64. That is, the crosstalk of the light L between the adjacent light emitting element groups 71 is reliably prevented.

Further, since foreign matter is prevented from entering each closed space, foreign matter is prevented from adhering to each convex curved surface 62. Thereby, each convex curved surface 62 is kept clean, respectively.
Further, in the light shielding member 8, it is preferable that at least the inner peripheral surface 841 of each through hole 84 has a dark color such as black, brown, or amber. Thereby, when the light L passes through the through hole 84, it can be prevented from being reflected by the inner peripheral surface 841 of the through hole 84. Therefore, when the light L is reflected by the inner peripheral surface 841, the reflected light L can be prevented from entering the other lens 64, or the light L can be prevented from entering the other lens 64. However, it is possible to prevent image blurring without forming an image on the portion of the light receiving surface 111 where the image is to be formed.

  Further, as described above, the light shielding member 8 is fixed in a state where the upper surface 81 and the lower surface 82 are applied to the lens array 6 and the light emitting element array 7, respectively. Since the thickness of the light shielding member 8 is constant, the gap length which is the distance between the lens array 6 and the light emitting element array 7 is regulated. Thereby, the convex curved surface 62 of each lens 64 of the lens array 6 and the light emitting element group 71 of the light emitting element array 7 are positioned in the vertical direction in FIG. Thus, the light shielding member 8 also functions as a spacer that regulates the gap length.

The distance between the convex curved surface 62 of each lens 64 and the corresponding light emitting element group 71 is an important condition (element) for determining the vertical position of the condensing point 642 on the light receiving surface 111 in FIG. . Since this distance is reliably regulated by the light shielding member 8 that also functions as a spacer, the image forming apparatus 1 with high accuracy and high reliability can be obtained.
The constituent material of the light shielding member 8 is not particularly limited. For example, the same constituent material as that of the support plate 72 can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lens array 6, the light emitting element array 7, and the light shielding member 8 are collectively stored in the casing 9. The casing 9 includes a frame member (casing body) 91, a lid member (back lid) 92 that covers the lower side of the frame member 91, and a plurality of clamp members 93 that collectively hold the frame member 91 and the lid member 92. (See FIG. 3).
As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the frame member 91 has a long overall shape.
As shown in FIG. 3, the width of the frame member 91 gradually decreases from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. The frame member 91 has a maximum width portion and a width reduced by one step, and a shoulder portion 916 is formed at a boundary portion between these portions.

  Further, the frame member 91 is formed with a lumen portion 911 that opens upward and downward. The width of the lumen portion 911 gradually decreases from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. That is, the lumen portion 911 is located above the maximum width portion 912 having the maximum width, the minimum width portion 914 having the minimum width, and between the maximum width portion 912 and the minimum width portion 914. And an intermediate width portion 913.

In the minimum width portion 914, the lens array 6 and the light shielding member 8 are respectively fitted, and these are fixed by, for example, an adhesive. Accordingly, the lens array 6 and the light shielding member 8 are collectively held by the frame member 91, and the lens array 6 and the light shielding member 8 are positioned in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction.
The light emitting element array 7 is fitted in the maximum width portion 912. Further, the upper surface 722 of the support plate 72 of the light emitting element array 7 is in contact with (abuts against) a boundary portion (step portion) 915 between the maximum width portion 912 and the intermediate width portion 913 and the lower surface 82 of the light shielding member 8. ing. The light emitting element array 7 in such a state is supported by the lid member 92 from below.

The lid member 92 is formed of a long member having a recess 922 into which the storage portion 73 is inserted. On the edge of the lid member 92, a ridge 921 protruding upward is formed. The ridge 921 is an edge of the lower surface 721 of the support plate 72 of the light emitting element array 7 with the boundary portion 915 of the frame member 91 in a state where the lid member 92 is housed in the maximum width portion 912 of the frame member 91. The part is pinched.
Further, the lid member 92 is pressed upward by each clamp member 93. Thereby, the lid member 92 is fixed to the frame member 91. Also, the positional relationship among the light emitting element array 7, the light shielding member 8, and the lens array 6 in the main scanning direction, the sub scanning direction, and the vertical direction in FIG. 3 is fixed by the pressed lid member 92.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality (five in this embodiment) of clamp members 93 are arranged at equal intervals in the main scanning direction. Thereby, the frame member 91 and the lid member 92 can be uniformly clamped in the main scanning direction.
As shown in FIG. 3, each clamp member 93 is obtained by plastically deforming a metal plate so that the overall shape is substantially U-shaped. Both end portions of the clamp member 93 are bent inward to form claw portions 931. Each claw portion 931 is engaged with the shoulder portion 916 of the frame member 91.

A curved portion 932 that is curved upward in an arch shape is formed in the intermediate portion of the clamp member 93. The top of the curved portion 932 is in contact with the lower surface of the lid member 92. In this state, both end sides of the bending portion 932 are pulled upward by the respective claw portions 931 engaged with the shoulder portions 916 of the frame member 91. As a result, the bending portion 932 is elastically deformed and urges the lid member 92 upward.
With the clamp member 93 having such a configuration, the lid member 92 can be reliably pressed against the frame member 91 side.

In addition, when each clamp member 93 holding the frame member 91 and the lid member 92 is removed, the lid member 92 can be removed from the frame member 91. Thereby, maintenance such as replacement and repair of the light emitting element array 7 can be performed.
Moreover, although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the frame member 91 and the cover member 92, For example, the same constituent material as the support plate 72 can be used. Although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the clamp member 93, For example, aluminum and stainless steel are mentioned. The clamp member 93 may be made of a hard resin material.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame member 91 has spacers 94 provided at both ends thereof. Each spacer 94 regulates the distance between the light receiving surface 111 and the lens array 6, and includes a pin 941 protruding toward the photosensitive drum 11 and a contact portion 942 fixed to the end of the pin 941. It consists of and.
The pin 941 has a columnar shape formed integrally with the frame member 91.

The contact portion 942 has a contact surface 943 that contacts the non-photosensitive region 112 of the photosensitive drum 11. The contact surface 943 slides with respect to the non-photosensitive region 112 when the photosensitive drum 11 rotates.
Although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the contact part 942, For example, the same constituent material as the support plate 72 can be used.
Further, it is preferable that the contact surface 943 of the contact portion 942 is subjected to a friction reducing process such as coating with a fluorine resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene. As a result, the sliding resistance between the non-photosensitive region 112 and the contact surface 943 when the photosensitive drum 11 rotates can be reduced.

  On the back side of each spacer 94, a coil spring 95 is installed. The frame members 91 are urged toward the photosensitive drum 11 by the coil springs 95. As a result, the contact surface 943 of the contact portion 942 is reliably pressed against the non-photosensitive region 112 of the photosensitive drum 11. Further, for example, when the vibration or impact is applied to the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to prevent the contact surfaces 943 and the non-photosensitive areas 112 from being momentarily separated.

In the line head 13, the distance between the light receiving surface 111 and the lens array 6 is regulated by the spacer 94 that contacts the photosensitive drum 11 and the coil spring 95 that presses the spacer 94. Thus, the light receiving surface 111 and the lens array 6 are positioned in the vertical direction in FIG.
Thus, the spacers 94 and the coil springs 95 function as positioning means that regulate the distance between the light receiving surface 111 and the lens array 6.
Note that the contact portion 942 is not limited to the one that slides with respect to the rotating non-photosensitive region 112, and may be configured by a roller that rotates while contacting the non-photosensitive region 112, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a cleaning tool 16 as a cleaning unit that cleans the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6. The cleaning tool 16 includes a head part (sliding part) 161 and a handle (operating part) 162 for operating the head part 161. Further, the cleaning tool 16 is supported by a support portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1 so that the cleaning tool 16 can move along the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, the outer shape of the head portion 161 is a block shape, and the lower surface 163 slides with respect to the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6.
The width of the head portion 161 substantially coincides with the gap distance between the two ribs 917 formed to protrude from the upper portion of the frame member 91. Thus, the entire upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 can be cleaned only by reciprocating the head portion 161 in the horizontal direction in FIG. Further, when the head portion 161 is reciprocated, each rib 917 functions as a guide for the head portion 161. Thereby, the movement of the head portion 161 in the width direction is restricted, and the entire upper surface 63 can be reliably cleaned without the head portion 161 being detached from the upper surface 63.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 and the surface 918 between the two ribs 917 of the frame member 91 are located on substantially the same surface. As a result, no stepped portion is formed between the upper surface 63 and the surface 918, and foreign matter is prevented from accumulating in the stepped portion. Further, the width of the head portion 161 can be set larger than the width of the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6, and therefore the upper surface 63 can be easily and quickly cleaned by the reciprocating motion of the head portion 161.

  The head portion 161 is made of, for example, a fibrous porous material. Examples of the fibrous porous material include woven and knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, papers, aggregates of short fibers, and the like. Here, the woven or knitted fabric includes woven fabric, knitted fabric or the like. When using a nonwoven fabric, the fiber packing density (bulk density) and the like are not particularly limited. As paper, normal paper (Western paper, Japanese paper) and various synthetic papers can be used.

The handle 162 has a rod shape. A head portion 161 is installed at one end of the handle 162. Although it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the handle | pattern 162, For example, the same constituent material as the support plate 72 can be used.
The cleaning tool 16 having such a configuration is supported by a support portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1 in the middle of the handle 162 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction thereof. When the cleaning tool 16 is used (the state shown in FIG. 6), the lower surface 163 of the head portion 161 is in contact with the upper surface 63 of the lens array. In a state where the cleaning tool 16 is not used (the state shown in FIG. 5), the head portion 161 is retracted from the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6.

  As described above, in the cleaning tool 16, the handle 162 can be moved along the longitudinal direction in the state shown in FIG. As a result, the head portion 161 slides on the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6. Therefore, for example, when the upper surface 63 of the lens array is dirty, the upper surface 63 can be easily and reliably wiped away, that is, the upper surface 63 can be easily and reliably cleaned.

  Moreover, as described above, the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 is a flat surface. This makes it difficult for foreign matter such as dust or dirt to accumulate on the upper surface 63. Therefore, the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 can be maintained in a clean (clean) state. Even if foreign matter accumulates on the upper surface 63, the foreign matter can be easily and reliably removed by the cleaning tool 16 as described above.

  Further, the head portion 161 may be impregnated with a liquid material such as a volatile solvent such as alcohol or various oils. By cleaning (wet cleaning) using the head portion 161 impregnated with the liquid material, foreign matters can be removed more easily and reliably. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a supply unit (not shown) that supplies the liquid material to the head unit 161.

  The upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 may be subjected to antifouling treatment. Examples of the antifouling process include a process for preventing or suppressing the adhesion of dirt on the upper surface 63 and a process capable of easily removing the dirt even if the dirt adheres to the upper surface 63. Examples of such antifouling treatment include a method of applying a fluorine-containing silane compound to the upper surface 63 by, for example, a dipping method (see, for example, JP-A-2005-3817).

Further, the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 may be subjected to a scratch-proofing process. Examples of the flaw prevention treatment include a method of forming a layer mainly composed of C ₆ H ₁₄ and C ₂ F _{6 on} the upper surface 63 by a vapor deposition method such as a high-frequency plasma CVD method (for example, a special treatment). (See Kaikai 2006-133420).
Further, when such antifouling treatment and scratch prevention treatment are performed on the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6, the upper surface 63 is a flat surface, and therefore, the operation can be easily performed. Further, since the upper surface 63 is a flat surface, the layer formed by the antifouling process or the flaw-proofing process can be uniformly formed on the upper surface 63.
Further, the cleaning means is not limited to the method of cleaning with the cleaning tool 16 having the illustrated configuration. For example, the cleaning is performed by rolling a roller having an outer peripheral surface made of an adhesive surface with respect to the upper surface 63. A method may be used, or a method may be used in which cleaning is performed by blowing an air flow onto the upper surface 63.

Next, the operation of the line head 13, that is, an example of the light emission timing of each light emitting element 74 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, since the operation | movement of each light emitting element group row | line is the same, below, the operation | movement of the light emitting element group row | line | column (light emitting element group 71a-71c) located in the 1st row | line is demonstrated typically. Further, as described above, numbers 1 to 8 are assigned to the eight light emitting elements 74 belonging to the light emitting element group 71a. Similarly, the numbers from 9 to 16 are assigned to the eight light emitting elements 74 belonging to the light emitting element group 71b. Similarly, the numbers 17 to 24 are assigned to the eight light emitting elements 74 belonging to the light emitting element group 71c. In the following description, each number assigned to the light emitting element 74 and each number assigned to the spot (latent image) Q correspond to each other.
When the line head 13 operates, the photosensitive drum 11 rotates at a constant speed at a predetermined speed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, the first, third, fifth, and seventh light emitting elements 74 emit light. Thereafter, each light emitting element 74 is turned off instantaneously. Further, by the light emission of these light emitting elements 74, four spots Q (condensing points 642) corresponding to the respective light emitting elements 74 are formed on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11. Each spot Q has a very small area.

The four spots Q are formed at positions inverted from the first, third, fifth, and seventh light emitting elements 74 through the lens 64a, respectively.
In other words, the first spot Q corresponding to the first light emitting element 74 located on the rightmost side in FIG. 9 is located on the leftmost side in FIG. The third spot Q is located adjacent to the first spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap. The fifth spot Q is located adjacent to the third spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap. The No. 7 spot Q is located adjacent to the No. 5 spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap.

Next, in synchronization with (in conjunction with) the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11, the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth light emitting elements 74 emit light (see FIG. 10). Thereafter, each light emitting element 74 is turned off instantaneously. Further, by the light emission of these light emitting elements 74, four spots Q corresponding to the respective light emitting elements 74 are further formed on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11.
Since the photosensitive drum 11 is rotating, these four spots Q are formed between the spots Q of No. 2, No. 4, No. 6, and No. 8, respectively. As a result, the first to eighth spots Q are arranged in a straight line along the main scanning direction in order from the left side in FIG.

Next, the ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, and fifteenth light emitting elements 74 emit light in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 11 (see FIG. 11). Thereafter, each light emitting element 74 is turned off instantaneously. Further, by the light emission of these light emitting elements 74, four spots Q corresponding to the respective light emitting elements 74 are further formed on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11.
These four spots Q are each formed on the right side of the eighth spot Q in the main scanning direction. The No. 9 spot Q is located adjacent to the right side of the No. 8 spot Q in the main scanning direction. The 11th spot Q is located adjacent to the 9th spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap. The No. 13 spot Q is located adjacent to the No. 11 spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap. The 15th spot Q is located adjacent to the 13th spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap.

  Next, similarly to the above, the 10th, 12th, 14th, and 16th light emitting elements 74 emit light (see FIG. 12). Thereafter, each light emitting element 74 is turned off instantaneously. Further, by the light emission of these light emitting elements 74, four spots Q corresponding to the respective light emitting elements 74 are further formed on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, the first to 16th spots Q are arranged in a straight line along the main scanning direction in order from the left side in FIG.

Next, in the same manner as described above, the light emitting elements 74 of No. 17, 19, No. 21, and No. 23 emit light respectively (see FIG. 13). Thereafter, each light emitting element 74 is turned off instantaneously. Further, by the light emission of these light emitting elements 74, four spots Q corresponding to the respective light emitting elements 74 are further formed on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11.
The 17th spot Q is located adjacent to the right side of the 16th spot Q in the main scanning direction. The 19th spot Q is located adjacent to the 17th spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap. The 21st spot Q is located adjacent to the 19th spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap. The 23rd spot Q is located adjacent to the 21st spot Q on the right side in the main scanning direction via a gap.

  Next, in the same manner as described above, the 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th light emitting elements 74 each emit light (see FIG. 14). Thereafter, each light emitting element 74 is turned off instantaneously. Further, by the light emission of these light emitting elements 74, four spots Q corresponding to the respective light emitting elements 74 are further formed on the light receiving surface 111 of the photosensitive drum 11. As a result, the first to 24th spots Q are arranged in a straight line along the main scanning direction in order from the left side in FIG.

As described above, the line head 13 operates the light emitting elements 74 of the two light emitting element rows belonging to the light emitting element group 71 while shifting the light emission timing in one light emitting element group 71. The light emitting element groups 71 are operated at different light emission timings.
Further, as described above, the plurality of light emitting element groups 71 are arranged with high density, and even within one light emitting element group 71, the plurality of light emitting elements 74 belonging thereto are arranged with high density.
Moreover, as described above, the upper surface 63 of the lens array 6 is kept clean.
In the line head 13, a plurality of minute spots Q can be formed on the light receiving surface 111 with high density due to a synergistic effect of these requirements, so that a clearer image can be obtained and high accuracy and reliability can be obtained. The image forming apparatus 1 having high performance and durability can be obtained.

The line head and the image forming apparatus of the present invention have been described above with respect to the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each part constituting the line head and the image forming apparatus has the same function. It can be replaced with any configuration that can be exhibited. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.
The lens array is not limited to a plurality of lenses arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and n columns, and may be arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and n columns, 4 rows and n columns, for example.

  Further, in the lens array, at least two of the lenses belonging to one column have different focal lengths. The means for changing the focal length is not limited to means for changing the radius of curvature (shape) of the convex curved surfaces of the lenses, and for example, means for configuring the lenses with materials having different refractive indexes may be employed. When the lenses are composed of materials having different refractive indexes, for example, one lens can be composed of an acrylic resin and the other lens can be composed of a polyester resin.

In addition, the number of light emitting elements constituting one light emitting element group is not limited to eight, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, nine or more. Also good.
In each light emitting element group, the light emitting elements are not limited to being arranged in a matrix, and may be arranged in an arbitrary shape different from the matrix, for example. For example, when one light emitting element group is comprised by three light emitting elements, these three light emitting elements may be arrange | positioned so that the line which connected each center may make a triangle.
Moreover, each light emitting element is not limited to being comprised by the organic EL element, respectively, For example, you may be comprised by the light emitting diode (LED).

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the line head of the present invention included in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is the sectional view on the AA line in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the line head shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view (a diagram showing a state in which a cleaning tool is housed) in the vicinity of a line head and a photoreceptor of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the vicinity of a line head and a photoreceptor (a view showing a state where the image is cleaned with a cleaning tool). It is a perspective view of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. 5 (FIG. 6 is also the same). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structural example of the organic EL element of the line head shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation state of the line head shown in FIG. 2 with time. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation state of the line head shown in FIG. 2 with time. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation state of the line head shown in FIG. 2 with time. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation state of the line head shown in FIG. 2 with time. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation state of the line head shown in FIG. 2 with time. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation state of the line head shown in FIG. 2 with time.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 6 ... Lens array 61 ... Lower surface (incident surface) 62 ... Convex curved surface 63 ... Upper surface (output surface) 64, 64a, 64b, 64c ... Lens 641 ... Lens axis 642 ... Condensing point (focal point) 643 ... Emitting surface 65 ... Lens support portion 7 ... Light emitting element array 71, 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d ... Light emitting element group (light emitting element group) 72 ... Support plate (head substrate) 721 ... Lower surface 722 ... Upper surface 73 ... Storage portion 74 ... Light-emitting element 741 ... Substrate 742 ... Anode 743 ... Organic EL layer 744 ... Cathode 745 ... Protective layer 746 ... Hole transport layer 747 ... Light-emitting layer 748 ... Electron transport layer 8 ... Light shielding member 81 ... Upper surface 82 ... Lower surface 83 ... Side surface 84 ... Through hole 841 ... inner peripheral surface 9 ... casing 91 ... frame member (casing body) 911 ... lumen portion 912 ... maximum width portion 913 ... Intermediate width part 914 ... Minimum width part 915 ... Boundary part (step part) 916 ... Shoulder part 917 ... Rib 918 ... Surface 92 ... Lid member (back cover) 921 ... Projection 922 ... Recession 93 ... Clamp member 931 ... Claw part 932 ... curved portion 94 ... spacer 941 ... pin 942 ... contact portion 943 ... contact surface 95 ... coil spring 10 ... image forming unit 10C, 10K, 10M, 10Y ... image forming station 11 ... photosensitive drum (photoconductor) 111 ... light receiving surface DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 112 ... Non-photosensitive area | region 12 ... Charging unit 13 ... Line head (exposure unit) 14 ... Developing apparatus 15 ... Cleaning unit 151 ... Cleaning blade 16 ... Cleaning tool 161 ... Head part (sliding part) 162 ... Handle (operating part) 163 ... Lower surface 20 ... Transfer unit 21 ... Intermediate transfer belt 22 ... Primary transfer roller DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Drive roller 24 ... Driven roller 25 ... Secondary transfer roller 26 ... Cleaning unit 261 ... Cleaning blade 30 ... Fixing unit 301 ... Fixing roller 302 ... Pressure roller 40 ... Conveying mechanism 41 ... Registration roller pair 42, 43, 44 ... Conveying roller pair 50 ... Paper feed unit 51 ... Paper feed cassette 52 ... Pickup roller P ... Recording medium Q ... Spot (latent image) L ... Light

Claims (15)

A lens support portion having an elongated outer shape, and supported by the lens support portion, where the longitudinal direction is the main scanning direction and the width direction is the sub-scanning direction, a plurality of rows are arranged in the main scanning direction, A lens array having a plurality of lenses arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction and having a light incident surface as a convex curved surface,
A light emitting element group including a plurality of light emitting elements provided for one lens, and a plurality of light emitting element groups respectively provided corresponding to the lenses on the light incident side of the lens array; Prepared,
The plurality of lenses are such that at least two of the lenses belonging to one row have different focal lengths.
The lens array has a flat surface on the light emission side.   The line head according to claim 1, wherein the lenses having different focal lengths have different shapes of the convex curved surface.   The line head according to claim 1, wherein the lenses having different focal lengths have a spherical convex surface and different radii of curvature.   4. The line head according to claim 1, wherein two adjacent lenses belonging to one row are arranged so as to be shifted in the main scanning direction. 5.   The line head according to claim 1, wherein each of the lenses is made of resin and / or glass.   The line head according to claim 1, wherein the lens support portion is made of glass.   The lens array is configured by an integrally molded body in which the lens support portion and the lenses are integrally molded, and the light emission side surface of the integrally molded body is a flat surface. The line head according to any one of 6.   The line head according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting element groups belonging to one column emit light with a time difference from each other.   9. The line head according to claim 1, wherein in each of the light emitting element groups, the plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in a plurality of columns in the main scanning direction and in a plurality of rows in the sub scanning direction. .   10. The line head according to claim 9, wherein in each of the light emitting element groups, two adjacent light emitting elements belonging to one column are arranged so as to be shifted in the main scanning direction.   11. The line head according to claim 9, wherein in each of the light emitting element groups, the light emitting elements belonging to one row and the light emitting elements belonging to a row different from the row emit light at a time difference.   The line head according to claim 1, wherein each of the light emitting elements is an organic electroluminescence element. The line head is disposed to face a light receiving surface of a photoreceptor that receives light emitted from the lens array,
The line head according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning unit that regulates a distance between the light receiving surface and the lens array. A photoreceptor having a light-receiving surface for receiving light;
A line head disposed opposite the light receiving surface;
The line head is
A lens support portion having an elongated outer shape, and supported by the lens support portion, where the longitudinal direction is the main scanning direction and the width direction is the sub-scanning direction, a plurality of rows are arranged in the main scanning direction, A lens array having a plurality of lenses arranged in a plurality of rows in the sub-scanning direction and having a light incident surface as a convex curved surface,
A light emitting element group including a plurality of light emitting elements provided for one lens, and a plurality of light emitting element groups respectively provided corresponding to the lenses on the light incident side of the lens array; Prepared,
The plurality of lenses are such that at least two of the lenses belonging to one row have different focal lengths.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the lens array has a flat surface on the light emission side.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a cleaning unit that cleans a plane on the light emission side of the lens array.

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