JP2018001752A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus which can enhance the cleaning performance with respect to the lens surface of an exposure device.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes an exposure device support mechanism which supports an exposure device while changing the posture of an exposure member so as to maintain contact between the cleaning surface of a cleaning member 69 deformed due to pressing of surfaces 64a(64aA-64aC) of the lens of the exposure device and the surface of the lens of the exposure device when the exposure device moves from the retreat position to the exposure position. The exposure device support mechanism may support the exposure device so that the exposure device rotates during contact between the cleaning surface of the cleaning member and the surface of the lens. The cleaning member may have elasticity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus in which an exposure apparatus can be moved so as to approach and separate from a latent image carrier while maintaining the attitude of the exposure apparatus, on the movement path of the exposure apparatus with respect to its moving direction There has been known one provided with a deformable cleaning member arranged so that the cleaning surface is vertical. In this image forming apparatus, when the exposure apparatus moves so as to be close to the latent image carrier while maintaining the posture, the lens surface at the tip in the moving direction of the exposure apparatus comes into contact with the cleaning surface of the cleaning member. The lens surface is cleaned.

  Patent Document 1 discloses such an image forming apparatus, in which a cleaning pad is disposed so that a cleaning surface is perpendicular to a moving direction of an LED head (exposure device) in an opening formed in a frame that supports a photosensitive member. A sheet member (cleaning member) that can be deformed so as to tilt the cleaning surface forming part in contact with the LED head is attached, and the lens surface of the LED head (exposure device) is exposed through the opening of the frame. An apparatus configured to move close to the body is disclosed. In this image forming apparatus, the lens surface at the front end of the LED head in the moving direction cleans the sheet member when the LED head passes through the opening of the frame and moves close to the photoconductor while maintaining the posture. By contacting the cleaning surface of the pad, the lens surface is cleaned with the cleaning pad.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, when the exposure apparatus moves so as to be close to the latent image carrier and starts to contact the cleaning surface of the cleaning member, the lens surface at the front end of the exposure apparatus in the moving direction is the cleaning member. Touch the cleaning surface. However, after that, when the exposure apparatus further moves while holding the posture and presses the cleaning member, the cleaning surface forming portion of the cleaning member is deformed, and the cleaning surface is perpendicular to the moving direction of the exposure apparatus. Will tilt. By tilting the cleaning surface in this way, the cleaning surface gradually separates from the lens surface at the front end of the exposure apparatus in the moving direction while maintaining the posture, and the cleaning capability of the exposure apparatus on the lens surface may be reduced. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is configured to be movable between a latent image carrier, an exposure position close to the latent image carrier, and a retracted position separated from the latent image carrier. An exposure device that exposes the latent image carrier by irradiating light through a lens when approaching the latent image carrier, and a drive that moves the exposure device between the exposure position and the retracted position In the image forming apparatus, the exposure apparatus includes: a cleaning member that is deformable so as to be in contact with the surface of the lens of the exposure apparatus and to be inclined to form a cleaning surface forming portion on the moving track of the exposure apparatus. Is moved from the retracted position to the exposure position so that the contact between the cleaning surface of the cleaning member deformed by the pressing of the lens surface of the exposure apparatus and the lens surface of the exposure apparatus is maintained. Change the posture of the exposure member It is characterized in that it comprises an exposure apparatus supporting mechanism for supporting the exposure device while.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the cleaning ability of the exposure apparatus with respect to the lens surface.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a front view showing a schematic configuration around an exposure apparatus. (B) is a side view showing a schematic configuration around an exposure apparatus. (A) is a front view which shows the state in which the exposure apparatus was positioned with respect to the photoreceptor. FIG. 5B is a side view showing a state in which the exposure apparatus is positioned with respect to the photosensitive member. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a retracting device, an exposure device, and a photosensitive drum. The schematic block diagram of an evacuation mechanism. The schematic block diagram of the retracting mechanism in the state where the exposure apparatus is positioned at the exposure position. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a schematic configuration of a retracting mechanism covered with an apparatus main body side plate and a cover member. The figure which shows the evacuation mechanism which is moving the exposure apparatus from the latent image formation position (exposure position) to the evacuation position. The figure which shows the retracting mechanism when the exposure apparatus is in the retracted position. The figure which shows the relationship between the 1st link member and opening / closing cover of a retracting mechanism when moving an exposure apparatus from a latent image formation position to a retracting position. The figure which shows the relationship between the 1st link member and opening / closing cover of a retracting mechanism when an exposure apparatus moves to a retracted position from a latent image formation position. Explanatory drawing of the structure which has arrange | positioned the cleaning member which cleans a lens surface in the middle of the retraction | saving path | route of exposure apparatus. (A), (b), (c) is explanatory drawing of the comparative example explaining the process in which exposure apparatus is contacted with a cleaning member during the movement of a linear track, and is cleaned. (A), (b), (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the state which a lens surface contact | abuts with respect to the cleaning surface of the cleaning member when the cleaning member is arrange | positioned in the middle of the curved track of an exposure apparatus. Explanatory drawing of the structure which has arrange | positioned the static elimination member in addition to the cleaning member which cleans a lens surface in the middle of the retracting path | route of exposure apparatus. Explanatory drawing of the structure which has arrange | positioned the cleaning member and the static elimination member in the same holding member in the middle of the retracted path | route of exposure apparatus. Explanatory drawing of the structure which arrange | positions a static elimination member directly to a cleaning member, and hold | maintains these. Explanatory drawing of the structure by which a static elimination member is earth | grounded to the ground of an apparatus main body via a cable etc. Explanatory drawing of the structure by which a static elimination member is earth | grounded to the ground of an apparatus main body via the holding member etc. which used the electrically-conductive material. Explanatory drawing which shows an example using the flock-shaped static elimination member. Explanatory drawing of the structure which has arrange | positioned the cleaning member formed with the material which has electroconductivity in the middle of the retracting path | route of exposure apparatus. The figure explaining the brush fiber 212a of the brush 212. FIG. The figure which shows an example which arranged the brush in multiple in the moving direction of exposure apparatus. The figure which shows the modification of FIG. The figure which shows another modification of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure by which the cleaning member is attached to the holding member using an electroconductive material with a double-sided tape. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure by which the cleaning member is earth | grounded via the cable to the main body stay using a conductive material. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure which the cleaning member contacts a holding member and a leaf | plate spring, and is grounded to the main body stay. Explanatory drawing of the structure which has arrange | positioned the cleaning member rotatably supported in the middle of the retracting path | route of exposure apparatus. The perspective view of the cleaning member rotatably supported by the main body stay. Explanatory drawing when the write head (LED array) of an exposure apparatus moves from a retracted position to an exposure position. Explanatory drawing when the writing head (LED array) of exposure apparatus moves from an exposure position to a retracted position. The perspective view of the structure which provided the rotation control part in both the cleaning member and the main body stay. The top view seen from the C direction in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the structure which has arrange | positioned the cleaning member which cleans a lens surface in the middle of the retraction | saving path | route of exposure apparatus. The side view of a cleaning member and a holding member. Explanatory drawing which shows the state before the lens surface of exposure apparatus contacts a cleaning member when exposure apparatus moves to an exposure position from a retracted position. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which the lens surface of exposure apparatus is contact | abutting to the cleaning member when exposure apparatus moves to an exposure position from a retracted position. Explanatory drawing which shows the state after the lens surface of the exposure apparatus has separated from the cleaning member when the exposure apparatus moves from the retracted position to the exposure position. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which the exposure apparatus is contact | abutting to the cleaning member when the exposure apparatus moves from an exposure position to a retracted position. The perspective view of the cleaning member and holding member which provided the opening part. The top view of the cleaning member and holding member which provided the opening part. Explanatory drawing of the structure which has arrange | positioned the foaming member between the cleaning member and the holding member.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a laser printer (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer”) as an image forming apparatus will be described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer 1 according to the present embodiment.
The printer 1 includes a process cartridge 50 configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, an exposure device 60 as a latent image forming unit, a transfer roller 70, a paper feed cassette 10, a fixing device 80, and the like.

  The process cartridge 50 includes a photosensitive drum 3 as a latent image carrier, a charging roller 4 as a charging unit, a developing device 2 as a developing unit, and a cleaning device 5 as a cleaning unit.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 3 is uniformly charged by a charging roller 4 as charging means while being driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing. Thereafter, exposure is performed based on image information by an exposure device 60 as a latent image forming unit, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is developed by the developing device 2, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 3. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is used as a recording material conveyed from the paper feed cassette 10 through the paper feed roller 12 and the resist roller pair 14 by a transfer unit as a transfer means including a transfer roller 70. Transferred onto paper.

  After the transfer, the toner image is fixed by a fixing device 80 as a fixing unit, and is discharged out of the apparatus by a paper discharge roller 15. The untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 3 without being transferred is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 by a cleaning device 5 as a cleaning unit. Further, the residual charge on the photosensitive drum 3 is removed by a static elimination lamp as a static elimination means.

  When the process cartridge 50 needs to be replaced due to deterioration of the photosensitive drum 3 or the developing device 2 with time, the opening / closing cover 91 serving as an opening / closing member provided on the left side surface portion of the printer main body can be opened. ing. By opening the opening / closing cover 91, the process cartridge 50 can be taken out from the left side surface in the drawing. In this embodiment, the process cartridge 50 that integrally supports the photosensitive drum 3 and the developing device 2 is used. However, the photosensitive drum 3 and the developing device 2 may be configured to be detachable individually.

2A and 2B are schematic configuration diagrams around the exposure apparatus 60, where FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view.
As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure apparatus 60 includes a plurality of light emitting elements such as LEDs and organic EL elements arranged in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 3, a plurality of lenses arranged in the photosensitive drum 3 and the light emitting elements, and the like. The writing head (LED array) 64 comprised by these is provided. A holder 65 is provided as an exposure apparatus holding mechanism (exposure apparatus holding member) that holds the writing head 64. The write head 64 is urged in the direction of the photosensitive drum 3 by the spring member 66 and is held by the holder 65. The writing head 64 emits a light emitting element at a predetermined position based on the image information, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 3 through the lens, thereby exposing the photosensitive drum 3 and electrostatically applying the photosensitive drum 3 to the photosensitive drum 3. A latent image is formed. At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the holder 65, support protrusions 62 supported by a later-described retraction mechanism and guide protrusions 63 are provided side by side in the vertical direction.

  Between the photosensitive drum 3 and the writing head 64, a spacer member 21 serving as a regulating member that regulates the distance between the two is disposed. The spacer member 21 is provided in a non-image forming area of the photosensitive drum 3 so as to be slidable with respect to the photosensitive drum 3 so as to face the writing head 64. Positioning bosses 22 are provided at both axial ends of the case 50 a of the process cartridge 50. At one end (right side in the drawing) of the writing head 64 in the axial direction, a round hole-shaped positioning hole 67a serving as a main reference for positioning is provided. Further, an elongated hole-shaped positioning hole 67b serving as a secondary reference for positioning is provided at the other axial end of the writing head 64 (left side in the figure).

3A and 3B are views showing a state in which the exposure apparatus 60 is positioned. FIG. 3A is a front view, and FIG. 3B is a side view.
As shown in FIG. 3, the positioning bosses 22 are fitted into the positioning holes 67a and 67b of the writing head 64, so that the writing head 64 is in the Y direction (axial direction: main scanning direction) in the figure and in the X direction in the figure. Positioned in the (sub-scanning direction). Further, when the write head 64 comes into contact with the spacer member 21, the write head 64 is positioned in the Z direction (the normal direction of the photosensitive drum) in the drawing.

  Even after the exposure device 60 is moved from the retracted position to the latent image forming position by a retracting device, which will be described later, and the writing head 64 hits the spacer member 21, the holder 65 is directed toward the photosensitive drum 3 by the retracting device. Moving. Then, the spring member 66 is compressed, and the movement restricting portion 68 of the writing head 64 is separated from the holder 65. As a result, the write head 64 is pressed against the spacer member 21 by the urging force of the spring member 66.

  Further, in order to securely fit the positioning holes 67a and 67b of the writing head 64 into the positioning boss 22, the width of the exposure guide hole 105b in the vicinity of the latent image forming position shown in FIGS. The diameter of the support protrusion 62 is substantially the same. At the latent image forming position, the holder 65 is positioned by the exposure guide hole 105b. By positioning the holder 65 of the exposure apparatus 60 in the exposure guide hole 105b, it is possible to prevent the holder 65 from rattling due to vibration or the like during formation of the latent image, and to suppress disturbance of the latent image due to vibration of the holder 65. it can. The write head 64 and the holder 65 have predetermined play in the X direction and the Y direction so that the write head 64 can be positioned in the X direction and the Y direction in the drawing by the positioning boss 22.

  Since the writing head 64 has a short focal length, it is necessary to place the exposure device 60 close to the photosensitive drum 3. As described above, since the exposure device 60 is disposed close to the photosensitive drum 3, it becomes an obstacle when the process cartridge 50 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. For this reason, in this embodiment, a retracting device that moves the exposure device 60 between a latent image forming position close to the photosensitive drum 3 and a retracted position separated from the photosensitive drum 3 is provided. Hereinafter, the retracting device of the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the retracting device 20, the exposure device 60, and the photosensitive drum 3.
As shown in FIG. 4, the retracting apparatus 20 is provided with retracting mechanisms 100 a and 100 b having the same configuration on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the exposure apparatus 60. In the following description, when the retracting mechanism is not distinguished between the one end side and the other end side, it will be described as “the retracting mechanism 100”.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the retracting mechanism 100. FIG. 5 shows a case where the exposure device 60 is located at a latent image forming position (hereinafter also referred to as “exposure position”) at which a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 3.
As shown in FIG. 5, the retraction mechanism 100 as a moving mechanism holds the first link member 101 rotatably supported by the apparatus main body and the exposure apparatus 60, and the first retraction mechanism 100 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body. And a two-link member 102. Moreover, the connection mechanism 103 as a connection means which connects the 1st link member 101 and the 2nd link member 102 is provided.

  The connection mechanism 103 includes a first connection member 103a and a second connection member 103b. One end of the first connecting member 103a is rotatably supported by the first link member 101, and the other end is rotatably supported by the connecting shaft 103c. Further, one end of the second connecting member 103b is rotatably supported by the connecting shaft 103c, and the other end is rotatably supported by the second link member 102. The connecting shaft 103c passes through a connecting guide hole 105a provided in the cover member 105 and extending in the left-right direction in the drawing.

  The second link member 102 has a long hole-like support hole extending through the support protrusions 62 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the holder 65 of the exposure apparatus 60 and extending toward the pivot A1 of rotation of the second link member 102. 102a is provided. The exposure apparatus 60 is supported by the retracting mechanism 100 by the support protrusion 62 of the exposure apparatus 60 passing through the support hole 102a. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the support protrusion 62 passes through an exposure guide hole 105 b which is a guide portion provided in the cover member 105. Further, a guide projection 63 is provided on the holder 65 of the exposure apparatus 60, and this guide projection 63 also penetrates the exposure guide hole 105b.

  The first link member 101 has a fan shape with a central angle of approximately 90 °, and a first connecting member 103a is rotatably supported at one circumferential end of the first link member 101. A boss portion 101 a is provided at the other circumferential end of the first link member 101.

  The second link member 102 is provided with a hook portion 102b for hooking one end of the torsion spring 104 as a biasing means. One end of the torsion spring 104 is hooked on the hook portion 102b and the other end is hooked on the cover member 105, thereby urging the second link member 102 in the direction of arrow S in FIG.

  Due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 104, the second link member 102 and the connecting shaft 103c (first and second connecting members a and b) receive a force that moves toward the first link member 101. At this time, the first connecting member support position A3 of the first connecting member 103a is on the lower side in the drawing with respect to the line segment A connecting the pivot A2 of the first link member 101 and the connecting shaft 103c. As a result, a force to move the connecting shaft 103c toward the first link member 101 causes a force to move the support position A3 in the direction of the arrow T1, and the first link member 101 rotates counterclockwise in the figure. The force which tries to rotate is generated. As a result, the exposure device 60 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 3 and is positioned at the latent image forming position together with the urging force of the spring member 66 in the writing head 64. This time, the urging is performed using the torsion spring. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the series of operations is the same when the second connecting member 103b is pulled using the tension spring.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, retraction mechanisms are provided at both ends of the exposure apparatus 60. By providing the retracting mechanisms 100 at both ends of the exposure apparatus 60 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress a deviation in movement between both ends of the exposure apparatus 60. Further, the retracting mechanism 100 may be provided on either the one end side or the other end side of the exposure apparatus 60. In this case, the operation shift between the one end side and the other end side of the exposure apparatus 60 increases, but the apparatus can be made inexpensive.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the retracting mechanism 100 a on one end side and the retracting mechanism 100 b on the other end side are connected by a retracting mechanism connecting member 107. Specifically, the retracting mechanism connecting member 107 connects the second link member 102 of the retracting mechanism on one end side and the second link member 102 of the retracting mechanism on the other end side. Accordingly, the retracting mechanism 100a on the one end side and the retracting mechanism 100a on the other end side can be operated integrally, and an operation deviation is caused between the retracting mechanism 100a on the one end side and the retracting mechanism 100b on the other end side. It can be suppressed from occurring. The retracting mechanism connecting member 107 may be the same member as the second link member 102.

  Further, when the process cartridge 50 is attached to the apparatus main body, the exposure apparatus 60 may be damaged by hitting the exposure apparatus 60 in the retracted position. Further, when the opening / closing cover 91 is open, the user may touch the exposure apparatus 60 from the opening opened by the opening / closing cover 91 and damage the exposure apparatus 60. Therefore, a protection member 112 is provided for protecting the exposure apparatus 60 in the retracted position. The protection member 112 extends in the longitudinal direction of the exposure apparatus 60, one end is fixed to the side plate on one end side of the apparatus main body, and the other end is fixed to the side plate on one end side of the apparatus main body. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the protection member 112 has a first surface 112a and a second surface 112b orthogonal to the first surface 112a, and has a substantially L-shaped cross section. ing. For example, the protection member can be protected by having a substantially L-shaped cross section. The first surface 112a is provided to face the surface on the opening / closing cover side of the exposure apparatus 60 in the retracted position. The second surface 112b is provided so as to partition between the drawing area of the process cartridge 50 and the exposure apparatus 60 in the retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first link member 101, the first connecting member 103 a, and the second connecting member 103 b are covered with the apparatus main body side plate 111 and the cover member 105. Thereby, when the open / close cover 91 is opened, the user can be prevented from touching the first link member 101, the first connecting member 103a, and the second connecting member 103b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from moving the exposure device 60 from the retracted position to the latent image forming position. Thereby, when the process cartridge is mounted, the exposure device 60 is in the latent image forming position, and the exposure device 60 can be prevented from colliding with the process cartridge.
The cover member 105 is provided with a connection guide hole 105 a for guiding the connection shaft 103 c and an exposure guide hole 105 b for guiding the support protrusion 62 and the guide protrusion 63.

Next, the movement of the exposure device 60 between the latent image forming position and the retracted position will be described.
FIG. 8 is a view showing the retracting mechanism 100 that is moving the exposure apparatus 60 from the latent image forming position to the retracted position, and FIG. 9 is a view showing the retracting mechanism 100 when the exposure apparatus 60 is in the retracted position. . 10 and 11 are views showing the relationship between the first link member 101 of the retracting mechanism 100 and the open / close cover 91 when the exposure device 60 is moved from the latent image forming position to the retracted position.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the opening / closing cover 91 is provided with a hook lever 91 a as a hook-shaped action member for hooking the boss 101 a of the first link member 101. When the opening / closing cover 91 is closed and the exposure device 60 is in the latent image forming position, the hooking lever 91a is separated from the boss portion 101a.

  When the opening / closing cover 91 is opened, the hook lever 91a comes into contact with the boss 101a, and the first link member 101 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing. At this time, the first link member 101 is urged in the direction opposite to the rotating direction (counterclockwise direction in the figure) in which the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to the retracted position by the spring 104 via the coupling mechanism 103. Therefore, at this time, the first link member 101 is rotated against the urging force of the spring 104 by the hook lever 91a.

  When the first link member 101 is rotated up to FIG. 10 against the urging force of the spring 104, as shown in FIG. 7, a line segment A connecting the rotation fulcrum A2 of the first link member 101 and the connecting shaft 103c. The first connecting member support position A3 of the first link member 101 comes above. Until the first connecting member support position A3 comes on the line segment A, the connecting shaft 103c moves away from the first link member 101. As a result, the holder 65 of the exposure apparatus 60 compresses the spring member 66 and moves from the latent image forming position shown in FIG. 3 to a proximity position close to the photosensitive drum. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the exposure device 60 is at the latent image forming position, a predetermined gap is formed between the guide protrusion 63 and the photosensitive drum side end of the exposure guide hole 105b. is there. For this reason, the holder 65 can be moved from the latent image forming position to a proximity position close to the photosensitive drum until the first connecting member support position A3 comes on the line segment A.

  When the first link member 101 is further rotated counterclockwise by the hooking lever 91a from the state where the first connecting member support position A3 is on the line segment A, the support position A3 is shown in FIG. Move up. Then, a force for moving the connecting shaft 103c upward is generated at the support position A3 by the force of the spring 104 that moves the connecting shaft 103c to the first link member 101 side (left side in the figure). As a result, the first link member 101 is urged in the rotational direction (counterclockwise in the figure) in which the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to the retracted position by the tension spring 104 via the coupling mechanism 103. As a result, the first link member 101 automatically rotates in the rotation direction (counterclockwise in the figure) for moving the exposure apparatus 60 to the retracted position by the urging force of the tension spring 104, and moves the exposure apparatus 60 to the retracted position. Move.

  Further, when the first link member 101 rotates counterclockwise, the connecting shaft 103c is guided by the connecting guide hole 105a and moves to the opening / closing cover 91 side (left side in FIG. 8). Then, the second connecting member 103b also moves to the opening / closing cover side (left side in FIG. 8), and the second link member 102 rotates counterclockwise around the fulcrum A1. Then, the support protrusion 62 and the guide protrusion 63 of the exposure apparatus 60 penetrating the support hole 102a of the second link member 102 are lifted in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 3 while being guided by the exposure guide hole 105b. .

  The support hole 102a that supports the support protrusion 62 of the second link member 102 has a long hole shape extending toward the fulcrum A1. Therefore, the exposure apparatus 60 does not take an arcuate locus and moves linearly from the latent image forming position to the retracted position along the normal direction of the photosensitive drum 3 while being guided by the exposure guide hole 105b. .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the exposure device 60 moves linearly from the latent image forming position to the retracted position along the normal direction of the photosensitive drum 3. Therefore, even if the charging roller 4 and the developing device 2 are arranged close to the exposure device 60, the movement is performed when the exposure device 60 is moved from the latent image forming position (dotted line in FIG. 9) to the retracted position (solid line in FIG. 9). It will not get in the way.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the exposure guide hole 105b includes a first linear portion 155a that extends linearly in the normal direction of the photosensitive drum 3, and a second linear portion 155c that extends linearly diagonally upward to the left in the drawing. Have. Further, the exposure guide hole 105b has an arcuate portion 155b having a small curvature radius connecting the first straight portion 155a and the second straight portion 155c. The second straight portion 155c extends substantially parallel to the drawing direction of the process cartridge 50, as indicated by an arrow X1 in FIG. When the support protrusion 62 is guided by the arcuate portion 155b of the exposure guide hole 105b, the exposure apparatus 60 rotates counterclockwise in the figure with the guide protrusion 63 as a fulcrum, and the attitude of the exposure apparatus 60 is changed. The As shown in FIG. 9, when the guide protrusion 63 comes to the second linear portion 155c of the exposure guide hole 105b, the exposure device 60 assumes a retracted posture substantially parallel to the process cartridge pull-out direction.

  Thus, after the exposure device 60 is moved linearly along the normal direction of the photosensitive drum 3, the exposure device 60 is rotated so as to be substantially parallel to the process cartridge pull-out direction. As a result, the amount of movement in the vertical direction in the figure when the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to a retracted position that does not interfere with the attachment or detachment of the process cartridge can be reduced as compared with the case where the exposure apparatus 60 is not rotated. Thereby, the vertical space in the figure for moving the exposure apparatus 60 between the latent image forming position and the retracted position can be narrowed, and the apparatus can be miniaturized.

[Example 1]
Next, a specific embodiment for cleaning the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 will be described.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which a cleaning member 69 for cleaning the lens surface 64a is arranged in the middle of the retraction path R of the exposure apparatus 60. The cleaning member 69 is a member that can be deformed such that the cleaning surface forming portion is inclined by contacting the lens surface 64 a of the exposure apparatus 60. As shown in FIG. 12, by opening and closing the opening / closing cover 91, the exposure apparatus 60 moves along the retraction path R from the exposure position to the retreat position while drawing a straight line and a curved path. In the first embodiment, the cleaning member 69 having elasticity is arranged in the middle of the curved path of the retreat path R, and the lens surface 64a is moved to the cleaning member 69 when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retreat position to the exposure position. Pressed. As a result, deposits such as toner and dust are transferred from the lens surface to the cleaning member, and the deposits on the lens surface can be removed. The cleaning member 69 is elastic and includes, for example, a thin Mylar as a base material and a non-woven fabric as a cloth member, a brush, and the like. A sponge seal material or the like can be used instead. The cleaning member 69 is fixed to an L-shaped holding member 72 as shown in FIG. 12 with double-sided tape or the like, and the holding member 72 is fixed to the main body stay 71 with screws or the like.

  Here, as a comparative example, a process in which a cleaning member 69 having elasticity is arranged in the middle of the rectilinear path of the retreat path R and the exposure apparatus 60 is cleaned by hitting the cleaning member 69 during the movement of the rectilinear path as shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to (a), (b), and (c). The right end of the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 in the drawing is 64aA, the center is 64aB, the left end is 64aC, and the trajectory path of the exposure apparatus 60 is R2. Then, in FIG. 13A, which starts to hit the cleaning member 69, the entire surface of the lens surface 64a is in contact with the cleaning member 69, and the cleaning member 69 is deformed and its reaction force as the exposure device 60 moves downward therefrom. Is applied to the exposure device 60 in the upward direction. Due to the elasticity of the cleaning member 69 (hereinafter referred to as cleaning pressure) and the vertical movement of the exposure apparatus 60 and the movement of the exposure apparatus 60 left and right due to the deformation of the cleaning member 69, it adheres to the lens surface 64a. The attached deposit is entangled with the cleaning member 69. The movement of the exposure device 60 substantially to the left and right is, for example, that the cleaning member 69 that is in contact with the left end 64aC of the lens surface of the exposure device 60 moves from right below to the right as the exposure device 60 goes down. It means to become.

  When the cleaning member 69 is first contacted, the lens surface positions 64aA, B, and C are in contact with each other, and the cleaning member 69 is deformed to temporarily apply the cleaning pressure. However, the deformation gradually increases. And as shown in FIG.13 (b), 64aA of the right end part and the cleaning member 69 will leave | separate. When the cleaning member 69 is not rigid, the lens surface 64a is deformed so as to be learned. Actually, however, a certain degree of rigidity is required to generate the cleaning pressure. I'm away. However, since the lens surface 64aC side is still in contact and is cleaned by receiving the cleaning pressure without leaving the more deformed position, the state where the cleaning pressure is stronger is received for a long time. For this reason, the strength and length of the cleaning pressure to be received vary depending on the position of the lens surface 64a, and thus the cleaning performance varies. That is, there may be a portion that can be cleaned and a portion that cannot be cleaned depending on the position. In this example, the cleaning pressure is lower at the lens surface position 64aA than at 64aC, and the cleaning performance is not good. If the rigidity of the cleaning member 69 is increased to increase the cleaning pressure so that the lens surface position 64aA is properly cleaned, the load applied to the exposure device 60 increases, and the lens surface 64a is scratched or the exposure device 60 is damaged. The cover opening / closing in conjunction with the evacuation operation becomes heavy.

  In the first embodiment, the above-described problem can be prevented by pressing the lens surface 64a against the cleaning member 69 while the exposure apparatus 60 moves along the curved path. 14A, 14 </ b> B, and 14 </ b> C show a state in which the lens surface 64 a is in contact with the cleaning surface of the cleaning member 69 when the cleaning member 69 is disposed in the middle of the curved track of the exposure apparatus 60. It is explanatory drawing which shows a change. As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the angle θ formed between the cleaning surface of the cleaning member 69 and the lens surface 64 a of the exposure device 60 in the drawing (main scanning cross section) is represented by the lens surface 64 a as the cleaning member 69. To change while in contact. More specifically, when the lens surface 64a starts to come into contact with the cleaning member 69, only the right end 64aA of the lens comes into contact (see FIG. 14A), and the trajectory of the exposure device 60 gradually advances. It contacts the entire surface (see FIG. 5B). Further, as the trajectory of the exposure device 60 advances, only the leftmost 64aC comes into contact (see FIG. 5C). Here, when the surface from which the light of the lens of the exposure apparatus 60 emits is a curved surface, the lens surface 64a that defines the angle θ is a plane that is in contact with the surface of the lens at the point where the optical axis centers on the surface of the lens intersect. .

  In the first embodiment, the exposure apparatus 60 rotates with a small deformation of the cleaning member 69. That is, the exposure apparatus 60 is moved substantially to the left and right. As described with reference to FIG. 13C, the deformation amount of the cleaning member 69 when the left end 64aC position of the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 starts to move away from the cleaning member 69 is about X1. On the other hand, in FIG. 14C in which the trajectory of the exposure apparatus 60 is curved, the deformation amount is X2, and it can be seen that the deformation amount is suppressed smaller than X1. Since the cleaning pressure of the cleaning member 69 changes according to the deformation amount of the cleaning member 69, the cleaning pressure changes little when the deformation amount of the cleaning member 69 is suppressed. As a result, in the lens surface 64 a of the exposure apparatus 60. It is possible to reduce the difference in the cleanability, and the cleanability can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the cleaning member 69 is disposed in the middle of the positioning and retraction of the exposure device 60 with respect to the photosensitive drum 3. However, the retraction of the exposure device 60 is interlocked with the opening and closing of the opening / closing cover 91. The opening / closing cover 91 is automatically cleaned by opening and closing. An image forming PCDU and a conveyance path exist inside the opening / closing cover 91, and the opening / closing cover 91 is opened / closed to remove a paper jam or when a process cartridge is replaced. Since it is automatically cleaned, it is easy to maintain.

  Further, a cleaning lever member 106 is provided on the side of the first link member 101 so that the exposure apparatus 60 can be cleaned in addition to opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 91 (see FIGS. 5, 7, and 12). The cleaning lever member 106 is rotatably held by the cover member 105, and the first link member 101 is rotated by rotating and pressing the cleaning lever member 106 in contact with the boss 101 b of the first link member 101. As the first link member 101 rotates, the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retracted position to the exposure position and contacts the cleaning member 69 in the middle thereof, so that the exposure apparatus 60 is cleaned. The cleaning lever member 106 is in a position that can be seen when the opening / closing cover 91 is opened. When the exposure device 60 is in the retracted position, the exposure device 60 is moved through the retracting mechanism 100 to the exposure position by pressing the cleaning lever member 106. Head. When the cleaning lever member 106 is released and the cleaning lever member 106 is released, the spring 104 returns to the original retracted position. That is, the exposure device 60 is brought into contact with the cleaning member 69 by pressing the cleaning lever member 106 many times. When a large amount of foreign matter adheres to the exposure device 60, the opening / closing cover 91 is opened and closed. It becomes possible to clean more easily.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a device in which the angle between the exposure member and the cleaning member is changed. However, since the cleaning member is fixed to the same cover as the open / close cover to which the exposure member is fixed, It is configured to move. For this reason, there is a possibility that the adhered matter will fly because the adhered matter after cleaning is reciprocated between the positioning position and the retracted position with the cleaning member attached. In particular, in the movement interlocked with the main body cover, there is a large change in the air flow during the closing operation, and there is a risk that when the air flow hits the cleaning member, the accumulated deposits will fly and soil the inside of the machine. Moreover, in patent document 2, since the upper cover is opened and the cleaning member and the exposure member are retracted, the cleaning member is exposed outside the apparatus. For this reason, dust from the outside adheres to the cleaning member, and when the upper cover is closed, there is a possibility that the inside of the apparatus becomes dirty with the dust, or moves to the exposure member and becomes dirty. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the cleaning member does not retract in conjunction with the exposure member, so that there is no possibility that the adhering material will fly or the adhering material will fly and soil the inside of the machine. Also, since the cleaning member is not exposed to the outside of the machine, dust from outside does not adhere to the cleaning member, and when the cover is closed, the inside of the machine gets dirty with the dust, or moves to the exposure member and becomes dirty. There is no risk of getting stuck.

[Example 2]
In addition to the cleaning member 69, the charge removal member 200 may be arranged in the middle of the retraction path R of the exposure apparatus 60.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the charge removal member 200 is arranged in addition to the cleaning member 69 that cleans the lens surface 64 a in the middle of the retraction path R of the exposure apparatus 60. As shown in FIG. 15, by disposing an elastic cleaning member 69 in the middle of the curved path of the retraction path R, the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 is moved when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retraction position to the exposure position. Is pressed against the cleaning member 69. As a result, deposits such as toner and dust are transferred from the lens surface 64a to the cleaning member 69, and the deposits on the lens surface 64a can be removed. The cleaning member 69 is elastic and includes, for example, a thin mylar bonded with a non-woven fabric or a brush, but a sponge seal material or the like can be used instead. The cleaning member 69 is fixed to an L-shaped holding member 72 as shown in FIG. 16 with double-sided tape or the like, and the holding member 72 is fixed to the main body stay 71 with screws or the like.

  Further, the static elimination member 200 and the static elimination holding member 201 are disposed on the retracting path R of the exposure apparatus 60. The neutralization member 200 has elasticity similarly to the cleaning member 69, and is disposed at a position where the lens surface 64 a contacts the neutralization member 200 when the exposure apparatus 60 moves.

  Since the cleaning member 69 and the exposure apparatus 60 or the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 have different charge trains of the respective materials, the cleaning member 69 and the exposure apparatus 60 are charged not a little at the time of cleaning contact. Although the lens surface 64a is cleaned by the cleaning member 69, since it is charged at the same time, there is a risk of attracting floating substances such as dust and dust floating in the machine. If exposure is performed on the photosensitive drum 3 in a state where floating substances are attached to the lens surface 64a, density unevenness and streaks appear on the image and image quality is deteriorated.

  Regarding the deterioration in image quality due to the above-described charging, in the second embodiment, the charge removing member 200 is installed, so that the charge on the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a charged upon contact with the cleaning member 69 is neutralized by the charge removing member 200. This reduces the charged state. As a result, exposure is performed without attracting floating substances to the lens surface 64a, and a high-quality image can be obtained permanently.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the cleaning member 69 and the charge removal member 200 are arranged on the same holding member 72 in the middle of the retraction path R of the exposure apparatus 60. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the charge removal member 200 is arranged directly on the cleaning member 69 and these are held by the holding member 72.
As shown in FIG. 16, the charge removal member 200 is held by a holding member 72 that holds a cleaning member 69. According to this configuration, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retracted position to the exposure position, the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 contacts the cleaning member 69 and is cleaned, and then immediately contacts the neutralization member 200 and is neutralized. . As a result, the probability that the lens surface 64a attracts the suspended matter is reduced, and exposure can be performed in an ideal state to obtain a high-quality image. In addition, since the number of parts and assembly man-hours can be reduced, the cost of parts and assembly can be reduced.
Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the same effect as the configuration described with reference to FIG. 16 can be obtained even in the configuration in which the static elimination member 200 is disposed directly on the cleaning member 69.

  The exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a are charged more by being repeatedly brought into contact with the cleaning member 69, so that the charge is more strongly charged. However, the charge is caused by the contact with the charge removal member 200 disposed on the retraction path R. Escape and charge amount can be reduced. The arrangement of the cleaning member 69 and the charge removal member 200 can be freely selected in design according to the required layout. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, the exposure device 60 is first cleaned by the cleaning member 69 in a state in which the exposure device 60 moves to the photosensitive member writing position (exposure position) along the retract path R. Arrange in order of contact. Thereby, the charge amount of the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a can be minimized, and adhesion of dust and dust can be further suppressed.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the static elimination member 200 is grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body via the cable 207 or the like. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the static elimination member 200 is grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body via a holding member 72 using a conductive material.
As shown in FIG. 18, the static elimination member 200 held by the holding member 72 is connected to a main body stay 71 made of a conductive material such as a sheet metal via a cable 207. Since the main body stay 71 is grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body, the static elimination member 200 is grounded via the cable 207 and the main body stay 71.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 19, the static elimination member 200 is attached to the holding member 72 using a conductive material with a double-sided tape. Since the conductive double-sided tape 208 is used as the double-sided tape, the static elimination member 200 is grounded to the holding member 72. The holding member 72 is screwed and grounded to a main body stay 71 using a conductive material, and is finally grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body.

  The charge removal member 200 receives charges each time it comes into contact with the charged exposure device 60 or the lens surface 64a, and the charge amount of the charge removal member 200 itself increases. For this reason, the static elimination performance of the static elimination member 200 reduces gradually. In the second embodiment, since the static elimination member 200 is grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body with the configuration shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the electric charge accumulated in the static elimination member 200 is discharged to prevent the charge amount from increasing, A decrease in performance can be suppressed. As a result, the charge removal member 200 can continuously and efficiently remove the charge from the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a, so that dust and dirt are less likely to adhere to the lens surface 64a, and a high-quality image can be obtained. It becomes possible.

  Further, since the neutralizing member 200 is installed mainly for the purpose of neutralizing the lens surface 64a, it is at least equal to or longer than the lens surface 64a so that it can be efficiently neutralized over the entire area of the lens surface 64a. It is desirable to have a long configuration.

  Further, since the charge eliminating member 200 is in direct contact with the lens surface 64a, it is desirable to select a material having a lower hardness than the lens surface 64a so as not to damage the lens surface 64a.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example using a hair-implanted charge removal member 211.
As shown in FIG. 20, a hair-fed-shaped charge removal member 211 is held by a conductive charge removal holding member 201, and the charge removal holding member 201 is held by a main body stay 71. As described above, it is possible to maintain high static elimination performance by configuring so that the hair transplanted portion of the hair neutralizing member 211 is finally grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body.
Thus, by making the static elimination member 211 into the shape of a flock, the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a can be reliably brought into contact with each other, and the contact force is softened so that the operation force required for the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing cover 91 is reduced. It becomes possible. Furthermore, the hair density and the thickness of the hair removal member 211 can be arbitrarily selected, and desired charge removal performance and contact pressure can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the lens surface 64a is pressed against the cleaning member 69 while the exposure apparatus 60 moves along the curved track. The difference from the case where the lens surface 64a is pressed against the cleaning member 69 while the exposure apparatus 60 moves along the linear trajectory is the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 in the first embodiment. Omitted.
In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the lens surface 64a is pressed against the cleaning member 69 while the exposure apparatus 60 moves along the curved track has the same configuration as the neutralization members 200 and 211. An improvement effect can be obtained.

  As described above, the retracting operation of the exposure apparatus 60 is linked to the opening operation of the opening / closing cover 91, and when the opening / closing cover 91 is closed, the retracting operation may be set at a predetermined photoreceptor proximity position (exposure position). it can. By opening and closing the open / close cover 91, even when external dust, dust, or the like enters, the lens surface 64a is reliably cleaned and static neutralized, and a high-quality image can be obtained.

  An actuator such as a motor or a solenoid may be disposed at the link portion of the exposure apparatus 60. As a result, the exposure apparatus 60 can be retracted to the retracted position and set to the exposure position by electric power. The operation timing can be arbitrarily determined. For example, by operating when the power is turned on, dust, dust, and the like that accidentally adhere to the lens surface 64a can be removed and the charge can be removed while the image forming apparatus is not in operation, so that the image quality can be maintained.

Example 3
The cleaning member may be formed of a conductive material.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which a cleaning member 69 formed of a conductive material is disposed in the middle of the retraction path R of the exposure apparatus 60. As shown in FIG. 21, the elastic cleaning member 69 is arranged in the middle of the curved path of the retraction path R, so that the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 is moved when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retraction position to the exposure position. Is pressed against the cleaning member 69. As a result, deposits such as toner and dust are transferred from the lens surface 64a to the cleaning member 69, and the deposits on the lens surface 64a can be removed.

Since the cleaning member 69 of the third embodiment has conductivity and a surface resistance value of about 10 ¹³ [Ω] or less, the charge generated by friction between the lens surface 64a and the cleaning member 69 is dispersed, Release into the air to ease the charged state. The cleaning member 69 is elastic and includes, for example, a thin conductive film or a film coated with a coating that lowers the surface resistance value. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 21, the cleaning member 69 may have a brush 212 using a metal fiber brush or conductive fiber. The cleaning member 69 is fixed to an L-shaped holding member 72 using a conductive material (for example, a steel plate) with a conductive double-sided tape or the like, and the holding member 72 is fixed to the conductive material (for example, a steel plate) main body stay 71 with a screw or the like. Fix it.

  The cleaning member 69 is grounded via a main body stay 71 using a conductive material in order to more reliably disperse charges generated by friction between the lens surface 64a and the cleaning member 69.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the brush fibers 212a of the brush 212. FIG.
22A is a view of the cleaning member 69 viewed from the upstream side in the moving direction of the exposure apparatus 60, and FIG. 22B is a direction orthogonal to the fiber fixing surface 212b to which the brush fibers 212a are fixed. It is the figure which looked at the cleaning member 69 from.
As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the plurality of brush fibers 212a constituting the brush 212 are fixed to the fiber fixing surface 212b at regular intervals in the main scanning direction. Each brush fiber 212a is fixed to the fiber fixing surface 212b at a desired angle with respect to the fiber fixing surface 212b (less than 90 ° between the fiber fixing surface 212b and the brush fiber 212a). In this embodiment, the brush fibers 212a are inclined so that the angle formed between the fiber fixing surface 212b and the brush fibers is 45 °.

  By tilting with respect to the fiber fixing surface 212b, the brush fiber 212a is fixed to the fiber fixing surface 212b, thereby making the brush fiber 212a longer than when the brush fiber 212a is fixed perpendicular to the fiber fixing surface 212b. be able to. Thereby, compared with the case where the brush fiber 212a is fixed perpendicularly to the fiber fixing surface 212b, the contact with the lens surface 64a can be softened, and the operating force applied to the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing cover 91 can be reduced. it can.

A plurality of brushes 212 may be arranged in the moving direction of the exposure apparatus 60.
FIG. 23 is a view showing an example in which a plurality of brushes 212 are arranged in the moving direction of the exposure apparatus 60. FIG. 23A is a view of the cleaning member 69 viewed from the upstream side in the movement direction of the exposure apparatus 60, and FIG. 23B is a view of the cleaning member 69 viewed from a direction orthogonal to the fiber fixing surface 212b. FIG. The broken line in FIG. 23A shows the brush fiber 212a arranged on the downstream side in the moving direction of the exposure apparatus 60.
The cleaning member 69 shown in FIG. 23 has two brushes 212 stacked in the movement direction of the exposure apparatus, and the first brush fibers 212a1 of the first brush 212-1 arranged on the upstream side in the movement direction of the exposure apparatus 60 (FIG. 23). 23 (a) (solid line) and the inclination direction of the second brush fiber 212a2 (broken line in FIG. 23 (a)) of the second brush 212-2 arranged on the downstream side in the moving direction of the exposure apparatus 60. They are different from each other. In FIG. 23, the first brush fiber 212a1 is inclined 45 ° to the right in the drawing with respect to the direction orthogonal to the first fiber fixing surface 212b1, and the second brush fiber 212a2 is formed on the second fiber fixing surface 212b2. It is inclined 45 ° to the left in the figure with respect to the orthogonal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of brushes 212 are arranged in the moving direction of the exposure apparatus 60, and the directions in which the brush fibers are inclined are made different from each other, thereby reducing the cleaning ability due to the aging deterioration of the brushes. This can be reduced compared to the case where there is only one. More specifically, in the configuration shown in FIG. 22, the brush fiber 212 a falls down clockwise in the drawing due to the aging of the brush 212. As a result, the lens surface 64a at the left end in FIG. 22 may not come into contact with the brush fibers 212a, and the attached matter on the lens surface 64a at the left end in FIG. 22 may not be removed.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the first brush fiber 212a1 (solid line in the drawing) falls counterclockwise in the drawing and the second brush fiber 212a2 (broken line in the drawing) falls clockwise in the drawing due to aging. Therefore, even if the first brush fiber 212a1 (broken line in the figure) falls counterclockwise in the figure due to aging deterioration, the second brush fiber 212a2 (broken line in the figure) falls clockwise in the figure due to aging deterioration, so that the lens The second brush fiber 212a2 comes into contact with the right end of the surface 64a in the drawing, and the deposit on the right end of the lens surface 64a in the drawing can be removed well. On the other hand, even if the second brush fiber 212a2 (broken line in the figure) falls clockwise in the figure, the first brush fiber 212a1 (solid line in the figure) falls counterclockwise in the figure, so that the lens surface 64a in the figure. The first brush fiber 212a1 comes into contact with the left end, and the deposit on the left end of the lens surface 64a in the figure can be removed well. Thereby, the deposit | attachment of the lens surface 64a can be favorably removed over time.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 24, in this modification, the first brush fiber 212a1 (solid line in the figure) and the second brush fiber 212a2 (dashed line in the figure) are overlapped only at the center in the main scanning direction. In FIG. 24, the first brush 212-1 on the upstream side in the movement direction of the exposure apparatus 60 biases the first brush fibers 212a1 to the left side in the drawing, and the second brush 212- on the downstream side in the movement direction of the exposure apparatus 60. 2 biases the second brush fiber 212a2 to the right side in the figure. Further, the brush fibers of each brush are inclined so that the tip (free end) is closer to the end in the main scanning direction than the fixed end.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 24, the number of brush fibers can be reduced compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 23, and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced compared to the configuration shown in FIG. Can do. Moreover, even if the brush falls due to the aging deterioration of the brush, it is possible to remove the deposits satisfactorily to the end of the lens surface 64a in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another modification of FIG.
In the modification shown in FIG. 25, the first brush fiber 212a1 and the second brush fiber 212a2 are tilted so that the tip (free end) is closer to the center in the main scanning direction than the fixed end, and the brush fibers The number is reduced.
In this way, the first brush fiber 212a1 and the second brush fiber 212a2 are tilted so that the tips (free ends) are closer to the center in the main scanning direction than the fixed end, so that the brush fibers in the center in the main scanning direction are The number of brush fibers can be reduced as compared with the configurations of FIGS. 23 and 24, and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

  In addition, you may apply the structure of the brush fiber shown in FIGS. 22-25 to the static elimination member 211 shown in previous FIG.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in which the cleaning member 69 is attached to the holding member 72 using a conductive material with a double-sided tape 208. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 26, the cleaning member 69 is electrically connected to the holding member 72 by using the conductive double-sided tape 208 as the double-sided tape 208. Furthermore, it is screwed to a main body stay 71 using a conductive material.

  Alternatively, the conductive film may be bent so that the holding member 72 and the cleaning member 69 are integrated and fixed to the main body stay 71 with screws or the like. Since the cleaning member 69, the holding member 72, and the main body stay 71 are electrically connected, the electric charge generated by the friction between the cleaning member 69 and the lens surface 64a is dispersed in those parts, and compared with the case where there is no electrical connection. Thus, the charge amount per unit area can be reduced.

  Here, when the cleaning member 69 with low conductivity is used, the cleaning member 69 with low conductivity and the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 or the exposure apparatus 60 have different charge trains. Sometimes it becomes charged a little. Although the lens surface 64a is cleaned but charged, there is a possibility that the floating surface such as dust and dust floating in the machine may be electrically attracted thereafter. If exposure is performed on the photosensitive drum 3 in a state where floating substances are attached to the lens surface 64a, density unevenness and streaks appear on the image and image quality is deteriorated.

In the third embodiment, since the cleaning member 69 is formed of a conductive material, the charge generated during contact with the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a is prevented, and the charge is dispersed and discharged into the air for charging. The condition is eased. As a result, exposure is performed without attracting floating substances, and a high-quality image can be obtained permanently. If the surface resistance value of the cleaning member 69 is 10 ¹³ [Ω] or less, the charge is prevented from staying due to friction, and the charge is dispersed and released into the air, thereby reducing the charged state. As a result, exposure is performed without attracting floating substances, and a high-quality image can be obtained permanently.

  The exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a are more charged when the charge is accumulated by repeatedly contacting the cleaning member 69. However, the cleaning member 69 has conductivity, and the cleaning member 69 and the holding member. 72 and the main body stay 71 are electrically connected. As a result, the electric charge is dispersed from the cleaning member 69 to the holding member 72 and the main body stay 71, so that the charge amount of the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a can be minimized, and adhesion of dust and dust can be further suppressed. Is possible.

  In order to more reliably disperse the electric charge of the cleaning member 69, the cleaning member 69 may be grounded via a cable 207 to a main body stay 71 using a conductive material, as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 27, a conductive material such as a steel plate is used as the main body stay 71, and the main body stay 71 is grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body. As shown in FIG. 28, the cleaning member 69 may be in contact with the holding member 72 and the leaf spring 213 and grounded to the main body stay 71. In the example of FIG. 28, in order to make an electrical connection, the holding member 72 fixed to the main body stay 71 and a plate spring 213 made of, for example, SUS, contact the cleaning member 69 and ground to the main body stay 71. It has become. The main body stay 71 is grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the cleaning member 69 has conductivity, and the main body stay 71 to which the cleaning member 69 is attached is grounded to the ground of the apparatus main body. As a result, the generated charges are transferred from the cleaning member 69 to the main body stay 71. Since the main body stay 71 is grounded to the apparatus main body, the charges can be removed without accumulating, and charging of the cleaning member 69 can be suppressed. Therefore, the charge amount of the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a can be minimized, and adhesion of dust and dust can be further suppressed.

  Further, since the material of the lens array of the exposure device 60 is made of glass, a nylon sheet or rayon brush that is relatively close to the charged column may be used for the cleaning member 69 (see FIG. 21). Thereby, the electric charge generated by friction can be suppressed. By suppressing the generation of charges, the amount of charge can be reduced, dust and dust can be prevented from adhering to the surface of the lens surface 64a, and a high-quality image can be obtained.

  In the third embodiment, the configuration in which the cleaning member 69 is formed of a conductive material has been described. However, the conductive material as described above for the static eliminating member 200 and the hair-fed-shaped static eliminating member 211 of the second embodiment. May be formed. Thereby, the static elimination performance of the static elimination member 200 and the flock-shaped static elimination member 211 can be maintained more favorably.

Example 4
The cleaning member may be rotatably supported.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which a cleaning member 222 that is rotatably supported is disposed in the middle of the retraction path of the exposure apparatus 60. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the cleaning member 222 that is rotatably supported by the main body stay 220.

  As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the cleaning member 222 is rotatably supported by the main body stay 220. The cleaning member 222 cleans the shaft portion 223 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction for rotating the cleaning member 222, the bracket 224 holding the shaft portion 223, and the lens surface 64a of the writing head (LED array) 64. A cleaning unit 225 for wiping is formed. The main body stay 220 is formed with cleaning member holding portions 220a having holding holes for rotatably holding the shaft portion 223 of the cleaning member 222 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the main body stay 220 has a rotation restricting portion 221 that restricts the rotation of the cleaning member 222 (see FIG. 31). The holding hole of the cleaning member holding portion 220a of the main body stay 220 holds the shaft portion 223 of the cleaning member 222 so as to be rotatable, so that the cleaning member 222 is supported to be rotatable about the shaft portion 223. It is like that.

  If the cleaning member 222 is configured with a single component, the shape becomes complicated and the cost may increase. As described above, the cleaning member 222 according to the fourth embodiment includes three parts, and can be simplified in shape and cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the cleaning member 222 is configured with one part.

  When the cleaning member 222 comes into contact with the rotation restricting portion 221 in the retracting operation of the writing head 64, a loud sound may be generated depending on the operating force of the retracting operation, and an unpleasant sound may be generated. For this reason, the said rotation control part 221 may be comprised with buffer members, such as rubber | gum and sponge. Thereby, the collision sound when the cleaning member 222 contacts the rotation restricting portion 221 formed of a buffer member can be reduced.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram when the writing head 64 of the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retracted position to the exposure position. As shown in FIG. 31, when the writing head 64 moves in the direction A as the first rotation direction, the lens surface 64 a comes into contact with the cleaning portion 225 of the cleaning member 222 in the middle of the retraction path, and the cleaning member 222. Tries to rotate in the direction B in the figure with the shaft portion 223 as the rotation axis. Then, the bracket 224 of the cleaning member 222 comes into contact with the rotation restricting portion 221 installed on the main body stay 220, and the rotation of the cleaning member 222 is restricted at a predetermined position and angle and stops. Thereby, the cleaning unit 225 can clean the lens surface 64a of the writing head 64 with an appropriate force. Then, when the writing head 64 further moves toward the exposure position, the lens surface 64a is separated from the cleaning portion 225 of the cleaning member 222, and the cleaning is completed.

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram when the writing head 64 of the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the exposure position to the retracted position. As shown in FIG. 32, when the writing head 64 moves from the exposure position toward the retracted position in the direction A ′ as the second rotation direction, the writing head 64 comes into contact with the cleaning unit 225 and the cleaning member 222. Rotates in the B ′ direction in the figure with the shaft portion 223 as a rotation axis. At this time, since the cleaning member 222 acts only on the writing head 64 by its own weight, the writing head 64 can be sufficiently moved to the retracted position only by the restoring force of the spring 104.

  With the above configuration and operation, the lens surface 64a can be appropriately cleaned by the movement operation of the writing head 64 from the retracted position to the exposure position. On the other hand, in the movement operation from the exposure position of the writing head 64 to the retracted position, the writing head 64 can be reliably retracted to a predetermined position without being obstructed by the cleaning member 222.

  FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a configuration in which the rotation restricting portions 221 and 224 a are provided on both the cleaning member 222 and the main body stay 220. FIG. 34 is a top view seen from the direction C in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the main body stay 220 is provided with a rotation restricting portion 221, and the bracket 224 of the cleaning member 222 is also provided with a rotation restricting portion 224 a. By providing the rotation restricting portions 221 and 224a on the parts of the main body stay 220 and the bracket 224, respectively, it becomes possible to put a highly accurate dimensional tolerance into the rotation restricting portions 221 and 224a. Thereby, the cleaning member 222 can be regulated at a more accurate position, and the writing head 64 and the lens surface 64a can be cleaned more appropriately. In the example shown in FIGS. 29 to 32, the configuration in which the rotation restricting portion 221 is provided only on the main body stay 220 has been described. However, even if the rotation restricting portion is provided on the cleaning member 222 side, the effect of the present invention can be exhibited. it can. Further, by providing the rotation restricting portion on both the main body stay 220 and the cleaning member 222, the effect can be further exhibited.

Example 5
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the cleaning member 69 according to the fifth embodiment that cleans the lens surface 64a is arranged in the middle of the retraction path R of the exposure apparatus 60. FIG. 36 is a side view of the cleaning member 69 and the holding member 72.
As described above, by opening / closing the opening / closing cover 91, the exposure apparatus 60 moves in a straight and curved path from the exposure position to the retracted position. As shown in FIG. 35, by arranging a cleaning member 69 having elasticity in the middle of the curved path of the retreat path R, the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 is moved when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retreat position to the exposure position. Is pressed against the cleaning member 69. As a result, deposits such as toner and dust are transferred from the lens surface 64a to the cleaning member 69, and the deposits on the lens surface 64a can be removed.

  The cleaning member 69 is elastic and includes, for example, a thin mylar 69d with a non-woven fabric attached thereto, a brush, or the like, but a sponge seal material or the like can be used instead. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the cleaning member 69 of the fifth embodiment is obtained by attaching a non-woven fabric 69b to a thin mylar 69d and fixing it to an L-shaped holding member 72 with a double-sided tape 69a or the like. 72 is fixed to the main body stay 71 with screws or the like.

37 to 40 are explanatory views showing changes in the position of the exposure apparatus 60 and the state of the cleaning member 69 when the cleaning member 69 is arranged in the middle of the curved path of the exposure apparatus 60. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the holding member 72 regulates deformation of the affixing portion 72 a to which the cleaning member 69 is attached, the concave separation portion 72 b that is separated from the cleaning member 69, and the elastic cleaning member 69. And a regulating portion 72c. By disposing the cleaning member 69 in the retract path R of the exposure apparatus 60, the lens surface 64a contacts the cleaning member 69 when the exposure apparatus 60 moves, and the lens surface 64a is cleaned by the cleaning member 69. Since the cleaning member 69 has elasticity when the lens surface 64a comes into contact with the lens surface 64a, the cleaning member 69 is deformed with the pasting portion 72a as a base point. Further, when the deformed cleaning member 69 comes into contact with the restriction portion 72c, the restriction portion 72c is moved. As a base point, the lens surface 64a is deformed. Since the distance between the lens surface 64a and the restricting portion 72c is shorter than the sticking portion 72a, a higher stress is applied from the cleaning member 69 to the lens surface 64a, and sufficient stress necessary for cleaning is obtained.

  Thereafter, when the exposure apparatus 60 further moves, the cleaning member 69 returns to the original posture as shown in FIG. The permanent deformation of the cleaning member 69 can be prevented by preventing the exposure device 60 from continuing the deformation.

  On the other hand, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves in the opposite direction from the exposure position toward the retract position along the retract path R, as shown in FIG. 40, the cleaning member 69 contacts the side surface of the exposure apparatus 60 in the fifth embodiment. It contacts but does not contact the restricting portion 72c. The cleaning member 69 is easily deformed from the sticking portion 72a as a base point, and eventually returns to the state shown in FIG. Thus, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves in the vicinity of the cleaning member 69, a load is applied to the movement by the cleaning member 69, and the magnitude of the load applied to the movement in the opposite direction is different from the movement in one direction. The load applied to the exposure apparatus 60 is smaller when moving from the exposure position to the retracted position than when loading from the retracted position to the exposure position.

In the fifth embodiment, as described above, when the exposure apparatus 60 is moved from the retracted position to the exposure position, the exposure apparatus 60 passes through the cleaning position where the lens surface 64a is cleaned by the cleaning member 69. The load of moving is large. On the other hand, when moving from the exposure position to the retracted position, the movement load of the exposure apparatus 60 is small when passing the cleaning position. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the retracting mechanism 100 so that the urging force of the spring 104 is switched between the cleaning position and the exposure position.
When the retracting mechanism 100 is configured so that the urging force of the spring 104 is switched between the retracted position and the cleaning position, the opening / closing cover 91 and the cleaning lever member 106 are moved when moving from the retracted position to the exposure position. Then, the exposure apparatus 60 is moved by a human hand, and before the cleaning position, the biasing force of the spring 104 switches from the direction in which the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to the retracted position to the direction in which the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to the exposure position. When the direction of the urging force of the spring 104 is switched, the exposure apparatus 60 is moved by the urging force of the spring from a human operation. Therefore, when the retracting mechanism 100 is configured so that the biasing force of the spring 104 is switched between the retracted position and the cleaning position, the exposure device 60 passes the cleaning position by the biasing force of the spring 104 and moves to the retracted position. Will be moved to. As described above, when the exposure apparatus 60 is moved from the retracted position to the exposure position, the movement load when the exposure apparatus 60 passes through the cleaning position is large. For this reason, if the biasing force of the spring 104 is weak, the moving load when passing through the cleaning position overcomes the biasing force, and the exposure apparatus 60 stops at the cleaning position. As a result, there is a possibility that the exposure apparatus 60 cannot be moved to the retracted position. Therefore, it is necessary to use the spring 104 having a high spring constant so that the exposure apparatus 60 does not stop at the cleaning position.

  On the other hand, when the retracting mechanism 100 is configured so that the urging force of the spring 104 is switched between the cleaning position and the exposure position, the opening / closing cover 91 and the cleaning are performed when moving from the retracted position to the exposure position. After the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to the cleaning position by a human hand through the lever member 106, the biasing force of the spring 104 is switched from the direction in which the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to the retracted position to the direction in which the exposure apparatus 60 is moved to the exposure position. Therefore, the movement of the cleaning position of the exposure apparatus 60 when moving from the retracted position to the exposure position is performed by human power. On the other hand, when the retracting mechanism 100 is configured so that the urging force of the spring 104 is switched between the cleaning position and the exposure position, the exposure apparatus 60 passes the cleaning position when moving from the exposure position to the retracted position. Previously, the biasing force of the spring 104 is switched from the direction in which the exposure device 60 is moved to the exposure position to the direction in which it is moved to the retracted position. Therefore, when moving from the exposure position to the retracted position, the exposure apparatus 60 moves the cleaning position by the biasing force of the spring 104. However, the load when passing through the cleaning position of the exposure apparatus 60 when moving from the exposure position to the retracted position is smaller than the load when passing through the cleaning position when moving from the retracted position to the exposure position. . Therefore, when moving from the retracted position to the exposure position, even if the biasing force of the spring 104 is weaker than when the exposure apparatus is moved so that the biasing force of the spring 104 passes the cleaning position, the cleaning position passes. The exposure apparatus can be moved to the retracted position by the urging force of the spring 104 without stopping at the cleaning position due to the load at the time.

  Thus, by configuring the retracting mechanism 100 so that the biasing force of the spring 104 is switched between the cleaning position and the exposure position, the biasing force of the spring 104 is between the retracting position and the cleaning position. The spring 104 having a low spring constant can be used as compared with the case where the retracting mechanism 100 is configured to be switched. Thereby, the rigidity etc. of a evacuation mechanism can be designed low and it can design at low cost.

41 is a perspective view of the cleaning member 69 and the holding member 72 provided with the opening 69c. FIG. 42 is a top view of the cleaning member 69 and the holding member 72 provided with the opening 69c.
As shown in FIGS. 41 and 38, the cleaning member 69 is provided with a plurality of openings 69 c in a part of the separation portion 72 b between the attaching portion 72 a and the regulating portion 72 c of the holding member 72. Thereby, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the exposure position to the retracted position (see FIG. 40), the cleaning member 69 is further easily deformed with a small force. On the other hand, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retracted position to the exposure position to clean the lens surface 64a (see FIG. 38), the opening 69c is a cleaning member so that the stress applied to the exposure apparatus 60 does not become too small. The total length is preferably ½ or less with respect to the length in the longitudinal direction of 69.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the firing member 120 is disposed between the cleaning member 69 and the restricting portion 72 c of the holding member 72.
As shown in FIG. 40, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves to the retracted position, when the cleaning member 69 is repelled by the exposure apparatus 60 and returns to the original posture, it comes into contact with the restricting portion 72c of the holding member 72 to generate an impact sound. Occurs. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 43, by arranging the firing member 120 between the cleaning member 69 and the restricting portion 72c of the holding member 72, when the cleaning member 69 returns to the original posture, It is possible to reduce the impact sound generated by contact.

What was demonstrated above is an example, and there exists an effect peculiar for every following aspect.
(Aspect A)
It is configured to be movable between a latent image carrier such as the photosensitive drum 3 and an exposure position close to the latent image carrier and a retracted position separated from the latent image carrier. An exposure device 60 that exposes the latent image carrier by irradiating light through a lens, driving means such as a retraction mechanism 100 that moves the exposure device between an exposure position and a retraction position, and a retraction path of the exposure device In an image forming apparatus such as the printer 1 provided with a cleaning member 69 that can be deformed so that the cleaning surface tilts in contact with the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus on a moving track such as R, the exposure apparatus 60 is retracted. When moving from the position to the exposure position, contact of the cleaning surface of the cleaning member 69 deformed by the pressing of the lens surface 64a of the exposure device 60 and the lens surface 64a of the exposure device 60 is maintained. posture With an exposure apparatus supporting mechanism, such as a holder 65 for supporting the exposure device 60 while changing.
According to this, as described in Example 1 of the above embodiment, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves from the retracted position to the exposure position, the posture of the exposure apparatus 60 changes. Due to the change in the posture of the exposure apparatus 60, the contact between the cleaning surface of the cleaning member 69 deformed by the pressing of the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 and the lens surface 64a of the exposure apparatus 60 is maintained. The cleaning ability with respect to the lens surface 64a can be enhanced.
(Aspect B)
In aspect A, the exposure apparatus support mechanism supports the exposure apparatus 60 so that the exposure apparatus 60 rotates while the cleaning surface of the cleaning member 69 and the lens surface 64a are in contact with each other.
According to this, as described in Example 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the exposure device 60 rotates, the lens surface 64a contacts the cleaning member 69 while rotating, and the cleaning member 69 rotates the lens. Deposits can be removed from the entire surface.
(Aspect C)
In the above aspect A or aspect B, the cleaning member 69 has elasticity.
According to this, as described in Example 1 of the above embodiment, when the lens surface 64a contacts the cleaning member 69, the cleaning member 69 elastically deforms and contacts the entire lens surface. It becomes possible.
(Aspect D)
In the above aspect C, the cleaning member 69 includes a base material such as Mylar 69d having elasticity and a cloth member such as a nonwoven fabric 69b.
According to this, as described in Example 1 of the above embodiment, the base member is elastically deformed, and the cloth member can be brought into contact with the entire surface of the lens.
(Aspect E)
In any one of the above-described aspects A to D, the exposure apparatus 60 further includes static elimination members 200 and 211 that come into contact with the lens surface 64a on a moving path in which the exposure apparatus 60 moves between the exposure position and the retracted position.
According to this, as described in Example 2 of the above-described embodiment, the charge on the surface 64a of the lens charged upon contact with the cleaning member 69 is neutralized by the neutralizing member 200, and the charged state is relaxed. As a result, exposure is performed without attracting suspended matter to the lens surface 64a, and a high-quality image can be obtained permanently.
(Aspect F)
In the above aspect E, at least one of the cleaning member or the charge removal member has a brush shape.
According to this, as described in Example 1 of the above embodiment, the brush-shaped cleaning member and the charge removal member are more likely to come into contact with the entire surface of the lens compared to the planar shape, and the cleaning performance and the charge removal performance are improved. Can be made.
(Aspect G)
In the aspect F, the plurality of brush fibers 212a constituting the brush shape are inclined with respect to the fiber fixing surface 212b to which the plurality of brush fibers of the cleaning member 69 or the charge removal member are fixed.
According to this, as described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25, the brush fibers 212a can be lengthened as compared with the case where the brush fibers 212a are fixed perpendicular to the fiber fixing surface 212b. Thereby, compared with the case where the brush fiber 212a is fixed perpendicularly to the fiber fixing surface 212b, the contact with the lens surface 64a can be softened, and the operating force applied to the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing cover 91 can be reduced. it can.
(Aspect H)
In any of the above aspects E to G, at least one of the cleaning member and the charge removal member is formed of a conductive material.
According to this, as described in Example 3 of the above embodiment, the charge generated by the friction between the lens surface 64a and the cleaning member 69 is dispersed, the charged state of the cleaning member 69 is relaxed, and the cleaning performance is improved. Can be maintained. Further, the charged state of the charge removal member 200 is relaxed, and the charge removal performance can be maintained.
(Aspect I)
In the aspect H, the cleaning member and / or the charge removal member formed of a conductive material is electrically grounded.
According to this, as described in Example 3 of the above-described embodiment, electric charges generated by friction between the lens surface 64a and the cleaning member 69 or the charge removal member 200 can be more reliably dispersed.
(Aspect J)
In any of the above aspects A to I,
A cleaning member holding portion 220a that holds the cleaning member 222 so as to be rotatable in a first rotation direction in which the exposure apparatus 60 is directed toward the exposure position and in a second rotation direction in which the exposure apparatus 60 is directed toward the retracted position. When the rotation holding member and the exposure position are moving from the retracted position toward the exposure position, the cleaning member 69 moves in the first rotation direction while the cleaning surface of the cleaning member and the surface of the lens are in contact with each other. And a rotation restricting member such as a rotation restricting portion 221 that does not restrict the rotation of the cleaning member 69 when the exposure position moves from the exposure position toward the retracted position.
According to this, as described in Example 4 of the above-described embodiment, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves in the first rotation direction, the rotation of the cleaning member 222 is restricted, and the lens surface 64a is sufficiently covered. Can be cleaned. Further, when the exposure apparatus 60 moves in the second rotation direction, the rotation of the cleaning member 222 is not restricted, and the load of movement of the exposure apparatus 60 is reduced.
(Aspect K)
In any one of the above aspects A to J, a sheet member such as an elastic mylar that supports the cleaning member 69 and a sheet holding member such as the holding member 72 that holds the sheet member are provided, and cleaning is performed by the elasticity of the sheet member. A pressing force by which the cleaning member presses the lens when the member 69 is pressed against the lens and the exposure device 60 is moved to the exposure position, and a pressing force by which the cleaning member presses the lens when the exposure device is moved to the retracted position. The sheet holding members were configured so that the values were different from each other.
According to this, as described in Example 5 of the above embodiment, the exposure device 60 moves in the direction of the retracted position compared to the pressing force of the cleaning member 69 when the exposure device 60 moves in the direction of the exposure position. It is possible to reduce the pressing force of the cleaning member 69 during the movement. Thereby, the magnitude of the load applied to the exposure apparatus 60 can be made smaller when compared with the load when moving from the exposure position to the exposure position.
(Aspect L)
In any of the above aspects A to K,
An open / close cover 91 that operates in conjunction with an exposure apparatus support mechanism;
The exposure apparatus support mechanism moves the exposure apparatus 60 to the retracted position in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing cover 91, and moves the exposure apparatus 60 to the exposure position in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing cover 91. Support.
According to this, as described in Example 1 of the above embodiment, the lens surface 64a is automatically cleaned by the cleaning member 69 by opening and closing the open / close cover 91, and high-quality image formation becomes possible. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Developing device 3 Photosensitive drum 4 Charging roller 5 Cleaning device 10 Paper feed cassette 12 Paper feed roller 14 Registration roller pair 15 Paper discharge roller 23 Guide part 24 Positioning part 50 Process cartridge 50a Case (process cartridge)
60 Exposure device 62 Support projection 63 Guide projection 64 Write head (LED array)
64a Lens surface (lens surface)
65 Holder 66 Spring member 69 Cleaning member 70 Transfer roller 71 Main body stay 72 Holding member 80 Fixing device 91 Opening / closing cover 91a Cover rotating shaft 92 Hook member 92a First contact surface 92b Second contact surface 100 Retraction mechanism 101 First link 101a First rotating shaft 101b First rotating shaft 101c Boss portion 102 Second link 102a Second rotating shaft 102b Second rotating shaft 102c Support hole 103 Connecting mechanism 103a First connecting member 103b Second connecting member 103c Connecting shaft 104 Pulling Spring 105a Connecting guide hole 105b Exposure guide hole 105c Rotating shaft guide hole 105d Rotating shaft guide 106 Abutting portion 107 Retraction mechanism connecting member 112 Abutting portion 113 Hooking portion 200 Neutralizing member 211 Neutralizing member 212 in the hair transplant state Brush 212a Brush fiber 212b Fiber fixing surface 2 2 (the rotation support) cleaning member

Japanese Patent No. 3713952 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-314779

Claims (12)

A latent image carrier;
It is configured to be movable between an exposure position close to the latent image carrier and a retracted position separated from the latent image carrier, and irradiates light through a lens when close to the latent image carrier. An exposure apparatus for exposing the latent image carrier by:
Drive means for moving the exposure apparatus between the exposure position and the retracted position;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a cleaning member that is deformable so that a cleaning surface is inclined by contacting a surface of a lens of the exposure apparatus on a moving orbit of the exposure apparatus;
When the exposure apparatus moves from the retracted position to the exposure position, contact between the cleaning surface of the cleaning member that is deformed by pressing the lens surface of the exposure apparatus and the lens surface of the exposure apparatus is maintained. An image forming apparatus comprising: an exposure apparatus support mechanism that supports the exposure apparatus while changing the posture of the exposure apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the exposure device support mechanism supports the exposure device so that the exposure device rotates while the cleaning surface of the cleaning member and the surface of the lens are in contact with each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the cleaning member has elasticity. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the cleaning member includes an elastic base material and a cloth member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: a charge eliminating member that contacts the surface of the lens on a moving track in which the exposure apparatus moves between the exposure position and the retracted position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
At least one of the cleaning member or the charge eliminating member is formed in a brush shape. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
An image forming apparatus, wherein a plurality of brush fibers constituting the brush shape are inclined with respect to a fiber fixing surface to which a plurality of brush fibers of the cleaning member or the charge eliminating member are fixed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
At least one of the cleaning member or the charge removal member is formed of a conductive material. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.
An image forming apparatus, wherein the cleaning member and / or the charge removal member formed of the conductive material is electrically grounded. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A rotation holding member that rotatably holds the cleaning member in a first rotation direction in which the exposure apparatus is directed toward the exposure position and in a second rotation direction in which the exposure apparatus is directed toward the retracted position; ,
When the exposure position is moving from the retracted position toward the exposure position, the cleaning member rotates in the first rotation direction while the cleaning surface of the cleaning member is in contact with the surface of the lens. And a rotation regulating member that does not regulate the rotation of the cleaning member when the exposure position is moving from the exposure position toward the retracted position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An elastic sheet member that supports the cleaning member;
A sheet holding member for holding the sheet member,
The cleaning member is pressed against the lens by the elasticity of the sheet member,
A pressing force by which the cleaning member presses the lens when the exposure apparatus is moved to the exposure position, and a pressing force by which the cleaning member presses the lens when the exposure apparatus is moved to the retracted position. An image forming apparatus, wherein the sheet holding member is configured to be different from each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An open / close cover that operates in conjunction with the exposure apparatus support mechanism;
The exposure apparatus support mechanism moves the exposure apparatus to the retracted position in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing cover, and moves the exposure apparatus to the exposure position in conjunction with the closing operation of the opening / closing cover. An image forming apparatus that supports the exposure apparatus.

Images