JPH1069152A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten an attaching/adjusting time and to facilitate working by arranging an image forming element array and an image forming body in contact with each other. SOLUTION: When a light emitting element array 12d constituted in such a manner that light emitting diode elements as light emitting elements 12a are placed/arrayed on the attaching surface 12e of a holding member frame 12c emits light, the light passes through a translucent substrate 10b and an image is formed with the light on the surface of a photoreceptive layer 10a, by the image forming element array 12b fixed on anther parallel attaching surface in the holding member frame 12c. The thickness of the translucent substrate 10b is obtained in consideration of the image forming position of the light emitting array 12d and the refractive index of the translucent substrate 10b to execute focusing in the state where a convergent transmission body array 12b as the image forming element array is in contact with the translucent substrate 10b. Thus, the convergent light transmission body array 12b as the image forming element array butts against the translucent substrate 10b to adhere fix the holding member frame 2c of an image exposure means to a fixing support 120 through a wedged spacer 122.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a linear exposure light source in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged on a substrate, and an image forming body (hereinafter referred to as a photoreceptor or a photosensitive member) using a plurality of image forming elements to emit light from the exposure light source. And an exposure optical system for forming an image on the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum (also referred to as a drum).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The following devices (A), (B) and (C) are known as devices for forming a multicolor image.

(A) Apparatus having a same number of photoconductors, chargers, developing units, etc. as the number of colors required for an image, and superimposing a single-color toner image formed on each photoconductor on a transfer body or the like to form a color image (B) A device for forming a color image by rotating one photoconductor a plurality of times and repeating charging, image exposure and development for each color. (C) Charging and image exposure for each color within one rotation of one photoconductor. And a device for sequentially forming and forming a color image. However, the device (A) has a drawback that the volume of the device is increased because a plurality of photosensitive members and transfer members need to be moved. The device (B) has a single charging unit, an image exposing unit, and a single photoreceptor, so that the volume of the device can be reduced. . The device (C) enables high-speed image formation, but requires that a plurality of sets of a charger, an image exposing unit, and a developing unit be arranged in one circumference of a photoreceptor, and a developing system in which an optical system for performing image exposing is in close proximity. There is a risk that the image quality may be deteriorated due to contamination by toner leaking from the developing unit. To avoid this, it is necessary to increase the distance between the image exposure means and the developing unit, which inevitably increases the diameter of the photoconductor and increases the size of the apparatus. There is a problem such as inconsistency of doing.

For the purpose of avoiding the above-mentioned problems in the apparatus (C), a substrate of a photosensitive drum as an image forming body is formed of a transparent material, and a plurality of image exposure means are accommodated therein. An apparatus for exposing an image to a photosensitive layer formed on the outer periphery of an image forming body by transmitting an image through the substrate (D)
(JP-A-5-307307, etc.).

Since the above-mentioned apparatuses (C) and (D) can form a color image during one rotation of the image forming body, it is possible to shorten the image recording time and perform high-speed recording, and to improve the image quality. It is valid.

The apparatus (D) is of a type in which linear image exposure means for each color is disposed inside an image forming body comprising a transparent substrate and an optical semiconductor (hereinafter referred to as an image exposure means inclusion type). A device has been proposed. The image forming apparatus including the image exposure means has an advantage that the photosensitive drum as an image forming body can be miniaturized and the apparatus can be made compact.

[0007]

The above-described image forming apparatus including the image exposure means includes a line image exposure means (for example, L
A light-condensing position by means for constituting an exposure optical system by an ED array and an equal-magnification imaging element array (hereinafter, referred to as an image exposure means)
It is necessary that the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum as the image forming body exactly coincides with the image forming surface, and that the respective arrangement positions of the respective image exposure units are precisely arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals.

For this purpose, each of the image exposure means is mounted on a fixed support, the position and focus are adjusted using an optical system assembly jig, and then fixed to the fixed support. After attaching the regulating member, it is attached to a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus. However, in the above-described conventional adjustment, the focus adjustment work requires skill and time, and even when accurately adjusted with the optical system assembly jig, when mounted on an actual image forming apparatus, the position adjustment member does not work. There is a problem that the focusing accuracy of the optical system is reduced due to accuracy, assembly error, and the like, and it is necessary to perform re-adjustment after mounting the optical system on an actual machine.

The image exposure means holds a light emitting element array (LED array) linearly arranged on a substrate and a converging light transmitting array (Selfoc lens array) as an equal-magnification imaging element array. The one housed in the member frame (housing) is used.

According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus including an image exposing means, the position of mounting the image exposing means on a fixed support and the arrangement accuracy of the light emitting element and the same-size image forming element are improved and the mounting adjustment is made. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the operation time and facilitating the operation and obtaining a good image.

[0011]

This object is achieved by any one of the following technical means (1) to (9).

(1) An exposure light source in which a plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged on a substrate, and a plurality of imaging elements for forming an image of the light from the exposure light source on the surface of the image forming body and exposing the image. By an image exposure means for forming an exposure optical system with the image element array,
In an image forming apparatus that performs exposure from the side of the image forming body using a light-transmissive substrate on which the photosensitive layer is not applied, the image forming element array and the image forming body are arranged in contact with each other. Image forming apparatus.

(2) The image forming apparatus according to item (1), wherein a material having a higher hardness is used at least on the surface of the imaging element that comes into contact with the image forming body than the light transmitting substrate. .

(3) An exposure light source in which a plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged on a substrate, and a plurality of imaging elements for forming light on the surface of the image forming body by applying light from the exposure light source to image exposure. By an image exposure means for forming an exposure optical system with the image element array,
In an image forming apparatus that performs exposure from the side of a photosensitive body on which a photosensitive layer is not coated, a transparent member that contacts the image forming body outside the imaging element array. An image forming apparatus comprising:

(4) The image forming apparatus according to item (3), wherein a material having a higher hardness is used at least on a surface of the translucent member that contacts the image forming body than the translucent substrate. apparatus.

(5) The image forming apparatus according to item (4), wherein at least a surface of the translucent member that contacts the image forming body is formed of sapphire.

(6) One of the items (3) to (5), wherein one main surface of the translucent member is a reference positioning surface of each of the imaging elements. Image forming apparatus.

(7) An exposure light source in which a plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged on a substrate, and a plurality of imaging elements for forming light on the surface of the image forming body by applying light from the exposure light source to image exposure. By an image exposure means for forming an exposure optical system with the image element array,
In an image forming apparatus that performs exposure from the side of the image forming body using the light-transmitting substrate, on which the photosensitive layer is not coated, the image forming apparatus includes: An image forming apparatus, comprising: a positioning member that contacts a body.

(8) The image forming apparatus according to (7), wherein the positioning member is formed integrally with a holding member frame portion of the image exposure means.

(9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising a mechanism for pressing and releasing the image exposure means with respect to the image forming body. Image forming device.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As an example of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an image forming process and each mechanism of a color image forming apparatus suitable as an image forming apparatus in the following embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 7, and FIG.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a color image forming apparatus (color printer) suitable as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The color image forming apparatus of the present embodiment uses a photosensitive drum in which a conductive layer and a photosensitive layer are provided on the outer peripheral surface of a light-transmitting substrate as an image forming body. It has a structure in which an image exposure means is disposed inside, and an image forming process means such as a charger, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a static eliminator, and a cleaning device is disposed outside.

The photosensitive drum 10 serving as an image forming body is provided with a cylindrical light-transmitting substrate formed of a light-transmitting acrylic resin, for example, and a light-transmitting conductive layer, an a-Si layer, or an organic light-transmitting layer. A photosensitive layer such as a photosensitive layer (OPC) is formed on the outer periphery of the substrate, and is rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. 1 in a grounded state.

In the present embodiment, it is sufficient that the photoconductive layer of the photosensitive drum has an exposure light amount capable of providing an appropriate contrast. Therefore, the light transmittance of the light-transmitting substrate of the photosensitive drum in this embodiment does not need to be 100%, and may have a characteristic that a certain amount of light is absorbed when the exposure beam is transmitted. As a material of the light-transmitting substrate, an acrylic resin, particularly one obtained by polymerization using a methyl methacrylate monomer is preferably used because it is excellent in transparency, strength, precision, surface properties, etc. Various translucent resins such as acryl, fluorine, polyester, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate and the like can be used. In addition, as the translucent conductive layer, indium tin
Oxide (ITO), tin oxide, lead oxide, indium oxide,
Copper iodide, a metal thin film made of Au, Ag, Ni, Al, or the like, which maintains light transmissivity, is used. As a film forming method, a vacuum deposition method, an active reaction deposition method, various sputtering methods, various CVD methods, A dip coating method, a spray coating method, or the like is used. As the photoconductor layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) alloy photosensitive layer, an amorphous selenium alloy photosensitive layer, or various organic photosensitive layers (OPC) can be used.

Scorotron charger 11 as charging means
Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are used in image forming processes of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. A charging operation is performed by a control grid maintained at a predetermined potential and corona discharge by a discharge wire, and a uniform potential is applied to the photosensitive drum 10.

Reference numerals 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K denote light-emitting elements arranged linearly in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 10,
This is an image exposing means which constitutes a linear exposure optical system from a condensing light transmitting body array (Selfoc lens) as an equal-magnification imaging element. Image signals of each color read by a separate image reading device are sequentially taken out of the memory and input to the image exposure units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K as electric signals.

Developing devices 13Y, 1 as developing means for each color
3M, 13C, and 13K respectively accommodate one-component or two-component developers of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The developing sleeve 131 rotates in the same direction while maintaining a predetermined gap.

The developing units 13 (Y, M, C,
K) is the scorotron charger 11 (Y, M,
C, K) and the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C,
K), the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10 formed by the image exposure is reversely developed in a non-contact state by a non-contact development method by applying a developing bias voltage.

The original image is obtained by temporarily storing an image read by an image pickup device of an image reading apparatus separate from the apparatus or an image edited by a computer as image signals for respective colors of Y, M, C and K. And store it.

At the start of image recording, a photoconductor drive motor (not shown) is rotated to rotate the photoconductor drum 10 clockwise in FIG. 1, and at the same time, the scorotron charger 11Y disposed to the left of the photoconductor drum 10 is rotated. The application of a potential to the photosensitive drum 10 is started by the charging action.

After the photosensitive drum 10 is applied with a potential, the first color signal, that is, Y
Exposure with an electric signal corresponding to the image signal is started, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the Y image of the original image is formed on the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 by rotational scanning.

The latent image is reversal-developed by the developing device 13Y in a state where the developer on the developing sleeve 131 is not in contact with the developer, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 10.

Next, the photosensitive drum 10 is applied with a potential on the yellow (Y) toner image by a charging action of a scorotron charger 11M disposed on the left side of the photosensitive drum 10 and above Y, and the image is formed. Second of exposure means 12M
Exposure is performed by an electrical signal corresponding to the color signal of the color image, ie, the M image signal, and a magenta (M) toner image is sequentially formed on the yellow (Y) toner image by non-contact reversal development by the developing device 13M. It is formed by overlapping.

By the same process, a cyan (C) toner image corresponding to the third color signal is further exposed by the scorotron charger 11C, the image exposing means 12C and the developing unit 13C disposed above the photosensitive drum 10. A scorotron charger 11K, an image exposing unit 12K, and a developing unit 1 disposed inside the C image forming unit on the right side of the body drum 10
By 3K, a black (K) toner image corresponding to the fourth color signal is sequentially superimposed, and a color toner image is formed on the peripheral surface within one rotation of the photosensitive drum 10.

These image exposure means 12Y, 12M, 12
The exposure of the organic photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 10 by C and 12K is performed from the inside of the photosensitive drum 10 through the above-mentioned transparent substrate. Therefore, the exposure of the images corresponding to the second, third, and fourth color signals is performed without any influence from the previously formed toner image, and the same exposure as the image corresponding to the first color signal is performed. It is possible to form an electrostatic latent image.

The toner for replenishment of each color is supplied to the toner replenishing tank 14.
Developing device 1 for colors corresponding to Y, 14M, 14C and 14K
3 (Y, M, C, K). Developing device 13 (Y,
M, C, and K) are kept out of contact with the photosensitive drum 10 by a contact roller (not shown) with a predetermined value, for example, a gap of 100 to 1000 μm, and the developing units 13 (Y,
In the developing operation by (M, C, K), a developing bias in which a direct current or further alternating current is applied to the developing sleeve 131 is applied, and non-contact development is performed by a one-component or two-component developer contained in the developing device. Then, a DC bias having the same polarity as that of the toner is applied to the photosensitive drum 10 that grounds the transparent conductive layer, and non-contact reversal development is performed in which the toner adheres to the exposed portion.

Transfer paper P, which is a transfer material, is sent out from a paper feed cassette 21 which is a transfer material storage means, and is conveyed to a timing roller 22. A color toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 10 is transferred onto a transfer paper P fed in synchronization with the toner image on the photoconductor drum 10 by the driving of the timing roller 22 in the transfer device 15. Transcribed.

The transfer paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum by the removal of the charge in the charge remover 16 and then conveyed to the fixing device 24 by the conveyer belt 23 which is a conveying means. You. After being heated and pressed in the fixing device 24 to fuse and fix the toner on the transfer paper P,
The sheet is discharged from the fixing device 24, conveyed by a pair of sheet discharge conveyance rollers 25, and discharged onto a tray 27 at the upper portion of the apparatus via a sheet discharge roller 26 with the toner image surface facing down.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 1 from which the transfer paper P is separated
Reference numeral 0 denotes the cleaning device 17 in which the residual toner is removed by rubbing the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 with the cleaning blade 17a, and is cleaned to continue forming the toner image of the original image, or temporarily stopped to stop the toner image of the new original image. Wait for formation. The waste toner scraped off by the cleaning blade 17a and the cleaning roller 17b is discharged to a waste toner container 17d through a toner conveying screw 17c and a toner conveying pipe. After the cleaning, the cleaning blade 17a and the cleaning roller 17b are kept apart from the photosensitive drum 10 in order to prevent the photosensitive drum 10 from being damaged.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a main part of the image exposure means, FIG. 8 is a front sectional view thereof, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIGS. Each of the image exposure means 12Y, 12M, 12C,
Since 12K has the same structure, the image exposure means 12 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the image exposure means 12 for each color includes FL (phosphor emission), EL (electroluminescence), and PL (plasma discharge) arranged in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 10. ), A linear light-emitting element array 12d in which light-emitting elements 12a such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are arranged in an array, LISA (magneto-optical effect shutter array), PLZT (transmissive piezoelectric element shutter array), LCS (liquid crystal). A light emitting element array 12d that emits exposure light by a linear exposure light source or the like in which elements having an optical shutter function such as a shutter are arranged, and a convergent light transmitter array (hereinafter referred to as a selfoc lens array) as an equal-magnification imaging element ) 12b is a holding member frame (housing) for holding the light emitting element array 12d and the SELFOC lens array 12b as an equal magnification imaging element. G) as a unit attached to 12c, attached to a fixed support 120 fixedly holding the image exposure means 12 provided inside the photosensitive drum 10 by a method described later, and stored in a memory. The image signals of the respective colors are sequentially read from the memory and input to the image exposure means 12 for each color as electric signals. The emission wavelength of the light emitting element 12a used in this embodiment is in the range of 600 to 900 nm.

The exposure light source is, for example, a light emitting element array 12d in which LEDs as light emitting elements 12a are linearly arranged.
For example, it is formed on a substrate 12d1 using ceramics, Pyrex glass, or the like. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the convergent light transmitter array (Selfoc lens array) 12b linearly arranges columnar thin light convergent transmitters in a single row or in a staggered manner and sandwiches them between the side plates 12b1. Is solidified (rigid) by injecting resin into the gap surrounded by
The both side plates 12b1 and the substrates 12d1 of the light emitting element array 12d arranged in a line are adhered and fixed to the holding member frame 12c with an adhesive, thereby forming the image exposure means 12. The image exposure means 12 for each color is held at a predetermined position via a spacer 122 as described later, and is attached and fixed to the fixed support 120 with an adhesive or the like.

FIG. 3 shows a state before the image forming body 10 is mounted.
The image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C, K) is
3 (A) is a side view of the image exposure means, and FIG. 3 (B) is a front view of FIG. 3 (A). The x-axis direction (main scanning direction) corresponds to the photosensitive drum 10
And the direction in which the linear light emitting element array 12d provided in the image exposure means 12 is positioned parallel to the axis of the photosensitive drum 10 and the y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction). 10 shows the movement in the moving direction of FIG. The z-axis direction (focal position direction) indicates the diametrical movement of the photosensitive drum 10 of the image exposure unit 12, and indicates the adjustment direction of the focal point position of the SELFOC lens array 12b.

FIG. 4 shows the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C,
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an image forming body 10 containing K) is mounted between device body fixing side plates 1A and 1B of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5A shows the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C, K).
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the image forming body 10 including the image forming member 10 is mounted between the fixed side plates 1A and 1B, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA, and FIG. B sectional view, FIG.
(D) is a CC sectional view. FIG. 6A is a sectional view showing a state in which the position of the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C, K) is adjusted, and FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along the line AA.

The fixed support 120 is provided with the image exposing means 12.
It is divided into two left and right fixed supports 120A and 120B that support both ends of (Y, M, C, K), and both are inserted and supported by a shaft 121 that is a central axis. Both ends of the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C, K) are attached and fixed to the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed supports 120A, 120B. On the shaft 121, two pins 121a and 121b are implanted at predetermined positions, and the image exposing means 12 (Y, M, C, K) is connected to the shaft 12a.
1 and then the right pin 121b is brought into contact with the V-shaped groove on the right side of the fixed support body 120B on the right side in the drawing,
A fixed support 120A on the left side of the drawing is attached to the left pin 121a.
Are brought into contact with each other to perform axial positioning.

If the fixed supports 120 are integrally formed with the fixed supports 120A and 120B and the shaft 121 from the beginning, this operation becomes unnecessary.

The fixed supports 120A, 120 support and attach both ends of the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C, K).
The support portions 120a and 120b of B have regular hexagonal prism-shaped side surfaces, and the support portions 120a and 120b are set in advance so as to be coplanar on a surface plate. The image exposure unit 12 (Y, M, C, K) is fixed with an adhesive via a wedge-shaped spacer 122 after performing simple position adjustment.

The left end (the left end in the figure) of the fixed support 120 A is a cylindrical surface 120 concentric with the shaft 121.
The inner ring portion of the ball bearing member (position regulating member) 123 is press-fitted into the cylindrical surface portion 120b. The outer ring portion of the ball bearing member 123 is pressed into the inner diameter portion at the left end of the image forming body 10 in the figure.

The right end (the right end in the drawing) of the fixed support 120B is a cylindrical surface 120 concentric with the shaft 121.
The inner ring portion of the ball bearing member (position regulating member) 124 is press-fitted into the cylindrical surface portion 120c. The outer ring portion of the ball bearing member 124 is pressed into the inner diameter portion of the image forming member driving member 125. The image forming body driving member 125 is fitted and fixed to the inner diameter portion of the image forming body 10.

At the leftmost end of the shaft 121 in the figure,
The inner diameter portion of the left side plate attachment member 126 is fitted, and the flange portion of the left side plate attachment member 126 is positioned and fixed to the left side plate 1A of the image forming apparatus. Further, an inner diameter portion of a right side plate attaching member 127 is fitted to the rightmost end of the shaft 121 in the figure,
The flange portion of the right side plate attaching member 127 abuts on the right side plate 1B of the image forming apparatus, and is positioned and fixed to the right side plate 1B by a screw screwed to the rightmost end of the shaft 121. The pin 121c near the right end of the shaft 121 is fitted in a mounting reference groove (not shown) provided in the inner diameter portion of the right side plate mounting member 127 to position the shaft 121 in the rotation direction.

With the above configuration, after the position adjustment of the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C, K) shown in FIG. 6, each mounting position of the image exposure means 12 (Y, M, C, K) is adjusted. And the outer diameters of the ball bearing members 123 and 124 are integrally fixed and coaxial, so that there is no relative position error. Therefore, in this state, if the image forming body 10 is mounted and assembled as shown in FIG. 5, and further mounted to the image forming apparatus main body as an actual machine as shown in FIG. Can be installed accurately.

FIG. 7 is a side view and FIG. 8 is a front sectional view showing a part of the photosensitive drum 10 and the image exposure means 12 as the image forming member according to the first embodiment. Holding member frame 12c
When the light emitting element array 12d in which the light emitting diode (LED) elements as the light emitting elements 12a are mounted and arranged on the mounting surface 12e of the
c, an image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive layer 10a through the translucent base 10b by the imaging element array 12b fixed to the other parallel mounting surface 12f. The image forming position of the light emitting element array 12d and the refractive index of the translucent substrate 10b are taken into consideration so that the convergent light transmitter array 12b as the imaging element array and the translucent substrate 10b are brought into focus in contact with each other. Since the thickness of the light-transmitting substrate 10b is determined, the converging light transmitter array 12b as an imaging element array is abutted against the light-transmitting substrate 10b, and the holding member frame 12c of the image exposure means 12 is wedge-shaped. Is fixedly adhered to the fixed support 120 via the spacer 122. For this reason, a clear image that is accurately focused can be obtained only by abutting the convergent light transmitter array 12b as an imaging element array against the translucent base 10b.

Further, the material of each part is selected such that the hardness of at least the surface of the convergent light transmitting array 12b as the imaging element array that is in contact with the transparent substrate is higher than that of the transparent substrate 10b. Thus, according to the second embodiment, there is no adverse effect on the image due to scratches on the convergent light transmitting body array 12b as the imaging element array.

A side view of FIG. 9 and a sectional front view of FIG. 10 show a part of a photosensitive drum 10 and an image exposure means 12 as an image forming body according to the third embodiment. When the light emitting element array 12d arranged on the mounting surface 12e of the holding member frame 12c emits light, the light is convergent light transmission as an imaging element array fixed to another parallel mounting surface 12f of the holding member frame 12c. Body array 12b
As a result, an image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive layer 10a through the light-transmitting member 12g attached to the convergent light transmitter array 12b as the imaging element array and the light-transmitting substrate 10b.
The image forming position of the light emitting element array 12d is adjusted so that the light transmitting member 12g and the light transmitting base 10b are brought into contact with each other and focused.
Since the thicknesses of the translucent member 12g and the translucent substrate 10b are determined in consideration of the refractive indices of the translucent member 12g and the translucent substrate 10b, the translucent member 12g is provided on the translucent substrate 10b. And the holding member frame 12c of the image exposure means 12 is bonded and fixed to the fixed support 120 via a wedge-shaped spacer 122.

The material of each part is selected so that the hardness of at least the surface of the light-transmitting member 12g that contacts the light-transmitting substrate 10b is higher than that of the light-transmitting member 10b. There is no adverse effect on the image due to scratches or the like. At this time, if at least the surface of the translucent member 12g that is in contact with the translucent substrate 10b is formed of sapphire,
Better results are obtained. This is the fourth and fifth embodiments.

Further, one principal surface at both ends of the translucent member 12g is used as a positioning reference plane of the converging light transmitter array 12b as each imaging element array, and this surface is converged as an imaging element array. When the convergent light transmitter array 12b is brought into contact with the convergent light transmitter array 1 as each imaging element array,
The fixed position of 2b is accurately determined, and an in-focus image can be obtained in the entire area in the main scanning direction.

A side view of FIG. 11 and a sectional front view of FIG. 12 show a photosensitive drum 10 as an image forming body and a part of the image exposure means 12 according to the seventh embodiment. Light from the image exposure means passes through the light-transmitting substrate 10b and the photosensitive layer 10b.
An image is formed on the a-plane. Considering the image forming position of the light emitting element array 12d and the refractive index of the translucent substrate 10b, the thickness of the positioning member 12k fixed to the image exposure means 12 and in contact with the translucent substrate 10b is determined. The exposure unit 12 is bonded to the fixed support 120 via the wedge-shaped spacer 122 while holding the holding member frame 12c of the image exposure unit in a state where the exposure unit 12 is in contact with the translucent substrate 10b via the positioning member 12k. A focused image can be easily obtained.

The positioning member 12k is connected to the image exposing means 1
If it is formed integrally with the holding member frame 12c of the imaging element array 2 or the imaging element array, assembly becomes easier. This is an example of the eighth embodiment.

A side view of FIG. 13 and a front sectional view of FIG. 14 show a part of the photosensitive drum 10 and the image exposure means 12 as an image forming body according to the ninth embodiment. A unit 12U of a pressing member capable of pressing and releasing the image exposure means 12 to and from the photosensitive drum 10;
Position regulating plates 12m and 12n for regulating the position in the direction y.
Is attached to the fixed support 120 so that the image exposure means 12 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 10 when an image is formed, and is released when the photosensitive drum 10 and the image exposure means 12 are assembled or separated. Can be. For this reason, when assembling or separating the photosensitive drum 10 and the image exposure unit 12, the photosensitive drum 10 and the image forming unit 12 do not rub against each other, so that both are not damaged. Incidentally, the pressing member unit 12U is
The solenoid 12r is attached to the iron piece 12p buried in c and the fixed support 120, and the spring 12s has one end locked to the iron piece 12p and the other end locked to the movable iron piece of the solenoid 12r. When the solenoid is energized, the contact between the photoreceptor drum 10 and the image exposing means is cut off.
This is an example of the ninth embodiment.

Conventionally, the focus position accuracy required for an exposure apparatus (mainly a light emitting diode (LED)) in which a plurality of light emitting elements (mainly light emitting diodes (LEDs)) are linearly arranged on a substrate converges on an image forming element. ± 50 μm when using a transparent optical transmitter array (gradient index lens array)
Therefore, a high-precision jig was required and it took time and effort to fix the exposure apparatus in the focused state in the image forming apparatus. Image position, refractive index of translucent substrate (and claims 3 to
If the position of the imaging element and the thickness of the light-transmitting substrate (and the thickness of the light-transmitting member in claims 3 to 6) are determined in consideration of the refractive index of the light-transmitting member in the sixth embodiment, the focus position is determined. Accuracy can be easily and stably secured only by abutting the light-transmitting substrate.

In other words, a holding member processed accurately based on the z-direction positions of the convergent light transmitting body 12b and the light emitting element array 12d determined with respect to the thickness (optical path length) in consideration of the refractive index of the transparent substrate 10b. Each of the arrays 12b and 12d is placed on the mounting surfaces 12f and 12e of the member frame 12c, and the two are bonded and fixed in parallel in the x and y directions so that they are independently assembled as a unit. May be bonded and fixed to the fixed support 120 as it is. Spacer 122 for final fine adjustment in z direction
However, even if this is omitted, the adjustment can be completed only by the above assembly process.

Further, even if the imaging element (translucent member in claims 3 to 6) abuts on the image forming body, the photosensitive layer is not damaged, so that the image is not adversely affected. In addition to such a configuration, there is still room for the interposition of the spacer 122 for the final adjustment finish, so that the accuracy and ease of the adjustment are obtained.

[0063]

According to the present invention, the focus adjustment of the photoconductor-encapsulated image forming apparatus of the image exposing means can be made simple, easy and accurate, and downsizing, cost reduction and improvement in operability can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a color image forming apparatus suitable as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of an image exposure unit.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side view and a front view showing a state where an image exposure unit is attached to an optical support. FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an image forming body including an image exposing unit is mounted between fixed side plates of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state before an image forming body including an image exposing means is mounted between fixed side plates, and FIG.
A sectional view, (C) is BB sectional view, (D) is CC sectional view.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a state at the time of adjusting the position of the image exposure means, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view along AA.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the image exposure unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of an image exposure unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an image exposure unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of an image exposure unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an image exposure unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of an image exposure unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an image exposure unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of an image exposure unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Image forming body (photosensitive drum) 10a Photosensitive layer 10b Translucent substrate 12, 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K Image exposing means (linear exposure optical system) 12a Light emitting element 12b Convergent light transmitter array (Selfoc lens array) 12b1 Side plate 12c Holding member frame (housing) 12d Light emitting element array 12d1 Substrate 12e, 12f Mounting surface 12g Light transmitting member 12k Positioning member 12U Pressing member unit 12m, 12n Position control plate 120, 120A, 120B Fixed Support 120a Support 121 Shaft 122 Spacer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Agency reference number FI Technical indication location G03G 15/05 15/01 112 (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Tokimatsu 2970 Ishikawacho Konica, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Intra-company (72) Inventor Masayasu Onodera 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Intra-company (72) Inventor Toshihide Miura 5-14-14 Midoricho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An imager comprising: an exposure light source in which a plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged on a substrate; and a plurality of imaging elements for imaging light from the exposure light source on the surface of an image forming body to perform image exposure. An image forming apparatus that forms an exposure optical system with a sub-array, the image forming apparatus that performs exposure from the side of the image forming body using the light-transmitting substrate on which the photosensitive layer is not applied, An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed in contact with the image forming body. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a material having a higher hardness is used on at least a surface of the imaging element that comes into contact with the image forming body than the transparent substrate. 3. An imager comprising: an exposure light source in which a plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged on a substrate; and a plurality of imaging elements which form an image by exposing light from the exposure light source to an image forming body surface. An image forming apparatus that forms an exposure optical system with a sub-array, the image forming apparatus that performs exposure from the side of the image forming body using the light-transmitting substrate on which the photosensitive layer is not applied, An image forming apparatus, wherein a translucent member that contacts the image forming body is disposed outside the image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a material having a higher hardness is used for at least a surface of the translucent member that contacts the image forming body than the translucent substrate. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least a surface of the translucent member that contacts the image forming body is formed of sapphire. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one main surface of the translucent member serves as a positioning reference surface of each of the imaging elements. . 7. An imager comprising: an exposure light source in which a plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged on a substrate; and a plurality of imaging elements which image light from the exposure light source on a surface of an image forming body and perform image exposure. An image exposure device that forms an exposure optical system with the daughter array, in an image forming apparatus that performs exposure from the side of the image forming body using the light-transmissive substrate on which the photosensitive layer is not applied, An image forming apparatus, wherein a positioning member that contacts the image forming body is disposed in an area where image formation is not performed near both ends. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said positioning member is formed integrally with a holding member frame portion of said image exposure means. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism that presses and releases the image exposure unit with respect to the image forming body.