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JP4349027B2 - Image forming apparatus and print head - Google Patents

Image forming apparatus and print head Download PDF

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JP4349027B2
JP4349027B2 JP2003278931A JP2003278931A JP4349027B2 JP 4349027 B2 JP4349027 B2 JP 4349027B2 JP 2003278931 A JP2003278931 A JP 2003278931A JP 2003278931 A JP2003278931 A JP 2003278931A JP 4349027 B2 JP4349027 B2 JP 4349027B2
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irradiation surface
light irradiation
cleaning
light
moves
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JP2005041147A (en
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智章 長谷川
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Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
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Fuji Xerox Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、電子写真方式の複写機、プリンタ等の画像形成装置等に関し、より詳しくは感光体を露光するLEDプリントヘッド(LPH)を搭載した画像形成装置等に関する。   The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus mounted with an LED print head (LPH) for exposing a photosensitive member.

従来より、電子写真方式を用いた複写機、プリンタ等の画像形成装置では、例えばドラム状に構成された感光体を一様に帯電し、この感光体を画像情報に基づいて制御された露光手段によって露光して感光体上に静電潜像を形成する。そしてこの静電潜像を現像剤(トナー)を保持した現像器で現像してトナー像とし、このトナー像を記録紙に転写した後、これを定着することによって画像形成している。
近年画像形成装置の小型化を図るべく、機械的な駆動機構を必要とせず、また液晶素子のようにバックライトを必要としない露光手段の一つとして、LEDアレイが用いられたLEDプリントヘッド(LPH)が開発されている。このLPHは現像器の近傍に配置されることから、LPHの光照射面がトナーやほこり等のゴミで汚れ易い。そこで、かかる汚れにより生じる画像むらを防止するため、この光照射面を清掃する清掃装置が設けられる場合がある。
Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic system, for example, a photosensitive member configured in a drum shape is uniformly charged, and the photosensitive member is controlled based on image information. To form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor. The electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer holding a developer (toner) to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to a recording sheet and then fixed to form an image.
In recent years, in order to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus, an LED print head using an LED array as one of exposure means that does not require a mechanical drive mechanism and does not require a backlight like a liquid crystal element ( LPH) has been developed. Since this LPH is disposed in the vicinity of the developing device, the light irradiation surface of the LPH is easily contaminated with dust such as toner or dust. Therefore, in order to prevent image unevenness caused by such dirt, a cleaning device for cleaning the light irradiation surface may be provided.

ここで、LPHの光照射面を清掃する従来技術として、記録部の記録プロセスに影響を与えないタイミングで露光器の光照射面を清掃する技術が存在する(例えば、特許文献1参照)。また、帯電器の引き出し時および収納時に清掃装置によって光束出射面を清掃する技術が存在する(例えば、特許文献2参照)。   Here, as a conventional technique for cleaning the light irradiation surface of LPH, there is a technique for cleaning the light irradiation surface of the exposure device at a timing that does not affect the recording process of the recording unit (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a technique for cleaning a light-emitting surface by a cleaning device when the charger is pulled out and stored (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

特開平11−338227号公報(第3-4頁)JP 11-338227 A (page 3-4) 特開平5−286206号公報(第2-3頁)JP-A-5-286206 (page 2-3)

ところで、LPHを搭載した画像形成装置では、清掃装置によるLPHの光照射面の清掃を何度も重ねると、清掃装置にトナーやほこり等のゴミが蓄積して、光照射面上のゴミを取り除く清掃能力が低下し、その結果、光照射面にゴミが残留して画像むらが生じるという不都合が見られた。さらに、清掃装置はLPHの外部に設けられるため、画像形成装置の大型化を招く原因となるという問題もあった。
そこで解決しようとする課題は、LEDプリントヘッド(LPH)の光照射面に対する清掃を何度も繰り返しても清掃能力が低下することを抑え、画像むらの発生を抑制することにある。
また、清掃装置を備えたLPHを搭載した画像形成装置の小型化を実現するということにある。
By the way, in the image forming apparatus equipped with LPH, when the cleaning surface of the LPH light irradiation surface is repeatedly applied by the cleaning device, dust such as toner and dust accumulates on the cleaning device, and the dust on the light irradiation surface is removed. As a result, the cleaning ability was lowered, and as a result, there was an inconvenience that dust remained on the light irradiation surface and image unevenness occurred. Further, since the cleaning device is provided outside the LPH, there is a problem that the image forming device is increased in size.
Therefore, the problem to be solved is to suppress the deterioration of the cleaning ability even if the cleaning of the light irradiation surface of the LED print head (LPH) is repeated many times, and to suppress the occurrence of image unevenness.
Another object is to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus equipped with an LPH equipped with a cleaning device.

なお、上記の特許文献1および特許文献2に記載された技術では、清掃装置の清掃能力の低下を防止するための有効な技術、さらに清掃装置の省スペース化を図る技術は開示されていない。   In addition, in the technique described in said patent document 1 and patent document 2, the effective technique for preventing the fall of the cleaning capability of a cleaning apparatus and the technique which aims at space saving of a cleaning apparatus are not disclosed.

かかる目的のもと、本発明の画像形成装置では、感光体と、この感光体を露光する露光手段と、この露光手段から照射される光を感光体表面に結像させる光学手段と、この光学手段の光照射面を清掃する往復移動可能な清掃手段とが備えられており、この清掃手段は、光学手段の光照射面に接離可能に構成され、この光照射面に対してエッジが当接しながら移動可能な第1清掃部材と、光学手段の光照射面に接離可能に構成され、この光照射面に対して平面が当接しながら移動可能な第2清掃部材とを有することを特徴としている。ここで、清掃手段は、一方向への移動時には第1清掃部材が光照射面に当接し、この一方向とは逆の方向への移動時には第2清掃部材が光照射面に当接するように構成することができる。その際、清掃手段は、この一方向への移動時には第1清掃部材が光照射面にカウンタ当接するように構成することもできる。   For this purpose, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a photoconductor, an exposure unit that exposes the photoconductor, an optical unit that forms an image of light emitted from the exposure unit on the surface of the photoconductor, and the optical unit And a cleaning means capable of reciprocating to clean the light irradiation surface of the means. The cleaning means is configured to be able to contact with and separate from the light irradiation surface of the optical means, and the edge contacts the light irradiation surface. A first cleaning member that is movable while contacting, and a second cleaning member that is configured to be able to contact and separate from the light irradiation surface of the optical means, and that is movable while a plane is in contact with the light irradiation surface. It is said. Here, the cleaning means is configured such that the first cleaning member contacts the light irradiation surface when moving in one direction, and the second cleaning member contacts the light irradiation surface when moving in a direction opposite to the one direction. Can be configured. At that time, the cleaning means may be configured such that the first cleaning member comes into contact with the light irradiation surface in the counter when moving in this one direction.

また、清掃手段は、一方向への移動時には第1清掃部材と第2清掃部材とが光照射面に当接し、この一方向とは逆の方向への移動時には第1清掃部材と第2清掃部材とが光照射面から離隔するように構成することもできる。その際、清掃手段は、この一方向への移動時には第1清掃部材が光照射面にカウンタ当接するように構成することもできる。
さらに、清掃手段は、光学手段の長手方向外部まで移動可能であることを特徴とすることもできる。また、第1清掃部材と第2清掃部材とは、光学手段の画像領域外で接離動作を行うことを特徴とすることもできる。
Further, the cleaning means is configured such that the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member abut against the light irradiation surface when moving in one direction, and the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member are moved when moving in the direction opposite to the one direction. It can also comprise so that a member may be spaced apart from a light irradiation surface. At that time, the cleaning means may be configured such that the first cleaning member is in counter contact with the light irradiation surface when moving in this one direction.
Furthermore, the cleaning means can be moved to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the optical means. In addition, the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member may perform a contact / separation operation outside the image area of the optical unit.

また、本発明の画像形成装置は、感光体を露光する露光手段から照射される光を感光体表面に結像させる光学手段に、光学手段の光照射面上の付着物を掃き出す掃き出し部材とかかる付着物を拭き取る拭き取り部材とを有する清掃手段を備えたことを特徴としている。ここで、清掃手段は、掃き出し部材が板状体で構成され、この掃き出し部材のエッジが光照射面に当接するように構成することができる。また、清掃手段は、拭き取り部材が面状体で構成され、この拭き取り部材の平面が光照射面に当接するように構成することができる。   In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the optical unit that forms an image of light irradiated from the exposure unit that exposes the photosensitive member on the surface of the photosensitive member and the sweeping member that sweeps out the deposit on the light irradiation surface of the optical unit are applied. A cleaning means having a wiping member for wiping off deposits is provided. Here, the cleaning means can be configured such that the sweeping member is constituted by a plate-like body, and the edge of the sweeping member abuts on the light irradiation surface. The cleaning means can be configured such that the wiping member is a planar body, and the flat surface of the wiping member abuts on the light irradiation surface.

さらに、本発明をプリントヘッドと捉え、本発明のプリントヘッドは、ハウジングによって支持された、感光体を露光する発光ダイオードアレイと、この発光ダイオードアレイから照射される光を感光体表面に結像させるレンズ部材とを備え、レンズ部材の光照射面に対してエッジが当接可能な掃き出し部材と、レンズ部材の光照射面に対して平面が当接可能な拭き取り部材とを、移動機構部によってレンズ部材の光照射面に沿って移動させながら、光照射面を清掃することを特徴としている。ここで、掃き出し部材は少なくとも一方向への移動時には光照射面に当接し、この一方向とは逆の方向への移動時には少なくとも拭き取り部材が光照射面に当接するように構成することができる。また、掃き出し部材と拭き取り部材とは、一方向への移動時には光照射面に当接し、この一方向とは逆の方向への移動時には光照射面から離隔するように構成することもできる。
さらに、移動機構部は、ハウジングの内部に配置されることを特徴とすることもできる。
Further, the present invention is regarded as a print head, and the print head of the present invention forms an image of a light emitting diode array that is supported by a housing and exposes the photosensitive member, and light emitted from the light emitting diode array on the surface of the photosensitive member. A moving member that includes a lens member, a sweeping member whose edge can abut against the light irradiation surface of the lens member, and a wiping member whose plane can abut against the light irradiation surface of the lens member. The light irradiation surface is cleaned while being moved along the light irradiation surface of the member. Here, the sweeping member can be configured to contact the light irradiation surface when moving in at least one direction, and at least the wiping member to contact the light irradiation surface when moving in the direction opposite to the one direction. Further, the sweeping member and the wiping member can be configured to abut against the light irradiation surface when moving in one direction and to be separated from the light irradiation surface when moving in the direction opposite to this one direction.
Furthermore, the moving mechanism unit may be arranged inside the housing.

本発明の効果として、プリントヘッドの光照射面に対する清掃能力を向上して鮮明な画像の形成を維持するとともに、画像形成装置の小型化を図ることが可能となった。   As an effect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the cleaning capability of the light irradiation surface of the print head to maintain the formation of a clear image and to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus.

以下、添付図面を参照して、本発明の実施の形態について詳細に説明する。
[実施の形態1]
図1に示すものは、本発明の実施の形態1における画像形成装置を説明する図である。図1で示すように、本実施の形態の画像形成装置は、矢印Aの方向に定速回転する感光体ドラム10の周囲に、感光体ドラム10上を一様に帯電する帯電ローラ11、画像情報に基づいて制御された光を露光するLEDプリントヘッド(LPH)12、感光体ドラム10上に形成された静電潜像を現像する現像器13、トナー像を記録紙20に転写する転写ローラ14、感光体ドラム10上から転写残トナーを除去するクリーナ15を備えている。なお、LPH12は感光体ドラム10の下方に配置されている。
さらには、記録紙20に転写されたトナー像を加熱定着するための定着器16を備えている。
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 illustrates an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a charging roller 11 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 around the photosensitive drum 10 that rotates at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A, and an image. An LED print head (LPH) 12 that exposes light controlled based on information, a developing device 13 that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 10, and a transfer roller that transfers a toner image onto a recording paper 20 14 is provided with a cleaner 15 for removing the transfer residual toner from the photosensitive drum 10. The LPH 12 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 10.
Furthermore, a fixing device 16 is provided for heating and fixing the toner image transferred to the recording paper 20.

帯電ローラ11は、導電性ゴムまたは導電性スポンジと導電性ゴムとが積層して構成されている。帯電ローラ11には電源(図示せず)が接続され、この電源から直流電圧または直流電圧に交流電圧が重畳された電圧が供給される。そして感光体ドラム10の表面を一定電圧で一様に帯電する。
LPH12は、LPH駆動部21に接続されている。そしてLPH12は、制御部30からの画像データに基づきLPH駆動部21によって制御された光を照射し、感光体ドラム10上に静電潜像を形成する。なお、LPH12の構成については、後段で詳細に説明する。
The charging roller 11 is configured by laminating conductive rubber or conductive sponge and conductive rubber. A power source (not shown) is connected to the charging roller 11, and a DC voltage or a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on the DC voltage is supplied from the power source. The surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged with a constant voltage.
The LPH 12 is connected to the LPH drive unit 21. The LPH 12 irradiates light controlled by the LPH driving unit 21 based on the image data from the control unit 30 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 10. The configuration of the LPH 12 will be described in detail later.

現像器13は、現像剤を貯蔵する現像ハウジング22、現像剤を担持搬送する現像ローラ23を備えている。現像ローラ23は現像ハウジング22内に貯蔵された現像剤を担持して、矢印B方向に回転しながら感光体ドラム10にトナーを供給し、静電潜像を可視像化したトナー像を形成する。
転写ローラ14は、導電性ゴムまたは導電性スポンジと導電性ゴムとを積層して構成され、電源(図示せず)に接続されて直流電圧が供給されている。そして給紙ローラ31によって搬送されてきた記録紙20上にトナー像を転写する。
The developing device 13 includes a developing housing 22 that stores the developer and a developing roller 23 that carries and conveys the developer. The developing roller 23 carries the developer stored in the developing housing 22 and supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 10 while rotating in the direction of arrow B to form a toner image that visualizes the electrostatic latent image. To do.
The transfer roller 14 is configured by laminating conductive rubber or conductive sponge and conductive rubber, and is connected to a power source (not shown) and supplied with a DC voltage. Then, the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper 20 conveyed by the paper feed roller 31.

定着器16は、加熱ローラ16aと加圧ローラ16bとからなる一対のローラで構成される。トナー像が転写された記録紙20は定着器16に搬送され、定着器16を通過する際に加熱および加圧され、トナー像が記録紙20に定着される。
一方、クリーナ15は、クリーニングブレード24とクリーナハウジング25とで構成される。クリーニングブレード24は感光体ドラム10の回転方向Aとはカウンタ方向に当接され、転写の際に感光体ドラム10上に残った転写残トナーを掻き取り、クリーナハウジング25に貯蔵する。
The fixing device 16 includes a pair of rollers including a heating roller 16a and a pressure roller 16b. The recording paper 20 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 16, and is heated and pressurized when passing through the fixing device 16, and the toner image is fixed to the recording paper 20.
On the other hand, the cleaner 15 includes a cleaning blade 24 and a cleaner housing 25. The cleaning blade 24 is in contact with the rotation direction A of the photosensitive drum 10 in the counter direction, scrapes off the transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 10 at the time of transfer, and stores it in the cleaner housing 25.

次に、本実施の形態におけるLPH12について説明する。
図2はLPH12の構成を示す断面図である。図2において、LPH12は、支持体としてのLPHハウジング40、画像情報に基づいて制御された光を照射する露光手段の一例としての発光ダイオードアレイ(LEDアレイ)41、LEDアレイ41からの光を感光体ドラム10表面に結像させる光学手段の一例としてのセルフォックレンズアレイ(SLA)42、SLA42の光照射面45を清掃する清掃手段の一例としての清掃装置60を備えている。
LPHハウジング40は、例えばアルミニウム等の板金で形成され、ハウジング本体部71と、LEDアレイ41を保持するLEDアレイ保持部72と、SLA42を保持するレンズ保持部73とが折り曲げ加工により一体に連設して構成されている。なお、LEDアレイ保持部72とレンズ保持部73とは、LEDアレイ41の発光点とSLA42の焦点とが一致して位置するように構成されている。
また、ハウジング本体部71は、LEDアレイ保持部72を一辺とした「コ」字形状に折り曲げ加工されている。このように折り曲げ加工することで、LPHハウジング40のSLA42の光軸方向に対する耐振動強度を高めることができるために、振動によって画像の鮮明度が低下するのを抑制できると同時に、安価に製造することが可能となる。
Next, the LPH 12 in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the LPH 12. In FIG. 2, an LPH 12 sensitizes light from an LPH housing 40 as a support, a light emitting diode array (LED array) 41 as an example of an exposure unit that emits light controlled based on image information, and the LED array 41. A selfock lens array (SLA) 42 as an example of an optical unit that forms an image on the surface of the body drum 10 and a cleaning device 60 as an example of a cleaning unit that cleans the light irradiation surface 45 of the SLA 42 are provided.
The LPH housing 40 is formed of, for example, a sheet metal such as aluminum, and a housing main body 71, an LED array holding portion 72 that holds the LED array 41, and a lens holding portion 73 that holds the SLA 42 are integrally connected by bending. Configured. The LED array holding unit 72 and the lens holding unit 73 are configured so that the light emitting point of the LED array 41 and the focal point of the SLA 42 are aligned with each other.
The housing body 71 is bent into a “U” shape with the LED array holding portion 72 as one side. By bending in this way, it is possible to increase the vibration resistance strength of the LPH housing 40 in the optical axis direction of the SLA 42, so that it is possible to suppress the reduction of the sharpness of the image due to vibration and at the same time manufacture at a low cost. It becomes possible.

次に、LPH12の清掃装置60について説明する。図3はLPH12の側面図である。図2および図3に示すように、清掃装置60は、LPH12のLPHハウジング40のハウジング本体部71内に担持される支持部材50、支持部材50の長手方向に設けられたレール部51、レール部51にスライド可能に支持されたスライド部材53、支持部材50の長手方向に伸びた清掃棒52、光照射面45を清掃する清掃部材62、清掃部材62を支持する揺動部材61で構成されている。
ここで、清掃装置60は、LPHハウジング40において、ハウジング本体部71の「コ」字形状の内部空間に、清掃装置60の主要部が配置され、揺動部材61のみがLPHハウジング40の外側部に配置されている。すなわち、図2に示したように、清掃装置60は、レール部51が設けられた支持部材50と、清掃棒52と、清掃棒担持部材(図示せず)と、揺動部材61を支持するスライド部材53とが移動機構部を構成して、ハウジング本体部71の内部に格納されている。また、清掃部材62が設けられた揺動部材61はLPHハウジング40の外部に配設されている。このように構成することによって、LPH12を小型に構成することができ、感光体ドラム10周りの限られた空間にLPH12を配置できることから、画像形成装置の小型化が容易となる。
Next, the cleaning device 60 for the LPH 12 will be described. FIG. 3 is a side view of the LPH 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cleaning device 60 includes a support member 50 carried in the housing main body 71 of the LPH housing 40 of the LPH 12, a rail portion 51 provided in the longitudinal direction of the support member 50, and a rail portion. The sliding member 53 is slidably supported by the sliding member 51, the cleaning rod 52 extends in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member 50, the cleaning member 62 that cleans the light irradiation surface 45, and the swing member 61 that supports the cleaning member 62. Yes.
Here, in the cleaning device 60, in the LPH housing 40, the main part of the cleaning device 60 is disposed in the “U” -shaped internal space of the housing main body 71, and only the swing member 61 is the outer portion of the LPH housing 40. Are arranged. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 60 supports the support member 50 provided with the rail portion 51, the cleaning rod 52, the cleaning rod support member (not shown), and the swing member 61. The slide member 53 constitutes a moving mechanism portion and is stored inside the housing main body portion 71. Further, the swing member 61 provided with the cleaning member 62 is disposed outside the LPH housing 40. With this configuration, the LPH 12 can be configured in a small size, and the LPH 12 can be disposed in a limited space around the photoconductor drum 10, so that the image forming apparatus can be easily downsized.

支持部材50は、LPHハウジング40のハウジング本体部71内においてLPHハウジング40の長手方向に沿って配設されている。したがって支持部材50に設けたレール部51は、光照射面45と平行に位置する。さらに清掃棒52は、一方を支持部材50の端部に支持された清掃棒支持部材(図示せず)でスライド可能に支持され、他方をレール部51にスライド可能に支持されたスライド部材53と連結されている。すなわち、清掃棒52とスライド部材53とは一体となってレール部51に沿って移動可能に構成され、スライド部材53は、清掃棒52の移動に伴って光照射面45の露光領域(画像領域)を含んだ一定の範囲を往復移動することが可能である。   The support member 50 is disposed in the housing main body 71 of the LPH housing 40 along the longitudinal direction of the LPH housing 40. Therefore, the rail portion 51 provided on the support member 50 is positioned in parallel with the light irradiation surface 45. Further, the cleaning bar 52 is slidably supported by a cleaning bar support member (not shown) supported on one end of the support member 50, and the other is slidably supported on the rail part 51. It is connected. In other words, the cleaning rod 52 and the slide member 53 are integrally movable along the rail portion 51, and the slide member 53 is exposed to the exposure region (image region) of the light irradiation surface 45 as the cleaning rod 52 moves. ) Can be reciprocated within a certain range.

また、揺動部材61は、スライド部材53に軸支されてLPHハウジング40の長手方向において所定の範囲で揺動するように構成されている。さらに揺動部材61は、清掃棒52と連結されており、清掃棒52のスライド方向に合わせて揺動する。すなわち揺動部材61は、図3において、清掃棒52が図面左(矢印C)方向にスライドする際には図面左(矢印E)方向に傾き、清掃棒52が図面右(矢印D)方向にスライドする際には図面右(矢印F)方向に傾くように構成されている。
さらに、揺動部材61は、図4に示したように、断面が略「L」字形状からなり、揺動部材61に設けられた清掃部材62は、SLA42方向に突き出た面62aに、フェルト(不織布)からなる拭き取り部材(第2清掃部材)63と、マイラー等の板状の弾性体からなる掃き出し部材(第1清掃部材)64とが配設されている(図3も併せて参照)。そして、揺動部材61が揺動する範囲は、揺動部材61に備えられた清掃部材62の掃き出し部材64が光照射面45と当接すると同時に拭き取り部材63が離隔する位置と、掃き出し部材64が光照射面45から離隔すると同時に拭き取り部材63が当接する位置との間である。
The swing member 61 is pivotally supported by the slide member 53 and is configured to swing within a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the LPH housing 40. Further, the swing member 61 is connected to the cleaning rod 52 and swings in accordance with the sliding direction of the cleaning rod 52. That is, in FIG. 3, when the cleaning rod 52 slides in the direction of the left (arrow C) in FIG. 3, the swinging member 61 tilts in the direction of the left (arrow E) of the drawing, and the cleaning rod 52 moves in the direction of the right (arrow D) of the drawing. When sliding, it is configured to incline in the right direction of the drawing (arrow F).
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the swing member 61 has a substantially “L” cross section, and the cleaning member 62 provided on the swing member 61 is felt on the surface 62 a protruding in the SLA 42 direction. A wiping member (second cleaning member) 63 made of (nonwoven fabric) and a sweeping member (first cleaning member) 64 made of a plate-like elastic body such as Mylar are disposed (see also FIG. 3). . The swinging member 61 swings within a range where the sweeping member 64 of the cleaning member 62 provided on the swinging member 61 contacts the light irradiation surface 45 and at the same time the wiping member 63 is separated. Between the position where the wiping member 63 comes into contact with the light irradiation surface 45 at the same time.

図5は、清掃装置60をスライド移動させた場合の清掃部材62と光照射面45との当接状態を説明する図である。図5(a)は清掃装置60を図面右 (矢印D) 方向に移動させる場合を示し、(b)は清掃装置60を図面左(矢印C) 方向に移動させる場合を示している。図5(a)に示したように、清掃装置60が図面右 (矢印D) 方向に移動する場合には、清掃部材62の掃き出し部材64は光照射面45に当接する一方で、拭き取り部材63は光照射面45から離隔するように揺動部材61が揺動する。そして清掃部材62の移動に伴って、掃き出し部材64は拭き取り部材63の上流側において光照射面45に対しカウンタ当接しながら移動するように構成されている。
これに対し、図5(b)に示したように、清掃装置60が図面左(矢印C) 方向に移動する場合には、清掃部材62の掃き出し部材64は光照射面45から離隔する一方で、拭き取り部材63が光照射面45に当接するように揺動部材61が揺動する。そして清掃部材62の移動に伴って、拭き取り部材63は光照射面45に対し摺擦しながら移動するように構成されている。
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a contact state between the cleaning member 62 and the light irradiation surface 45 when the cleaning device 60 is slid. 5A shows a case where the cleaning device 60 is moved in the right direction (arrow D) in the drawing, and FIG. 5B shows a case where the cleaning device 60 is moved in the left direction (arrow C) in the drawing. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the cleaning device 60 moves in the right direction of the drawing (arrow D), the sweeping member 64 of the cleaning member 62 contacts the light irradiation surface 45 while the wiping member 63. Swing member 61 swings away from light irradiation surface 45. In accordance with the movement of the cleaning member 62, the sweeping member 64 is configured to move while being in counter contact with the light irradiation surface 45 on the upstream side of the wiping member 63.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the cleaning device 60 moves in the left direction of the drawing (arrow C), the sweeping member 64 of the cleaning member 62 is separated from the light irradiation surface 45. The swing member 61 swings so that the wiping member 63 contacts the light irradiation surface 45. As the cleaning member 62 moves, the wiping member 63 is configured to move while sliding on the light irradiation surface 45.

ここで、清掃装置60の清掃部材62が光照射面45を清掃する際の清掃動作を説明する。図6(1)(2)では、清掃部材62が図面右(D)方向に移動する場合を示し、図6(3)(4)では、清掃部材62が図面左(C)方向に移動する場合を示している。
図3に示した構成では、清掃部材62が図面右方向(D方向)に移動する場合は、清掃棒52が図面右方向に引かれるのに伴って揺動部材61が矢印F方向に揺動する(図5(a)も併せて参照)。この場合には、図6(1)(2)に示したように、掃き出し部材64が拭き取り部材63の上流側において光照射面45に対してカウンタ方向に当接して光照射面45の画像領域を含んだ領域を摺動する。一方、拭き取り部材63は光照射面45から離隔した状態に位置する。そして清掃部材62は、掃き出し部材64が光照射面45を摺動しながら光照射面45に付着したトナーやほこり等を光照射面45の端部まで掃き集め、図6(2)に示したように、掃き出し部材64により掃き集められたトナーやほこり等は、光照射面45上から図示しない回収ボックスに回収される。
Here, the cleaning operation when the cleaning member 62 of the cleaning device 60 cleans the light irradiation surface 45 will be described. 6 (1) and (2) show a case where the cleaning member 62 moves in the right (D) direction of the drawing, and in FIGS. 6 (3) and (4), the cleaning member 62 moves in the left (C) direction of the drawing. Shows the case.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, when the cleaning member 62 moves in the right direction (D direction) in the drawing, the swinging member 61 swings in the arrow F direction as the cleaning rod 52 is pulled in the right direction in the drawing. (See also FIG. 5 (a)). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 6 (1) and 6 (2), the sweeping member 64 comes into contact with the light irradiation surface 45 in the counter direction on the upstream side of the wiping member 63 and the image area of the light irradiation surface 45 is reached. Slide in the area containing. On the other hand, the wiping member 63 is positioned away from the light irradiation surface 45. Then, the cleaning member 62 sweeps the toner, dust, and the like adhering to the light irradiation surface 45 to the end of the light irradiation surface 45 while the sweeping member 64 slides on the light irradiation surface 45, as shown in FIG. As described above, the toner, dust, and the like swept by the sweeping member 64 are collected from the light irradiation surface 45 into a collection box (not shown).

また、図3に示した構成では、清掃部材62が図面左方向(C方向)に移動する場合は、清掃棒52が図面左方向に押されるのに伴って揺動部材61が矢印E方向に揺動する(図5(b)も併せて参照)。この場合には、図6(3)(4)に示したように、拭き取り部材63が光照射面45の画像領域を含んだ領域を摺擦するように光照射面45に当接するが、掃き出し部材64は拭き取り部材63の下流側において光照射面45に対してウィズ方向に当接した状態となる。そして清掃部材62は、図6(4)に示したように、拭き取り部材63が光照射面45を摺動しながら掃き出し部材64では掃き取れずに残されたトナーやほこり等を拭き取る。   Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, when the cleaning member 62 moves in the left direction (C direction) in the drawing, the swinging member 61 moves in the direction of arrow E as the cleaning rod 52 is pushed in the left direction in the drawing. It swings (see also FIG. 5B). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 6 (3) and 6 (4), the wiping member 63 contacts the light irradiation surface 45 so as to rub the region including the image region of the light irradiation surface 45. The member 64 comes into contact with the light irradiation surface 45 in the width direction on the downstream side of the wiping member 63. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (4), the cleaning member 62 wipes off the remaining toner, dust, etc. that the wiping member 63 slides on the light irradiation surface 45 but cannot be swept away by the sweeping member 64.

このように、本実施の形態におけるLPH12に備えられた清掃装置60では、清掃装置60がホームポジションから他方の端部に向けて移動する際には、掃き出し部材64が拭き取り部材63の上流側において光照射面45に対してカウンタ方向に当接して光照射面45の画像領域を含んだ領域を摺動し、光照射面45に付着したトナーやほこり等を光照射面45の端部まで掃き出す。一方、ホームポジションに向けた方向に移動する際には、拭き取り部材63が光照射面45を摺擦するように当接して、掃き出し部材64が掃き取れずに残したトナーやほこり等を拭き取るように構成されている。
このように、一方向への移動時には、掃き出し部材64によって光照射面45に付着した大部分のトナーやほこり等を端部まで掃き出した後、その逆方向への移動時において、拭き取り部材63が光照射面45を摺擦し、掃き出し部材64が掃き残した僅かなトナーやほこり等を拭き取るので、拭き取り部材63に蓄積するトナーやほこり等のゴミの量が極めて少なくなり、長期に亘り清掃能力を高く維持でき、その結果拭き取り部材63の交換頻度も減らすことができる。
Thus, in the cleaning device 60 provided in the LPH 12 in the present embodiment, when the cleaning device 60 moves from the home position toward the other end, the sweeping member 64 is located upstream of the wiping member 63. The region including the image region of the light irradiation surface 45 is slid in contact with the light irradiation surface 45 in the counter direction, and the toner, dust, etc. adhering to the light irradiation surface 45 are swept to the end of the light irradiation surface 45. . On the other hand, when moving in the direction toward the home position, the wiping member 63 comes into contact with the light irradiation surface 45 so as to rub, so that the cleaning member 64 can wipe off the remaining toner and dust. It is configured.
As described above, when moving in one direction, the sweeping member 64 sweeps most of the toner, dust and the like adhering to the light irradiation surface 45 to the end, and when moving in the opposite direction, the wiping member 63 Since the light irradiation surface 45 is rubbed and a small amount of toner and dust left by the sweeping member 64 are wiped off, the amount of dust such as toner and dust accumulated in the wiping member 63 is extremely reduced, and the cleaning ability is maintained over a long period of time. As a result, the frequency of replacement of the wiping member 63 can also be reduced.

ここで、清掃装置60が光照射面45を清掃する際のゴミの残存状態を比較する。図7は清掃装置60の清掃部材62が光照射面45を清掃する際のゴミの残存状態を比較する図である。図7(a)は従来の拭き取り部材63のみで構成された清掃装置が図面右方向(往路)および図面左方向(復路)の双方において光照射面45に摺擦移動する場合であり、図7(b)は本実施の形態の清掃装置60の場合であって、往路では掃き出し部材64が光照射面45に当接移動し、復路では拭き取り部材63が光照射面45に摺擦移動する場合を表している。   Here, the remaining state of dust when the cleaning device 60 cleans the light irradiation surface 45 is compared. FIG. 7 is a diagram for comparing the remaining state of dust when the cleaning member 62 of the cleaning device 60 cleans the light irradiation surface 45. FIG. 7A shows a case where a conventional cleaning device composed of only the wiping member 63 slides on the light irradiation surface 45 in both the right direction (outward) and the left direction (return) in the drawing. (B) is the case of the cleaning device 60 of the present embodiment, in which the sweeping member 64 abuts on the light irradiation surface 45 in the forward path, and the wiping member 63 slides on the light irradiation surface 45 in the return path. Represents.

図7(a)に示したように、従来の清掃装置では、拭き取り部材63が光照射面45に摺擦しながら往路を移動し、光照射面45上のゴミを画像領域外に拭き出すが(図7(a)(1))、復路でも拭き取り部材63が光照射面45に摺擦しながら移動するために蓄積したゴミが拭き取り部材63と一緒に引き戻され(図7(a)(2))、光照射面45を汚すことになる(図7(a)(3))。このような現象は、清掃動作を何度も繰り返すことによって顕著に現れる。   As shown in FIG. 7A, in the conventional cleaning device, the wiping member 63 moves in the forward path while rubbing against the light irradiation surface 45, and wipes off dust on the light irradiation surface 45 outside the image area. (FIG. 7 (a) (1)), the dust that has accumulated as the wiping member 63 moves while sliding on the light irradiation surface 45 in the return path is pulled back together with the wiping member 63 (FIG. 7 (a) (2) )), The light irradiation surface 45 is soiled (FIGS. 7A and 3). Such a phenomenon appears remarkably by repeating the cleaning operation many times.

これに対し、本実施の形態では、図7(b)に示すように、まず往路では、光照射面45上のゴミを掃き出し部材64が画像領域外に拭き出す(図7(b)(1)(2))。そして、復路では拭き取り部材63が光照射面45を摺擦した状態で移動する(図7(b)(3))。そのため、光照射面45上のゴミの大部分は掃き出し部材64によって画像領域外に拭き出され(図7(b)(2))、拭き取り部材63は残った僅かなゴミだけを拭き取る(図7(b)(3))。このように、拭き取り部材63にはゴミが大量に蓄積されないので、復路においてゴミが再度光照射面45に付着することがなく、光照射面45を汚すことはない。特に、掃き出し部材64をSLA42の長手方向外部まで移動させることによって、掃き出し部材64に蓄積したゴミをSLA42上から排除することができるので、拭き取り部材63へのゴミの蓄積を極力防止することができる。   On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, first, on the forward path, the dust on the light irradiation surface 45 is swept out by the member 64 (FIGS. 7B and 1). (2)). Then, on the return path, the wiping member 63 moves while rubbing the light irradiation surface 45 (FIGS. 7B and 3). Therefore, most of the dust on the light irradiation surface 45 is wiped out of the image area by the sweeping member 64 (FIGS. 7B and 2), and the wiping member 63 wipes only a small amount of remaining dust (FIG. 7). (B) (3)). Thus, since a large amount of dust is not accumulated in the wiping member 63, dust does not adhere to the light irradiation surface 45 again in the return path, and the light irradiation surface 45 is not soiled. In particular, by moving the sweeping member 64 to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the SLA 42, the dust accumulated on the sweeping member 64 can be removed from the SLA 42, so that accumulation of dust on the wiping member 63 can be prevented as much as possible. .

なお、清掃部材62を光照射面45に当接させ、または離隔させる動作は、清掃部材62が画像領域の範囲外に位置している状態で行う。特に、清掃部材62を光照射面45から離隔させる場合には、清掃部材62に蓄積したゴミが光照射面45に残存する可能性が高いため、清掃部材62が画像領域の範囲外に位置している状態で行うことが必要である。   The operation of bringing the cleaning member 62 into contact with or separating from the light irradiation surface 45 is performed in a state where the cleaning member 62 is located outside the range of the image area. In particular, when the cleaning member 62 is separated from the light irradiation surface 45, there is a high possibility that dust accumulated on the cleaning member 62 will remain on the light irradiation surface 45, so the cleaning member 62 is positioned outside the range of the image area. It is necessary to do it in a state where

また、本実施の形態では、清掃部材62が光照射面45と接離させる手段として機械的な機構を用いたが、電磁的な機構を用いて接離させることもできる。
さらに、スライド部材53の移動は清掃棒52により手動で行ったが、電気的な駆動手段を用いることもできる。
In this embodiment, a mechanical mechanism is used as means for bringing the cleaning member 62 into and out of contact with the light irradiation surface 45, but it can also be brought into and out of contact with an electromagnetic mechanism.
Furthermore, the movement of the slide member 53 is manually performed by the cleaning rod 52, but an electric drive means can also be used.

[実施の形態2]
実施の形態1では、LPH12に備えられた清掃装置60が、光照射面45に対して往復移動するように構成され、一方向に移動する際には、掃き出し部材64が拭き取り部材63の上流側において光照射面45に対してカウンタ方向に当接して光照射面45を摺動し、反対方向に移動する際には、拭き取り部材63が光照射面45を摺擦するように当接して、光照射面45上のトナーやほこりを拭き取るように構成した画像形成装置について説明した。実施の形態2では、LPH12に備えられた清掃装置60が、光照射面45に対して往復移動するように構成され、一方向に移動する際には、掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63が同時に光照射面45を摺動し、反対方向に移動する際には、掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63が共に光照射面45から離隔するように構成した画像形成装置について説明する。尚、実施の形態1と同様な構成については同様な符号を用い、ここではその詳細な説明を省略する。
[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the cleaning device 60 provided in the LPH 12 is configured to reciprocate with respect to the light irradiation surface 45, and when moving in one direction, the sweeping member 64 is upstream of the wiping member 63. When the light irradiation surface 45 slides on the light irradiation surface 45 in the counter direction and moves in the opposite direction, the wiping member 63 contacts the light irradiation surface 45 so as to rub. The image forming apparatus configured to wipe off the toner and dust on the light irradiation surface 45 has been described. In the second embodiment, the cleaning device 60 provided in the LPH 12 is configured to reciprocate with respect to the light irradiation surface 45. When the cleaning device 60 moves in one direction, the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 simultaneously emit light. An image forming apparatus configured so that the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 are both separated from the light irradiation surface 45 when sliding on the irradiation surface 45 and moving in the opposite direction will be described. In addition, about the structure similar to Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is used and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

本発明の実施の形態2の画像形成装置に用いられるLPH12の清掃装置80について説明する。図8は本実施の形態における清掃装置80をスライド移動させた場合の清掃部材62と光照射面45との当接状態を説明する図である。図8(a)は清掃装置80を図面左 (矢印C) 方向に移動させる場合を示し、(b)は清掃装置80を図面右(矢印D) 方向に移動させる場合を示している。
まず、図8に示すように、本実施の形態の清掃装置80は、実施の形態1の清掃装置60と同様に、LPH12のLPHハウジング40のハウジング本体部71内に担持される支持部材50、支持部材50の長手方向に設けられたレール部51、レール部51にスライド可能に支持されたスライド部材53、支持部材50の長手方向に伸びた清掃棒52、光照射面45を清掃する清掃部材62、清掃部材62を支持する揺動部材61で構成されている。そして、清掃装置80は、LPHハウジング40において、ハウジング本体部71の「コ」字形状の内部空間に、清掃装置60の主要部(移動機構部)が配置され、揺動部材61のみがLPHハウジング40の外側部に配置されている。
The LPH 12 cleaning device 80 used in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a contact state between the cleaning member 62 and the light irradiation surface 45 when the cleaning device 80 in the present embodiment is slid. FIG. 8A shows a case where the cleaning device 80 is moved in the left direction (arrow C) in the drawing, and FIG. 8B shows a case where the cleaning device 80 is moved in the right direction (arrow D) in the drawing.
First, as shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning device 80 of the present embodiment is similar to the cleaning device 60 of the first embodiment in that the support member 50 is carried in the housing main body 71 of the LPH housing 40 of the LPH 12. A rail part 51 provided in the longitudinal direction of the support member 50, a slide member 53 slidably supported by the rail part 51, a cleaning rod 52 extending in the longitudinal direction of the support member 50, and a cleaning member for cleaning the light irradiation surface 45 62, and a swinging member 61 that supports the cleaning member 62. In the cleaning device 80, in the LPH housing 40, the main portion (moving mechanism) of the cleaning device 60 is disposed in the “U” -shaped internal space of the housing main body 71, and only the swing member 61 is the LPH housing. 40 on the outer side.

また、清掃棒52とスライド部材53とは一体となってレール部51に沿って移動可能に構成され、清掃棒52の移動に伴ってスライド部材53は光照射面45の画像領域を含んだ一定の範囲を往復移動することが可能である。本実施の形態では、揺動部材61は、スライド部材53に軸支されてLPHハウジング40の長手方向において所定の範囲で揺動するように構成されているが、揺動部材61は、清掃棒52が図面左(矢印C)方向にスライドする際には図面右(矢印G)方向に傾き、清掃棒52が図面右(矢印D)方向にスライドする際には図面左(矢印H)方向に傾くように構成されている点で、実施の形態1の場合とは異なる。   Further, the cleaning rod 52 and the slide member 53 are integrally movable along the rail portion 51, and the slide member 53 includes a certain area including the image area of the light irradiation surface 45 as the cleaning rod 52 moves. It is possible to reciprocate within the range. In the present embodiment, the swing member 61 is pivotally supported by the slide member 53 and swings within a predetermined range in the longitudinal direction of the LPH housing 40. However, the swing member 61 is a cleaning rod. When 52 is slid in the left direction (arrow C), it tilts in the right direction (arrow G). When the cleaning rod 52 is slid in the right direction (arrow D), it is in the left direction (arrow H). It differs from the case of Embodiment 1 by the point comprised so that it may incline.

図8(a)に示したように、清掃装置80が図面左 (矢印C) 方向に移動する場合には、清掃部材62の掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63が共に光照射面45に当接するように揺動部材61が揺動する(矢印G方向)。そして清掃部材62の移動に伴って光照射面45を掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63が当接して移動するように構成されている。
他方、図8(b)に示したように、清掃装置80が図面右(矢印D) 方向に移動する場合には、清掃部材62の掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63が共に光照射面45から離隔するように揺動部材61が揺動する(矢印H方向)。そして清掃部材62は光照射面45と離隔した状態で移動するように構成されている。
As shown in FIG. 8A, when the cleaning device 80 moves in the left direction of the drawing (arrow C), the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 of the cleaning member 62 both come into contact with the light irradiation surface 45. The swing member 61 swings (in the direction of arrow G). As the cleaning member 62 moves, the light irradiation surface 45 is swept out by the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 in contact with each other.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the cleaning device 80 moves in the right direction of the drawing (arrow D), the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 of the cleaning member 62 are both separated from the light irradiation surface 45. Thus, the swing member 61 swings (in the direction of arrow H). The cleaning member 62 is configured to move while being separated from the light irradiation surface 45.

ここで、清掃装置80の清掃部材62が光照射面45を清掃する際の清掃動作を説明する。図9の(1)(2)では、清掃部材62が図面左方向(C方向)に移動する場合を示し、図9の(3)(4)では、清掃部材62が図面右方向(D方向)に移動する場合を示している。
本実施の形態の構成では、清掃部材62がホームポジションから図面左方向(C方向)に移動する場合は、清掃棒52が図面左方向に押されるのに伴って揺動部材61が矢印G方向に揺動する(図8(a)も併せて参照)。この場合には、図9(1)(2)に示したように、掃き出し部材64が拭き取り部材63の上流側において光照射面45に対してカウンタ方向に当接して光照射面45の画像領域を含んだ領域を摺動するとともに、拭き取り部材63も光照射面45を摺擦するように当接する。そして清掃部材62では、掃き出し部材64が光照射面45を摺動しながら光照射面45に付着したトナーやほこり等を光照射面45の端部まで掃き出すが、その際拭き取り部材63は掃き出し部材64が掃き残したトナーやほこりを拭き取り回収する(図9(2))。
Here, the cleaning operation when the cleaning member 62 of the cleaning device 80 cleans the light irradiation surface 45 will be described. 9 (1) and 9 (2) show the case where the cleaning member 62 moves in the left direction (C direction) in the drawing. In FIGS. 9 (3) and 4 (4), the cleaning member 62 moves in the right direction (D direction). ) Shows the case of moving.
In the configuration of the present embodiment, when the cleaning member 62 moves from the home position in the left direction (C direction) in the drawing, the swinging member 61 moves in the arrow G direction as the cleaning rod 52 is pushed in the left direction in the drawing. (See also FIG. 8A). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 9 (1) and 9 (2), the sweeping member 64 comes into contact with the light irradiation surface 45 in the counter direction on the upstream side of the wiping member 63 and the image area of the light irradiation surface 45 is reached. The wiping member 63 also comes into contact with the light irradiation surface 45 so as to rub. In the cleaning member 62, the sweeping member 64 sweeps the toner or dust attached to the light irradiation surface 45 to the end of the light irradiation surface 45 while sliding on the light irradiation surface 45. At this time, the wiping member 63 is a sweep member. The toner and dust left by 64 are wiped off and collected (FIG. 9 (2)).

また、本実施の形態の構成では、清掃部材62が図面右方向(D方向)に移動する場合は、清掃棒52が図面右方向に引かれるのに伴って揺動部材61が矢印H方向に揺動する(図8(b)も併せて参照)。この場合には、図9(3)(4)に示したように、掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63は光照射面45から離隔した状態となる。そして清掃部材62は、図9(4)に示したように、掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63が光照射面45から離隔した状態でホームポジションに戻る。   Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the cleaning member 62 moves in the right direction (D direction) in the drawing, the swinging member 61 moves in the arrow H direction as the cleaning rod 52 is pulled in the right direction in the drawing. It swings (see also FIG. 8B). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 9 (3) and 9 (4), the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 are separated from the light irradiation surface 45. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 (4), the cleaning member 62 returns to the home position in a state where the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 are separated from the light irradiation surface 45.

このように、本実施の形態におけるLPH12に備えられた清掃装置80では、清掃装置80がホームポジションから他方の端部に向けて移動する際には、掃き出し部材64が拭き取り部材63の上流側において光照射面45に対してカウンタ方向に当接して、光照射面45を摺動しながら光照射面45に付着したトナーやほこりを光照射面45の端部まで掃き出す。それと同時に、拭き取り部材63も光照射面45に当接した状態となって、掃き出し部材64が掃き残したトナーやほこりを拭き取り回収する。一方、ホームポジションに向けた方向に移動する際には、掃き出し部材64および拭き取り部材63は、光照射面45から離隔するように位置しながら、ホームポジションに戻るように構成されている。
これによって、掃き出し部材64が光照射面45に付着したトナーやほこりの大部分を端部まで掃き出すとともに、掃き出し部材64が掃き残した僅かなトナーやほこり等を拭き取り部材63が光照射面45を摺擦して拭き取るので、拭き取り部材63に蓄積するトナーやほこり等のゴミの量が極めて少なくなり、長期に亘り清掃能力を高く維持でき、その結果拭き取り部材63の交換頻度も減らすことができる。
また、トナーやほこりを掃き出した後は、清掃部材62を光照射面45と離隔した状態で移動させるので、蓄積したゴミは清掃部材62と一緒に引き戻されることがなく(図9(3))、光照射面45を汚すことはない。特に、清掃部材62をSLA42の長手方向外部まで移動可能とすることによって、清掃部材62に蓄積したゴミをSLA42上から排除することによって、清掃部材62へのゴミの蓄積を極力防止することもできる。
Thus, in the cleaning device 80 provided in the LPH 12 in the present embodiment, when the cleaning device 80 moves from the home position toward the other end, the sweeping member 64 is located upstream of the wiping member 63. The toner or dust adhering to the light irradiation surface 45 is swept out to the end of the light irradiation surface 45 while coming into contact with the light irradiation surface 45 in the counter direction and sliding on the light irradiation surface 45. At the same time, the wiping member 63 is also in contact with the light irradiation surface 45, and the toner and dust left by the sweeping member 64 are wiped and collected. On the other hand, when moving in the direction toward the home position, the sweeping member 64 and the wiping member 63 are configured to return to the home position while being spaced apart from the light irradiation surface 45.
As a result, the sweeping member 64 sweeps most of the toner and dust adhering to the light irradiation surface 45 to the end, and a slight amount of toner and dust remaining by the sweeping member 64 is wiped off the light irradiation surface 45. Since rubbing and wiping is performed, the amount of dust such as toner and dust accumulated in the wiping member 63 is extremely reduced, and the cleaning ability can be maintained high over a long period of time. As a result, the frequency of replacing the wiping member 63 can also be reduced.
Further, after the toner and dust are swept out, the cleaning member 62 is moved away from the light irradiation surface 45, so that accumulated dust is not pulled back together with the cleaning member 62 (FIG. 9 (3)). The light irradiation surface 45 is not soiled. In particular, by allowing the cleaning member 62 to move to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the SLA 42, it is possible to prevent dust accumulated on the cleaning member 62 from being removed from the SLA 42, thereby preventing accumulation of dust on the cleaning member 62 as much as possible. .

本発明の活用例として、電子写真方式を用いた複写機、プリンタ等の画像形成装置において、例えば感光体ドラムを露光して静電潜像を形成するプリントヘッドに適用することができる。   As an application example of the present invention, it can be applied to, for example, a print head that forms an electrostatic latent image by exposing a photosensitive drum in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic system.

本発明の実施の形態1における画像形成装置を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the image forming apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. LPHの構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of LPH. LPHの側面図である。It is a side view of LPH. 揺動部材の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of a rocking | swiveling member. 実施の形態1における清掃装置をスライド移動させた場合の清掃部材と光照射面との当接状態を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the contact state of the cleaning member and light irradiation surface at the time of sliding the cleaning apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG. 清掃装置の清掃部材が光照射面を清掃する際の清掃動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the cleaning operation | movement at the time of the cleaning member of the cleaning apparatus cleaning a light irradiation surface. 清掃装置の清掃部材が光照射面を清掃する際のゴミの残存状態を比較する図である。It is a figure which compares the residual state of the dust at the time of the cleaning member of the cleaning apparatus cleaning a light irradiation surface. 実施の形態2における清掃装置をスライド移動させた場合の清掃部材と光照射面との当接状態を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the contact state of the cleaning member at the time of sliding the cleaning apparatus in Embodiment 2, and a light irradiation surface. 清掃装置の清掃部材が光照射面を清掃する際の清掃動作を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the cleaning operation | movement at the time of the cleaning member of the cleaning apparatus cleaning a light irradiation surface.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10…感光体ドラム、11…帯電ローラ、12…LEDプリントヘッド(LPH)、13…現像器、14…転写ローラ、15…クリーナ、16…定着器、40…LPHハウジング、41…発光ダイオードアレイ(LEDアレイ)、42…セルフォックレンズアレイ(SLA)、45…光照射面、50…支持部材、51…レール部、52…清掃棒、53…スライド部材、60…清掃装置、61…揺動部材、62…清掃部材、63…拭き取り部材(第2清掃部材)、64…掃き出し部材(第1清掃部材)、71…ハウジング本体部、72…LEDアレイ保持部、73…レンズ保持部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Photosensitive drum, 11 ... Charging roller, 12 ... LED print head (LPH), 13 ... Developing device, 14 ... Transfer roller, 15 ... Cleaner, 16 ... Fixing device, 40 ... LPH housing, 41 ... Light emitting diode array ( LED array), 42 ... Selfoc lens array (SLA), 45 ... light irradiation surface, 50 ... support member, 51 ... rail part, 52 ... cleaning rod, 53 ... slide member, 60 ... cleaning device, 61 ... swing member , 62 ... cleaning member, 63 ... wiping member (second cleaning member), 64 ... sweeping member (first cleaning member), 71 ... housing body, 72 ... LED array holding part, 73 ... lens holding part

Claims (9)

感光体と、
前記感光体を露光する露光手段と、
前記露光手段から照射される光を前記感光体表面に結像させる光学手段と、
前記光学手段の光照射面に当接可能なエッジを備えた第1清掃部材と、当該光照射面に当接可能な平面を備えた第2清掃部材とを有し、当該光学手段の当該光照射面を清掃する往復移動可能な清掃手段とを備え、
前記清掃手段は、前記光照射面に沿って一方向へ移動する際には、前記第1清掃部材の前記エッジが当該光照射面に当接するとともに前記第2清掃部材の前記平面が当該光照射面から離隔し、当該光照射面に沿って当該一方向とは逆の方向へ移動する際には、当該第2清掃部材の当該平面が当該光照射面に当接することを特徴とする画像形成装置。
A photoreceptor,
Exposure means for exposing the photoreceptor;
Optical means for imaging light irradiated from the exposure means on the surface of the photoreceptor;
A first cleaning member having an edge capable of contacting the light irradiation surface of the optical means; and a second cleaning member having a flat surface capable of contacting the light irradiation surface, and the light of the optical means. A cleaning means capable of reciprocating to clean the irradiation surface,
When the cleaning means moves in one direction along the light irradiation surface, the edge of the first cleaning member comes into contact with the light irradiation surface and the plane of the second cleaning member is irradiated with the light. The image formation is characterized in that the plane of the second cleaning member abuts on the light irradiation surface when moving away from the surface and in a direction opposite to the one direction along the light irradiation surface. apparatus.
前記清掃手段は、前記光照射面に沿った移動方向に対応させて前記第1清掃部材の前記エッジを当該光照射面に当接する位置と離隔する位置とに移動させ、前記第2清掃部材の前記平面を当該光照射面に当接する位置と離隔する位置とに移動させることを特徴とする請求項1記載の画像形成装置。The cleaning means moves the edge of the first cleaning member to a position abutting on the light irradiation surface and a position separated from the light irradiation surface in correspondence with a moving direction along the light irradiation surface. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plane is moved between a position in contact with the light irradiation surface and a position separated from the position. 前記清掃手段は、前記一方向への移動時には前記第1清掃部材が前記光照射面にカウンタ当接することを特徴とする請求項記載の画像形成装置。 The cleaning means, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when moving to the one direction, wherein said first cleaning member is counter abuts on the light irradiation surface. 前記清掃手段は、前記光学手段の長手方向外部まで移動可能であることを特徴とする請求項1記載の画像形成装置。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit is movable to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the optical unit. 前記清掃手段は、前記光学手段の長手方向外部まで移動し、前記光照射面に付着したゴミを回収ボックスに掃き出すことを特徴とする請求項1記載の画像形成装置。The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit moves to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the optical unit and sweeps dust adhering to the light irradiation surface to a collection box. 前記第1清掃部材と前記第2清掃部材とは、前記光学手段の画像領域外で接離動作を行うことを特徴とする請求項1記載の画像形成装置。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member perform contact and separation operations outside an image area of the optical unit. 感光体を露光する発光ダイオードアレイと、
前記発光ダイオードアレイから照射される光を前記感光体表面に結像させるレンズ部材と、
前記発光ダイオードアレイと前記レンズ部材とを支持するハウジングと、
前記レンズ部材の光照射面に対してエッジが当接可能な掃き出し部材と、
前記レンズ部材の光照射面に対して平面が当接可能な拭き取り部材と、
前記掃き出し部材と前記拭き取り部材とを前記レンズ部材の光照射面に沿って移動させる移動機構部とを備え、
前記移動機構部は、前記掃き出し部材と前記拭き取り部材とを前記光照射面に沿って一方向へ移動させる際には、当該掃き出し部材を当該光照射面に当接させるとともに当該拭き取り部材を当該光照射面から離隔させ、当該光照射面に沿って当該一方向とは逆の方向へ移動させる際には、当該拭き取り部材を当該光照射面に当接させることを特徴とするプリントヘッド。
A light emitting diode array for exposing the photoreceptor;
A lens member that images light emitted from the light emitting diode array on the surface of the photoreceptor;
A housing that supports the light emitting diode array and the lens member;
A sweeping member whose edge can abut against the light irradiation surface of the lens member;
A wiping member capable of contacting a flat surface with the light irradiation surface of the lens member;
A moving mechanism that moves the sweeping member and the wiping member along the light irradiation surface of the lens member ;
When the movement mechanism unit moves the sweeping member and the wiping member in one direction along the light irradiation surface, the moving mechanism abuts the sweeping member on the light irradiation surface and moves the wiping member to the light irradiation surface. A print head , wherein the wiping member is brought into contact with the light irradiation surface when being moved away from the irradiation surface and moving in a direction opposite to the one direction along the light irradiation surface .
前記移動機構部は、前記光照射面に沿った移動方向に対応させて前記掃き出し部材と前記拭き取り部材とを当該光照射面に当接する位置と離隔する位置とに交互に移動させることを特徴とする請求項7記載のプリントヘッド。The moving mechanism unit alternately moves the sweeping member and the wiping member to a position contacting the light irradiation surface and a position separating from the light irradiation surface in correspondence with a moving direction along the light irradiation surface. The print head according to claim 7. 前記移動機構部は、前記ハウジングの内部に配置されたことを特徴とする請求項記載のプリントヘッド。 The print head according to claim 7 , wherein the moving mechanism is disposed inside the housing.
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JP4821281B2 (en) * 2005-11-15 2011-11-24 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Optical writing head, image forming apparatus, and manufacturing method of optical writing head
JP5450961B2 (en) * 2007-02-28 2014-03-26 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming apparatus
US7995946B2 (en) * 2007-02-28 2011-08-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus having cleaning member for cleaning transmission member
JP5108540B2 (en) * 2008-01-17 2012-12-26 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Automatic cleaning mechanism and optical scanning device having the same
JP5825548B2 (en) * 2011-05-23 2015-12-02 株式会社リコー Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus
JP5749756B2 (en) * 2012-04-11 2015-07-15 株式会社東芝 Image forming apparatus
JP5657725B2 (en) * 2012-04-11 2015-01-21 株式会社東芝 Cleaning rod, lens unit, image forming device
JP5657724B2 (en) * 2012-04-11 2015-01-21 株式会社東芝 Cleaning rod, lens unit, image forming device
JP6552652B2 (en) * 2012-11-30 2019-07-31 キヤノン株式会社 Cleaning device and image forming apparatus provided with the same
JP6274812B2 (en) * 2012-11-30 2018-02-07 キヤノン株式会社 Cleaning device and image forming apparatus including the same
JP6512878B2 (en) * 2014-05-15 2019-05-15 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming device
JP6512414B2 (en) * 2016-09-08 2019-05-15 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus provided with the optical scanning device

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