JP2004191495A - Image forming apparatus, print head and cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that is miniaturized, wherein degradation in the cleaning capability of a cleaner is prevented, thereby maintaining a sharp image, and . <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a cleaning means that cleans the light irradiation face of an optical means by which light emitted from an exposure means for exposing a photoreceptor is imaged onto the photoreceptor. In reciprocal movement of the cleaning means along the light irradiation face, the cleaning member is in contact with the light irradiation face when the member is moved in one direction of the reciprocal movement, and it is separated from the light irradiation face when the member is moved in the reverse direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine and a printer, and more particularly, to a print head provided with a cleaning device for cleaning an irradiation surface of a portion that exposes a photoconductor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic method uniformly charges a photosensitive member configured in a drum shape, for example, and exposes the photosensitive member with light controlled based on image information. An electrostatic latent image is formed on a photoreceptor, this electrostatic latent image is made a visible image with a developer (toner), and this visible image is transferred to recording paper and fixed to form an image. ing.
In recent years, in order to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus, an LED print head (LPH) using an LED array in which a large number of LEDs are arranged as an exposure unit has been developed. Since the LPH is disposed near the developing device, the LED irradiation surface is easily stained with dust such as toner and dust. Therefore, in order to prevent image unevenness caused by such dirt, a cleaning device for cleaning the LED irradiation surface may be provided.
[0003]
Here, as a conventional technique for cleaning the LED irradiation surface of the LPH, there is a technique for cleaning the irradiation surface of the exposure unit 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 the light-emitting surface with a cleaning device when the charger is pulled out and stored (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-338227 (page 3-4, FIG. 3)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-5-286206 (page 2-3, FIG. 3)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the cleaning of the LED irradiation surface is repeated many times, there is a technical problem that dust including toner and the like is accumulated in the cleaning device, the cleaning ability is reduced, and image unevenness is likely to occur.
In addition, the cleaning device needs to be provided outside the LPH, and a space for the cleaning device needs to be secured around the photoreceptor, and there has been a technical problem that the image forming apparatus becomes large.
[0006]
Note that the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not disclose an effective technique for preventing the cleaning ability of the cleaning device from lowering and a technique for reducing the space of the cleaning device.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention has been made based on such a technical problem. An object of the present invention is to prevent a reduction in the cleaning ability of a cleaning device, maintain a clear image, and reduce the size. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
With this object in mind, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes 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 photoconductor, and a light source of the optical unit. Cleaning means for cleaning the irradiation surface, wherein the cleaning means comprises a cleaning member which can freely contact and separate from the light irradiation surface, a moving means for reciprocating the cleaning member along the light irradiation surface, and a reciprocating movement in one direction. It is characterized in that it has a contacting / separating means for bringing the cleaning member into contact with the light irradiation surface when moving, and separating the cleaning member from the light irradiation surface when moving in the opposite direction.
Here, the moving means may move the cleaning member to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the optical means. Further, the contact / separation unit may perform a separation operation outside the image area of the optical unit.
[0009]
Further, the print head of the present invention includes an exposure unit that exposes the photoconductor, an optical unit that forms an image of the light emitted from the exposure unit on the photoconductor, and a cleaning unit that cleans a light irradiation surface of the optical unit. The cleaning means reciprocates the cleaning member along the light irradiation surface, contacts the cleaning member with the light irradiation surface when moving in one direction of reciprocation, and irradiates the cleaning member with light when moving in the opposite direction. It is characterized by being separated from the surface.
[0010]
Further, the print head of the present invention includes an exposure unit that exposes the photoreceptor, an optical unit that forms an image of light emitted from the exposure unit on the photoreceptor, a housing that supports the exposure unit and the optical unit, Cleaning means for cleaning the light irradiation surface of the means, wherein the cleaning means reciprocates the cleaning member along the light irradiation surface and is disposed inside the housing. Here, the housing can be characterized by being formed by bending a plate material.
[0011]
Further, the cleaning device of the present invention includes: a cleaning member that can freely contact and separate from a light irradiation surface of an optical unit that forms light; a moving unit that reciprocates the cleaning member along the light irradiation surface; And a contact / separation means for separating the cleaning member from the light irradiation surface when moving in the opposite direction.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
◎ Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a charging roller 11 that uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 10 around a photosensitive drum 10 that rotates at a constant speed in a direction of an arrow A, based on image information. An LED print head (LPH) 12 for exposing a controlled light; a developing device 13 for developing a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 10; a transfer roller 14 for transferring a toner image to a recording paper 20; A cleaner 15 is provided to remove transfer residual toner from above.
[0013]
The charging roller 11 is formed by laminating a conductive rubber or a conductive sponge and a conductive rubber, and is connected to a power supply (not shown) and supplied with a voltage. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is uniformly charged at a constant voltage.
The LPH 12 is connected to the LPH drive unit 21. Then, the LPH 12 irradiates light controlled by the LPH drive unit 21 based on image data from the host computer (HOST) 30 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 10.
[0014]
The developing device 13 includes a developing housing 22 and a developing roller 23. The developing roller 23 carries the toner stored in the developing housing 22, supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 10 while rotating in the direction of arrow B, and forms a toner image in which the latent image is visualized.
The transfer roller 14 is formed by laminating a conductive rubber or a conductive sponge and a conductive rubber, and is connected to a power supply (not shown) and supplied with a voltage. Then, the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper 20 conveyed by the paper feed roller 31.
[0015]
The fixing device 16 includes a pair of rollers including a heating roller 16A and a pressure roller 16B. The recording paper 20 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 16, and when passing through the fixing device 16, the toner image is heated and 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 abuts in the counter direction with respect to the rotation direction A of the photoconductor drum 10, scrapes off the transfer residual toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 10 at the time of transfer, and stores it in the cleaner housing 25.
[0016]
Next, the LPH 12 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the LPH 12. In FIG. 2, an LPH 12 is an LPH housing 40 as a support, an LED array 41 that emits light controlled based on image information, and a selfoc lens that forms light from the LED array 41 on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10. An array (SLA) 42 and a cleaning device 43 for cleaning the LED irradiation surface 45 of the SLA 42 are provided. The LPH housing 40 is formed of a block or sheet metal of aluminum, SUS, or the like, and supports the LED array 41 and the SLA 42 such that the light emitting point of the LED array 41 and the focal point of the SLA 42 match. The LPH housing 40 is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction of the SLA 42 by the adjustment pin 44, and is adjusted so that the image forming position (focal point) of the SLA 42 is located on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.
[0017]
Here, the cleaning device 43 of the LPH 12 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the cleaning device 43 of the LPH 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning device 43 includes a support member 50 fixed to the outer portion of the LPH 12 as a support, a rail portion 51 provided in a longitudinal direction of the support member 50, and a longitudinal direction of the support member 50. A cleaning rod 52, a cleaning unit 53 for cleaning the LED irradiation surface 45, and a cleaning rod support member 54 for supporting the cleaning rod 52 are provided.
[0018]
The support member 50 is arranged outside the LPH housing 40 in parallel with the LPH housing 40. The rail 51 provided on the support member 50 is arranged in parallel with the LED irradiation surface 45. Further, one of the cleaning rods 52 is slidably supported by a cleaning rod support member 54 supported by the support member 50, and the other is connected to a cleaning section 53 slidably supported by the rail 51. The cleaning rod 52 and the cleaning section 53 are integrally formed so as to be movable along the rail section 51. With the cleaning rod 52, the cleaning section 53 covers a certain area including the image area of the LED irradiation surface 45. It is possible to reciprocate.
[0019]
Next, the cleaning unit 53 of the cleaning device 43 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the cleaning unit 53. As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning unit 53 supports and supports a support member 60 as a support, a swing member 61 that swings the cleaning member 68 so as to be able to freely contact and separate from the LED irradiation surface 45, and a swing member 61. A support shaft 62 serving as a swing center of the moving member 61 is provided. The support member 60 and the swing member 61 are connected via a support shaft 62.
[0020]
A pin (not shown) provided on a side surface of the support member 60 on the support member 50 side is slidably inserted into the rail portion 51 of the support member 50, and the support member 60 is fixed to the rail portion by a fastening member 67 fitted to the pin. It is supported without deviating from 51.
The swing member 61 has a substantially “L” -shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the sliding direction (arrow C) of the cleaning unit 53, and can swing in the sliding direction of the cleaning unit 53 about the support shaft 62. Is configured. In the swing member 61, a cleaning member 68 made of felt (nonwoven fabric) is disposed on a surface 61a protruding substantially parallel to the support shaft 62. Further, the end of the swing member 61 opposite to the cleaning member 68 with the support shaft 62 interposed therebetween is connected to the cleaning rod 52. When the cleaning rod 52 is pushed out in the sliding direction (arrow E) or pulled in (arrow D), the cleaning member 68 swings in the sliding direction of the cleaning rod 52.
[0021]
Here, the swing member 61 is provided with a convex portion 63 near a connection portion with the cleaning rod 52, and the convex portion 63 is located in a substantially U-shaped cutout portion 65 provided in the support member 60. A notch 64 is provided on the side of the cleaning member 68 with respect to the support shaft 62 of the swing member 61. Therefore, when the cleaning rod 52 is moved in the right direction in the drawing (arrow D), the protrusion 63 abuts on the end of the support member cutout 65, and when the cleaning rod 52 is moved in the left direction in the drawing (arrow E). The swing range of the swing member 61 is limited by the notch 64 of the swing member abutting against the curved portion 66 provided on the support member 60.
[0022]
Further, the cleaning member 68 is configured to come into contact with the LED irradiation surface 45 in a state where the protrusion 63 abuts on the end of the support member cutout 65, and the swing member cutout 64 is formed by the curved portion 66 of the support member 60. Is arranged so as to be separated from the LED irradiation surface 45 in the state of contact with.
[0023]
That is, when the cleaning rod 52 is moved rightward in the drawing (arrow D), the swinging member 61 is swung until the projection 63 hits the end of the support member cutout 65, and the cleaning member 68 is moved to the SLA 42. To the LED irradiation surface 45. Then, it is configured such that the LED irradiation surface 45 abuts and moves with the movement of the cleaning rod 52.
On the other hand, when the cleaning rod 52 is moved in the left direction of the drawing (arrow E), the swing member notch 64 swings until it hits the curved portion 66 of the support member 60, and the cleaning member 68 is turned on by the LED of the SLA 42. The state is separated from the irradiation surface 45. Then, the cleaning rod 52 is configured to move while being separated from the LED irradiation surface 45 as the cleaning rod 52 moves.
[0024]
Here, the case where the cleaning member 68 moves while abutting the LED irradiation surface 45 and the case where the cleaning member 68 moves while being separated from each other will be described. 5A illustrates a case where the cleaning unit 53 moves rightward in the drawing, and FIG. 5B illustrates a case where the cleaning unit 53 moves leftward in the drawing.
In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the cleaning unit 53 moves to the right in the drawing, the protrusion 63 moves as the cleaning rod 52 is pulled to the right in the drawing. The swing member 61 is swung. In this case, the swing member 61 swings until the left upper surface 61b of the swing member 61 comes into contact with the step surface 60a provided on the support member 60, and causes the cleaning member 68 to contact the LED irradiation surface 45. Then, the cleaning unit 53 slides along the rail unit 51 while maintaining the state in which the cleaning member 68 is in contact with the LED irradiation surface 45, and the cleaning member 68 cleans the LED irradiation surface 45.
[0025]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the cleaning unit 53 moves to the left in the drawing, the projection 63 swings the rocking member 61 as the cleaning rod 52 is pushed to the left in the drawing. Move. In this case, the swing member 61 swings until the right upper surface 61c of the swing member 61 abuts on the step surface 60a provided on the support member 60, and separates the cleaning member 68 from the LED irradiation surface 45. The cleaning unit 53 slides along the rail 51 while the cleaning member 68 is kept separated from the LED irradiation surface 45, and the cleaning member 68 does not clean the LED irradiation surface 45.
[0026]
Next, the remaining state of dust when the cleaning member 68 cleans the LED irradiation surface 45 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for comparing the remaining state of dust when the cleaning member 68 cleans the LED irradiation surface 45. FIG. 6A shows the case where the cleaning member 68 moves in contact with the LED irradiation surface 45 in both the outward path (left direction in the drawing) and the return path (right direction in the drawing), while FIG. This is the case where the cleaning member 68 moves in contact with the LED irradiation surface 45 on the outward path and moves away from the LED irradiation surface 45 on the return path.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 6A, the cleaning member 68 moves on the outward path while abutting on the LED irradiation surface 45, and wipes dust on the LED irradiation surface 45 out of the image area ((1)). As the cleaning member 68 moves while contacting the LED irradiation surface 45, the accumulated dust is pulled back together with the cleaning member 68 ((2)), and the LED irradiation surface 45 is soiled again ((3)). Such a phenomenon appears remarkably by repeating the cleaning operation many times.
[0028]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, after the dust on the LED irradiation surface 45 is wiped out of the image area on the outward path ((1)), the cleaning member 68 is moved on the return path. Since the dust is moved while being separated from the LED irradiation surface 45, the accumulated dust is not pulled back together with the cleaning member 68 ((2)), and the LED irradiation surface 45 is not soiled again ((3)). In particular, by allowing the cleaning member 68 to move to the outside in the longitudinal direction of the SLA 42, dust accumulated on the cleaning member 68 is eliminated from above the SLA 42, so that accumulation of dust on the cleaning member 68 can be prevented as much as possible. .
[0029]
The operation of bringing the cleaning member 68 into contact with or separating from the LED irradiation surface 45 is performed in a state where the cleaning member 68 is located outside the range of the image area. In particular, when the cleaning member 68 is separated from the LED irradiation surface 45, dust accumulated on the cleaning member 68 is likely to remain on the LED irradiation surface 45, so that the cleaning member 68 is located outside the image area. It is necessary to do it in the state where it is.
[0030]
Further, in the present embodiment, a mechanical mechanism is used as a means for bringing the cleaning member 68 into contact with and separating from the LED irradiation surface 45, but it is also possible to use an electromagnetic mechanism to make the cleaning member 68 contact and separate.
Further, the movement of the cleaning unit 53 is manually performed by the cleaning rod 52, but an electric driving unit can be used.
[0031]
◎ Embodiment 2
In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 having the configuration in which the LPH 12 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 10 has been described. In the second embodiment, an image forming apparatus 1 having a configuration in which an LPH 12 is disposed below a photosensitive drum 10 will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.
FIG. 7 illustrates an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a charging roller 11, an LPH 12, a developing device 13, and a cleaner 15 around a photosensitive drum 10 that rotates at a constant speed in the direction of arrow F. It is arranged below the photosensitive drum 10.
[0032]
Next, the LPH 12 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the configuration of LPH 12 in the present embodiment. 8, the LPH 12 is similar to the LPH 12 according to the first embodiment in that the LPH 12 includes an LPH housing 40, an LED array 41, an SLA 42, and a cleaning device 43.
In the present embodiment, the LPH housing 40 is formed of, for example, a sheet metal such as aluminum, and the housing main body 71, the LED array holding portion 72 that holds the LED array 41, and the lens holding portion 73 that holds the SLA 42 are bent. And are integrally connected. Note that the LED array holding unit 72 and the lens holding unit 73 are configured such that the light emitting point of the LED array 41 and the focal point of the SLA 42 coincide with each other.
[0033]
Here, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the LPH 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the housing body 71 is bent into a “U” shape with the LED array holder 72 as one side. By bending in this way, it is possible to increase the vibration resistance of the LPH housing 40 in the optical axis direction of the SLA 42, so that it is possible to prevent the sharpness of the image from being reduced by the vibration and to manufacture the LPH housing at low cost. It becomes possible.
[0034]
In the LPH housing 40, the main part of the cleaning device 43 is disposed in the “U” -shaped internal space of the housing main body 71, and only the swing member 61 is disposed outside the LPH housing 40. That is, the cleaning device 43 includes a support member 50 provided with the rail portion 51, a cleaning rod 52, a cleaning rod supporting member (not shown), and a cleaning portion 53 excluding the swing member 61 provided with the cleaning member 68. Are stored inside the housing body 71. With this configuration, the LPH 12 can be reduced in size, and the LPH 12 can be arranged in a limited space around the photoreceptor drum 10, so that the size of the image forming apparatus 1 can be easily reduced.
[0035]
Also in the present embodiment, when the cleaning member 68 is moved in one direction, the cleaning member 68 moves in contact with the LED irradiation surface 45 of the SLA 42, and when the cleaning member 68 is moved in the opposite direction. The cleaning member 68 is configured to move while being separated from the LED irradiation surface 45 of the SLA 42.
[0036]
In the present embodiment, a case where the cleaning member 68 moves while abutting the LED irradiation surface 45 and a case where the cleaning member 68 moves while being separated from each other will be described. 10A illustrates a case where the cleaning unit 53 moves rightward in the drawing, and FIG. 10B illustrates a case where the cleaning unit 53 moves leftward in the drawing.
In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, when the cleaning unit 53 moves rightward in the drawing, the protrusion 63 is pressed as the cleaning rod 52 is pressed rightward in the drawing. The swing member 61 is swung. In this case, the swing member 61 swings until the left lower surface 61b of the swing member 61 abuts the step surface 60a provided on the support member 60, and causes the cleaning member 68 to contact the LED irradiation surface 45. Then, the cleaning unit 53 slides along the rail unit 51 while maintaining the state in which the cleaning member 68 is in contact with the LED irradiation surface 45, and the cleaning member 68 cleans the LED irradiation surface 45.
[0037]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the cleaning unit 53 moves to the left in the drawing, the protrusion 63 swings the rocking member 61 as the cleaning rod 52 is pulled to the left in the drawing. Move. In this case, the swing member 61 swings until the lower right surface 61c of the swing member 61 abuts the step surface 60a provided on the support member 60, and separates the cleaning member 68 from the LED irradiation surface 45. Then, the cleaning unit 53 slides along the rail 51 while maintaining the state where the cleaning member 68 is separated from the LED irradiation surface 45, but the cleaning member 68 does not clean the LED irradiation surface 45.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, since the LPH 12 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 10, the LED irradiation surface 45 is installed facing upward. The developing device 13 is located above the LPH 12. Therefore, the amount of dust that adheres to the LED irradiation surface 45 due to toner or the like that falls from the developing device 13 increases. Therefore, when the cleaning member 68 is moved in one direction, the cleaning member 68 contacts the LED irradiation surface 45 of the SLA 42 and moves. When the cleaning member 68 is moved in the opposite direction, the cleaning member 68 is moved. By configuring the SLA 42 so as to move while being separated from the LED irradiation surface 45, the effect of preventing the cleaning ability of the cleaning device 43 from lowering is great.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can maintain a clear image while preventing a reduction in the cleaning ability of the cleaning device and that can be downsized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an LPH.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an LPH cleaning device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a cleaning unit.
FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a state in which a cleaning member comes into contact with and separates from an LED irradiation surface.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for comparing the remaining state of dust when the cleaning member cleans the LED irradiation surface.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an LPH.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the LPH.
FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a state in which the cleaning member comes into contact with and separates from the LED irradiation surface.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 10 ... Photoconductor drum, 11 ... Charging roller, 12 ... LPH, 13 ... Developing device, 14 ... Transfer roller, 15 ... Cleaner, 16 ... Fixing device, 16A ... Heating roller, 16B ... Pressure roller , 20: recording paper, 21: LPH drive unit, 22: developing housing, 23: developing roller, 24: cleaning blade, 25: cleaner housing, 30: host computer (HOST), 31: paper feeding roller, 40: LPH housing 41, LED array, 42, Selfoc lens array (SLA), 43, cleaning device, 44, adjustment pin, 45, LED irradiation surface, 50, support member, 51, rail, 52, cleaning rod, 53, cleaning Reference numeral 54: Cleaning rod support member, 60: Support member, 61: Swing member, 62: Support shaft, 63: Convex portion, 64: Notch portion of the swing member, 6 ... support member notch, 66 ... curved portion, 67 ... fastening member, 68 ... cleaning member, 71 ... housing main body, 72 ... LED array holder, 73 ... lens holding unit

Claims (7)

A photoreceptor,
Exposure means for exposing the photoconductor,
Optical means for forming an image of the light irradiated from the exposure means on the photoreceptor,
Cleaning means for cleaning the light irradiation surface of the optical means,
The cleaning means,
A cleaning member that can freely contact and separate from the light irradiation surface,
Moving means for reciprocating the cleaning member along the light irradiation surface,
And a contact / separation means for bringing the cleaning member into contact with the light irradiation surface when the reciprocating movement is performed in one direction, and separating the cleaning member from the light irradiation surface when moving in the opposite direction. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit moves the cleaning member to an outside in a longitudinal direction of the optical unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contacting / separating unit performs a separating operation outside an image area of the optical unit. Exposure means for exposing the photoreceptor,
Optical means for forming an image of the light irradiated from the exposure means on the photoreceptor,
Cleaning means for cleaning the light irradiation surface of the optical means,
The cleaning means reciprocates a cleaning member along the light irradiation surface, makes the cleaning member abut on the light irradiation surface when moving in one direction of the reciprocating movement, and cleans the cleaning member when moving in the opposite direction. A print head, wherein a member is separated from the light irradiation surface. Exposure means for exposing the photoreceptor,
Optical means for forming an image of the light irradiated from the exposure means on the photoreceptor,
A housing supporting the exposure unit and the optical unit,
Cleaning means for cleaning the light irradiation surface of the optical means,
The print head, wherein the cleaning means reciprocates a cleaning member along the light irradiation surface and is disposed inside the housing. The print head according to claim 5, wherein the housing is formed by bending a plate material. A cleaning member that can freely contact and separate from a light irradiation surface of an optical unit that forms light,
Moving means for reciprocating the cleaning member along the light irradiation surface,
And a contact / separation means for bringing the cleaning member into contact with the light irradiation surface when the reciprocating movement is performed in one direction, and separating the cleaning member from the light irradiation surface when moving in the opposite direction. And cleaning equipment.

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