JP2012118437A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving assembly accuracy.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus at least comprises: an exposure unit (U300) for exposing a surface of a photoreceptor by means of light-emitting diode as a light source; a photoreceptor unit (U61) including the photoreceptor (a photoreceptor drum 28); an image forming unit (U70) for forming an image on a record medium based on an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor by the exposure unit; and a paper feed conveyance unit (a paper feeding unit U2) for feeding and conveying the record medium, as a plurality of units for separately including functions necessary for forming an image on a record medium (a piece of paper P). The apparatus is configured only by mutually positioning and connecting the plurality of units.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, in an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system or the like, a light emitting element such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is used as a means for forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating a photoconductor with light based on image information. Arranged in a row in the direction along the axial direction of the photosensitive member (main scanning direction), the light emitted from each light emitting element is irradiated onto the surface of the photosensitive member through an optical element such as a converging lens to form a latent image. Some employ an optical writing device that performs writing.

  Various image forming apparatuses employing such an optical writing apparatus have been proposed.

  For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-15051 discloses an image forming apparatus having a structure in which an LED array is attached to a side frame on which a photosensitive drum is rotatably mounted.

  In this image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum is attached by supporting the photosensitive drum by passing a support shaft provided in the side frame through the center holes formed in the flanges at both ends, or by exposing both ends of the drum. This is done by supporting the outer periphery of the surface in a sliding hole provided in the side frame.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is configured by fixing the above-described optical writing device, a developing device that develops an image using toner or the like, a fixing device that fixes an image to printing paper, etc., to a frame provided in the housing. is doing.

  Thus, in the configuration in which each device is positioned by the frame, there is an inconvenience that the accumulated tolerance in attaching each device becomes large.

  On the other hand, due to intensifying price competition for image forming apparatuses, there is a demand to reduce the number of parts by unitizing each apparatus to reduce costs.

  Various techniques relating to an image forming apparatus configured by incorporating a unit into a frame have been proposed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-43929 discloses an image processing conveyance unit in which a paper feeding unit, an image processing unit, and a fixing discharge unit are arranged in a vertical order in this order from below, and a cross section erected on both sides of one end of a base. The developing unit of the image processing unit is held by a substantially U-shaped unit holding part and a resin frame in which a columnar body is integrally formed at the other end, an exposure optical unit is attached to the upper end of the resin frame, and the exposure optical unit A technique is disclosed in which the image processing conveyance unit is arranged so that the uppermost part of the image processing conveyance unit comes to an area portion that is not scanned by the two reflecting means.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-15051 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-43929

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving assembly accuracy.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is charged to a preset potential as a plurality of assemblies provided with divided functions necessary for forming an image on a recording medium. A photosensitive member assembly including a photosensitive member, an exposure assembly that exposes a surface of the photosensitive member using a light emitting diode as a light source, and a recording medium based on an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member by the exposure assembly. At least an image forming assembly for forming an image thereon and a paper feeding and conveying assembly for supplying and conveying the recording medium, and the plurality of assemblies are positioned and connected to each other without using a frame. It is characterized by being.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein at least the exposure assembly is held in a non-detachable state by being connected to another assembly.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, positioning is performed without using a frame (frame), and cumulative tolerance is reduced to improve assembly accuracy. An image forming apparatus can be provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, at least the exposure assembly is held in a non-detachable state, and an image forming apparatus capable of ensuring rigidity. Can be provided.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the assembly process of image forming apparatus PR1 which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a continuation of an example of an assembly process of the image forming apparatus PR1 according to the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the assembly process of image forming unit U10 used for image forming apparatus PR1 which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the assembly process of image forming apparatus PR1 which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the assembly process of image forming apparatus PR1 which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an image forming apparatus PR1 according to an embodiment. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus PR1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of an image forming unit U10 used in the image forming apparatus PR1 according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  An image forming apparatus PR1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, an assembly process of the image forming apparatus PR1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

  In this embodiment, the assembly is called a unit, and the frame is called a frame.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the assembly process is started, first, in step S1, a paper feeding unit (an example of a paper feeding / conveying unit) U2 in which a paper feeding mechanism is unitized is a front portion of the image forming apparatus PR1. Are positioned and attached to the front unit U1 constituting the.

  Next, in step S10, drive units U20 and U21 in which drive mechanisms such as gears are unitized are attached to an image forming unit U10 including a photosensitive drum and the like.

  Subsequently, in step S11, a power supply unit U30 obtained by unitizing a low-voltage power supply, a high-voltage power supply, a power supply controller, and the like is attached to the image forming unit U10.

  Next, in step S2, the image forming unit U10 to which the various units are attached in steps S10S and 11 is positioned and attached to the upper side of the paper feeding unit U2.

  In step S3, the toner supply control unit U40 is positioned and attached to the upper side of the unit assembly assembled in step S2.

  Next, in step S4, drive units U50, U51, U52 in which drive mechanisms such as gears are unitized are attached to the assembly of units assembled in step S3.

  Subsequently, in step S5 shown in FIG. 2, the power supply circuit unit and the interface board of the exposure apparatus are attached to the assembly of units assembled in step S4.

  Next, in step S6, the heat fixing unit U60 for fixing to the printing paper and the fan unit U200 for discharging exhaust heat are attached to the assembly of units assembled in step S5.

  In step S7, covers that cover the assembly of units assembled in step S5 are attached, and the assembly of the image forming apparatus PR1 is completed.

  In step S8, the four color toner cartridges T1Y, T1M, T1C, and T1K are inserted into the toner cartridge housing portion of the image forming apparatus PR1 and bundled to be in a shipping state.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus PR1 according to the present invention, since a plurality of units are positioned and assembled with each other without using a frame, the cumulative tolerance is larger than when various apparatuses are attached to the frame. Assembly accuracy is improved.

  In addition, since functions necessary for forming an image on a printing paper (an example of a recording medium) are divided into a plurality of units, the number of parts is reduced and the cost is reduced.

  Next, referring to FIG. 3, the assembly process of the above-described image forming unit U10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the assembly process is started, first, in step S20, an exposure unit that exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum to the photosensitive unit U61 including the photosensitive drum using a light emitting diode (LED) as a light source. U300 are positioned and attached to each other.

  The exposure unit U300 is held in a non-detachable state by being connected to the photoreceptor unit U61, and the rigidity is ensured.

  Next, in step S21, the developing unit U62 that performs development using toner is positioned and attached to the assembly of units assembled in step S20 to form the image forming unit U70.

  In step S22, four image forming units U70 formed as described above are combined in parallel in correspondence with four colors (YMCK) to form a YMCK compatible image forming unit U80.

  Next, in step S23, a transfer unit U63 for transferring an image is positioned and attached to the YMCK compatible image forming unit U80 formed in step S22, and the image forming unit U10 is assembled.

  Here, the above-described exposure unit U300 is held in a non-detachable state by being connected to the photoreceptor unit U61 and the like, and rigidity is ensured.

  In designing the image forming unit U10, the photosensitive drums 28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K (see FIGS. 6 and 8 described later), the developing unit U62 (70Y, 70M, 70C, and 70K: FIG. 6 described later). The life of the main parts such as FIG. 8) and the life of the main body of the image forming apparatus PR1 may be substantially matched so that the parts are not periodically replaced.

  For example, if 50,000 sheets are printed, the specifications are such that the main components and the main body of the image forming apparatus are used up. It should be noted that the parts are replaced on the assumption that the parts need to be repaired irregularly (for example, when the parts are accidentally damaged).

  Next, another assembly process of the apparatus main body M2 of the image forming apparatus PR1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the photosensitive member U61 from which the support shaft is removed is connected to the developing unit U62 by a connecting shaft and a connecting hole (not shown), and then temporarily fixed by a latch structure (not shown).

  Then, the transfer unit U63 is connected to the image forming unit U70 from above.

  Next, the support shaft of the photosensitive member is inserted through the photosensitive member, the through hole portion of the middle housing, and the through hole portion of the upper housing.

  After assembling the image forming unit U10, it is further assembled to the paper feeding unit U2 to form the mechanism M1.

  Furthermore, the heat fixing unit U60, the fan unit U200, and the like are positioned and attached to the mechanism M1, and the main body M2 of the image forming apparatus PR1 is assembled.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus PR1 is completed through the assembly steps of steps S7 and S8 in FIG.

  When assembling the image forming unit U10, the tension coil springs may be engaged with the support shafts and hook portions (not shown) of the developing rolls 78Y, 78M, 78C, and 78K (see FIG. 8), respectively. .

  As a result, the image forming unit U10 that holds the photosensitive unit U61 between the developing unit U62 and the transfer unit U63 by the urging force of the tension coil spring is formed.

  Further, the positioning of the developing rolls 78Y, 78M, 78C, 78K (see FIG. 8) with respect to the photoreceptors 28Y, 28M, 28C, 28K (see FIG. 8), and the developing units U62 (70Y, 70M, 70C,. 70K: see FIG. 8) is performed at the same time.

  As a result, the image forming unit U10 having good assemblability and a simple structure is assembled. Further, when a tension coil spring is used as the elastic body, the structure of the device is further simplified.

  Next, another assembly process of the apparatus main body M3 of the image forming apparatus PR1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the assembly process is started, first, the toner supply units U40 are positioned and attached to each other from the side of the image forming unit U10.

  Thereafter, toner cartridges T2 corresponding to four colors (YMCK) are positioned and attached to the toner supply unit U40.

  In addition, the secondary transfer unit U101 is positioned and attached to the image forming unit U10.

  Further, the transfer unit U63 through which the shaft 500 is inserted is positioned and attached to the upper side of the YMCK compatible image forming unit U80.

  The assembly of the transfer unit U63 and the YMCK-compatible image forming unit U80 is positioned and attached to each other from the side opposite to the side on which the toner supply unit U40 is attached, and the image forming apparatus PR1. The apparatus main body M3 is assembled.

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus PR1 is completed through the assembly steps of steps S7 and S8 in FIG.

  As described above, since the image forming apparatus PR1 according to the present invention can be assembled by positioning a plurality of units with each other without using a frame, the accumulated tolerance is larger than when various apparatuses are attached to the frame. This reduces the assembly accuracy.

  In addition, since functions necessary for forming an image on a printing paper (an example of a recording medium) are divided into a plurality of units, the number of parts is reduced and the cost is reduced.

  According to the estimation of the present inventor, the number of parts was reduced by about 22% and the cost (manufacturing cost) was reduced by about 33% compared to the conventional case.

  Next, the outline of the configuration of the image forming apparatus PR1 assembled in the assembly process as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 shows the assembled image forming apparatus PR1.

  The image forming apparatus PR1 is a digital printer that forms a color image or a monochrome image, and an image processing apparatus (not shown) is provided therein.

  The image forming apparatus PR1 performs image processing on image data sent from a personal computer or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7, toner cartridges 11Y, 11M that contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners are disposed in the side portions inside the image forming apparatus PR1. 11C and 11K are attached.

  In the side portions inside the image forming apparatus PR1, cartridge housing portions 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K that detachably store toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively, are toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, and 11C. , 11K.

  With this configuration, the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are detachably provided on the printer body.

  In the following description, Y, M, C, and K are given to the reference numerals of the members corresponding to the colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (black) for distinction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, four image forming units U70 (12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K) corresponding to Y, M, C, and K developers are disposed in the center of the image forming apparatus PR1. ing.

  The developer is, for example, a mixture of a non-magnetic type toner and a magnetic carrier.

  A transfer unit U63 is provided above each image forming unit U70 (12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K).

  The image forming unit U10 is configured by the image forming unit U70 (12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K) and the transfer unit U63.

  The transfer unit U63 is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 16 as an example of an intermediate transfer body and the intermediate transfer belt 16, and each toner image of each image forming unit U70 (12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K) is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. Primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K serving as four primary transfer members to be multiplex-transferred to 16 and a secondary transfer roll 20 that transfers the toner image superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 16 onto the recording paper P. Have.

  The intermediate transfer belt 16 is wound with a constant tension between a drive roll 26 that is disposed opposite to the secondary transfer roll 20 and is driven by a motor (not shown), and a tension roll 22. It is designed to be circulated in the direction of arrow X in FIG.

  The primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K are connected to the later-described photoreceptors 28 (28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K) of the respective image forming units U70 (12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K) with the intermediate transfer belt 16 interposed therebetween. Opposed.

  Further, a transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner polarity is applied to the primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K. The secondary transfer roll 20 is also applied with a transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner polarity.

  A cleaning device 30 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 at the downstream position of the secondary transfer roll.

  The cleaning device 30 includes a waste toner conveying auger 32 and a cleaning blade 34. The residual toner auger 32 and the cleaning blade 34 remove residual toner, paper dust, and the like on the intermediate transfer belt 16.

  A control unit 36 that performs drive control of each part of the image forming apparatus PR1 is provided in the vicinity of the side surface of the image forming apparatus PR1 opposite to the conveyance path of the recording paper P.

  On the other hand, a paper feed cassette 46 in which the recording paper P is stored is disposed below the image forming unit U70.

  A sheet conveyance path 50 for conveying the recording sheet P is provided vertically above the end of the sheet feeding cassette 46.

  In the sheet conveyance path 50, a sheet feeding roll 48 that feeds the recording sheet P from the sheet feeding cassette 46, a sheet separating and conveying roll pair 52 that feeds the recording sheet P one by one, and an image on the intermediate transfer belt 16. Is provided with a paper leading edge alignment roll 54 for adjusting the movement timing of the recording paper P and the conveyance timing of the recording paper P. Here, the recording paper P sequentially sent out from the paper feed cassette 46 by the paper feed roll 48 passes through the paper transport path 50 and is secondary to the intermediate transfer belt 16 by the paper tip alignment roll 54 that rotates intermittently. It is once transported to the transfer position.

  A fixing device 60 is provided above the secondary transfer roll 20. The fixing device 60 includes a heated heating roll 62 and a pressure roll 64 pressed against the heating roll 62.

  Here, the recording paper P on which the toner image of each color has been transferred by the secondary transfer roll 20 is fixed by heat and pressure at the pressure contact portion between the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 64, and the recording paper P is transported downstream in the conveyance direction. A discharge roller 66 as an example of a discharge device provided on the image forming device is discharged to a discharge portion 68 provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus PR1.

  Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 after the secondary transfer process of the toner image by the cleaning device 30.

  Next, the image forming unit U70 will be described.

  Here, as an example, a unit 12M that constitutes a part of the image forming unit U70 will be described.

  The image forming units U70 (12Y, 12C, 12K) have the same structure.

  Further, the constituent members of the image forming unit 12M are displayed with the symbol M omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the image forming unit 12M includes a photoconductor unit U61 and a developing unit U62 provided below the photoconductor unit U61.

  The photoconductor unit U61 is provided with a photoconductor 28 that is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A.

  Around the photoreceptor 28, a charging roll 72 as an example of a charging device that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 28 and uniformly charges the photoreceptor 28, and an LED print that irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor 28 with exposure light. There are provided a head 73, an erase lamp 74 as an example of a static eliminator that performs neutralization by irradiating the surface of the photoreceptor 28 after transfer, and a cleaning unit 76 that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor 28 after neutralization. ing.

  The charging roll 72, the LED print head 73, the developing unit U62, the erase lamp 74, and the cleaning unit 76 are opposed to the surface of the photoconductor 28 in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 28. Has been placed.

  A cleaning roll 79 that removes toner adhering to the surface of the charging roll 72 is rotatably provided on the outer peripheral surface of the charging roll 72 opposite to the photoreceptor 28.

  The charging roll 72 is connected to an energizing unit (not shown), and electrifies the surface of the photoreceptor 28 when energized during image formation.

  The developing unit U62 is a unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 28 with exposure light with each color developer (toner), and is provided in the developing chamber 82 and the developing chamber 82 below. And a stirring / conveying chamber 84 for agitating (mixing) the developer supplied from the toner cartridge 11 and transporting the developer to the developing chamber 82.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the agitation transport chamber 84 is partitioned by a partition wall 93 erected from the bottom surface, and two stirrer paths, a first agitation path 84A and a second agitation path 84B, are provided.

  Opened first connection ports and second connection ports (both not shown) are formed at both end positions of the partition wall 93, and the first connection port and the second connection port allow the first connection port and the second connection port. The stirring path 84A and the second stirring path 84B are connected.

  The upper surface of the second stirring path 84B is an opening and is connected to the developing chamber 82.

  One end of the first stirring path 84A is formed with a protruding portion 90 that protrudes outward from the end surface of the second stirring path 84B. To the upper surface of the protruding portion 90, toner from the toner cartridge 11 is supplied. An opening to be formed is formed.

  A first stirring / conveying member 91 is disposed in the first stirring path 84A. Similarly, a second stirring / conveying member 92 is disposed in the second stirring path 84B.

  The first stirring / conveying member 91 and the second stirring / conveying member 92 are driven by a driving unit including a motor and a gear (not shown).

  Here, the developer in the agitating and conveying chamber 84 is obtained by rotating the first agitating and conveying member 91 in the direction of the arrow C and the second agitating and conveying member 92 in the direction of the arrow D (directions where the arrows C and D are different). The toner is mixed with the supplied toner and is conveyed while being stirred and mixed in the first stirring path 84A and the second stirring path 84B, respectively, and circulates between the first stirring path 84A and the second stirring path 84B. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the developing chamber 82 is connected to the second stirring path 84B. The developing chamber 82 is provided with a developing roll 78 that rotates in the direction of arrow B with the longitudinal direction of the photoreceptor 28 as the axial direction.

  Further, the developing chamber 82 is provided with a thin layer forming roll 97 as a layer regulating member. Positioning portions 78G for positioning the photosensitive member 28 and the developing roller 78 (that is, setting a gap) are formed at both ends of the developing roller 78 so as to contact the surface (circumferential surface) of the photosensitive member 28.

  The thin layer forming roll 97 is disposed on the upstream side of the photosensitive member 28 in the rotation direction of the developing roll 78 and spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the developing roll 78, and regulates the amount of developer passing on the developing roll 78. Thus, a developer layer (thin layer) having a predetermined thickness is formed on the developing roll 78.

  The developing roll 78 is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor 28 through an opening (not shown) formed in the developing chamber 82. Further, the developing roll 78 includes a magnet roll 78B as a magnetic field generating means fixed to the developing chamber 82, and a developing sleeve 78A as a cylindrical rotating body that is provided in a hollow cylindrical shape so as to be rotatable around the magnet roll 78B. It consists of and. A bias voltage is applied between the developing roller 78 and the photosensitive member 28 to form an electric field, and the toner in the developer is moved toward the latent image on the photosensitive member 28 during development. Yes.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications that fall within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

  For example, the number of units and functions are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number of units may be increased or decreased, or units having other functions may be added.

  Further, the assembly order in the assembly process is not limited to the present embodiment, and they may be assembled by being aligned with each other in another order.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to a printer, a multifunction machine, or the like using an LED as a light source.

PR1 Image forming apparatus U1 Front unit U2 Paper feeding unit U10 Image forming unit U20, U21 Drive unit U30 Power supply unit U40 Toner supply control unit U50, U51, U52 Drive unit U60 Heating and fixing unit U61 Photosensitive unit U62 Developing unit U63 Transfer unit U70 Image forming unit U80 YMCK compatible image forming unit U101 Secondary transfer unit U200 Fan unit U300 Exposure unit T1, T2, 11 Toner cartridge 16 Intermediate transfer belt 18 Primary transfer roll 20 Secondary transfer roll 22 Tension roll 26 Drive roll 28 Photosensitive drum 30 Cleaning device 32 Waste toner transfer auger 34 Cleaning blade 36 Control unit 46 Paper feed cassette 48 Paper feed roll 50 Paper transport path 52 Roll pair 54 Roll 60 Fixing device 62 Heating roll 64 Pressing roll 66 Discharging roll 68 Discharging unit 72 Charging roll 73 Print head 74 Erase lamp 76 Cleaning unit 78 Developing roll 78A Developing sleeve 78B Magnet roll 79 Cleaning roll 82 Developing chamber 84 Agitating and conveying chamber 90 Protruding portion 91 Agitating and conveying member 92 Agitating and conveying member 93 Partition wall 97 Thin layer forming roll 500 Shaft M1 Mechanism portion M2 Apparatus body M3 Apparatus body P Recording sheet

Claims (2)

A plurality of assemblies provided with divided functions necessary for forming an image on a recording medium, a photoconductor assembly including a photoconductor charged to a preset potential, and the photoconductor using a light emitting diode as a light source. An exposure assembly for exposing the surface of the image forming apparatus, an image forming assembly for forming an image on a recording medium based on an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member by the exposure assembly, and supply and conveyance of the recording medium Including at least a sheet feeding and conveying assembly,
The plurality of assemblies are positioned and connected to each other without using a frame. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least the exposure assembly is held in a non-detachable state by being connected to another assembly.

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