Patent ID: 7580653
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a latent image carrier that carries a latent image on an endlessly moving surface; a latent-image writing unit that writes the latent image on the surface; a holder that moves between a first position and a second position while holding the latent-image writing unit to move the latent-image writing unit held by itself between a writing operation position and a retracted position; and a developing unit that develops the latent image carried by the latent image carrier, wherein the holder holds a held portion provided in the latent-image writing unit to allow a free movement thereof and urges the latent-image writing unit in a predetermined direction by an urging unit, thereby bringing the held portion in the latent-image writing unit into contact with a contact target portion of the holder when separated from the writing operation position, the predetermined direction including a substantial horizontal component and a substantial vertical component when the held portion contacts the contact target portion.