Patent ID: 8712281
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an apparatus main body having an opening and a cover; a plurality of photosensitive drums each having both ends in an axial direction; a plurality of exposing members each configured to expose a corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums to light for forming an electrostatic latent image on the corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums; and a photosensitive-drum supporting member having a pair of side walls confronting the both ends of each of the plurality of photosensitive drums, the photosensitive-drum supporting member being configured to support the plurality of photosensitive drums between the pair of side walls, the photosensitive-drum supporting member being configured to move between: a stowed position at which the photosensitive-drum supporting member is stowed within the apparatus main body; and a moved position at which the photosensitive-drum supporting member is moved from the stowed position to outside the apparatus main body through the opening, wherein the plurality of exposing members is provided at the photosensitive-drum supporting member such that the plurality of exposing members is configured to move between: an exposing position at which each of the plurality of exposing members is adjacent to the corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums; and a retracted position at which each of the plurality of exposing members is separated from the corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums and is engaged by an engaging part; and wherein the plurality of exposing members is accommodated within the photosensitive-drum supporting member both at the exposing position and at the retracted position, the apparatus further comprising: an action receiving section provided at each of the plurality of exposing members, the action receiving section protruding from the pair of side walls outward in the axial direction; and an action member provided outside the pair of side walls such that the action member is configured to move relative to the photosensitive-drum supporting member, the action member being configured to contact the action receiving section so as to move the plurality of exposing members between the exposing position and the retracted position.