Patent ID: 8977161
Filing Date: 2015-03-10
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image bearing member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; an exposure unit including an optical device that irradiates the image bearing member with light to form the electrostatic latent image, a casing that defines a storage space in which the optical device is located, and a polygon mirror; and a main housing including a partition wall that divides an inner space of the main housing into a first space in which the image bearing member is located and a second space in which the exposure unit is located, wherein the casing includes a first opening wall having a first opening through which the storage space communicates with the second space, wherein the optical device irradiates the image bearing member with light through the first opening, wherein air in the storage space can flow into the second space, and air in the second space can flow into the storage space, wherein rotation of the polygon mirror facilitates exchange of air between the storage space and the second space, wherein the partition wall includes a second opening wall having a second opening, wherein the light emitted through the first opening travels to the image bearing member through the second opening, wherein the main housing includes a closing member that closes the second opening, wherein the second space is a sealed space protected from dust floating in the first space, and wherein the second space has a capacity that is at least 1.5 times as large as that of the storage space.