Imaging device

Abstract

An imaging device includes a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a fixing device, a device body, and a fan, wherein the fan includes a rotating shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum and blades surrounding the rotating shaft. The developing device develops the colorant image on the photosensitive drum. The fixing device fixes the colorant image from the photosensitive drum to a recording material. The device body is provided with a discharge port, and the recording material fixed with the toner is discharged from the discharge port. The length of the fan rotating shaft in the longitudinal direction is longer than the diameter of the rotation trajectory of the blades. The fan is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device in the discharge direction of the recording material from the discharge port, and the fan overlaps with a portion of the developing device when viewed in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a cooling fan for sending out air. Background Art

[0002] Some conventional imaging devices (e.g., printers and copiers) employing electrophotographic methods are provided with cooling fans for sending out air. In such imaging devices, shutters are formed on an exterior member so that outside air can be drawn into the interior of the imaging device by the fan.

[0003] The sucked outside air is guided by the duct to cool the various units arranged inside the image forming apparatus and the sheets to be conveyed inside the apparatus. Some types of fans cool the various units and sheets by sending the air inside the image forming apparatus to the outside.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-218333 discusses an imaging device equipped with a cross-flow fan extending along the rotational axis of a photosensitive drum. This cross-flow fan can deliver air to a wide area across the width of a sheet, thereby cooling a wide area simultaneously. The cross-flow fan discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-218333 includes a fan body having multiple blades surrounding an axis, and a housing that houses the fan body. The housing has multiple air outlet ports formed therein. The housing can rotate relative to the fan body to change the direction of airflow.

[0005] The cross-flow fan discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-218333 is positioned above the fixing device between the discharge path, where sheets that have passed through the fixing device are directed to the discharge tray, and the reverse transport path, where sheets pass during duplex printing. The air flow is typically directed toward the discharge path and the reverse transport path to cool the sheets being transported. If both ends of the heating roller become overheated due to the continuous transport of small-sized sheets, the air flow is partially redirected toward the fixing device by rotating the housing.

[0006] According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-218333, a fan is positioned to cool the fixing device and the sheets being conveyed. However, the fan is positioned away from the developing device, which stores toner, causing the temperature around the developing device to rise. Therefore, it is necessary to extend a duct from the fan to the cartridge or to provide another fan to cool the area around the developing device to suppress the temperature increase. However, both approaches increase the size and cost of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a technology for preventing a temperature increase around a developing device while suppressing increases in size and cost of the device.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an imaging device includes: a photosensitive drum; a developing device, which is configured to develop the colorant image on the photosensitive drum; a fixing device, which is configured to fix the colorant image transferred from the photosensitive drum to a recording material; a device body, which is provided with a discharge port, and the recording material with the colorant image fixed thereon is discharged from the discharge port; and a fan, which includes a rotating shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum and blades surrounding the rotating shaft, wherein the length of the rotating shaft of the fan in the longitudinal direction is longer than the diameter of the rotation trajectory of the blades, and wherein, in the discharge direction of the recording material from the discharge port, the fan is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device, and when viewed in the vertical direction, the fan overlaps with a portion of the developing device.

[0009] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a perspective view illustrating attachment and detachment of a replenishing container according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C An air supply unit according to a first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figures 4A to 4D A modification of the configuration of the fan according to the first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 An air flow generated by the air supply unit according to the first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 An air supply unit according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0016] 7A to 7D A modification of the configuration of the fan according to the second exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B and Figure 8CAn air supply unit according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the sizes, materials, and shapes of the components described in the exemplary embodiments, as well as their relative arrangements, will be appropriately changed depending on the configuration or various conditions of the device to which the present disclosure is applied. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0019] Overall structure of the imaging device

[0020] The following describes a first exemplary embodiment. The overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is a monochrome laser beam printer that employs an electrophotographic process and forms an image on a recording material P using a developer (toner) based on image information transmitted from an external device such as a personal computer. Examples of the recording material P include recording sheets, label sheets, overhead projector (OHP) sheets, and cloth.

[0021] In the following description, when the imaging device 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the height direction of the imaging device 1 (the direction opposite to the vertical direction) is defined as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 21 described below (i.e., the main scanning direction) is defined as the X direction. The direction intersecting the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction. Ideally, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction intersect each other perpendicularly. For convenience, the positive side and the negative side of the X direction are referred to as the right side and the left side, respectively. The positive side and the negative side of the Y direction are referred to as the front side and the rear side or the rear surface side, respectively. The positive side and the negative side of the Z direction are referred to as the upper side and the lower side, respectively.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 10 that forms a toner image on a recording material P, a feeding unit 60 that feeds the recording material P to the image forming unit 10, a fixing device 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 10 onto the recording material P, and a discharge roller pair 80. The apparatus main body 100 includes a control unit 360 that controls the image forming operation performed by the image forming unit 10 on the recording material P.

[0023] The imaging unit 10 includes a scanner unit (not shown), a process cartridge 20, and a transfer roller 12. The process cartridge 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22 disposed around the photosensitive drum 21, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing device 30 including a developing roller 31.

[0024] The photosensitive drum 21 is a photosensitive member formed into a cylindrical shape. The photosensitive drum 21 serving as an image bearing member is driven by a motor (not shown) to move along the Figure 1 As the photosensitive drum 21 rotates, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is sequentially charged by the charging roller 22.

[0025] The scanner unit (not shown) serving as an exposure unit irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with a laser beam based on image information input from an external device using a polygon mirror, thereby scanning and exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with the laser beam. By the exposure, an electrostatic latent image based on the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The scanner unit (not shown) is not limited to the above-described configuration, and, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) exposure device including an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 may be employed.

[0026] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 as a developer carrying member that carries developer (toner), a developing container 32 serving as a frame body of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that supplies the developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32.

[0027] The developing device 30 according to this exemplary embodiment employs a contact development method as a development method. Specifically, the developing roller 31 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 21. A development voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a high-voltage development power supply. Under this development voltage, the toner carried by the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image.

[0028] The toner pack 40 ( Figure 1 The developing container 32 (not shown) is attachable to and detachable from the imaging device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. The developing container 32 includes a replenishment port 32a, a storage unit 32b, and a replenishment unit 32c. The toner container 40 is attached to and detached from the replenishment port. The storage unit 32b includes a developing roller 31, a supply roller 33, and a stirring member 34 for stirring the toner. The replenishment unit 32c connects the replenishment port 32a and the storage unit 32b and guides the toner replenished from the toner pack 40 to the storage unit 32b.

[0029] The feeding unit 60 includes a front cover 61 that can be opened and closed relative to the apparatus body 100 (also referred to as a housing), a sheet feeding tray 62, and a pickup roller 65 that can move up and down. In the configuration according to this exemplary embodiment, with the front cover 61 open, a recording material P can be placed on the sheet feeding tray 62.

[0030] The fixing device 70 employs a thermal fixing method that performs a fixing process by heating and melting the toner. The fixing device 70 includes a fixing film 71, a heater 74 (a heating member, such as a ceramic heater) that heats the fixing film 71, and a thermistor (not shown) that measures the temperature of the heater 74. The fixing device 70 also includes a pressure roller 72 (a pressure member) that forms a fixing nip with the heater 74 via the fixing film 71 and applies pressure to the recording material P. The pressure roller 72 includes a rotation shaft 73 and is rotatable about the rotation shaft 73.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with an air blowing unit 90 for cooling the process cartridge 20. Although a detailed configuration is described below, the air blowing unit 90 includes a fan 91 that blows out air and a fan holder 92 that supports the fan 91 and forms an air path. The fan 91 includes a rotation shaft 91 a and is rotatable about the rotation shaft 91 a.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in the discharge direction DD, the rotation shaft 91a of the fan 91 is located on the downstream side of the rotation shaft 73 of the pressure roller 72. The fan 91 is located directly above the developing device 30 in the vertical direction, and the fan 91 and the developing device 30 are in such a relationship that, when viewed from above in the vertical direction, the fan 91 and the developing device 30 partially overlap each other. Among the components of the developing device 30, a portion of the storage unit 32b included in the developing container 32 particularly overlaps with the fan 91, and the replenishing unit 32c does not overlap with the fan 91.

[0033] Operation of imaging device

[0034] Next, the imaging operation performed by the imaging device 1 will be described. If an imaging instruction is input to the imaging device 1, the imaging unit 10 begins performing an imaging process based on image information input from an external computer connected to the imaging device 1. A scanner unit (not shown) irradiates the photosensitive drum 21 with a laser beam based on the input image information. At this point, the photosensitive drum 21 has already been pre-charged by the charging roller 22. Therefore, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating the photosensitive drum with the laser beam. The electrostatic latent image is then developed by the developing roller 31, forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0035] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the pickup roller 65 of the feeding unit 60 feeds the recording material P placed on the sheet feeding tray 62. The recording material P is fed to the registration roller pair 15 by the pickup roller 65 and abuts against the nip between the registration roller pair 15, thereby correcting the skew of the recording material P. The registration roller pair 15 is then driven at a timing synchronized with the transfer of the toner image and conveys the recording material P to the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0036] A transfer voltage is supplied to the transfer roller 12, serving as a transfer unit, from a high-voltage transfer power supply. The toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the recording material P, which is conveyed by the registration roller pair 15. The recording material P, onto which the toner image is transferred, is conveyed to the fixing device 70. The toner image is heated and pressurized while passing through the fixing nip formed by the fixing film 71 and the pressure roller 72 in the fixing device 70. As a result, the toner particles are melted by the heat treatment and then fixed, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material P.

[0037] The recording material P having passed through the fixing device 70 is discharged to the outside from a discharge port 85 formed in the apparatus main body 100 by a discharge roller pair 80 serving as a discharge unit. The direction in which the recording material P is discharged from the discharge port 85 is in the direction of Figure 1 The recording material P is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 85 and is loaded on the discharge tray 81 arranged at the upper portion of the apparatus body 100 .

[0038] Attachment and detachment structure of supplementary container

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B Describe the attachment and detachment configuration of the refill container. Figure 2A and Figure 2B 1 is a perspective view of the imaging device 1. Figure 2A As shown, a discharge port 85 is formed on the apparatus body 100 of the image forming apparatus 1, and a discharge tray 81 is provided near the discharge port 85. A cover 83 is a part of the discharge tray 81 and can be opened and closed relative to the apparatus body 100. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The closed state and the open state of the cover 83 are respectively shown.

[0040] like Figure 2B As shown, when the cover 83 is opened, the cover rear surface 83a, the upper wall 103, and the replenishment port 32a are exposed to the outside. The upper wall 103 protects the developer container 32 from above. The toner pack 40 is attached to the replenishment port 32a, and the developer container 32 is replenished with developer through the replenishment port. An opening is formed in the upper wall 103, and the replenishment port 32a is exposed through the opening.

[0041] When the toner pack 40 is attached to the replenishment port 32 a , a portion of the toner pack 40 protrudes toward the outside of the housing 100 , restricting the cover 83 from moving toward the closed position.

[0042] When the cover 83 is in the closed position, the replenishment port 32a and the upper wall 103 are covered by the cover 83. At this time, the replenishment port 32a and the upper wall 103 face the cover rear surface 83a. A user can access the replenishment port 32a with the cover 83 open. According to this exemplary embodiment, a direct replenishment method is employed, in which a user replenishes toner from a toner pack 40 filled with toner for replenishment into the developing device 30 while the developing device 30 is mounted on the imaging apparatus 1.

[0043] With the direct replenishment method, when the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge 20 becomes low, it is not necessary to remove the process cartridge 20 from the apparatus main body 100 and replace it with a new one, thereby improving usability. Compared to replacing the entire process cartridge 20, the developer container 32 can be replenished with toner at a lower cost. Since the direct replenishment method does not require replacement of various rollers and gears, costs can be reduced compared to replacing only the developer device 30 in the process cartridge 20.

[0044] The process cartridge 20 may be configured to be removable from the apparatus main body 100 .

[0045] Air supply unit structure

[0046] refer to Figure 1 、 Figures 3A to 3C as well as Figures 4A to 4D The configuration of the air supply unit 90 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the fan 91 is arranged between the fixing device 70 and the process cartridge 20, and is close to a portion below the discharge tray 81. By arranging the fan 91 at this position, as will be described below, it is possible to prevent heat generated in the fixing device 70 from being transferred to the process cartridge 20, and it is also possible to prevent heat from the recording material P heated by the fixing device 70 from being transferred to the process cartridge 20. Furthermore, it is possible to cool the recording material P conveyed by the discharge roller pair 80 while cooling the entire interior of the device main body 100.

[0047] Fan 91 along Figure 1 The fan 91 rotates clockwise in the direction of the axis of rotation and cools the inside of the apparatus main body 100 by drawing in outside air while exhausting the hot air inside the apparatus main body 100 to the outside. In addition, the fan 91 cools the recording material P while exhausting the inside air and can prevent the recording material P from adhering to each other on the discharge tray 81 due to the influence of the toner.

[0048] The fan holder 92 is fixed to a support (not shown) which is fixed to a metal plate frame (not shown) of the device body 100. The metal plate frame is provided at each position on the negative side (left side) and the positive side (right side) in the X direction, and the surface of the frame is substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

[0049] Assuming that the frames located on the negative and positive sides of the X-direction are respectively referred to as the left metal plate frame and the right metal plate frame, a support extending in the X-direction is fixed to the left metal plate frame at one end and to the right metal plate frame at the other end to connect the two frames. The fan holder 92 is then fixed to the support extending in the X-direction. In this way, the fan holder 92 can be firmly fixed to the metal plate frame (not shown) of the device body 100 by the support (not shown), thereby preventing vibration caused by the rotation of the fan 91 and noise caused by the vibration. In addition, in the case where the imaging device 1 is installed on a twisted floor surface, the distortion of the fan holder 92 can be suppressed, and abnormal noise during the rotation of the fan 91 can be prevented.

[0050] Since the fan 91 is arranged between the fixing device 70 and the process cartridge 20, it is possible to prevent heat from the fixing device 70 from flowing to the process cartridge 20. Furthermore, since the hot air around the process cartridge 20 is exhausted to the outside of the apparatus main body 100, an increase in the temperature in the process cartridge 20 is prevented, and the toner in the developing container 32 is prevented from adhering to the inside thereof.

[0051] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the fan 91 is arranged in the area connecting the fixing device 70 and the process cartridge 20, sucks air from the process cartridge 20 side, and discharges the air toward the recording material P conveyed by the discharge roller pair 80. Therefore, the fan 91 can effectively cool both the process cartridge 20 and the recording material P.

[0052] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C It is an enlarged view of the air supply unit 90 . Figure 3A This is an enlarged view of the air blowing unit 90 when viewed from the front side (positive side in the Y direction). Figure 3B The air supply unit 90 is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of section AA shown in FIG. Figure 3C The air supply unit 90 is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of section BB is shown in FIG.

[0053] like Figure 3A As shown, the fan 91 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a cross-flow fan extending in the X direction (the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21). The length of the fan 91 in the X direction is represented by Lw. Figure 3B As shown, the blower portion 91b of the fan 91, which actually blows air, is provided with four blades 97 surrounding the rotation axis 91a. The diameter of the rotation path of blades 97 is represented by Dw. The length Lw of the fan 91 in the X direction and the diameter Dw of the rotation path have a magnitude relationship of Lw>Dw.

[0054] The crossflow fan described above is characterized by its ability to evenly and efficiently deliver air to a wide object to be cooled, thereby preventing uneven cooling of the left and right sides of the object in the width direction. Furthermore, by extending blades 97 in the width direction, the total area of each blade 97 is increased, thereby ensuring a high air volume even when slowly rotating blades 97. This eliminates the need for high-speed rotation of fan 91 and reduces operating noise.

[0055] like Figure 3A As shown, a driving gear 93 is provided at an end portion on the positive side in the X direction of the air blowing unit 90. The driving gear 93 is a gear for rotating the fan 91 by receiving a driving force of a motor (not shown) provided in the imaging apparatus 1.

[0056] like Figure 3C As shown, boss 94 is provided at the end portion of fan 91 on the negative side in the X direction and is supported by fan holder 92. Boss 95 is provided at the end portion of fan 91 on the positive side in the X direction and is supported by a metal plate frame (not shown) on the right side of device body 100. Boss 95 passes through drive gear 93 and is fixed thereto. The two bosses 94 and 95 form the rotation axis 91a of fan 91.

[0057] The boss 95 is supported by the right metal plate frame (not shown) of the device body 100, so that the position accuracy can be ensured between the drive input gear (not shown) and the drive gear 93, which receives the driving force from the motor provided on the right metal plate frame (not shown).

[0058] like Figure 3C As shown, the fan 91 is provided with two reinforcing ribs 96 to ensure the rigidity of the fan 91 against torsion during rotation. Figure 3B As shown, the rotary fan 91 draws air in the apparatus body 100 into the fan holder 92 by using blades 97 and sends the air to the air outlet 92 a.

[0059] According to the present exemplary embodiment, reinforcing ribs 96 are provided to ensure the rigidity of fan 91 against torsion during rotation, but reinforcing ribs may not be provided if the rigidity can be ensured. The number of blades 97 is not limited to four, and the shape of each blade 97 is not limited to the shape described in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0060] Figures 4A to 4D Some variations of the configuration of the fan 91 are shown. Figures 4A to 4D , the ends of the recording material P of the maximum size that can be conveyed by the image forming apparatus 1 on the negative and positive sides in the X direction are denoted by Pa and Pb, respectively. Furthermore, the ends of the region of the fan 91 where the blades 97 are formed on the negative and positive sides in the X direction are denoted by 97a and 97b, respectively.

[0061] exist Figure 4A In the embodiment, the area where the blades 97 are formed extends outward from the width of the largest recording material P in the X direction. In other words, the end 97a is located on the negative side of the end Pa in the X direction, and the end 97b is located on the positive side of the end Pb in the X direction. The configuration described above is suitable for situations where, for example, the space for arranging the air supply unit 90 is limited and the size of each blade 97 (the diameter Dw of the rotational trajectory) cannot be increased. This is because a sufficient air volume can be ensured by extending the length of each blade 97 in the X direction to increase the total area of each blade 97.

[0062] When sufficient air volume is ensured, Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D As shown, both or only one of the end portions 97a and 97b may be located inside in the X direction relative to the end portions Pa and Pb of the maximum size of the recording material P. Figure 4B In FIG, the end portion 97a is located on the positive side of the end portion Pa in the X direction, and the end portion 97b is located on the negative side of the end portion Pb in the X direction. Figure 4C In FIG, the end portion 97a is located on the negative side of the end portion Pa in the X direction, and the end portion 97b is located on the negative side of the end portion Pb in the X direction. Figure 4D In FIG. 1 , the end portion 97 a is located on the positive side in the X direction relative to the end portion Pa, and the end portion 97 b is located on the positive side in the X direction relative to the end portion Pb.

[0063] exist Figures 4A to 4D In any of the configurations, the reinforcing ribs 96 are not necessary if the rigidity of the fan 91 against torsion during rotation can be ensured. According to the present exemplary embodiment, since a sufficient air volume can be ensured and in view of the arrangement of components near the air supply unit 90, the reinforcing ribs 96 are adopted. Figure 4B The structure in .

[0064] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the drive motor (not shown) for rotating the fan 91 also serves as a motor for driving the feed unit 60, the imaging unit 10, the fixing device 70, and the like. Therefore, when the imaging device 1 starts operating, the drive gear 93 and the fan 91 start rotating, and when the imaging device 1 stops operating, the drive gear 93 and the fan 91 stop rotating. However, a separate drive motor for driving only the fan 91 may be provided, and the fan 91 may be rotated by this drive motor even when the imaging device 1 stops operating.

[0065] Figure 5 The air flow generated by the fan 91 is shown. Figure 5As shown, the fan 91 rotates in the direction of arrow K (clockwise), and the air in the device body 100 flows in the direction of arrow L through the blades 97 of the fan 91 and is sucked into the fan holder 92. The air sucked into the fan holder 92 is sent out from the air outlet 92a in the direction of arrow M through the duct 87 formed by the discharge lower guide 88 and the discharge upper guide 89. In order not to reduce the air supply efficiency, the length of the duct 87 is made as short as possible and the shape of the duct is optimized.

[0066] An exhaust port 101 is formed in the apparatus main body 100 so as to be located vertically below the exhaust port 85 from which the recording material P is discharged. The air sent out through the duct 87 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 100 in the direction indicated by the arrow N through the exhaust port 101. In this manner, the hot air inside the apparatus main body 100 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 100.

[0067] At this time, the air discharged to the outside hits the lower surface (i.e., the printed surface) of the recording material P conveyed to the discharge tray 81 and cools the recording material P. The air blown toward the recording material P is the hot air inside the apparatus main body 100. However, the temperature of the air blown toward the lower surface of the recording material P is at least 40°C lower than the temperature of the recording material P heated by the fixing device 70, and thus the recording material P can be sufficiently cooled.

[0068] Furthermore, cooling each recording material P can prevent the recording media P from adhering to each other due to the influence of toner on the discharge tray 81. During a sheet interval in which the recording material P is not discharged, only the air inside the apparatus body 100 is discharged to the outside.

[0069] Air supply unit 90 expels heated air from inside device body 100 to the outside, while simultaneously drawing outside air into device body 100 through gaps between exterior components, gaps with the floor surface, sheet feed tray 62, and the like. As described above, outside air is drawn into device body 100 through various locations within the device, flows through the interior of device body 100, and cools the interior of device body 100. Air heated within device body 100 is exhausted to the outside of device body 100. Consequently, the entire device body 100 can be stably cooled.

[0070] As described above, the air supply unit 90 exhausts hot air while sucking in external air that is cooler than the air inside the apparatus body 100 through multiple locations of the apparatus body 100 , thereby stably cooling the entire interior of the apparatus body 100 and also cooling the recording material P.

[0071] According to this exemplary embodiment, since external air is drawn in through gaps between the various external components, gaps with the floor surface, and recording material storage spaces, as described above, louvers are not provided on the external components. In other words, conventionally, cooling fans are installed near the external components to draw in external air. Therefore, for safety reasons, louvers are provided on the air passage holes to prevent the user from coming into contact with the operating components (fan). However, according to this exemplary embodiment, the air supply unit 90 can be installed inside the device body 100, eliminating the need for louvers.

[0072] According to this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus body 100 is provided with an exhaust port 101, but no separate louver for drawing in air is provided. Therefore, the operating noise of the apparatus body 100 can be prevented from leaking outside the imaging device 1, thereby providing an imaging device with reduced noise emission. Furthermore, since the air supply unit 90 is initially positioned within the apparatus body 100, this has the effect of making the operating noise of the air supply unit 90 less likely to leak to the outside.

[0073] To improve the cooling performance of a specific unit or component, louvers can be installed on external components near the unit or component to be cooled to actively cool the unit or component by drawing in outside air. In this case, it is ideal to minimize the gaps between other external components and the gap to the floor surface so that more outside air can be drawn in through the louvers to cool the specific unit or component.

[0074] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to prevent an increase in temperature around the developing device 30 while suppressing an increase in size and cost of the device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toner stored in the developing container 32 from being fixed therein.

[0075] Next, refer to Figure 6 as well as 7A to 7D Description of the Second Exemplary Embodiment According to the present exemplary embodiment, only the shape of the fan 91 is different from that of the fan according to the first exemplary embodiment, and thus description of the configuration other than that will be omitted.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the fan 91 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of blower parts 91b in which blades 97 are formed in the direction of the rotation axis, and the blower parts 91b are connected to each other by cross-shaped ribs 98. In the case where it is not necessary to cool the entire area in the width direction, or in the case where a small air volume is sufficient, a fan 91b can be used. Figure 6The fan 91 shown cools the interior of the device body 100. As in the first exemplary embodiment, external air can also be drawn into the interior of the device body 100 through gaps between various exterior components, gaps with the floor surface, sheet feed tray 62, and the like. Furthermore, if it is desired to improve cooling performance for specific units or components, louvers can be provided on the exterior components to cool the specific units or components.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, the blower portion 91b is provided at four locations, but the number of locations where the blower portion 91b is provided is not limited to four, and the number of blower blades 97 is not limited to four. In addition, the shape of each blower blade 97 is not limited to the shape described in this exemplary embodiment.

[0078] According to this exemplary embodiment, by adjusting the diameter (Dw) of the fan 91, the air supply unit 90 can be installed in a space of any size, from a wide space to a narrow space. Therefore, the diameter (Dw) of the fan 91 can be set according to the space in which the air supply unit 90 is installed. As described above, the length (Lw) of the blades 97 can be set in consideration of the required air volume and the arrangement of components near the air supply unit 90.

[0079] like 7A to 7D As shown, one or more blower parts 91b may be provided along the rotation axis direction to cool the interior of the device body 100. Figure 7B As shown, when the unit or component to be cooled is only located near the center of the sheet passing area, only one blower part 91b can be set near the center, or the louver can be set at a position on the external component that is more efficient in cooling the unit or component to be cooled.

[0080] In such Figure 7C In the case where the central portion and both ends of the sheet passing area are to be cooled, the three blower sections 91b and the louvers can be set at corresponding positions where the cooling efficiency is high. Figure 7D As shown, when the size of the object to be cooled is different, the length of the blower part 91b in the width direction and the size of the louvers can be changed and set at corresponding positions with high cooling efficiency to efficiently cool the object.

[0081] As mentioned above, Figure 7B 、 Figure 7C and Figure 7D Each of the examples shows a case where louvers are provided on an external component to efficiently cool the object to be cooled. In these cases, it is desirable to minimize the gaps between other external components and the gap to the floor surface so that more outside air can be drawn in through the louvers to cool the unit or component to be cooled.

[0082] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first exemplary embodiment, it is possible to prevent air from being sent to a place where cooling is not desired, and usability is further improved.

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B as well as Figure 8C Description of the Third Exemplary Embodiment According to the present exemplary embodiment, only the fan 91 and the fan holder 92 are different from the fans and the fan holders described in the first and second exemplary embodiments, and thus description of the configurations other than these will be omitted.

[0084] Figure 8A and Figure 8B are perspective views of the air supply unit 90 and the fan 91 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 8B As shown, a plurality of blower parts 91b having blades 97 are provided along the rotation axis direction, and the blower parts 91b are connected to each other through ribs 91d and shaft 99. Shaft 99 constitutes the rotation axis 91a of fan 91. According to this exemplary embodiment, the number of blades 97 is set to 30.

[0085] In addition, if Figure 8A As shown, each air outlet 92a of the fan holder 92 is provided only within the range Wa (the range corresponding to the blower portion 91b) where the blades 97 are provided. In the case where the entire area in the width direction does not need to be cooled, the fan holder 92 can be provided with a plurality of air outlets 92a. Figure 8A The fan 91 shown cools the interior of the device body 100. By using the fan 91 having the air outlet 92a only in the area Wa where the blades 97 are provided as described above to deliver air, more air can be delivered to the units or components to be intensively cooled, thereby efficiently cooling these units or components. In this case, the units or components to be cooled are limited to those having a higher temperature than the air drawn in by the blades 97. As in the first exemplary embodiment, external air can be drawn into the device body 100 through gaps between external components, gaps with the floor surface, recording material storage spaces, and the like. Furthermore, if it is desired to improve the cooling performance of the units or components to be cooled, louvers can be provided on the external components to cool the units or components to be cooled.

[0086] exist Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B and Figure 8CIn the embodiment, three blower sections 91b and three air outlets 92a are provided. However, the number of blower sections 91b and the number of air outlets 92a are not limited to three, and the number of blades 97 is not limited to 30. In addition, the shape of each blade 97 is not limited to the shape described in this exemplary embodiment. The width of the area where the blades 97 are provided is not limited to the width Wa, which is the same as the width of the air outlet 92a described in this exemplary embodiment.

[0087] According to this exemplary embodiment, by adjusting the diameter (Dw) of the fan 91, the air supply unit 90 can be installed in a space of any size, from a wide space to a narrow space. Therefore, the diameter (Dw) of the fan 91 can be set according to the space in which the air supply unit 90 is installed. As described above, the length (Lw) of the blades 97 can be set in consideration of the required air volume and the arrangement of components near the air supply unit 90.

[0088] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first exemplary embodiment, it is possible to prevent air from being sent to a place where cooling is not desired, and usability is further improved.

[0089] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising: Photosensitive drum; a developing device configured to develop the toner image on the photosensitive drum; a fixing device configured to fix the toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum to a recording material; an apparatus main body provided with a discharge port from which the recording material to which the toner image is fixed is discharged, and an exhaust port provided vertically below the discharge port; and a fan including a rotation shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum and blades arranged around the rotation shaft, a duct provided between the fan and the exhaust port and configured to guide air drawn in by the fan to the exhaust port so that the air is discharged to the outside of the device body through the exhaust port; as well as A driving motor for driving the fan and the fixing device, wherein the length of the rotating shaft of the fan in the longitudinal direction is longer than the diameter of the rotating track of the blade, and wherein the fan is provided on a downstream side of the fixing device in a discharge direction of the recording material from the discharge port and overlaps a portion of the developing device when viewed in the vertical direction, and The fan is disposed below the exhaust port and above the developing device in the vertical direction.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The fixing device includes a heating member for heating the recording material and a pressure roller for pressing the recording material and forming a fixing nip with the heating member, and When viewed along the rotation axis direction of the fan, the rotation axis of the fan is located downstream of the rotation axis of the pressure roller in the discharge direction.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, in, The developing device includes a developing roller for supplying developing toner to the photosensitive drum and a developing container for storing the developing toner in the developing container, and Wherein, when viewed along the vertical direction, the fan overlaps with a portion of the developing container.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, in, The developing container includes: a replenishment port configured to receive attachment and detachment of a replenishment container for replenishing toner, a storage unit having the developing roller and a stirring member for stirring the replenishment toner inside the storage unit, and a replenishing unit connecting the replenishing port and the storage unit and configured to guide the replenishing toner replenished from the replenishing container to the storage unit, and Wherein, when viewed along the vertical direction, the fan overlaps with a portion of the storage unit and does not overlap with the replenishing unit.

5. An imaging device comprising: Photosensitive drum; a developing device including a developing roller for supplying a developing toner to the photosensitive drum and a developing container provided with a replenishing port to which and from which the replenishing container for replenishing the toner is attached and detached; a fixing device configured to fix the toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum to a recording material; an apparatus main body provided with a discharge port from which the recording material to which the toner image is fixed is discharged, and an exhaust port provided vertically below the discharge port; and a fan including a rotation shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum and blades arranged around the rotation shaft, a duct provided between the fan and the exhaust port and configured to guide air drawn in by the fan to the exhaust port so that the air is discharged to the outside of the device body through the exhaust port; as well as A driving motor for driving the fan and the fixing device, wherein the length of the rotating shaft of the fan in the longitudinal direction is longer than the diameter of the rotating track of the blade, and wherein the fan is provided on the downstream side of the fixing device and on the upstream side of the replenishment port in a discharge direction in which the recording material is discharged from the discharge port, and The fan is disposed below the exhaust port and above the developing device in the vertical direction.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The fan is configured to draw air from a direction in which the developing device is arranged.

7. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The blades extend in the longitudinal direction, and The region where the blade is provided extends outward in the longitudinal direction from a width of a maximum size of recording material that can be conveyed by the imaging device.

8. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein A plurality of regions are provided in the longitudinal direction, each of the regions is provided with the blade, and ribs connect the plurality of regions.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein The length of the region disposed at the center in the longitudinal direction is longer in the longitudinal direction than the length of the region disposed at the end in the longitudinal direction.

10. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein A plurality of regions are provided in the longitudinal direction, each of the regions is provided with the blade, and the rotation shaft connects the plurality of regions.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein Each of the plurality of areas is provided with a duct configured to guide air drawn in by the fan to an exhaust port.

Images