An image forming apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to the field of image forming, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body; an optical module mounted on the apparatus body, the optical module having optical components, each optical component having an optical surface; an airflow driving module mounted on the apparatus body for generating airflow; and an airflow conducting module mounted on the apparatus body, the airflow conducting module receiving the airflow generated by the airflow driving module and conducting the airflow through the optical surface. This application directly utilizes the apparatus body itself to form an airflow driving module capable of driving airflow generation, eliminating the need for an additional drive motor, thus saving costs. Furthermore, using airflow to clean the optical surfaces of the optical components provides better cleaning results, and this can be performed whether the image forming apparatus is printing or not, further ensuring the quality and stability of the image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming equipment is a device that forms an image on a printing medium based on an input signal. Examples of image forming equipment include printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction printers that integrate printers, copiers, and fax machines.

[0003] Taking a color printer as an example, the LSU (laser unit) and CTD-SENSOR (color density correction sensor) are crucial optical components. The LSU uses a lens to project light onto the photosensitive drum, converting the light signal into an electrical signal to form an electrostatic latent image on the drum. The CTD-SENSOR, on the other hand, emits light onto color blocks and receives the reflected light to determine color density, thus ensuring image quality. These optical components are highly sensitive to light. They are protected from toner or paper dust contamination by covering them with glass or transparent plastic covers. However, after prolonged printing, the surface of the LSU or CTD-SENSOR may become contaminated with toner or paper dust, affecting light emission and reception, and consequently impacting image quality. Therefore, existing image forming equipment incorporates various measures to clean the LSU and CTD-SENSOR to ensure image quality.

[0004] For example, when the image forming equipment is not in operation, users employ various methods to clean the LSU (laser unit) or CTD-SENSOR (color density correction sensor), but this requires disassembling parts of the image forming equipment for cleaning, which is very inconvenient for users. Alternatively, a separate cleaning drive device can be installed inside the image forming equipment to drive cleaning brushes to clean the optical surfaces, but this method not only increases costs but also requires cleaning when the equipment is not printing. Furthermore, existing technologies using contact cleaning methods such as cleaning brushes lack sufficient cleaning power and cannot thoroughly remove impurities from the edges and corners of the optical surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an image forming apparatus designed to use a device built into the apparatus itself as a power source to generate airflow for cleaning the optical surfaces of optical components.

[0006] This application provides an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus comprising:

[0007] Equipment body;

[0008] An optical module is installed on the main body of the device, and optical components are provided on the optical module, with optical surfaces on the optical components;

[0009] The airflow drive module is installed on the main body of the device and is used to generate airflow;

[0010] An airflow conduction module is installed on the main body of the device. The airflow conduction module receives the airflow generated by the airflow drive module and conducts the airflow through the optical surface.

[0011] In one possible design, the airflow drive module includes a drive assembly, a crank-slider mechanism, and a piston rod;

[0012] The drive assembly is connected to the crank-slider mechanism, and the crank-slider mechanism is connected to the piston rod.

[0013] The airflow conduction module includes a piston seat:

[0014] The piston seat is provided with a slide rail, and part of the piston rod is located in the slide rail. The piston seat is provided with a vent hole, which corresponds to the optical surface.

[0015] The drive assembly can drive the crank-slider to move, causing the piston rod to reciprocate along the slide, so that airflow can be drawn into the slide along the vent and pushed to the optical surface along the vent.

[0016] In one possible design, the drive component is the waste powder hopper drive component that is present in the main body of the device itself.

[0017] In one possible design, the crank-slider mechanism includes a drive element and a connecting rod;

[0018] The mating end of the drive component is provided with a protrusion;

[0019] The connecting rod is provided with a driving part, a connecting part and an output part. The connecting part is located between the driving part and the output part and is connected to the main body of the device. The driving part abuts against the mating end of the driving component, and the output part is connected to the piston rod.

[0020] During the process of the drive assembly driving the drive member to rotate, the protrusion can be rotated to abut against the drive member, so as to push the drive member to swing around the connection part in a direction away from the drive member, and the drive member drives the output part to pull the piston column;

[0021] The crank-slider mechanism also includes an elastic element, which, under its own elastic force, can push the drive unit to swing around the connecting part toward the drive unit, and the drive unit drives the output part to push the piston rod.

[0022] In one possible design, the crank-slider mechanism further includes a swing bracket, which is mounted on the main body of the device, and the connecting rod is mounted on the swing bracket;

[0023] The swing bracket is provided with a rotating shaft, the connecting part is provided with a shaft hole, the rotating shaft is installed in the shaft hole, and the connecting part can rotate relative to the rotating shaft;

[0024] The elastic element is installed in the shaft hole, and its two ends extend out of the shaft hole and abut against the connecting rod and the swing bracket respectively.

[0025] In one possible design, the output section is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole, and the piston rod is provided with a snap-fit ​​part, which engages with the snap-fit ​​hole.

[0026] In one possible design, the piston rod has a sealing portion at one end near the vent hole;

[0027] As the sealing part moves along the slide, it remains in contact with the inner wall of the slide.

[0028] In one possible design, the number of piston rods and piston seats corresponds to the number of optical components.

[0029] The airflow drive module also includes a connecting plate, which can connect to adjacent piston columns.

[0030] In one possible design, the airflow drive module includes a fan that is present in the main body of the device itself;

[0031] The airflow conduction module includes:

[0032] A partition is arranged between the fan and the optical components, forming an air duct that conducts airflow to the optical surface.

[0033] In one possible design, the airflow conduction module further includes a dust collection plate disposed on both sides of the optical surface;

[0034] The dust storage plate has multiple dust storage slots on the side opposite to the optical surface. The dust storage slots are set at an acute angle to the flow direction of the airflow, and the opening of the dust storage slots is inclined towards the flow direction of the airflow, so that the airflow can form a vortex in the dust storage slots.

[0035] In one possible design, an adsorbent is placed in the dust storage tank to adsorb the dust carried into the dust storage tank by the airflow.

[0036] In one possible design, the dust collection plate is further provided with an air guide section, which is opposite to the air outlet of the air duct.

[0037] In this application, airflow is used to clean the optical surfaces of optical components, removing dust such as toner or paper dust that has fallen onto the optical surfaces. This effectively removes dust from the corners and edges of the optical surfaces, preventing dust from obstructing the optical surfaces of the components and affecting light emission or reception, thus ensuring image quality. Furthermore, this airflow cleaning of the optical surfaces can be performed whether the image forming equipment is printing or not, further guaranteeing image quality and stability. In addition, the airflow drive module, which drives the airflow, is integrated into the main body of the equipment, eliminating the need for an additional drive motor, saving costs, and saving internal space, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the image forming equipment.

[0038] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming apparatus provided in this application in a specific embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between the drive assembly and the crank-slider mechanism;

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of section A in the middle;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the crank-slider mechanism, piston rod, and piston seat described in this application.

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the color density correction sensor provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of section B in the middle;

[0045] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the piston rod and piston seat assembly provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged diagram of section C;

[0047] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Enlarged schematic diagram of section D in the middle;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow conduction module in the intake state.

[0049] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the air blowing state of the airflow conduction module;

[0050] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged schematic diagram of section E in the middle;

[0051] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a structure that uses a fan to generate airflow to clean optical surfaces;

[0052] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the laser generator provided in this application;

[0053] Figure 15 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the interaction between the central fan and the airflow conduction module;

[0054] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dust collection plate provided in this application.

[0055] Figure label:

[0056] 100 - Image forming apparatus;

[0057] 10-Main body of the equipment;

[0058] 11-Driver components;

[0059] 111-Waste powder hopper drive head;

[0060] 112 - Idle wheel;

[0061] 113 - Waste powder silo drive gear;

[0062] 12- Fan;

[0063] 20 - Airflow conduction module;

[0064] 21-Crank-slider mechanism;

[0065] 211-Driver;

[0066] 211a - Protrusion;

[0067] 211b - Recessed portion;

[0068] 212-Connecting rod;

[0069] 212a - Drive unit;

[0070] 212b - Connecting part;

[0071] 212b1 - Shaft hole;

[0072] 212c - Output section;

[0073] 212c1 - Snap-in socket;

[0074] 213 - Elastic component;

[0075] 214 - Swing bracket;

[0076] 214a - Shaft;

[0077] 221 - Piston post;

[0078] 221a - Sealing part;

[0079] 221b - Connector;

[0080] 222 - Piston seat;

[0081] 222a - Slide;

[0082] 222b - Vent hole;

[0083] 223-Connecting plate;

[0084] 23- Enclosure;

[0085] 231-Air duct;

[0086] 24-Dust collection plate;

[0087] 241 - Dust storage tank;

[0088] 242 - Adsorbent;

[0089] 243 - Air guide section;

[0090] 30 - Optical components;

[0091] 31-Optical surface;

[0092] 32-Color density correction sensor;

[0093] 33-Laser generator.

[0094] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0095] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0097] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0098] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0099] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an image forming apparatus 100, which is a device that forms an image on an electronic printing medium based on an input signal. Printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction printers integrating printing, copiering, and faxing functions can be applied to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body 10, an optical module, an airflow drive module, and an airflow conduction module 20. The optical module is mounted on the main body 10 and has optical components 30 with optical surfaces 31. The airflow drive module, mounted on the main body 10, generates airflow. The airflow conduction module 20, mounted on the main body 10, receives the airflow generated by the airflow drive module and conducts the airflow through the optical surface 31.

[0101] In this embodiment, airflow is used to clean the optical surface 31 of the optical component 30, removing dust such as toner or paper dust that has fallen onto the optical surface 31. This effectively removes dust from the corners of the optical surface 31, preventing dust from blocking the optical surface 31 and affecting light emission or reception, thus ensuring image quality. Furthermore, this airflow cleaning of the optical surface 31 of the optical component 30 can be performed whether the image forming device 100 is printing or not, further ensuring the quality and stability of the image.

[0102] In this embodiment, the optical component 30 can be a color density correction sensor 32, used to perform color correction on the image forming device 100, and is fixed on both sides of the transfer belt on the sheet metal bracket of the device body 10.

[0103] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the airflow source can be the airflow generated by the device body 10 itself, which is used to clean the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32.

[0104] like Figure 2 As shown, the airflow drive module includes a drive assembly 11, a crank-slider mechanism 21, and a piston rod 221. The drive assembly 11 is connected to the crank-slider mechanism 21, and the crank-slider mechanism 21 is connected to the piston rod 221. The drive assembly 11 can be a waste powder hopper drive assembly inherent in the main body 10 of the equipment. The drive assembly 11 includes a waste powder hopper drive head 111, an idler gear 112, and a waste powder hopper drive gear 113 that mesh and drive in sequence. Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the airflow conduction module 20 includes a piston seat 222, a slide 222a inside the piston seat 222, a portion of the piston rod 221 located within the slide 222a, and a vent hole 222b corresponding to the optical surface 31. The waste powder bin drive gear 113 can drive the crank-slider mechanism 21 to move the piston rod 221 back and forth along the slide 222a, so that airflow can be drawn into the slide 222a along the vent hole 222b and pushed to the optical surface 31 along the vent hole 222b.

[0105] In this embodiment, while the drive assembly 11 built into the main body 10 drives the conveying rollers in the waste powder bin, it also provides power to clean the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32, thereby generating a cleaning airflow. The specific driving process for generating the airflow is as follows: the waste powder bin drive head 111 drives the idler wheel 112 to rotate, the idler wheel 112 drives the waste powder bin drive gear 113 to rotate, and the waste powder bin drive gear 113 drives the crank-slider mechanism 21 to drive the piston rod 221 to reciprocate along the slide 222a. When the piston rod 221 reciprocates in the slide 222a, it generates airflow, which cleans the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32 through the vent 222b. Specifically, as shown... Figure 10 As shown, arrow X indicates the direction of movement of piston rod 221 and the direction of airflow. When crank-slider mechanism 21 drives piston rod 221 to move away from vent hole 222b, a negative pressure is formed in the cavity of slide channel 222a between piston rod 221 and vent hole 222b. Airflow from the external environment is then drawn into this cavity through vent hole 222b. Because vent hole 222b is positioned opposite to the optical surface 31 of color density correction sensor 32, during the process of airflow being drawn into slide channel 222a, the airflow can carry dust from the optical surface 31 of color density correction sensor 32 into slide channel 222a, thus cleaning the surface of color density correction sensor 32. Figure 11 As shown, the direction Y of the cutting head represents the movement direction of the piston rod and the flow direction of the airflow. When the crank-slider mechanism 21 drives the piston rod 221 to move towards the vent 222b, the piston rod 221 can discharge the airflow in the slide 222a through the vent 222b, allowing the airflow to pass over the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32, thus cleaning the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32 once again.

[0106] This embodiment directly utilizes the device itself of the main body 10 to form an airflow drive module that can drive airflow, without the need for an additional drive motor, saving costs and without occupying the internal space of the main body 10, which is conducive to miniaturization of the image forming device 100.

[0107] It should be noted that, since the airflow diffuses outward when it is discharged along the vent 222b, the dust carried by the airflow will not completely return to the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32. The cleaning of the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32 can be achieved by the reciprocating motion of the piston column 221.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, the piston rod 221 can be driven to reciprocate by the drive assembly 11 in conjunction with the crank rocker, reciprocating screw, worm gear and other components.

[0109] like Figure 9and Figure 12 As shown, in order to ensure that the cavity of the slide 222a between the piston rod 221 and the vent 222b can form a relatively sealed space, a sealing part 221a is provided at the end of the piston rod 221 near the vent 222b. During the movement of the piston rod 221 along the slide 222a, the sealing part 221a remains in contact with the inner wall of the slide 222a, so that when the piston rod 221 moves to the position furthest from the vent 222b, a negative pressure can be formed in the slide 222a, thereby allowing airflow to be drawn into the slide 222a.

[0110] like Figure 6 As shown, to enable the crank-slider mechanism 21 to drive the piston rod 221 to reciprocate along the slide 222a, in some embodiments, the crank-slider mechanism 21 includes a driving member 211 and a connecting rod 212. The driving member 211 can be a gear structure, meshing with the waste powder bin drive gear 113. The mating end of the driving member 211 is provided with a protrusion 211a. The connecting rod 212 is provided with a driving part 212a, a connecting part 212b, and an output part 212c. The connecting part 212b is located between the driving part 212a and the output part 212c. The driving part 212a abuts against the mating end of the driving member 211, and the output part 212c is connected to the piston rod 221. During the rotation of the drive member 211 driven by the drive gear 113 of the waste powder bin, the protrusion 211a can be rotated to abut against the drive member 212a, so as to push the drive member 212a to swing around the connecting part 212b in a direction away from the drive member 211. The drive member 212a drives the output part 212c to pull the piston column 221.

[0111] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the side end of the drive member 211 is a mating end that cooperates with the connecting rod 212. The mating end has one, two, or more protrusions 211a, and recesses 211b are located between adjacent protrusions 211a. The connecting rod 212 travels the same distance along the protrusions 211a and along the recesses 211b. As the drive member 211 rotates, when a protrusion 211a rotates and comes into contact with the drive member 212a, the protrusion 211a can push the drive member 212a to swing around the connecting portion 212b in a direction away from the drive member 211. This causes the drive member 212a to drive the output portion 212c to swing around the connecting portion 212b in a direction away from the piston seat 222, thereby pulling part of the piston rod 221 out of the slide rail 222a, creating a negative pressure within the slide rail 222a. Figure 11As shown, when the recess 211b rotates to correspond with the drive 212a, the drive 212a can be pushed to swing towards the drive member 211 until it fits against the mating end of the drive member 211, so that the protrusion 211a can push the drive 212a to swing again. At the same time, the drive 212a drives the output 212c to move around the connecting part 212b towards the piston seat 222, so as to push the piston rod 221 into the slide 222a, and push the airflow in the slide 222a along the vent 222b towards the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32. The cleaning frequency can be controlled by adjusting parameters such as the number of protrusions 211a on the drive member 211.

[0112] Alternatively, the drive component 211 can also be a non-gear structure, such as having a shaft on the drive component 211, which is connected to the shaft of the waste powder hopper drive gear 113 and rotates synchronously to drive the connecting rod 212 to rotate.

[0113] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, to enable the protrusion 211a to be pushed to engage with the mating end of the drive member 211, in some embodiments, the crank-slider mechanism 21 further includes a swing bracket 214. The swing bracket 214 is mounted on the device body 10, and the connecting rod 212 is mounted on the swing bracket 214. The swing bracket 214 has a rotating shaft 214a, and the connecting part 212b has a shaft hole 212b1. The connecting part 212b is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 214a through the shaft hole 212b1, so that the connecting rod 212 is mounted on the swing bracket 214 and can rotate relative to the rotating shaft 214a. The crank-slider mechanism 21 also includes an elastic member 213, which is mounted in the shaft hole 212b1 and extends out of the shaft hole 212b1 at both ends to abut against the connecting rod 212 and the swing bracket 214, respectively. Under its own elastic force, the elastic element 213 can push the drive part 212a to swing around the connecting part 212b toward the drive part 211, and the drive part 212a drives the output part 212c to push the piston column 221.

[0114] In this embodiment, when the protrusion 211a pushes the drive part 212a to swing away from the drive member 211, it applies pressure to the elastic member 213, causing the elastic member 213 to be squeezed and twisted by the swing bracket 214 and the connecting rod 212, thus storing elastic potential energy in the elastic member 213. As the drive member 211 rotates, when the recess 211b rotates to be opposite the drive part 212a, the elastic member 213 can release its elastic potential energy, pushing the drive part 212a to swing around the connecting part 212b towards the drive member 211 under its own elastic force, so that the drive part 212a and the mating end of the drive member 211 are in contact, ensuring that the drive member 211 can push the connecting rod 212 to swing again. At the same time, the drive part 212a drives the output part 212c to swing around the connecting part 212b towards the piston seat 222, so as to push the piston rod 221 into the slide 222a.

[0115] The elastic element 213 can be a torsion spring, or it can be a tension spring, a spring sheet, or a compression spring. The tension spring, spring sheet, or compression spring can be set at one end of the connecting rod 212 to achieve the same effect.

[0116] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the output part 212c is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole 212c1, and the piston rod 221 is provided with a snap-fit ​​part 221b. The snap-fit ​​part 221b engages with the snap-fit ​​hole 212c1 to connect the connecting rod 212 and the piston rod 221. By connecting the snap-fit ​​hole 212c1 and the snap-fit ​​part 221b, it is convenient to assemble and disassemble the connecting rod 212 and the piston rod 221.

[0117] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, when the image forming apparatus 100 is a color printer, the optical components 30 can be configured as one, two, or more, etc., and the piston columns 221 and piston seats 222 are configured corresponding to the number of optical components 30. When two or more optical components 30 are configured, the airflow drive module also includes a connecting plate 223, which can connect adjacent piston columns 221 to enable a crank-slider mechanism 21 to drive multiple piston columns 221 to reciprocate along the corresponding piston seats 222, thereby cleaning the optical surfaces 31 of multiple optical components 30.

[0118] Specifically, the connecting plate 223 and the piston column 221 can be an integrally formed structure. Along the direction perpendicular to the movement of the piston column 221, the connecting plate 223 is connected to both sides of the piston column 221, and the connecting plate 223 can extend along one piston column 221 to pass through the piston seat 222 and connect with another adjacent piston column 221.

[0119] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 can clean the optical surfaces of optical components using airflow even when not printing. This can be achieved by adding a cleaning module to the control of the image forming apparatus, allowing the drive components to idle and thus achieve the cleaning function.

[0120] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the airflow source can also be the airflow generated by the fan 12 built into the main body 10 of the device itself, which is used to clean the optical surface 31 of the color density correction sensor 32 and the laser generator 33. The laser generator 33 illuminates the photosensitive drum through a lens, converting the light signal into an electrical signal to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. For example... Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the airflow drive module can be a fan 12, and the airflow conduction module 20 includes a surrounding plate 23. The surrounding plate 23 is arranged between the fan 12 and the optical component 30, and forms an air duct 231 that conducts airflow to the optical surface 31. The arrow inside the air duct 231 indicates the direction of airflow.

[0121] In this embodiment, the airflow generated by the fan 12 built into the main body 10 of the device can dissipate heat from the main body 10 of the device while also cleaning the optical surface 31 of the optical components 30. In addition, by combining the fan 12 with the enclosure 23, one fan 12 can simultaneously clean the surfaces of multiple optical components 30, and this cleaning process can be carried out regardless of whether the image forming device 100 is printing or not, without affecting the normal printing of the image forming device 100.

[0122] The enclosure 23 can be made of plastic sheet. The enclosure 23 can be provided with multiple air outlets corresponding to each optical component 30 so that the airflow can be concentrated and directed to the optical surface 31 of each optical component, reducing the dispersion of the airflow and ensuring that the airflow flows into both the color density correction sensor 32 and the laser generator 33.

[0123] Furthermore, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the airflow conduction module 20 also includes a dust storage plate 24. The dust storage plate 24 is disposed on both sides of the optical surface 31 and does not block the optical surface 31. The side of the dust storage plate 24 opposite to the optical surface 31 is provided with a plurality of dust storage grooves 241. The dust storage grooves 241 are set at an acute angle to the flow direction of the airflow, and the groove openings of the dust storage grooves 241 are inclined toward the flow direction of the airflow, so that the airflow can form a vortex in the dust storage grooves 241.

[0124] In this embodiment, the end of the dust collection plate 24 near the optical surface 31 is serrated to form multiple dust collection grooves 241, and these dust collection grooves 241 are grooves at an acute angle to the direction of airflow. After part of the airflow enters the dust collection groove 241, as the airflow moves along the side of the dust collection groove 241, the part close to the surface experiences friction due to fluid viscosity, and therefore encounters resistance during its movement. As a result, the part moving away from the surface moves slower than the part moving away from the surface, thus rotating and forming small vortices to carry the dust from the optical surface 31 into the dust collection groove 241.

[0125] Specifically, such as Figure 16 As shown, an adsorbent 242 is placed inside the dust storage tank 241 to adsorb dust carried into the dust storage tank 241 by the airflow. Dust particles flow into the dust storage tank 241 with the eddy current and are adsorbed by the adsorbent 242, preventing dust from scattering everywhere and causing pollution inside the main body of the equipment 10, as well as polluting the external environment. Activated carbon can be used as the adsorbent 242.

[0126] like Figure 16 As shown, the dust storage plate 24 is also provided with an air guide section 243, which is opposite to the air outlet of the air duct 231. That is, the dust storage plate 24 has a notch at one end near the enclosure 23, which forms the air guide section 243. The air guide section 243 expands the air inlets of the dust storage plate 24 on both sides of the optical surface 31, so that the air outlet of the enclosure 23 can be set in the air guide section 243, thereby guiding the airflow and allowing more airflow to flow to the optical surface 31 of the optical component 30.

[0127] More specifically, the fan 12 can be either axial or centrifugal, and the fan 12 can be controlled by a data board to rotate at a preset airflow and speed.

[0128] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 can clean the optical surfaces of optical components using airflow even when it is not printing. This can be achieved by adding a cleaning module to the control of the image forming apparatus, so that the fan rotates even when the image forming apparatus is not printing, thereby achieving the cleaning function.

[0129] In some embodiments, the airflow conduction modules in the above embodiments may be disposed in the same device body.

[0130] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes: Equipment body; An optical module is installed on the main body of the device, and optical components are provided on the optical module, with optical surfaces on the optical components; An airflow drive module, installed on the main body of the device, is used to generate airflow; An airflow conduction module is installed on the main body of the device. The airflow conduction module receives the airflow generated by the airflow drive module and conducts the airflow through the optical surface. The airflow drive module includes a drive component that receives a driving force output from the main body of the device. A cleaning module, installed on the main body of the device, is used to control the airflow drive module to generate airflow; The airflow drive module also includes a crank-slider mechanism and a piston rod connected to each other. The drive component is connected to the crank-slider mechanism and can drive the crank-slider mechanism to drive the piston rod to reciprocate. The crank-slider mechanism includes a drive component and a connecting rod; The drive assembly is connected to the drive member and can drive the drive member to rotate. One end of the connecting rod abuts against the mating end of the drive member, and the other end is connected to the piston rod. The mating end of the drive member is provided with a protrusion. During the rotation of the drive component, the protrusion can be rotated to abut against the connecting rod, thereby pushing the connecting rod to pull the piston rod.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow conduction module includes a piston seat; The piston seat is provided with a slide rail, and part of the piston rod is located in the slide rail. The piston seat is provided with a vent hole, which corresponds to the optical surface. The drive assembly can drive the crank-slider mechanism to move the piston rod back and forth along the slide, so that airflow can be drawn into the slide along the vent and pushed to the optical surface along the vent.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive component is the waste powder hopper drive component that is present in the main body of the equipment.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting rod is provided with a driving part, a connecting part and an output part. The connecting part is located between the driving part and the output part and is connected to the main body of the device. The driving part abuts against the mating end of the driving component, and the output part is connected to the piston rod. During the rotation of the drive member, the protrusion can be rotated to abut against the drive member, thereby pushing the drive member to swing around the connecting part in a direction away from the drive member, and the drive member drives the output part to pull the piston column; The crank-slider mechanism also includes an elastic element, which, under its own elastic force, can push the drive unit to swing around the connecting part toward the drive unit, and the drive unit drives the output part to push the piston rod.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The crank-slider mechanism further includes a swing bracket, which is mounted on the main body of the device, and the connecting rod is mounted on the swing bracket; The swing bracket is provided with a rotating shaft, the connecting part is provided with a shaft hole, the rotating shaft is installed in the shaft hole, and the connecting part can rotate relative to the rotating shaft; The elastic element is installed in the shaft hole, and its two ends extend out of the shaft hole and abut against the connecting rod and the swing bracket respectively.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The output section is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole, and the piston rod is provided with a snap-fit ​​part, which engages with the snap-fit ​​hole.

7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The piston rod is provided with a sealing part at one end near the vent hole; As the sealing part moves along the slide, it remains in contact with the inner wall of the slide.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The number of piston rods and piston seats corresponds to the number of optical components. The airflow drive module also includes a connecting plate, which can connect to adjacent piston columns.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow drive module includes a fan that is present in the main body of the device itself; The airflow conduction module includes: A partition is arranged between the fan and the optical components, forming an air duct that conducts airflow to the optical surface.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The airflow conduction module also includes a dust collection plate, which is disposed on both sides of the optical surface; The dust storage plate has multiple dust storage slots on the side opposite to the optical surface. The dust storage slots are set at an acute angle to the flow direction of the airflow, and the opening of the dust storage slots is inclined towards the flow direction of the airflow, so that the airflow can form a vortex in the dust storage slots.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The dust storage tank contains an adsorbent for adsorbing dust carried into the dust storage tank by the airflow.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The dust collection plate is also provided with an air guide section, which is opposite to the air outlet of the air duct.

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