Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes: an operated member disposed in a main body of the image forming apparatus and operated by an operator; a plurality of cooled members which are disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus, are cooled, and extend from the surface on which the operation is performed of the main body of the image forming apparatus to the direction of the surface facing the surface on which the operation is performed; an introduction member that is disposed on one side with respect to a surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus on which the operation is performed, and that introduces a cooling gas; a guide member that guides the gas introduced from the introduction member from either a surface on which the operation is performed or a surface facing the surface on which the operation is performed, and that blows the guided gas from either the surface or the surface facing the surface on which the operation is performed toward the other; and a discharge member disposed on the other side opposite to the one side where the introduction member is disposed, and discharging the gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] In image forming apparatuses, technologies for cooling a portion whose temperature has risen are conventionally known as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a cooling device 80 provided in the extraction unit 76 cools the waste toner conveying path 61 above. The cooling device 80 of Patent Document 1 is configured to convey air drawn from the front to the rear. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a first exhaust port 87 is formed at the upper portion of a duct 82 of the cooling device 80, and air is conveyed from the first exhaust port 87 toward the waste toner conveying path 61 obliquely above and behind. Furthermore, a second exhaust port 88 is formed at the rear end of the duct 82, and the airflow from the second exhaust port 88 is used to cool the main body-side waste toner conveying unit 90.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a structure in which four toner bottles 301 are arranged in the front-rear direction, and air sucked in from the rear air inlet 501 passes horizontally across the longitudinal center of the four toner bottles 301 and is exhausted from the side air outlet 503 .

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a structure in which heat sinks 51 are arranged on the side surfaces of a developer container 21 extending in the front-rear direction, and an air duct 50 is provided extending in the front-rear direction along the heat sink 51. In Patent Document 3, the developer container 21 is cooled via the heat sink 51 by air flow B flowing from the front to the rear in the air duct 50.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-161623 ("0033", "0039" to "0065", Figures 8-10)

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-242635 ("0044"-"0046", Figure 3 )

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-225055 ("0031"-"0045", Figure 1 (b) Figure 2 ) Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem of the present invention is to suppress the enlargement of the image forming device compared with a structure in which the cooling gas flows along the front-to-back direction of the image forming device, and to improve the cooling performance of multiple cooling objects compared with a structure in which the cooling gas flows in the left-to-right direction of the image forming device.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the image forming apparatus of the invention according to claim 1 is characterized by comprising:

[0011] An operated member is disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus and is used by an operator to operate the image forming apparatus;

[0012] a plurality of cooled members disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus to be cooled and extending from the surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the operation is performed toward a surface opposite to the surface on which the operation is performed;

[0013] an introduction member disposed on one side of a surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the operation is performed and for introducing cooling gas;

[0014] a guide member that guides the gas introduced from the introduction member to one of the surface on which the operation is performed and a surface opposite to the surface on which the operation is performed, and blows the guided gas from the one surface toward the other surface; and

[0015] The exhaust member is arranged at the other side portion opposite to the one side portion where the introduction member is arranged, and exhausts the gas.

[0016] The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, it includes:

[0017] The first operated member is composed of a developing member for developing a latent image and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator;

[0018] a second operated member, which is constituted by a housing member that houses a developer to be replenished to the developing member and is attachable and detachable to the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; and

[0019] The cooled member is composed of a conveying member that conveys the developer in the accommodating member to the developing member.

[0020] The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, it includes:

[0021] The cooled member extends in a direction inclined with respect to both a front-rear direction connecting the operated surface and the opposing surface and a left-right direction connecting the one side portion and the other side portion.

[0022] The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, it includes:

[0023] A plurality of the cooled members are arranged side by side from the one side toward the other side, and the inclination direction of each of the cooled members changes from the one side toward the other side.

[0024] The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, it includes:

[0025] The cooled member is arranged in plurality from the one side toward the other side; and

[0026] The guide member includes a blowing member disposed between the plurality of cooled members and blowing the guided gas from one side toward any other side.

[0027] The blowing member has a size set according to the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guide member.

[0028] The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, it includes:

[0029] a guide member extending linearly from the one side portion toward the other side portion;

[0030] Regarding the plurality of blowing members, the size of the one side portion is larger than the size of the other side portion.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, compared with a structure in which cooling gas is caused to flow along the front-to-back direction of the image forming apparatus, the size of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed, and compared with a structure in which cooling gas is caused to flow along the left-to-right direction of the image forming apparatus, the cooling performance of multiple cooling objects can be improved.

[0033] According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the conveying member is not cooled, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the developer conveyed by the conveying member or change in fluidity.

[0034] According to the third aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the member to be cooled is not inclined with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, resistance to the flow of gas can be suppressed, and the gas can flow smoothly.

[0035] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the inclination angle does not change from one side portion to the other side portion, it is easier to make the amount of flowing gas uniform and suppress uneven cooling.

[0036] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the size of the blowing member is not set based on the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guide member, it is possible to suppress cooling unevenness and improve cooling performance.

[0037] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with a case where the size of the blowing member on the air intake side, ie, one side, is smaller than that of the blowing member on the other side, uneven cooling can be suppressed and cooling performance can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus of Example 1;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A subsequent explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the developer conveying mechanism portion of Example 1 as viewed from above;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the developer conveying mechanism of Example 1.

[0043] Explanation of symbols

[0044] 1y, 1m, 1c, 1k, 1o-cooled component, conveying component, 16-guiding component, 17-1, 17-2, 17-3, 17-4-blowing component, 22-introducing component, 24-discharging component, CLy, CLm, CLc, CLk, CLo, Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, Go, Py, Pm, Pc, Pk, Po-first operated component, CLy, CLm, CLc, CLk, CLo, Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, Go, Ky, Km, Kc, Kk, Ko, Py, Pm, Pc, Pk, Po-operated component, Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, Go-developing component, Ky, Km, Kc, Kk, Ko-second operated component, accommodating component, U-image forming device, U1-main body of image forming device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Next, examples will be described as specific examples of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0046] In addition, to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the accompanying drawings, the front-to-back direction (the width direction of the medium) is set as the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction (the conveying direction of the medium) is set as the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is set as the Z-axis direction, and the directions or sides indicated by the arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are set as the front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom, or the front side, rear side, right side, left side, top, and bottom, respectively.

[0047] In the drawings, a “·” in “○” means an arrow pointing from the back side to the front side of the paper, and a “×” in “○” means an arrow pointing from the front side to the back side of the paper.

[0048] In the description using the following drawings, for ease of understanding, illustration of components other than those necessary for the description is omitted as appropriate.

[0049] [Example 1]

[0050] (Description of the Overall Structure of the Printer U in Embodiment 1)

[0051] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus of Example 1.

[0052] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A subsequent explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus.

[0053] exist Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In the embodiment 1, the printer U as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a printer body U1, a paper feeder unit U2 as an example of a media supply device, an operation unit UI, an inspection device U3, and a stapler U4 as an example of a post-processing device.

[0054] The paper feeder unit U2 supplies media to the printer unit U1. The user operates the operation unit UI to input operations and confirm the settings and status of the printer U. The inspection device U3 inspects the formed image. The stapler U4 aligns the printed recording paper S and performs post-processing such as end-stitching or saddle stitching.

[0055] (Description of the Marking Structure of Example 1)

[0056] exist Figure 1In the figure, the printer unit U1 includes a control unit (an example of a control component) C that controls the printer U. Furthermore, the printer unit U1 is connected to a print image server COM, an example of an information transmission device, via a dedicated cable (not shown). A personal computer PC, an example of an image transmission device, is connected to the print image server COM via a cable or a line such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The personal computer PC transmits information about images printed by the printer U to the print image server COM, and the print image server COM transmits the image information to the printer unit U1.

[0057] Inside the printer body U1, a marking unit U1a, an example of a recording member that records images on media, is provided. The marking unit U1a, an example of an image-retaining member, includes photoreceptors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk for each color (Y: yellow), M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black), and a special color photoreceptor Po used when forming special images using clear toner or company-standard colors.

[0058] exist Figure 1 In the figure, around the black photosensitive body Pk, there are arranged a charger CCk as an example of a charging component, an exposure device LPHk as an example of a latent image forming component, a developer Gk as an example of a developing component, a primary transfer roller T1k as an example of a primary transfer component, and a photosensitive body cleaner CLk as an example of a cleaning component for an image holding component along the rotation direction of the photosensitive body Pk.

[0059] Around other photosensitive bodies Py, Pm, Pc, Po, there are also charging devices CCy, CCm, CCc, CCo, exposure devices LPHy, LPHm, LPHc, LPHo, developers Gy, Gm, Gc, Go, primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, T1o, and photosensitive body cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, CLo.

[0060] Toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, Kk, and Ko, which are examples of developer storage members, are detachably supported above the marking portion U1a. The toner cartridges Ky to Ko store developers to be supplied to the developing devices Gy to Go.

[0061] The chargers CCy to CCo, the exposure devices LPHy to LPHo, the developers Gy to Go, etc. constitute the image forming members CCy to CCo, LPHy to LPHo, and Gy to Go of the first embodiment for forming developer images on the photoreceptors Py to Po.

[0062] An intermediate transfer belt B, serving as an example of an intermediate transfer member and an example of an image retaining member, is positioned below each of the photoreceptors Py-Po. The intermediate transfer belt B is sandwiched between the photoreceptors Py-Po and the primary transfer rollers T1y-T1o. The back surface of the intermediate transfer belt B is supported by a drive roller Rd, serving as an example of a driving member; a tension roller Rt, serving as an example of a tensioning member; a stepping roller Rw, serving as an example of a meandering prevention member; multiple idler rollers Rf, serving as an example of a driven member; a backup roller T2a, serving as an example of a secondary transfer opposing member; multiple retraction rollers R1, serving as an example of a movable member; and the primary transfer rollers T1y-T1o.

[0063] On the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B, a belt cleaner CLB as an example of a cleaning member of the intermediate transfer member is arranged near the driving roller Rd.

[0064] A secondary transfer roller T2b, an example of a secondary transfer member, is disposed opposite the support roller T2a across the intermediate transfer belt B. Furthermore, a contact roller T2c, an example of a contact member, contacts the support roller T2a. The contact roller T2c applies a voltage of opposite polarity to the charged polarity of the developer to the support roller T2a.

[0065] The support roller T2a, secondary transfer roller T2b, and contact roller T2c constitute a secondary transfer device T2, which is an example of a secondary transfer member in Example 1. Furthermore, the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1o, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer device T2, and the like constitute transfer devices T1, B, and T2, which are examples of transfer members in Example 1.

[0066] A paper feed tray TR1, an example of a storage member, is provided below the secondary transfer unit T2. Recording paper S, an example of media, is stored in the paper feed tray TR1. A pickup roller Rp, an example of a take-out member, and a process roller Rs, an example of a process member, are arranged diagonally above and to the right of the paper feed tray TR1. A conveyance path SH, which conveys the recording paper S, extends from the process roller Rs. A plurality of conveyance rollers Ra, an example of a conveyance member, are arranged along the conveyance path SH to convey the recording paper S downstream.

[0067] A deburring device Bt is disposed downstream of the processing roller Rs as an example of a member for removing unnecessary portions. The deburring device Bt nipped the recording paper S with a predetermined pressure and conveyed it downstream to remove unnecessary portions, so-called burrs, from the edge of the recording paper S.

[0068] An overlapped feeding detection device Jk is disposed downstream of the deburring device Bt. The overlapped feeding detection device Jk measures the thickness of the passing recording paper S to detect a state where a plurality of recording paper S overlap, so-called overlapped feeding.

[0069] A correction roller Rc is disposed downstream of the overlapped feeding detection device Jk as an example of a posture correction member. The correction roller Rc corrects the inclination of the recording paper S with respect to the conveyance direction, so-called skew.

[0070] Downstream of the correction roller Rc, a registration roller Rr is disposed as an example of an adjustment member for adjusting the conveyance timing of the recording paper S to the secondary transfer unit T2. Further, downstream of the registration roller Rr, a paper guide SG1 is disposed as an example of a medium guide member.

[0071] In addition, the paper feed trays TR2 and TR3, which are constructed in the same manner as the paper feed tray TR1, pickup roller Rp, processing roller Rs, and conveying roller Ra, are also provided on the paper feeder unit U2. The conveying path SH from the paper feed trays TR2 and TR3 merges with the conveying path SH of the printer body U1 on the upstream side of the overlapping conveying detection device Jk.

[0072] A plurality of conveyance belts HB as an example of a medium conveyance member are arranged on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roller T2 b in the conveyance direction of the recording paper S.

[0073] A fixing device F, which is an example of a fixing member, is arranged on the downstream side of the conveyance belt HB in the conveyance direction of the recording paper S.

[0074] The image forming members CCy to CCo, LPHy to LPHo, Gy to Go, the transfer devices T1 , B, T2 , the fixing device F, and the like constitute the marking portion U1 a of the first embodiment.

[0075] An inspection device IS, which is an example of an image reading unit, is arranged in the inspection device U3 on the downstream side of the fixing device F.

[0076] A conveying path SH is formed downstream of the inspection device IS. The conveying path SH extends toward the stapler U4. Also formed downstream of the inspection device IS is a reversing path SH2, an example of a conveying path branching from the conveying path SH. A first grid GT1, an example of a conveying direction switching member, is disposed at the branching point between the conveying path SH and the reversing path SH2. A plurality of conveying rollers Ra, an example of a conveying member, are disposed on the reversing path SH2.

[0077] Downstream of the reversing path SH2, below the fixing device F, is a switchback path SH4 for reversing the conveying direction of the recording paper S, known as turning the paper. A turnback roller Rb, an example of a forward- and reverse-rotating conveying member, is disposed on the switchback path SH4. Furthermore, a third grid GT3, an example of a conveying direction switching member, is disposed at the entrance of the switchback path SH4.

[0078] Furthermore, the conveyance path SH on the downstream side of the switchback path SH4 merges with the conveyance path SH of the paper feed tray TR1 .

[0079] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the binder U4 on the downstream side of the inspection device IS has a top tray U4a as an example of a loading member, an end binding device U4b as an example of a first post-processing member, and a saddle binding device U4c as an example of a second post-processing member. On the top tray U4a, the recording paper S is discharged and loaded without performing post-processing. In the end binding device U4b, the end of the recording paper S can be stapled with a stapler, or the recording paper S can be discharged without being stapled in a state where the edges of the plurality of recording paper S are aligned (integrated state). The saddle binding device U4c can staple the center of the recording paper S with a stapler and fold it in half and discharge it. In addition, the binder U4 is not limited to the illustrated structure. For example, as an example of post-processing, a binder having a punching function or a three-folding function (so-called Z-fold or C-fold) can be used.

[0080] (Marked action)

[0081] The printer U receives image information transmitted from the personal computer PC via the print image server COM and starts a job as an image forming operation. When the job starts, the photoreceptors Py to Po and the intermediate transfer belt B rotate.

[0082] The photoconductors Py to Po are rotationally driven by a driving source (not shown).

[0083] A predetermined voltage is applied to the chargers CCy to CCo to charge the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Po.

[0084] Exposure devices LPHy to LPHo, which are examples of latent image forming devices and light emitting devices, output light for writing latent images according to a control signal from a control unit C to write electrostatic latent images on the charged surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Po.

[0085] The developers Gy to Go develop the electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Po.

[0086] The toner cartridges Ky to Ko replenish the developer consumed by the development in the developing units Gy to Go.

[0087] The primary transfer rollers T1 y to T1 o are applied with a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developer, and transfer the visible images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors Py to Po to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B.

[0088] The photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLo remove and clean the developer remaining on the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po after the primary transfer.

[0089] The intermediate transfer belt B transfers and stacks images in the order of O, Y, M, C, and K as it passes through the primary transfer area facing the photoreceptors Py to Po. It then passes through the secondary transfer area Q4 facing the secondary transfer unit T2. For monochrome images, only one color is transferred and sent to the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0090] The pickup roller Rp feeds the recording paper S from the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 for feeding the recording paper S, based on the size of the received image information, the designated recording paper S, the size and type of the stored recording paper S, and the like.

[0091] The process roller Rs separates and processes the recording paper S fed from the pickup roller Rp one by one.

[0092] The deburring device Bt applies a preset pressure to the passing recording paper S to remove burrs.

[0093] The overlapped feeding detection device Jk detects overlapped feeding of the recording paper S by detecting the thickness of the recording paper S passing therethrough.

[0094] The correction roller Rc causes the passing recording paper S to contact a wall surface (not shown) to correct the skew.

[0095] The registration roller Rr feeds the recording paper S in accordance with the timing at which the surface image of the intermediate transfer belt B is sent to the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0096] The paper guide SG1 guides the recording paper S fed by the registration rollers Rr to the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0097] The secondary transfer unit T2 applies a secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the preset charging polarity of the developer to the backup roller T2 a via the contact roller T2 c , thereby transferring the image on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the recording paper S.

[0098] The belt cleaner CLB removes and cleans the developer remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B after the image is transferred in the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0099] The conveyance belt HB holds the recording paper S to which the image has been transferred by the secondary transfer unit T2 on its surface and conveys the recording paper S to the downstream side.

[0100] The fixing device F includes a heating roller Fh, an example of a heating member, and a pressure roller Fp, an example of a pressure member. A heater h, an example of a heat source, is housed within the heating roller Fh. The fixing device F applies pressure and heat to the recording paper S in the fixing area Q5, where the heating roller Fh and pressure roller Fp are in contact, thereby fixing the unfixed image on the surface of the recording paper S. The heating roller Fh and pressure roller Fp constitute the fixing members Fp and Fh of Example 1.

[0101] The inspection device IS reads the image of the recording paper S that has passed through the fixing device F to inspect defects in the image.

[0102] When duplex printing is performed on the recording paper S that has passed through the inspection device IS, the first grid GT1 is operated to convey the recording paper S to the reversing path SH2, turns in the return path SH4, and is conveyed again to the registration rollers Rr via the conveying path SH to print on the second side.

[0103] The recording paper S that has passed through the inspection device IS is carried into the stapler U4 .

[0104] The recording paper S fed into the stapler U4 is conveyed to one of the top tray U4a, the end stitching unit U4b, or the saddle stitching unit U4c, depending on the selected post-processing type. The recording paper S conveyed to the end stitching unit U4b is end-stitched and then discharged. The recording paper S conveyed to the saddle stitching unit U4c is saddle-stitched and then discharged.

[0105] (Description of Developer Transport Device and Cooling Mechanism)

[0106] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the developer conveying mechanism portion of Example 1 as viewed from above.

[0107] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the developer conveying mechanism of Example 1.

[0108] exist Figure 3 、 Figure 4 In the printer U of Example 1, the photoreceptors Py-Po, developers Gy-Go, and photoreceptor cleaners CLy-CLo wear out over time. Furthermore, the toner cartridges Ky-Ko consume their developer contents and become empty as they are used. Therefore, the photoreceptors Py-Po, developers Gy-Go, photoreceptor cleaners CLy-CLo, and toner cartridges Ky-Ko, as examples of operated components, are designed to be replaceable with new ones.

[0109] In the printer U of Example 1, the toner cartridges Ky through Ko are arranged along the front-to-back direction. Therefore, in the printer U of Example 1, when an operator replaces a replacement unit such as the toner cartridges Ky through Ko or the developers Gy through Go, they can be removed and inserted from the front of the printer U, i.e., in the front-to-back direction.

[0110] The toner cartridges Ky to Ko, an example of the second operated member in Example 1, are positioned above the photoreceptors Py to Po, the developers Gy to Go, and the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLo, an example of the first operated member. Furthermore, the diameter of the toner cartridges Ky to Ko in Example 1 is larger than the diameter of the developing rollers in the developers Gy to Go, thereby increasing the amount of developer that can be accommodated in the toner cartridges Ky to Ko. Consequently, the width of the five toner cartridges Ky to Ko in the left-right direction is larger than the width of the five developers Gy to Go.

[0111] Each toner cartridge Ky to Ko is connected to each developer Gy to Go by a conveying pipe 1y, 1m, 1c, 1k, 1o, which is an example of a cooled member and an example of a conveying member. An inlet 2y, 2m, 2c, 2k, 2o, which is an example of an inlet, is formed at one end (front end) of the conveying pipe 1y to 1o. The developer from the toner cartridge Ky to Ko flows into the inlet 2y to 2o. An outlet 3y to 3o, which is an example of an outflow, is formed at the other end (rear end) of the conveying pipe 1y to 1o. The outlets 3y, 3m, 3c, 3k, 3o allow the developer to flow toward the developers Gy to Go.

[0112] The conveying pipes 1y to 1o of Example 1 are arranged obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction, which is the operating direction. Therefore, the large-capacity toner cartridges Ky to Ko and the compact developers Gy to Go are connected by the obliquely inclined conveying pipes 1y to 1o.

[0113] In particular, among the delivery tubes 1y through 1o in Example 1, the delivery tube 1k, located on the far left, has the largest inclination angle relative to the front-to-back direction. The inclination angle then decreases as it approaches the right, reaching its smallest angle for the delivery tube 1o, located on the far right. Delivery augers 4y, 4m, 4c, 4k, and 4o, serving as an example of a delivery member, are located within the delivery tubes 1y through 1o. Driven by motor units 6y, 6m, 6c, 6k, and 6o located at the rear end, the delivery augers 4y through 4o transport the developer from the inlet ports 2y through 2o toward the outlet ports 3y through 3o.

[0114] The printer body U1 of Example 1 is provided with a front frame 11, a rear frame 12, a left frame 13, and a right frame 14, serving as an example of a housing. The front frame 11 is located at the front of the printer body U1 and is formed into a plate-like shape extending horizontally. The front frame 11 of Example 1 is formed to span the entire width of the printer body U1 in the horizontal direction.

[0115] The front frame 11 is arranged so that its vertical height corresponds to the positions of the conveying pipes 1y to 1o. Therefore, the toner cartridges Ky to Ko, as an example of the second operated components, are loaded and unloaded through the space above the front frame 11, and the developing units Gy to Go and the photoreceptors Py to Po, as examples of the first operated components, are loaded and unloaded through the space below the front frame 11.

[0116] A duct 16, which is an example of a guide member, is formed inside the front frame 11. The duct 16 extends in the left-right direction along the front frame 11. Therefore, the duct 16 guides the internal air in the left-right direction.

[0117] The rear surface of the front frame 11 includes a blow-out port 17, serving as an example of a blow-out member. The blow-out port 17 of Example 1 includes four blow-out ports 17-1, 17-2, 17-3, and 17-4. The first blow-out port 17-1 is positioned between the front ends of the K-color conveying tube 1k and the C-color conveying tube 1c. The second blow-out port 17-2 is positioned between the front ends of the C-color conveying tube 1c and the M-color conveying tube 1m. The third blow-out port 17-3 is positioned between the front ends of the M-color conveying tube 1m and the Y-color conveying tube 1y. The fourth blow-out port 17-4 is positioned between the front ends of the Y-color conveying tube 1y and the special color conveying tube 1o.

[0118] The outlets 17 - 1 to 17 - 4 of the first embodiment blow out cooling gas (air) from the front to the rear of the printer body U1 where the duct 16 is provided.

[0119] The size of each outlet 17-1 to 17-4, that is, the opening area, is set based on the pressure loss of the air. In Example 1, air flows easily along the duct 16, which extends linearly in the left-right direction. Therefore, if the opening areas of all outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are the same, the most air will be blown out easily from the fourth outlet 17-4, located on the right side (another side) of the printer body U1, i.e., the farthest downstream, while air will be less likely to be blown out from the first outlet 17-1, located on the left side (another side) of the printer body U1, i.e., the farthest upstream. Accordingly, in Example 1, the opening areas of outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are set so that they increase in size toward the upstream side and decrease toward the downstream side. The specific size of the opening area is preferably determined through experiments or simulations, for example, to measure pressure loss and gas flow.

[0120] The rear frame 12 is disposed at the rear end of the printer unit U1 and faces the front frame 11. The motor units 6y to 6o are supported on the rear frame 12.

[0121] The left frame 13 and the right frame 14 are located on the left and right sides of the printer unit U1 .

[0122] An intake fan 21, serving as an example of air transfer means, is located on the left frame 13. The intake fan 21 draws in external air from an air inlet 22, serving as an example of air introduction means, formed on the left side of the printer body U1. The intake fan 21 transfers air drawn in from the left toward the front duct 16.

[0123] An exhaust fan 23 as an example of an air transfer member is disposed on the right frame 14. The exhaust fan 23 exhausts air from an exhaust port 24 as an example of an exhaust member formed on the right side surface of the printer body U1.

[0124] (Effects of Example 1)

[0125] In the printer U of Example 1 having the above-described structure, when printing begins, the intake fan 21 or the exhaust fan 23 starts operating. Therefore, the outside air drawn in by the intake fan 21 is transported to the duct 16 and blown rearward from outlets 17-1 to 17-4. The air blown out from the first outlet 17-1, located at the farthest upstream end, is conveyed rearward along a first flow path 18-1 formed by the space enclosed by the lower surfaces of the upper toner cartridges Kk, Kc, and Km, the left K color delivery pipe 1k, the right C color delivery pipe 1c, and the lower developers Gk, Gc, and Gm.

[0126] The gas blown out from the second blowing port 17-2 is transported rearward along the second flow path 18-2 formed by the space surrounded by the lower surface of the upper toner box Kc, etc., the left C color transport pipe 1c, the right M color transport pipe 1m, the lower developer Gc, etc.

[0127] The gas blown out from the third blowing port 17-3 is transported rearward along the third flow path 18-3 formed by the space surrounded by the lower surface of the upper toner box Km, etc., the left M color transport pipe 1m, the right Y color transport pipe 1y, and the lower developer Gm.

[0128] The gas blown out from the fourth blowing outlet 17-4 at the most downstream is transported backward along the fourth flow path 18-4 formed by the space surrounded by the lower surface of the upper toner box Ky, etc., the Y color conveying pipe 1y on the left, the special color conveying pipe 1o on the right, the developer Gy on the lower side, etc.

[0129] The air sent to the rear of the printer unit U1 is moved along the rear frame 12 by the exhaust fan 23 and then exhausted from the exhaust port 24 .

[0130] Therefore, air drawn from the left side of the printer main body U1 by the intake fan 21 flows from the front to the rear along the delivery tubes 1y-1o before being exhausted from the right. Consequently, each delivery tube 1y-1o is cooled by the air flowing through it. Therefore, even if heat generated during image formation in the lower image forming components CCy-CCo, LPHy-LPHo, and Gy-Go reaches the upper delivery tubes 1y-1o, the air can still cool the tubes 1y-1o. This prevents problems such as thermal degradation of the developer within the delivery tubes 1y-1o or reduced fluidity due to aggregation or sticking.

[0131] In the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 3, where air is taken in at the front and exhausted at the rear of the image forming apparatus, a fan or blower must be installed at the front or rear of the apparatus. Consequently, the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 3 increase the length of the image forming apparatus in the front-to-back direction, leading to an increase in size.

[0132] In the structure described in Patent Document 2, where air flows horizontally across multiple toner bottles extending in the front-to-back direction, the upstream side of the airflow is likely to be sufficiently cooled, but the downstream side may be insufficiently cooled. Consequently, the structure described in Patent Document 2 presents the problem of uneven cooling performance across the multiple cooling objects, leading to unstable cooling performance.

[0133] In contrast, in the printer U of Example 1, cooling air introduced from one side, the left side, is directed so that it flows from the front side (where the operator performs operations such as cartridge replacement) to the rear side (on the opposite side). The air is then exhausted from the other side, the right side, of the printer main body U1. Consequently, compared to configurations such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 3 that direct cooling air along the front-to-back direction of the image forming apparatus, the printer U of Example 1 minimizes the increase in size of the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, compared to configurations such as those described in Patent Document 2 that direct cooling air along the left-to-right direction of the image forming apparatus, the printer U of Example 1 improves cooling performance for the multiple cooling targets, namely, the delivery pipes 1y to 1o.

[0134] In recent printers U, as the overall size of the device has been reduced, the photoreceptors Py to Po, developers Gy to Go, and photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLo have also been miniaturized. On the other hand, to reduce the frequency of replacement of the toner cartridges Ky to Ko, the toner cartridges Ky to Ko have been increasing in capacity. Therefore, if the spacing between the toner cartridges Ky to Ko is aligned with the spacing between the five small developers Gy to Go, it becomes difficult to increase the capacity of the toner cartridges Ky to Ko. Conversely, if the spacing between the five large-capacity toner cartridges Ky to Ko is aligned with the spacing between the small developers Gy to Go, the overall size of the device will increase. Therefore, the spacing between the miniaturized developers Gy to Go is inconsistent with the spacing between the large-capacity toner cartridges Ky to Ko. Accordingly, in the printer U of Example 1, the conveying tubes 1y to 1o are arranged obliquely with respect to the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction.

[0135] Therefore, in Example 1, the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are also inclined relative to the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction. Here, in the case of a structure in which the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are parallel in the front-to-back direction, the flow direction of the air flowing to the rear end will change by 90 degrees when it flows to the right. Therefore, the flow resistance and pressure loss are likely to increase, and the gas will not flow easily. In contrast, as in Example 1, if the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are inclined relative to the front-to-back direction, the change in flow direction at the rear end is less than 90 degrees. Therefore, the flow resistance and the like are also reduced, and the flow of the gas becomes smooth. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are parallel in the front-to-back direction, the cooling efficiency is likely to be improved.

[0136] In particular, in Example 1, the inclination angles of the delivery tubes 1y to 1o are set to increase as they approach the air intake side (left side). That is, the flow variation at the rear end decreases to less than 90 degrees as it approaches the air intake side, and the flow resistance and pressure loss decrease as it approaches the air intake side. Therefore, in the printer U of Example 1, the flow resistance and pressure loss decrease in the upstream first flow path 18-1, where air is less likely to be blown out from the straight duct 16, while the flow resistance increases in the downstream fourth flow path 18-4, where air is more easily blown out. Therefore, compared to a case where the inclination angles of the delivery tubes 1y to 1o are all the same, in Example 1, the amount (flow rate) of gas flowing through the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 is more uniform, cooling unevenness is suppressed, and cooling efficiency is more likely to be improved.

[0137] In particular, in Example 1, the sizes of the outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are set based on the pressure loss. Therefore, the amount (flow rate) of gas flowing through the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 is more uniform. Specifically, the opening areas of the outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are set larger as they approach the air intake side, which makes it easier to uniformize the amount (flow rate) of gas flowing through the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4. Therefore, compared to a case where the outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are uniform in size, cooling unevenness is suppressed, and cooling efficiency is more likely to be improved.

[0138] (Change Example)

[0139] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below.

[0140] (H01) While the above embodiment illustrates a printer U as an example of an image forming apparatus, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a copier, a fax machine, or a multifunction peripheral having multiple or all of these functions. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and may be applied to any image forming apparatus such as an inkjet or thermal transfer image forming apparatus.

[0141] (H02) In the above embodiment, a configuration using five-color developers is exemplified as the printer U. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and is applicable to, for example, a monochrome image forming apparatus or a multi-color image forming apparatus using four or fewer colors or six or more colors.

[0142] (H03) In the above embodiment, an embodiment including the stapler U4 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that does not include the stapler U4.

[0143] (H04) In the embodiment, without miniaturizing the developers Gy to Go or increasing the capacity of the toner cartridges Ky to Ko, the conveying pipes 1y to 1o can be arranged parallel in the front-to-back direction, or the inclination angles of the conveying pipes 1y to 1o can all be set to the same inclination angle.

[0144] (H05) In the above embodiment, the conveying pipes 1y to 1o are exemplified as the components to be cooled, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to cooling any part requiring cooling, such as the developers Gy to Go, the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLo, the waste developer conveying path extending from the photoreceptor cleaners CLy to CLo, the fixing device F, the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1o, the secondary transfer roller T2b, or the backup roller T2a.

[0145] (H06) While the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the developer is transported from front to rear by the transport pipes 1y to 1o, this is not limiting. For example, a configuration in which the developer is transported from rear to front is also possible. Similarly, the direction of gas flow is not limited to from the left front to the right rear; it can be changed to any direction, such as from the left rear to the right front, from the right front to the left rear, or from the right rear to the left front, depending on the design or specifications.

[0146] (H07) In the above embodiment, the sizes of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are preferably different according to the pressure loss, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The sizes can be appropriately changed according to the required cooling capacity, design, specifications, etc., such as whether sufficient cooling can be achieved even with the same size.

[0147] (Note) (1)

[0149] An image forming device comprising:

[0150] An operated member is disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus and is used by an operator to operate the image forming apparatus;

[0151] a plurality of cooled members disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus to be cooled and extending from the surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the operation is performed toward a surface opposite to the surface on which the operation is performed;

[0152] an introduction member disposed on one side of a surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the operation is performed and for introducing cooling gas;

[0153] a guide member that guides the gas introduced from the introduction member to one of the surface on which the operation is performed and a surface opposite to the surface on which the operation is performed, and blows the guided gas from the one surface toward the other surface; and

[0154] The exhaust member is arranged at the other side portion opposite to the one side portion where the introduction member is arranged, and exhausts the gas. (2)

[0156] The image forming apparatus according to (1), comprising:

[0157] The first operated member is composed of a developing member for developing a latent image and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator;

[0158] a second operated member, which is constituted by a housing member that houses a developer to be replenished to the developing member and is attachable and detachable to the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; and

[0159] The cooled member is composed of a conveying member that conveys the developer in the accommodating member to the developing member. (3)

[0161] The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), comprising:

[0162] The cooled member extends in a direction inclined with respect to both a front-rear direction connecting the operated surface and the opposing surface and a left-right direction connecting the one side portion and the other side portion. (4)

[0164] The image forming apparatus according to (3), comprising:

[0165] A plurality of the cooled members are arranged side by side from the one side toward the other side, and the inclination direction of each of the cooled members changes from the one side toward the other side. (5)

[0167] The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), comprising:

[0168] The cooled member is arranged in plurality from the one side toward the other side; and

[0169] The guide member includes a blowing member disposed between the plurality of cooled members and blowing the guided gas from one side toward any other side.

[0170] The blowing member has a size set according to the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guide member. (6)

[0172] The image forming apparatus according to (5), comprising:

[0173] a guide member extending linearly from the one side portion toward the other side portion;

[0174] Regarding the plurality of blowing members, the size of the one side portion is larger than the size of the other side portion.

[0175] According to the image forming apparatus involved in (1), compared with a structure in which cooling gas is caused to flow along the front-to-back direction of the image forming apparatus, the size of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed, and compared with a structure in which cooling gas is caused to flow along the left-to-right direction of the image forming apparatus, the cooling performance for multiple cooling objects can be improved.

[0176] According to the image forming apparatus according to (2), compared with a case where the conveying member is not cooled, deterioration of the developer conveyed by the conveying member or change in fluidity can be suppressed.

[0177] According to the image forming apparatus of (3), compared with a case where the cooled member is not inclined with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, resistance to the flow of gas can be suppressed, and the gas can flow smoothly.

[0178] According to the image forming apparatus of (4), compared with a case where the inclination angle does not change from one side portion to the other side portion, it is easier to make the amount of flowing gas uniform and suppress uneven cooling.

[0179] According to the image forming apparatus of (5), compared with a case where the size of the blowing member is not set based on the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guide member, it is possible to suppress cooling unevenness and improve cooling performance.

[0180] According to the image forming apparatus of (6), compared with a case where the size of the blowing member on the air intake side, i.e., one side, is smaller than that of the blowing member on the other side, uneven cooling can be suppressed and cooling performance can be improved.

[0181] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that: have: An operated member is disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus and is used by an operator to operate the image forming apparatus; a plurality of cooled members disposed on the main body of the image forming apparatus to be cooled and extending from the surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the operation is performed toward a surface opposite to the surface on which the operation is performed; an introduction member disposed on one side of a surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus on which the operation is performed and for introducing cooling gas; a guide member for guiding the gas introduced from the introduction member through one of the surface on which the operation is performed and a surface opposite to the surface on which the operation is performed, and for blowing the guided gas from the one surface toward the other surface; and The exhaust member is arranged at the other side portion opposite to the one side portion where the introduction member is arranged, and exhausts the gas.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein have: The first operated member is composed of a developing member for developing a latent image and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; a second operated member, which is constituted by a housing member that houses a developer to be replenished to the developing member and is attachable and detachable to the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; and The cooled member is composed of a conveying member that conveys the developer in the accommodating member to the developing member.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: have: The cooled member extends in a direction inclined with respect to both a front-rear direction connecting the operated surface and the opposing surface and a left-right direction connecting the one side portion and the other side portion.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: have: A plurality of the cooled members are arranged side by side from the one side toward the other side, and the inclination direction of each of the cooled members changes from the one side toward the other side.

5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: have: The cooled member is arranged in plurality from the one side toward the other side; and The guide member includes a blowing member disposed between the plurality of cooled members and blowing the guided gas from one side toward any other side. The blowing member has a size set according to the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guide member.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein have: a guide member extending linearly from the one side portion toward the other side portion; Regarding the plurality of blowing members, the size of the one side portion is larger than the size of the other side portion.

Images