Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus. The coupling unit couples the main body unit and the reading unit and supports the reading unit. The coupling unit includes a top surface supporting the reading unit, a bottom surface supported by the main body unit, a first wall extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface, a second wall extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface, and a first opening disposed on the bottom surface and connecting an internal space between the first wall and the second wall and the main body unit. The first wall includes a first air duct opening connecting the inner space and the outer space. The second wall includes a second air duct opening connecting the inner space and the outer space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] An image forming apparatus fixes a toner image on a sheet using a fixing device as a heat source. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-255868 proposes forming an air duct near the fixing device, and discharging heat from the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outside through the air duct. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-065105 proposes providing a fan in an image forming apparatus including an image reading device, the fan forcibly discharging heat accumulated in a gap between a main body of the image forming apparatus and the image reading device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-065105 discusses providing an exhaust unit between an image forming unit and a reading unit formed above the image forming unit, or in the reading unit, and also providing a fan within the exhaust unit. In order to provide the fan, a space for providing the fan is required. When the space is strictly limited, only a small fan having low wind power can be attached to the exhaust unit, and it is difficult to sufficiently dissipate heat of the image forming apparatus. In particular, the exhaust unit of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-065105 includes only a single exhaust port, and has poor heat dissipation performance. SUMMARY

[0004] In order to make a coupling unit coupling an image forming unit and a reading unit into an exhaust unit, it is necessary to improve heat dissipation efficiency without installing a fan or the like in the coupling unit. The present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus including: a main body unit having an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; a reading unit arranged above the main body unit and configured to read a document; a stacking unit arranged between the main body unit and the reading unit, in which the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the main body unit is stacked on the stacking unit; and a coupling unit configured to couple the main body unit and the reading unit, and to support the reading unit; wherein the coupling unit includes: a top surface supporting the reading unit; a bottom surface supported by the main body unit; a first wall extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface; a second wall extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface; and a first opening provided on the bottom surface and connecting an internal space between the first wall and the second wall with the main body unit; wherein the first wall includes a first air duct port connecting the internal space and an external space; and the second wall includes a second air duct port connecting the internal space and the external space.

[0005] The present disclosure also provides an image forming apparatus, comprising: a main unit including an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; a reading unit disposed above the main unit and configured to read a document; a stacking unit disposed between the main unit and the reading unit, wherein the recording medium on which the image has been formed by the main unit is stacked on the stacking unit; and a coupling unit configured to couple the main unit and the reading unit and support the reading unit; wherein the coupling unit includes: a top surface supporting the reading unit; a bottom surface supported by the main unit; a first wall extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface; a second wall extending from the bottom surface toward the top surface and facing the stacking unit; and a first opening disposed on the bottom surface, the first opening connecting an inner space between the first wall and the second wall with the main unit; wherein the reading unit includes: a first chamber in which an image sensor for reading the document is present; and a second chamber connected with the inner space of the coupling unit; wherein the second wall includes a first air duct opening connecting the inner space of the coupling unit and an outer space; and wherein the second chamber includes a second air duct opening discharging air that has risen from the coupling unit into the second chamber to an outside of the reading unit.

[0006] The features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings. The embodiments are described by way of example with the following drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a front perspective view showing a method of removing a process cartridge.

[0010] Figure 3 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a cartridge cover has been opened.

[0011] Figure 4 is a front perspective view showing a method of removing a toner cartridge.

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of internal components of an image forming apparatus.

[0013] Figure 6 is a front view of an image forming apparatus.

[0014] Figure 7 is a rear view of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8This is a rear perspective view of the imaging device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the internal components of the imaging device.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a rear perspective view showing the first variant.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a rear perspective view showing the second variation.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a rear stereoscopic view of the imaging device in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device in the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a rear perspective view of the imaging device according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Several features are described in the embodiments, but not all such features are necessary, and multiple such features may be appropriately combined. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar constructions, and repeated descriptions will be incorporated by reference for the sake of brevity.

[0024] First Embodiment

[0025] 1. Structure of imaging equipment

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, imaging device 100 is an electrophotographic copier. The direction extending from the bottom to the top of imaging device 100 along the plane of the drawing is called the upward direction. The direction opposite to the upward direction is called the downward direction. From Figure 1 The direction extending from right to left is called the rearward direction (extending towards the rear side 191B of the imaging device 100). From Figure 1 The direction extending from the left to the right of the imaging device 100 is called the forward direction of the imaging device 100 (extending towards the front side 191F). From Figure 6 The direction extending from the right to the left is called the leftward direction (extending towards the left side 191L ​​of the imaging device 100). From Figure 6The direction extending from the left to the right is called the rightward direction (extending towards the right side 191R of the imaging device 100). In the accompanying drawings, arrows with markings F, B, L, and R corresponding to front, back, left, and right are used to represent front, back, left, and right, respectively.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 100 comprises a main unit 1, a feeding unit 2, a main transfer unit 3, an imaging unit 4, a fixing unit 5, an ejection unit 6, a stacking unit 7, a readout unit 8, and a secondary transfer unit 9. The main unit 1 includes a mechanism for forming an image on a recording medium S. The feeding unit 2 is located at the lower part of the main unit 1 and feeds the recording medium S. The main transfer unit 3 is located at the front of the main unit 1 and transfers the recording medium S from the feeding unit 2 to the imaging unit 4. The imaging unit 4 is located at the center of the main unit 1 and forms an image on the recording medium S using toner. The fixing unit 5 and the ejection unit 6 are located at the rear of the main unit 1. The fixing unit 5 is a mechanism for fixing the toner image onto the recording medium S. The ejection unit 6 ejects the recording medium S from the inside of the main unit 1 to the outside. Arrow 177 indicates the direction of ejection of the recording medium S. The stacking unit 7 is located at the upper part of the main unit 1 and holds the recording medium S. The readout unit 8 is located above the main unit 1 and the stacking unit 7.

[0028] 2. Feeding unit and conveying unit

[0029] The feeding unit 2 includes a recording medium cartridge 20 and a pickup roller 21. The recording medium cartridge 20 is a storage chamber for storing multiple recording media S. The pickup roller 21 picks up one recording medium S from the multiple recording media S stacked and stored in the recording medium cartridge 20 and feeds the recording medium S to the main transfer unit 3.

[0030] The main transport unit 3 includes a transport guide 30 and a transport roller pair 31. The transport guide 30 is a guide used to control the movement trajectory of the recording medium S. The transport roller pair 31 is a roller pair that transports the recording medium S to the imaging unit 4. In addition, the transport roller pair 31 performs alignment between the toner image and the recording medium S.

[0031] 3. Imaging Unit

[0032] The image forming unit 4 includes a laser scanner unit 40, a process cartridge 41, a toner cartridge 42, and a transfer roller 43. The laser scanner unit 40 includes an exposure light source that irradiates a photosensitive drum 411 with laser light to form a latent image. The process cartridge 41 includes the photosensitive drum 411, a charging member 412, a developing unit 413, and a cleaning member 414. The process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 can be collectively referred to as a process unit. The photosensitive drum 411 is an image bearer that rotates while bearing an electrostatic latent image and bearing a toner image. The charging member 412 is a charging wire or a charging roller that charges a surface (an image forming surface) of the photosensitive drum 411. The developing unit 413 develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 411 using toner to produce a toner image. The cleaning member 414 is a cleaning unit (such as a doctor blade-shaped resin plate or a resin brush) that cleans a residue (such as toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 411.

[0033] The developing unit 413 includes a developing roller 4131, a developing doctor 4132, a supply roller 4133, and a stirring member 4134. The stirring member 4134 stirs toner supplied to the developing unit 413 from the toner cartridge 42. The supply roller 4133 supplies toner stored in the developing unit 413 to the developing roller 4131. The developing doctor 4132 is a regulating member that regulates a layer thickness of toner adhering to a surface of the developing roller 4131. The developing roller 4131 is a toner bearing unit that rotates while bearing toner. Toner borne on the developing roller 4131 adheres to the photosensitive drum 411, thereby producing a toner image.

[0034] The toner cartridge 42 includes a toner storage unit 421 and a conveyance paddle 422. The toner storage unit 421 is a toner storage container that stores toner. The conveyance paddle 422 is a conveyance member that conveys toner stored in the toner storage unit 421 to the developing unit 413.

[0035] The transfer roller 43 is a transfer member that transfers a toner image borne on the photosensitive drum 411 to a recording medium S. The transfer roller 43 can be replaced by other forms of members such as a transfer blade or a transfer doctor. An abutment portion formed between the transfer roller 43 and the photosensitive drum 411 can be referred to as a transfer nip.

[0036] 4. Fixing unit

[0037] The fixing unit 5 includes a heating roller 51, a press roller 52, and a heating member 53. The heating roller 51 is disposed to face and abut the press roller 52. The heating member 53 is installed at an inner peripheral side of the heating roller 51. The heating member 53 heats the heating roller 51. The heating member 53 is, for example, a halogen heater or a ceramic heater. The heating roller 51 can be a cylindrical annular film having a space inside. The press roller 52 is a rotating body that presses the recording medium S and the toner image toward the heating roller 51. The recording medium S and the toner image pass through a nip formed by the abutment between the heating roller 51 and the press roller 52. As a result, the toner image is heated and pressed, and is fixed on the recording medium S.

[0038] 5. Discharge unit and stacking unit

[0039] The discharge unit 6 includes a conveyance guide 60 and a discharge roller pair 61. The stacking unit 7 includes a discharge port 70 and a stacking tray 71. The conveyance guide 60 is a guide member that guides the recording medium S from the fixing unit 5 to the discharge port 70. The discharge roller pair 61 is a rotating body that discharges the recording medium S to the stacking unit 7 after conveying it along the conveyance guide 60. The discharge port 70 is provided in a portion of the housing 10, and is an opening for discharging the recording medium S on which the toner image has been fixed, to the outside of the main body unit 1. The stacking tray 71 is a stacking member (for example, a support plate) that stacks the recording medium S on which the toner image has been fixed.

[0040] 6. Original reader

[0041] The reading unit 8 includes a platen glass 81, a press plate 82, and an image sensor 83. The platen glass 81 is a light-transmissive flat plate on which an original is placed. The press plate 82 presses the original on the platen glass 81. The image sensor 83 reads the original that has been placed on the platen glass 81 and generates an image signal. The image forming unit 4 generates a toner image based on the image signal.

[0042] 7. Sub-conveyance unit

[0043] The image forming apparatus 100 has a single-sided printing mode in which an image is formed on one side of the recording medium S and a double-sided printing mode in which images are formed on both sides of the recording medium S. The sub conveyance unit 9 is used when the double-sided printing mode is selected by the user. When the recording medium S on which an image has been formed on the first surface reaches the discharge unit 6, the discharge roller pair 61 stops while holding the recording medium S. Next, the reverse rotation of the discharge roller pair 61 is started, and the recording medium S is fed to the sub conveyance unit 9. When the recording medium S is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 91 and the conveyance roller pair 92 provided in the sub conveyance unit 9, the recording medium S is conveyed to the image forming unit 4 again. When the recording medium S is conveyed through the sub conveyance unit 9, the second surface of the recording medium S faces the photosensitive drum 411. The image forming unit 4 forms a toner image on the second surface, and the fixing unit 5 fixes the toner image on the second surface. The discharge unit 6 discharges the recording medium S on which the double-sided printing has been completed to the stack unit 7.

[0044] 8. Process cartridge and toner cartridge

[0045] The toner cartridge 42 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the process cartridge 41. When the amount of toner stored in the toner storage unit 421 decreases, the used toner cartridge 42 is separated from the process cartridge 41. A new toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41.

[0046] By repeatedly performing the image forming operation, the individual components of the process cartridge 41 including the photosensitive drum 411 are gradually deteriorated. In the first embodiment, the process cartridge 41 is configured to be detachable from the main body unit 1. The deteriorated process cartridge 41 is replaced with a new process cartridge 41.

[0047] 9. Read unit support structure

[0048] The coupling unit 13 is a structure that couples the image forming unit 4 and the read unit 8 and supports the bottom surface 84 of the read unit 8 on the top surface 133 of the coupling unit 13. The coupling unit 13 is arranged above the fixing unit 5 and includes the top surface 133 that supports the read unit 8. The bottom surface 134 of the coupling unit 13 is supported by the main body unit 1. The internal space of the coupling unit 13 is connected with the internal space of the main body unit 1 via the opening 143. The coupling unit 13 includes a plurality of side walls. Among the plurality of side walls, the air duct port 141 is provided in the side wall provided at the rear side B of the image forming apparatus 100. Among the plurality of side walls, the air duct port 142 is provided in the side wall provided at the front side A of the image forming apparatus 100. The air duct port 141 connects the internal space of the coupling unit 13 with a space (stacking space) for holding the recording medium S provided between the main body unit 1 and the read unit 8.

[0049] As indicated by arrows 171 and 172, air heated by the heat generated in the fixing unit 5 rises from the main body unit 1 toward the coupling unit 13, and is discharged from the air duct port 141. As indicated by arrows 173 and 172, air heated by the recording medium S stacked in the stacking unit 7 enters the inner space of the coupling unit 13 through the air duct port 142, and is discharged to the outer space of the coupling unit 13 through the air duct port 141.

[0050] By employing such a coupling unit 13, the heat generated by the fixing unit 5 can be effectively discharged to the outside without installing a fan in the coupling unit 13. It is possible not to provide any fan in the coupling unit 13, or to downsize a fan that was previously present in the coupling unit 13. Thus, it is possible to reduce the size of the coupling unit 13. By reducing the size of the coupling unit 13, it is possible to reduce the height of the coupling unit 13. As a result, the coupling unit 13 can maintain sufficient rigidity even if the air duct ports 141 and 142 are provided in the coupling unit 13.

[0051] The moisture contained in the recording medium S becomes water vapor when heated. Such water vapor tends to stay in the stacking space between the main body unit 1 and the reading unit 8. This is because the back side, the right side, and the left side of the stacking space are shielded by the coupling unit 13, and only the front side is open to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100. With the first embodiment, the air (hot air, water vapor) that can have stayed between the main body unit 1 and the reading unit 8 is also effectively discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 through the coupling unit 13. That is, the water vapor released into the stacking space from the recording medium S or the discharge unit 6 enters the coupling unit 13 through the air duct port 142, and is discharged to the outside of the coupling unit 13 from the air duct port 141. As a result, condensation caused by the water vapor is suppressed. It is also possible to reduce the failure of electrical devices, such as a short circuit of an electric circuit caused by a water droplet resulting from condensation. It is also possible to reduce mechanical problems, such as rusting of metal. It will also be easy to prevent a decrease in image quality due to attachment of a water droplet to the recording medium S.

[0052] As Figure 1 indicated, the housing 10 of the main body unit 1 includes a front side 191F and a back side 191B. In addition, the housing 10 also includes a left side 191L Figure 2 ) and a right side 191R Figure 8 ). The air duct port 151 can be provided in at least one of the left side 191L and the right side 191R. The air duct port 151 connects the inside and the outside of the main body unit 1. As will be described later, a fan that performs air intake or air discharge can be attached to the air duct port 151.

[0053] 10. Attaching and removing the cartridge

[0054] As Figure 2As shown, the reading unit 8 is rotatably supported by the main body unit 1 via hinge 139. In this example, the reading unit 8 is integrated with the connecting unit 13, the upper cover 18, and the laser scanner unit 40 to form a cover unit 90. The hinge 139 allows the cover unit 90 to rotate relative to the main body unit 1, such that the cover unit 90 exposes or covers the main body unit 1. Figure 1 As can be clearly seen, the discharge unit 6 can also be integrated with the cover unit 90. In this way, the connecting unit 13 can be fixed to the upper cover 18. The laser scanner unit 40 is fixed below the upper cover 18. By moving the upper cover 18 from the closed state to the open state, the user can remove or attach the processing box 41 from the main body unit 1. The finger opening 181 can be provided on the front side 191F of the main body unit 1. The user can easily lift the upper cover 18 by inserting a finger into the finger opening 181.

[0055] The finger opening 181 can be covered by a cover 11 located on the front side 191F of the main body unit 1. The cover 11 can also move between an open state and a closed state. Therefore, in order to open the top cover 18, the cover 11 must first be opened.

[0056] By removing the processing cartridge 41 from the main unit 1, the user can easily remove the recording medium S stuck inside the main unit 1.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the toner cartridge 42 can be detached from the processing cartridge 41. The toner cartridge 42 can be removed independently from the main unit 1, or the toner cartridge 42 can be attached to the main unit 1. Therefore, the toner cartridge 42 and the processing cartridge 41 are examples of multiple separable components. Here, "component" refers to a collection of multiple parts.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, a detachable opening 111 can be provided on the front side 191F of the main unit 1. When the lid 11 is opened, the user can visually identify the toner box 42 through the detachable opening 111 and can take or put the toner box 42.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, even when the top cover 18 remains closed, the user can remove the toner cartridge 42 through the removable opening 111. This improves the operability of attaching and removing the toner cartridge 42.

[0060] 11. Exhaust Unit

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the air duct opening 151 can be respectively located on the left side 191L ​​and / or the right side 191R of the housing 10. Figure 5As shown, an electric fan 175 is located on the right side 191R of the housing 10. The electric fan 175 draws air from the interior space of the main unit 1 through the air duct 151 and exhausts the air to the outside of the imaging device 100 along the airflow indicated by arrow 174. An exhaust port 152 is located on the rear side 191B of the main unit 1, and the exhaust port 152 discharges the air supplied by the electric fan 175. As a result, heat is released to the outside of the imaging device 100 along with the air.

[0062] Here, as an example, an electric fan 175 draws air from inside the main unit 1. The electric fan 175 can be a fan that introduces air from outside the main unit 1 into the main unit 1. Therefore, the interior of the main unit 1 is cooled. Furthermore, the air introduced into the main unit 1 can push water vapor from inside the main unit 1 to the outside.

[0063] according to Figure 5 It can be seen that the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the connecting unit 13 is U-shaped. (Shape). The connecting unit 13 is a support structure having a first support member 135 and a second support member 136, which extend parallel to the direction in which the recording medium S is discharged. Furthermore, the connecting unit 13 includes a third support member 137 extending perpendicular to the direction in which the recording medium S is discharged. The third support member 137 is the connecting unit in a narrow sense. The first support member 135 and the second support member 136 are connected via the third support member 137. Therefore, the rigidity of the connecting unit 13 can be increased. The stacking unit 7 is disposed between the first support member 135 and the second support member 136.

[0064] Because the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the connecting unit 13 is U-shaped, the top, bottom, rear, left, and right sides of the stacking space are closed, and only the front side is open. Therefore, water vapor released from the recording medium S stacked on the stacking unit 7 tends to remain in the stacking space. In the first embodiment, the water vapor is effectively released from the stacking space to the outside of the imaging device 100 by the airflow indicated by arrows 173 and 172. That is, a water vapor release path is ensured behind the stacking space. As indicated by arrow 171, the water vapor generated in the fixing unit 5 also merges with the water vapor from the stacking space and is discharged to the outside of the imaging device 100.

[0065] 12. Details of the heat dissipation mechanism

[0066] The heat generated from the heating member 53 of the fixing unit 5 is propagated to the recording medium S and the toner image, and also to the fixing unit 5 itself and the internal space of the main body unit 1 as unnecessary heat. The heat generated in the fixing unit 5 heats the air, and the heated air rises above the fixing unit 5. Above the fixing unit 5 is the coupling unit 13 which is integrated with the upper cover 18. The upper cover 18 supports the bottom surface 134 of the coupling unit 13. The bottom surface 134 of the coupling unit 13 includes an opening 143. The coupling unit 13 is connected with the inside of the main body unit 1 via the opening 143.

[0067] Figure 6 is a front view illustrating the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 7 is a rear view illustrating the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the image forming apparatus 100 which is transparent. As Figure 6 illustrated, the air duct port 142 can include louvers 149. As Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrated, the air duct port 141 can include louvers 148. The louvers 148 and 149 can each have a plurality of slats to control the direction of air flow. In addition, the louvers 148 and 149 have a plurality of slats arranged obliquely to tilt the air discharge direction downward, thereby reducing dust from entering the coupling unit 13.

[0068] As Figure 6 to Figure 9 illustrated, the coupling unit 13 includes an outer wall 131 and an inner wall 132 opposite to each other as the above-mentioned two side surfaces. The outer wall 131 and the inner wall 132 are coupled to a top surface 133. The outer wall 131 and the inner wall 132 can be referred to as vertical walls.

[0069] The outer wall 131 includes an air duct port 141 which functions as an air discharge port or an air intake port to connect the outside and the inside of the main body unit 1. The air duct port 141 helps to release the heat inside the main body unit 1 by natural convection. The inner wall 132 is a side wall facing the stacking unit 7 or the stacking space. The inner wall 132 includes an air duct port 142 which functions as an air discharge port or an air intake port. The air duct port 142 allows the upper space of the stacking tray 71 (stacking space) to be connected with the internal space of the coupling unit 13.

[0070] As Figure 1 illustrated, the heat generated from the heating member 53 of the fixing unit 5 is applied to the recording medium S and at the same time propagated to the air around the fixing unit 5. The heated air rises above the fixing unit 5 as indicated by an arrow 171. The coupling unit 13 is located above the fixing unit 5. The air enters the coupling unit 13 through the opening 143 of the coupling unit 13. The air is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 through the air duct port 141 provided in the outer wall 131 as indicated by an arrow 172.

[0071] As Figure 9 indicated, air in the stacking space is drawn by natural convection indicated by an arrow 173, and enters the coupling unit 13 through the air duct opening 142 provided in the inner wall 132. The air is also exhausted from the air duct opening 141 provided at the rear side 191B of the main body unit 1.

[0072] In this way, heat generated by the fixing unit 5 is propagated to the air, and the heated air starts to rise. The air moves from the main body unit 1 to the coupling unit 13, and is exhausted from the coupling unit 13 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 via the air duct opening 141. The generated heat is also propagated from the recording medium S to the air in the stacking space, and the air enters the coupling unit 13 via the air duct opening 142, merges with the air from the main body unit 1, and is exhausted to the outside from the air duct opening 141. That is, unnecessary heat is effectively exhausted to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 by natural convection.

[0073] As Figure 11 indicated, the air duct opening 141 can have a plurality of through holes. Similarly, the air duct opening 142 can have a plurality of through holes. The shape of the through holes can be circular or rectangular.

[0074] Alternatively, the air duct opening 141 can be a single opening, and the air duct opening 142 can be a single opening. Note that one of the air duct openings 141 and 142 can have a plurality of through holes, and the other can have a single opening or an opening having louvers.

[0075] According to the first embodiment, heat dissipation performance can be improved with a simpler structure. The bottom surface 134 of the coupling unit 13 located above the fixing unit 5 as a heat source includes the opening 143. Further, the coupling unit 13 includes a U shape in a plan view. Since the coupling unit 13 includes the opening 143, the inside of the main body unit 1 can be cooled by natural convection while maintaining the rigidity of the coupling unit 13. Heated air residing between the main body unit 1 and the reading unit 8 can also be exhausted with a simple structure. The reading unit 8 and the coupling unit 13 are integrated with the upper cover 18. By opening the upper cover 18, the consumable can be easily replaced. By opening the upper cover 18, the recording medium S stuck inside the main body unit 1 can be removed.

[0076] In Figure 1In the present embodiment, the air duct port 141 functions as a discharge port (exhaust port) for discharging air, and the air duct port 142 functions as a suction port (intake port) for sucking air. However, this is merely an example. The air duct port 141 can function as the intake port. The air duct port 142 can function as the exhaust port. The functions (intake port / exhaust port) of the air duct ports 141 and 142 can not be fixed but can change depending on the natural convection of air. For example, at a certain time, the air duct port 142 can function as a discharge port for discharging air heated by the fixing unit 5, and at another time, the air duct port 142 can function as the intake port.

[0077] In Figure 1 In the present embodiment, the outer wall 131 and the inner wall 132 face each other, but this is merely an example. The outer wall 131 and the inner wall 132 can not face each other. For example, the outer wall 131 can be an outer wall of at least one of the first support 135 and the second support 136. The inner wall 132 can be an inner wall of at least one of the first support 135 and the second support 136. In this case, the outer wall 131 and the inner wall 132 will be orthogonal to each other. Alternatively, the outer wall 131 can be provided on one of the first support 135 and the second support 136, and the inner wall 132 can be provided on one of the first support 135 and the second support 136.

[0078] The air duct port 151 is provided with the electric fan 175, but this is merely an example. A plurality of air duct ports 151 can be provided in the main body unit 1. The air duct port 151 can function as an intake port for sucking air from the outside of the main body unit 1 into the inside space of the main body unit 1. The air duct port 151 can function as an exhaust port for discharging air from the inside space of the main body unit 1 to the outside of the main body unit 1.

[0079] Second Embodiment

[0080] In the second embodiment, air heated by the main body unit 1 and air heated by the stack unit 7 are discharged from the air duct port provided in the reading unit 8. In the second embodiment, the description of matters described in the first embodiment is incorporated by reference for the sake of brevity.

[0081] Figure 12is a simplified cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. The top surface 133 of the coupling unit 13 includes an opening 144. The reading unit 8 includes a first chamber 180 that accommodates the image sensor 83 and the like and a second chamber 160 that is isolated from the first chamber 180. The second chamber 160 is located above the coupling unit 13. The bottom surface of the second chamber 160 includes an opening 161. The opening 161 of the second chamber 160 and the opening 144 of the coupling unit 13 are positioned, sized, and shaped such that air in the internal space of the coupling unit 13 easily flows into the second chamber 160. In this way, the coupling unit 13 and the second chamber 160 are connected through the opening 144 and the opening 161.

[0082] Air flowing into the coupling unit 13 from the main body unit 1 or the stack unit 7 converges at the coupling unit 13 and flows into the second chamber 160. The air travel direction changes from upward to rearward in the second chamber 160. As indicated by an arrow 176, air is discharged from the second chamber 160 to the outside through a vent 162.

[0083] As Figure 13 indicated, the vent 162 can have louvers. However, this is merely an example. As described above, the vent 162 can be a single opening, or can have a plurality of through-holes.

[0084] According to the second embodiment, instead of the vent 141, the vent 162 is provided in the reading unit 8. Therefore, heat dissipation performance can be improved with a simpler structure. In addition, the rigidity of the coupling unit 13 is maintained. The natural convection suppresses the increase in the temperature inside the main body unit 1. In addition, hot air residing in the stack space between the main body unit 1 and the reading unit 8 can also be discharged with a simple structure.

[0085] Third Embodiment

[0086] The third embodiment is a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. As Figure 14 and Figure 15 indicated, the second chamber 160 is connected to the coupling unit 13 through the openings 161 and 144, and the second chamber 160 includes the vent 162. In addition, the coupling unit 13 includes the vent 141 described in detail in the first embodiment.

[0087] Since the vent 162 is provided in addition to the above-described vent 141, heated air from the main body unit 1 and heated air from the stack unit 7 can be effectively discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 with a simple structure. Therefore, in the third embodiment, heat dissipation performance can be improved with a simple structure.

[0088] Other Embodiments

[0089] Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on storage medium (which can also be referred to more fully as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and / or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer can comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), micro processing units (MPUs)) and can include a network of separate computers or separate processing units to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions can be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium can include, for example, one or both of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)®), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. TM

[0090] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all the variations and equivalents.​

Claims

1. An imaging device, comprising: The main body unit has an imaging unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; A reading unit is arranged above the main unit and configured to read the original document; A stacking unit is arranged between the main unit and the reading unit, wherein a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the main unit is stacked on the stacking unit; and The connection unit is configured to connect the main unit and the reading unit, and also supports the reading unit. The connection unit includes: Top surface supports the reading unit. The bottom surface is supported by the main body unit. The first wall extends from the bottom surface toward the top surface. The second wall extends from the bottom surface toward the top surface; and The first opening is located on the bottom surface and connects the internal space between the first and second walls to the main unit. The first wall includes a first air duct opening, which connects the internal space and the external space. The second wall includes a second air duct opening, which connects the internal space and the external space.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The first air duct is configured as an exhaust outlet to exhaust air from the main unit through the first opening and rising into the internal space of the connecting unit, as well as air entering the internal space of the connecting unit from the second air duct.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second walls face each other.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein, The second air duct is configured as an air intake, which connects to the stacking space formed between the bottom surfaces of the stacking unit and the read unit located above the main unit. Air heated by heat released from the recording media stacked on the stacking units is drawn from this stacking space into the internal space of the connecting unit. The first air duct is configured as an exhaust outlet, which discharges air drawn into the internal space from the stacked space.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The second air duct is configured as an exhaust outlet to exhaust air that has passed through the first opening from the main unit and risen into the internal space of the connecting unit.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The reading unit includes: The first chamber contains an image sensor for reading the original document, and The second chamber is connected to the internal space of the connecting unit, and wherein: The second chamber includes a third air duct that exhausts the air that has risen from the connection unit into the second chamber to the outside of the reading unit.

7. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein: The second air duct is configured as an air intake, which connects to the stacking space formed between the bottom surfaces of the stacking units located above the main unit and the read unit. Air heated by heat released from the recording media stacked on the stacking units is transferred from the stacking space into the internal space of the connecting unit. The third air duct is configured as an exhaust outlet, which will draw air from the stacked space into the internal space of the connecting unit and exhaust it to the outside.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting unit is located above the main unit and is part of the structure supporting the reading unit, which has a U-shaped horizontal cross-section.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein, The structure includes a first support member and a second support member, each extending in a direction parallel to the discharge direction of the recording medium, and a third support member connecting the first support member and the second support member. The third support member extends perpendicular to the respective extending directions of the first support member and the second support member, and wherein: The stacked units are arranged between the first support and the second support, and The connecting unit includes a third support member.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one louver disposed in at least one of the first air duct opening and the second air duct opening.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple through holes are provided in at least one of the first air duct opening and the second air duct opening.

12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein, The shape of the plurality of through holes is formed as one of a circle and / or a rectangle.

13. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The main unit includes another air duct, which is configured to allow air to enter the interior space of the main unit from the outside of the main unit or to exhaust air from the interior space of the main unit to the outside of the main unit.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13 further includes a fan disposed on the other air duct opening.

15. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: An ejection unit is configured to eject recording media into a stacking unit; as well as The cover unit, discharge unit, connection unit, and reading unit are integrally formed in the cover unit; as well as The hinge allows the cover unit to be pivotally supported relative to the main unit.

16. The imaging device according to claim 15, wherein, The stacked units are integrally formed into the cover unit.

17. The imaging device according to claim 15, wherein, The main unit includes a processing unit configured to develop an electrostatic latent image with toner, form a toner image, and transfer the toner image to a recording medium. The processing unit can be attached to and removed from the main unit based on the movement of the cover unit between the closed and open states.

18. The imaging apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: The processing unit comprises multiple separable components. The main body unit includes the rear, front, right, and left sides, and The front side has an opening for attaching or removing at least one of the plurality of components.

19. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The main unit includes a fixing mechanism configured to fix the toner image transferred onto the recording medium onto the recording medium, and The connecting unit is located above the fixing mechanism.

20. An imaging device, comprising: The main unit includes an imaging unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; A reading unit is positioned above the main unit and configured to read the original document; A stacking unit is disposed between the main unit and the reading unit, wherein a recording medium on which an image has been formed by the main unit is stacked on the stacking unit; and The connection unit is configured to connect the main unit and the reading unit and support the reading unit. The connection unit includes: Top surface supports the reading unit. The bottom surface is supported by the main body unit. The first wall extends from the bottom surface toward the top surface. The second wall extends from the bottom surface toward the top surface and faces the stacked units. A first opening is provided on the bottom surface, which connects the internal space between the first wall and the second wall to the main body unit. The reading unit includes: The first chamber contains an image sensor for reading the original document, and The second chamber connects to the internal space of the connecting unit. The second wall includes a first air duct opening, which connects the internal space and the external space of the connecting unit. The second chamber includes a second air duct, which discharges the air that has risen from the connection unit into the second chamber to the outside of the reading unit.

21. The imaging device according to claim 20, wherein, The first air duct is configured as an exhaust outlet for discharging air from the main unit through the first opening and rising into the internal space of the connecting unit, and for discharging air from the second air duct into the internal space of the connecting unit.

22. The imaging device according to claim 20, wherein: The first air duct is configured as an air intake, which connects to the stacking space formed between the bottom surfaces of the stacking unit and the read unit located above the main unit. Air heated by heat released from the recording media stacked on the stacking units is transferred from the stacking space into the internal space of the connecting unit. The second air duct is configured as an outlet for exhausting air drawn into the internal space from the stacked space to the outside.

Images