Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides an image forming device, and relates to the technical field of imaging. The image forming device comprises a functional unit, and the functional unit comprises a body, a moving structure and a heat production part. The body is provided with a mounting cavity and a heat dissipation channel, the heat dissipation channel is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet are respectively communicated with the mounting cavity, and the moving structure and the heat production part are both mounted in the body; an air outlet of the heat dissipation channel faces the heat production component. The air flow generated in the moving process of the moving structure enters the heat dissipation channel from the air inlet and is blown to the heat generation component, so that the heat generation component is cooled, a thermistor or a fan does not need to be additionally arranged on the image forming device, and the production cost of the image forming device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of imaging technology, and in particular to an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The image forming apparatus includes a laser scanning unit and a processing cartridge. The laser scanning unit includes a housing and a motor and chip housed within the housing. The chip is mounted on the motor and is used to control the laser scanning process. The processing cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing roller, and a toner hopper for holding toner. The charging roller of the processing cartridge charges the surface of the photosensitive drum. The laser beam emitted from the optical path of the laser scanning unit forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The developing roller of the processing cartridge develops the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0003] During the printing process, the laser scanning unit chip generates a lot of heat, causing the internal temperature of the laser scanning unit to become too high, which leads to problems with the printed image.

[0004] In related technologies, a thermistor is installed in the laser scanning unit. When the internal temperature of the laser scanning unit exceeds a preset temperature, the thermistor stops printing, allowing the laser scanning unit to cool naturally. Alternatively, a fan is installed outside the laser scanning unit to cool it down.

[0005] However, the heat dissipation method of the laser scanning unit in related technologies increases the production cost of the image forming device. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides an image forming apparatus to address the problem that the heat dissipation method of the laser scanning unit in related technologies increases the production cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0007] This utility model provides an image forming apparatus, including a functional unit, the functional unit including a body, a motion structure and a heat generating component;

[0008] The main body has an installation cavity and a heat dissipation channel. The heat dissipation channel is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet and the air outlet are respectively connected to the installation cavity. The moving structure and the heat-generating component are both installed in the main body.

[0009] The airflow generated by the moving structure during its movement is configured to enter the heat dissipation channel from the air inlet;

[0010] The air outlet of the heat dissipation channel faces the heat-generating component.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the motion structure includes a motor and a rotating component driven by the motor, wherein airflow generated during the rotation of the rotating component enters the heat dissipation channel from the air inlet.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the air inlet of the heat dissipation channel is located in the rotation direction of the rotating component.

[0013] This design allows the airflow generated during the rotation of the rotating component to be directed towards the air inlet.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the body includes a housing and a cover connected together, the housing and the cover forming the mounting cavity;

[0015] The heat dissipation channel is provided on the housing and / or the cover.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the body has a guide section inside, which guides the airflow generated by the movement of the moving structure to the air inlet.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the guide portion includes a guide rib having a curved guide surface that surrounds the moving structure.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the guide rib is integrally formed on the housing or the cover.

[0019] In one possible implementation, at least a portion of the heat dissipation channel is an acceleration section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the acceleration section gradually decreases in the airflow direction within the heat dissipation channel.

[0020] This design accelerates the airflow in the heat dissipation channel, thereby speeding up the heat dissipation of the heat-generating components.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the heat-generating component is mounted on the moving structure.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the functional unit is a laser scanning unit, and the heat-generating component is a chip.

[0023] This utility model provides an image forming apparatus. By setting a heat dissipation channel on the main body, the heat dissipation channel is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, which are respectively connected to the mounting cavity. The air outlet of the heat dissipation channel faces the heat-generating component. The airflow generated by the moving structure during the movement enters the heat dissipation channel from the air inlet and blows towards the heat-generating component, thereby cooling the heat-generating component. As a result, the image forming apparatus does not need to add a thermistor or fan, thereby reducing the production cost of the image forming apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A top view of the internal structure of a functional unit of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point AA in the diagram;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A first-person perspective diagram of the functional units within the diagram;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A second-view diagram of the functional units in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 10-Body; 101-Mounting cavity;

[0032] 102 - Heat dissipation channel; 1021 - Air inlet;

[0033] 1022 - Air outlet; 11 - Housing;

[0034] 111-Conducting part; 12-Cover body;

[0035] 20-Motion structure; 21-Motor;

[0036] 22 - Rotating component; 30 - Heat-generating component;

[0037] 31-Processing box; 32-Transfer belt;

[0038] 33-Paper feed roller; 34-Paper box;

[0039] 35 - Laser scanning unit; 36 - Hot roller;

[0040] 37 - Pressure roller; 38 - Discharge roller;

[0041] 39 - Secondary transfer roller; 40 - Guide rib;

[0042] 41-Guiding surface. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0044] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0045] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] In the above description, the use of terms such as "example" or "some examples" indicates that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0048] As described in the background section, the heat dissipation method of the laser scanning unit in related technologies increases the production cost of the image forming apparatus. The inventors have discovered that this problem arises because the addition of a thermistor or fan to the laser scanning unit increases the production cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0049] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides an image forming apparatus in which airflow generated during the movement of a moving structure enters a heat dissipation channel through an air inlet and blows onto a heat-generating component, thereby cooling the heat-generating component. As a result, the image forming apparatus does not require the addition of a thermistor or fan, thus reducing the production cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0050] The image forming apparatus provided in the embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific examples.

[0051] This invention provides an image forming apparatus, including a functional unit. The functional unit can be a component within the image forming apparatus that has a movable structure and a heat-generating part.

[0052] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the functional unit includes a body 10, a moving structure 20, and a heat-generating component 30.

[0053] The first direction of the body 10 is the X-axis direction, the second direction of the body 10 is the Y-axis direction, and the third direction of the body 10 is the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0054] The main body 10 has a mounting cavity 101 and a heat dissipation channel 102. The heat dissipation channel 102 is provided with an air inlet 1021 and an air outlet 1022, which are respectively connected to the mounting cavity 101.

[0055] Both the moving structure 20 and the heat-generating component 30 are installed within the body 10, that is, both the moving structure 20 and the heat-generating component 30 are installed within the mounting cavity 101. In some examples, the moving structure 20 may be installed on the inner wall of the mounting cavity 101. The heat-generating component 30 may be installed on the inner wall of the mounting cavity 101, or it may be installed on the moving structure 20.

[0056] The heat-generating component 30 is a component that generates heat during the operation of the image forming apparatus.

[0057] The airflow generated by the moving structure 20 during its movement is configured to enter the heat dissipation channel 102 from the air inlet 1021.

[0058] The air outlet 1022 of the heat dissipation channel 102 faces the heat-generating component 30. With this configuration, the airflow generated by the moving structure 20 during its movement enters the heat dissipation channel 102 from the air inlet 1021 and blows towards the heat-generating component 30, thereby cooling the heat-generating component 30. As a result, the image forming apparatus does not need to add a thermistor or fan, thus reducing the production cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0059] In some examples, the functional unit can be a laser scanning unit 35 (see...) Figure 5 (As shown). The image forming apparatus includes a processing cartridge 31. The processing cartridge 31 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing roller, and a toner hopper for holding toner. The charging roller of the processing cartridge 31 is used to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum, the optical path of the laser scanning unit 35 emits a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the developing roller of the processing cartridge 31 is used to develop the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0060] In one possible implementation, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the motion structure 20 may include a motor 21 and a rotating component 22 driven by the motor 21. The airflow generated during the rotation of the rotating component 22 enters the heat dissipation channel 102 from the air inlet 1021.

[0061] The rotation axis of the rotating component 22 can extend along the first direction of the body 10.

[0062] A heat dissipation channel 102 is disposed on one side of the rotating member 22 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating member 22. The air inlet 1021 of the heat dissipation channel 102 is disposed in the rotation direction of the rotating member 22. This arrangement allows the airflow generated during the rotation of the rotating member 22 to be directed toward the air inlet 1021.

[0063] For example, the functional unit can be a laser scanning unit 35. The heat-generating component 30 can be a chip, which is mounted on the motor 21 of the motion structure 20 and is used to control the laser scanning process. The rotating component 22 of the motion structure 20 can be a prism, which is used to change the direction of the laser beam emitted by the laser scanning unit 35 when rotating. When the image forming apparatus is working, the motor 21 of the laser scanning unit 35 can drive the prism to rotate. The airflow generated during the rotation of the prism enters the heat dissipation channel 102 from the air inlet 1021 and blows onto the chip, thereby cooling the chip and preventing the internal temperature of the laser scanning unit 35 from rising.

[0064] In one possible implementation, see Figure 2 As shown, the main body 10 includes a housing 11 and a cover 12 connected to each other, and the housing 11 and the cover 12 form an installation cavity 101.

[0065] The housing 11 can be connected to the cover 12 by welding, bolting or snap-fitting.

[0066] Heat dissipation channels 102 are provided on the housing 11 and / or the cover 12. Specifically, see... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the heat dissipation channel 102 can be disposed on the housing 11. Alternatively, the heat dissipation channel 102 can also be disposed on the cover 12. Alternatively, the heat dissipation channel 102 can also be disposed on both the housing 11 and the cover 12, that is, a part of the heat dissipation channel 102 is located on the housing 11, and the other part of the heat dissipation channel 102 is located on the cover 12.

[0067] In one embodiment, a guide section is also provided inside the body 10 to guide the airflow generated when the motor 21 rotates to the air inlet 1021 of the heat dissipation channel 102.

[0068] Furthermore, the guide section may include a guide rib 40, and the guide rib 40 has a curved guide surface 41 on the side facing the motor 21, and the guide surface 41 is tangent to the airflow generated by the rotation of the motor 21.

[0069] The guide surface 41 is arranged around the moving structure 20.

[0070] In one possible embodiment, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the guide rib 40 is located on the cover 12, and the guide rib 40 can be a protrusion formed by the inner surface of the cover 12. The guide rib 40 can be detachably assembled with the cover 12, or it can be integrally formed on the cover 12. In other embodiments, the guide rib 40 can also be integrally formed with the housing 11.

[0071] See in some examples Figure 1As shown, the heat dissipation channel 102 can be disposed on the housing 11. The housing 11 is provided with a conductive portion 111, which can be located outside the mounting cavity 101. The conductive portion 111 is provided with the heat dissipation channel 102. It is understood that the heat dissipation channel 102 is located outside the mounting cavity 101. In other embodiments, the housing 11 is provided with the conductive portion 111, which can also be located inside the mounting cavity 101. The conductive portion 111 is provided with the heat dissipation channel 102. It is understood that the heat dissipation channel 102 can also be located outside the mounting cavity 101. Alternatively, the housing 11 may be provided with a conductive portion 111, a part of which is located inside the mounting cavity 101. The conductive portion 111 may be provided with a heat dissipation channel 102. It is understood that a part of the conductive portion 111 is located inside the mounting cavity 101, and another part of the conductive portion 111 is located outside the mounting cavity 101. A part of the heat dissipation channel 102 is located inside the mounting cavity 101, and another part of the heat dissipation channel 102 is located outside the mounting cavity 101.

[0072] It should be noted that the conductive part 111 may be formed by a portion of the sidewall of the housing 11.

[0073] In one possible implementation, at least a portion of the heat dissipation channel 102 is an acceleration section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the acceleration section gradually decreases in the airflow direction within the heat dissipation channel 102. This configuration accelerates the airflow within the heat dissipation channel 102, thereby speeding up the heat dissipation of the heat-generating component 30. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The direction indicated by the middle arrow is the direction of airflow.

[0074] In some examples, the entire heat dissipation channel 102 is an acceleration section, that is, in the direction of airflow in the heat dissipation channel 102, the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat dissipation channel 102 gradually decreases, so that the area of ​​the air outlet 1022 of the heat dissipation channel 102 is smaller than the area of ​​the air inlet 1021, thereby accelerating the airflow in the heat dissipation channel 102.

[0075] In one possible implementation, see Figure 5 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a processing box 31, a transfer belt 32, a paper pick-up roller 33, a paper tray 34, a laser scanning unit 35, a heating roller 36, a pressure roller 37, and an discharge roller 38.

[0076] The system comprises four processing cartridges 31, each corresponding to one of the four printing colors. Each processing cartridge 31 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing roller, and a toner container for its respective color.

[0077] The laser scanning unit 35 includes four optical paths. The charging rollers of the four processing cartridges 31 are used to charge the surfaces of the four photosensitive drums respectively, and the four optical paths of the laser scanning unit 35 emit laser beams to form electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drum surfaces. The developing rollers of the four processing cartridges 31 are used to develop toner images of their respective colors on the photosensitive drum surfaces.

[0078] The image forming apparatus employs a two-stage transfer method. The photosensitive drum in the processing cartridge 31 sequentially transfers the toner image onto the transfer belt 32. The resulting color toner image on the transfer belt 32 is then transferred a second time onto the paper via the secondary transfer roller 39. The paper take-up roller 33 removes the paper from the paper tray 34 one by one. Paper entering the transport path is transported to the secondary transfer roller 39 for image transfer. The secondary transfer roller 39 transports the imaged paper to the clamping area of ​​the heating roller 36 and the pressure roller 37. The heating roller 36 and the pressure roller 37 are used to fix the toner image on the paper. The heating roller 36 can use ceramic heating. The heating roller 36 and the pressure roller 37 transport the fixed paper to the discharge roller 38, which discharges the paper, thus completing the image printing process.

[0079] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: The functional unit comprises a body, a moving structure and a heat generating component; The body has a mounting cavity and a heat dissipation channel, the heat dissipation channel is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet are communicated with the mounting cavity respectively, and the moving structure and the heat generating component are mounted in the body; The airflow generated by the moving structure in the moving process is configured to enter the heat dissipation channel from the air inlet; The air outlet of the heat dissipation channel is directed to the heat generating component.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by, The moving structure comprises a motor and a rotating member driven by the motor, and the airflow generated by the rotating member in the rotating process enters the heat dissipation channel from the air inlet.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by, The air inlet of the heat dissipation channel is arranged in the rotating direction of the rotating member.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by, The body comprises a shell and a cover connected with each other, and the shell and the cover enclose the mounting cavity; The heat dissipation channel is arranged on the shell and / or the cover.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by, A guide portion is arranged inside the body, and the guide portion guides the airflow generated by the moving structure to the air inlet.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by, The guide portion comprises a guide rib, the guide rib has a curved guide surface, and the guide surface is arranged around the moving structure.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by The guide rib is integrally formed on the shell or the cover.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein At least a part of the heat dissipation channel is an acceleration section, and the cross-sectional area of the acceleration section gradually decreases in the airflow flowing direction in the heat dissipation channel.

9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein The heat generating component is mounted on the moving structure.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The functional unit is a laser scanning unit, and the heat generating component is a chip.

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