Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To efficiently arrange air channels for cooling a plurality of cartridges while achieving miniaturization of an image forming apparatus to reduce cost.SOLUTION: A duct 111 has a duct 111G that sends air in a first direction directed from top to bottom in the vertical direction with respect to a top face 21U of a cartridge 21a, and a duct 111C that sends air in a second direction along the direction of rotation axis of a photoconductor drum 24a above the top face 21U in the vertical direction, on one end side in the direction of rotation axis of the cartridge 21a. The air F6 sent from the duct 111G and the air F3 sent from the duct 111C collide with each other above the top face 21U of the cartridge 21a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, image forming devices such as laser printers have a heating section such as a fixing device in the device to fuse powdered toner to a recording material such as paper using heat. The image forming device also has a cartridge that contains toner. If the cartridge is warmed by heat generated by the heating section and the temperature rises, the toner in the cartridge may deteriorate or change in quality. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent the temperature of the cartridge from rising too much by blowing air on the cartridge, for example. As a configuration for ensuring good cooling, for example, in a color image forming device that uses four color cartridges, a device is disclosed that provides an independent air passage for each cartridge and cools the cartridge by blowing air through the air passage (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP2021-056441 Public Relations Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been an increasing need to reduce the overall size of image forming devices in order to improve usability and reduce costs. However, in the conventional configuration in which an air passage is provided for each of the four color cartridges, a duct is required to form each air passage. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the duct passage is small, the air flow becomes poor, so it is difficult to make the duct size extremely small in order to obtain a cooling effect. Therefore, when four ducts are provided, not only space is required within the image forming device, but the cost of the ducts is also required.

[0005] The present invention has been made under these circumstances, and has an object to realize a compact image forming apparatus while efficiently arranging air passages for cooling a plurality of cartridges to reduce costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0007] (1) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising: a plurality of cartridges, each having a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member with toner; a fixing unit for fixing unfixed toner carried on the recording material; a fan for supplying air; and a duct for guiding the air supplied from the fan to a specified cartridge among the plurality of cartridges that is located closest to the fixing unit, wherein the specified cartridge has a top surface that is located upper in the vertical direction of two surfaces that intersect vertically, and the duct has a first portion for discharging the air supplied from the fan in a first direction from top to bottom in the vertical direction relative to the top surface, and a second portion for discharging the air supplied from the fan above the top surface in the vertical direction in a second direction along the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive member, on one end side of the specified cartridge in the direction of the rotation axis, and the air discharged from the first portion and the air discharged from the second portion collide above the top surface.

[0008] (2) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising: a plurality of cartridges, each of which has a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member with toner; a fixing unit for fixing unfixed toner carried on the recording material; a fan for supplying air; and a duct for guiding the air supplied from the fan to a specified cartridge among the plurality of cartridges that is located closest to the fixing unit, the specified cartridge having a top surface that is located at the upper end in the vertical direction of two surfaces that intersect in the vertical direction, and the duct an image forming device having a first opening for discharging air supplied from the fan in a first direction from top to bottom in the vertical direction relative to the top surface, and a second opening for blowing the air supplied from the fan above the top surface in the vertical direction in a second direction along the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive body, at one end side in the rotational axis direction of the specified cartridge, wherein a virtual first region formed by extending the first opening in the first direction and a virtual second region formed by extending the second opening in the second direction intersect above the top surface. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus while efficiently arranging air passages for cooling a plurality of cartridges, thereby reducing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the cartridge and its surroundings. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a rear side view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration around an intake port. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows the flow of wind F8 in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 shows the flow and exhaust of air F8 in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment in a printable state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment in a printable state. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the door of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is open; [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the door of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is open; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the cartridge of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is pulled out. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of air F8; [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiment may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. EXAMPLES

[0012] [Outside the image forming device] The image forming apparatus will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a color laser beam printer, which is an example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the front and rear sides. In the coordinate axes shown in Fig. 1, X is called the product front-rear direction, Y is called the product width direction (left-right direction), and Z is called the product height direction (vertical direction). In the front-rear direction, the front is also the front and the rear is also the rear, and the left-right direction is defined as the left and right when viewed from the front.

[0013] The exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 is composed of multiple covers made mainly of non-conductive resin. Note that non-conductive here does not mean insulating, but does not have good conductivity like metal. The covers that are the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 are composed of an upper cover 2, a right cover 3, a left cover 4, a front door 5, a cassette cover 6, a rear upper cover 7a on the rear side, a rear door 7b, a rear door handle 7c, and a rear lower cover 7d.

[0014] The front door 5 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) for replacement of a cartridge 21, which will be described later. The cassette cover 6 is fixed to be integrated with a cassette 9 (see FIG. 3(a)), which will be described later, and is provided so as to be insertable and removable with the cassette 9 with respect to the apparatus main body. The rear door 7b is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body for jamming clearance and replacement of internal units. The top cover 2 is fixed to the apparatus main body and includes an ejection tray 81 for stacking recording material S (see FIG. 4(a)), which will be described later, such as paper on which printing has been performed. The right cover 3 (cover) is fixed to the apparatus main body and has an intake port 3a and an opening 3b. The intake port 3a is provided on the rear side of the right cover 3. The opening 3b is an opening through which a socket 103, which is a connection part to which a cable connected to an external power source, such as an outlet for power supply, is connected, is exposed.

[0015] The left cover 4 has an opening 4a that exposes a communication port 102a that allows various communication cables to be inserted and removed from the outside. The configurations of the covers in the first embodiment, such as whether they are fixed, whether they can be opened and closed, and whether they are divided, are merely examples and are not necessarily limited to these configurations. The covers may be integral, or may be divided into smaller parts, or may be openable and closable or fixedly supported, and each opening may be configured with a cover different from that in the first embodiment.

[0016] [Inside the image forming device] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side and the back side, with the cover described in Fig. 1 not shown. Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view of the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side, with the cover, duct, and fan of the image forming apparatus 1 not shown. Fig. 3(b) is a perspective view of the configuration of the frame 10 that forms the skeleton of the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side.

[0017] Image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms an image on recording material S, and includes a frame 10. Frame 10 is made of conductive sheet metal, and is mainly composed of a left frame 11, a right frame 12, a main frame 13, a scanner frame 14, and a fixing frame 15. Right frame 12, which is a first frame, intersects with the direction of the rotation axis of photosensitive drum 24 (see FIG. 4(b)) and separates the inside and outside of image forming apparatus 1. Left frame 11, which is a second frame, intersects with the direction of the rotation axis, separates the inside and outside of image forming apparatus 1, and faces right frame 12.

[0018] In the first embodiment, the space formed between the left frame 11 and the right frame 12 is called the frame inside, and the space outside the right frame 12 and the left frame 11 is called the frame outside. The main frame 13, the scanner frame 14, and the fixing frame 15 are disposed so as to be located between the left frame 11 and the right frame 12, and are joined to the left frame 11 and the right frame 12 to form a part of the framework.

[0019] The right frame 12 has a main plane 12a and an opening 12b (opening, third opening). The opening 12b guides a duct 111 (see FIG. 6) described later from the outside of the frame to the inside of the frame. By providing the opening 12b, the duct 111 (duct 111C described later) can be made straight, and outside air can be efficiently guided into the inside of the image forming apparatus 1. The opening 12b does not have to be an opening as shown in FIG. 3(b), and may be, for example, a notch shape (notch, first notch) in which the opening 12b extends to the upper side of the right frame 12. The shape of the opening 12b does not have to be a rectangle as shown in FIG. 3(b), and may be other shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon as long as the duct 111 can pass through it.

[0020] The arrangement and support of each part of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The laser scanner 19 is located on the top of the scanner frame 14 and is supported by the scanner frame 14. The transfer drive unit 90 is located mainly outside the right frame 12, has a transfer drive frame 90a, and is supported by the right frame 12. The fixing drive unit 91 is located mainly outside the right frame 12, has a fixing drive frame 91a, and is supported by the right frame 12. The transfer drive unit 90 and the fixing drive unit 91 may be integrally formed or separated. A part of the transfer drive unit 90 exists through a hole in the right frame 12 to transmit power to a unit inside the frame. A cutout portion 92 (second cutout) provided between the transfer drive frame 90a and the fixing drive frame 91a guides a duct 111 (described later) from the outside of the frame to the inside of the frame. By providing the cutout portion 92, the duct 111 (duct 111C described below) can be made straight, and outside air can be efficiently guided into the inside of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the cutout portion 92 does not have to have a cutout shape as shown in Fig. 3(a), and may be, for example, an opening (fourth opening) large enough for the duct 111 to pass through.

[0021] The power supply unit 100 converts the AC voltage of the AC power source supplied via the socket 103 into a low DC voltage, for example, 3.3 V or 24 V, to generate a voltage. The power supply unit 100 is located outside (outside) the right frame 12 and below the transfer drive unit 90, and is supported by the right frame 12 and peripheral components. The cassette 9 is located inside the frame and below the main frame 13. The manual feed unit 8 is divided into upper and lower units with a path P2 shown in FIG. 4(a) in between. The feed separation unit 40 is mainly located inside the frame, and is supported by the main frame 13, right frame 12, and left frame 11. The feed drive mechanism 44 is located on the bottom rear side of the right frame 12, and straddles the right frame 12 to connect the units inside and outside the frame.

[0022] The intermediate transfer belt 31 and the primary transfer roller 34 are located between the left frame 11 and the right frame 12, between the main frame 13 and the scanner frame 14, and below the cartridge 21 (see FIG. 4A). The intermediate transfer belt 31 and the primary transfer roller 34 are supported by the right frame 12 and the left frame 11 and peripheral members (not shown). The secondary transfer roller 61 (see FIG. 4A) is supported by the right frame 12 and the left frame 11 so as to be swingable. When the rear door 7b is opened, the secondary transfer roller 61 can move to an open position in conjunction with the rear door 7b, and when moved to the open position, the secondary transfer roller 61 opens the conveying path of the recording material S to the outside. The fixing device 70 and the discharge section 80 are formed as an integrated unit and are supported on the upper rear side of the right frame 12 and the left frame 11. The discharge section 80 discharges the recording material S to which the toner has been fixed by the fixing device 70. The control unit 102 and the high voltage unit 101 are located on the opposite side to the power supply unit 100, that is, on the outside of the left frame 11, and are supported by the left frame 11 and its peripheral members.

[0023] 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 has a cassette 9, a manual feed section 8, a feed separation section 40, a conveying section 50, and a discharge section 80. The image forming apparatus 1 has two feed paths for the recording material S, and the recording material S can be replenished from both the cassette 9 and the manual feed section 8. A conveying path P1 is a conveying path from the feed port of the cassette 9, a path P2 is a path from the manual feed section 8, and a conveying path P3 is a conveying path downstream of the conveying paths P1 and P2.

[0024] The image forming operation will be described below. The supply separation section 40 includes a supply roller 41, a pair of separation rollers 42, a supply drive motor 43, and a supply drive mechanism 44. When conveying the recording material S from the cassette 9, the supply roller 41 rotates while contacting the uppermost recording material S among the recording materials S stacked on the stacking plate 9a of the cassette 9, thereby supplying the recording material S downstream in the conveying direction. The stacking plate 9a is supported by the cassette 9 so as to be swingable, and when the cassette 9 is accommodated in the image forming apparatus 1, it swings up to a position where the recording material S can be supplied.

[0025] The separation roller pair 42 is composed of a separation conveying roller 42a and a separation roller 42b. The separation conveying roller 42a contacts the upper surface of the recording material S and rotates to apply a conveying force to the recording material S to move it downstream, and at the same time, the separation roller 42b applies resistance in the opposite direction to the conveying direction to the recording material S and the following recording material S so that multiple recording materials S are not conveyed downstream. Only one recording material S can be conveyed downstream by the separation roller pair 42. In the first embodiment, the separation roller 42b is connected to a torque limiter (not shown) and performs separation by the rotation resistance of the torque limiter, but the separation method is not limited to this separation roller type. For example, a pad separation method using frictional force by a separation pad or a retard type in which the separation roller receives a driving force from the supply drive mechanism 44 and rotates in the opposite direction to the separation conveying roller to perform separation may be used. When conveying the recording material S of the manual feed unit 8, the recording material S is set in the manual feed unit 8 and the recording material S can be conveyed on the path P2.

[0026] The conveying section 50 will be described. The conveying section 50 is mainly composed of a conveying roller 50a, a conveying roller 50b, and a conveying sensor (not shown). The conveying roller 50a and the conveying roller 50b sandwich the recording material S supplied from the supply separation section 40, and convey it further downstream. The conveying sensor detects the leading edge of the recording material S conveyed by the conveying roller 50a, and increases or decreases the rotation speed of the conveying roller 50a. This adjusts the position of the image transferred at the nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 31 and the secondary transfer roller 61 and the recording material S to fall within a predetermined range. The conveying section 50 obtains a driving force from a supply drive motor 43.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 1 has a laser scanner 19, a cartridge 21, an intermediate transfer belt 31, a primary transfer roller 34, and a secondary transfer roller 61, which function as image forming means. The image forming apparatus 1 has a plurality of cartridges 21, each of which has a photosensitive drum 24 and a developing member 23, and a fixing device 70 that fixes unfixed toner carried on the recording material S. The cartridge 21 may have a configuration other than one in which the photosensitive drum 24 and the developing member 23 are integrated into one unit. For example, a cartridge having the photosensitive drum 24 and a cartridge having the developing member 23 may be configured as separate units that are independently detachable from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0028] FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of the yellow cartridge 21a closest to the secondary transfer roller 61 and the fixing device 70 and its surroundings. The image forming process of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The cartridge 21a has a toner holding container 22a, a developing member 23a (e.g., a developing roller), a photosensitive drum 24a, a waste toner holding container 25a, a cleaning unit 26a, and a charge roller 28a. The charge roller 28a in the cartridge 21a applies electric charge to the surface of the photosensitive drum 24, which is a rotating photosensitive body. As a result, when the laser scanner 19 appropriately irradiates the photosensitive drum 24a, which also rotates, an electrostatic latent image formed by a potential difference is formed on the photosensitive drum 24a. Note that a laser beam 19b for forming a magenta toner image is also shown. The cartridge 21a has a toner holding container 22a as a toner storage unit that stores and holds toner, and supplies the toner in the toner holding container 22a from the developing member 23a to the photosensitive drum 24a. The toner is transferred to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 24a, and an image is formed on the photosensitive drum 24a by the toner. The photosensitive drum 24a, the developing member 23a, etc. are rotated and each part operates by receiving a driving force from a transfer driving motor 90b of a transfer driving unit 90. The same applies to the cartridges 21b, 21c, and 21d other than the cartridge 21a. The cartridge 21b corresponds to magenta, the cartridge 21c corresponds to cyan, and the cartridge 21d corresponds to black. The cartridges 21a to 21d have photosensitive drums 24a to 24d, respectively, and primary transfer rollers 34a to 34d are arranged to face the photosensitive drums 24a to 24d with the intermediate transfer belt 31 sandwiched therebetween. The image forming apparatus 1 also has a driving roller 32 and a tension roller 33.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a mechanism for operating each of the above-mentioned components and a mechanism for supplying a power supply voltage. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is held by a drive roller 32 and two tension rollers 33 so that the intermediate transfer belt 31 does not slacken, and is rotated in a moving direction T by the rotation of the drive roller 32. The intermediate transfer belt 31 includes four primary transfer rollers 34 (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) on its inner periphery. The primary transfer rollers 34 are provided so as to be switchable between a pressing position where the primary transfer rollers 34 are in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 31 and a separating position where the primary transfer rollers 34 are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 31. In the image forming process, when the primary transfer rollers 34 are in the pressing position, the intermediate transfer belt 31 is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 24, and when a transfer voltage is applied, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 24 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 (hereinafter, also referred to as primary transfer). The toner images from the photosensitive drums 24a to 24d of the cartridges 21a to 21d for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are transferred sequentially onto the intermediate transfer belt 31 in a superimposed manner, thereby forming a color image made of toner of four colors on the intermediate transfer belt 31.

[0030] The intermediate transfer belt 31 and the drive roller 32 are also used in transfer by the secondary transfer roller 61 (hereinafter also referred to as secondary transfer). After the toner is primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum 24 to the intermediate transfer belt 31, that is, after the image is formed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 24 is scraped off from the photosensitive drum 24 by the cleaning unit 26. The scraped off toner is held in a waste toner holding container 25 as a waste toner storage unit of the cartridge 21. The primary transfer roller 34 receives driving force from a transfer drive motor 90b provided in a transfer drive unit 90, and rotates and operates each unit.

[0031] The secondary transfer is performed by the intermediate transfer belt 31, the drive roller 32, and the secondary transfer roller 61. The recording material S conveyed from the conveying section 50 is sandwiched between the drive roller 32 and the secondary transfer roller 61 via the intermediate transfer belt 31, and transfer and conveyance are performed. A secondary transfer voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 61, and when the recording material S passes between the intermediate transfer belt 31 and the secondary transfer roller 61, the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is transferred to the recording material S, and a color image formed with the toner is formed on the recording material S.

[0032] The fixing device 70 will be described. The fixing device 70 has a fixing roller 71 which is a pressure roller, and a heating section 72 which faces the fixing roller 71 to form a nip section. In the fixing device 70, the fixing roller 71 and the heating section 72 rotate while nipping the recording material S on which a color toner image has been transferred, and the fixing device 70 applies heat and pressure to fix the image. The heating section 72 has a heater which is a heat source, a fixing film, a heater holder, and a support member inside, and raises the temperature of the fixing roller 71 and the heating section 72. The heater holder holds the heater and rotatably supports the fixing film. The support member supports the heater holder. A sensor for detecting the fixing temperature is provided inside the heating section 72, and based on the detection result of the sensor, the amount of heat generated by the heater is controlled so that the fixing nip section formed by the fixing roller 71 and the heating section 72 is at a predetermined temperature. The fixing device 70 is heated by the heater so that the temperature is at a predetermined temperature before the recording material S on which the image has been transferred reaches the fixing device 70. The recording material S passes between the fixing roller 71, which has reached a predetermined temperature, and the heating section 72, whereby the image formed with the toner transferred onto the recording material S is fixed. Note that the predetermined temperature varies depending on the environment in which the image forming apparatus 1 is placed, the type of recording material S used, and various other conditions. The fixing unit 70 receives driving force from a fixing drive motor 91b of a fixing drive section 91 to rotate each section and transport the recording material S. The fixing unit 70 has a fixing cover 73 for shielding the heating section 72 from the outside.

[0033] The discharge section 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 4(a). The discharge section 80 has a discharge roller 80a, a discharge guide, and various sensors that detect the presence or absence of recording material S. The discharge roller 80a and the discharge rollers 80b sandwich and transport the recording material S on which an image has been fixed by the fixing unit 70. The various sensors detect the width and length of the transported recording material S. Note that the width refers to the length in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording material S, and the length refers to the length in the transport direction. Downstream of the discharge section 80 is a discharge tray 81 on which the discharged recording material S is stacked.

[0034] Above the discharge section 80, there are a duct 111 for generating airflow F7, which is an air flow for lowering the temperature of the recording material S heated by the fixing device 70, and an airflow path D7 formed by the duct 111. Note that the duct 111 will be described later. At this time, if the side of the recording material S on which an image is transferred is the printed surface, the airflow F7 is blown so as to hit the non-printed surface on the opposite side to the printed surface. Note that the airflow path D7 may be formed so that the airflow F7 hits the non-printed surface.

[0035] Next, a description will be given of the configuration around the power supply unit 100. The power supply unit 100 is an electronic circuit board (low-voltage power supply board) that supplies power supplied via a socket 103 to each unit provided inside the image forming apparatus 1. The socket 103 is connected to a cable connected to an external power source such as an electrical outlet.

[0036] [Cooling points] The configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9. Some of the electronic components mounted on the power supply board 100a generate heat during operation. Each electronic component has its own upper limit temperature at which it can operate normally. If there are electronic components that can reach high temperatures, they need to be controlled so that they can be kept below their upper limit temperature. The cartridge 21 contains toner, which is characterized by being denatured by heat. Once it reaches a high temperature, it may affect the subsequent image forming operation. That is, the cartridge 21 has an upper limit temperature at which it can stably operate normally. The recording material S being discharged is at a relatively high temperature because it has just been heated by the fixing device 70. When the toner fixed to the recording material S is discharged onto the discharge tray 81 while still in a high temperature state, if it comes into contact with the previously loaded recording material S, the previously discharged recording material S and the next discharged recording material S may stick together due to the toner. That is, it is necessary to suppress the temperature of the recording material S being discharged below a predetermined temperature.

[0037] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the cartridge 21, the power supply unit 100, and the discharge unit 80 are the parts that require cooling. In the first embodiment, in order to keep the temperatures of the electronic components of the power supply unit 100, the cartridge 21, and the recording material S being discharged below a predetermined temperature, the following configuration is adopted. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a blower 110 such as a fan and a duct 111, and outside air is introduced into the image forming apparatus 1, and the introduced outside air is blown against the electronic components 100b (see FIG. 3(a)), the cartridge 21, and the recording material S being discharged, thereby performing cooling.

[0038] [Blower] FIG. 5(a) is a view of the image forming apparatus 1 seen from the rear side. An intake port 3a is provided on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 on the rear surface 3c, which is the rear portion of the right cover 3. The intake port 3a is a group of openings having a plurality of openings for taking in air into the blower 110. Here, an opening 3b through which the socket 103 is exposed is provided below the intake port 3a on the rear surface 3c. When the image forming apparatus 1 is operated, a cable connected to a power source is inserted into the socket 103. At this time, since the cable protrudes from the rear surface 3c, a certain space is required on the rear side, and it is difficult to place the rear portion of the image forming apparatus 1 close to a wall or the like without a gap. In other words, by placing the intake port 3a at this position, it becomes difficult to place the rear portion of the image forming apparatus 1 close to a wall. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intake port 3a from being blocked by a wall, making it difficult to introduce outside air into the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the inside of the apparatus).

[0039] FIG. 5(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the blower 110 corresponding to the cross section AA in FIG. 5(a), the right side of the figure is the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the left side is the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The blower 110 has an intake port 110a and an outlet port 110b, and takes in air from the intake port 110a and blows out air from the outlet port 110b. The blower 110 is provided on the exterior side of the right frame 12. The blower 110 is preferably a sirocco fan. The blower 110 sucks in the air F1 sucked in from the intake port 3a through the intake port 110a of the blower 110 located at the center, and blows it out from the outlet port 110b toward the approximately front direction of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0040] The blower 110 is disposed so that the surface on which the intake port 110a is provided is inclined with respect to the direction in which air is taken in from the intake port 3a. In other words, the blower 110 is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the inner wall of the right cover 3 so that the air path of the outside air taken in toward the intake port 3a, which is the rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1, is widened. In other words, the blower 110 is disposed so as to be inclined so that the air path becomes narrower as the taken-in outside air flows toward the intake port 110a of the blower 110. In addition, compared to an axial flow fan, the sirocco fan has an advantage that it has a high wind pressure and can blow in air even if the downstream air path in the flow direction of the air is complicated. In addition, by disposing the sirocco fan and the intake port 3a of the image forming apparatus 1 in this way, the size of the image forming apparatus 1 in the width direction can also be shortened compared to a case in which the intake port 110a of the sirocco fan is disposed so as to face the intake port 3a.

[0041] [duct] As described in FIG. 3A, the right frame 12 is provided with the transfer drive frame 90a and the fixing drive frame 91a, which are drive frames. The transfer drive motor 90b is provided on the transfer drive frame 90a, and the fixing drive motor 91b is provided on the fixing drive frame 91a. As shown in FIG. 3A, the transfer drive motor 90b and the fixing drive motor 91b have a cylindrical shape with a predetermined height and protrude from the transfer drive frame 90a and the fixing drive frame 91a toward the outside of the device, respectively. Therefore, when the right cover 3 is attached, a space is formed in the part covered by the right cover 3, and in the first embodiment, the blower 110 and the duct 111 are arranged in this space. That is, the duct 111 is arranged in the space formed when the right frame 12 is covered by the right cover 3, avoiding the transfer drive motor 90b and the fixing drive motor 91b (see FIG. 2A). This eliminates the need to provide a separate space for arranging the blower 110 and the duct 111, thereby preventing the image forming apparatus 1 from becoming large.

[0042] Fig. 6(a) is a view of the inside of the image forming apparatus 1 from the right side without the cover shown, and Fig. 6(b) is a view from above the apparatus. Fig. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the apparatus taken along line CC in Fig. 6(b). Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the apparatus taken along line BB in Fig. 6(a).

[0043] An outlet 110b of the blower 110 is connected to a duct 111. The duct 111 guides the air blown out from the outlet 110b of the blower 110 to the cartridge 21a, which is a predetermined cartridge located closest to the fixing device 70 among the multiple cartridges 21a to 21d. Of the two faces of the cartridge 21 that intersect in the vertical direction, the face that is located above in the vertical direction is referred to as a top face 21U (see FIG. 8(a) and the like). In the following description, the first direction is the direction in which an air F6, which will be described later, flows, and the second direction is the direction in which an air F3, which will be described later, flows.

[0044] The duct 111 has a first portion and a second portion on one end side of the cartridge 21a in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 24a. The first portion of the duct 111 is a portion that blows out air in a first direction from top to bottom in a vertical direction relative to the top surface 21U (see FIG. 7(a)). The second portion of the duct 111 is a portion that blows out air in a second direction along the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 24 above the top surface 21U in the vertical direction (see FIG. 7(b)). The duct 111 also has a third portion. The third portion is a portion that branches off from the first portion and the second portion and blows out the air blown out of the air outlet 110b in a third direction toward the power supply unit 100 while following the right frame 12 (see FIG. 6(a)). The third direction is the direction in which air F4, which will be described later, flows. Furthermore, the duct 111 has a fourth portion that branches off from the first portion and blows out air in a direction in which the recording material S is discharged from the discharge portion 80. In the first embodiment, the first portion is perpendicular to the top surface 21U, and the second portion is parallel to the top surface 21U.

[0045] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the duct 111 is branched so that the air can be blown onto the above-mentioned cartridge 21, the power supply unit 100, and the discharge unit 80. The duct 111 is a collective term for the ducts 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, 111E, 111F, 111G, and 111H. The ducts 111A, 111B, and 111C can be referred to as a first portion of the duct 111, and the ducts 111A, 111B, 111E, and 111G can be referred to as a second portion of the duct 111. The ducts 111A, 111B, and 111D can be referred to as a third portion of the duct 111. The ducts 111A, 111B, 111E, 111F, and 111H can be referred to as a fourth portion of the duct 111.

[0046] Duct 111A is connected to air outlet 110b of blower 110 and is a section that guides outside air to duct 111. Duct 111B is a first branching section that branches duct 111 to branch and guide the outside air guided through duct 111A to cartridge 21, power supply section 100, and exhaust section 80.

[0047] The duct 111C branches off from the duct 111B and is provided to blow out the introduced outside air in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 21. The duct 111C passes through the above-mentioned cutout portion 92 and the opening 12b, and is a portion that extends toward the inside of the device in a direction intersecting the transfer drive frame 90a (or the right frame 12). The duct 111C of the first embodiment extends perpendicular to the transfer drive frame 90a (or the right frame 12) and parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 24. The duct 111C has an opening O3 from which the air blows out on the downstream side in the flow direction of the air (see FIG. 7, etc.).

[0048] The duct 111D branches off from the duct 111B and extends obliquely downward to the left in FIG. 6(a) along the surface of the transfer drive frame 90a (or the right frame 12) in order to blow out the guided outside air toward the power supply unit 100. As a result, in the first embodiment, the air F4 guided by the duct 111D is blown out from the oblique upper right of the power supply board 100a. The duct 111D has an opening O4 from which the air blows out, on the downstream side in the flow direction of the air (see FIG. 6(a) and the like).

[0049] The duct 111E is a portion that branches off from the duct 111B and extends upward in FIG. 6(a) in a direction along the surface of the transfer drive frame 90a (or the right frame 12) in order to blow out the introduced outside air to the cartridge 21 and the discharge section 80. The duct 111E of the first embodiment extends upward along the surface of the transfer drive frame 90a (or the right frame 12), then turns right while following that surface, and connects to the duct 111F described later. That is, the duct 111E does not penetrate the right frame 12 like the duct 111C, but is routed outside the right frame 12. It can be said that the duct 111E connected to the duct 111G blows out air by detouring the right frame 12 from above in the vertical direction. This allows the air that flows from the duct 111E to the duct 111F and the duct 111G to intersect with the air that flows from the duct 111C.

[0050] Duct 111F is a second branching portion that branches duct 111 in order to branch and guide the outside air guided through duct 111E to cartridge 21 and exhaust portion 80. Duct 111F extends in a direction along an imaginary plane parallel to main frame 13 and toward the inside of the device.

[0051] The duct 111G branches off from the duct 111F and is a portion for blowing the guided outside air from above to below the cartridge 21, i.e., toward the top surface 21U of the cartridge 21. As shown in Fig. 7(a), the duct 111G changes direction from a direction along an imaginary plane parallel to the main frame 13, and extends from above to below along an imaginary plane parallel to the transfer drive frame 90a (or the right frame 12). The duct 111G has an opening O6 from which the air blows out, on the downstream side in the air flow direction.

[0052] Duct 111H is a part that branches off from duct 111F and blows out the guided outside air toward exhaust unit 80. As shown in FIG. 6B, duct 111H extends in a direction along an imaginary plane parallel to main frame 13, in the width direction (left-right direction) of image forming apparatus 1. In addition, in the first embodiment, in order to absorb the difference in the positions of duct 111E and duct 111H in the front-rear direction, the upstream portions of duct 111F and duct 111H in the air flow direction are inclined with respect to the width direction. Duct 111H has an opening O7 from which air blows out, on the downstream side in the air flow direction (see FIG. 7B, etc.).

[0053] In the following description, the space formed by the inner wall of duct 111 is referred to as air passage D. In particular, the space formed by the inner wall of duct 111C is referred to as air passage D3, the space formed by the inner wall of duct 111D is referred to as air passage D4, and the space formed by the inner wall of duct 111E is referred to as air passage D5. Furthermore, the space formed by the inner wall of duct 111G is referred to as air passage D6, and the space formed by the inner wall of duct 111H is referred to as air passage D7.

[0054] Duct 111 also blows outside air introduced by blower 110 at a plurality of branched ends against cartridge 21, power supply unit 100, and exhaust unit 80. The ends of duct 111 are opening O3 of duct 111C, opening O4 of duct 111D, opening O6 of duct 111G, and opening O7 of duct 111H, as described above.

[0055] Furthermore, the wind flow in air passage D is referred to as wind F. More specifically, the wind flow taken into air intake 110a of blower 110 is referred to as wind F1, the wind flow in duct 111A is referred to as wind F2, and the wind flow in duct 111C, i.e., air passage D3, is referred to as wind F3. The wind flow in duct 111D, i.e., air passage D4, is referred to as wind F4, the wind flow in duct 111E, i.e., air passage D5, is referred to as wind F5, the wind flow in duct 111G, i.e., air passage D6, is referred to as wind F6, and the wind flow in duct 111H, i.e., air passage D7, is referred to as wind F7. Wind F8 will be described later.

[0056] [Wind flow] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the sucked air F1 is blown out as air F2 from the air outlet 110b of the blower 110, and is further branched into air F3, air F4, and air F5 by ducts 111C, 111D, and 111E downstream in the air flow direction. Air F3 passes through air passage D3 provided between the transfer drive frame 90a and the fixing drive frame 91a, and is further sent through an opening 12b of the right frame 12 to a space surrounded by the right frame 12, the left frame 11, the main frame 13, and the scanner frame 14. Air F4 passes through air passage D4 and is sent to the power supply unit 100 from the end of air passage D4, i.e., the opening O4 of the duct 111D. Air F5 passes through air passage D5, passes above the right frame 12, and is sent to a space sandwiched between the right frame 12 and the left frame 11. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the wind F5 is further branched into wind F6 and wind F7 by a duct 111F located downstream.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the wind F6 passes through the air passage D6 and is sent downward from the end of the air passage D6, that is, from the opening O6 of 111G to the yellow cartridge 21a closest to the fixing device 70. At this time, the top surface 21U of the cartridge 21a and the photosensitive drum 24a are included in the area A6, which is a virtual first area obtained by extending the opening O6. Here, the area A6 is also an area where the wind F6 blown out from the opening O6 flows while diffusing without being restricted by the duct 111, and is an area mainly in a direction along a virtual vertical plane. The heat of the yellow cartridge 21a closest to the fixing device 70 is also transmitted through the photosensitive drum 24 and the intermediate transfer belt 31 to the downstream cartridges 21b to 21d in the direction of the movement direction T of the intermediate transfer belt 31. Therefore, directing the wind F6 against the photosensitive drum 24a effectively reduces the amount of heat transfer described above, and is also effective in suppressing the temperature rise of the other cartridges 21b to 21d.

[0058] 7(b), the wind F3 passes through the wind path D3 and is sent from the end of the wind path D3, i.e., from the opening O3 of the duct 111C, to the space surrounded by the cartridge 21, the scanner frame 14, the right frame 12, and the left frame 11. At this time, the wind F3 is sent in a direction approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 24. The wind F6 passes through the wind path D6 and is sent from the end of the wind path D6, i.e., from the opening O6 of the duct 111G, to the space surrounded by the cartridge 21, the scanner frame 14, the right frame 12, and the left frame 11, in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 24.

[0059] At this time, there is an area A8 where area A3 (area in a horizontal plane) which is a virtual second area obtained by extending opening O3 and area A6 (area in a vertical plane) which is an extension of opening O6 intersect. Here, area A3 is also an area where the wind blown out from opening O3 flows while diffusing without being restricted by duct 111C, and is an area mainly in a direction along the virtual horizontal plane. When winds flowing in different directions, that is, the wind flowing in area A3 and the wind flowing in area A6, intersect, wind F8 having a turbulent component is generated.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 7(b), in the vertical cross section, the wind F8 flows from the upper right to the lower left as the wind F3 flowing horizontally from right to left collides with the wind F6 flowing vertically from top to bottom. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, in the horizontal cross section, the wind F8 flows not only from the end where the openings O3 and O6 of the yellow cartridge 21a are located to the other end, but also toward each end of the other cartridges 21b to 21d.

[0061] If the cartridge 21 is cooled only by the wind F6, only a part of one end side of the photosensitive drum 24a is strongly cooled, and even if there is some heat transfer in the photosensitive drum 24a, the cartridge 21 is cooled non-uniformly. If the opening O3 is directed toward the cartridge 21 by the wind F3 only, the part of the cartridge 21a that the wind F3 hits first is strongly cooled, and the other parts are cooled non-uniformly, as in the case of only the wind F6. In either case, it is difficult to cool a wide range up to the other cartridges 21b to 21d. That is, as in the first embodiment, the winds F3 and F6 in different directions cross and become turbulent, spreading the flow of the wind over a wide range, thereby preventing the temperature distribution from becoming non-uniform when cooling the cartridges 21a to 21d.

[0062] As described above, since the cartridge 21 contains toner, attention must be paid to the part of the cartridge 21 where the temperature is the highest. If the cartridge 21 is cooled unevenly, it is necessary to prevent the parts that are not exposed to much wind and become hot from exceeding a certain temperature, rather than the parts where the temperature is reduced by the wind. In other words, uneven cooling cannot be said to be efficient cooling. As in Example 1, efficient cooling can be achieved by lowering the temperature by blowing wind over the entire cartridge 21.

[0063] In this way, the wind F6 blown out from duct 111G and the wind F3 blown out from duct 111C collide with each other above top surface 21U of toner cartridge 21a. This can also be said to be because area A6 formed by extending opening O6 in the flow direction of wind F6 and area A3 formed by extending opening O3 in the flow direction of wind F3 intersect above top surface 21U of toner cartridge 21a.

[0064] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the blower 110, the duct 111, the cartridge 21, and the power supply unit 100. Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view. Fig. 8(b) is a view from the right side of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 8(b). As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the air F3 and the air F6 intersect to generate air F8 that flows in a different direction from the air F3 and the air F6, and the cartridge 21a can be cooled over a wide range in the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the air passage D7 to the discharge section 80 and the air passage D6 to the cartridge 21a are shared as the air passage D5 until halfway, and the air passage D3 to the cartridge 21a is not provided to all the cartridges 21a to 21d of the four colors, but is provided only to the cartridge 21a closest to the fixing device 70. This allows the space for the duct 111 to be reduced. In addition, by intersecting the flows of the air F3 and the air F6 midway, the cartridge 21 is not locally cooled by a linear air, but the air F8 is turbulent and spread, so that the cartridges 21a to 21d can be appropriately cooled overall. Here, the local cartridge 21 refers to the cartridge 21a.

[0066] Since the inside of the device contains heat-generating units in various parts and is often at a higher temperature than the outside air, it is preferable to directly introduce outside air as the air (wind) sent to the power supply unit 100 and cartridge 21, but this is not limited to the present invention. For example, even if there is a heat generating body on the path that introduces air from the outside to the power supply unit 100 via the blower 110, there is no problem as long as the temperature of the air introduced is lower than that of the power supply unit 100 to be cooled, as this will have a cooling effect.

[0067] Finally, the exhaust from within the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Fig. 10(a) is a view of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from the front side. In Fig. 10(b), which is a cross-sectional view of the EE section of Fig. 10(a), the aforementioned wind F1 is taken in from the intake port 3a, branched by the duct 111, and blown as wind F4 to the power supply unit 100. This wind F4 is mainly exhausted in the direction of the arrow E2 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the outside of the apparatus) through gaps in the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 and louvers (not shown). Also, part of the wind F4 is exhausted to the outside of the apparatus in the direction of the arrow E1 through gaps in the opening 3b and gaps in the exterior.

[0068] In Fig. 11, which is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross section FF in Fig. 10(a), the winds F3 and F6 blown into the space surrounded by the right frame 12, the left frame 11, the main frame 13, and the scanner frame 14 move as follows. First, some of the winds F3 and F6 move into the space surrounded by the left frame 11 and the left cover 4 in the direction of the arrow E5 through an opening (not shown) in the left frame 11. Some of the winds F3 and F6 move inside the device in the directions of the arrows E6 and E7 through a gap between the left frame 11 and the front door 5. Some of the winds F3 and F6 are exhausted to the outside of the device in the direction of the arrow E3 or the arrow E2 through a louver (not shown) of the cover of the image forming apparatus 1 or a gap in the exterior.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the air introduced into the device by one blower 110 is branched to cool each part, but a configuration using a plurality of blowers 110 may be used. For example, another blower and duct may be provided on the surface opposite to the surface on which the blower 110 and duct 111 are provided (on the left frame 11 side).

[0070] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus while efficiently arranging the air passages for cooling the multiple cartridges to reduce costs. EXAMPLES

[0071] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. Note that the same components as those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. In Example 2, in addition to the components of Example 1, the cartridge 21 has a communication section 201 for communicating with the device main body, and the device main body has a communication unit 210 for communicating with the cartridge 21.

[0072] [Communication section 201, communication unit 210] 12 and 13 are diagrams showing the image forming apparatus 1 in a printable state. FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the blower 110 (not shown in FIG. 12(b)), the duct 111, the cartridge 21, the power supply section 100, and the communication unit 210. The cartridge 21 has a communication section 201 (201a to 201d) which is a first communication section on the upper side of one end in the longitudinal direction. The image forming apparatus 1 also has a plurality of communication terminals 211 (211a to 211d) which are second communication sections capable of communicating with the communication section 201. When the communication terminals 211 which are part of the communication unit 210 of the apparatus main body come into contact with the communication section 201, communication between the cartridge 21 and the apparatus main body becomes possible.

[0073] (When the front door is closed) Fig. 13(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 6(b). When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 24, the communication unit 210 is located so as not to overlap with the opening O3 at the end of the duct 111C that forms the air passage D3, and is configured not to block the air F3 from the opening O3. Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 6(a). In the top-bottom direction (up-down direction) perpendicular to the photosensitive drum 24, the communication unit 210 is located so as not to overlap with the opening O6 at the end of the duct 111G that forms the air passage D6, and is configured not to block the air F6 from the opening O6.

[0074] (When the front door is open) 14 and 15 are diagrams showing the state in which the front door 5 of the image forming apparatus 1 is open. The user needs to open the front door 5 as an operation for replacing the cartridge 21. FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view of the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the blower 110 (not shown in FIG. 14(b)), the duct 111, the cartridge 21, the power supply unit 100, and the communication unit 210. The communication unit 210 is configured to move in a direction away from the cartridge 21 by an interlocking mechanism (not shown) in conjunction with the opening of the front door 5. This is to prevent the communication terminal 211 from being damaged by rubbing against the communication unit 201 when the user pulls out the cartridge 21 after opening the front door 5. Also, this is to prevent the communication terminal 211 from being damaged by contact with the cartridge 21 being pulled out.

[0075] FIG. 15(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC cross section in FIG. 6(b). When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 24, the opening O3 at the end of the duct 111C forming the air passage D3 and the communication unit 210, specifically the communication terminal 211a, are in a position where they overlap. Also, FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB cross section in FIG. 6(a). As described above, the communication unit 210, specifically the communication terminal 211a, has moved upward in a direction away from the cartridge 21, for example, upward in the vertical direction, and is in the area A3. However, the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled not to perform a printing operation when the front door 5 is open, and the fixing device 70 is not heated or is controlled to be at a lower temperature than during the printing operation. Therefore, when the front door 5 is open, it is not necessary that the cooling of the cartridge 21 is performed in the same manner as during the printing operation. Therefore, when the front door 5 is open, the communication unit 210 may block the opening O3. When the front door 5 is open, the communication unit 210 may not cover the opening O3.

[0076] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the state in which the cartridge 21 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1. A user can pull out the cartridges 21a-21d to replace the four color cartridges 21a-21d. Figure 16(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 6(b), and Figure 16(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 6(a). The state is the same as Figures 14 and 15, except that the cartridge 21 has been pulled out.

[0077] Fig. 17(a) is a view of the blower 110, the duct 111, the cartridge 21, and the power supply unit 100 as viewed from the right side of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 17(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 17(a). When the cartridge 21 is attached to the apparatus body and the front door 5 is closed, the communication unit 210 is configured at a position that does not overlap with either the area A3 extending from the opening O3 or the area A6 extending from the opening O6. As a result, in the second embodiment as well, it is possible to generate wind F8 that permeates the entire cartridges 21a to 21d, as in the first embodiment.

[0078] In this way, even when the image forming apparatus 1 has the communication unit 210, the direction of the wind F8 can be controlled by configuring the openings O3 and O6 with a large distance and by making the winds F3 and F6 cross at a position that does not overlap with the communication unit 210. Also, the movable communication unit 210 can be arranged without providing additional space, and the space inside the apparatus can be used effectively.

[0079] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the front door 5 (door) that allows image formation in the closed state and allows removal of the multiple cartridges 21a to 21d in the open state. The communication terminal 211a is retracted from the path of the air blown out from the ducts 111C and 111G at least when the front door 5 is in the closed state. As a result, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to efficiently arrange the air passage for cooling the multiple cartridges and reduce costs while realizing a compact image forming apparatus. EXAMPLES

[0080] Next, a third embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The duct 111G in the first embodiment is provided in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 24, in other words, parallel to the vertical direction. In the third embodiment, the duct 111G and the opening O6 in the first embodiment are provided at an incline with respect to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 24, that is, at an incline with respect to the vertical direction, to form a duct 111G' and an opening O6'. That is, the duct 111G' is inclined so as to move away from one end side in the rotation axis direction of the cartridge 21a as it moves downstream in the flow direction of the air F6'.

[0081] Also, the duct 111C in the first embodiment is provided so as to be parallel to the horizontal plane, in other words, parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 24. In the third embodiment, the duct 111C and the opening O3 in the first embodiment are provided so as to be inclined with respect to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 24, that is, to intersect with the horizontal plane, forming a duct 111C'. The inclination of the duct 111C' is provided so as to approach the top surface 21U of the cartridge 21 from the upstream to the downstream in the flow direction of the air F3'. In other words, the inclination of the duct 111C' is provided so that the air F3' flows from the upper right to the lower left in FIG.

[0082] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the device corresponding to the cross section BB in FIG. 6(a). As in the first embodiment, there is an intersecting area A8' between the area A3' obtained by extending the opening O3' and the area A6' obtained by extending the opening O6'. The wind F3' and the wind F6' in different directions intersect to generate a wind F8' having a turbulent component. The wind F3' and the wind F6' in different directions intersect and become turbulent, spreading the wind F8' over a wide range, thereby preventing the temperature distribution from becoming uneven when cooling the cartridges 21a to 21d. The wind F8' viewed from the top surface 21U side of the cartridge 21a is the same as that in FIG. 11.

[0083] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus while efficiently arranging the air passages for cooling the multiple cartridges, thereby reducing costs.

[0084] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a plurality of cartridges each having a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member with toner; a fixing device for fixing the unfixed toner carried on the recording material; A fan for supplying air; a duct for guiding the air supplied from the fan to a predetermined cartridge that is located closest to the fixing unit among the plurality of cartridges; Equipped with the predetermined cartridge has a top surface that is located at the upper end in the vertical direction out of two surfaces that intersect in the vertical direction, the duct has a first portion for discharging the air supplied from the fan in a first direction from top to bottom in the vertical direction with respect to the top surface, and a second portion for discharging the air supplied from the fan above the top surface in the vertical direction in a second direction along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive body, at one end side in the rotation axis direction of the specified cartridge; The image forming apparatus, wherein the air discharged from the first portion and the air discharged from the second portion collide with each other above the top surface. (Configuration 2) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a plurality of cartridges each having a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member with toner; a fixing device for fixing the unfixed toner carried on the recording material; A fan for supplying air; a duct for guiding the air supplied from the fan to a predetermined cartridge that is located closest to the fixing unit among the plurality of cartridges; Equipped with the predetermined cartridge has a top surface that is located at the upper end in the vertical direction out of two surfaces that intersect in the vertical direction, the duct has a first opening for discharging the air supplied from the fan in a first direction from top to bottom in the vertical direction with respect to the top surface, and a second opening for blowing the air supplied from the fan above the top surface in the vertical direction in a second direction along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive body, at one end side in the rotation axis direction of the specified cartridge; An image forming device characterized in that a virtual first area formed by extending the first opening in the first direction and a virtual second area formed by extending the second opening in the second direction intersect above the top surface. (Configuration 3) a first frame that intersects with the rotation axis direction and separates an inside from an outside of the image forming apparatus; a second frame that intersects with the rotation axis direction, separates an inside from an outside of the image forming apparatus, and faces the first frame; Equipped with The fan is provided on an outer side of the first frame, the first frame has a third opening or cutout; The duct passes through the third opening or the cutout, The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the duct bypasses the first frame from above in the vertical direction. (Configuration 4) A motor that drives the photoconductor; a drive frame supported by the first frame and having the motor provided on an outer side of the first frame; Equipped with When the cutout is a first cutout, The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the drive frame has a fourth opening or a second cutout through which the duct passes. (Configuration 5) a cover for covering the first frame; The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the duct is arranged in a space formed when the first frame is covered by the cover, while avoiding the motor. (Configuration 6) a power supply unit that is provided outside the first frame and below the motor in the vertical direction and that generates a voltage to drive the motor; The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the duct discharges the air supplied from the fan in a third direction along the first frame toward the power supply unit. (Configuration 7) a discharge section for discharging the recording material onto which the toner has been fixed by the fixing device, The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the duct has a fourth opening for discharging the air supplied from the fan in a direction in which the recording material is discharged from the discharge portion. (Configuration 8) the first direction is perpendicular to the top surface, The above-mentioned image forming apparatus, wherein the second direction is parallel to the top surface. (Configuration 9) the first direction is inclined so as to move away from the one end side in the rotation shaft direction as the first direction moves downstream in the first direction, The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, characterized in that the second direction is inclined so as to approach the top surface the further downstream in the second direction. (Configuration 10) each of the cartridges has a first communication unit on the top surface; a plurality of second communication units capable of communicating with each of the first communication units; a door that allows image formation in a closed state and allows removal of the cartridges in an open state; Equipped with The image forming apparatus as described above, characterized in that the second communication unit is retracted from the path of air discharged in the first direction and the second direction at least when the door is in the closed state. (Configuration 11) the cover has a back surface portion perpendicular to the first frame and the second frame, the rear portion has a group of openings having a plurality of openings for taking in air to the fan, The fan is a sirocco fan having an intake port, In the image forming apparatus described above, the sirocco fan is disposed so that a surface on which the air intake port is provided is inclined with respect to a direction in which air is taken in through the group of openings. (Configuration 12) The image forming apparatus according to the above, wherein the rear portion has a connection portion to which a cable connected to an AC power source is connected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 21a~21d Cartridge 21U Top 24a~24d Photosensitive drum 110 Blower 110a Air Intake 110b Air outlet 111, 111A~111H Duct F1~F8 Wind

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a plurality of cartridges each having a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member with toner; a fixing device for fixing the unfixed toner carried on the recording material; A fan for supplying air; a duct for guiding the air supplied from the fan to a predetermined cartridge that is located closest to the fixing unit among the plurality of cartridges; Equipped with the predetermined cartridge has a top surface that is located at the upper end in the vertical direction out of two surfaces that intersect in the vertical direction, the duct has a first portion for discharging the air supplied from the fan in a first direction from top to bottom in the vertical direction with respect to the top surface, and a second portion for discharging the air supplied from the fan above the top surface in the vertical direction in a second direction along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive body, at one end side in the rotation axis direction of the specified cartridge; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air discharged from the first portion and the air discharged from the second portion collide with each other above the top surface.

2. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, a plurality of cartridges each having a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member with toner; a fixing device for fixing the unfixed toner carried on the recording material; A fan for supplying air; a duct for guiding the air supplied from the fan to a predetermined cartridge that is located closest to the fixing unit among the plurality of cartridges; Equipped with the predetermined cartridge has a top surface that is located at the upper end in the vertical direction out of two surfaces that intersect in the vertical direction, the duct has a first opening for discharging the air supplied from the fan in a first direction from top to bottom in the vertical direction with respect to the top surface, and a second opening for blowing out the air supplied from the fan above the top surface in the vertical direction in a second direction along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive body, at one end side in the rotation axis direction of the specified cartridge; An image forming device characterized in that a virtual first area formed by extending the first opening in the first direction and a virtual second area formed by extending the second opening in the second direction intersect above the top surface.

3. a first frame that intersects with the rotation axis direction and separates an inside from an outside of the image forming apparatus; a second frame that intersects with the rotation axis direction, separates an inside from an outside of the image forming apparatus, and faces the first frame; Equipped with The fan is provided on an outer side of the first frame, the first frame has a third opening or cutout; The duct passes through the third opening or the cutout, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the duct detours around the first frame from above in the vertical direction.

4. A motor that drives the photoconductor; a drive frame supported by the first frame and having the motor provided on an outer side of the first frame; Equipped with When the notch is a first notch, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drive frame has a fourth opening or a second notch through which the duct passes.

5. a cover for covering the first frame; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the duct is disposed in a space defined when the first frame is covered by the cover, while avoiding the motor.

6. a power supply unit that is provided outside the first frame and below the motor in the vertical direction and that generates a voltage to drive the motor; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the duct discharges the air supplied from the fan in a third direction along the first frame toward the power supply unit.

7. a discharge section for discharging the recording material onto which the toner has been fixed by the fixing device, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the duct has a fourth opening for discharging the air supplied from the fan in a direction in which the recording material is discharged from the discharge portion.

8. the first direction is perpendicular to the top surface, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second direction is parallel to the top surface.

9. the first direction is inclined so as to move away from the one end side in the rotation shaft direction as the first direction moves downstream in the first direction, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second direction is inclined so that the downstream side of the second direction is closer to the top surface.

10. each of the cartridges has a first communication unit on the top surface; a plurality of second communication units capable of communicating with each of the first communication units; a door that allows image formation in a closed state and allows removal of the cartridges in an open state; Equipped with 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit is retracted from a path of air discharged in the first direction and the second direction at least when the door is in the closed state.

11. the cover includes a rear portion perpendicular to the first frame and the second frame, the rear portion has a group of openings having a plurality of openings for taking in air to the fan, The fan is a sirocco fan having an intake port, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sirocco fan is disposed so that a surface on which the air inlet is provided is inclined with respect to a direction in which air is taken in through the group of openings.

12. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the rear surface portion has a connection portion to which a cable connected to an AC power source is connected.

Images