Gas feeding device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To perform feeding of gas to part to be supplied more securely compared with a case where a flow channel of gas directed toward a part to be supplied of gas is single.SOLUTION: Gas is fed from a common feeding part 710 to each of a first flow channel 121 and a second flow channel 122. Gas flowing in each of the first flow channel 121 and the second flow channel 122 is gas sent from the same feeding part 710. Furthermore, a flow channel 123 that is branched from the second flow channel 122, and is directed to an upstream side exhaust port 731B is provided. A first guide part 191 which is provided so as to transverse the second flow channel 122 is provided for a branched area 128 where the flow channel 123 branches from the second flow channel 122.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas supplying device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which air from a branch duct is made to merge with an exhaust duct, thereby generating an airflow from an opening on the sheet transport path side of the exhaust duct to an opening. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration that includes a duct attached to each unit and a partition plate interposed between the door of the housing and the duct, with a group of air vents formed in the partition plate that communicate with the vent in the door and the duct. Patent document 3 discloses a configuration in which part of the flow path for exhausting lamp heat is formed from a thermally conductive member, and this thermally conductive member also serves as part of other exhaust flow paths, thereby transporting the lamp heat via the thermally conductive member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-81403 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-54026 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2012-189836 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When supplying gas to a supply portion to which gas is to be supplied, the gas may be supplied to the supply portion by flowing the gas through a flow path toward the supply portion. Here, if the gas does not flow easily through the flow path toward the supply portion, the amount of gas passing through the flow path decreases, and the gas is not easily supplied to the supply portion. An object of the present invention is to more reliably supply gas to a gas supply portion, as compared with a case in which there is a single gas flow path leading to the gas supply portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is a gas supply device comprising a sending section for sending out gas, a first flow path through which the gas sent out from the sending section passes, a supplied section provided on the first flow path and to which gas is supplied, a second flow path through which the gas sent out from the sending section passes, a branch flow path branching off from the second flow path and heading toward the supplied section, and a guide section provided at a branch point where the branch flow path branches off from the second flow path and guides a portion of the gas that has passed through the second flow path from the sending section to the branch flow path. An invention recited in claim 2 is the gas supply device recited in claim 1, wherein the gas flowing through each of the first flow path and the second flow path is a gas delivered from the common delivery section. The invention described in claim 3 is a gas supply device described in claim 1, in which a portion of the second flow path downstream of the branching point is provided where the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially smaller. The invention described in claim 4 is a gas supply device described in claim 3, in which a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the second flow path toward the inside of the second flow path is provided downstream of the branching point of the second flow path, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially reduced by the protrusion. The invention described in claim 5 is the gas supply device described in claim 1, in which a portion of the second flow path that runs from the upstream side of the branching point through the branching point to the downstream side of the branching point is formed in a straight line, and a straight portion is provided from the upstream side to the downstream side. An invention described in claim 6 is the gas supply device according to claim 5, wherein the branch flow passage is provided in a crossing relationship with respect to an extension direction of the linear portion of the second flow passage. The invention described in claim 7 is the gas supply device according to claim 5, wherein the guide portion is disposed in a state inclined with respect to an extension direction of the linear portion of the second flow path. The invention described in claim 8 is a gas supply device described in claim 1, in which a downstream supplied part is further provided on the first flow path downstream in the gas flow direction of the upstream supplied part, which is the supplied part, to which gas flowing through the first flow path is supplied, and gas that flows through the second flow path from the branching point without heading toward the branch flow path is supplied to the downstream supplied part. The invention described in claim 9 is the gas supply device described in claim 8, in which the first flow path and the second flow path are arranged in parallel, are connected to the second flow path and are arranged in a crossing relationship with the second flow path, a connecting flow path is further provided through which gas passes from the second flow path toward the downstream supply part, and at the location where the second flow path and the connecting flow path are connected, a guide portion is provided that is arranged at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow path and guides the gas that has flowed through the second flow path to the connecting flow path. The invention described in claim 10 is the gas supply device described in claim 1, further comprising a third flow path through which the gas sent out from the delivery section passes, and a supplied section provided on the third flow path and to which gas is supplied, wherein the third flow path is closed downstream in the gas flow direction from the supplied section provided on the third flow path, another supplied section is provided in the first flow path in addition to the supplied section provided on the first flow path, the first flow path is provided with a plurality of supplied sections, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path. The invention described in claim 11 is a gas supply device comprising a sending out section for sending out a gas, a first flow path through which the gas sent out from the sending out section passes, a plurality of supplied parts provided on the first flow path and arranged so that their positions in the gas flow direction are different from each other and to which the gas flowing through the first flow path is supplied, and a second flow path through which the gas sent out from the sending out section passes, the second flow path through which the gas supplied to the plurality of supplied parts passes. The invention recited in claim 12 is the gas supply device of claim 11, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are provided in parallel to each other. The invention described in claim 13 is a gas supply device described in claim 12, further comprising a supply flow path that is arranged in an intersecting relationship with both the first flow path and the second flow path and is provided in a manner corresponding to each of the multiple supply destinations, and is a flow path for supplying the gas from the second flow path to the supply destination. The invention described in claim 14 is a gas supply device described in claim 13, further comprising a plurality of regulating sections arranged between the first flow path and the second flow path and aligned in the extension direction of the first flow path and the second flow path, for regulating the flow of gas, and each of the supply flow paths leading from the second flow path toward the supply portion passes between adjacent regulating sections toward the supply portion. The invention described in claim 15 is a gas supply device described in claim 13, in which each connection point between the second flow path and the supply flow path is provided with a guide portion that is arranged at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow path and guides the gas that has flowed through the second flow path to the supply flow path. The invention described in claim 16 is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, and is equipped with a gas supply device that supplies gas to a predetermined location, the gas supply device being configured to include a gas supply device described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, the supply of gas to the supply destination can be performed more reliably, compared to the case where there is a single gas flow path leading to the supply destination. According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to reduce the number of delivery parts, as compared with a configuration in which a delivery part is provided corresponding to each of the first flow path and the second flow path. According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to make it easier for gas to flow toward the branched flow path, compared to a configuration in which there is no portion where the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially smaller downstream of the branch point in the second flow path. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to make it easier for gas to flow toward the branched flow path, compared to a configuration in which there is no portion where the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially smaller downstream of the branch point in the second flow path. According to the invention of claim 5, the gas flowing through the second flow path can flow more easily than when a curvature is imparted to the portion of the second flow path that runs from the upstream side of the branch point, through the branch point, to the downstream side of the branch point. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to direct the gas flowing through the second flow path toward the supply portion located at the end of the direction intersecting the extension direction of the second flow path. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the gas can be more easily directed toward the branch flow passages, compared to a case in which the guide portion is aligned along the extension direction of the linear portion of the second flow passage. According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the gas that has flowed through the second flow path can be supplied to the downstream supply portion. According to the invention of claim 9, the gas flowing through the second flow passage can be more easily directed toward the connecting flow passage, compared to a configuration in which no guide portion is provided. According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the amount of gas flowing toward the supply portion provided on the third flow path can be reduced, compared to a case in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path are equal. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the supply of gas to the supply destination can be more reliably performed compared to the case where there is a single gas flow path leading to the supply destination. According to the invention of claim 12, the layout of the device can be simplified more easily than in a case where the first flow path and the second flow path are not provided in parallel. According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the gas flowing through the second flow path can be supplied individually to each of the supply recipients. According to the invention of claim 14, the gas can be supplied to the supply destination portion by utilizing the space between the adjacent restriction portions. According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the gas flowing through the second flow path can be more easily directed toward the supply flow path, compared to a configuration in which no guide portion is provided at each of the connection points. According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the supply of gas to the supply destination can be performed more reliably, compared to a case in which there is a single gas flow path leading to the supply destination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing the bottom of a distribution unit as viewed from the front side of the image forming apparatus. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the cross-sectional shape of a flow channel. [Figure 4] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of flow channels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 1 shows the image forming apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 10 . The image forming unit 10 forms an image on a sheet P, which is an example of a recording medium, based on image data input to the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with a sheet transport device 400 that transports the sheet P. In this embodiment, an image formed by the image forming unit 10 is transferred onto the paper P transported by the paper transport device 400.

[0009] The paper transport device 400 transports paper P stored in a paper storage section 1B, which is an example of a storage section, through a secondary transfer section T and a fixing device 40, and finally transports the paper P to a paper stacking section 1E. The paper transport device 400 is provided with transport rolls 52 and discharge rolls 500, and in the paper transport device 400, the transport rolls 52 and discharge rolls 500 are used to transport the paper P. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a control unit 30 and an image processing unit . The control unit 30 controls each functional unit provided in the image forming apparatus 1. The image processing unit 35 performs image processing on image data from a personal computer (PC) 3, an image reading device 4, or the like.

[0010] The image forming section 10 includes four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K (hereinafter, collectively referred to simply as "image forming units 11") that are arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Each image forming unit 11 is configured similarly, except for the toner stored in the developing device 15. Each image forming unit 11 forms a toner image (image) of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), or black (K), respectively.

[0011] Each of the image forming units 11 is provided with a photoconductor drum 12, a charging device 200 that charges the photoconductor drum 12, and an exposure device 300 that exposes the photoconductor drum 12 to light. In this embodiment, the photoconductor drum 12 is charged by the charging device 200. Next, the photoconductor drum 12 is exposed to light by the exposure device 300, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 12. Each image forming unit 11 is further provided with a developing device 15 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12. The developing device 15 performs development to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 12.

[0012] The image forming section 10 is also provided with an intermediate transfer belt 20 onto which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred, and a primary transfer roll 21 which transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 onto the intermediate transfer belt 20. The image forming section 10 is also provided with a secondary transfer roll 22 that transfers the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 onto paper P, and a fixing device 40 that fixes the toner image transferred onto paper P onto the paper P. In this embodiment, the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 12 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 20, and then transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 20 to a sheet of paper P. Then, the toner image is fixed to the sheet of paper P by a fixing device 40.

[0013] The fixing device 40 includes a fixing belt module 41 equipped with a heat source, and a pressure roll 46 . The fixing belt module 41 is disposed on the right side of the paper transport path R1 in the drawing. The pressure roll 46 is disposed on the left side of the paper transport path R1 in the drawing. Furthermore, the pressure roll 46 is pressed against the fixing belt module 41. In the fixing belt module 41 , a heat source for heating the fixing belt 411 is provided on the inner side of the fixing belt 411 .

[0014] Furthermore, in this embodiment, below the image forming unit 10, a gas supplying device 700 that supplies gas to the image forming unit 10, which is an example of a predetermined location, is provided. The gas supplying device 700 is disposed between the image forming unit 10 and the paper storage unit 1B. The gas supplying device 700 is provided with a sending section 710 that sends out gas to be supplied to the image forming section 10 . The blow-out unit 710 is configured with an axial flow fan. Note that the blow-out unit 710 may use a fan other than an axial flow fan as long as it has a function of blowing out gas.

[0015] A motor (not shown) is provided in the delivery section 710. A rotating member 711 that is rotated by the motor is also provided in the delivery section 710. The rotating member 711 rotates about a rotating shaft 712 that extends in the up-down direction. Rotating member 711 is provided with base 711A formed in a cylindrical shape and rotated by a motor, and a plurality of blades 711B protruding from the outer circumferential surface of base 711A. The wing portion 711B is provided in a state inclined with respect to a virtual plane (not shown) perpendicular to the rotation axis 712. In the delivery section 710, the rotation of the rotary member 711 causes the blades 711B to push out the gas, and the gas is delivered upward in the figure.

[0016] The gas supply device 700 is further provided with a housing member 720 that houses the sending-out portion 710. In this embodiment, the sending-out portion 710 is housed in the housing member 720 from above the housing member 720. A plurality of openings (not shown) are provided in the storage member 720. In this embodiment, air outside the storage member 720 passes through the plurality of openings, flows toward the inside of the storage member 720, and is supplied to the delivery section 710. Furthermore, the gas supplying device 700 is provided with a distributor 730 that distributes the gas sent upward by the send-out unit 710. The distributor 730 is disposed between the image forming unit 10 and the send-out unit 710.

[0017] Distribution unit 730 is configured by a box-shaped housing, and ceiling portion 730A is provided with four outlets 731. The four outlets 731 are provided lined up in the left-right direction in the figure. In this embodiment, the four exhaust ports 731 include a downstream exhaust port 731A located at the most downstream side in the gas flow direction, and an upstream exhaust port 731B located one port upstream of the downstream exhaust port 731A in the gas flow direction.

[0018] Furthermore, of the four discharge outlets 731, the remaining two discharge outlets 731 are an end discharge outlet 731C located at the left end of the distribution section 730, and an intermediate discharge outlet 731D located between the end discharge outlet 731C and the upstream discharge outlet 731B. Further, the bottom 730B of the distribution section 730 is provided with an inlet section 732 through which the gas sent out by the sending section 710 passes.

[0019] The gas delivered from the delivery section 710 first passes through the inlet section 732 and enters the interior of the distribution section 730 . Thereafter, the gas passes through the distributor 730 and heads toward each of the four exhaust ports 731. Thereafter, the gas passes through the exhaust ports 731 and is supplied to the image forming unit 11 located above the exhaust ports 731. The exhaust port 731 is provided for each image forming unit 11, and gas is supplied from the exhaust port 731 to the corresponding image forming unit 11.

[0020] More specifically, the exhaust port 731 is disposed below the developing device 15, and the gas passing through the exhaust port 731 is supplied to the developing device 15 located above the exhaust port 731. This allows the developing device 15 to be cooled. In this embodiment, the gas from the exhaust port 731 is thus supplied to the developing device 15. However, this is not limiting, and the gas from the exhaust port 731 may be supplied to the photoconductor drum 12 or the exposure device 300. Further, the gas supplied to the image forming unit 11 by the gas supplying device 700 is, for example, air. However, other types of gases than air may be supplied to the image forming unit 11.

[0021] In the image forming apparatus 1, the image processing unit 35 performs image processing on the image data from the PC 3 and the image reading device 4, and the image data that has been subjected to the image processing is supplied to each image forming unit 11. For example, in the black (K) image forming unit 11K, the charging device 200 charges the photoconductor drum 12 rotating in the direction of the arrow A. Furthermore, the exposure device 300, which emits light based on image data transmitted from the image processing unit 35, exposes the photoconductor drum 12 to light.

[0022] As a result, an electrostatic latent image relating to a black (K) image is formed on the photoconductor drum 12. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 12 is then developed by the developing device 15, and a black (K) toner image is formed on the photoconductor drum 12. Similarly, in the image forming units 11Y, 11M, and 11C, toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are formed. The toner images of each color formed by each image forming unit 11 are electrostatically attracted in sequence by the primary transfer roll 21 onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 moving in the direction of arrow B, and a toner image in which the toners of each color are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20.

[0023] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transported to a secondary transfer portion T constituted by a secondary transfer roll 22 as the intermediate transfer belt 20 moves. Then, in accordance with the timing at which this toner image is transported to the secondary transfer portion T, a sheet P is supplied from the sheet storage portion 1B to the secondary transfer portion T. In the secondary transfer portion T, the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 20 are electrostatically transferred all at once to the conveyed paper P by a transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 22 . Thereafter, the paper P onto which the toner image has been electrostatically transferred is peeled off from the intermediate transfer belt 20 and conveyed to the fixing device 40.

[0024] In the fixing device 40, the paper P is sandwiched between the fixing belt module 41 and the pressure roll 46. Specifically, the paper P is sandwiched between the fixing belt 411, which circulates in the clockwise direction in the figure, and the pressure roll 46, which rotates in the counterclockwise direction. This applies pressure and heat to the paper P, and the toner image on the paper P is fixed to the paper P. After fixing, the paper P is transported by the discharge rollers 500 to the paper stacking section 1E.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a diagram of a bottom portion 730B of the distribution section 730 as viewed from the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that Fig. 2 also shows four discharge ports 731 provided in a ceiling portion 730A (see Fig. 1) of the distribution section 730. In this embodiment, a straight first flow path 121 through which the gas sent out from the sending-out section 710 passes is provided in the distribution section 730 and on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The first flow path 121 is provided along the direction in which the multiple image forming units 11 (see FIG. 1) are arranged. In this embodiment, the intermediate outlet 731D, the upstream outlet 731B, and the downstream outlet 731A shown in FIG.

[0026] In the gas flow direction in first flow path 121, three exhaust ports 731, namely intermediate exhaust port 731D, upstream exhaust port 731B, and downstream exhaust port 731A, are provided in this order: intermediate exhaust port 731D, upstream exhaust port 731B, downstream exhaust port 731A. In this embodiment, the gas supplied by the delivery section 710 passes through the first flow path 121 and is supplied to each of the intermediate exhaust port 731D, the upstream exhaust port 731B, and the downstream exhaust port 731A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distributor 730 is provided with a linear second flow passage 122 through which the gas sent out from the delivery section 710 passes.

[0027] In this embodiment, the second flow path 122 also supplies gas to each of the upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A. As a result, the amount of gas supplied to the upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A increases compared to a case where the second flow path 122 is not provided. In this embodiment, a regulating section 830 (described in detail later) is provided within the distribution section 730, and due to this regulating section 830, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 121 passing through the intermediate discharge port 731D, the upstream discharge port 731B, and the downstream discharge port 731A becomes smaller. In this case, the amount of gas supplied to each of the upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A is likely to decrease. In contrast, when the second flow path 122 is provided as in this embodiment, the amount of gas supplied to the upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A increases.

[0028] The second flow path 122 is provided in the distribution section 730 and on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1 relative to the first flow path 121. Similarly to the first flow path 121, the second flow path 122 is provided along the arrangement direction of the multiple image forming units 11 (see FIG. 1). The first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122 are provided in parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the first flow path 121 and the extension direction of the second flow path 122 coincide with each other.

[0029] In this embodiment, the gas flowing through each of the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122 is a gas sent out from a common sending section 710. In this embodiment, gas is supplied to each of the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122 from a common delivery section 710. In other words, in this embodiment, gas is supplied to each of the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122 from the same delivery section 710. In this embodiment, the gas flowing through each of the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122 is gas sent out from the same sending section 710.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a branch flow path 123 is provided which branches off from the second flow path 122 and heads toward an upstream outlet 731B, which is an example of an upstream supplied portion. The branch flow path 123 is connected to a portion of the first flow path 121 that is located between the intermediate outlet 731D and the upstream outlet 731B. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first guide portion 191 is provided at a branch point 128 where the branch flow path 123 branches off from the second flow path 122, so as to cross the second flow path 122.

[0031] The first guide portion 191 is made of a plate-shaped member. Note that the first guide portion 191 is not limited to being formed by a plate-shaped member. For example, the first guide portion 191 may be provided by positioning a part of the inner surface of the distribution portion 730 more inward than the other part of the inner surface of the distribution portion 730. The first guide portion 191 guides a portion of the gas that has traveled from the delivery portion 710 through the second flow path 122 to the branch point 128 , to the branch flow path 123 .

[0032] The first guide portion 191 is provided at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow passage 122 . Moreover, first guide portion 191 is provided in a manner that it approaches first flow passage 121 as it proceeds toward the downstream side in the gas flow direction in second flow passage 122. Furthermore, the first guide portion 191 is provided on the first inner surface 122A side, which is located on the side away from the first flow passage 121, of the two inner surfaces that the second flow passage 122 has.

[0033] The second flow passage 122 is formed so that its cross-sectional shape is rectangular, and has a first inner side surface 122A and a second inner side surface 122B that face each other. The first inner side surface 122A is located on a side away from the first flow passage 121, and the second inner side surface 122B is located on a side closer to the first flow passage 121 than the first inner side surface 122A. The first guide portion 191 is provided on the first inner surface 122A side located away from the first flow passage 121, out of the two inner surfaces that the second flow passage 122 has.

[0034] The gas that has traveled through second flow path 122 to first guide portion 191 is guided by first guide portion 191 and moves toward second inner surface 122B. A part of the gas that has moved to the second inner surface 122B side moves toward the branch flow path 123. Another part of the gas that has moved to the second inner surface 122B side moves directly downstream through the second flow path 122 without moving toward the branch flow path 123.

[0035] If first guide portion 191 is not provided, the gas flowing through second flow path 122 passes through branch point 128 as it is, and is less likely to flow toward branch flow path 123. In this case, the amount of gas discharged from upstream exhaust port 731B is likely to decrease. In contrast, when the first guide portion 191 is provided as in this embodiment, the gas flowing through the second flow path 122 is more likely to flow toward the branch flow path 123, and the amount of gas discharged from the upstream exhaust port 731B increases.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, second flow passage 122 is provided downstream of branch point 128 with reduced area portion 171, where the cross-sectional area of ​​second flow passage 122 is partially reduced. In the second flow passage 122, downstream of the branch point 128, a protruding portion 172 is provided that protrudes from the inner surface of the second flow passage 122 toward the inside of the second flow passage 122. The protruding portion 172 protrudes from the second inner surface 122B of the second flow passage 122 toward the first inner surface 122A. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow passage 122 is partially reduced by the protrusion 172, and a reduced area portion 171 is provided in the second flow passage 122. By providing this reduced area portion 171, the gas in the second flow path 122 is more likely to flow toward the branch flow path 123 than in a case where the reduced area portion 171 is not provided.

[0037] The second flow path 122 is provided with a straight portion 122X. In this embodiment, the portion of the second flow path 122 that runs from the upstream side of the branch point 128 through the branch point 128 to the downstream side of the branch point 128 is the straight portion 122X. The branch flow path 123 is connected to this straight portion 122X of the second flow path 122. The branch flow passage 123 is provided in a crossing relationship with respect to the extension direction of the linear portion 122X of the second flow passage 122. More specifically, the branch flow passage 123 is provided in a perpendicular relationship with respect to the extension direction of the linear portion 122X of the second flow passage 122. The first guide portion 191 is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the extension direction of the linear portion 122X of the second flow passage 122.

[0038] In this embodiment, an upstream outlet 731B, which is an example of a supply portion to which gas is supplied, is provided on the first flow path 121. Furthermore, downstream of the upstream exhaust port 731B in the gas flow direction, a downstream exhaust port 731A as an example of a downstream supplied portion to which the gas flowing through the first flow path 121 is supplied is provided. In this embodiment, the gas that flows from the branch point 128 through the second flow path 122 without heading toward the branch flow path 123 heads toward the downstream exhaust port 731A and reaches the downstream exhaust port 731A. Then, the gas is exhausted from the downstream exhaust port 731A.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a connection flow path 124 is provided that is connected to the second flow path 122 and is disposed so as to intersect with the second flow path 122. The connection flow path 124 is provided in a manner that extends from the second flow path 122 toward the downstream discharge port 731A. Of the gas in second flow path 122, the gas that has passed through area reduction portion 171 passes through this connecting flow path 124 and heads toward downstream outlet 731A.

[0040] Furthermore, at the location where second flow passage 122 and connection flow passage 124 are connected, a second guide portion 192 is provided which is disposed at an angle with respect to the extension direction of second flow passage 122 . The second guide portion 192 is provided on the side of the second flow passage 122 facing the first inner surface 122A. The second guide portion 192 is formed by the inner surface of the distributor 730. Note that, like the first guide portion 191, the second guide portion 192 may be formed by a plate-shaped member. In this embodiment, the gas that has flowed through the second flow path 122 and passed through the reduced area portion 171 is guided by the second guide portion 192 and heads toward the connecting flow path .

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a third flow path 126 through which the gas sent out from the sending-out section 710 passes is provided. The third flow path 126 is provided on an extension of the first flow path 121. The third flow path 126 is provided on the opposite side of the inlet portion 732 to the side on which the first flow path 121 is provided. On the third flow path 126, an end outlet 731C is provided as an example of a supply portion to which the gas that has passed through the third flow path 126 is supplied.

[0042] In this embodiment, one supplied portion is provided on the third flow path 126. More specifically, in this embodiment, one end outlet 731C is provided on the third flow path 126, and only one outlet 731 is provided on the third flow path 126. In this embodiment, the first flow path 121 is provided with a plurality of outlets 731, whereas the third flow path 126 is provided with a single outlet 731. Furthermore, the third flow passage 126 is closed on the downstream side of an end outlet 731C provided in the third flow passage 126 in the gas flow direction.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 126 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 121. In this specification, the cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path refers to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the flow path. 3(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the cross-sectional shape of a flow channel. 3A shows the cross-sectional shape of the third flow channel 126 taken along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B shows the cross-sectional shape of the first flow channel 121 taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG.

[0044] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow channel 126 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 121. At the location where the third flow path 126 is provided, a protruding portion 183 that protrudes upward is provided on the bottom portion 730B of the distributor 730, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow channel 126 is made smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 121 by the protrusion 183 .

[0045] 2, the end outlet 731C is located near the inlet portion 732. In this case, the gas entering the distribution portion 730 through the inlet portion 732 is easily discharged from the end outlet 731C located near the inlet portion 732. In this case, a difference occurs in the amount of gas supplied to each of the developing devices 15 (see FIG. 1), and the degree of cooling of the developing devices 15 tends to differ. In contrast, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 126 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 121 as in the present embodiment, the amount of gas flowing toward the end outlet 731C decreases. In this case, differences in the amounts of gas supplied to the developing devices 15 are less likely to occur, and differences in the degree of cooling of the developing devices 15 are less likely to occur.

[0046] In this embodiment, the intermediate exhaust port 731D provided in the first flow path 121 is also located near the inlet portion 732. In this case, the gas entering the distributor 730 through the inlet portion 732 is easily discharged from the intermediate exhaust port 731D, but the amount of gas discharged from the intermediate exhaust port 731D is smaller than that from the end exhaust port 731C. The intermediate exhaust port 731D is located midway through the first flow path 121, and in this case, a portion of the gas flowing through the first flow path 121 passes through the intermediate exhaust port 731D and moves toward the upstream exhaust port 731B. In this case, the amount of gas exhausted from the intermediate exhaust port 731D is reduced.

[0047] In contrast, in the third flow path 126, the third flow path 126 is closed downstream in the gas flow direction from the end exhaust port 731C, and the gas passing through the third flow path 126 is concentrated at the end exhaust port 731C, and the amount of gas discharged from the end exhaust port 731C is large. In this case, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 126 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 121, as in this embodiment, the amount of gas flowing toward the end outlet 731C is reduced, and the amount of gas discharged from the end outlet 731C is reduced. In this case, differences in the amounts of gas supplied to the developing devices 15 are less likely to occur.

[0048] In this embodiment, as described above and as shown in FIG. 2, the upstream discharge port 731B and the downstream discharge port 731A are provided. The upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A are provided on the first flow path 121 and are arranged so that their positions in the gas flow direction are different from each other. In this embodiment, the upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A are provided as an example of a plurality of supply destinations to which the gas flowing through the first flow path 121 is supplied. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second flow path 122 is provided through which the gas sent out from the delivery section 710 passes, and through which the gas supplied to the multiple supply sections, the upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A, passes.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a supply flow path is further provided, which is arranged in an intersecting relationship with both the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122 and is provided in a manner corresponding to each of the multiple exhaust outlets 731, and is a flow path for supplying gas from the second flow path 122 to the exhaust outlet 731. In this embodiment, the branch flow path 123 and the connection flow path 124 are provided as the supply flow path.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of restriction sections 830 for restricting the flow of gas are provided in the distribution section 730. The plurality of restriction portions 830 are disposed between the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122, and are arranged side by side in the extension direction of the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 830 includes a first restricting portion 831 to a third restricting portion 833. The first restriction portion 831 to the third restriction portion 833 are provided in this order in the direction of gas flow in the first flow path 121 and the second flow path 122. Each of the restricting portions 830 has a wall portion 830A, and in this embodiment, various members (not shown) are arranged in a rectangular parallelepiped space surrounded by this wall portion 830A.

[0051] In this embodiment, each of the supply flow paths leading from the second flow path 122 toward the outlet 731, which is a supplied portion, passes between the restriction portions 830 adjacent to each other toward the outlet 731. In this embodiment, as described above, the branch flow path 123 and the connection flow path 124 are provided as a supply flow path leading to the outlet 731, which is a supplied portion. The branch flow path 123 passes between the first restriction portion 831 and the second restriction portion 832 toward the upstream discharge port 731B. The connection flow path 124 passes between the second restriction portion 832 and the third restriction portion 833 toward the downstream discharge port 731A.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at each connection point between the second flow path 122 and the supply flow path, a guide portion is provided that is arranged at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow path 122 and guides the gas that has flowed through the second flow path 122 to the supply flow path. In this embodiment, a first guide portion 191 and a second guide portion 192 are provided as the guide portion. The first guide portion 191 is provided at a connection point between the second flow path 122 and a branch flow path 123, which is an example of a supply flow path, and guides the gas that has flowed through the second flow path 122 to the branch flow path 123. In addition, the second guide portion 192 is provided at the connection point between the second flow path 122 and a connecting flow path 124, which is another example of a supply flow path, and guides the gas that has flowed through the second flow path 122 to the connecting flow path 124.

[0053] 4(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the flow channels. In this embodiment, as described above and as shown in FIG. 4(A), gas is supplied to the upstream exhaust port 731B and the downstream exhaust port 731A through a shared second flow path 122 provided as a flow path separate from the first flow path 121. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(B), a mode in which separate flow paths are provided corresponding to the upstream discharge port 731B and the downstream discharge port 731A, respectively, is also conceivable.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4(B), another flow path 129 is provided corresponding to the upstream exhaust port 731B, and another flow path 130 is provided corresponding to the downstream exhaust port 731A. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4(B), the another flow path 129 and the another flow path 130 are provided separately. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4(B), the volume of the flow path in the image forming apparatus 1 increases compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4(A), which tends to lead to an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus 1. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, a shared second flow path 122 is provided corresponding to a plurality of discharge ports 731, which makes it easier to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0055] (others) In the above, an example has been described in which the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the gas supplying device 700, and the destination of the gas supplied by the gas supplying device 700 is a part of the image forming apparatus 1. Incidentally, the destination of the gas supplied by the gas supply device 700 is not limited to a part of the image forming apparatus 1. The gas from the gas supply device 700 may be supplied to a part of an apparatus other than the image forming apparatus 1. The installation location of the gas supplying device 700 is not limited to the image forming apparatus 1. The gas supplying device 700 may be installed in, for example, a transportation device such as an automobile, an air conditioning device such as an air conditioner, or an information processing device such as a computer.

[0056] (Additional Note) (((1))) A delivery section that delivers gas; a first flow path through which the gas discharged from the discharge section passes; a supply portion provided on the first flow path and to which a gas is supplied; a second flow path through which the gas discharged from the discharge section passes; a branch flow path branching from the second flow path and heading toward the supply destination; a guide portion provided at a branching point where the branch flow path branches off from the second flow path, and configured to guide a portion of the gas that has passed through the second flow path from the delivery portion to the branch flow path; A gas supply device comprising: (((2))) The gas supplying device according to (((1))), wherein the gas flowing through each of the first flow path and the second flow path is a gas delivered from the common delivery section. (((3))) The gas supply device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein a portion where a cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially reduced is provided downstream of the branching point in the second flow path. (((4))) The gas supply device according to (((3))), wherein a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the second flow path toward the inside of the second flow path is provided downstream of the branching point of the second flow path, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially reduced by the protrusion. (((5))) The gas supply device according to (((1))), wherein a portion of the second flow path that extends from the upstream side of the branching point through the branching point to the downstream side of the branching point is formed in a straight line, and a straight portion is provided from the upstream side to the downstream side. (((6))) The gas supply device according to (((5))), wherein the branch flow passage is provided so as to intersect with the extending direction of the linear portion of the second flow passage. (((7))) The gas supply device according to (((5))), wherein the guide portion is disposed at an angle with respect to an extension direction of the linear portion of the second flow path. (((8))) a downstream-side supplied portion to which the gas flowing through the first flow path is supplied is further provided on the first flow path downstream in a gas flow direction of the upstream-side supplied portion, which is the supplied portion; The gas supplying device according to (((1))), wherein the gas that flows from the branch point through the second flow path without heading toward the branch flow path is supplied to the downstream supplied portion. (((9))) The first flow path and the second flow path are provided in parallel, a connecting flow path is further provided, the connecting flow path being connected to the second flow path and arranged in a crossing relationship with the second flow path, and through which gas flows from the second flow path toward the downstream supply portion; The gas supply device according to (((8))), wherein at a location where the second flow path and the connecting flow path are connected, a guide section is provided which is arranged at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow path and guides the gas which has flowed through the second flow path to the connecting flow path. (((10))) a third flow path through which the gas discharged from the discharge section passes; a supply portion provided on the third flow path and to which a gas is supplied; Further equipped with the third flow path is closed downstream in a gas flow direction from the supply receiving portion provided in the third flow path, the first flow path is provided with another supplied part in addition to the supplied part provided in the first flow path, and a plurality of the supplied parts are provided in the first flow path; The gas supply device according to (((1))), wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path. (((11))) A delivery section that delivers gas; a first flow path through which the gas discharged from the discharge section passes; a plurality of supply receiving portions provided on the first flow path and arranged at different positions in a gas flow direction, to which the gas flowing through the first flow path is supplied; a second flow path through which the gas sent out from the sending section passes and through which the gas supplied to the plurality of supply receiving sections passes; A gas supply device comprising: (((12))) The gas supply device according to (((11))), wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are provided in parallel. (((13))) The gas supply device according to (((12))) further comprises a supply flow path that is disposed in an intersecting relationship with both the first flow path and the second flow path and that corresponds to each of the plurality of supply destinations, and that is a flow path for supplying the gas of the second flow path to the supply destination. (((14))) a plurality of regulating units are further provided, the regulating units being disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path and arranged side by side in an extension direction of the first flow path and the second flow path, and regulating a flow of gas; The gas supply device according to (((13))), wherein each of the supply flow paths leading from the second flow path to the supply portion passes between adjacent ones of the restriction portions to lead to the supply portion. (((15))) A gas supply device as described in (((13))) or (((14))), wherein a guide section is provided at each of the connection points between the second flow path and the supply flow path, the guide section being arranged at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow path and guiding the gas that has flowed through the second flow path to the supply flow path. (((16))) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, An image forming apparatus comprising a gas supplying device that supplies gas to a predetermined location, the gas supplying device including any one of the gas supplying devices (((1))) to (((15))).

[0057] According to the gas supply device of (((1))), the supply of gas to the supply portion can be more reliably carried out compared to when there is a single gas flow path leading to the supply portion of gas. According to the gas supply device of (((2))), the number of delivery parts can be reduced, compared to a configuration in which delivery parts are provided corresponding to each of the first flow path and the second flow path. According to the gas supply device of (((3))), the gas can be more easily directed toward the branched flow path compared to a configuration in which the second flow path does not have a location where the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially reduced downstream of the branch point in the second flow path. According to the gas supply device of (((4))), the gas can be more easily directed toward the branched flow path compared to a configuration in which there is no portion where the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially reduced downstream of the branch point in the second flow path. According to the gas supply device of (((5))), the gas flowing through the second flow path can flow more easily than when a curvature is imparted to the portion of the second flow path that runs from the upstream side of the branch point, through the branch point, to the downstream side of the branch point. According to the gas supplying device of (((6))), it is possible to direct the gas flowing through the second flow path toward the supply portion located at the end of a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second flow path. According to the gas supply device of (((7))), the gas can be more easily directed toward the branch flow passages, compared to when the guide portion is aligned along the extension direction of the linear portion of the second flow passage. According to the gas supplying device of (((8))), the gas that has flowed through the second flow path can be supplied to the downstream supply portion. According to the gas supply device of (((9))), the gas flowing through the second flow path can be more easily directed toward the connecting flow path, compared to a configuration in which a guide portion is not provided. According to the gas supply device of (((10))), the amount of gas flowing toward the supply portion provided on the third flow path can be reduced compared to when the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path. According to the gas supply device of (((11))), the supply of gas to the supply portion can be more reliably performed compared to when there is a single gas flow path leading to the supply portion of gas. According to the gas supply device of (((12))), the layout of the device can be simplified more easily than in a case where the first flow path and the second flow path are not provided in parallel. According to the gas supplying device of (((13))), it is possible to supply the gas flowing through the second flow path to each of the supply recipients individually. According to the gas supply device of (((14))), the space between the adjacent restricting portions can be utilized to supply gas to the supply receiving portion. According to the gas supply device of (((15))), the gas flowing through the second flow path can be more easily directed toward the supply flow path, compared to a configuration in which no guide portion is provided at each of the connection points. According to the image forming apparatus of (((16))), the supply of gas to the gas supply portion can be more reliably carried out compared to when there is a single gas flow path leading to the gas supply portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1...image forming apparatus, 10...image forming section, 121...first flow path, 122...second flow path, 122X...straight section, 123...branching flow path, 124...connecting flow path, 126...third flow path, 128...branching point, 171...area reduction point, 172...projecting portion, 191...first guide portion, 192...second guide portion, 700...gas supply device, 710...feeding section, 731A...downstream exhaust port, 731B...upstream exhaust port, 731C...end exhaust port, 830...regulating section, P...paper

Claims

1. A delivery section that delivers gas; a first flow path through which the gas delivered from the delivery section passes; a supply portion provided on the first flow path and to which a gas is supplied; a second flow path through which the gas discharged from the discharge portion passes; a branch flow path branching from the second flow path and heading toward the supply portion; a guide portion provided at a branching point where the branch flow path branches off from the second flow path, the guide portion guiding a part of the gas that has passed through the second flow path from the delivery portion to the branch flow path; A gas supply device comprising:

2. 2. The gas supply device according to claim 1, wherein the gas flowing through each of the first flow path and the second flow path is delivered from the common delivery section.

3. The gas supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow passage has a portion downstream of the branching point where a cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow passage is partially reduced.

4. 4. The gas supply device according to claim 3, wherein a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the second flow path toward the inside of the second flow path is provided downstream of the branching point of the second flow path, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is partially reduced by the protrusion.

5. The gas supply device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the second flow path extending from the upstream side of the branching point through the branching point to the downstream side of the branching point is formed in a straight line, and a straight portion is provided from the upstream side to the downstream side.

6. The gas supply device according to claim 5 , wherein the branch flow passage is provided so as to intersect with a direction in which the linear portion of the second flow passage extends.

7. The gas supply device according to claim 5 , wherein the guide portion is disposed at an angle with respect to an extension direction of the linear portion of the second flow path.

8. a downstream-side supplied portion to which the gas flowing through the first flow path is supplied is further provided on the first flow path downstream in a gas flow direction of the upstream-side supplied portion, which is the supplied portion; The gas supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the gas that flows from the branch point through the second flow path without flowing toward the branch flow path is supplied to the downstream supply portion.

9. The first flow path and the second flow path are provided in parallel, a connecting flow path is further provided, the connecting flow path being connected to the second flow path and arranged in a crossing relationship with the second flow path, and through which gas flows from the second flow path toward the downstream supply portion; 9. The gas supply device according to claim 8, wherein a guide portion is provided at a location where the second flow path and the connecting flow path are connected, the guide portion being arranged at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow path and guiding the gas that has flowed through the second flow path to the connecting flow path.

10. a third flow path through which the gas discharged from the discharge portion passes; a supply portion provided on the third flow path and to which a gas is supplied; Further equipped with the third flow path is closed downstream in a gas flow direction from the supply portion provided in the third flow path, the first flow path is provided with another supplied part in addition to the supplied part provided in the first flow path, and a plurality of the supplied parts are provided in the first flow path; 2. The gas supply device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow passage is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow passage.

11. A delivery section that delivers gas; a first flow path through which the gas delivered from the delivery section passes; a plurality of supply receiving portions provided on the first flow path and arranged at different positions in a gas flow direction, the supply receiving portions being supplied with the gas flowing through the first flow path; a second flow path through which the gas sent out from the sending portion passes, the second flow path through which the gas supplied to the plurality of supply portions passes; A gas supply device comprising:

12. The gas supply device according to claim 11 , wherein the first flow passage and the second flow passage are provided in parallel.

13. The gas supply device according to claim 12, further comprising a supply flow path that is arranged in an intersecting relationship with both the first flow path and the second flow path and corresponds to each of the plurality of supply destinations, and is a flow path for supplying the gas from the second flow path to the supply destination.

14. a plurality of regulating portions are further provided, the regulating portions being disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path and arranged side by side in an extension direction of the first flow path and the second flow path, and regulating a flow of gas; The gas supply device according to claim 13 , wherein each of the supply flow paths extending from the second flow path toward the supply destination passes between adjacent ones of the restriction portions toward the supply destination.

15. 14. The gas supply device according to claim 13, wherein each of the connection points between the second flow path and the supply flow path is provided with a guide portion that is arranged at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the second flow path and guides the gas that has flowed through the second flow path to the supply flow path.

16. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, 16. An image forming apparatus comprising: a gas supplying device for supplying gas to a predetermined location, the gas supplying device including the gas supplying device according to claim 1.

Images