Image formation apparatus

Abstract

To improve the workability of an operator.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus comprises: an exterior cover; a handle portion which is provided on the exterior cover, and extends in a first direction so that a finger inserted with the first direction as an insertion direction can engage with it; and a louver which is provided on an opposing surface of the exterior cover opposite to the handle portion. The louver includes a plurality of plate-like members. Each of the plurality of plate-like members has an elongated shape extending with a direction intersecting the first direction as a longitudinal direction. The plurality of plate-like members are arranged at intervals in the first direction. At least one of the plurality of plate-like members has a protruding portion that, in the first direction, faces the finger insertion direction, and, in a second direction intersecting both the first direction and the longitudinal direction, protrudes from the opposing surface toward the handle portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, and multifunction machines thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In image forming apparatuses, a technique of providing a louver for introducing outside air into an exterior cover has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, a configuration of providing a louver at a handle portion of an image forming apparatus has been proposed for miniaturization of the image forming apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a louver is provided in the vicinity of the handle portion, there is a possibility that an operator's finger may sometimes get caught on the louver when the operator tries to grasp the handle portion. As a result, the workability of the operator may be impaired.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus with improved workability of an operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A representative configuration of the present invention includes an exterior cover, a handle portion provided on the exterior cover and extending in a first direction so that a finger inserted with the first direction as an insertion direction can be placed thereon, and a louver provided on a facing surface of the exterior cover facing the handle portion. The louver includes a plurality of plate-like members, each of the plurality of plate-like members has a longitudinal shape extending with a direction intersecting the first direction as a longitudinal direction, the plurality of plate-like members are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and at least one of the plurality of plate-like members has a protruding portion that faces the insertion direction of the finger in the first direction and protrudes from the facing surface toward the handle portion in a second direction intersecting both the first direction and the longitudinal direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the workability of an operator can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 7

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Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those, unless otherwise specifically described.

[0010] (Image Forming Apparatus) First, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100. FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a copying machine equipped with a reading device, but the embodiment may be other image forming apparatuses such as a printer not equipped with a reading device. Further, the embodiment is not limited to a color image forming apparatus having a plurality of photosensitive drums 2 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and may also be a color image forming apparatus having one photosensitive drum 2 or an image forming apparatus for forming monochrome images.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 100 is a four-color full-color image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process, and forms a toner image on a sheet S based on image information input from an external host apparatus (not shown), such as a personal computer, to a control circuit unit (not shown).

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes four image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K (hereinafter also collectively referred to simply as "image forming unit 1") that form toner images of respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0013] Further, the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K each include photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K (hereinafter also collectively referred to simply as "photosensitive drum 2"), which are examples of a photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 2 may be a photosensitive belt.

[0014] Further, the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K each include charging rollers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K (hereinafter also collectively referred to simply as "charging roller 3") as charging means for charging the photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K, respectively.

[0015] Further, the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K each include LED (Light Emitting Diode, hereinafter referred to as LED) exposure units 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K (hereinafter also collectively referred to simply as "exposure unit 4") as exposure means for exposing the photosensitive drums 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K.

[0016] Furthermore, the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K each include developing units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K (hereinafter also collectively referred to simply as "developing unit 24") as developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 with toner and forming toner images of respective colors on the photosensitive drum 2. Note that Y, M, C, and K attached to the reference numerals indicate the colors of the toner.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is an image forming apparatus that employs a so-called "bottom surface exposure method" in which the photosensitive drum 2 is exposed from below. In the image forming apparatus 100 that employs the bottom surface exposure method, an exposure unit 4 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 2. Hereinafter, the description will proceed on the premise of an image forming apparatus that employs the bottom surface exposure method. Although not shown, as an embodiment, an image forming apparatus that employs a "top surface exposure method" in which the photosensitive drum is exposed from above may be used.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an intermediate transfer belt 9 onto which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred, and primary transfer rollers 6 (Y, M, C, K) that sequentially transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 onto the intermediate transfer belt 9. The intermediate transfer belt 9 is disposed above the image forming unit 1. In addition to the intermediate transfer method using the intermediate transfer belt 9, a direct transfer method in which the toner is directly transferred from the photosensitive drum 2 to the paper may be used.

[0019] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a secondary transfer roller 16 as transfer means for transferring the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 9 onto the recording paper P conveyed from the feeding unit 11, and a fixing device 19 as fixing means for fixing the secondarily transferred image onto the recording paper P. The secondary transfer roller 16 abuts against the belt driving roller 10 of the intermediate transfer belt 9 with a predetermined pressing force via the intermediate transfer belt 9, and forms the intermediate transfer belt 9 and the secondary transfer unit T2.

[0020] The toner bottles 22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K (hereinafter, also collectively referred to simply as "toner bottle 22") for storing the replenishing toner of each color are units that can be detachably replaced with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. The toner bottle 22 is disposed above the intermediate transfer belt 9. The toner bottle 22 supplies an appropriate amount of toner to each developing unit provided in the four image forming units from the corresponding toner bottle by a toner supply mechanism (not shown) in a timely manner.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a feeding unit 11 that feeds the recording paper P. The feeding unit 11 includes sheet cassettes 12a and 12b, feeding rollers 13a and 13b, and a registration roller 15. The sheet cassettes 12a and 12b are arranged below the image forming unit 1. The recording paper P accommodated in the sheet cassettes 12a and 12b is fed one by one by the feeding rollers 13a and 13b and conveyed to the secondary transfer unit T2 at a predetermined timing by the registration roller 15.

[0022] The image forming apparatus 100 also detachably includes a duct unit 60. The duct unit 60 is arranged below the image forming unit 1 and above the feeding unit 11. The duct unit 60 communicates with the exposure unit 4 through the elevating duct 69 and is an exposure cooling unit for cooling the exposure unit 4 by an air flow.

[0023] (Image forming process) Next, the image forming process of the image forming apparatus 100 will be briefly described. The charging roller 3Y charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y. The exposure unit 4Y exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y charged by the charging roller 3Y. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 2Y. Next, the developing unit 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2Y with yellow toner. The yellow toner image developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 9 by the primary transfer roller 6Y. Magenta, cyan, and black toner images are also formed by the same image forming process and transferred so as to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 9.

[0024] The toner images of each color transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 9 are conveyed to the secondary transfer section T2 by the intermediate transfer belt 9. The toner images conveyed to the secondary transfer section T2 are collectively transferred onto the recording paper P conveyed from the feeding section 11 by the secondary transfer roller 16. The recording paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 19. The fixing device 19 fixes the toner image onto the recording paper P by heat and pressure. The recording paper P on which the fixing process has been performed by the fixing device 19 is discharged to the discharge tray 21 disposed above the toner bottle 22 by the discharge roller 20.

[0025] (Drum unit and developing unit) The replaceable drum unit 23 and developing unit 24 in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be exemplified and described.

[0026] The photosensitive drum 2 and the charging roller 3 described above are unitized (drum unit, drum cartridge) integrally together with a cleaning device (not shown). An example of the configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 100 is attached with drum units 23Y, 23M, 23C, 23K (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "drum unit 23" in general) each including a photosensitive drum 2. The drum unit 23 is a cartridge that is replaced by an operator such as a user or a maintenance person. The drum unit 23 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 2. Specifically, the photosensitive drum 2 is rotatably supported by the frame of the drum unit 23. Note that the drum unit 23 may be configured not to include the charging roller 3 or the cleaning device.

[0028] In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 is attached with developing units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "developing unit 24") that are separate from the drum unit 23 which is a photoreceptor unit. The developing unit 24 includes developing sleeves 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "developing sleeve 5") as developer carriers for carrying the developer, and screws 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "screw 7") for supplying the developer to the developing sleeve 5 and stirring the developer. The developing unit 24 is a cartridge in which the developing sleeve 5 and the screw 7 are integrated, and is removed from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and replaced by an operator.

[0029] Also, the image forming apparatus 100 includes cartridge trays 30 (30Y, 30M, 30C, 30K) for each image forming section. The drum unit 23 and the developing unit 24 are supported by the cartridge trays 30 for each image forming section, guided in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0030] Note that as shown in FIG. 7, one side of the cartridge tray 30 is attached to the rear side plate 100B and the other side is attached to the front side plate 100F in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum. The rear side plate 100B is formed of sheet metal and forms a part of the housing of the apparatus main body on the back side of the image forming apparatus 100. The front side plate 100F is formed of sheet metal and forms a part of the housing of the apparatus main body on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the rear side plate 100B and the front side plate 100F are arranged to face each other on one side and the other side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and a stay 102 formed of sheet metal or the like is bridged between them. The rear side plate 100B, the front side plate 100F, and the stay 102 each constitute a part of the housing 101 of the image forming apparatus. The housing 101 of the image forming apparatus is a frame for supporting internal components. Here, regarding the image forming apparatus or its constituent members of the present embodiment, the front side or the front side is the side for inserting and removing (inserting and extracting) the drum unit 23 and the developing unit 24 with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0031] Since the drum unit 23 and the developing unit 24 deteriorate due to repeated image forming processes, they are in the form of units (cartridges) that can be maintained by replacement or attachment / detachment.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the drum unit 23, the developing unit 24, and the exposure unit 4 when replacement or attachment / detachment is performed. In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3, unlike the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the developing unit 24 and the exposure unit 4 are retracted from the photosensitive drum 2 and separated.

[0033] This is because if the state where the developing unit 24 and the exposure unit 4 are arranged close to the photosensitive drum 2 as shown in FIG. 2 is maintained, there is a risk that each unit may be damaged due to dynamic interference during unit attachment / detachment, or further, the unit may become impossible to remove.

[0034] Therefore, when the units are attached / detached, the developing unit 24 and the exposure unit 4 are retracted from the photosensitive drum 2 and separated as shown in FIG. 3 by a moving mechanism including a developing stay (not shown), a rotating arm (not shown), a lifting duct 69, etc.

[0035] The drum unit 23 and the developing unit 24 are inserted and removed from the front side of the image forming apparatus 100, respectively, and are mounted at predetermined positions (mounting positions) of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0036] Here, in the following description, the front side plate side with respect to the apparatus main body is defined as the front side (the near side or the front side), and the rear side plate side is defined as the rear side (the far side or the back side). Also, when taking the photosensitive drum 2K on which an electrostatic latent image regarding the black toner image is formed as a reference, the side on which the photosensitive drum 2Y on which an electrostatic latent image regarding the yellow toner image is formed is arranged is defined as the left side. When taking the photosensitive drum 2Y on which an electrostatic latent image regarding the yellow toner image is formed as a reference, the side on which the photosensitive drum 2K on which an electrostatic latent image regarding the black toner image is formed is arranged is defined as the right side. Further, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction defined here and vertically upward is defined as the upward direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction defined here and vertically downward is defined as the downward direction. The defined front direction F, rear direction B, right direction R, left direction L, upward direction U, and downward direction D are shown in FIG. 1 and the like.

[0037] Also, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2 described in the following description is the direction that coincides with the front-rear direction (the near-far direction) shown in FIG. 1. Also, the longitudinal direction of the exposure unit 4 also coincides with the front-rear direction shown in FIG. 1. That is, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2 and the longitudinal direction of the exposure unit 4 are the same direction. Also, one side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2 means the rear side defined here, and the other side means the front side defined here. One side and the other side in the front-rear direction also correspond to the rear side and the front side defined here. One side in the left-right direction means the left side defined here, and the other side means the right side defined here.

[0038] (Exposure unit) Next, the exposure unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exposure unit 4 provided in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exposure unit 4 as viewed from above. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exposure unit 4 as viewed from below.

[0039] Since the exposure unit 4 needs to be arranged corresponding to the longitudinal region of the photosensitive drum 2, it has an elongated shape (longitudinal shape) extending in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2. The exposure unit 4 includes a substrate 50, a light-emitting element mounted on the substrate 50, a lens array 52, and a holding member that holds the substrate 50 and the lens array 52.

[0040] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element is a semiconductor LED which is a light-emitting diode, but for example, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) may also be used. This OLED is also called organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) and is a current-driven light-emitting element. The OLEDs are arranged in a line along the main scanning direction (axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2) on, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transister) substrate, and are electrically connected in parallel by power supply wirings provided along the same main scanning direction. Here, the exposure unit 4 includes an LED 51 (Light Emitting Diode) as a light-emitting element that emits light.

[0041] The lens array 52 condenses the light emitted from the light-emitting element onto the photosensitive drum 2. The lens array 52 is a lens assembly having a plurality of lenses. These plurality of lenses are arranged along the array direction of the plurality of LEDs 51. Each lens is a columnar glass rod lens and has a light incident surface 52b on which the light emitted from the LED 51 is incident and a light exit surface 52a from which the light incident from the light incident surface exits (see FIG. 4). Note that the material of the lens is not limited to glass and may be plastic. The shape of the lens is not limited to a columnar shape and may be, for example, a polygonal prism such as a hexagonal prism.

[0042] The holding member has a housing 54 and a housing support member 55 that supports the housing 54. The housing 54 holds the lens array 52 and the substrate 50. In this embodiment, the housing 54 is a metal member formed by bending a plate material plated with a zinc-plated steel sheet or a cold-rolled steel sheet. For example, the housing 54 is formed by bending a sheet metal such as a thin iron plate into a U shape by press working.

[0043] The substrate 50 is inserted from the open side of the U-shaped housing 54 and is adhered to the inside of the housing 54 with high precision using an adhesive. Also, the lens array 52 is adhered to the housing 54 with high precision using an adhesive. Note that the lens array 52 is fixed to the housing 54 after adjustment so that the distance in the focusing direction between the LED 51 mounted on the substrate 50 and the lens array 52 becomes a predetermined value.

[0044] The housing support member 55 supports the housing 54 holding the substrate 50 and the lens array 52 over the longitudinal direction and is provided integrally with the housing 54. The housing support member 55 is a longitudinally shaped member extending in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2. A plurality of openings 55A are provided in the housing support member 55 in the longitudinal direction which is the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 2. The openings 55A of the housing support member 55 are provided at positions facing the surface (the back surface of the substrate 50) opposite to the mounting surface (the surface of the substrate 50) on which the LED 51 of the substrate 50 is mounted.

[0045] As described above, the exposure unit 4 is configured as an integrated head unit by the substrate 50 having the LED 51, the lens array 52 composed of a plurality of lenses, the housing 54, and the housing support member 55.

[0046] (Cooling Configuration of Exposure Unit) Next, the cooling configuration of the exposure unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2. In FIG. 7, the flow of air for cooling the exposure unit 4 is indicated by a broken line, and the flow of air indicated by the broken line is also referred to as the exposure cooling air flow.

[0047] The exposure unit 4 dissipates heat according to the light emission amount of the LED (light emitting element) 51, and since it is disposed in proximity to the developing unit 24 that uses toner vulnerable to heat, a cooling means is required. Further, it is desirable that the cooling configuration of the exposure unit 4 is configured so as not to entrain or mix in the toner around the developing unit 24 adjacent to the exposure unit 4. From the above, it is preferable that the exposure unit 4 is cooled by a cooling path (cooling duct) different from that of the developing unit 24. In this embodiment, it is configured as follows.

[0048] The exposure unit 4 is mounted on the elevating duct 69 that is disposed in the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be elevable, and becomes integral with the elevating duct 69. By being mounted on the elevating duct 69, the opening 55A of the housing support member 55 of the exposure unit 4 communicates with the upper opening of the elevating duct 69. The elevating duct 69, together with the cartridge tray 30, forms a duct that communicates the exposure unit 4 and the duct unit 60. The duct unit 60 is mounted directly below the cartridge tray 30 with respect to the image forming apparatus 100. By being mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the opening 61 of the duct unit 60 communicates with the lower opening of the elevating duct 69.

[0049] In this way, the housing support member 55, the elevating duct 69, the cartridge tray 30, and the duct unit 60 of the exposure unit 4 form a cooling duct that is a single continuous closed space. Each exposure unit 4 is cooled by an exposure cooling air flow (broken line shown in FIG. 7) that flows through the cooling duct that is the single closed space formed by the housing support member 55, the elevating duct 69, the cartridge tray 30, and the duct unit 60.

[0050] The cooling duct (cooling path of the exposure unit 4), which is a single closed space serving as the flow path of the exposure cooling air flow shown by the broken line in FIG. 7, is configured separately from the cooling duct (cooling path of the developing unit 24), which is a single closed space serving as the flow path of the developing cooling air flow shown by the solid line in FIG. 7.

[0051] (Duct unit) Using FIGS. 7 and 8, a duct unit 60 that forms a part of a cooling duct serving as a flow path for the exposure cooling air flow in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the duct unit 60 as viewed from above.

[0052] The duct unit 60 is an exposure cooling unit that communicates with the exposure unit 4 through the elevating duct 69 and cools the exposure unit 4 by an air flow through the elevating duct 69.

[0053] Note that the elevating duct 69 is formed in a hollow shape with openings at the top and bottom. The elevating duct 69 forms a duct in which the upper opening communicates with the opening 55a of the exposure unit 4 and the lower opening communicates with the opening 61 of the duct unit 60. The elevating duct 69 forms an exposure duct that forms a space for allowing air for cooling the exposure unit 4 to flow through by communicating the exposure unit 4 and the duct unit 60.

[0054] The duct unit 60 is provided on the side opposite to the photosensitive drum 2 with the exposure unit 4 interposed therebetween, and is detachably mounted directly below the cartridge tray 30 with respect to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0055] The duct unit 60 has an intake duct 205 that forms a space for allowing air introduced into the elevating duct 69 to flow through by communicating with the elevating duct 69. The intake duct 205 is disposed closer to the front (front side, front face side) of the image forming apparatus 100, which is one side of the longitudinal center of the substrate 50.

[0056] The duct unit 60 has exposure air inlets 201 (Y, M, C, K) for each exposure unit that communicate with the elevating duct 69 and introduce air into the elevating duct 69. The exposure air inlets 201 are provided on the upper surface of the intake duct 205 disposed closer to the front of the image forming apparatus 100. The exposure air inlets 201 are disposed to face the surface of the substrate 50 opposite to the mounting surface of the light emitting elements, and are disposed in front of (front side) the image forming apparatus, which is one side of the longitudinal center of the substrate 50.

[0057] The duct unit 60 has an air intake port 203 that sucks air from outside the image forming apparatus into the intake duct 205. The air intake port 203 is provided in the intake duct 205 facing an exterior cover that forms an outer surface (here, the left side surface) of the image forming apparatus. The air intake port 203 is disposed on the front side (front face side) of the image forming apparatus, which is on one side of the longitudinal center of the substrate 50. The air intake port 203 is disposed adjacent to one side surface (here, the left side surface) in the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0058] The duct unit 60 has an intake fan 62 that generates an air flow for discharging the air outside the image forming apparatus introduced from the air intake port 203 through the intake duct 205 from the exposure air intake port 201. The intake fan 62 is disposed at the air intake port 203 of the intake duct 205.

[0059] The air intake port 203 and the exposure air intake ports 201 (Y, M, C, K) for each exposure unit are connected by the intake duct 205. The duct unit 60 is configured to suck the air outside the image forming apparatus (fresh air) introduced from the air intake port 203 by the intake fan 62 through the intake duct 205 from each exposure air intake port 201.

[0060] The duct unit 60 has an exhaust duct 206 that communicates with the elevating duct 69 and forms a space for allowing the air introduced from the elevating duct 69 to flow through. The exhaust duct 206 is disposed closer to the rear (rear side, back side) of the image forming apparatus 100, which is on the other side of the longitudinal center of the substrate 50.

[0061] The duct unit 60 has exposure exhaust ports 202 (Y, M, C, K) for each exposure unit that communicate with the elevating duct 69 and introduce air from the elevating duct 69. The exposure exhaust ports 202 are provided on the upper surface of the exhaust duct 206 disposed closer to the rear of the image forming apparatus 100. The exposure exhaust ports 202 are disposed facing the opposite surface of the substrate 50 and are disposed on the rear (back side) of the image forming apparatus, which is on the other side of the longitudinal center of the substrate 50.

[0062] The duct unit 60 has an exhaust port 204 that exhausts air from the exhaust duct 206 to the outside of the image forming apparatus. The exhaust port 204 is provided in the exhaust duct 206 facing an exterior cover that forms the outer surface (here, the left side surface) of the image forming apparatus. The exhaust port 204 is disposed at the rear (back side) of the image forming apparatus, which is on the other side than the longitudinal center of the substrate 50. The exhaust port 204 is disposed adjacent to one side surface (here, the left side surface) in the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, similar to the intake port 203.

[0063] The duct unit 60 has an exhaust fan 63 that generates an air flow for exhausting the air introduced from the exposure exhaust port 202 through the exhaust duct 206 from the exhaust port 204. The exhaust fan 63 is disposed at the exhaust port 204 of the exhaust duct 206.

[0064] The exhaust port 204 and the exposure exhaust ports 202 (Y, M, C, K) for each exposure unit are connected by the exhaust duct 206. The duct unit 60 is configured to exhaust the air introduced from each exposure exhaust port 202 by the exhaust fan 63 to the outside of the image forming apparatus from the exhaust port 204 through the exhaust duct 206.

[0065] The duct unit 60 integrally provides an intake fan 62, an exhaust fan 63, an intake duct 205, and an exhaust duct 206, and is detachably attached directly below the cartridge tray 30 to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The duct unit 60 is inserted and removed in the left-right direction with respect to the image forming apparatus from one side surface (here, the left side surface) in the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus and is attached to the image forming apparatus.

[0066] The duct unit 60 also has an air intake port 203 and an air exhaust port 204 on the same side (left side) in the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 100. An intake fan 62 is disposed at the air intake port 203, and an exhaust fan 63 is disposed at the air exhaust port 204. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the intake fan 62 disposed closer to the front of the image forming apparatus 100 functions as an intake fan for taking in air outside the apparatus, and the exhaust fan 63 disposed closer to the rear functions as an exhaust fan for exhausting air to the outside of the apparatus.

[0067] Note that the arrangement of the fans 62 and 63 is considered so that the exhaust is less likely to hit the user. Therefore, the intake fan is arranged closer to the front of the apparatus, and the exhaust fan is arranged closer to the rear of the apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the exhaust fan is arranged closer to the front of the apparatus and the intake fan is arranged closer to the rear of the apparatus, there is no problem in the function of the cooling air flow. Rather, since the area closer to the rear of the apparatus is likely to be heated due to the influence of the electrical components on the back surface and the like, when only the cooling efficiency is pursued, the rear of the apparatus may be used as an intake fan advantageous for cooling, and the front side may be used as an exhaust fan.

[0068] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, louvers 104 are formed at positions facing the respective fans 62 and 63 on the exterior cover 103 that forms the exterior of the outer surface (here, the left side surface) of the image forming apparatus. The louvers 104 formed on the exterior cover 103 communicate with the air intake port 203 and the air exhaust port 204 at which the fans 62 and 63 are respectively disposed. The intake from the air intake port 203 by the intake fan 62 and the exhaust from the air exhaust port 204 by the exhaust fan 63 are directly performed to the outside of the apparatus through the louvers 104 formed on the exterior cover 103 that forms the exterior of the left side surface of the image forming apparatus.

[0069] (Path of the exposure cooling air flow) Here, referring to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the overall image of the path of the exposure cooling air flow will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the intake side of the exposure cooling air flow and is a cross-sectional view at Y3 - Y3 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the exposure cooling air flow in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust side of the exposure cooling air flow and is a cross-sectional view at Y4 - Y4 shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] The fans 62 and 63 of the duct unit 60 are installed inside the image forming apparatus 100 and generate an air flow (exposure cooling flow) that cools the inside of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0071] As described above, in the duct unit 60, the intake fan 62 disposed closer to the front of the image forming apparatus 100 functions as an intake fan that takes in air from outside the apparatus. Therefore, when the intake fan 62 rotates, air is taken into the intake duct 205 from outside the apparatus through the intake port 203. The air taken in from outside the apparatus flows along the intake duct 205 from the left side to the right side of the image forming apparatus 100 as indicated by the broken line (duct internal air flow 310) in FIG. 9. The air flowing through the intake duct 205 from the left side to the right side of the apparatus branches out from the left side of the apparatus to the exposure intake ports 201 for each color provided on the upper surface of the intake duct 205 in the order of the exposure intake ports 201Y, 201M, 201C, and 201K as shown in FIG. 9.

[0072] The air sent from the exposure intake port 201 of the duct unit 60 is sent upward from the lower opening of the elevating duct 69 communicating with the exposure intake port 201. The air sent upward is blown onto the back surface of the substrate 50 of the exposure unit 4 through the opening 55a of the exposure unit 4 from the upper opening of the elevating duct 69 communicating vertically. The air flow blown onto the back surface of the substrate 50 is guided from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 50 inside each exposure unit 4 as indicated by the broken line (duct internal air flow 311) in FIGS. 7 and 10, and the substrate 50 is cooled in the process.

[0073] Also, simultaneously with the above-described intake, in the duct unit 60, the exhaust fan 63 disposed closer to the rear of the image forming apparatus 100 functions as an exhaust fan that exhausts air from inside the duct unit 60 to the outside of the apparatus. Therefore, when the exhaust fan 63 rotates, air is taken in from the exposure exhaust ports 202 (Y, M, C, K) for each color provided on the upper surface of the exhaust duct 206.

[0074] Therefore, the air that guides the inside of each exposure unit 4 from the front side to the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 50 is taken in from the exposure exhaust ports 202 of each color provided on the upper surface of the exhaust duct 206 through the elevating duct 69 that vertically communicates the exposure units 4 and the duct unit 60. As a result, in each exposure unit 4, the exposure cooling air flow, which is the air flow indicated by the broken line (duct internal air flow 311) in FIGS. 7 and 10, is accelerated, and the substrate 50 on which the LED 51 is mounted is cooled.

[0075] In the duct unit 60, the air taken in from the exposure exhaust ports 202 of the exhaust duct 206 merges in sequence from the right side of the apparatus in the order of the exposure exhaust ports 202K, 202C, 202M, 202Y inside the exhaust duct 206 as shown by the broken line (duct internal air flow 312) in FIG. 11, and flows from the right side to the left side of the apparatus. Finally, the air inside the apparatus taken into the exhaust duct 206 is exhausted to the outside of the apparatus through the exhaust port 204.

[0076] (Handle part) The image forming apparatus 100 has a handle part 200. FIG. 13 shows two handle parts 200 disposed on the left side surface of the image forming apparatus 100. The handle part 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the handle part.

[0077] The exterior cover 103 that forms the exterior of the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 100 is attached to the housing 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the housing 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 has a front side plate 100F, a rear side plate 100B disposed facing the front side plate 100F in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, and a stay 102 spanned between the front side plate 100F and the rear side plate 100B.

[0078] On the handle portion 200, a stay 102 which is a part of the housing 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 is disposed. On the stay 102, a handle cover 107 for protecting so that the fingers of the carrier do not reach the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 and an exterior cover 103 are attached. The exterior cover 103 is attached to the outside of the stay 102, and the handle cover 107 is attached to the inner side which is the opposite side of the outside of the stay 102. Although the handle cover 107 is attached as a separate part from the exterior cover 103, the handle cover 107 also forms a part of the exterior of the apparatus. Therefore, it can be said that the exterior cover 103 and the handle cover 107 which is a separate part integrally constitute the exterior cover of the apparatus.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 14, the handle portion 200 has an opening 103a, a recess 109, and a handle portion 110. The opening 103a is provided in the exterior cover 103 so that when the carrier hooks a finger on the handle portion 110, the finger can be inserted toward the inside of the image forming apparatus 100. The recess 109 is provided in the exterior cover 103 so as to protect so that the fingers of the carrier do not reach the inside of the image forming apparatus 100. The recess 109 is a portion recessed from the opening 103a toward the inside of the image forming apparatus 100. Although the recess 109 exemplifies a configuration provided integrally with the exterior cover 103, it is not limited thereto, and it may be provided separately from the exterior cover 103. For the sake of convenience, the recess 109 has been described as being separate from the exterior cover 103, but since the recess 109 also forms a part of the exterior of the apparatus, it can be said that the exterior cover 103 and the recess 109 which is a separate part integrally constitute the exterior cover of the apparatus. The handle portion 110 is provided above the opening 103a in the vertical direction, and is a portion where the carrier hooks a finger when lifting the image forming apparatus 100. The handle portion 110 has a portion extending in the vertical direction. With such a structure, the handle portion 110 can be gripped by inserting a finger in the vertical direction. Also, when it is designed to hook a plurality of fingers, the handle portion 110 extends in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 14 (front - rear direction). A part of the surface of the handle cover 107 faces the portion of the handle portion 110 extending in the vertical direction.

[0080] In addition, as described above, the exterior cover 103 is provided with the louver 104. The louver 104 includes a plurality of longitudinally-shaped plate-like members 105. Each of the plurality of plate-like members 105 extends in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 14 (front-rear direction) as the longitudinal direction. A plurality of longitudinally-shaped plate-like members 105 are arranged side by side with a vertical interval (opening 106) so that their longitudinal directions are aligned.

[0081] The louver 104 is provided in the recessed portion 109. The louver 104 is provided at a position facing the opening 103a of the recessed portion 109 in the direction from the opening 103a toward the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 (left-right direction). It can be considered that the surface on which the louver 104 is provided and the surface formed by a part of the handle cover 107 substantially form one surface. That is, the louver 104 is provided on the opposing surface of the exterior cover that faces the handle portion 110. The louver 104 is provided at a position facing each of the intake fan 62 and the exhaust fan 63.

[0082] (Configuration of the louver) The configuration of the louver 104 provided in the handle portion 200 of the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the louver 104 provided in the handle portion 200 of the comparative example.

[0083] (Louver configuration of the comparative example) The louver 104 provided in the handle portion 200 of the comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b). FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) are diagrams for explaining the louver shape in the handle portion of the comparative example. FIG. 15(a) shows a front view of the louver, and FIG. 15(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 15(a).

[0084] Here, the direction in which the carrier places a finger 108 on the handle portion 110 of the exterior cover 103 and lifts the image forming apparatus 100 is defined as the first direction. In order to place a finger on the handle portion 110, the carrier's finger 108 finally moves inside the recessed portion 109 with the first direction as the entry direction. Also, the direction in which the carrier's finger 108 can enter the opening 106 between the plate-like members 105 of the louver 104 is defined as the second direction. The second direction intersects both the first direction and the direction (here, the front-rear direction) intersecting the first direction.

[0085] The louver 104 of the comparative example is provided on a surface 109a parallel to the first direction of the recessed portion 109. The surface 109a of this recessed portion 109 is a surface located at a position facing the opening portion 103a in the direction (left-right direction) from the opening portion 103a toward the inside of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0086] The louver 104 of the comparative example has a plurality of plate-like members 105 arranged in parallel at intervals (opening 106) in the vertical direction on the surface 109a parallel to the first direction of the recessed portion 109.

[0087] In the louver 104 of the comparative example, the interval (opening 106) in the vertical direction between the plurality of plate-like members 105 arranged in parallel in the vertical direction is formed by the lower end surface of the upper plate-like member 105 and the upper end surface of the lower plate-like member 105 adjacent in the vertical direction. The upper end surface and the lower end surface of each plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 of the comparative example are surfaces perpendicular to the first direction (the direction of lifting the apparatus). That is, the lower end surface of each plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 of the comparative example is a surface perpendicular to the first direction (the direction of lifting the apparatus). In other words, the plate-like members 105 of the louver 104 of the comparative example have a shape perpendicular to the first direction (the direction of lifting the apparatus).

[0088] When transporting the image forming apparatus 100 having the louver 104 of the comparative example, there is a possibility that the finger 108 of the carrier inserted from the opening 103a of the exterior cover 103 in the second direction may enter between the plate-like members 105 adjacent in the vertical direction (opening 106). In this case, if the lower end surface of each plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 is a surface perpendicular to the first direction, the finger 108 of the carrier that has entered between the plate-like members 105 adjacent in the vertical direction (opening 106) may be caught by the lower end surface of the upper plate-like member 105. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the finger 108 of the carrier from being caught by the lower end surface of the plate-like member 105 of the louver 104.

[0089] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the second direction is within the range of the angle θ formed by the straight line G and the straight line G2. The straight line G is a straight line connecting the ridge edge A of the lower plate-like member 105 among the plate-like members 105 adjacent in the vertical direction (up and down direction) and the lower end B in the vertical direction of the opening 103a of the exterior cover 103. The straight line G2 is a straight line perpendicular to the first direction (the direction of lifting the apparatus).

[0090] Here, it becomes possible for the carrier to insert the finger 108 into the opening 106 of the louver 104 from within the range of the angle θ. That is, it becomes possible for the carrier to insert the finger 108 into the opening 106 between the plate-like members 105 of the louver 104. Then, the carrier can apply a force in the first direction with the finger 108 that has entered the opening 106 between the plate-like members 105 being caught by the lower end surface of the upper plate-like member 105 forming the opening 106. For this reason, there is a possibility that it may become difficult to safely transport the apparatus.

[0091] (Louver configuration of this embodiment) The louver 104 provided in the handle portion 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16(a), 16(b), 17, and 18. FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) are diagrams for explaining the louver shape in the handle portion of the present embodiment. FIG. 16(a) shows a front view of the louver, and FIG. 16(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 16(a). FIGS. 17 and 18 are detailed diagrams for explaining the louver shape according to the present embodiment.

[0092] Similar to the louver 104 of the comparative example, the louver 104 of the present embodiment has a plurality of plate-like members 105 arranged in parallel at intervals (openings 106) in the vertical direction on a plane 109a parallel to the first direction of the recess 109.

[0093] The shape of the plurality of plate-like members 105 of the louver 104 of the present embodiment, which are arranged in parallel at intervals (openings 106) in the vertical direction, is different from the shape of the plate-like members 105 of the louver 104 of the comparative example.

[0094] As described above, the plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 of the comparative example has a shape perpendicular to the first direction (the direction of lifting the device) (see FIG. 15(b)).

[0095] In contrast, the plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 of the present embodiment has a protruding portion that protrudes from a first position P1 to a second position P2 vertically above the first position P1 from the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 toward the opening 103a. The direction in which the protruding portion protrudes will be described by decomposing it into each direction component. First, in the first direction (vertical direction), the protruding portion protrudes in the advancing direction of the finger. Next, in the second direction (here, the direction perpendicular to the first direction, that is, the left-right direction), the protruding portion protrudes from the surface on which the louver 104 is arranged toward the handle portion 110.

[0096] In this embodiment, the plate member 105 of the louver 104 has a tapered portion 105a which is the protruding portion. Further, the plate member 105 of the louver 104 has a straight portion 105b which is perpendicular to the first direction (the direction in which the device is lifted) in addition to the tapered portion 105a which is the protruding portion. Here, in the plate member 105, the tapered portion 105a is provided so as to protrude toward the opening 103a side rather than the surface 109a parallel to the first direction of the recessed portion 109. However, the tapered portion 105a only needs to be provided on the opening 103a side rather than the straight portion 105b, and it does not have to protrude toward the opening 103a side rather than the surface 109a parallel to the first direction of the recessed portion 109.

[0097] The tapered portion 105a of the plate member 105 of this louver 104 can obtain a higher effect by satisfying the following configurations (1) to (3).

[0098] (1) The tapered portion 105a is 45° or less (δ≦45°) with respect to the direction in which the device is lifted (the first direction).

[0099] In other words, the tapered portion 105a of the plate member 105 has an inclined shape (tapered shape) in which the straight line G connecting the first position P1 and the second position P2 has an angle δ of 45° or less with respect to the vertical direction.

[0100] (2) The straight line G connecting the ridge edge A of the tapered portion 105a and the lower end B of the opening 103a of the exterior cover 103 hits the tapered portion 105a of the plate member 105 above it.

[0101] In other words, the tapered portion 105a of the plate member 105 is formed such that the straight line G connecting the ridge edge A of the lower plate member 105 among the plate members adjacent in the vertical direction and the lower end B in the vertical direction of the opening 103a of the exterior cover 103 hits the tapered portion 105a of the upper plate member 105 adjacent above the lower plate member 105 in the vertical direction.

[0102] Here, as the protruding portion of the plate-like member 105, the tapered portion 105a having the inclined shape (tapered shape) is exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. The protruding shape of the plate-like member 105 may be an arc shape in which the straight line G3 connecting the first position P1 and the second position P2 has an angle δ of 45° or less with respect to the vertical direction.

[0103] (3) The clearance Y between the plate-like members 105 of the louver 104 (the distance in the second direction between the upper straight portion 105b and the lower tapered portion 105a) should be a clearance such that a finger cannot enter. In this embodiment, it is set to 2.5 mm.

[0104] In other words, for the louver 104, the interval (clearance Y) between the upper end of the lower plate-like member 105 and the lower end of the upper plate-like member 105 adjacent in the vertical direction is an interval into which a finger cannot enter. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the finger 108 of the carrier from entering between the adjacent plate-like members 105 of the louver 104, and the apparatus can be safely transported.

[0105] The reasons why the tapered portion 105a requires the above configurations (1) to (3) are described below.

[0106] In the case of the configuration of the above (1), since the angle δ between the direction of lifting the apparatus (the first direction) and the tapered portion 105a is not perpendicular but an acute angle, the carrier will not lift the apparatus with a finger caught. That is, when lifting the image forming apparatus, even if the finger 108 of the carrier hits the louver 104, the tapered portion 105a guides the finger 108 in the first direction, so that the finger 108 will not be caught by the louver 104, and the apparatus can be safely transported.

[0107] Next, the direction (second direction) in which the finger 108 of the carrier can enter the opening 106 between the plate-like members 105 of the louver 104 is within the range of the angle θ. With the configuration of (2) above, as long as it is within the range of the angle θ, even if the finger 108 enters between the adjacent plate-like members 105 (clearance Y), the finger 108 abuts against the tapered portion 105a of the plate-like member 105 and does not reach the straight portion 105b. Then, the effect as described above can be obtained, and as a result, the finger 108 of the carrier is not caught by the plate-like member 105 of the louver 104, and the device can be safely carried.

[0108] Furthermore, with the configuration of (3) above, even if the carrier inserts the finger 108 straight from a direction perpendicular to the louver 104, the finger 108 does not reach the straight portion 105b of the plate-like member 105. Therefore, as described above, the finger 108 of the carrier is not caught by the plate-like member 105 of the louver 104, and the device can be safely carried.

[0109] That is, the tapered portion 105a of the plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 can reduce the risk of the finger 108 of the carrier being caught by the louver 104 by satisfying the configurations of (1) to (3) above, and it becomes possible to safely carry the device.

[0110] Here, as the most preferable configuration, the case where the tapered portion 105a satisfies all the configurations of (1) to (3) above has been illustrated and described. However, it is not limited to this. The tapered portion 105a can obtain the above-described effect by satisfying any one of the configurations of (1) to (3) or a combination of any of the configurations of (1) to (3).

[0111] Also, in FIG. 17, the uppermost plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 in the vertical direction has been illustrated and described, but the same applies to the other plate-like members 105 of the louver 104. For example, FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the lowermost plate-like member 105 of the louver 104. Regarding the lowermost plate-like member 105 of the louver 104 as well, the above-described effect can be obtained by satisfying the configurations of (1) to (3).

[0112] Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the plate member 105 of the louver 104 may be configured to have no straight portion 105b and be formed only of the tapered portion 105a.

[0113] Incidentally, in order to prevent the finger 108 of the carrier from getting caught on the plate member 105 of the louver 104, there is also a method of making the width a (see FIG. 20(a)) of the opening 106 of the louver 104 smaller than the width a' (see FIG. 20(b)) of the finger 108 of the carrier. However, if the width of the opening 106 is reduced, the ratio of the edge shape area for forming the opening 106 increases accordingly, and as a result, there is a drawback that the total opening area required for the fan to cool the inside of the apparatus decreases. Note that the width a of the opening 106 of the louver 104 is the length in the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction (up and down direction) (here, the front and rear direction) as shown in FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b).

[0114] That is, with the configuration of the present embodiment as described above, it is possible to safely lift and carry the apparatus while securing the intake opening area / exhaust opening area of the fans 62 and 63.

[0115] The upper edge in the vertical direction of the opening 103a of the exterior cover 103 has a protection portion 103b that enters the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 so as to cover the lower edge in the vertical direction of the stay 102. This protection portion 103b protects the hand of the carrier from the edge of the stay 102.

[0116] In other words, it can be said that the stay 102 that constitutes a part of the housing 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 also serves as a handle portion for lifting the image forming apparatus 100. Thereby, when transporting the image forming apparatus 100, the carrier can lift and transport the product by holding the lower surface of the stay 102 protected by the protection portion 103b with the hand.

[0117] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 100 is being transported, the fingers 108 of the transporter will not get caught on the louver 104, and the apparatus can be safely transported. That is, the workability of the transporter (operator) can be improved.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the opening 106 between the plate-like members 105 is exemplified by a louver composed of a plurality of rectangular openings, but this is not limiting. In a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, a single opening instead of a plurality of openings may be used. Alternatively, an arc-shaped opening instead of a rectangular opening may also be acceptable.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, regarding the position of the louver 104 in the vertical direction, the louver 104 is positioned to face the opening 103a. However, the position of the louver 104 in the vertical direction is not limited to this position. For example, a louver may be provided at a position facing the handle portion 110. If there is a louver at least partially on the movement path of the fingertip until the finger of the transporter finally contacts the handle portion 110, the effects of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which all the plate-like members 105 included in the louver 104 have protrusions has been described. However, the protrusions may be provided by focusing only on the portions where the fingers of the transporter are particularly likely to get caught. That is, even if at least one of the plurality of plate-like members 105 has a protrusion and the other plate-like members 105 have the shape of the comparative example shown in FIG. 15, the effects of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0121] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the handle portion during the transportation of the image forming apparatus has been exemplified, but this is not limiting. For example, a handle portion for opening and closing the exterior cover may also be acceptable. In the handle portion for opening and closing the exterior cover, a configuration in which a finger is inserted downward in the vertical direction, or a finger is inserted in the left-right direction or the front-back direction is also adopted. In such a case, the protruding shape of the louver may be provided in accordance with the finger insertion direction.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0122] A... Ridge edge B... End part G, G2, G3... Straight line P1... First position P2... Second position Y... Clearance 1... Image forming unit 2... Photosensitive drum 4... Exposure unit 30... Cartridge tray 60... Duct unit 62... Intake fan 63... Exhaust fan 69... Elevating duct 100... Image forming apparatus 100B... Rear side plate 100F... Front side plate 101... Housing 102... Stay 103... Exterior cover 103a... Opening 103b... Protection part 104... Louver 105... Plate-like member 105a... Tapered part 105b... Straight part 106... Opening 108... Finger 109... Depressed part 109a... Surface 110... Handle part 200... Handle part

Claims

1. An exterior cover, a handle portion provided on the exterior cover and extending in the first direction so that a finger inserted with the first direction as an insertion direction can be hooked, a louver provided on a facing surface of the exterior cover facing the handle portion, comprising: the louver includes a plurality of plate-like members, each of the plurality of plate-like members has a longitudinal shape extending with a direction intersecting the first direction as a longitudinal direction, the plurality of plate-like members are arranged at intervals in the first direction, at least one of the plurality of plate-like members has a protruding portion that faces the entering direction of the finger in the first direction and protrudes from the facing surface toward the handle portion in a second direction intersecting both the first direction and the longitudinal direction, an image forming apparatus characterized by the above.

2. an opening for a finger to enter is provided in the exterior cover, the plurality of plate-like members are arranged such that a straight line connecting a ridge edge of one of two vertically adjacent plate-like members and an end portion of the opening of the exterior cover in the first direction passes through a protruding portion of the other of the two plate-like members, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. the interval at which the plurality of plate-like members are arranged is an interval into which a finger cannot enter, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. an angle formed by a protruding direction of the protruding portion of the plate-like member and the first direction is 45° or less, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. the protruding portion of the plate-like member has an arc shape, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. the first direction is a vertical direction, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. a frame for supporting internal components, further comprising a protection portion provided to face the handle portion and preventing a finger from touching the internal components or the frame, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. further comprising a fan provided inside the image forming apparatus for generating an air flow, the louver is provided at a position facing the fan, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

Images