Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent an increase in the size of an image forming apparatus compared with a configuration to cause gas for cooling to flow along the front-and-rear direction of the image forming apparatus, and improve cooling performance for a plurality of targets to be cooled compared with a configuration to cause gas for cooling to flow along the left-and-right direction of the image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (U) comprises: a plurality of means to be cooled (1y-1o) that extend in a direction directed from a surface on which an operation of a body (U1) of the image forming apparatus is performed to a surface opposite thereto; cooling gas introduction means (22) that is arranged on one lateral side of the body (U1) of the image forming apparatus; guiding means (16) that blows the gas from one side toward the other side; and exhausting means (24) that is arranged on the other lateral side opposite to the introduction means (22) and exhausts the gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technique for cooling a portion of an image forming apparatus where the temperature rises, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 listed below are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a cooling device (80) installed in a drawer unit (76) cools the upper waste toner transport path (61). The cooling device (80) in Patent Document 1 is configured to suck in air from the front and send it rearward. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a first exhaust port (87) is formed at the top of a duct (82) of the cooling device (80), and airflow is sent from the first exhaust port (87) toward the waste toner transport path (61) diagonally rearward and upward. In addition, a second exhaust port (88) is formed at the rear end of the duct (82), and the airflow from the second exhaust port (88) cools the main body-side waste toner transport unit (90).

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which four toner bottles (301) are arranged in a longitudinal direction, and air is sucked in through an air intake port (501) at the rear, crosses the longitudinal center of the four toner bottles (301) in the left-right direction, and is exhausted from an exhaust port (503) on the side.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a configuration in which a heat sink (51) is disposed on a side surface of a developing container (21) extending in the front-rear direction, and an air duct (50) extending in the front-rear direction is installed along the heat sink (51). In Patent Document 3, the developing container (21) is cooled via the heat sink (51) by air flow (B) flowing from the front to the rear through the air duct (50). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-161623 A ("0033", "0039"-"065", Figures 8-10) [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-242635 A ("0044"-"0046", Figure 3) [Patent Document 3] JP 2013-225055 A ("0031"-"0045", Fig. 1(b), Fig. 2) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technical objective of the present invention is to improve the cooling performance for multiple cooling targets compared to a configuration in which cooling gas flows in the left-right direction of the image forming device, while suppressing the increase in size of the image forming device compared to a configuration in which cooling gas flows in the front-to-back direction of the image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: an operation unit disposed on a main body of the image forming apparatus and operated by an operator with respect to the image forming apparatus; a plurality of cooled units disposed in a main body of the image forming apparatus and configured to be cooled, the cooled units extending in a direction from the operation surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus to a surface opposite to the operation surface; an introduction means for introducing a cooling gas, the introduction means being disposed on one side of the operation surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus; a guide means for guiding the gas introduced from the introduction means to either the surface on which the operation is performed or the opposite surface to the surface on which the operation is performed, and for blowing out the guided gas from either one surface to the other; a discharge means for discharging gas, the discharge means being disposed on the other side opposite to the side on which the introduction means is disposed; The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, a first operated means which is constituted by a developing means for developing a latent image and which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; and a second operated means which is constituted by a container means for containing a developer to be replenished to the developing means and which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; the cooled means being constituted by a transport means for transporting the developer in the container means to the developing means; The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, the cooled means extending in a direction inclined with respect to both a front-rear direction connecting the operation surface and the opposite surface and a left-right direction connecting the one side portion and the other side portion; The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 3, a plurality of the cooled means arranged side by side from the one side to the other side, wherein the inclination direction of each of the cooled means changes from the one side to the other side; The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, a plurality of the cooled means arranged side by side from the one side portion to the other side portion; the guiding means having blowing means disposed between the plurality of cooled means and configured to blow out the gas from one of the guided means toward the other; Equipped with The blowing means is sized based on the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guiding means. It is characterized by:

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 5, a guide means extending linearly from the one side portion toward the other side portion; Equipped with The size of the blowing means on one side is larger than that of the other side. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 1, the size of the image forming device can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which cooling gas flows along the front-to-back direction of the image forming device, while the cooling performance for multiple cooling objects can be improved compared to a configuration in which cooling gas flows along the left-to-right direction of the image forming device. According to the invention as set forth in claim 2, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the developer transported by the transport means and changes in fluidity, compared to when the transport means is not cooled. According to the invention of claim 3, the resistance to the gas flow can be reduced and the gas can flow more smoothly than when the cooled means is not inclined in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 4, the amount of gas flowing can be more easily made uniform and uneven cooling can be more easily suppressed than when the inclination angle does not change from one side to the other side. According to the invention of claim 5, cooling unevenness can be suppressed and cooling performance can be improved compared to when the size of the blowout means is not set based on the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guide means. According to the invention described in claim 6, uneven cooling can be suppressed and cooling performance can be improved compared to when the blowing means on one side, which is the intake side, is smaller in size than the blowing means on the other side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the developer transport mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a developer transport mechanism according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Next, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. To facilitate understanding of the following explanation, in the drawings, the front-to-back direction (width direction of the medium) is defined as the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction (direction of transport of the medium) as the Y-axis direction, and the up-to-down direction as the Z-axis direction, and the directions or sides indicated by arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, -Z are defined as the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, or the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side, respectively. In addition, in the figures, a circle with a "·" inside it means an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page, and a circle with an "x" inside it means an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. In the following description using the drawings, illustrations of components other than those necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding. [Example]

[0018] (Explanation of the Overall Configuration of the Printer U in the First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus of FIG. In Figures 1 and 2, a printer U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a printer main body U1, a feeder unit U2 as an example of a media supply device, an operation unit UI, an inspection device U3, and a finisher U4 as an example of a post-processing device. The feeder unit U2 supplies media to the printer main body U1. The operation unit UI allows the user to input operations and check the settings and status of the printer U. The inspection device U3 inspects the formed image. The finisher U4 performs post-processing on the printed recording paper S, such as alignment, edge binding, and saddle stitching.

[0019] (Description of Marking Configuration in Example 1) In Fig. 1, the printer main body U1 has a control unit (an example of a control means) C that controls the printer U. A print image server COM, which is an example of an information transmitting device, is connected to the printer main body U1 via a dedicated cable (not shown). A personal computer PC, which is an example of an image transmitting device, is connected to the print image server COM via a cable or a line such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The personal computer PC transmits information of an image to be printed by the printer U to the print image server COM, and the print image server COM transmits the image information to the printer main body U1.

[0020] The printer body U1 is provided with a marking unit U1a as an example of a recording unit for recording an image on a medium. The marking unit U1a has photoconductors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk for the colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) as an example of an image holding unit, and a special color photoconductor Po used when forming special images such as transparent toner or corporate colors.

[0021] In Figure 1, around the black photosensitive member Pk, along the direction of rotation of the photosensitive member Pk, there are arranged a charger CCk as an example of a charging means, an exposure device LPHk as an example of a latent image forming means, a developing device Gk as an example of a developing means, a primary transfer roll T1k as an example of a primary transfer means, and a photosensitive member cleaner CLk as an example of a cleaning means for an image holding means. Similarly, around the other photoconductors Py, Pm, Pc, and Po, there are arranged chargers CCy, CCm, CCc, and CCo, exposure devices LPHy, LPHm, LPHc, and LPHo, developers Gy, Gm, Gc, and Go, primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1o, and photoconductor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLo.

[0022] Toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, Kk, and Ko, which are an example of developer containing means, are detachably supported above the marking portion U1a. The toner cartridges Ky to Ko contain developers to be replenished to the developing units Gy to Go. The chargers CCy to CCo, exposure devices LPHy to LPHo, and developing devices Gy to Go constitute image forming means CCy to CCo, LPHy to LPHo, and Gy to Go of the first embodiment, which form developer images on the photosensitive members Py to Po.

[0023] An intermediate transfer belt B, which is an example of intermediate transfer means and an example of image holding means, is disposed below each of the photoconductors Py-Po. The intermediate transfer belt B is sandwiched between the photoconductors Py-Po and the primary transfer rolls T1y-T1o. The back surface of the intermediate transfer belt B is supported by a drive roll Rd, which is an example of drive means, a tension roll Rt, which is an example of tension applying means, a walking roll Rw, which is an example of meandering prevention means, a plurality of idler rolls Rf, which are an example of driven means, a backup roll T2a, which is an example of opposing means for secondary transfer, a plurality of retract rolls R1, which are an example of movable means, and the primary transfer rolls T1y-T1o. On the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B, a belt cleaner CLB, which is an example of a cleaning means for the intermediate transfer means, is disposed near the drive roll Rd.

[0024] A secondary transfer roll T2b, which is an example of a secondary transfer member, is disposed opposite the backup roll T2a, with the intermediate transfer belt B sandwiched therebetween. A contact roll T2c, which is an example of a contact means, is in contact with the backup roll T2a. The contact roll T2c applies a voltage of a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developer to the backup roll T2a. The backup roll T2a, the secondary transfer roll T2b, and the contact roll T2c constitute a secondary transfer device T2 as an example of a secondary transfer means in Example 1. The primary transfer rolls T1y to T1o, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer device T2, etc. constitute transfer devices T1, B, and T2 as an example of a transfer means in Example 1.

[0025] Below the secondary transfer device T2, a paper feed tray TR1, which serves as an example of a storage unit, is provided. Recording paper S, which serves as an example of a medium, is stored in the paper feed tray TR1. A pickup roller Rp, which serves as an example of a removal unit, and a separation roller Rs, which serves as an example of a separation unit, are disposed diagonally above the right of the paper feed tray TR1. A transport path SH, along which the recording paper S is transported, extends from the separation roller Rs. A plurality of transport rollers Ra, which serve as an example of a transport unit that transports the recording paper S downstream, are disposed along the transport path SH. A deburring device Bt, which is an example of a means for removing unnecessary portions, is disposed downstream of the separating roll Rs. The deburring device Bt pinches the recording paper S with a preset pressure and transports it downstream to remove unnecessary portions, or so-called burrs, from the edges of the recording paper S.

[0026] A double feed detector Jk is located downstream of the deburring device Bt. The double feed detector Jk measures the thickness of the recording paper S passing through and detects a state in which multiple sheets of recording paper S are stacked on top of each other, i.e., double feed. A correction roll Rc, which is an example of a position correction means, is disposed downstream of the double feed detection device Jk. The correction roll Rc corrects the inclination of the recording paper S with respect to the transport direction, that is, the skew. A registration roll Rr is disposed downstream of the correction roll Rc as an example of an adjustment means for adjusting the timing of conveyance of the recording paper S to the secondary transfer device T2. Also, a sheet guide SG1 is disposed downstream of the registration roll Rr as an example of a medium guiding means. The feeder unit U2 also has paper feed trays TR2 and TR3 configured similarly to the paper feed tray TR1, pickup roll Rp, handling roll Rs, and conveying roller Ra. The conveying path SH from the paper feed trays TR2 and TR3 merges with the conveying path SH of the printer main body U1 upstream of the double feed detection device Jk.

[0027] A plurality of conveyor belts HB, which are an example of a medium conveying means, are arranged downstream of the secondary transfer roll T2b in the conveying direction of the recording paper S. A fixing device F, which is an example of a fixing means, is disposed downstream of the conveying belt HB in the conveying direction of the recording paper S. The image forming means CCy to CCo, LPHy to LPHo, Gy to Go, transfer devices T1, B, T2, fixing device F, etc. constitute a marking unit U1a of the first embodiment.

[0028] In the inspection device U3 downstream of the fixing device F, an inspection device IS as an example of an image reading means is disposed. A conveying path SH is formed downstream of the inspection device IS. The conveying path SH extends toward the finisher U4. Also, a reversing path SH2, which is an example of a conveying path that branches off from the conveying path SH, is formed downstream of the inspection device IS. A first gate GT1, which is an example of a conveying direction switching means, is disposed at the branch point between the conveying path SH and the reversing path SH2. A plurality of conveying rollers Ra, which are an example of a conveying means, are disposed on the reversing path SH2. Downstream of the reversing path SH2, below the fixing device F, there is disposed a turn-back path SH4 for reversing the conveying direction of the recording paper S, i.e., for switching back. A switch-back roll Rb, which is an example of a reversible conveying means, is disposed on the turn-back path SH4. At the entrance of the turn-back path SH4, there is disposed a third gate GT3, which is an example of a conveying direction switching means. The transport path SH downstream of the return path SH4 merges with the transport path SH for the paper feed tray TR1.

[0029] In FIG. 2, the finisher U4 downstream of the inspection device IS includes a top tray U4a as an example of a stacking unit, an edge stitching device U4b as an example of a first post-processing unit, and a saddle stitching device U4c as an example of a second post-processing unit. Recording sheets S are discharged and stacked onto the top tray U4a without post-processing. The edge stitching device U4b can staple the edges of the recording sheets S, or discharge multiple sheets of recording sheets S with their edges aligned (aligned) without stapling. The saddle stitching device U4c can staple the center of the recording sheets S, fold them in half, and discharge them. The finisher U4 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, a finisher with a punch hole forming function or a three-folding function (so-called Z-fold or C-fold) can be used as an example of post-processing.

[0030] (Marking operation) When the printer U receives the image information transmitted from the personal computer PC via the print image server COM, it starts a job, which is an image forming operation. When the job starts, the photoconductors Py-Po, the intermediate transfer belt B, etc. rotate. The photosensitive members Py to Po are rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown). A preset voltage is applied to the chargers CCy to CCo, which charge the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po. The exposure devices LPHy to LPHo, which are an example of a latent image forming device and an example of a light emitting device, output light to write a latent image in response to a control signal from the control unit C, and write an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface of the photosensitive member Py to Po. The developing units Gy to Go develop the electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive members Py to Po. The toner cartridges Ky to Ko replenish the developer consumed in the development in the developing units Gy to Go.

[0031] A primary transfer voltage of a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the developer is applied to the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1o, and the visible images on the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po are transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B. The photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLo clean the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po by removing residual developer therefrom after the primary transfer. As the intermediate transfer belt B passes through the primary transfer area facing the photosensitive drums Py to Po, images are transferred and stacked in the order of O, Y, M, C, and K, and then passes through the secondary transfer area Q4 facing the secondary transfer device T2. In the case of a monochrome image, only one color image is transferred and sent to the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0032] The pickup roller Rp feeds out the recording paper S from the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 where the recording paper S is supplied, depending on the size of the received image information, the designation of the recording paper S, and the size and type of the stored recording paper S. The separation roll Rs separates and separates the recording paper S sent out from the pickup roll Rp one by one. The deburring device Bt applies a preset pressure to the recording paper S passing through to remove burrs. The double feed detector Jk detects double feed of the recording paper S by detecting the thickness of the recording paper S passing through. The correction roll Rc corrects the skew by bringing the passing recording paper S into contact with a wall surface (not shown).

[0033] The registration roll Rr feeds the recording paper S in time with the image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B being sent to the secondary transfer area Q4. The sheet guide SG1 guides the recording paper S sent out by the registration roll Rr to the secondary transfer area Q4. In the secondary transfer device T2, a secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the predetermined charging polarity of the developer is applied to the backup roll T2a via the contact roll T2c, and the image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred onto the recording paper S. The belt cleaner CLB removes and cleans the developer remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B after the image has been transferred in the secondary transfer area Q4. The conveyor belt HB holds the recording paper S, onto which the image has been transferred by the secondary transfer device T2, on its surface and conveys it downstream.

[0034] The fixing device F has a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating member and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure member. A heater h as an example of a heat source is housed inside the heating roll Fh. The fixing device F heats and presses the recording paper S that passes through a fixing area Q5 where the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp come into contact, thereby fixing an unfixed image on the surface of the recording paper S. The heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp constitute the fixing members Fp and Fh of Example 1. The inspection device IS reads the image on the recording paper S that has passed through the fixing device F, and inspects the image for defects.

[0035] When double-sided printing is performed on the recording paper S that has passed through the inspection device IS, the first gate GT1 is activated and the paper is transported to the reversal path SH2, switched back at the return path SH4, and re-sent to the registration roll Rr via the transport path SH, where printing on the second side is performed. The recording paper S that has passed through the inspection device IS is transported to the finisher U4. The recording paper S fed into the finisher U4 is sent to either the top tray U4a, the edge stitching device U4b, or the saddle stitching device U4c, depending on the type of post-processing that has been set. The recording paper S sent to the edge stitching device U4b is edge-stitched and then discharged. The recording paper S sent to the saddle stitching device U4c is saddle-stitched and then discharged.

[0036] (Explanation of the developer transport device and cooling mechanism) FIG. 3 is a top view of the developer transport mechanism of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a developer transport mechanism according to the first embodiment. 3 and 4, in the printer U of the first embodiment, the photoconductors Py-Po, developers Gy-Go, and photoconductor cleaners CLy-CLo wear out over time with use. Furthermore, the toner cartridges Ky-Ko become empty as the developer inside is consumed with use. Therefore, the photoconductors Py-Po, developers Gy-Go, photoconductor cleaners CLy-CLo, and toner cartridges Ky-Ko, which are examples of operated units, are configured to be replaceable with new ones. In the printer U of the first embodiment, the toner cartridges Ky-Ko and the like are arranged in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, in the printer U of the first embodiment, when an operator replaces a replaceable unit such as the toner cartridges Ky-Ko or the developers Gy-Go, the replacement can be performed by inserting and removing the unit from the front of the printer U in the front-to-rear direction, which is the operation direction.

[0037] The toner cartridges Ky-Ko as an example of second operated units in the first embodiment are arranged above the photoconductors Py-Po, developers Gy-Go, and photoconductor cleaners CLy-CLo as an example of first operated units. The diameters of the toner cartridges Ky-Ko in the first embodiment are larger than the diameters of the developing rolls of the developers Gy-Go, increasing the amount of developer that can be accommodated in the toner cartridges Ky-Ko. Therefore, the width of the five toner cartridges Ky-Ko in the left-right direction is larger than the width of the five developers Gy-Go.

[0038] Each toner cartridge Ky-Ko and each developing unit Gy-Go are connected by conveying pipes 1y, 1m, 1c, 1k, 1o, which are an example of cooled means and an example of conveying means. Inlets 2y, 2m, 2c, 2k, 2o, which are an example of an inlet portion, are formed at one end (front end) of the conveying pipes 1y-1o. The inlets 2y-2o allow the developer from the toner cartridges Ky-Ko to flow in. Outlets 3y-3o, which are an example of an outlet portion, are formed at the other end (rear end) of the conveying pipes 1y-1o. The outlets 3y, 3m, 3c, 3k, 3o allow the developer to flow out toward the developing units Gy-Go.

[0039] The conveying pipes 1y-1o in the first embodiment are arranged at an angle with respect to the front-rear direction, which is the operation direction. Therefore, the large-capacity toner cartridges Ky-Ko and the miniaturized developing units Gy-Go are connected by the obliquely inclined conveying pipes 1y-1o. In particular, among the conveying pipes 1y-1o in Example 1, the conveying pipe 1k located on the far left has the largest inclination angle relative to the front-to-rear direction. The inclination angles then decrease sequentially toward the right, with the conveying pipe 1o located on the far right having the smallest inclination angle. Conveying augers 4y, 4m, 4c, 4k, and 4o, which serve as an example of conveying means, are disposed inside the conveying pipes 1y-1o. The conveying augers 4y-4o are driven by motor units 6y, 6m, 6c, 6k, and 6o located at their rear ends to convey developer from the inflow ports 2y-2o toward the outflow ports 3y-3o.

[0040] A front frame 11, a rear frame 12, a left frame 13, and a right frame 14, which are examples of frames, are provided on the top of the printer body U1 of Example 1. The front frame 11 is disposed at the front of the printer body U1 and is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the left-right direction. The front frame 11 of Example 1 is formed to a length that spans the entire width of the printer body U1 in the left-right direction. The front frame 11 is disposed so that its vertical height corresponds to the positions of the conveying pipes 1y-1o. Therefore, the toner cartridges Ky-Ko, which are an example of second operated means, are attached and detached through the space above the front frame 11, and the developers Gy-Go and photoconductors Py-Po, which are examples of first operated means, are attached and detached through the space below the front frame 11.

[0041] A duct 16, which is an example of a guide means, is formed inside the front frame 11. The duct 16 extends in the left-right direction along the front frame 11. Therefore, the duct 16 guides the gas inside along the left-right direction. An air outlet 17, which is an example of an air outlet means, is formed on the rear surface of the front frame 11. The air outlet 17 of Example 1 has four air outlets 17-1, 17-2, 17-3, and 17-4. The first air outlet 17-1 is located between the front end of the black conveying pipe 1k and the front end of the blue conveying pipe 1c. The second air outlet 17-2 is located between the front end of the blue conveying pipe 1c and the front end of the green conveying pipe 1m. The third air outlet 17-3 is located between the front end of the green conveying pipe 1m and the front end of the yellow conveying pipe 1y. The fourth air outlet 17-4 is located between the front end of the yellow conveying pipe 1y and the front end of the special color conveying pipe 1o. Each of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 in the first embodiment blows out cooling gas (air) from the front to the rear of the printer main body U1 in which the duct 16 is provided.

[0042] The size, i.e., the opening area, of each of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 is set based on the pressure loss of the air. In Example 1, gas tends to flow in the direction along the duct 16, which extends linearly in the left-right direction. Therefore, if the opening areas of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are all the same, the most air tends to be blown out from the fourth air outlet 17-4, which is the most downstream air outlet on the right side (an example of the other side) of the printer body U1, and the most upstream air tends to be blown out from the first air outlet 17-1, which is the most upstream air outlet on the left side (an example of one side) of the printer body U1. Accordingly, in Example 1, the opening areas of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are set so that they are larger toward the upstream side and smaller toward the downstream side. Note that the specific opening areas are preferably set by conducting experiments and simulations on pressure loss and gas flow.

[0043] The rear frame 12 is disposed at the rear end of the printer main body U1. The rear frame 12 is disposed opposite the front frame 11. The rear frame 12 supports the motor units 6y to 6o. The left frame 13 and the right frame 14 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the printer main body U1. An intake fan 21, which is an example of a gas transfer means, is disposed on the left frame 13. The intake fan 21 draws in outside air from an intake port 22, which is an example of an introduction means, formed on the left side of the printer body U1. The intake fan 21 transfers the gas drawn in from the left side toward the duct 16 in front. An exhaust fan 23, which is an example of a gas transfer means, is disposed on the right frame 14. The exhaust fan 23 exhausts gas from an exhaust port 24, which is an example of a discharge means, formed on the right side surface of the printer main body U1.

[0044] (Function of Example 1) In the printer U of the first embodiment having the above configuration, when a printing operation is started, the intake fan 21 and the exhaust fan 23 are activated. Therefore, outside air drawn in by the intake fan 21 is sent to the duct 16 and blown out rearward from the outlets 17-1 to 17-4. The gas blown out from the first outlet 17-1, which is the most upstream, is sent rearward along the first flow path 18-1, which is formed by the space surrounded by the undersides of the upper toner cartridges Kk, Kc, Km, etc., the K-color conveying pipe 1k on the left, the C-color conveying pipe 1c on the right, and the lower developing units Gk, Gc, Gm, etc.

[0045] The gas blown out from the second outlet 17-2 is sent rearward along the second flow path 18-2, which is formed by the space surrounded by the underside of the upper toner cartridge Kc, the C-color conveying pipe 1c on the left, the M-color conveying pipe 1m on the right, and the lower developing device Gc, etc. The gas blown out from the third outlet 17-3 is sent rearward along the third flow path 18-3, which is formed by the space surrounded by the underside of the upper toner cartridge Km, the M-color conveying pipe 1m on the left, the Y-color conveying pipe 1y on the right, and the lower developing device Gm, etc. The gas blown out from the fourth outlet 17-4 at the most downstream side is sent rearward along the fourth flow path 18-4, which is formed by the space surrounded by the underside of the upper toner cartridge Ky, etc., the Y-color conveying pipe 1y on the left, the special color conveying pipe 1o on the right, and the lower developing device Gy, etc.

[0046] The gas sent to the rear of the printer main body U1 is transported along the rear frame 12 by the exhaust fan 23 and then exhausted from the exhaust port 24. Therefore, the gas sucked in from the left side of the printer main body U1 by the intake fan 21 flows from front to rear along the transport pipes 1y-1o, and is then exhausted from the right side. Therefore, each of the transport pipes 1y-1o is cooled by the gas flowing along each of the transport pipes 1y-1o. Therefore, even if heat generated during image formation in the lower image forming units CCy-CCo, LPHy-LPHo, and Gy-Go reaches each of the upper transport pipes 1y-1o, each of the transport pipes 1y-1o is cooled by the gas. This prevents problems such as the developer in each of the transport pipes 1y-1o being altered by heat or its fluidity being reduced due to aggregation, adhesion, etc.

[0047] Here, in a configuration in which air is taken in at the front end of the main body of the image forming apparatus and exhausted at the rear end, as in the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 3, it is necessary to install a fan, blower, etc. at the front or rear end of the main body. Therefore, with the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 3, the length of the image forming apparatus in the front-to-rear direction becomes long, which causes a problem of the image forming apparatus becoming large. In a configuration in which air flows across multiple toner bottles that are long in the front-to-rear direction, as in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, the upstream side of the airflow is likely to be sufficiently cooled, but the downstream side may not be sufficiently cooled. Therefore, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 has the problem that the cooling performance for multiple cooling targets is uneven and the cooling performance is unstable.

[0048] In contrast, in the printer U of Example 1, cooling gas is introduced from one side (the left) and guided to flow from the front (where an operator performs operations such as cartridge replacement) to the rear (where opposite). Then, air is exhausted from the right side (where opposite) of the printer body U1. Therefore, in the printer U of Example 1, the size of the image forming apparatus is suppressed compared to configurations such as those in Patent Documents 1 and 3, in which cooling gas flows along the front-to-rear direction of the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, in the printer U of Example 1, the cooling performance of the conveying pipes 1y to 1o, which are multiple cooling targets, is improved compared to configurations such as those in Patent Document 2, in which cooling gas flows along the left-to-right direction of the image forming apparatus.

[0049] In recent printers U, the photoconductors Py-Po, developers Gy-Go, and photoconductor cleaners CLy-CLo have tended to be smaller as the overall device has become smaller. Meanwhile, the toner cartridges Ky-Ko have tended to have larger capacities in order to reduce the frequency of replacement. Therefore, if the spacing between the toner cartridges Ky-Ko is to be matched to the spacing between the five small developers Gy-Go, it becomes difficult to increase the capacity of the toner cartridges Ky-Ko. Conversely, if the spacing between the small developers Gy-Go is to be matched to the spacing between the five large-capacity toner cartridges Ky-Ko, the overall device will become larger. Therefore, the spacing between the developers Gy-Go, which are becoming smaller, does not match the spacing between the toner cartridges Ky-Ko, which are becoming larger in capacity. To address this, in the printer U of the first embodiment, the conveying pipes 1y-1o are arranged at an angle relative to the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0050] Therefore, in Example 1, the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are also inclined with respect to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. Here, if the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are configured parallel to the front-rear direction, the flow direction of the air that has flowed to the rear end changes by 90 degrees as it flows to the right. Therefore, flow resistance and pressure loss are likely to increase, and the gas becomes difficult to flow. In contrast, if the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are inclined with respect to the front-rear direction as in Example 1, the change in flow direction at the rear end is less than 90 degrees. Therefore, flow resistance and the like are also reduced, and the gas flows more smoothly. Therefore, the cooling efficiency is more likely to be improved compared to an arrangement in which the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 are parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0051] In particular, in Example 1, the inclination angles of the conveying pipes 1y-1o are set larger the closer they are to the intake side (left side). That is, the change in flow at the rear end is also smaller than 90 degrees the closer they are to the intake side, and flow resistance and pressure loss also decrease the closer they are to the intake side. Therefore, in the printer U of Example 1, the flow resistance and pressure loss are smaller in the first flow path 18-1 on the upstream side, where gas is less likely to be blown out from the linear duct 16, and the flow resistance and the like are greater in the fourth flow path 18-4 on the downstream side, where gas is more likely to be blown out. Therefore, compared to when the inclination angles of the conveying pipes 1y-1o are all the same, in Example 1, the amount (flow rate) of gas flowing through the flow paths 18-1-18-4 is more likely to be uniform, which reduces unevenness in cooling and improves cooling efficiency.

[0052] In particular, in Example 1, the sizes of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are set based on pressure loss. Therefore, the amount (flow rate) of gas flowing through the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 is likely to be uniform. Specifically, the opening area of ​​the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 is set larger toward the intake side, and the amount (flow rate) of gas flowing through the flow paths 18-1 to 18-4 is likely to be uniform. Therefore, compared to when the sizes of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 are uniform, uneven cooling is suppressed and cooling efficiency is likely to be improved.

[0053] (Example of change) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H07) of the present invention are exemplified below. (H01) In the above embodiment, a printer U is shown as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be configured as, for example, a copier, a fax machine, or a multifunction machine having multiple or all of these functions. Also, the present invention is not limited to electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, and can be applied to any image forming apparatus, such as inkjet or thermal transfer.

[0054] (H02) In the above embodiment, the printer U is configured to use five colors of developer, but this is not limited to this and can also be applied to, for example, a monochrome image forming device or a multi-color image forming device with four or less colors or six or more colors. (H03) In the above embodiment, an embodiment having a finisher U4 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also applicable to an image forming apparatus that does not have a finisher U4. (H04) In the above-described embodiment, if the developing devices Gy to Go are not downsized and the toner cartridges Ky to Ko are not increased in capacity, the conveying pipes 1y to 1o can be arranged parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction, or the inclination angles of the conveying pipes 1y to 1o can all be the same.

[0055] (H05) In the above embodiment, the conveying pipes 1y to 1o are exemplified as the cooled means, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the invention can be applied to cooling any part that requires cooling, such as the developing units Gy to Go, the photosensitive member cleaners CLy to CLo, the transport path for waste developer extending from the photosensitive member cleaners CLy to CLo, the fixing device F, the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1o, the secondary transfer roll T2b, and the backup roll T2a. (H06) In the above embodiment, the developer is transported from front to rear by the transport pipes 1y to 1o, but this is not limiting. For example, a transport configuration from rear to front is also possible. Similarly, the direction of gas flow is not limited to from the front left to the rear right, but can be changed to any direction depending on the design and specifications, such as from the rear left to the front right, the front right to the rear left, or the rear right to the front left.

[0056] (H07) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to set the sizes of the air outlets 17-1 to 17-4 to different sizes based on the pressure loss, but this is not limitative. Even if the sizes are the same, sufficient cooling is possible, and the sizes can be appropriately changed according to the required cooling capacity, design, specifications, etc.

[0057] (Addendum) (((1))) an operation unit disposed on a main body of the image forming apparatus and operated by an operator with respect to the image forming apparatus; a plurality of cooled units disposed in a main body of the image forming apparatus and configured to be cooled, the cooled units extending in a direction from the operation surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus to a surface opposite to the operation surface; an introduction means for introducing a cooling gas, the introduction means being disposed on one side of the operation surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus; a guide means for guiding the gas introduced from the introduction means to either the surface on which the operation is performed or the opposite surface to the surface on which the operation is performed, and for blowing out the guided gas from either one surface to the other; a discharge means for discharging gas, the discharge means being disposed on the other side opposite to the side on which the introduction means is disposed; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((2))) a first operated means which is constituted by a developing means for developing a latent image and which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; and a second operated means which is constituted by a container means for containing a developer to be replenished to the developing means and which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; the cooled means being constituted by a transport means for transporting the developer in the container means to the developing means; The image forming apparatus according to (((1))) is characterized by comprising: (((3))) the cooled means extending in a direction inclined with respect to both a front-rear direction connecting the operation surface and the opposite surface and a left-right direction connecting the one side portion and the other side portion; The image forming apparatus according to (((1))) or (((2))) is characterized by comprising: (((4))) a plurality of the cooled means arranged side by side from the one side to the other side, wherein the inclination direction of each of the cooled means changes from the one side to the other side; The image forming apparatus according to (((3))) is characterized by comprising: (((5))) a plurality of the cooled means arranged side by side from the one side portion to the other side portion; the guiding means having blowing means disposed between the plurality of cooled means and configured to blow out the gas from one of the guided means toward the other; Equipped with The blowing means is sized based on the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guiding means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of ((1))) to ((4))). (((6))) a guide means extending linearly from the one side portion toward the other side portion; Equipped with The size of the blowing means on one side is larger than that of the other side. The image forming apparatus according to (((5))) is characterized in that

[0058] According to the image forming device of (((1))), the size of the image forming device can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which cooling gas flows along the front-to-back direction of the image forming device, while the cooling performance for multiple cooling objects can be improved compared to a configuration in which cooling gas flows along the left-to-right direction of the image forming device. According to the image forming apparatus of (((2))), it is possible to suppress deterioration of the developer transported by the transport means and changes in fluidity, compared to when the transport means is not cooled. According to the image forming apparatus of (((3))), the resistance to the flow of gas can be reduced and the gas can flow smoothly compared to when the cooled means is not inclined in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. According to the image forming apparatus of (((4))), it is easier to make the amount of gas flowing uniform and to suppress uneven cooling compared to when the inclination angle does not change from one side to the other side. According to the image forming apparatus of (((5))), uneven cooling can be suppressed and cooling performance can be improved compared to when the size of the blowing means is not set based on the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guiding means. According to the image forming device of (((6))), uneven cooling can be suppressed and cooling performance can be improved compared to when the blowing means on one side, which is the intake side, is smaller in size than the blowing means on the other side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1y, 1m, 1c, 1k, 1o... Cooled means, conveyance means, 16... Guidance means, 17-1,17-2,17-3,17-4...Blowing means, 22...Means of introduction, 24...Discharge means, CLy, CLm, CLc, CLk, CLo, Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, Go, Py, Pm, Pc, Pk, Po...first operated means, CLy, CLm, CLc, CLk, CLo, Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, Go, Ky, Km, Kc, Kk, Ko, Py, Pm, Pc, Pk, Po...operated means, Gy, Gm, Gc, Gk, Go...Developing means, Ky, Km, Kc, Kk, Ko... second operated means, containing means, U...image forming device, U1: Main body of the image forming device.

Claims

1. an operation unit disposed on a main body of the image forming apparatus and operated by an operator with respect to the image forming apparatus; a plurality of cooled units disposed in a main body of the image forming apparatus and configured to be cooled, the cooled units extending in a direction from the operation surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus to a surface opposite to the operation surface; an introduction means for introducing a cooling gas, the introduction means being disposed on one side of the operation surface of the main body of the image forming apparatus; a guide means for guiding the gas introduced from the introduction means to either the surface on which the operation is performed or the opposite surface to the surface on which the operation is performed, and for blowing out the guided gas from either one of the surface on which the operation is performed to the other; a discharge means for discharging gas, the discharge means being disposed on the other side opposite to the side on which the introduction means is disposed; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. a first operated means which is constituted by a developing means for developing a latent image and which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; and a second operated means which is constituted by a container means for containing a developer to be replenished to the developing means and which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by an operator; the cooled means being constituted by a transport means for transporting the developer in the container means to the developing means; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. the cooled means extending in a direction inclined with respect to both a front-rear direction connecting the operation surface and the opposite surface and a left-right direction connecting the one side portion and the other side portion; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. a plurality of the cooled means arranged side by side from the one side to the other side, wherein the inclination direction of each of the cooled means changes from the one side to the other side; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. a plurality of the cooled means arranged side by side from the one side portion to the other side portion; the guiding means having blowing means disposed between the plurality of cooled means and configured to blow out the gas from one of the guided means toward the other; Equipped with The blowing means is sized based on the pressure loss of the air flowing through the guiding means.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. a guide means extending linearly from the one side portion toward the other side portion; Equipped with The size of the blowing means on one side is larger than that of the other side.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

Images