Fine particle collecting apparatus and powder processing system using the same

Abstract

To efficiently solidify and collect fine particles in a vaporized state by a collection component requiring no replacement.SOLUTION: The particle collection device includes a metal support means 2 provided near a particle generation source 10 capable of generating particles p in a vaporized state, an exhaust means 3 having an exhaust port 4 opened in the metal support means 2 and allowing air containing the particles p generated from the particle generation source 10 to flow from the exhaust port 4 toward a discharge direction, and a collection component 5 provided so as to cover the exhaust port 4 of the exhaust means 3 and collecting the particles p. The collecting component 5 includes a collecting unit 6 in which a fine hole 6a having a polygonal cross-section penetrating in a thickness direction is regularly arranged in a metal plate-shaped member 6b, and a metal holding unit 7 that has a cavity 8 at least between the collecting unit 6 and the exhaust port 4 and holds the collecting unit 6 at a position away from the exhaust port 4, and the holding unit 7 is supported by the support unit 2 on a downstream side in a flow direction of air passing through the collecting unit 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fine particle collecting device and a powder processing system using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional powder processing system including a fine particle collecting device, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are already known. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a duct that draws in air from the inlet side of a nip portion of a pair of rotating bodies that constitute a fixing device, a filter provided in the duct that collects fine particles resulting from a release agent, and a fan provided in the duct that draws in air, in which an electrostatic nonwoven fabric filter is used as the filter, and the amount of air drawn by the fan is controlled to be increased in a second period that is after a first period. Patent document 2 discloses an image forming device that has a frame that houses a ventilation opening and a nip-forming member, and a fan that draws air from inside the frame through the opening, and a member (wire mesh or metal spring) that is provided between the opening and the fan to promote collisions between vaporized wax particles that are generated when the image is heated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-120284 A (Mode for Carrying Out the Invention, Figure 3) [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-077295 A (Form for carrying out the invention, Figure 4) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a fine particle collection device that can efficiently solidify and collect vaporized fine particles using collection parts that do not require replacement, and a powder processing system that uses the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device comprising: a metal support means provided near a particulate generation source that can generate particulates in a vaporized state; exhaust means having an exhaust port that opens into the metal support means and that flows air containing particulates generated from the particulate generation source in an exhaust direction from the exhaust port; and a collection component that is provided to cover the exhaust port of the exhaust means and collects the particulates, wherein the collection component comprises a collection means that is a metal plate-shaped member with a regularly arranged array of micropores that have a polygonal cross section that penetrate through the thickness direction; and a metal holding means that has a hollow portion at least between the collection means and the exhaust port and that holds the collection means at a location away from the exhaust port, wherein the holding means is supported by the support means downstream in the flow direction of air passing through the collection means.

[0006] A second technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the first technical feature, characterized in that the collection means has the micropores of a honeycomb structure in the plate-like member. A third technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the second technical feature, characterized in that the collection means is a particulate collection device in which the plate-like member is made of aluminum. A fourth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collector having the second technical feature, characterized in that the collecting means has a plate-like member with a thickness of 5 to 20 mm. A fifth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the first technical feature, characterized in that the collection means is a plate-like member having an area larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port. A sixth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the fifth technical feature, characterized in that the holding means has a cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion in a direction parallel to the exhaust port that is larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port. A seventh technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the fifth technical feature, characterized in that the length dimension of the hollow portion in the direction of the air flow passing through the collection means is longer than the thickness dimension of the collection means.

[0007] An eighth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the first technical feature, characterized in that the holding means has a tubular member surrounding the collection means and the hollow portion, and the tubular member has a collection opening at an inlet point on the collection means side and a communication opening at an outlet point leading to the exhaust port. A ninth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the eighth technical feature, characterized in that the holding means has a supported portion supported by the supporting means at the edge of the communication port. A tenth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the eighth technical feature, characterized in that the holding means has a communication opening large enough to allow the collection means to be inserted, and the collection means inserted through the communication opening is moved along the hollow portion and then held near the edge of the collection opening. An eleventh technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the first technical feature, characterized in that the holding means is such that air that has passed through the collection means reaches the exhaust port via a linear flow path. A twelfth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the first technical feature, characterized in that the holding means is such that air that has passed through the collection means reaches the exhaust port via a curved flow path. A thirteenth technical feature of the present invention is a particulate collection device having the twelfth technical feature, characterized in that the collection means has the micropores extending in a direction inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the plate-like member, and the micropores extend toward the exhaust port side.

[0008] A fourteenth technical feature of the present invention is a powder processing system characterized by having a fine particle generating source that generates vaporized fine particles, processing means that processes a medium to be processed using powder containing fine particles, and a fine particle collection device that has any of the first to thirteenth technical features. A fifteenth technical feature of the present invention is a powder processing system having the fourteenth technical feature, characterized in that the processing means has an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium as the processed medium using toner as a powder containing wax as the fine particles, and a fixing means for heating and fixing the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means, and the fine particle collecting device is provided near the fixing means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the first technical feature of the present invention, vaporized fine particles can be efficiently solidified and collected using a collection component that does not require replacement. According to the second technical feature of the present invention, the air permeability per unit area can be increased compared to an embodiment in which the collection means is a metal plate having micropores with a polygonal cross section other than a honeycomb structure, and therefore the air resistance can be reduced. According to the third technical feature of the present invention, the risk of corrosion of the plate-shaped member can be reduced compared to when the plate-shaped member is not made of aluminum. According to the fourth technical feature of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently collect vaporized fine particles while suppressing pressure loss. According to the fifth technical feature of the present invention, the area in which the particulates are collected by the collection means can be ensured to be wider than the area of ​​the exhaust port. According to the sixth technical feature of the present invention, it is possible to easily apply the exhaust action of the exhaust means to the entire area of ​​the area where the fine particles are collected by the collection means. According to the seventh technical feature of the present invention, it is easier to uniformly apply the exhaust action of the exhaust means to the entire area of ​​the particulate collection area of ​​the collection means, compared to when the length dimension of the hollow portion is equal to or less than the thickness dimension of the collection means. According to the eighth technical feature of the present invention, the holding means can be simply configured using a tubular member. According to the ninth technical feature of the present invention, the holding means can be easily supported with respect to the support means on the downstream side in the flow direction of air passing through the collection means. According to the tenth technical feature of the present invention, the collecting means can be easily assembled to the holding means. According to the eleventh technical feature of the present invention, pressure loss of air passing through can be reduced compared to an embodiment in which the tubular member has a curved flow path. According to the twelfth technical feature of the present invention, even if the collecting means cannot be installed in a position parallel to the exhaust port, the collecting component can be easily configured. According to the thirteenth technical feature of the present invention, even in an embodiment in which the tubular member has a curved flow path, the length of the micropores of the collection means can be ensured to be longer than the thickness dimension while suppressing pressure loss. According to the fourteenth technical feature of the present invention, a powder processing system can be constructed that includes a fine particle collection device that can efficiently solidify and collect vaporized fine particles using collection parts that do not require replacement. According to the fifteenth technical feature of the present invention, it is possible to construct an image forming system as a powder processing system including a fine particle collection device that can efficiently solidify and collect vaporized fine particles using collection parts that do not require replacement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of a powder processing system including a fine particle collection device to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the collection component shown in FIG. 1(a), and FIG. 1(c) is an arrow view of the collection means in FIG. 1(b) as seen from the direction of arrow C. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system as a powder processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an exhaust structure near the fixing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional explanatory view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view seen from the V direction in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection component used in the exhaust structure near the fixing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 7A is an explanatory perspective view of the collection part shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7B is an explanatory view showing an example of the configuration of the attachment part to which the collection part is attached, and FIG. 7C is an explanatory view showing an example of the configuration of the collection part disassembled. [Figure 8] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a filter as a collection means, FIG. 1B is an enlarged explanatory diagram of part B in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a view seen from the direction of an arrow C in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the collection component, and FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the collection component. [Figure 10] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of fine particle capture by the capture element, (b) is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram along the longitudinal direction of the capture element, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the negative pressure distribution in the hollow portion of the capture element. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure near a fixing device according to a first comparative example. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure near a fixing device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 10(a) is a perspective explanatory view of a collection component according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is an explanatory view showing an example of the configuration of the collection component in exploded form. [Figure 14] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for assembling a filter to a first holder, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the filter is incorporated into the upper holder, viewed from direction B in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a deformed form of the first holder. [Figure 15] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a method of assembling a filter to a second holder, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of fixing a filter to a second holder, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an airtight structure between the second holder and the periphery of the filter. [Figure 16]10(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the function of the collection component according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified form of the collection component according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure near a fixing device according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an exploded configuration of a collection component according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure near a fixing device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an exploded configuration of a collection component according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Overview of the implementation form FIG. 1(a) shows an outline of an embodiment of a powder processing system including a fine particle collecting device to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, the powder processing system includes processing means 12 and a collector 1 for fine particles p. Here, the processing means 12 has a fine particle generating source 10 that generates vaporized fine particles p, and processes a medium 14 to be processed using powder containing the fine particles p. Furthermore, the fine particle collector 1 collects the fine particles p generated from the fine particle generating source 10. The powder processing system includes a system that processes the medium 14 to be processed using powder containing fine particles p. A typical example is an image forming system that forms an image using toner as powder. However, other systems include a powder coating system that coats the medium 14 to be processed using powder.

[0012] The image forming system as a powder processing system may have the following configurations. The processing means 12 may include an image forming means (not shown) and a fixing means 13. Here, the image forming means forms an image on a recording medium (medium 14) using toner as a powder containing wax as fine particles p. The fixing means 13 heats and fixes the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means. At this time, when the fixing means 13 performs the fixing process, the wax as fine particles p evaporates. Thus, in this embodiment, the fixing means 13 serves as the fine particle generation source 10. For this reason, the fine particle collecting device 1 needs to be provided near the fixing means 13.

[0013] In this example, the particulate collection device 1 is configured as follows. Specifically, the particulate collector 1 includes a metal support means 2, an exhaust means 3, and a collection component 5 that collects particulates p. Here, the metallic support means 2 must be provided near a particulate generation source 10 capable of generating particulates p in a vaporized state. The exhaust means 3 has an exhaust port 4 that opens into the metallic support means 2. The exhaust means 3 may be any means that allows air containing particulates p generated from the particulate generation source 10 to flow from the exhaust port 4 in the exhaust direction.

[0014] The collecting part 5 is provided so as to cover the exhaust port 4 of the exhaust means 3 and collects the fine particles p, and includes the following components. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the collecting element 5 includes a collecting means 6 and a holding means 7 that holds the collecting means 6. The collecting means 6 is a metal plate-like member 6a with regularly arranged micropores 6b that have polygonal cross sections and penetrate through the collecting means 6 in the thickness direction. The holding means 7 has a cavity 8 at least between the collecting means 6 and the exhaust port 4, and the holding means 7 holds the collecting means 6 at a location away from the exhaust port 4. The holding means 7 is made of a metal member, and it is sufficient that the holding means 7 is supported by the support means 2 downstream in the direction of the flow of air passing through the collecting means 6.

[0015] In this technical means, the collection device 1 is intended to solidify and collect vaporized fine particles p. Here, in this example, the objects to be collected are mainly so-called ultrafine particles (UFP) with a particle size of 100 nm (0.1 μm) or less. A typical example of ultrafine particles is wax contained in toner. However, the objects to be collected in this example are not limited to ultrafine particles, but broadly include vaporizable fine particles p. The support means 2 refers to, for example, a metal housing frame that constitutes a housing in which each device of the powder processing system is mounted. Furthermore, the exhaust means 3 is equipped with a flow path forming means 3a that forms a flow path for exhaust air with the exhaust port 4 as an inlet. This flow path forming means 3a may be provided with an airflow generating means (fan or pressure reducer) that generates an exhaust airflow in the flow path. Here, the exhaust port 4 is not limited to a rectangular hole, but may also be a rectangular notch. Furthermore, the flow path forming means 3a may be made of synthetic resin or the like.

[0016] The collecting component 5 may include a collecting means 6 and a holding means 7. Here, the collecting means 6 may be a metal plate-like member 6a with micropores 6b of a predetermined shape regularly arranged in it, as shown in FIG. 1(c). Furthermore, the holding means 7 may be made of metal and may hold the collection means 6 from the exhaust port 4 through the hollow portion 8. In this case, a representative embodiment of the holding means 7 is a tubular structure that covers the entire periphery of the collection means 6, but is not limited to a tubular structure. Furthermore, the holding means 7 is supported by the support means 2 on the downstream side in the air flow direction. "Supported" here includes not only being fixed to the support means 2 using a fastener or the like, but also being supported in a state of contact with the support means 2. In the latter case, the holding means 7 is fixed to something other than the support means 2, for example, a device including the particulate generation source 10.

[0017] Such an attachment structure of the holding means 7 to the support means 2 provides the following effect. That is, as shown in Fig. 1(b), heat Q of the air passing through the collection means 6 is transferred to the metallic support means 2. This provides the effect that the temperature of the air passing through the collection means 6 decreases downstream of the collection means 6. Therefore, even if the air passing through the collection means 6 contains vaporized fine particles p, they are solidified and captured when passing through the micropores 6b. As a mounting structure for the holding means 7 to the support means 2, it is not desirable for the holding means 7 to be supported by the support means 2 on the upstream side in the air flow direction. In this case, the heat Q of the air passing through the collection means 6 is transferred from the upstream side of the collection means 6 to the support means 2. This raises concerns that it may become difficult to lower the temperature of the air toward the downstream side of the collection means 6.

[0018] Next, a typical or preferred embodiment of the particulate collection device according to this embodiment will be described. First, a preferred embodiment of the collection means 6 is one in which a plate-shaped member 6a has honeycomb-structured micropores 6b. The honeycomb-structured micropores 6b of this example are preferred because they allow for the formation of high-strength pores with a high aperture ratio, but the present invention is not limited to this. Another preferred embodiment of the collection means 6 is one in which the plate-shaped member 6a is made of aluminum. In this case, the plate-shaped member 6a is preferably made of a lightweight material that is resistant to corrosion and is easy to process for forming the micropores 6b. Another preferred embodiment of the collection means 6 is one in which the plate-shaped member 6a has a thickness of 5 to 20 mm. If the thickness is less than 5 mm, there is a concern that the vaporized fine particles p may pass through intact, and if it exceeds 20 mm, there is a concern that excessive pressure loss may occur.

[0019] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the collection means 6 is one in which the plate-like member 6a has an area larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port 4. This embodiment is effective in ensuring a wide collection area for the fine particles p by the collection means 6. In this case, the following are preferred embodiments of the holding means 7. One of these is an embodiment in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity 8 in a direction parallel to the exhaust port 4 is larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port 4. Another example is an embodiment in which the length dimension of the cavity 8 in the direction of the flow of air passing through the collection means 6 is longer than the thickness dimension of the collection means 6.

[0020] Furthermore, a preferred configuration example of the holding means 7 is one having a tubular member 7a surrounding the collection means 6 and the hollow portion 8. In this example, the tubular member 7a only needs to have a collection opening 7b at the inlet location on the collection means 6 side. Also, the tubular member 7a only needs to have a communication opening 7c at the outlet location leading to the exhaust port 4. In this example, the tubular member 7a may be made up of one part or multiple parts. In this example, the holding means 7 preferably has a supported portion 7d for supporting the supporting means 2 at the edge of the communication opening 7c of the tubular member 7a. In this case, the holding means 7 is supported by the supporting means 2 via the supported portion 7d on the downstream side in the flow direction of air passing through the collecting means 6. Furthermore, the following is a preferred embodiment for improving the ease of assembling the collecting means 6 to the holding means 7. Specifically, the holding means 7 may be configured so that the tubular member 7a has a communication opening 7c large enough to allow the collecting means 6 to be inserted therein. Then, the collecting means 6 inserted through the communication opening 7c may be moved along the hollow portion 8 and then held near the edge of the collecting opening 7b.

[0021] The air flow path through the tubular member 7a may be selected as appropriate depending on the positional relationship between the particulate generation source 10 and the exhaust port 4. A typical embodiment of the tubular member 7a is one in which the air that has passed through the collection means 6 passes through a linear flow path before reaching the exhaust port 4. Another typical embodiment of the tubular member 7a is one in which the air that has passed through the collection means 6 passes through a curved flow path before reaching the exhaust port 4. Furthermore, a typical embodiment of the collecting means 6 is one in which the micropores 6b are formed along the thickness direction of the plate-like member 6a. However, the configuration of the collecting means 6 is not limited to this. For example, in an embodiment in which the tubular member 7a has a curved flow path, the collecting means 6 can be configured as follows. Specifically, the collecting means 6 may have micropores 6b extending in a direction inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the plate-like member 6a. In this case, the collecting means 6 may be arranged so that the micropores 6b extend toward the exhaust port 4.

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Embodiment 1 -Overall configuration of image formation system- FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of an image forming system as an example of the powder processing system according to the first embodiment. In the figure, an image forming system 20 is equipped with an imaging engine 22 for creating, for example, a plurality of color component images within a system housing 21. A medium supply unit 23 (a single-stage configuration is illustrated in this example) for supplying media such as paper is disposed below the imaging engine 22. In this example, the media supplied from the medium supply unit 23 is transported through a media transport path 24 that extends substantially vertically. The image created by the imaging engine 22 is then transferred onto the media by a transfer device 25. The image transferred onto the media is then fixed by a fixing device 26. The media with the fixed image is discharged into a media discharge receptacle 27 provided, for example, at the top of the system housing 21.

[0023] -Imaging engine- In this example, the image creation engine 22 has multiple (e.g., four) image creation units 30 that create multiple color component images. Each image creation unit 30 (specifically, 30a to 30d) is configured using an electrophotographic system. In this example, each color component image is created in four colors: Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). The image creation engine 22 also has an intermediate transfer body 40 that primarily transfers and holds each color component image created by each image creation unit 30. In this example, the color component images primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer body 40 are collectively transferred (secondarily transferred) to a medium by a transfer device 25.

[0024] In this example, the image forming unit 30 (30a to 30d) has, for example, a drum-shaped photoconductor 31. Around the photoconductor 31, a charger 32, a latent image writer 33, a developer 34, and a cleaner 35 are arranged in this order. In this example, the charger 32 is configured, for example, as a charging roll, which charges the photoconductor 31. The latent image writer 33 is configured, for example, as an LED array, which writes an electrostatic latent image on the charged photoconductor 31. The developer 34 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 31 with toner of each color component. Furthermore, the cleaner 35 cleans off any toner remaining on the photoconductor 31 after the primary transfer of each color component image to the intermediate transfer body 40. In this example, the latent image writer 33 writes an electrostatic latent image for each image forming unit 30 separately, but this is not limited to this. A common laser scanner may be used to write an electrostatic latent image of each color component for each image forming unit 30 using a corresponding laser beam. Of course, a separate laser scanner may be provided for each image forming unit 30. Also, reference numeral 37 (specifically, 37a to 37d) denotes a toner cartridge. This toner cartridge 37 supplies toner of each color component to the developer 34 of each image forming unit 30.

[0025] In this example, the intermediate transfer body 40 is made of a belt-like member stretched over a plurality of (four in this example) tension rolls 41 to 44. In this example, the intermediate transfer body 40 is driven to be rotatable in a predetermined direction, for example, with the tension roll 41 as a drive roll. The tension roll 43 also functions as a tension applying roll that applies a desired tension to the intermediate transfer body 40. Furthermore, a primary transfer device 45 is provided on the back surface of the intermediate transfer body 40 facing the photosensitive body 31 of each image forming unit 30. A predetermined transfer bias is applied to this primary transfer device 45, for example, to perform primary transfer of each color component image formed on the photosensitive body 31 onto the intermediate transfer body 40. Reference numeral 47 denotes an intermediate transfer body cleaning device that cleans off residues (toner, paper dust, etc.) on the intermediate transfer body 40.

[0026] -Transfer device- In this example, the transfer device 25 has a transfer roll 25a that is in contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer body 40 so as to be rotatable by the transfer roll 25a. This transfer roll 25a is arranged, for example, with the tension roll 42 of the intermediate transfer body 40 as the counter electrode. A desired transfer electric field is formed between the transfer roll 25a and the counter electrode (tension roll 42). As a result, the image held on the intermediate transfer body 40 is transferred to the medium all at once. Although the transfer roll 25a is used as the transfer device 25, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a non-contact transfer device using corona discharge or a transfer belt module using a transfer belt may be used as long as it is capable of forming a transfer electric field. -Media transport system- Furthermore, on the entrance side of the medium transport path 24 to the transfer device 25, an alignment roll 28 is provided to align the medium to be fed into the transfer device 25. Also, just before the medium discharge receiver 27 on the medium transport path 24, an ejection roll 29 is provided. Note that the medium transport path 24 is appropriately provided with transport rolls (not shown).

[0027] -Overall configuration of the fixing device- In this embodiment, the fixing device 26 holds a heating rotator 61 and a pressure rotator 62 in a fixing housing 60. The fixing device 26 conveys the medium while sandwiching it in a contact area CN between the heating rotator 61 and the pressure rotator 62. Therefore, the fixing device 26 heats and presses the unfixed image transferred onto the medium in the contact area CN to fix it to the medium. In this example, the heating rotor 61 is configured to employ, for example, an induction heating system, as shown in FIG. 4. The heating rotor 61 includes a heat-fixing belt 63, a magnetic field generator 64, and a pressure pad 65. The heat-fixing belt 63 is configured as a belt member having a heat-generating layer that generates heat under the action of a magnetic field. The magnetic field generator 64 is disposed at a predetermined gap from the outer peripheral surface of the heat-fixing belt 63. The magnetic field generator 64 generates a magnetic field to heat the heat-fixing belt 63. The pressure pad 65 is disposed on the back surface of the heat-fixing belt 63 and presses the heat-fixing belt 63 toward the pressure rotor 62. The pressure rotating body 62 is configured as a pressure fixing roll 68 that presses the heat fixing belt 63 at a position facing the pressure pad 65 .

[0028] <Heat fixing belt / pressure fixing roll> In this example, the heat fixing belt 63 is made up of a belt member having a multi-layer structure, for example, a base layer, a conductive layer made of a non-magnetic metal, an elastic layer, a surface layer, etc. In this example, the conductive layer functions as a heat generating layer. The pressure fixing roll 68 has a roll body 682 made of an elastic material disposed around a rotation shaft 681. It goes without saying that a heat source may be added to the pressure fixing roll 68 as needed.

[0029] <Magnetic field generator> In this example, the magnetic field generator 64 has a base portion 641 that surrounds approximately half of the outer circumferential surface of the heat fixing belt 63, located on the opposite side from the pressure fixing roll 68. The base portion 641 is formed in an arc-shaped cross section that extends along the width direction of the heat fixing belt 63. The base portion 641 is provided with a coil receiving portion 642 that goes around along the width direction of the heat fixing belt 63. The coil receiving portion 642 holds an exciting coil 643 with a wound structure. Furthermore, in this example, magnetic field holding members 644, 645 are provided outside the magnetic field generator 64 and inside the heat fixing belt 63 facing the magnetic field generator 64. These magnetic field holding members 644, 645 are made of a magnetic material (e.g., ferrite). These magnetic field holding members 644, 645 are formed with a substantially arc-shaped cross section to fit the shape of the base portion 641. Therefore, the magnetic field holding members 644, 645 sandwich the heat fixing belt 63 from the outside and inside and hold the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 643. As a result, a desired magnetic path is formed in the heat fixing belt 63, thereby increasing the efficiency of heating by induction.

[0030] <Pressure pad peripheral structure> A pad support member 66 that supports a pressure pad 65 is disposed inside the heat fixing belt 63 opposite the pressure fixing roll 68. Furthermore, a support bracket 67 is provided on the pad support member 66. This support bracket 67 is configured to support a magnetic field holding member 645 that is positioned inside the heat fixing belt 63.

[0031] - Fixing device mounting structure and drive system - In this example, the image forming system 20 has a user operation unit (not shown) on the front side of the system housing 21. Therefore, the system housing 21 has a front frame 21f on the front side of the user operation side and a rear frame 21r on the back side. 3 and 5, the fixing device 26 is attached by fixing both longitudinal side portions of the fixing housing 60 to the system housing 21. The longitudinal direction of the fixing housing 60 here corresponds to the width direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium S. Furthermore, both longitudinal side portions of the fixing housing 60 are attached in a state spanning across the front frame 21f and the rear frame 21r. The front frame 21f and the rear frame 21r are made of metal plate material such as stainless steel. 4, the fixing device 26 in this example drives a pressure fixing roll 68 constituting the pressure rotating body 62. Specifically, a drive mechanism (not shown) is connected to the rear end of a rotation shaft 681 of the pressure fixing roll 68. Therefore, in this example, the heating fixing belt 63 of the heating rotating body 61 rotates following the pressure fixing roll 68 in the contact area CN.

[0032] -Exhaust structure around the fixing unit- <The necessity of exhausting air around the fixing unit> In this example, the fixing device 26 heats and pressurizes the toner image on the medium S in the contact area CN between the heating rotor 61 and the pressure rotor 62, thereby fixing the image. At this time, the ambient temperature inside the fixing housing 60 of the fixing device 26 rises due to the fixing process. On the other hand, it is not desirable for the temperature inside the system housing 21 to rise. For example, it is not desirable for the ambient temperature around the toner cartridge 37 to rise, as this leads to the toner melting phenomenon. 3 to 5, a partition frame 21s is provided to separate the fixing device 26 from the toner cartridge 37. The partition frame 21s is made of a metal plate such as stainless steel, and is disposed near the fixing device 26. The partition frame 21s is suspended between the front frame 21f and the rear frame 21r and fixed with fasteners or the like. The partition frame 21s acts as a heat shielding member that prevents air around the fixing device 26 from flowing into the area on the toner cartridge 37 side. However, it is not desirable for the air around the fixing device 26 to be constantly at a high temperature. Therefore, in order to maintain the ambient temperature inside the fixing housing 60 at an appropriate temperature, it is necessary to exhaust the high-temperature air around the fixing device 26.

[0033] <Points to note about exhaust structure> When constructing an exhaust structure around the fixing device 26, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points. In this example, the developing device 34 of each image forming unit 30 contains toner of each color component. This toner often contains hydrocarbon wax such as paraffin wax or polyethylene wax. This type of wax is added to the toner to provide releasability from the heating rotor 61 and the pressure rotor 62. For this reason, this type of wax liquefies due to the heat and pressure when the toner image on the medium S passes through the contact area CN of the fixing device 26. At this time, the wax seeps from inside the toner to the surface, and some of the wax vaporizes and is released into the air. In this way, the vaporized wax becomes so-called ultrafine particles (included in fine particles p) of 100 nm or less, and floats in the surrounding space on the surrounding air currents. If a collection device is not provided in the image forming system 20 and the air around the fixing device 26 is exhausted outside the image forming system 20, the vaporized wax will be released outside the image forming system 20. Thus, in this example, the fixing device 26 tends to be a device equipped with a particulate generation source U. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the particulate generation source U is likely to be located on the entrance side of the contact area CN between the heating rotor 61 and the pressure rotor 62, where the medium S enters. In this example, the fixing device 26 is an induction heating type, but the same phenomenon can be observed in fixing devices using other heat fixing methods, such as fixing devices that have a heater inside the heat fixing roll and do not require the magnetic field generator used in induction heating methods. Therefore, the collecting device 80 described below is not limited to the induction heating type fixing device 26, but is also widely applicable to other types of heat fixing type fixing devices. This is true not only for the first embodiment, but also for the second to fourth embodiments and modified embodiments described below.

[0034] -Collection device- <Basic configuration of the collection device> In this example, when constructing an exhaust structure around the fixing device 26, a collector 80 is provided to collect fine particles from the fine particle generation source U. In particular, in this example, the objects to be collected by the collector 80 are ultrafine particles of 100 nm or less, such as wax vaporized from the fine particle generation source U. 3 to 5, the collector 80 is configured using a partition frame 21s as a metal support means. The collector 80 is configured by adding a collector part 100 for collecting fine particles to an exhaust mechanism 81 as an exhaust means for exhausting air around the fixing device 26.

[0035] <Exhaust mechanism> In this example, the exhaust mechanism 81 has a rectangular exhaust port 82 extending in the front-rear direction in the partition frame 21s. An exhaust duct 83 communicating with the exhaust port 82 is provided in an area of ​​the partition frame 21s opposite the fixing device 26. The exhaust duct 83 is made of a synthetic resin material such as ABS resin and includes a first duct member 83a and a second duct member 83b. One end of the first duct member 83a is connected to surround the exhaust port 82. The first duct member 83a is disposed extending toward the rear frame 21r along the partition frame 21s. The second duct member 83b is disposed extending in the up-down direction along the rear frame 21r. The lower end of the second duct member 83b is connected to and communicates with the end of the first duct member 83a opposite the exhaust port 82. Furthermore, a ventilation outlet 84 that leads to the outside is provided near the upper end of the second duct member 83b of the rear frame 21r. A suction fan 85 that sucks air from the exhaust duct 83 is provided at a location of the rear frame 21r facing the ventilation outlet 84. The air volume of this suction fan 85 is selected so as to maintain good collection efficiency of the fine particles p by the collection particulate matter p. When selecting the air volume, consideration should be given to the airflow resistance caused by the collection particulate matter p, the temperature rise around the fixing device 26, operation noise, etc.

[0036] -Collection parts- <Basic configuration of collection parts> 6 to 8, the collecting part 100 is disposed in an area on the fixing device 26 side of the partition frame 21s. The collecting part 100 is provided so as to cover the exhaust port 82 of the exhaust mechanism 81. The collecting part 100 includes a metal filter 101 as a collecting means and a metal holder 110 as a holding means for holding the filter 101.

[0037] -filter- In this example, the filter 101 may include a metal plate-like member 102. This plate-like member 102 is formed in a rectangular shape that is larger than the exhaust port 82. Here, as shown in Figures 7(b) and 7(c), the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the exhaust port 82 are H1 and W1, and the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the plate-like member 102 are H2 and W2. In this example, it is sufficient that the relationships H2 > H1 and W2 > W1 are satisfied. For example, it is sufficient to select H2 = 2 × H1 and W2 = 2 × W1. This plate-like member 102 has fine holes 103, each having a polygonal cross section, arranged regularly and penetrating through the plate-like member 102 in the thickness direction. In particular, in this example, an aluminum plate is used as the plate-like member 102. When selecting the plate-like member 102, an aluminum plate is selected because it is easy to process the micropores 103 and the like and has high corrosion resistance. The thickness D of the plate-like member 102 is appropriately selected within the range of 5 to 20 mm. Furthermore, a honeycomb structure with a regular hexagonal cross section is used as the micropores 103. The number of micropores 103 is appropriately selected within the range of 600 to 1800 per square inch, for example.

[0038] Here, if the thickness D of the plate-like member 102 is less than 5 mm, it becomes difficult to obtain the effect of rectifying the air passing through the micropores 103. Also, if the thickness D exceeds 20 mm, it becomes difficult to suppress the pressure loss of the air passing through the micropores 103. Furthermore, if the number of micropores 103 is less than 600, the surface area is reduced, making it difficult to obtain the performance of capturing ultrafine particles. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain the effect of rectifying the air passing through the micropores 103. On the other hand, if the number of micropores 103 exceeds 1800, it becomes difficult to suppress the pressure loss of the air passing through the micropores 103. Furthermore, when comparing the embodiment in which the micropores 103 have a honeycomb structure with the embodiment in which the micropores have a structure other than the honeycomb structure, for example, the embodiment in which the micropores are round holes, the following results are obtained. In the embodiment in which the micropores 103 have a honeycomb structure, the partition strength of the micropores 103 is stronger than that of round holes. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness t of the partition walls 104 that separate the micropores 103 from each other. As a result, it is possible to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the micropores 103 in the honeycomb structure, and it is possible to increase the aperture ratio of the micropores 103.

[0039] -Holder- <Basic configuration of the holder> In this example, the holder 110 is attached to the surface of the partition frame 21s on the fixing device 26 side, as shown in FIGS. As shown in Figures 7(a) to (c), the holder 110 has a holder frame 111 as a tubular member that holds the filter 101. The holder frame 111 is provided with mounting pieces 112 and 113 as supported portions for mounting to the partition frame 21s. The mounting piece 112 is provided to protrude like a flange along the upper edge of one opening of the holder frame 111. The mounting piece 113 is provided to protrude like a flange from the lower edge of both longitudinal sides of one opening of the holder frame 111. In Figures 7(a) to (c), reference numeral 114 denotes mounting holes formed in the mounting pieces 112 and 113, reference numeral 115 denotes mounting holes formed in the partition frame 21s that correspond to the mounting hole 114, and reference numeral 116 denotes a fastener for mounting.

[0040] <Example of holder frame material configuration> In this example, the holder frame 111 is configured in a substantially rectangular frame shape using a metal plate such as stainless steel. The holder frame 111 is arranged to have a passage space 117 with a rectangular cross section that communicates with the exhaust port 82 of the partition frame 21s. Therefore, the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111 has a collection opening 118 at an inlet location away from the exhaust port 82. The passage space 117 of the holder frame 111 also has a communication opening 119 at an outlet location that communicates with the exhaust port 82. Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111 is selected to be equal to or slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape of the plate-like member 102 of the filter 101. Also, the length L of the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111 must be selected to be at least longer than the thickness D of the filter 101. In this example, the length L of the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111 is selected to be longer than twice the thickness D of the filter 101.

[0041] -Relative positional relationship between holder and filter- In this example, the relative positional relationship between the holder 110 and the filter 101 is shown in FIG. 9(a). In the figure, the filter 101 is disposed in a location away from the exhaust port 82 in the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111. In particular, in this example, the filter 101 is disposed facing the collection opening 118 of the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111. Therefore, the holder frame 111 holds the filter 101 with a cavity 120 between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82. In this state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity 120 in a direction parallel to the exhaust port 82 is larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port 82. In addition, the length (LD) of the cavity 120 in the thickness direction of the filter 101 is set to be longer than the thickness D of the filter 101.

[0042] - How to assemble collection parts - In this example, the filter 101 can be incorporated into the holder 110 as follows. As shown in Fig. 7(c), the filter 101 is inserted into the passage space 117 through the communication opening 119 of the holder frame 111. The filter 101 inserted through the communication opening 119 is then moved along the passage space 117 (hollow portion 120) of the holder frame 111. Thereafter, the filter 101 is held at a location of the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111 facing the collection opening 118. Here, the filter 101 can be held in place, for example, as follows. One method is to attach an elastic sealing member to the periphery of the plate-like member 102 in advance, and hold the filter 101 on the periphery of the holder frame 111 via the elastic sealing member. An example of the elastic sealing member is an elastic sealing member such as a urethane sealing member. Another holding method other than using an elastic sealing member is to apply an adhesive to the periphery of the plate-like member 102 and adhere it to the holder frame 111.

[0043] - Operation of image formation system - In this example, when the image forming system 20 shown in Figure 2 performs image formation processing, each color component image is created by the imaging engine 22. Then, each created color component image is transferred to a medium by the transfer device 25. Thereafter, each color component image transferred to the medium is fixed by the fixing device 26. Thereafter, the medium with the fixed image is discharged to the medium discharge tray 27. During this time, there is a concern that particulates p may be generated from the particulate generation source U around the fixing device 26, so in this example, a collector 80 for the particulates p is activated.

[0044] -Effect of the collection device- In this example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the exhaust mechanism 81 of the collector 80 operates the suction fan 85 to suck in air from the exhaust duct 83. Then, as shown in Figure 9(a), the air around the fixing device 26 is discharged from the exhaust port 82 of the partition frame 21s. At this time, the air around the fixing device 26 contains fine particles p from the fine particle generation source U. However, this type of fine particles p are collected by the collection part 100 of the collector 80. As a result, the amount of fine particles p contained in the air discharged from the exhaust port 82 is reduced.

[0045] <Principle of particle capture by collection components> 9(a) and 9(b), the filter 101 is disposed facing the collection opening 118 of the passage space 117 of the holder frame 111. The holder frame 111 is attached to the partition frame 21s near the communication opening 119 of the passage space 117 via attachment pieces 112 and 113. Furthermore, negative pressure due to the suction force of the suction fan 85 acts on the exhaust port 82 of the partition frame 21s. Therefore, suction force due to the negative pressure acts on the surface of the filter 101 facing the hollow portion 120 of the holder frame material 111. As a result, air is sucked into and flows through each of the micropores 103 formed in the plate-like member 102 of the filter 101. Therefore, in this example, the air that passes through the filter 101 reaches the exhaust port 82 via a linear flow path.

[0046] At this time, the filter 101, the holder 110, and the partition frame 21s are all made of metal. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(b), heat Q of the air passing through the filter 101 escapes to the partition frame 21s via the holder frame material 111. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the temperature T of the air passing through the micropores 103 of the filter 101 decreases downstream in the air flow direction. For example, if the air temperature at the inlet position of the micropores 103 is T1 and the air temperature at the outlet position is T2, the temperature decreases by ΔT (T1 - T2). Therefore, even if vaporized particles p are contained in the air passing through the filter 101, they solidify and are captured as they pass through the micropores 103. Note that in FIG. 10(a), the particles p indicated by the dotted line represent the vaporized state, and the particles p indicated by the solid line represent the solidified state. 9(b), the air Air(1) before passing through the filter 101 of the collection particulate matter 100 contains vaporized particulate matter p. However, the amount of solidified and vaporized particulate matter p contained in the air Air(2) after passing through the filter 101 is reduced. Therefore, the collection performance of the particulate matter p by the collection part 100 of this example is maintained at a good level. Furthermore, in this example, it was confirmed that the performance of the collection component 100 in collecting fine particles p was maintained even when image formation processes were repeated. The number of image formation processes that can be performed is, for example, 2 million pages in A4 size paper equivalent. Therefore, in this embodiment, in principle, there is no need to replace or maintain the collection component 100. However, it goes without saying that the exterior of the collection component 100 may be cleaned during maintenance work.

[0047] Next, the relative positional relationship between the hollow portion 120 of the holder frame material 111, the exhaust port 82, and the filter 101 is shown in FIG. 10(b). In the figure, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion 120 of the holder frame material 111 in a direction parallel to the exhaust port 82 is larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port 82. Furthermore, the length LD of the hollow portion 120 in the air flow direction is set to be longer than the thickness D of the filter 101. In this case, air is sucked into the hollow portion 120 through the exhaust port 82, which has a small cross-sectional area, but the volume of the hollow portion 120 is ensured to be large in the air flow direction. The effects of these unique configurations are as follows. Here, the pressure distribution acting on the surface of the filter 101 adjacent to the cavity 120 is shown in FIG. In the figure, the horizontal axis X indicates the position in the intersecting direction that intersects the air flow direction in cavity 120, and the vertical axis P indicates the pressure acting on the surface of filter 101. Note that X0 and Xe indicate the positions of both ends of cavity 120 in the intersecting direction, and Xa and Xb indicate the positions of cavity 120 that correspond to both ends of exhaust port 82 in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] The length LD of the cavity 120 is changed to show the difference in pressure distribution acting on the surface of the filter 101 adjacent to the cavity 120. When the length LD of the cavity 120 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the following occurs: That is, as shown by the solid line in Figure 10(c), a substantially uniform pressure Pc acts on the entire surface of the filter 101. This is presumably because, even if air is sucked in through the exhaust port 82, the suction pressure disperses within the cavity 120 as it moves away from the exhaust port 82. In contrast, when the length LD of the cavity 120 is less than a predetermined threshold, the following occurs: That is, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 10(c), the pressure tends to be higher at the portion of the surface of the filter 101 corresponding to the exhaust port 82 than at other portions. This is presumably because the surface of the filter 101 is close to the exhaust port 82, and the suction pressure from the exhaust port 82 is not sufficiently dispersed within the cavity 120.

[0049] Comparison form 1 FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure near a fixing device according to a first comparative example. In the figure, an exhaust mechanism 200 is provided around the fixing device 26. This exhaust mechanism 200 has, for example, an exhaust duct 201 that communicates with the exhaust port 82 of the partition frame 21s. A suction fan 202 is provided inside this exhaust duct 201 to suck in air. In this example, a removable louver 203 is provided at the ventilation outlet of exhaust duct 201. A removable filter unit 205 is provided near louver 203 of exhaust duct 201. Here, filter unit 205 is a unit in which a nonwoven fabric filter is held in a frame. In this example, the fine particles p generated from the fine particle generation source U around the fixing device 26 are collected by the filter unit 205 in principle. Therefore, in this example, to maintain the performance of capturing the fine particles p, it is essential to remove the louvers 203 and replace the filter unit 205. Furthermore, if the air is exhausted while still at a high temperature, there is a concern that the vaporized fine particles p will slip through the nonwoven fabric filter of the filter unit 205 and be exhausted.

[0050] Embodiment 2 FIG. 12 shows an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure around a fixing device according to the second embodiment. In the figure, the basic configuration of a particulate matter p collection device 80 is the same as in embodiment 1, in that a partition frame 21s is used to configure an exhaust mechanism 81. However, this example uses a collection component 100 different from that in embodiment 1. Note that components similar to those in embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in embodiment 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0051] -filter- In FIG. 12, a filter 101 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment (plate-like member 102, fine holes 103, partition walls 104, and elastic blocking members 105). In this example, the filter 101 is disposed horizontally below the exhaust port 82 of the partition frame 21s, unlike in the first embodiment. In this example, the partition frame 21s has horizontal frame elements extending horizontally at the lower ends of the vertical frame elements, and the filter 101 is therefore positioned below the horizontal frame elements of the partition frame 21s so as not to interfere with them.

[0052] -Holder- In this example, holder 110 holds the above-mentioned filter 101 in a horizontal position. In this example, holder 110 is made up of two parts (first holder frame member 130 and second holder frame member 140) (see FIGS. 13 to 15). <First holder frame material> The first holder frame member 130 is attached to the longitudinal frame element 211 of the partition frame 21s. In this example, the first holder frame member 130 has a pair of side walls 132 that protrude downward from both sides of a rectangular base member 131. A pair of holding pieces 133 protrude slightly horizontally from the lower end of each side wall 132, facing each other. Furthermore, a mounting piece 134 serving as a supported portion is provided so as to protrude upward from one side edge in the short direction of the base member 131. Here, the base member 131, side wall 132, and holding piece 133 may be formed by bending a single rectangular metal plate. Also, although the mounting piece 134 is formed as a separate member, it may be bent integrally with the base member 131. Reference numeral 135 denotes a mounting hole provided in the mounting piece 134, and reference numeral 136 denotes a fastener for mounting.

[0053] In this example, the vertical dimension of the side wall 132 is set to be larger than the thickness dimension of the filter 101. The lateral dimension of the base member 131 is set to be smaller than the lateral dimension of the filter 101 (see FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b)). Furthermore, in this example, both longitudinal side portions of the filter 101 are placed on and held by a pair of holding pieces 133 of the first holder frame 130. For this reason, in this example, an opening located between the pair of holding pieces 133 of the first holder frame 130 functions as a collection opening 118. Then, a portion of the passage space 117 surrounded by the first holder frame 130 and the filter 101 that faces the exhaust port 82 functions as a communication opening 119. The area of ​​the communication opening 119 is selected to be larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port 82. Furthermore, the passage space 117 surrounded by the first holder frame 130 and the filter 101 is exposed facing the fixing device 26. In other words, the first holder frame 130 has an opening 137 that allows air to enter the passage space 117 without passing through the filter 101. In this example, the first holder frame member 130 partially utilizes the outer structure of the fixing device 26 side to close the opening 137. Details will be described later.

[0054] <Second holder frame material> The second holder frame member 140 is attached to the lateral frame element 212 of the partition frame 21s as shown in FIG. 13(b). In this example, the second holder frame 140 holds the portion of the filter 101 that is not held by the first holder frame 130. Unlike the first holder frame 130, the second holder frame 140 does not ensure the passage space 117. In this example, as shown in Fig. 15(a), the second holder frame member 140 has a holding bracket 141 with an L-shaped cross section. An attachment piece 142 is provided on the upper edge of this holding bracket 141 as a supported portion extending in a substantially horizontal direction. Here, the holding bracket 141 and the attachment piece 142 may be integrally formed by bending, for example, a single rectangular metal plate. The attachment piece 142 may also be attached to the holding bracket 141 later. Reference numeral 143 denotes a mounting hole provided in the mounting piece 142, and reference numeral 144 denotes a fastener for mounting.

[0055] -Assembly and installation of collection parts- In this example, the filter 101 can be incorporated into the holder 110 as follows. As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the filter 101 is inserted through the communication opening 119 of the first holder frame member 130. The filter 101 is then moved along the pair of holding pieces 133 of the first holder frame member 130. Thereafter, the filter 101 is held at a location facing the opening 137 on the front side of the first holder frame member 130. In this example, an elastic blocking member 105 is provided on the periphery of the filter 101. Therefore, the seal between the side wall 132 of the first holder frame member 130 and the filter 101 is maintained well.

[0056] 14(b) shows the state in which the filter 101 is held by the first holder frame member 130. That is, the short-side dimension of the filter 101 is selected to be longer than the short-side dimension of the first holder frame member 130. Therefore, the filter 101 is arranged with a part of it protruding from the first holder frame member 130. The portion of the filter 101 that protrudes from the first holder frame member 130 is held by the second holder frame member 140. Specifically, a portion of the filter 101 is placed on and held by the horizontal portion of the holding bracket 141 of the second holder frame member 140 (see FIG. 15(a)). 15(b), one side of the periphery of the filter 101 may be fixed to the second holder frame member 140. As a fixing method, fixing means 145 such as double-sided tape may be used on the rising portion of the holding bracket 141 of the second holder frame member 140. In this example, an elastic blocking member 105 is provided on the periphery of the filter 101. This allows the contact portion between the filter 101 and the second holder frame member 140 (the rising portion of the holding bracket 141) to be properly sealed. Alternatively, a method such as that shown in FIG. 15(c) may be employed as another sealing structure. For example, an elastic blocking member 146 may be provided in advance on the contact surface between the second holder frame member 140 (holding bracket 141) and the filter 101.

[0057] When attaching the collection component 100 to the partition frame 21s, the attachment work can be carried out as shown in FIG. 13(b). In the figure, the filter 101 is held by the first holder frame material 130 and the second holder frame material 140. After that, the first holder frame material 130 is fixed to the vertical frame element 211 of the partition frame 21s. Furthermore, the second holder frame material 140 is fixed to the horizontal frame element 212 of the partition frame 21s. In this state, the filter 101 is held by the holder 110 as shown in FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 16(a).

[0058] At this time, the filter 101 is disposed below the lateral frame elements 212 of the partition frame 21s. In this example, the periphery of the filter 101 is covered with an elastic closing member 105. Therefore, the periphery of the filter 101 and the side wall 132 of the first holder frame member 130 are sealed via the elastic closing member 105. In addition, the periphery of the filter 101 adjacent to the opening 137 of the first holder frame member 130 is also covered with the elastic closing member 105. In this case, an opening 137 remains in the passage space 117 between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82 of the first holder frame 130. Therefore, the passage space 117 between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82 of the first holder frame 130 is not a sealed cavity 120. However, in this example, an existing fixture around the fixing device 26 is utilized to function as a blocking member 150 for the opening 137 of the first holder frame 130. A part of the outer shape of the magnetic field generator 64 or a part of the fixing housing 60 may be used as the blocking member 150. The blocking member 150 may be positioned so that air does not directly enter the passage space 117 from the opening 137 without passing through the filter 101. Here, the blocking member 150 is preferably positioned in close contact with the elastic blocking member 105 on the periphery of the filter 101 adjacent to the opening 137. As a result, the airtightness of the cavity 120 is maintained by both the first holder frame member 130 and the closing member 150. Therefore, in this example, the closing member 150 also functions as one element of the holding means of the holder 110.

[0059] On the other hand, on the second holder frame member 140 side, the filter 101 is held as shown in Figure 16(a). That is, the filter 101 is sandwiched between the second holder frame member 140 (holding bracket 141) and the horizontal frame element 212. At this time, on the second holder frame member 140 side, the elastic sealing member 105 on the periphery of the filter 101 seals the gap with the horizontal frame element 212. Therefore, there is no concern that air will enter the cavity 120 of the first holder frame member 130 from around the filter 101 located on the second holder frame member 140 side.

[0060] - Capturing fine particles using collection components - As shown in FIG. 16( a ), the collection part 100 has the filter 101 disposed in a horizontal position below the exhaust port 82 , and communicates with the exhaust port 82 via the cavity 120 . In this example, the filter 101 is fixed to the partition frame 21s by the holder 110. Furthermore, the first holder frame member 130 and the closing member 150 of the holder 110 form a cavity 120 with a sealed structure between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82. Therefore, in this example, the filter 101 is placed in a horizontal position, and is positioned approximately perpendicular to the exhaust port 82. At this time, when the suction fan 85 of the exhaust mechanism 81 is operated, air is sucked in through the exhaust port 82. Furthermore, the cavity 120 in the holder 110 has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the exhaust port 82. Therefore, a substantially uniform pressure Pc (negative pressure) acts on the entire surface of the filter 101 facing the cavity 120.

[0061] Then, the air (including vaporized particles p) around the fixing device 26 passes upward from the lower region of the filter 101. At this time, since the air around the fixing device 26 is heated, it is possible to effectively utilize the upward flow. In this example, the air (Air) that has passed through the filter 101 travels in a substantially vertical direction, then changes direction to a substantially horizontal direction, and reaches the exhaust port 82. In other words, the air (Air) that has passed through the filter 101 travels through a flow path that is bent in a substantially right-angle direction within the cavity 120, and reaches the exhaust port 82. Furthermore, the first holder frame material 130 is fixed to the partition frame 21s on the downstream side in the flow direction of the air Air of the filter 101. Therefore, heat Q of the air passing through the filter 101 escapes to the partition frame 21s via the first holder frame material 130. On the other hand, the second holder frame material 140 is fixed to the partition frame 21s on the downstream side in the air flow direction of the filter 101. Therefore, heat Q of the air passing through the filter 101 escapes to the partition frame 21s via the second holder frame material 140. As a result, the temperature of the air passing through the micropores 103 (see FIG. 8) of the filter 101 decreases downstream in the air flow direction. At this time, even if the air passing through the filter 101 contains vaporized particles p, they are solidified and captured when passing through the micropores 103.

[0062] ◎Transformation form 2-1 In the second embodiment, the holder 110 holds the filter 101 at a position away from the exhaust port 82 via the cavity 120. To maintain the airtightness of the cavity 120, a blocking member 150, which is a fixture around the fixing device 26 other than the holder 110, is used. However, it is of course possible to change the structure of the holder 110 itself without using such a blocking member 150. FIG. 14(c) shows a collection component according to modified embodiment 2-1. In this embodiment, the opening 137 of the first holder frame member 130 is closed with a blind member 151 made of a rectangular plate. This embodiment can also be effectively used as the collection part 100.

[0063] ◎Transformation form 2-2 In the second embodiment, the filter 101 has micropores 103 extending in the thickness direction regularly arranged. However, the extension direction of the micropores 103 of the filter 101 is not limited to the thickness direction and may be selected appropriately. FIG. 16(b) shows a collection component according to modified embodiment 2-2. In the figure, the basic configuration of the collection component 100 is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment, but it is provided with a filter 101 having a different configuration from that of the second embodiment. In this example, the filter 101 is disposed diagonally below the exhaust port 82 in a horizontal position, as in the second embodiment. In this example, the filter 101 has micropores 153 extending in a direction inclined at an angle θ with respect to the thickness direction of the plate-like member 102. In this case, the micropores 153 extend toward the exhaust port 82 side. Here, the micropores 153 in this example are also formed in a honeycomb structure substantially similar to that of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the inclination angle θ of the micropores 153 with respect to the thickness direction of the filter 101 may be selected appropriately.

[0064] According to the collection part 100 of this example, the air (including the fine particles p) around the fixing device 26 passes upward from the lower region of the filter 101. At this time, because the fine holes 153 of the filter 101 are inclined at an angle θ, the flow direction of the air passing through the fine holes 153 is along the inclined direction. Then, the air that has passed through the filter 101 heads toward the exhaust port 82 in the same flow direction. Here, the performance of the collection component 100 according to modified embodiment 2-2 (an embodiment having micropores 153 inclined at an angle θ) will be described. The object of comparison is collection component 100 according to embodiment 2 (an embodiment having micropores 103 extending in the thickness direction). Assuming that plate-like members 102 of the same thickness are used, the collection component 100 according to modified embodiment 2-2 is superior in the following respects. First, the ventilation distance of the micropores 153 can be made long. Secondly, the flow of air (Air) that has passed through filter 101 flows toward exhaust port 82 within cavity 120. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss of the air flow compared to when the flow direction of air (Air) changes within cavity 120. Third, the installation volume of the collection element 100 can be reduced.

[0065] Embodiment 3 FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure around a fixing device according to the third embodiment. In the figure, collection part 100 according to this embodiment includes filter 101 having the same configuration as in embodiment 2, and is arranged in the same manner as in embodiment 2. However, collection part 100 includes holder 110 that is different from that in embodiment 2. Note that components that are the same as those in embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals as in embodiment 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. -Holder- In this example, holder 110 holds filter 101 in a horizontal position. In this example, holder 110 is made up of two parts (first holder frame member 160 and second holder frame member 140) (see FIGS. 17 and 18).

[0066] <First holder frame material> Unlike the second embodiment, the first holder frame member 160 is attached to fixtures on the fixing device 26 side (for example, the fixing housing 60 or the magnetic field generator 64). In this example, the fixture on the fixing device 26 side is, for example, a mounting bracket 170 for the magnetic field generator 64 of the fixing device 26. The mounting bracket 170 is, for example, a metal plate, and is used to mount the magnetic field generator 64 to the system housing 21 (for example, the partition frame 21s). The mounting bracket 170 has a rectangular bracket main body 171 for installing the magnetic field generator 64. One side edge of the bracket main body 171 is in contact with and fixed to the partition frame 21s. In addition, a protruding piece 172 that protrudes downward is provided on one side edge of the bracket main body 171 opposite the partition frame 21s. A mounting hole 173 is provided in the protruding piece 172.

[0067] In this example, the first holder frame member 160 has a holding frame 161 that holds one side edge along the longitudinal direction of the filter 101. A rising wall 162 of a predetermined height is provided on one side edge along the longitudinal direction of this holding frame 161. Furthermore, a rectangular notch 163 is formed in the rising wall 162 except for both longitudinal side portions. Mounting pieces 164 are formed on both sides of the notch 163 of the rising wall 162 as supported portions, and each mounting piece 164 has a mounting hole 165 formed therein. A pair of side walls 166, 167 having a predetermined height are provided on both longitudinal edges of the holding frame 161. In this example, the side walls 166, 167 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape with a longer dimension than the width dimension of the holding frame 161 in the short side direction.

[0068] <Second holder frame material> The second holder frame member 140 is attached to the lateral frame element 212 of the partition frame 21s in substantially the same manner as in the second embodiment. In this example, the second holder frame member 140 holds the portion of the filter 101 that is not held by the first holder frame member 160 . In this example, the second holder frame member 140 has a holding bracket 141 with an L-shaped cross section. An attachment piece 142 is provided on the upper edge of this holding bracket 141 as a supported portion extending in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0069] -Assembly and installation of collection parts- In this example, the filter 101 can be incorporated into the holder 110 as follows: As shown in Figures 17 and 18, one side edge along the longitudinal direction of the filter 101 is held by the holding frame 161 of the first holder frame member 160. Next, the portion of the filter 101 that protrudes from the first holder frame member 160 is held by the second holder frame member 140. In this example, filter 101 has the same configuration (plate-shaped member 102, micropores 103, elastic blocking member 105) as in embodiment 2. Therefore, when filter 101 is held by first holder frame member 160, the periphery of filter 101 comes into close contact with first holder frame member 160. In other words, the periphery of filter 101 comes into close contact with rising wall 162 and side walls 166, 167 via elastic blocking member 105. Therefore, good sealing is maintained between the periphery of filter 101 and first holder frame member 160. Furthermore, when the filter 101 is to be held by the second holder frame member 140, the filter 101 may be placed on the horizontal portion of the holding bracket 141 and fixed therein.

[0070] As a result, the filter 101 is held by the first holder frame member 160 and the second holder frame member 140. Thereafter, the mounting holes 165 of the mounting pieces 164 of the first holder frame member 160 are aligned with the mounting holes 173 of the protruding pieces 172 of the mounting bracket 170. Thereafter, the mounting pieces 164 of the first holder frame member 160 are fixed to the protruding pieces 172 of the mounting bracket 170 with fasteners 175. In this state, the mounting bracket 170 is arranged so as to cover the upper side of the first holder frame material 160. At this time, the first holder frame material 160 and the mounting bracket 170 may be tightly attached to each other using an elastic blocking member or the like (not shown). As a result, the first holder frame member 160 and the mounting bracket 170 function as a tubular member that surrounds the filter 101 and the cavity 120 .

[0071] - Capturing fine particles using collection components - As shown in FIG. 17, in this example, the filter 101 is fixed via a first holder frame member 160 to a mounting bracket 170 which is a fixture on the fixing device 26 side. The filter 101 is fixed to the partition frame 21s via a second holder frame member 140. Additionally, the first holder frame member 160 and the mounting bracket 170 form a cavity 120 with a sealed structure between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82 . Therefore, in this example, the filter 101 is placed in a horizontal position, and is positioned approximately perpendicular to the exhaust port 82. The lower surface of the filter 101 functions as a collection opening 118. At this time, when the suction fan 85 of the exhaust mechanism 81 is operated, air is sucked through the exhaust port 82. In addition, the cavity 120 within the holder 110 has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the exhaust port 82. Therefore, a substantially uniform pressure Pc (negative pressure) acts on the entire surface of the filter 101 facing the cavity 120. Then, the air (including vaporized particles p) around the fixing device 26 passes upward from the lower region of the filter 101. At this time, since the air around the fixing device 26 is heated, it is possible to effectively utilize the upward flow. In this example, the air that has passed through the filter 101 passes through a flow path that is bent at a substantially right angle within the cavity 120 and reaches the exhaust port 82 .

[0072] Furthermore, the first holder frame material 160 is fixed to the mounting bracket 170 on the downstream side of the filter 101 in the flow direction of the air Air. Therefore, heat Q of the air passing through the filter 101 escapes via the first holder frame material 160 to the mounting bracket 170 and further to the partition frame 21s. On the other hand, the second holder frame material 140 is fixed to the partition frame 21s on the downstream side in the flow direction of the air Air of the filter 101. Therefore, the heat Q of the air passing through the filter 101 escapes to the partition frame 21s via the second holder frame material 140. As a result, the temperature of the air passing through the micropores 103 of the filter 101 decreases downstream in the air flow direction. At this time, even if the air passing through the filter 101 contains vaporized fine particles p, they are solidified and captured when passing through the micropores 103.

[0073] Fourth embodiment FIG. 19 shows an example of the configuration of a collection component used in an exhaust structure around a fixing device according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, collection part 100 according to this embodiment includes filter 101 having the same configuration as in embodiment 2. However, collection part 100 differs from embodiment 2 in the positional relationship of filter 101 and holder 110. Note that components similar to those in embodiment 2 are assigned the same reference numerals as in embodiment 2, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0074] -filter- In this example, filter 101 is disposed in a horizontal position closer to fixing device 26, unlike in the second embodiment. In this example, filter 101 is disposed in a horizontal position at approximately the same position as exhaust port 82. -Holder- In this example, the holder 110 holds the filter 101 in a horizontal position and takes in air around the fixing device 26 from above the filter 101. In this example, the holder 110 is made up of two parts (a first holder frame member 180 and a second holder frame member 190) (see FIGS. 19 and 20).

[0075] <First holder frame material> The first holder frame 180 is configured in a substantially rectangular frame shape using a metal plate such as stainless steel, etc. In this example, the first holder frame 180 is configured in a shape that can hold the periphery of the filter 101 in a horizontal position. An L-shaped mounting piece 181 serving as a supported portion is provided on one side edge along the longitudinal direction of the first holder frame member 180. A mounting hole 182 is formed in the rising portion of this mounting piece 181. In this example, the first holder frame member 180 is fixed to the vertical frame element 211 of the partition frame 21s by a fastener 185 via an attachment piece 181.

[0076] <Second holder frame material> The second holder frame 190 has a pair of side walls 192, 193 facing upward on both longitudinal sides of a substantially rectangular base member 191. In this example, the short-side dimension of the base member 191 is selected to be larger than the short-side dimension of the first holder frame member 180. Furthermore, the long-side dimension of the base member 191 is selected to be approximately the same as the long-side dimension of the first holder frame member 180. In particular, the dimension between the side walls 192, 193 of the second holder frame member 190 is selected to be approximately the same as the long-side dimension of the first holder frame member 180. A pair of partition walls 194, 195 are provided facing upward on both short sides of the base member 191 of the second holder frame material 190. In this example, the partition walls 194, 195 are selected to have a height dimension lower than the side walls 192, 193. In addition, a mounting piece 196 is provided along the upper edge of one of the partition walls 195, protruding horizontally. A mounting hole 197 is formed in the mounting piece 196. In this example, the second holder frame member 190 is fixed to the lateral frame element 212 of the partition frame 21s by fasteners 198 via mounting pieces 196.

[0077] -Assembly and installation of collection parts- In this example, the filter 101 can be incorporated into the holder 110 as follows. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the filter 101 is fitted into and held in the first holder frame member 180. At this time, an elastic blocking member 105 is provided on the periphery of the filter 101. Therefore, the periphery of the filter 101 and the first holder frame member 180 are in close contact with each other via the elastic blocking member 105. Next, the first holder frame member 180 holding the filter 101 is fixed to the vertical frame element 211 of the partition frame 21s. Furthermore, the second holder frame member 190 is fixed to the lateral frame element 212 of the partition frame 21s.

[0078] In this state, the filter 101 is held by the first holder frame member 180. When the first holder frame member 180 and the second holder frame member 190 are combined, the result is as follows: That is, the holder 110 forms a passage space 117 that communicates between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82. The holder 110 is also configured as a tubular member that surrounds the filter 101 and the hollow portion 120 between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82. In particular, in this example, the air that has passed through the filter 101 reaches the exhaust port 82 via a curved flow path. The curved flow path here refers to the following: As shown in FIG. 19, the air that has passed through the filter 101 in a horizontal position initially flows vertically downward. Thereafter, the air changes direction horizontally, then flows vertically upward, and then flows horizontally toward the exhaust port 82. When assembling the first holder frame member 180 and the second holder frame member 190 to form the holder 110, it is preferable to pay attention to the following: That is, it is preferable to make at least the cavity 120 between the filter 101 and the exhaust port 82 into an airtight structure.

[0079] - Capturing fine particles using collection components - In this example, the filter 101 is placed in a horizontal position and is disposed close to the lower part of the heating rotor 61 of the fixing device 26. At this time, when the suction fan 85 of the exhaust mechanism 81 is operated, air is sucked through the exhaust port 82. A substantially uniform pressure Pc (negative pressure) acts on the entire surface of the filter 101 facing the cavity 120. Then, the air (including vaporized particles p) around the fixing device 26 passes through the filter 101 from the upper region downward. In this example, the air that has passed through the filter 101 passes through a curved flow path within the cavity 120 and reaches the exhaust port 82 . In this way, in this example, the upper surface of the horizontally oriented filter 101 functions as the collection opening 118, and is disposed close to the lower part of the heating rotor 61 of the fixing device 26. Therefore, the collection part 100 of this example can collect the particulates p closer to the particulate generation source U than the first to third embodiments. Furthermore, even if the fixing device 26 of this example is miniaturized and the components of the fixing device 26 are densely arranged, the collecting component 100 of this example can be easily applied.

[0080] The first holder frame member 180 is fixed to a vertical frame element 211 of the partition frame 21s on the downstream side of the filter 101 in the direction of air flow. The second holder frame member 190 is also fixed to a horizontal frame element 212 of the partition frame 21s on the downstream side of the filter 101 in the direction of air flow. Therefore, heat Q of the air passing through the filter 101 escapes via the first holder frame member 180 and the second holder frame member 190 to the partition frame 21s. As a result, the temperature of the air passing through the micropores 103 of the filter 101 decreases downstream in the air flow direction. At this time, even if the air passing through the filter 101 contains vaporized particles p, they are solidified and captured when passing through the micropores 103.

[0081] In this example, since the fixing device 26 employs an induction heating system, the collecting part 100 is disposed below the magnetic field generator 64. In contrast, if a fixing device employing a heat fixing system other than the induction heating system is employed as the fixing device 26, the magnetic field generator 64 is not necessary. For example, in a fixing device having a heater as a heat source inside a heat fixing roll as a heating rotor, the collecting part 100 is disposed closer to the heat fixing roll. This increases the degree of freedom in installing the collecting part 100, such as by appropriately selecting the position of the filter 101 of the collecting part 100 relative to the heat fixing roll.

[0082] (Addendum) (((1))) a metal support means provided near a particulate generation source capable of generating particulates in a vaporized state; an exhaust means having an exhaust port that opens in the metal support means and that causes air containing fine particles generated from the fine particle generation source to flow from the exhaust port in an exhaust direction; a collecting part that is provided to cover an exhaust port of the exhaust means and that collects the particulates; Equipped with The collecting component includes a collecting means having a metal plate-like member with regularly arranged micropores each having a polygonal cross section that penetrate the plate-like member in the thickness direction; a metal holding means having a hollow portion between at least the collecting means and the exhaust port, and holding the collecting means at a location away from the exhaust port; The particulate collection device is characterized in that the holding means is supported by the support means on the downstream side in the direction of air flow passing through the collection means. (((2))) In the particulate collection device described in (((1))), The collecting means has the micropores of a honeycomb structure formed in the plate-like member. (((3))) In the particulate collection device according to (((1))) or (((2))), The collecting means is a particulate collecting device, wherein the plate-like member is made of aluminum. (((4))) In the particulate collection device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), The collecting means is a device for collecting fine particles, wherein the plate-like member has a thickness of 5 to 20 mm. (((5))) In the particulate collection device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), The particle collecting device is characterized in that the collecting means has a plate-like member having an area larger than an area of ​​the exhaust port. (((6))) In the particulate collection device described in (((5))), The particulate collection device according to claim 1, wherein the holding means has a cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity in a direction parallel to the exhaust port that is larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port. (((7))) In the particulate collection device according to (((5))) or (((6))), The device for collecting fine particles, wherein the length of the hollow portion of the holding means in the direction of the flow of air passing through the collection means is longer than the thickness of the collection means. (((8))) In the particulate collection device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))), A particulate collection device characterized in that the holding means has a tubular member surrounding the collection means and the hollow portion, and the tubular member has a collection opening at an inlet point on the collection means side and a communication port at an outlet point leading to the exhaust port. (((9))) In the particulate collection device described in (((8))), The device for collecting fine particles, wherein the holding means has a supported portion supported by the supporting means at the edge of the communication port. (((10))) In the particulate collection device according to (((8))) or (((9))), The holding means has a communication opening large enough to allow the collection means to be inserted, and the collection means inserted through the communication opening is moved along the hollow portion and then held near the edge of the collection opening. (((11))) In the particulate collection device according to any one of (((1))) to (((10))), The particulate collection device is characterized in that the holding means is configured so that air that has passed through the collection means passes through a linear flow path and reaches the exhaust port. (((12))) In the particulate collection device according to any one of (((1))) to (((10))), The particulate collection device is characterized in that the holding means is configured so that air that has passed through the collection means reaches the exhaust port via a curved flow path. (((13))) In the particulate collection device described in (((12))), A particulate collection device, characterized in that the collection means has the micropores extending in a direction inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the plate-like member, and the micropores extend toward the exhaust port side. (((14))) a processing means having a fine particle generating source that generates vaporized fine particles and that processes a medium to be processed using powder containing the fine particles; A powder processing system comprising the fine particle collection device according to any one of (((1))) to (((13))). (((15))) In the powder processing system according to (((14))), the processing means includes an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium as the medium to be processed using toner as a powder containing wax as the fine particles, and a fixing means for heating and fixing the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means, A powder processing system characterized in that the fine particle collector is provided near the fixing means.

[0083] According to the particulate collection device of (((1))), vaporized particulates can be efficiently solidified and collected using collection components that do not need to be replaced. According to the particulate matter collection device of (((2))), the air permeability per unit area can be increased compared to an embodiment in which the collection means is a metal plate having micropores with a polygonal cross section other than a honeycomb structure, and therefore the air resistance can be reduced. According to the particulate collection device of (((3))), the risk of corrosion of the plate-like member can be reduced compared to when the plate-like member is not made of aluminum. According to the particulate collection device of (((4))), it is possible to efficiently collect vaporized particulates while suppressing pressure loss. According to the particulate collection device of (((5))), the area where particulates are collected by the collection means can be ensured to be larger than the exhaust port area. According to the particulate collection device of (((6))), it is possible to easily apply the exhaust action of the exhaust means to the entire area where particulates are collected by the collection means. According to the particulate collection device of (((7))), it is easier to apply the exhaust action of the exhaust means evenly to the entire area of ​​the particulate collection area by the collection means, compared to when the length dimension of the hollow portion is equal to or less than the thickness dimension of the collection means. According to the particulate collection device of (((8))), the holding means can be easily constructed from a tubular member. According to the particulate collection device of (((9))), the holding means can be easily supported on the support means downstream in the direction of the flow of air passing through the collection means. According to the particulate collection device of (((10))), the collection means can be easily assembled to the holding means. According to the particulate collection device of (((11))), pressure loss of the air passing through can be reduced compared to an embodiment in which the tubular member has a curved flow path. According to the particulate collection device of (((12))), even if the collection means cannot be installed in a position parallel to the exhaust port, the collection components can be easily configured. According to the particulate collection device of (((13))), even in an embodiment in which the tubular member has a curved flow path, the length of the micropores in the collection means can be ensured to be longer than the thickness dimension while suppressing pressure loss. According to the powder processing system of (((14))), it is possible to construct a powder processing system including a fine particle collection device that can efficiently solidify and collect vaporized fine particles using collection parts that do not require replacement. According to the powder processing system of (((15))), it is possible to construct an image forming system as a powder processing system that includes a particle collection device that can efficiently solidify and collect vaporized particles using collection parts that do not require replacement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...particle collecting device, 2...support means, 3...exhaust means, 4...exhaust port, 5...collection part, 6...collection means, 6a...plate-like member, 6b...micropores, 7...holding means, 7a...tubular member, 7b...collection opening, 7c...communication port, 7d...supported portion, 8...cavity, 10...particle generating source, 12...processing means, 13...fixing means, 14...medium to be processed, p...particles, Q...heat

Claims

1. a metal support means provided near a particulate generation source capable of generating particulates in a vaporized state; an exhaust means having an exhaust port that opens in the metal support means and that causes air containing fine particles generated from the fine particle generation source to flow from the exhaust port in an exhaust direction; a collecting part that is provided to cover an exhaust port of the exhaust means and that collects the particulates; Equipped with The collecting component includes a collecting means having a metal plate-like member with regularly arranged micropores each having a polygonal cross section that penetrate the plate-like member in the thickness direction; a metal holding means having a hollow portion between at least the collecting means and the exhaust port, and holding the collecting means at a location away from the exhaust port, The particulate collection device is characterized in that the holding means is supported by the support means on the downstream side in the direction of air flow passing through the collection means.

2. The particulate collection device according to claim 1, The collecting means has the micropores of a honeycomb structure formed in the plate-like member.

3. The particulate collection device according to claim 2, The collecting means is a particulate collecting device, wherein the plate-like member is made of aluminum.

4. The particulate collection device according to claim 2, The collecting means is a plate-like member having a thickness of 5 to 20 mm.

5. The particulate collection device according to claim 1, The particle collecting device is characterized in that the collecting means has a plate-like member having an area larger than an area of ​​the exhaust port.

6. The particulate collection device according to claim 5, The particulate collection device according to claim 1, wherein the holding means has a cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity in a direction parallel to the exhaust port that is larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port.

7. The particulate collection device according to claim 5, The device for collecting fine particles, wherein the length of the hollow portion of the holding means in the direction of the flow of air passing through the collection means is longer than the thickness of the collection means.

8. The particulate collection device according to claim 1, A particulate collection device characterized in that the holding means has a tubular member surrounding the collection means and the hollow portion, and the tubular member has a collection opening at an inlet point on the collection means side and a communication port at an outlet point leading to the exhaust port.

9. The particulate collection device according to claim 8, The device for collecting fine particles, wherein the holding means has a supported portion supported by the supporting means at the edge of the communication port.

10. The particulate collection device according to claim 8, The holding means has a communication opening large enough to allow the collection means to be inserted, and the collection means inserted through the communication opening is moved along the hollow portion and then held near the edge of the collection opening.

11. The particulate collection device according to claim 1, The particulate collection device is characterized in that the holding means is configured so that air that has passed through the collection means passes through a linear flow path and reaches the exhaust port.

12. The particulate collection device according to claim 1, The particulate collection device is characterized in that the holding means is configured so that air that has passed through the collection means reaches the exhaust port via a curved flow path.

13. The particulate collection device according to claim 12, A particulate collection device, characterized in that the collection means has the micropores extending in a direction inclined with respect to the thickness direction of the plate-like member, and the micropores extend toward the exhaust port side.

14. a processing means having a fine particle generating source that generates vaporized fine particles and that processes a medium to be processed using powder containing the fine particles; A powder processing system comprising: the fine particle collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 15. The powder processing system of claim 14, the processing means includes an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium as the medium to be processed using toner as a powder containing wax as the fine particles, and a fixing means for heating and fixing the image formed on the recording medium by the image forming means, A powder processing system characterized in that the fine particle collector is provided near the fixing means.

Images