Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To miniaturize image forming apparatus. [Solution] When the side with the space 149 is considered the inside of the left side plate 141 and the side opposite to the space 149 is considered the outside of the left side plate 141, the image data processing board 202 is located on the outside of the left side plate 141, a part of the image data processing board 202 is above the upper end (top surface 141d) of the left side plate 141 and below the lower end (bottom surface 300a) of the image reading device 300, and at least a part of the second fan 240 is above the upper end (top surface 141d) of the left side plate 141 and below the lower end (bottom surface 300a) of the image reading device 300.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer.

Background Art

[0002] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a substrate is disposed outside a side plate forming a main body frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although Patent Document 1 shows an example of a single-function printer, in a printer provided with an image reading device, the substrate for processing data of the image reading device becomes large, and the image forming apparatus may become large-sized.

[0005] The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and an object thereof is to miniaturize an image forming apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0007] (1) An image forming apparatus comprising: a main frame having a photosensitive drum, a first frame, and a second frame facing the first frame, forming a space for housing the photosensitive drum; an image reading unit located above the main frame; an image data processing board for processing image data read by at least the image reading unit; and a fan for cooling the inside of the apparatus, wherein when the side facing the space is considered the inside of the first frame with respect to the first frame, and the side opposite to the space is considered the outside of the first frame with respect to the first frame, the image data processing board is located outside the first frame, a part of the image data processing board is above the upper end of the first frame and below the lower end of the image reading unit, and at least a part of the fan is above the upper end of the first frame and below the lower end of the image reading unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus can be miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus of the embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the frame configuration of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the electrical components on the left side of the printer body in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the printer body in the example with the circuit board attached to the left side. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the drawer holder and cable bundling guide installed in the embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the controller board, image data processing board, and first and second fans of the embodiment installed. [Figure 7] Schematic cross-sectional view of the second fan arrangement as seen in the direction of arrow A in Figure 6 of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention] [Examples]

[0010] (Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus) Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus in this embodiment that forms an image on a sheet S. The vertical and horizontal directions are defined as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, a laser beam printer is shown as an example of an image forming apparatus 1. Above the printer body 100 of the image forming apparatus 1, an image reading device 300 (image reading unit) that reads the original document and a document transport device 400 that automatically transports the original document to the image reading device 300 are mounted.

[0011] The printer body 100 is equipped with a drum-type electrophotographic photoreceptor (hereinafter referred to as the photosensitive drum 102) as an image carrier. The photosensitive drum 102 is constructed by providing a photosensitive material such as OPC (organic photoconductive material), amorphous selenium, or amorphous silicon on a cylindrical substrate made of aluminum, nickel, or the like. The photosensitive drum 102 is rotatably supported by the printer body 100 and is rotated at a predetermined process speed by a drive source. Around the photosensitive drum 102, in order along its rotational direction, are a charging member 103, a developing member 105, and a transfer roller 106 as a transfer member. A scanner unit 104 as an exposure device is positioned above the photosensitive drum 102. The photosensitive drum 102, the charging member 103, and the developing member 105 are configured as a process cartridge 107 that can be integrally attached to and detached from the printer body 100. The process cartridge 107 only needs to have at least the photosensitive drum 102.

[0012] The printer body 100 also includes a sheet feeding unit 111 for feeding sheets S, a transfer nip unit 101 for transferring toner images onto sheets S, and a fixing device 121 for fixing the toner images onto sheets S. Along the transport path of sheets S, in order, are a cassette 112, a paper feed roller 113 as a paper feeding means, a transport roller pair 114, a registration roller pair 115, a fixing device 121, a fixing transport roller pair 132, an output roller pair 134, and an output tray 135. The output tray 135 is a tray for stacking sheets S that have been output after image formation is complete. The cassette 112 holds sheets S such as paper. When performing double-sided printing on sheets S, the transport path includes a reversal roller pair 136 and a double-sided transport roller pair 137.

[0013] (Operation of the image forming apparatus) Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The photosensitive drum 102, which is rotated by a drive source, is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by a charging member 103. After charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum 102 is exposed to an image based on image information by a scanner unit 104, and the charge in the exposed area is removed to form an electrostatic latent image (latent image). The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing member 105 and visualized as a toner image.

[0014] The toner image on the photosensitive drum 102 (on the photosensitive drum) is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer roller 106. The transfer roller 106 is biased toward the photosensitive drum 102 by a biasing member (not shown). With this configuration, a transfer nip portion 101 is formed between the transfer roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 102. In this way, the transfer roller 106 performs a transfer operation in which the toner image on the photosensitive drum 102 (on the image carrier) is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer nip portion 101.

[0015] On one hand, the sheet S is fed from the cassette 112 by the sheet feeding roller 113. The sheet S is conveyed to the transfer nip portion 101 via the pair of conveyance rollers 114 and the pair of registration (hereinafter referred to as registration) rollers 115. The unfixed toner image transferred from the photosensitive drum 102 to the sheet S at the transfer nip portion 101 is heat-fixed by the fixing device 121.

[0016] When single-sided printing is performed on the sheet S with the toner image fixed, it is conveyed to the fixing conveyance roller pair 132 through the path selected by the double-sided switching member 131. When double-sided printing is performed, it is conveyed to the reverse roller pair 136 through the path selected by the double-sided switching member 131. After being switched back by the reverse roller pair 136, the sheet S is conveyed again to the transfer nip portion 101 via the double-sided conveyance roller pair 137, and an image is formed on the back side. The sheet S on which single-sided or double-sided image output is completed is sent to the discharge roller pair 134 through the path selected by the discharge switching member 133 and is discharged to the discharge tray 135 formed at the upper part of the printer main body 100.

[0017] (Frame Structure of the Multifunction Printer) The frame structure of the image forming apparatus 1 which is a multifunction printer will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The left - right direction in the following description is defined in the state where the user faces the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. When the user is facing the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet S on which image formation is completed is discharged toward the user.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the frame configuration of the printer main body 100. The main body frame constituting the printer main body 100 has a left side plate 141 as the first frame and a right side plate 140 as the second frame facing the left side plate 141. The main body frame forms a space 149 (see FIG. 6) for accommodating the photosensitive drum 102. The above-described image reading device 300 is disposed above the main body frame. The process cartridge 107 including the photosensitive drum 102 has one end attached to the left side plate 141 in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 102. Also, the process cartridge 107 has the other end, which is the opposite side of one end in the axial direction of the rotation axis, attached to the right side plate 140.

[0019] The printer main body 100 is configured by sandwiching a paper feed roller 113, a core unit 160, a scanner stay 142, and a bottom stay 143 between the right side plate 140 and the left side plate 141. That is, these units and components are fastened with screws from the outside of both side plates. The core unit 160 is provided with the transport roller pair 114, the registration roller pair 115, the transfer roller 106, and the duplex transport roller pair 137 shown in FIG. 1. The scanner stay 142 is provided between the left side plate 141 and the right side plate 140 and is a support member for supporting the scanner unit 104. The scanner unit 104 is installed on the scanner stay 142. The process cartridge 107 is provided below the scanner stay 142. A front stay 144 is installed on the front side of the printer main body 100.

[0020] The right extension member 148, installed on the top surface 140a of the right side panel 140, and the left extension member 150, installed on the top surface 141d of the left side panel 141, will now be described. Here, the top surface 141d of the left side panel 141 is also the upper end of the left side panel 141. As shown in Figure 2, the right extension member 148 is installed on the rear top surface 140a of the right side panel 140, and the left extension member 150 is installed on the rear top surface 141d of the left side panel 141. The rear upper stay 146 is fastened to the top surface 148a and rear surface 148b of the right extension member 148, and to the top surface 150a and rear surface 150b of the left extension member 150. The printer body 100 is configured so that the duplex printing function and the number of sheets that can be loaded into the output tray 135 (see Figure 1) can be changed depending on the presence or absence of the extension members (148, 150).

[0021] The device support member 151, which is installed on the top surface 141d of the left side plate 141, will now be described. As shown in Figure 2, the device support member 151 is installed between the left extension member 150 and the front upper stay 145. The front upper stay 145 is fastened to the top surface 140a of the right side plate 140 and the top surface 141d of the left side plate 141. The device support member 151 is fastened to the left extension member 150 and the top surface 141d of the left side plate 141, as well as to the front upper stay 145. The device support member 151 attached to the left side plate 141 also functions as a fan support part to which the second fan 240, which will be described later, is attached and which supports the second fan 240.

[0022] The column members 510 and 511 will now be described. As shown in Figure 2, the column member 510 is provided on the right extension member 148, and the column member 511 is provided on the left extension member 150 and the device support member 151. The image reading device 300 and the document transport device 400 are installed on the top surfaces of the column members 510 and 511. The column members 510 and 511 are configured to ensure a distance between the output tray 135 (see Figure 1) and the bottom surface 300a of the image reading device 300 (see Figure 3), so that sheets S discharged from the printer body 100 can be stacked. The bottom surface 300a of the image reading device 300 is also the lower end of the image reading device 300.

[0023] (Layout and configuration of fans and electrical components in a multifunction printer) Next, the configuration of the fan and electrical components of the image forming apparatus 1, which is a multi-function printer and a characteristic configuration of the present invention, will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the electrical components on the left side of the printer body 100. The electrical components of the printer body 100 consist of a circuit board 200, a controller board 201, an image data processing board 202, a first fan 230, and a second fan 240. The circuit board 200 is a board (power control board) that combines a low-voltage power supply unit that supplies voltage to the drive motor and the like, and a high-voltage power supply unit for image formation. The controller board 201 is a board that controls the drive motor and receives signals from various sensors to control the image formation operation. The image data processing board 202 is a board that generates image data from data received from a computer or an image reading device 300. In other words, the image data processing board 202 is a board for processing image data read by at least the image reading device 300. The first fan 230 is a fan that draws in outside air to cool the electrical components. The second fan 240 is a fan that draws in outside air to cool the inside of the device, specifically the process cartridge 107, the scanner unit 104, and the exhaust section.

[0024] The placement of each circuit board and fan will now be described. The circuit board 200 is positioned closest to the left side panel 141. The first fan 230 is positioned in a notch 200a, which is a cutout in part of the circuit board 200. The controller board 201 is positioned so as to overlap the circuit board 200 when viewed in a direction intersecting the left side panel 141, and also overlaps with a portion of the first fan 230. In other words, the controller board 201 is positioned further from the left side panel 141 than the circuit board 200. The image data processing board 202 is also positioned so as to overlap the circuit board 200. In other words, the image data processing board 202 is positioned further from the left side panel 141 than the circuit board 200. The image data processing board 202 is held in the board case 260 and attached to the left side panel 141.

[0025] The image data processing board 202 of the multifunction printer requires a larger area to process larger and more complex data than the image data processing board of a single-function printer. Therefore, the image data processing board 202 and its mounting component, the board case 260, are larger than the left side plate 141 in the vertical direction and extend to the space between the top surface 141d of the left side plate 141 and the image reading device 300. In other words, the image data processing board 202 is mounted so that a portion of it protrudes upward from the left side plate 141 in the vertical direction. The second fan 240 is positioned between the top surface 141d of the left side plate 141 and the image reading device 300. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 102, a portion of the image data processing board 202 and the board case 260 overlap with the second fan 240.

[0026] (Installation of circuit board) The mounting configurations for each circuit board and fan will be explained. Figure 4 shows the state in which the circuit board 200 is mounted on the left side of the printer body 100, specifically on the left side panel 141. As shown in Figure 4, the circuit board 200 is placed on the constricted portion 141c formed on the left side panel 141 and fixed with screws 190. The constricted portion 141c protrudes outward from the left side panel 141, and the circuit board 200 is installed at a distance from the left side panel 141 equal to the protrusion of the constricted portion 141c. The circuit board 200 is configured to occupy nearly half the area of ​​the left side panel 141.

[0027] (Installation of drawer holders and cable management guides) Figure 5 shows the circuit board 200 with the drawer holder 210 and cable bundle guide 220 installed around it. The drawer holder 210 is equipped with a drawer connector for electrical connection to the paper feed option located below the printer body 100. The drawer holder 210 is fixed to the left side plate 141. The cable bundle guide 220 guides high-voltage cables from the inlet 270 (see Figure 6) to the circuit board 200 and from the circuit board 200 to the fuser unit 121 (see Figure 1). The cable bundle guide 220 is provided with board fixing claws 221 and is configured to fix the circuit board 200. The cable bundle guide 220 is fixed to the left side plate 141.

[0028] (Installation of controller board, image data processing board, and first and second fans) Figure 6 shows the controller board 201, image data processing board 202, first fan 230, and second fan 240 installed. The controller board 201 is placed on top of the circuit board 200. The controller board 201 is fixed to the support plate 250 with screws. The support plate 250 is fixed to the left side plate 141 and the drawer holder 210, and is configured to maintain a distance so as not to come into contact with the electrical components mounted on the circuit board 200.

[0029] The first fan 230 is an axial fan, incorporated into a fan holder 231 and fixed to a support plate 250. While a portion of the first fan 230 overlaps with the controller board 201, the other portion is positioned so as not to overlap with the controller board 201. The first fan 230 has an intake section 232. A portion of the intake section 232 is positioned so as not to overlap with the controller board 201, allowing outside air to be drawn in from this section. Furthermore, a duct is formed in the fan holder 231, configured to supply cooling air to the circuit board 200 and the image data processing board 202.

[0030] The image data processing board 202 is also placed on top of the circuit board 200. The image data processing board 202 is placed inside a roughly box-shaped structure formed by the board case 260 and the interface board 261. The interface board 261 has multiple holes so that users can insert connectors into the interface sections such as LAN connectors and USB connectors provided on the image data processing board 202.

[0031] The circuit board case 260, which is integrated with the interface plate 261, is fastened to the support plate 250, and the interface plate 261 is fastened to the back of the left side plate 141. Furthermore, the circuit board case 260 is also fastened to the left extension member 150 and the device support member 151. In this way, the circuit board case 260, the left extension member 150, and the device support member 151 are attached to the left side plate 141 while maintaining rigidity.

[0032] The second fan 240 is incorporated into the fan holder 243, positioned inside the device support member 151, and attached to the device support member 151. While the circuit board case 260 overlaps a portion of the second fan 240, the other portion is positioned so as not to overlap with the circuit board case 260. The second fan 240 has an intake section 241 and an exhaust port 242. A portion of the intake section 241 is positioned so as not to overlap with the circuit board case 260, allowing outside air to be drawn in from this section.

[0033] (Near the second fan) Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area where the second fan 240 is located, as seen in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 6. In the following explanation, the paper width direction Dw is the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet S, and is the left-right direction. Furthermore, with respect to the space separated by the left side plate 141, the right side plate 140 (second side plate side) is considered the inside of the product (inside), and the side opposite to the inside of the product is considered the outside. This can also be said to mean that the side of the left side plate 141 where the photosensitive drum 102 is housed (space side) is considered the inside of the left side plate 141, and the side opposite to the space where the photosensitive drum 102 is housed (space side) is considered the outside of the left side plate 141.

[0034] The second fan 240 is a sirocco fan and is positioned on the top surface 141d side of the left side plate 141, as well as between the substrate case 260 and the discharge tray 135. In other words, the second fan 240 is positioned between the image data processing board 202 and the discharge tray 135 in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 102. A column member 511 is installed on top of the device support member 151 in which the second fan 240 is located. The image reading device 300 and the document transport device 400 are then installed on top of the column member 511. The left side plate 141 has a side surface 141e as a first surface facing the right side plate 140, and a top surface 141d (upper surface) formed at the upper end of the side surface 141e. A first opening 141b as a second through hole is provided in the side surface 141e, and a second opening 141a as a first through hole is provided in the top surface 141d.

[0035] In other words, the top surface 141d (upper end) of the left side plate 141 is in contact with the device support member 151 and includes the portion to which the device support member 151 is attached. A second opening 141a is formed in the top surface 141d as a through hole that penetrates from top to bottom. In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 102, at least a portion of the second fan 240 and the second opening 141a are in the same position. Also, in the direction perpendicular to both the rotation axis and the vertical direction (front-to-back direction), at least a portion of the second fan 240 and the second opening 141a are in the same position (see Figure 7).

[0036] Furthermore, a duct 244 is provided below the exhaust port 242 of the second fan 240. The duct 244 connects the first opening 141b and the second opening 141a. More specifically, one end of the duct 244 is connected to the second opening 141a on the top surface 141d, and the other end is connected to the first opening 141b on the side surface 141e.

[0037] The exhaust port 242 of the second fan 240 is positioned to straddle the side surface 141e of the left panel 141 in the paper width direction Dw. Therefore, the cooling air discharged from the exhaust port 242 is divided and sent to the inside and outside of the product. More specifically, in the paper width direction Dw, the exhaust port 242 of the second fan 240 is positioned so that a portion of the exhausted air flows to the inside of the product and the rest flows to the outside. In the paper width direction Dw, the air flowing outward from the exhaust port 242 is called cooling air P, and the air flowing inside the product is called cooling air Q.

[0038] The cooling air P passes through a second opening 141a provided on the top surface 141d of the left side panel 141, is guided by a duct 244, and is configured to pass through a first opening 141b provided on the side surface 141e of the left side panel 141. The cooling air P then merges with the cooling air Q sent to the inside of the product from the exhaust port 242. Let the merged cooling air be R. The merged cooling air R can cool the scanner unit 104 (see Figure 1) installed on the scanner stay 142 (R1), and can also cool the process cartridge 107, etc., by passing through a third opening 142a provided in the scanner stay 142 (R2). The third opening 142a corresponds to a third through hole.

[0039] Furthermore, the end of the image reading device 300 in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 102 (paper width direction Dw) is defined as the device end 300b (unit end). In this case, as shown in Figure 7, in the direction of the rotation axis (paper width direction Dw), the image data processing board 202 is located between the device end 300b and the left side plate 141. That is, as shown in Figure 7, the image data processing board 202 is located between the dashed line L1 and the dashed line L2.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. In this embodiment, the image data processing board 202 is located outside the left side plate 141, and a portion of the image data processing board 202 is above the upper end (top surface 141d) of the left side plate 141 and below the lower end (bottom surface 300a) of the image reading device 300. Also, at least a portion of the second fan 240 is above the upper end (top surface 141d) of the left side plate 141 and below the lower end (bottom surface 300a) of the image reading device 300. Furthermore, the second fan 240 is positioned between the image data processing board 202 and the discharge tray 135 in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0041] The exhaust port 242 of the second fan 240 is positioned to straddle the left side plate 141 in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet S (the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 102). In other words, the airflow path exhausted from the exhaust port 242 is branched into an inner and outer path to the left side plate 141. The air flowing through the outer branch passes through the second opening 141a and then through the first opening 141b. The air that has passed through the second opening 141a and the first opening 141b merges with the air that has passed through the inner branch to the left side plate 141. Of the merged air, some cools the scanner unit 104, and the remainder cools the process cartridge 107 through the third opening 142a.

[0042] According to this embodiment, even in the case of an image data processing board 202 for a multi-function printer that performs large-capacity and complex data processing, the image data processing board 202 and the board case 260 are extended and positioned between the top surface 141d of the left side panel 141 and the image reading device 300. Furthermore, the second fan 240 is positioned between the top surface 141d of the left side panel 141 and the image reading device 300, as well as between the board case 260 and the output tray 135. These measures make it possible to suppress an increase in product size without increasing costs associated with enlarging the side panels.

[0043] In this embodiment, a sirocco fan is shown as the second fan 240, but it may also be configured as an axial fan. Furthermore, although an example has been described in which the circuit board 200, controller board 201, image data processing board 202, first fan 230, and second fan 240 are arranged on the left side panel 141 of the printer body 100, they may also be arranged on the right side panel 140. In other words, the right side panel 140 may correspond to the first side panel, and the left side panel 141 may correspond to the second side panel. Furthermore, although the configuration described involves attaching and detaching the cassette 112 in the same direction as the conveying direction of the sheet S, a configuration in which the cassette 112 is attached and detached in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction is also acceptable.

[0044] As described above, according to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus can be miniaturized.

[0045] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) Photosensitive drum and A main frame having a first frame and a second frame facing the first frame, forming a space for housing the photosensitive drum, An image reading unit located above the main frame, An image data processing board that processes image data read by at least the image reading unit, A fan to cool the inside of the device, Equipped with, When the side of the space relative to the first frame is considered the inside of the first frame, and the side opposite to the space relative to the first frame is considered the outside of the first frame, The image data processing board is located outside the first frame, A portion of the image data processing board is located above the upper end of the first frame and below the lower end of the image reading unit. At least a portion of the fan is located above the upper end of the first frame and below the lower end of the image reading unit. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) The fan is attached to a fan support section that supports the fan, The fan support is attached to the first frame. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. (Composition 3) A cartridge comprising the aforementioned photosensitive drum is provided, In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, one end of the cartridge is attached to the first frame, In the direction of the rotation axis, the other end of the cartridge, which is opposite to one end, is attached to the second frame. An image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, characterized by the above. (Composition 4) When the end of the image reading unit in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum is defined as the unit end, the image data processing board is located between the unit end and the first frame in the direction of the rotation axis. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the above. (Composition 5) When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, the portion of the image data processing board overlaps with the fan. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the above. (Composition 6) It is equipped with a tray for loading the sheets that have been ejected after image formation is complete. The fan is positioned between the image data processing board and the tray in the direction of the rotation axis. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 7) The exhaust port of the fan is positioned so as to straddle the first frame in the direction of the rotation axis. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, characterized by the features described therein. (Composition 8) The upper end of the first frame contacts the fan support and includes the upper surface to which the fan support is attached. A through hole is formed in the upper surface, extending from top to bottom. In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, the fan and at least a portion of the through hole are in the same position. In a direction perpendicular to both the rotation axis direction and the vertical direction, at least a portion of the fan and the through hole are in the same position. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that... (Composition 9) When the aforementioned through hole is designated as the first through hole, The first frame has a side facing the second frame, A second through-hole is formed on the aforementioned side surface, penetrating from one side to the other in the direction of the rotation axis. The air flowing through the outwardly branched channel passes through the first through hole and then through the second through hole. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, characterized by the above. (Composition 10) A cartridge equipped with the aforementioned photosensitive drum, An exposure apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, A support member provided between the first frame and the second frame, which supports the exposure apparatus, Equipped with, The cartridge is located below the support member, The support member has a third through-hole that penetrates from top to bottom. The combined air, a portion of which cools the exposure apparatus, and the remainder which cools the cartridge through the third through-hole, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, characterized by the features described therein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 140 Right side plate 141 Left side plate 202 Image Data Processing Board 240 Second Fan 300 Image reading device

Claims

1. Photosensitive drum and A main frame having a first frame and a second frame facing the first frame, forming a space for housing the photosensitive drum, An image reading unit located above the main frame, An image data processing board that processes image data read by at least the image reading unit, A fan to cool the inside of the device, Equipped with, When the side of the space relative to the first frame is considered the inside of the first frame, and the side of the first frame opposite to the space relative to the first frame is considered the outside of the first frame, The image data processing board is located outside the first frame, A portion of the image data processing board is located above the upper end of the first frame and below the lower end of the image reading unit. At least a portion of the fan is located above the upper end of the first frame and below the lower end of the image reading unit. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The fan is attached to a fan support section that supports the fan, The fan support is attached to the first frame. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. A cartridge comprising the aforementioned photosensitive drum is provided, In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, one end of the cartridge is attached to the first frame, In the direction of the rotation axis, the other end of the cartridge, which is opposite to one end, is attached to the second frame. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

4. When the end of the image reading unit in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum is defined as the unit end, the image data processing board is located between the unit end and the first frame in the direction of the rotation axis. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

5. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, the portion of the image data processing board overlaps with the fan. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

6. It is equipped with a tray for loading the sheets that have been ejected after image formation is complete. The fan is positioned between the image data processing board and the tray in the direction of the rotation axis. The image forming apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The exhaust port of the fan is positioned so as to straddle the first frame in the direction of the rotation axis. The image forming apparatus according to feature 6.

8. The upper end of the first frame contacts the fan support and includes the upper surface to which the fan support is attached. A through hole is formed in the upper surface, extending from top to bottom. In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, the fan and at least a portion of the through hole are in the same position. In a direction perpendicular to both the rotation axis direction and the vertical direction, at least a portion of the fan and the through hole are in the same position. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

9. When the aforementioned through hole is designated as the first through hole, The first frame has a side facing the second frame, A second through-hole is formed on the aforementioned side surface, penetrating from one side to the other in the direction of the rotation axis. The air flowing through the outwardly branched channel passes through the first through hole and then through the second through hole. The image forming apparatus according to feature 8.

10. A cartridge equipped with the aforementioned photosensitive drum, An exposure apparatus that forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, A support member provided between the first frame and the second frame, which supports the exposure apparatus, Equipped with, The cartridge is located below the support member, The support member has a third through-hole that penetrates from top to bottom. The combined air, a portion of which cools the exposure apparatus, and the remainder which cools the cartridge through the third through-hole, The image forming apparatus according to feature 9.

Images