Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To stabilize the amount of air supplied to an image forming unit accommodating space when supplying air temperature-adjusted by a temperature adjustment device to the image forming unit accommodating space.SOLUTION: An image forming device is provided, comprising an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material, an image forming unit accommodating space accommodating the image forming unit, a temperature adjustment space for adjusting air temperature using a temperature adjustment device, and a supply unit for supplying the air in the temperature adjustment space to the image forming unit accommodating space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that downstream of each image forming unit around the photosensitive drum, a porous elastic roller is provided to absorb and remove excess solvent remaining on the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum after development, and then a blower mechanism, which is a blowing device for blowing dry air onto the excess solvent remaining on the toner image, is provided. Patent Document 2 describes that the image forming apparatus has a cooling device that takes in outside air and cools the outside air to a lower temperature, and the image forming apparatus has an air supply means for supplying the outside air that has become cooler after passing through the cooling device to the inside of the apparatus main body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When supplying air whose temperature has been adjusted by a temperature adjustment mechanism to a forming unit accommodation space, which is a space for accommodating an image forming unit, for example, a mode of directly supplying the air whose temperature has been adjusted to this forming unit accommodation space from this temperature adjustment mechanism can be considered. By the way, in temperature adjustment equipment, in many cases, in addition to adjusting the temperature of the air, the air volume is also adjusted. In this case, due to the adjustment of the air volume, the amount of air supplied from the temperature adjustment equipment to the forming unit accommodation space may decrease or, conversely, may increase. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, when supplying air whose temperature is adjusted by temperature control equipment to a forming unit accommodation space, the amount of air supplied to the forming unit accommodation space is stabilized.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, a forming unit accommodation space that is a space for accommodating the image forming unit, a temperature adjustment space that is a space whose temperature is adjusted by temperature control equipment, and a supply unit that supplies air in the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space. A second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, in which the supply unit supplies air in the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space using a blower, the temperature control equipment is provided with a blower that sends air whose temperature has been adjusted into the temperature adjustment space, and the blower used by the supply unit is a blower different from the blower provided in the temperature control equipment. A third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further provided with a supply unit that supplies air in the forming unit accommodation space to the temperature adjustment space. A fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, further including a housing having the temperature adjustment space inside, an intake port through which air whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature control equipment and goes to the temperature adjustment space passes, and a supply port through which air from the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space passes, and at least a part of the position of the supply port is aligned with the position of the intake port in a direction intersecting the direction in which the intake port faces. A fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, further including a housing having the temperature adjustment space inside, a first supply port through which air from the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space passes, a second supply port through which air from the temperature adjustment space to the temperature control equipment passes, and an intake port through which air from the forming unit accommodation space to the temperature adjustment space passes, and the distance from the intake port to the second supply port is shorter than the distance from the intake port to the first supply port. A sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, in which the temperature adjusting device is provided with a blower that sends air in the temperature adjusting space to the temperature adjusting device through the second supply port, and the second supply port is located downstream of the intake port in the direction in which the intake port faces. A seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, further including a housing having the temperature adjusting space therein, a first opening through which air flows from the forming unit accommodating space to the temperature adjusting space, and a second opening through which air flows from the temperature adjusting space to the forming unit accommodating space, and a restricting unit provided between the first opening and the second opening for restricting the air supplied to the temperature adjusting space through the first opening from flowing toward the second opening. An eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, in which the restricting unit is a wall member formed to extend in a crossing direction crossing the traveling direction from the first opening to the second opening. A ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, in which the housing is formed with an intake port through which air whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature adjusting device and flows toward the temperature adjusting space, the temperature adjusting device is provided with a blower that sends the air whose temperature has been adjusted into the temperature adjusting space through the intake port, the wall member faces the intake port and is provided with a gap therebetween, and the intake port is formed from upstream of the wall member to downstream of the wall member in the traveling direction. A tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, in which the housing is formed with a supply port located downstream of the first opening in the traveling direction and through which air flows from the temperature adjusting space toward the temperature adjusting device, and the wall member has a first wall portion and a second wall portion provided downstream of the first wall portion in the crossing direction and downstream of the first wall portion in the traveling direction. An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further including a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on a recording material by the image forming unit to the recording material, a fixing unit accommodating space that is connected to the forming unit accommodating space and accommodates the fixing unit, and a pressure increasing unit that increases the pressure in the forming unit accommodating space to be higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodating space. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, the raised portion raises the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space by supplying air outside the image forming apparatus to the forming unit accommodation space. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes an external air supply unit that supplies air outside the image forming apparatus to the forming unit accommodation space. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on a recording material by the image forming unit to the recording material, a fixing unit accommodation space that is a space for accommodating the fixing unit, and a flow path for directing air in the temperature adjustment space or a connection space connected to the temperature adjustment space toward the fixing unit accommodation space. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts the pressure in the temperature adjustment space. According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fifteenth aspect, the pressure adjustment unit adjusts the pressure in the temperature adjustment space by adjusting the area of an opening provided in the temperature adjustment space or a connection space connected to the temperature adjustment space. According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the sixteenth aspect, when the temperature outside the space in which the opening is provided is higher than a predetermined temperature, the pressure adjustment unit reduces the area of the opening compared to when the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature. According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes an opening area adjustment unit that increases the area of an opening provided in the temperature adjustment space or the connection space when the concentration of dust in the temperature adjustment space or the connection space connected to the temperature adjustment space exceeds a predetermined value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the first aspect, when supplying air whose temperature has been adjusted by temperature adjustment equipment to the forming unit accommodation space, it is possible to stabilize the amount of air supplied to the forming unit accommodation space. According to the second aspect, it is possible to stabilize the amount of air supplied to the forming unit accommodation space as compared with the case where the air in the temperature adjustment space is supplied to the forming unit accommodation space using the blower provided in the temperature adjustment device. According to the third aspect, it is possible to improve the efficiency of temperature adjustment in the forming unit accommodation space as compared with the case where the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 and the air in the forming unit accommodation space are exchanged. According to the fourth aspect, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space through the intake port can more easily pass through the supply port as compared with the case where the position of the supply port and the position of the intake port are displaced in a direction intersecting the direction in which the intake port faces. According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space through the intake port from passing through the first supply port without passing through the second supply port as compared with the case where the distance from the intake port to the second supply port is longer than the distance from the intake port to the first supply port. According to the sixth aspect, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space through the intake port can more easily pass through the second supply port as compared with the case where the second supply port is not located in the direction in which the intake port faces. According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to suppress an increase in the difference between the temperature of the temperature adjustment space and the temperature of the forming unit accommodation space as compared with the case where the air supplied to the temperature adjustment space through the first opening is not suppressed from heading toward the second opening. According to the eighth aspect, a configuration for suppressing the air supplied to the temperature adjustment space through the first opening from heading toward the second opening can be easily realized as compared with the case where the blower that sends air is used as the suppression unit. According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to suppress the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space through the first opening from traveling downstream in the traveling direction through the space between the wall member and the intake port as compared with a configuration in which the intake port is not provided upstream of the wall member in the traveling direction. According to the tenth aspect, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space through the first opening can more easily pass through the supply port as compared with the case where the second wall portion is provided downstream in the intersecting direction and upstream in the traveling direction from the first wall portion. According to the 11th aspect, it is possible to suppress the air in the fixing unit accommodation space from entering the forming unit accommodation space as compared with the case where the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space is lower than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space. According to the 12th aspect, it is possible to reduce the contamination of the air in the forming unit accommodation space as compared with the case where the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space is increased without supplying the air outside the image forming apparatus to the forming unit accommodation space. According to the 13th aspect, it is possible to reduce the contamination of the air in the forming unit accommodation space as compared with the case where the air outside the image forming apparatus is not supplied to the forming unit accommodation space. According to the 14th aspect, the substances generated inside the image forming apparatus can be thermally decomposed in the fixing unit accommodation space. According to the 15th aspect, it is possible to stabilize the amount of air supplied to the forming unit accommodation space as compared with the case where the pressure adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure in the temperature adjusting space is not provided. According to the 16th aspect, the pressure in the temperature adjusting space can be adjusted step by step. According to the 17th aspect, it is possible to suppress the temperature in the temperature adjusting space from rising as compared with the case where the area of the opening is constant regardless of the temperature outside the space provided with the opening. According to the 18th aspect, it is possible to reduce the contamination of the air in the temperature adjusting space as compared with the case where the area of the opening is constant regardless of the dust concentration in the temperature adjusting space and the connection space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Description of the Image Forming Apparatus> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a so-called tandem type color printer, and includes an image forming unit 10 that forms an image on a sheet P as an example of a recording material based on image data, a control unit 50 that executes operation control of the entire image forming apparatus 1, communication with, for example, a personal computer, image processing on image data, etc., and a user interface unit 30 that receives operation inputs from a user and displays various information to the user.

[0009] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a temperature adjustment device 61 that adjusts the temperature of the space. Examples of the temperature adjustment device 61 include an air conditioner. Examples of the air conditioner include an air conditioner and a cooler. The temperature adjustment device 61 has a heat exchanger (not shown), and supplies air at a controlled temperature to the space by passing through this heat exchanger. When air is supplied from the temperature adjustment device 61 to the space, the temperature in this space is adjusted.

[0010] Also, the temperature adjustment device 61 of the present embodiment is provided with a detection sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the space in which the temperature adjustment device 61 is provided. The temperature adjustment device 61 supplies air with an air volume corresponding to the temperature detected by the detection sensor. More specifically, the temperature adjustment device 61 sets the air volume based on the temperature set by the user as the target temperature in the space and the temperature detected by the detection sensor, and supplies air with the set air volume. Note that a detection sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat exchanger in the temperature adjustment device 61 may be provided. And the air volume may be set based on the temperature detected by this detection sensor and the temperature set by the user as the target temperature in the space, and air may be supplied with the set air volume.

[0011] <Description of the image forming unit> The image forming unit 10 is a functional unit that forms an image by, for example, an electrophotographic method, and includes four image forming units: a yellow (Y) image forming unit 11Y, a magenta (M) image forming unit 11M, a cyan (C) image forming unit 11C, and a black (K) image forming unit 11K. In the following description, when the image forming units are described without distinction, they are collectively referred to as "image forming unit 11".

[0012] Each image forming unit 11 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum 12 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and then a toner image of each color is formed, a charger 13 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 to a predetermined potential, an exposure device 14 that exposes the photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charger 13 based on image data, a developing device 15 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 with toner of each color, and a cleaner 16 that cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 after transfer. And each image forming unit 11 is configured substantially the same except for the toner housed in the developing device 15.

[0013] Further, the image forming unit 10 includes a transfer belt 20 onto which the toner images of respective colors formed on the photoreceptor drums 12 of the respective image forming units 11 are transferred, and a primary transfer roll 21 that transfers (primary transfers) the toner images of respective colors formed by the respective image forming units 11 onto the transfer belt 20. Further, the image forming unit 10 includes a secondary transfer roll 22 that collectively transfers (secondary transfers) the toner images of respective colors superimposed and transferred onto the transfer belt 20 onto the paper P, and a fixing unit 60 that heats and presses the paper P on which the toner images of respective colors are formed to thermally fix the toner images of respective colors on the paper P. In the present embodiment, the fixing unit 60 functions as a fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 10 onto the paper P. Also, in the present embodiment, the region where the secondary transfer roll 22 is disposed and the toner images of respective colors on the transfer belt 20 are secondarily transferred onto the paper P is referred to as a secondary transfer region 23.

[0014] <Explanation of Image Forming Operation> Next, a basic image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Each of the image forming units 11 of the image forming unit 10 forms toner images of respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black by an electrophotographic process using the above-described functional members. The toner images of respective colors formed by each image forming unit 11 are sequentially primary transferred onto the transfer belt 20 by the primary transfer roll 21 to form a composite toner image in which the toners of respective colors are superimposed. The composite toner image on the transfer belt 20 is conveyed to a secondary transfer region 23 where the secondary transfer roll 22 is disposed as the transfer belt 20 moves (in the direction of the arrow).

[0015] In the paper conveyance system, the paper P fed out from the paper storage container 40 by the feed roll is conveyed along the conveyance path and reaches the secondary transfer region 23. In the secondary transfer region 23, the composite toner image held on the transfer belt 20 is collectively secondarily transferred onto the paper P by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 22. Thereafter, the sheet P on which the image is formed is separated from the transfer belt 20 and conveyed to the fixing unit 60 along the conveyance path. The image on the sheet P conveyed to the fixing unit 60 is subjected to a fixing process by the fixing unit 60 and fixed to the sheet P.

[0016] Also, during double-sided printing, the sheet P on which the fixed image is formed on the first side by the above-described process is guided to the conveyance path, reversed, and then reaches the secondary transfer area 23 again. In the secondary transfer area 23, in the same manner as in the case of the first side, the toner images of each color held on the transfer belt 20 are collectively secondarily transferred to the second side of the sheet P by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 22. Then, in the same manner as the first side, the fixing process is performed by the fixing unit 60 to form a fixed image on the second side. The above-described image forming operation is performed under the control of the control unit 50. In the present embodiment, the control of the image forming operation by the control unit 50 and the control of the temperature adjustment of the space by the temperature adjustment device 61 are performed separately. That is, the temperature adjustment device 61 performs the control of the temperature adjustment in the space independently of the control of the image forming operation.

[0017] <Explanation of Each Space> Next, each space provided in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a forming unit accommodation space S1, a temperature adjustment space S2, and a fixing unit accommodation space S3. The forming unit accommodation space S1 is a space that accommodates the image forming unit 10. Note that the sheet accommodation container 40 may be provided outside the forming unit accommodation space S1.

[0018] The temperature adjustment space S2 is a space whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature adjustment device 61. The temperature adjustment device 61 is connected to the temperature adjustment space S2. Then, the temperature of the temperature adjustment space S2 is adjusted by the air supplied from the temperature adjustment device 61 to the temperature adjustment space S2. Note that the temperature adjustment device 61 may be provided in the temperature adjustment space S2.

[0019] The fixing unit accommodation space S3 is a space for accommodating the fixing unit 60. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the fixing unit accommodation space S3 is higher by the amount of heat used to heat the paper P during fixing by the fixing unit 60. More specifically, when the image forming operation is performed, the temperature of the fixing unit accommodation space S3 is higher than the temperature of the forming unit accommodation space S1.

[0020] A temperature adjustment space S2 is connected to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Also, a fixing unit accommodation space S3 is connected to the forming unit accommodation space S1. At least a part of the boundary between the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the temperature adjustment space S2 is provided with a partition member (not shown) that partitions the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the temperature adjustment space S2. Also, at least a part of the boundary between the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the fixing unit accommodation space S3 is provided with a partition member (not shown) that partitions the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the fixing unit accommodation space S3. Examples of these partition members include walls. Also, these partition members may include heat insulating materials.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the temperature of the forming unit accommodation space S1 is adjusted by supplying air to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Also, in the present embodiment, the contamination of the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 is alleviated by discharging the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 from the forming unit accommodation space S1. The configuration for supplying air to the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the configuration for discharging the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 will be described in detail later.

[0022] <Description of the Configuration for Supplying and Discharging Air> Next, a configuration for supplying and discharging air in the space inside the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration for supplying and discharging air in the space inside the image forming apparatus 1. Note that in FIG. 2, the configurations of the image forming unit 10 and the fixing unit 60 are omitted.

[0023] The temperature adjustment device 61 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with an internal air supply fan 62 and an internal exhaust fan 63. The internal air supply fan 62 and the internal exhaust fan 63 are provided inside the temperature adjustment device 61. The internal air supply fan 62 is a fan that blows air in the temperature adjustment device 61 into the temperature adjustment space S2. The internal exhaust fan 63 is a fan that blows air in the temperature adjustment space S2 into the temperature adjustment device 61.

[0024] The temperature adjustment space S2 is provided with an adjustment space air supply fan 64 and a forming section space exhaust device 65. The adjustment space air supply fan 64, which is an example of a supply section, is a fan that blows air in the temperature adjustment space S2 into the forming section accommodation space S1.

[0025] The forming section space exhaust device 65, which is an example of a supply section, discharges the air in the forming section accommodation space S1 into the temperature adjustment space S2. The forming section space exhaust device 65 is provided with a forming section space exhaust fan 66 and an exhaust filter 67.

[0026] The forming section space exhaust fan 66 is a fan that blows air in the forming section accommodation space S1 into the temperature adjustment space S2. The exhaust filter 67 is a filter that separates the air flowing due to the forming section space exhaust fan 66 and the substances contained in this air. Examples of the substances contained in the air include ozone and cloud toner. Cloud toner is toner floating in the air. In this embodiment, ozone may be generated during charging by the charger 13. Also, cloud toner may be generated during development by the developing device 15. The exhaust filter 67 allows the air sent to the forming section space exhaust fan 66 to pass through. On the other hand, it collects ozone and cloud toner contained in this air.

[0027] In addition, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 may be provided in the forming unit accommodation space S1 as long as it supplies the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Further, the forming unit space exhaust device 65 may be provided in the forming unit accommodation space S1 as long as it supplies the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2. Further, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 and the forming unit space exhaust device 65 may be provided integrally. Also, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 and the forming unit space exhaust device 65 may be provided separately from the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the temperature adjustment space S2 and arranged in a partitioned space connected to each of them, for example, having the configuration shown in FIG. 4, or may be provided in a duct-shaped passage that connects the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the temperature adjustment space S2 and through which air flows.

[0028] The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with an outside air supply fan 68 as an example of an external air supply unit. The outside air supply fan 68 is connected to the forming unit accommodation space S1. This outside air supply fan 68 is a fan that blows the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 into the forming unit accommodation space S1. In addition, the outside air supply fan 68 may be provided in the forming unit accommodation space S1 as long as it supplies the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 to the forming unit accommodation space S1.

[0029] A fixing unit space exhaust fan 69 is provided in the fixing unit accommodation space S3. The fixing unit space exhaust fan 69 is a fan that blows the air in the fixing unit accommodation space S3 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, at the location where the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the fixing unit accommodation space S3 are connected, a transport opening H1 with an opening is provided. When an image is formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 10 (see FIG. 1) provided in the forming unit accommodation space S1, the paper P is transported to the fixing unit accommodation space S3 through the opening formed in the transport opening H1.

[0030] <Regarding the operation of fans, etc.> Next, the operation of the fans and the like provided in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. For example, when cooling the temperature adjustment space S2, the internal air supply fan 62 of the temperature adjustment device 61 supplies cold air corresponding to the temperature set by the temperature adjustment device 61 as the target temperature in the temperature adjustment space S2 to the temperature adjustment space S2. Further, the internal exhaust fan 63 exhausts the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 into the temperature adjustment device 61. When the cold air is supplied by the internal air supply fan 62 and the exhaust is performed by the internal exhaust fan 63, the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the air in the temperature adjustment device 61 are exchanged, and the temperature adjustment space S2 is cooled.

[0031] Further, in the present embodiment, air with adjusted temperature is supplied to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Here, for example, a mode is conceivable in which the temperature adjustment device 61 is connected to the forming unit accommodation space S1, and air with adjusted temperature is directly supplied from the temperature adjustment device 61 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. And in this case, since the air volume of the internal air supply fan 62 in the temperature adjustment device 61 changes according to the change in temperature in the forming unit accommodation space S1, the amount of air supplied from the temperature adjustment device 61 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 may decrease or, conversely, may increase.

[0032] On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 supplies the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. More specifically, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 supplies the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment device 61 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. In this case, air is supplied from the adjustment space air supply fan 64 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 with a predetermined air volume.

[0033] In particular, in the present embodiment, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 which is a blower is used to supply the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Further, the temperature adjustment device 61 is provided with an internal air supply fan 62 which is a blower for sending the air whose temperature has been adjusted into the temperature adjustment space S2. That is, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 is a blower different from the internal air supply fan 62 which is a blower provided in the temperature adjustment device 61.

[0034] Further, in the present embodiment, by supplying air to the forming unit accommodation space S1 and discharging the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the outside of the forming unit accommodation space S1, the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 is exchanged with the air outside the forming unit accommodation space S1.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a comparative example. In this comparative example, the temperature control device 61 directly supplies the air whose temperature has been adjusted to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Further, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 supplies the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Furthermore, the forming unit space exhaust device 65 discharges the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, the air outside the image forming apparatus 1, that is, the air whose temperature has not been adjusted, is supplied to the forming unit accommodation space S1 together with the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature control device 61.

[0036] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 supplies the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1, and the forming unit space exhaust device 65 supplies the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2. In this case, when exchanging the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 with the air outside the forming unit accommodation space S1, it is not necessary to use the air outside the image forming apparatus 1. Also, in this case, the air volume of the adjustment space air supply fan 64 and the air volume of the forming unit space exhaust fan 66 may be made the same.

[0037] Further, the outside air supply fan 68 supplies the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. In this case, the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 increases. In the present embodiment, the outside air supply fan 68 supplies the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 to the forming unit accommodation space S1, thereby increasing the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to be higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space S3. In this case, the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 advances in the direction of arrow A in the figure, that is, from the forming unit accommodation space S1 toward the fixing unit accommodation space S3, and enters the fixing unit accommodation space S3 through the opening of the conveyance opening H1. By this flow, the inflow of the high-temperature air in the fixing unit accommodation space S3 into the forming unit accommodation space S1 is reduced. Also, in the configuration of FIG. 2, the amount of outside air supplied by the outside air supply fan 68 used to increase the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to be higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space S3 by the amount of the air whose temperature has been adjusted and supplied to the forming unit accommodation space S1 by the adjustment space supply fan 64 is reduced. Therefore, compared with the configuration of the comparative example shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of temperature adjustment in the forming unit accommodation space S1.

[0038] As described above, in the present embodiment, the temperature in the fixing unit accommodation space S3 is high. Therefore, when the air containing ozone generated in the forming unit accommodation space S1 moves to the fixing unit accommodation space S3, the ozone in this air is thermally decomposed. Further, the air that has moved to the fixing unit accommodation space S3 is discharged outside the image forming apparatus 1 by the fixing unit space exhaust fan 69. Note that the outside air supply fan 68 also functions as a pressure increasing unit that increases the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to be higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space S3.

[0039] Here, for example, the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 may be increased by increasing the amount of air supplied from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 or restricting the discharge of air from the forming unit accommodation space S1. On the other hand, when the outside air supply fan 68 supplies the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 as in the present embodiment, the concentration of substances such as ozone and cloud toner in the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 decreases by the amount of the outside air added to the forming unit accommodation space S1. However, also in this embodiment, by adopting a configuration that increases the amount of air supplied from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 or a configuration that provides a restricting means for restricting the discharge of air from the forming unit accommodation space S1, the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 may be increased. In this case, the configuration that increases the amount of air supplied from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the restricting means function as a pressure increasing part that makes the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space S3.

[0040] Note that the outside air supply fan 68 may supply air to a region in the forming unit accommodation space S1 where the concentration of substances such as ozone and cloud toner in the air is preferably low. Examples of the region where the concentration of substances such as ozone and cloud toner in the air is preferably low include, for example, the region where charging is performed by the charger 13 and the vicinity of this region.

[0041] Further, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the outside air supply fan 68 may supply the air outside the image forming apparatus 1 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. For example, a first pressure detection sensor for detecting the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 and a second pressure detection sensor for detecting the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space S3 are provided, and when the pressure detected in the forming unit accommodation space S1 is lower than the pressure detected in the fixing unit accommodation space S3, the outside air supply fan 68 may be operated. Further, for example, a sensor for detecting the concentration of substances such as ozone and cloud toner in the air is provided in the forming unit accommodation space S1, and when the concentration of substances such as ozone and cloud toner in the air is higher than a predetermined value, the outside air supply fan 68 may be operated. In this case, the fact that the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 is lower than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space S3 and the fact that the concentration of substances such as ozone and cloud toner in the air is higher than a predetermined value are both examples of cases where a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0042] <Modification Example> Next, a modification example of the configuration for supplying and discharging air in the space inside the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modified example of a configuration for supplying and discharging air in the space inside the image forming apparatus 1. In the modified example, the same reference numerals are used for the configurations similar to those described above. Further, in the modified example, for convenience of explanation, although the arrangement positions of the temperature adjustment space S2, the temperature adjustment device 61, and the outside air supply fan 68 are different from those in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, these arrangement positions may be the same as those in the configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] In the modified example, an adjustment space supply fan 64 and a supply amount detection sensor 70 are provided in the temperature adjustment space S2. The supply amount detection sensor 70 is a sensor that detects the supply amount of air per unit time by the adjustment space supply fan 64. For example, the supply amount detection sensor 70 detects the rotational speed of the motor in the adjustment space supply fan 64 during operation, and calculates the supply amount of air per unit time by the adjustment space supply fan 64 based on the detected rotational speed. The temperature adjustment device 61 is connected to the temperature adjustment space S2.

[0044] Further, in the modified example, a connection space S4 connected to the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the temperature adjustment space S2 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1. At least a part of the boundary between the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the connection space S4 is provided with a partition member (not shown) that partitions the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the connection space S4. On the other hand, the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 are not partitioned. However, a partition member may also be provided at the boundary between the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4.

[0045] A first exhaust device 71, a first exhaust amount detection sensor 74, a second exhaust device 75, a second exhaust amount detection sensor 78, an opening / closing shutter 79, a connection space exhaust fan 80, and a cloud concentration detection sensor 81 are provided in the connection space S4. Further, a connection pipe 82 that connects the connection space S4 and the fixing unit accommodation space S3 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, an external temperature detection sensor 83 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0046] The first exhaust device 71 discharges the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the connection space S4. The first exhaust device 71 is provided with a first exhaust fan 72 and a cloud filter 73. The first exhaust fan 72 is a fan that blows the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the connection space S4. The cloud filter 73 is a filter that collects the cloud toner contained in the air in which a flow is generated by the first exhaust fan 72. The mesh size of this cloud filter 73 is configured to be finer than, for example, the toner present in the developing device 15.

[0047] The first exhaust volume detection sensor 74 is a sensor that detects the amount of air discharged per unit time by the first exhaust fan 72. The first exhaust volume detection sensor 74 detects, for example, the rotational speed of the motor in the first exhaust fan 72 during operation, and calculates the amount of air discharged per unit time by the first exhaust fan 72 based on the detected rotational speed.

[0048] The second exhaust device 75 discharges the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the connection space S4. The second exhaust device 75 is provided with a second exhaust fan 76 and an ozone filter 77. The second exhaust fan 76 is a fan that blows the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the connection space S4. The air sent to the first exhaust fan 72 and the second exhaust fan 76 flows in the direction of arrow C in the figure, that is, from the connection space S4 toward the temperature adjustment space S2. The ozone filter 77 is a filter that collects the ozone contained in the air in which a flow is generated by the second exhaust fan 76. A catalyst (not shown) is provided in this ozone filter 77, and this catalyst decomposes ozone into oxygen.

[0049] The second exhaust volume detection sensor 78 is a sensor that detects the amount of air discharged per unit time by the second exhaust fan 76. The second exhaust volume detection sensor 78 detects, for example, the rotational speed of the motor in the second exhaust fan 76 during operation, and calculates the amount of air discharged per unit time by the second exhaust fan 76 based on the detected rotational speed.

[0050] The opening / closing shutter 79 as an example of the pressure adjustment unit is a shutter that opens and closes the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. The connection space S4 is provided with an external opening H2 having an opening leading to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1, and the opening / closing shutter 79 covers this external opening H2. Thereby, the connection space S4 is closed with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the opening / closing shutter 79 is provided so as to be movable in the direction of arrow B in the figure. When the opening / closing shutter 79 moves in the direction of arrow B, the connection space S4 is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening formed in the external opening H2.

[0051] Further, the opening / closing shutter 79 is provided so that the amount of movement in the direction of arrow B can be adjusted stepwise, and the area of the opening in the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is determined by the amount of movement of the opening / closing shutter 79. In the present embodiment, by adjusting the amount of movement of the opening / closing shutter 79, the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 can be set to any one of the opening degrees "1", "2", and "3". Here, it means that the larger the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the image forming apparatus 1, the larger the area of the opening in the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the amount of movement of the opening / closing shutter 79 may be adjusted so that the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is set to less than three steps, or the amount of movement may be adjusted so that the opening degree is set to four steps or more. In the present embodiment, the larger the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1, the larger the amount of air that can enter and exit the connection space S4.

[0052] The connection space exhaust fan 80 is a fan that blows air in the connection space S4. The air sent to the connection space exhaust fan 80 is discharged into the fixing unit accommodation space S3 through the connection pipe 82. The cloud density detection sensor 81 is a sensor that detects the density of cloud toner per unit volume in the air in the connection space S4. The external temperature detection sensor 83 is a sensor that detects the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1. The external temperature detection sensor 83 is attached to the outer surface of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0053] <Regarding the air flow when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space and the connection space are low> Next, the air flow when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 are low will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the air flow when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 are low. In the present embodiment, the adjustment space air supply fan 64 supplies air from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. Further, the first exhaust fan 72 and the second exhaust fan 76 discharge air from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the connection space S4.

[0054] The amount of air supplied per unit time by the adjustment space air supply fan 64 from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 is hereinafter referred to as the supply amount F1. Further, the amount of air discharged per unit time by the first exhaust fan 72 from the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the connection space S4 is hereinafter referred to as the discharge amount F2. Further, the amount of air discharged per unit time by the second exhaust fan 76 from the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the connection space S4 is hereinafter referred to as the discharge amount F3. Note that the supply amount F1 may be calculated by the supply amount detection sensor 70. Further, the discharge amount F2 may be calculated by the first exhaust amount detection sensor 74. Further, the discharge amount F3 may be calculated by the second exhaust amount detection sensor 78.

[0055] Here, the sum of the discharge amount F2 and the discharge amount F3 may be less than the supply amount F1. In other words, the amount of air supplied from the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 may be larger than the amount of air supplied from the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4. In this case, the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 may become lower than the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 or the pressure outside the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, when the opening / closing shutter 79 is moved in the direction of arrow B in the figure, external air flows in the direction of arrow D in the figure, that is, from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 toward the connection space S4. As a result, the pressures in the connection space S4 and the temperature adjustment space S2 increase.

[0056] <Air flow when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space and the connection space are high> Next, the air flow when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 are high will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the air flow when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 are high.

[0057] The sum of the discharge amount F2 and the discharge amount F3 may be larger than the supply amount F1. In other words, the amount of air supplied from the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 may be larger than the amount of air supplied from the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 to the forming unit accommodation space S1. In this case, the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 may become higher than the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the pressure outside the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, when the opening / closing shutter 79 is moved in the direction of arrow B in the figure, the air in the connection space S4 flows in the direction of arrow E in the figure, that is, from the connection space S4 toward the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the pressures in the connection space S4 and the temperature adjustment space S2 decrease.

[0058] As described above, in the present embodiment, the opening / closing shutter 79 and the external opening H2 adjust the pressure in the temperature adjustment space S2. More specifically, the opening / closing shutter 79 and the external opening H2 adjust the pressure in the temperature adjustment space S2 by adjusting the area of the opening provided in the connection space S4. In this case, the opening / closing shutter 79 and the external opening H2 function as a pressure adjustment unit.

[0059] Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a connection pipe 82 which is a flow path for directing the air in the connection space S4 toward the fixing unit accommodation space S3. In the connection space S4, there may be air that has been discharged from the forming unit accommodation space S1 by the first exhaust device 71 or the second exhaust device 75 and contains ozone that has not been collected by the ozone filter 77. This air reaches the fixing unit accommodation space S3 through the connection pipe 82. Then, the ozone contained in this air is thermally decomposed in the fixing unit accommodation space S3.

[0060] <Opening / Closing Shutter Control Process> Next, the opening / closing shutter control process will be described. The opening / closing shutter control process is a process for controlling the movement of the opening / closing shutter 79. This control is performed by the control unit 50. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the opening / closing shutter control process.

[0061] First, it is determined whether the difference between the sum of the discharge amounts F2 and F3 and the supply amount F1 is within a predetermined difference (S101). This predetermined difference is, for example, a value calculated as a value that causes a difference between the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 and the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 when this difference occurs. Also, the control unit 50 acquires information regarding the supply amount F1 from the supply amount detection sensor 70, for example. Also, the control unit 50 acquires information regarding the discharge amount F2 from the first exhaust amount detection sensor 74, for example. Also, the control unit 50 acquires information regarding the discharge amount F3 from the second exhaust amount detection sensor 78, for example.

[0062] If a negative result is obtained in step S101, it is determined whether the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1 is higher than the upper limit temperature (S102). More specifically, it is determined whether the temperature detected by the external temperature detection sensor 83 is higher than the upper limit temperature. The upper limit temperature as an example of the predetermined temperature is set based on the temperature of the air allowed to enter the connection space S4 from the viewpoint of maintaining the temperatures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4. The upper limit temperature can be any temperature, but for example, it is 40°C.

[0063] When the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1 is higher than the upper limit temperature (YES in S102), it is determined whether the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume in the air of the connection space S4 is higher than the upper limit concentration (S103). More specifically, it is determined whether the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume detected by the cloud concentration detection sensor 81 is higher than the upper limit concentration. The upper limit concentration as an example of a predetermined concentration is set based on the concentration allowed as the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume in the connection space S4 from the viewpoint of maintaining the accuracy of the image forming operation by the image forming unit 10.

[0064] When the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume in the connection space S4 is higher than the upper limit concentration (YES in S103), the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is adjusted to "2" (S104). More specifically, the movement amount of the opening / closing shutter 79 is adjusted so that the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 becomes "2". Also, when the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume in the connection space S4 is equal to or lower than the upper limit concentration (NO in S103), the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is adjusted to "1" (S105).

[0065] On the other hand, when a negative result is obtained in step 102, it is determined whether the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume in the air of the connection space S4 is higher than the upper limit concentration (S106). When the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume in the connection space S4 is higher than the upper limit concentration (YES in S106), the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is adjusted to "3" (S107). More specifically, the movement amount of the opening / closing shutter 79 is adjusted so that the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 becomes "3". Also, when the concentration of the cloud toner per unit volume in the connection space S4 is equal to or lower than the upper limit concentration (NO in S106), the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is adjusted to "2" (S108).

[0066] Also, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 101, it is determined whether the concentration per unit volume of the cloud toner in the air of the connection space S4 is higher than the upper limit concentration (S109). If a negative result is obtained, the opening / closing shutter control process is terminated.

[0067] On the other hand, when the concentration per unit volume of the cloud toner in the connection space S4 is higher than the upper limit concentration (YES in S109), it is determined whether the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1 is higher than the upper limit temperature (S110). When the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1 is higher than the upper limit temperature (YES in S110), the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is adjusted to "1" (S111). More specifically, the moving amount of the opening / closing shutter 79 is adjusted so that the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 becomes "1". Also, when the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1 is equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature (NO in S110), the opening degree of the connection space S4 with respect to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is adjusted to "2" (S112).

[0068] As described above, in the present embodiment, the opening / closing shutter 79 and the external opening H2 reduce the opening area when the temperature outside the connection space S4 is higher than the upper limit temperature compared to when the temperature outside the connection space S4 is lower than the upper limit temperature. Also, in the present embodiment, the opening / closing shutter 79 and the external opening H2 increase the opening area of the opening provided in the connection space S4 when the concentration of dust in the connection space S4 exceeds the upper limit concentration. Here, examples of the dust include cloud toner and the like.

[0069] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is obvious from the description of the claims that those obtained by making various changes or improvements to the above embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0070] In this embodiment, the connection space S4 has been described as a space different from the temperature adjustment space S2. However, the connection space S4 may be the same space as the temperature adjustment space S2. In this case, the connection space S4 can be regarded as a temperature adjustment space.

[0071] Also, in this embodiment, in step 101 of the opening / closing shutter control process, the opening and closing of the opening / closing shutter 79 are controlled based on the supply amount F1, the discharge amount F2, and the discharge amount F3. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a first pressure detection sensor for detecting the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space S1 and a third pressure detection sensor for detecting the pressure in the connection space S4 are provided. When the pressure difference between the pressure detected in the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the pressure detected in the connection space S4 is within a predetermined pressure difference, an affirmative result may be obtained in step 101. Also, when the pressure difference between the pressure detected in the forming unit accommodation space S1 and the pressure detected in the connection space S4 is greater than the predetermined pressure difference, a negative result may be obtained in step 101.

[0072] Also, in this embodiment, in step 102 and step 110 of the opening / closing shutter control process, it has been described that even when the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1 is equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature, the connection space S4 is opened to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In step 102 and step 110 of the opening / closing shutter control process, when the temperature outside the image forming apparatus 1 is equal to or lower than the upper limit temperature, the connection space S4 may be closed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, "reducing the area of the opening" of the connection space S4 also includes reducing the area of the opening of the connection space S4 to zero.

[0073] Also, in this embodiment, it has been described that the outside of the external opening H2 of the connection space S4 is the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. However, as long as the outside of the external opening H2 of the connection space S4 is the outside of the connection space S4, it may be inside the image forming apparatus 1.

[0074] Further, for example, a supply fan for supplying air outside the connection space S4 to the connection space S4 and an exhaust fan for discharging the air in the connection space S4 to the outside of the connection space S4 may be provided near the opening / closing shutter 79. Then, for example, when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 are higher than the pressures in the forming unit accommodation space S1 and outside the image forming apparatus 1, the opening / closing shutter 79 may be opened and the exhaust fan may be operated to discharge the air in the connection space S4 to the outside of the connection space S4. Further, for example, when the pressures in the temperature adjustment space S2 and the connection space S4 are lower than the pressures in the forming unit accommodation space S1 and outside the image forming apparatus 1, the opening / closing shutter 79 may be opened and the air supply fan may be operated to supply the air outside the connection space S4 to the connection space S4.

[0075] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the housing that houses the temperature adjustment space S2 inside has a configuration based on the relationship between a location in the housing where the air whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature adjustment device 61 and passes toward the temperature adjustment space S2, and a location where the air passes from the temperature adjustment space S2 toward the forming unit accommodation space S1. Further, the housing that houses the temperature adjustment space S2 inside has a configuration based on the relationship between a location in the housing where the air passes from the forming unit accommodation space S1 toward the temperature adjustment space S2, and a location where the air passes from the temperature adjustment space S2 toward the temperature adjustment device 61.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those in the first embodiment. Also, in the second embodiment, the description of the same configurations as those in the first embodiment may be omitted. The image forming unit 10 of this embodiment is provided with four image forming units 11. More specifically, the image forming unit 10 is provided with a yellow (Y) image forming unit 11Y, a magenta (M) image forming unit 11M, a cyan (C) image forming unit 11C, and a black (K) image forming unit 11K. The four image forming units 11 are arranged in the order of the image forming unit 11Y, the image forming unit 11M, the image forming unit 11C, and the image forming unit 11K from the upstream side in the moving direction of the transfer belt 20.

[0077] Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a forming unit air discharge unit 10A that discharges the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1. In this embodiment, eight forming unit air discharge units 10A are provided. More specifically, two forming unit air discharge units 10A are provided for each image forming unit 11. An opening is formed in each forming unit air discharge unit 10A, and the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 is discharged through this opening. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an air supply unit 10B that supplies air to the forming unit accommodation space S1. An opening is formed in the air supply unit 10B, and air supply to the forming unit accommodation space S1 is performed through this opening. In this embodiment, two air supply units 10B are provided side by side in the vertical direction.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the air supply and discharge unit 86 showing the configuration of the air supply and discharge unit 86. The air supply and discharge unit 86 performs air supply to the forming unit accommodation space S1 and discharges the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1. This air supply and discharge unit 86 is provided on the back side of the paper surface of the image forming unit 10 in the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8. Note that the upper side of the paper surface of the air supply and discharge unit 86 shown in FIG. 9 may be referred to as the "upper side", the lower side of the paper surface may be referred to as the "lower side", and these directions may be referred to as the "vertical direction". Also, the left side of the paper surface of the air supply and discharge unit 86 shown in FIG. 9 may be referred to as the "left side", the right side of the paper surface may be referred to as the "right side", and these directions may be referred to as the "horizontal direction". Further, the front side of the paper surface of the air supply and discharge unit 86 shown in FIG. 9 may be referred to as the "front side", the back side of the paper surface may be referred to as the "rear side", and these directions may be referred to as the "front-rear direction".

[0079] The air supply and exhaust section 86 is provided with a temperature adjustment device 61, an adjustment space accommodation section 90, and an exhaust device 87. In the air supply and exhaust section 86, the temperature adjustment device 61, the adjustment space accommodation section 90, and the exhaust device 87 are arranged in this order from the left side. The temperature adjustment device 61 is formed to extend in the vertical direction. In the temperature adjustment device 61, the in-device air supply fan 62 is provided below the in-device exhaust fan 63. Also, the in-device air supply fan 62 sends the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment device 61 to the right side. In other words, the in-device air supply fan 62 sends the air whose temperature has been adjusted toward the adjustment space accommodation section 90. The adjustment space accommodation section 90 as an example of the housing has a temperature adjustment space S2 provided inside. The adjustment space accommodation section 90 is adjacent to the temperature adjustment device 61. The configuration of the adjustment space accommodation section 90 will be described in detail later.

[0080] The exhaust device 87 discharges the air in the forming section accommodation space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2. The exhaust device 87 is adjacent to the adjustment space accommodation section 90. The exhaust device 87 is provided with a forming section space exhaust device 65, a conduit 84, and a guiding section 85. The conduit 84 is provided in a tubular shape. The exhaust device 87 is provided with eight conduits 84. In other words, in this embodiment, the number of conduits 84 corresponding to the number of forming section air discharge parts 10A (see FIG. 8) is provided. One end of each conduit 84 is connected to each forming section air discharge part 10A.

[0081] In this embodiment, eight forming section space exhaust devices 65 are provided. Among the eight forming section space exhaust devices 65, four forming section space exhaust devices 65 are each provided with a forming section space exhaust fan 66 and an ozone filter 67A. Also, the other four forming section space exhaust devices 65 are each provided with a forming section space exhaust fan 66 and a dust filter 67B.

[0082] The ozone filter 67A is connected to the side of the conduit 84 opposite to the side connected to the forming section air discharge section 10A. The ozone filter 67A collects ozone contained in the air sent through the conduit 84 from the forming section accommodation space S1. The dust filter 67B is connected to the side of the conduit 84 opposite to the side connected to the forming section air discharge section 10A. The dust filter 67B collects dust contained in the air sent through the conduit 84 from the forming section accommodation space S1.

[0083] To the two forming section air discharge sections 10A provided for each image forming unit 11, a forming section space exhaust device 65 provided with an ozone filter 67A and a forming section space exhaust device 65 provided with a dust filter 67B are connected via a conduit 84. In the present embodiment, the forming section space exhaust devices 65 are provided in two stages in the vertical direction, and four forming section space exhaust devices 65 are provided side by side in the horizontal direction in each stage. The forming section space exhaust devices 65 in each stage are arranged in order from the right side as two forming section space exhaust devices 65 provided with an ozone filter 67A and two forming section space exhaust devices 65 provided with a dust filter 67B.

[0084] The guiding section 85 guides the air sent to the forming section space exhaust device 65. The guiding section 85 is provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends in the horizontal direction. Further, the guiding section 85 is formed in a hollow shape. Also, the guiding section 85 has an opening 85A with an opening formed at the left end. The opening formed in the opening 85A is connected to the hollow portion in the guiding section 85. Also, the guiding section 85 is provided in two stages in the vertical direction. Each guiding section 85 is connected to four forming section space exhaust devices 65 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the forming unit space exhaust fan 66 operates, the air in the forming unit accommodation space S1 (see FIG. 8) is sent into the inside of the discharge device 87 through the forming unit air discharge part 10A. The air sent into the inside of the discharge device 87 is sent to the guiding part 85 through the conduit 84 and the ozone filter 67A or the dust filter 67B. Further, the air sent to the guiding part 85 is guided to the left. In other words, the air sent to the guiding part 85 is guided to the adjustment space accommodation part 90.

[0086] Next, the configuration of the adjustment space accommodation part 90 will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adjustment space accommodation part 90. FIG. 11 is a view of the adjustment space accommodation part 90 when viewed from the XI direction of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment space accommodation part 90 when viewed from above the adjustment space accommodation part 90. The adjustment space accommodation part 90 is provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends in the vertical direction. Further, the adjustment space accommodation part 90 is formed in a hollow shape and has a temperature adjustment space S2 inside.

[0087] The adjustment space accommodation part 90 is formed with a front side surface 91 provided on the front side, a left side surface 92 provided on the left side, a right side surface 93 provided on the right side, a rear side surface 94 provided on the rear side, an upper side surface 95 provided on the upper side, and a lower side surface 96 provided on the lower side. Further, an adjustment space air supply fan 64 is provided in the adjustment space accommodation part 90. Note that a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air sent to the adjustment space air supply fan 64 may be provided. The left side surface 92 is provided with a lower opening 921 and an upper opening 922. The lower opening 921 and the upper opening 922 of the left side surface 92 are arranged in the vertical direction. The lower opening 921 is provided below the upper opening 922.

[0088] The lower opening 921 of the left side surface 92 is arranged side by side in the left - right direction with the in - equipment air supply fan 62 of the temperature adjustment device 61 (see FIG. 9). Further, an opening 921A is formed in the lower opening 921. The opening 921A of the lower opening 921 faces the right side. The air sent from the in - equipment air supply fan 62 of the temperature adjustment device 61 enters the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 921A of the lower opening 921. Therefore, the opening 921A can be regarded as an air intake port. The upper opening 922 of the left side surface 92 is arranged side by side in the left - right direction with the in - equipment exhaust fan 63 of the temperature adjustment device 61. Further, an opening 922A is formed in the upper opening 922. When the in - equipment exhaust fan 63 operates, the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 is taken into the temperature adjustment device 61 through the opening 922A of the upper opening 922. Therefore, the opening 922A can be regarded as a supply port.

[0089] On the right side surface 93 of the adjustment space housing portion 90, an upper opening 931 and a lower opening 933 are provided. The upper opening 931 and the lower opening 933 of the right side surface 93 are arranged one above the other in the up - down direction. On the right side surface 93, they are arranged in the order of the upper opening 931 and the lower opening 933 from the upper side.

[0090] An opening 931A is formed in the upper opening 931 of the right side surface 93. Further, the opening 85A of the upper induction portion 85 among the two induction portions 85 provided in the discharge device 87 (see FIG. 9) is connected to the upper opening 931. The air sent from the forming portion housing space S1 to the induction portion 85 enters the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 931A of the upper opening 931. Therefore, the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 can be regarded as an air intake port. An opening 933A is formed in the lower opening 933 of the right side surface 93. Further, the opening 85A of the lower induction portion 85 among the two induction portions 85 provided in the discharge device 87 is connected to the lower opening 933. The air sent from the forming portion housing space S1 to the induction portion 85 enters the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 933A of the lower opening 933. Both the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 and the opening 933A of the lower opening 933 face the left side.

[0091] In addition, a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting temperature may be provided near the upper opening 931 and the lower opening 933 of the right side surface 93. This temperature sensor detects the temperature of the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space S2 from the forming portion accommodation space S1 through the upper opening 931 and the lower opening 933. Then, the temperature adjustment device 61 may have a target temperature set according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and be controlled so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor falls within a predetermined range.

[0092] An opening 941 is provided in the rear side surface 94 of the adjustment space accommodation portion 90. An opening 941A is formed in this opening 941. A part of the opening 941A formed in the opening 941 is aligned with the position of the opening 921A formed in the lower opening 921 of the left side surface 92 in the vertical direction. The opening 941 of the rear side surface 94 is connected to two air supply portions 10B (see FIG. 8) of the image forming apparatus 1 via a conduit (not shown). When the adjustment space air supply fan 64 operates, the air in the temperature adjustment space S2 enters the forming portion accommodation space S1 through the opening 941A of the opening 941 on the rear side surface 94 and the opening of the air supply portion 10B. Therefore, the opening 941A of the opening 941 can be regarded as a supply port.

[0093] In this embodiment, the length from the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 on the right side surface 93 to the opening 922A of the upper opening 922 on the left side surface 92 is the length L1 (see FIG. 11). Also, the length from the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 on the right side surface 93 to the opening 941A of the opening 941 on the rear side surface 94 is the length L2. And the length L1 is shorter than the length L2.

[0094] In addition, a partition member 97 that partitions the lower opening 933 of the right side surface 93 and the opening 941 of the rear side surface 94 is provided in the adjustment space accommodation portion 90. As an example of the wall member, the partition member 97 is provided between the upper opening 931 and the lower opening 933 of the right side surface 93 and the opening 941 of the rear side surface 94 in the front-rear direction. The partition member 97 is provided with a partition portion 971 and an extension portion 972.

[0095] The partition portion 971 extends in the vertical direction and also extends in the horizontal direction. Further, the partition portion 971 is formed in a plate shape, one surface faces the front side, and the opposite surface of this one surface faces the rear side. Also, the partition portion 971 is provided below the upper opening 931 of the right side surface 93. Also, the partition portion 971 is provided from below the lower opening 921 of the left side surface 92 to above the lower opening 921. Also, the partition portion 971 is provided from below the opening 941 of the rear side surface 94 to above the opening 941.

[0096] The lower end of the partition portion 971 is in contact with the lower surface 96 of the adjustment space accommodating portion 90. Also, the right end of the partition portion 971 is in contact with the right side surface 93 of the adjustment space accommodating portion 90. On the other hand, the left end of the partition portion 971 is not in contact with the left side surface 92 of the adjustment space accommodating portion 90, and there is a gap G (see FIG. 11) between the partition portion 971 and the lower opening 921 of the left side surface 92. Also, the partition portion 971 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. More specifically, the partition portion 971 is inclined so as to face the rear side as it goes toward the left side.

[0097] The extension part 972 is provided at the lower end of the partition member 97. In other words, the extension part 972 is provided below the opening 921A of the lower opening 921 on the left side surface 92 of the adjustment space accommodating part 90. Further, the extension part 972 extends further to the left from the left tip of the partition part 971. The left tip of the extension part 972 is in contact with the left side surface 92 of the adjustment space accommodating part 90. Therefore, the region of the temperature adjustment space S2 below the lower opening 921 of the left side surface 92 is separated into a region in front of the partition member 97 and a region behind the partition member 97.

[0098] In this embodiment, the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment device 61 enters the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 921A of the lower opening 921 on the left side surface 92 in the adjustment space accommodating part 90. Then, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space S2 enters the forming part accommodating space S1 through the opening 941A of the opening part 941 on the rear side surface 94. Here, a part of the position of the opening 941A of the opening part 941 on the rear side surface 94 is aligned with the position of the opening 921A of the lower opening 921 on the left side surface 92 in the vertical direction. In other words, a part of the position of the opening 941A of the opening part 941 on the rear side surface 94 is aligned with the position of the opening 921A of the lower opening 921 on the left side surface 92 in the direction intersecting the direction in which the opening 921A of the lower opening 921 on the left side surface 92 faces.

[0099] Also, the air in the forming part accommodating space S1 enters the temperature adjustment space S2 through the forming part air discharge part 10A, the discharge device 87, and the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 on the right side surface 93 of the adjustment space accommodating part 90. Then, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space S2 heads towards the temperature adjustment device 61 through the opening 922A of the upper opening 922 on the left side surface 92 of the adjustment space accommodating part 90. Here, the length L1 from the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 on the right side surface 93 to the opening 922A of the upper opening 922 on the left side surface 92 is shorter than the length L2 from the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 on the right side surface 93 to the opening 941A of the opening part 941 on the rear side surface 94.

[0100] Further, the opening 922A of the upper opening 922 on the left side surface 92 of the adjustment space accommodating portion 90 is located to the left of the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 on the right side surface 93. In other words, the opening 922A of the upper opening 922 on the left side surface 92 is located on the downstream side of this opening 931A in the direction in which the opening 931A of the upper opening 931 on the right side surface 93 faces.

[0101] Also, a suppression portion is provided between the opening 933A of the lower opening 933 on the right side surface 93 of the adjustment space accommodating portion 90 and the opening 941A of the opening portion 941 on the rear side surface 94. This suppression portion suppresses the air supplied to the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 933A of the lower opening 933 on the right side surface 93 from heading toward the opening 941A of the opening portion 941 on the rear side surface 94. In particular, in the present embodiment, the suppression portion is a partition member 97 formed to extend in the left-right direction. In other words, the partition member 97 is formed to extend in a direction intersecting the traveling direction D1 (see FIG. 10) from the opening 933A of the lower opening 933 on the right side surface 93 to the opening 941A of the opening portion 941 on the rear side surface 94.

[0102] Here, it is also conceivable to suppress, by a configuration different from the present embodiment, the air supplied from the forming portion accommodating space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2 from heading toward the opening 941A of the opening portion 941 on the rear side surface 94. For example, a configuration can be considered in which the lower opening 921 of the left side surface 92 and the opening portion 941 of the rear side surface 94, and the upper opening 931, the lower opening 933 of the right side surface 93, and the upper opening 922 of the left side surface 92 in the adjustment space accommodating portion 90 are partitioned into different spaces. However, according to this configuration, when the amount of air per unit time entering and leaving the temperature adjustment space S2 and the forming portion accommodating space S1 is different from the amount of air per unit time entering and leaving the temperature adjustment space S2 and the temperature adjustment device 61, the pressure in each partitioned space is likely to change. In this case, the amount of air entering and leaving each partitioned space is also likely to change. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the partition member 97 is used to suppress the air supplied from the forming portion accommodation space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2 from heading toward the opening 941A of the opening portion 941 on the rear surface 94. In other words, without partitioning the inside of the temperature adjustment space S2 into different spaces, the air supplied from the forming portion accommodation space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2 is suppressed from heading toward the opening 941A of the opening portion 941 on the rear surface 94.

[0103] Further, the opening 921A of the lower opening portion 921 on the left side surface 92 of the adjustment space housing portion 90 is formed from upstream of the partition member 97 to downstream of the partition member 97 in the traveling direction D1. According to this configuration, a part of the air sent to the internal device supply fan 62 enters the region in front of the partition member 97 in the temperature adjustment space S2. In this case, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 933A of the lower opening portion 933 on the right side surface 93 is affected by the air sent to the region in front of the partition member 97 by the internal device supply fan 62 and is likely to head upward along the partition member 97. Then, the air that has headed upward is taken into the temperature adjustment device 61 through the opening 922A of the upper opening portion 922 on the left side surface 92 by the internal device exhaust fan 63 (see FIG. 9).

[0104] Further, the partition portion 971 of the partition member 97 is provided so as to head rearward as it heads leftward. In other words, the partition portion 971 has a first wall portion and a second wall portion provided on the left and rear sides of the first wall portion. Here, the first wall portion is, for example, a portion on the right side of the center in the left-right direction of the partition portion 971. Further, the second wall portion is, for example, a portion on the left side of the center in the left-right direction of the partition portion 971. In this case, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 933A of the lower opening portion 933 on the right side surface 93 is likely to head leftward and rearward along the partition portion 971. In other words, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space S2 is likely to head toward the opening 922A of the upper opening portion 922 on the left side surface 92.

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, it has been described that a part of the position of the opening 941A of the opening 941 in the rear side surface 94 of the adjustment space accommodating portion 90 is aligned with the position of the opening 921A of the lower opening portion 921 in the left side surface 92 in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The opening 941A may be provided, for example, at a position on the right side surface 93 where the position in the vertical direction is aligned with the opening 921A of the lower opening portion 921 in the left side surface 92. Further, the opening 941A may be provided, for example, at a position on the lower side surface 96 where the position in the front-rear direction is aligned with the opening 921A of the lower opening portion 921 in the left side surface 92. That is, the opening 941A may be provided at a position where it is aligned with the position of the opening 921A of the lower opening portion 921 in the left side surface 92 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the opening 921A of the lower opening portion 921 in the left side surface 92 faces.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, it has been described that the opening 922A of the upper opening portion 922 is provided in the left side surface 92. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The opening 922A may be provided, for example, in the front side surface 91. That is, the opening 922A may be located on the downstream side of the opening 931A in the direction in which the opening 931A of the upper opening portion 931 in the right side surface 93 faces.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, it has been described that the partition member 97 is used for the suppressing portion that suppresses the air supplied from the forming portion accommodating space S1 to the temperature adjustment space S2 from heading toward the opening 941A of the opening 941 in the rear side surface 94. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the suppressing portion, for example, a blower (not shown) may be provided between the opening 933A of the lower opening portion 933 in the right side surface 93 of the adjustment space accommodating portion 90 and the opening 941A of the opening 941 in the rear side surface 94. And this blower may be provided so as to blow air forward. Even in this case, the air that has entered the temperature adjustment space S2 through the opening 933A of the lower opening portion 933 in the right side surface 93 is less likely to head toward the opening 941A of the opening 941 in the rear side surface 94 under the influence of the air blown from the blower.

[0108] Also, not all of the air sent from the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the discharge device 87 needs to enter the temperature adjustment space S2. When the amount of air sent from the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the discharge device 87 per unit time is greater than the amount of air sent from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 per unit time, a part of the air sent to the discharge device 87 may be discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, when the amount of air sent from the forming unit accommodation space S1 to the discharge device 87 per unit time is less than the amount of air sent from the temperature adjustment space S2 to the forming unit accommodation space S1 per unit time, air may be sent from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 to the discharge device 87. This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-214277 filed on November 27, 2019 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-057008 filed on March 27, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Explanation of Signs

[0109] 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Image forming unit 50 Control unit 61 Temperature adjustment device 64 Adjustment space air supply fan 65 Forming unit space exhaust device 68 Outside air supply fan 71 First exhaust device 75 Second exhaust device 79 Opening / closing shutter 80 Connection space exhaust fan S1 Forming unit accommodation space S2 Temperature adjustment space S3 Fixing unit accommodation space S4 Connection space

Claims

1. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, A forming unit accommodation space that is a space for accommodating the image forming unit, A temperature adjustment space that is a space whose temperature is adjusted by temperature adjustment equipment, A supply unit that supplies the air in the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space, Comprising Another supply unit for supplying the air in the forming unit accommodation space to the temperature adjustment space is further provided, A housing having the temperature adjustment space inside, with a first opening through which air flows from the forming unit accommodation space to the temperature adjustment space and a second opening through which air flows from the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space formed, Further comprising a suppression unit provided between the first opening and the second opening, for suppressing the air supplied to the temperature adjustment space through the first opening from heading towards the second opening, The suppression unit is a wall member formed to extend in a crossing direction that crosses the traveling direction from the first opening to the second opening, An air intake is formed in the housing through which air whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment equipment and heads towards the temperature adjustment space passes, The temperature adjustment equipment is provided with a blower for sending the air whose temperature has been adjusted into the temperature adjustment space through the air intake, The wall member faces the air intake and is provided with a gap therebetween, The air intake is formed from upstream of the wall member to downstream of the wall member in the traveling direction, an image forming apparatus.

2. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, A forming unit accommodation space that is a space for accommodating the image forming unit, A temperature adjustment space that is a space whose temperature is adjusted by temperature adjustment equipment, A supply unit that supplies the air in the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space, Comprising Another supply unit for supplying the air in the forming unit accommodation space to the temperature adjustment space is further provided, A housing having the temperature adjustment space inside, with a first opening through which air flows from the forming unit accommodation space to the temperature adjustment space and a second opening through which air flows from the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space formed, Further comprising a suppression unit provided between the first opening and the second opening, for suppressing the air supplied to the temperature adjustment space through the first opening from heading towards the second opening, The suppression unit is a wall member formed to extend in a crossing direction that crosses the traveling direction from the first opening to the second opening, The housing is provided with a supply port that is located on the downstream side of the first opening in the advancing direction and through which air flows from the temperature adjustment space toward the temperature adjustment device. The wall member has a first wall portion and a second wall portion provided on the downstream side in the crossing direction and the downstream side in the advancing direction with respect to the first wall portion, and is an image forming apparatus.

3. The supply unit supplies the air in the temperature adjustment space to the forming unit accommodation space using a blower. The temperature adjustment device is provided with a blower that sends the air whose temperature has been adjusted into the temperature adjustment space. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the blower used by the supply unit is a blower different from the blower provided in the temperature adjustment device.

4. The apparatus further includes a housing that has the temperature adjustment space inside, and is provided with an intake port through which air whose temperature is adjusted by the temperature adjustment device and flows toward the temperature adjustment space, and a supply port through which air flows from the temperature adjustment space toward the forming unit accommodation space. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least a part of the position of the supply port is aligned with the position of the intake port in a direction intersecting the direction in which the intake port faces.

5. The housing is provided with a supply port that is located on the downstream side of the first opening in the advancing direction and through which air flows from the temperature adjustment space toward the temperature adjustment device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wall member has a first wall portion and a second wall portion provided on the downstream side in the crossing direction and the downstream side in the advancing direction with respect to the first wall portion.

6. A fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit to the recording material; A fixing unit accommodation space that is connected to the forming unit accommodation space and is a space for accommodating the fixing unit; A pressure increasing unit that increases the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space to be higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the above.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pressure increasing unit increases the pressure in the forming unit accommodation space to be higher than the pressure in the fixing unit accommodation space by supplying the air outside the image forming apparatus to the forming unit accommodation space.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an external air supply unit that supplies the air outside the image forming apparatus to the forming unit accommodation space.

9. A fixing unit that fixes the image formed on the recording material by the image forming unit to the recording material; A fixing unit accommodation space that is a space for accommodating the fixing unit, A flow path for directing air in the temperature adjustment space or a connection space connected to the temperature adjustment space toward the fixing unit accommodation space, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the above.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a pressure adjustment unit that adjusts the pressure of the temperature adjustment space.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the pressure adjustment unit adjusts the pressure of the temperature adjustment space by adjusting the area of an opening provided in the temperature adjustment space or a connection space connected to the temperature adjustment space.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the temperature outside the space where the opening is provided is higher than a predetermined temperature, the pressure adjustment unit reduces the area of the opening as compared with when the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an opening area adjustment unit that increases the area of an opening provided in the temperature adjustment space or the connection space when the concentration of dust in the temperature adjustment space or a connection space connected to the temperature adjustment space exceeds a predetermined value.

Images