Image forming apparatus and image reading apparatus

Abstract

To cool an imaging element more efficiently.SOLUTION: Reading means reads out a medium conveyed by conveying means. The reading means has an enclosure, a first circuit board provided inside the enclosure, a first imaging element, provided inside the enclosure and mounted on the first circuit board, which reads out the medium, and a first fan, provided inside the enclosure, which cools the first circuit board by hitting air against the first circuit board. The reading means further has a second circuit board, a second imaging element and a second fan. The first fan blows air to a space formed between a first side surface of the enclosure opposed to the first circuit board and the first circuit board. The second fan blows air toward the second circuit board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An image reading device reads an image formed on a sheet by an image forming device. The results of the reading are used to control the image forming device and to inspect the image (Patent Document 1). The reading sensor is housed in a housing to prevent dust and dirt from adhering to it. In this case, the temperature of the reading sensor and the temperature of the light source for illumination tend to rise, making it difficult to obtain accurate reading results. Patent Document 2 proposes a fan that circulates air in the storage space that houses the reading unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-006628 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-158440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to Patent Document 2, the air in the housing space circulates, making it difficult for the temperature of the image sensor and the light source to rise. However, according to Patent Document 2, although the air around the reading sensor circulates, the air does not come into contact with the circuit board of the reading sensor. Therefore, the present invention: circuit board The object is to cool the above-mentioned components more efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is, for example, an image forming means for forming an image on a medium; a conveying means for conveying the medium; a reading unit for reading the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, The reading means The housing and a first optical box provided inside the housing and configured to read the medium; The aforementioned A first optical box is provided on a side of the first optical box, and performs image processing on the reading result of the medium. first Image Processing A substrate; The first Image Processing By blowing air onto the substrate, Image Processing a first fan for cooling the board; a second optical box provided inside the housing and configured to read the medium; The aforementioned Side of the second optical box Established in , and performs image processing on the result of reading the medium. second Image Processing A substrate; The second Image Processing The second substrate is exposed to air. Image Processing a second fan for cooling the substrate; a normal direction of the first image processing board and a normal direction of the second image processing board are parallel to each other; The first fan is the side surface of the first optical box; The first Inside side and Between to Inject air, The second fan is An air gap is provided between the side surface of the second optical box and another side surface of the first optical box that faces the side surface of the second optical box. An image forming apparatus is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, circuit board can be cooled more efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus [Figure 2] Cross-section of the print module [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a belt unit; [Figure 4] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the in-line scanner unit [Figure 5]An exploded perspective view showing the inline scanner unit [Figure 6] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the in-line scanner unit [Figure 7] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the in-line scanner unit [Figure 8] Graph showing the effect [Figure 9] Diagram showing other arrangements of axial fans DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] (1) Image forming device FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 100, which is an example of an image forming apparatus. The Z direction is the height direction of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. The Y direction is roughly parallel to the sheet transport direction. The X direction is the width direction of the sheet S. The width direction of the sheet S is sometimes called the main scanning direction. The direction parallel to the sheet transport direction is sometimes called the sub-scanning direction.

[0010] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 is a sheet-fed image forming apparatus that forms an ink image on a sheet S using two liquids: a reaction liquid and ink. The sheet S on which the ink image is formed is sometimes called a recorded matter, an output, or a product. The ink contains, for example, a resin component, water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a coloring material, wax, and additives. However, this is merely one example.

[0011] The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes a feeding module 1000, a printing module 2000, a drying module 3000, a fixing module 4000, a cooling module 5000, an inverting module 6000, and a discharge stacking module 7000. A cut sheet S supplied from the feeding module 1000 is transported along a transport path, processed in each module, and discharged to the discharge stacking module 7000.

[0012] The feeding module 1000 has three storage containers 1100a to 1100c that store sheets S. The storage containers 1100a to 1100c can be pulled out to the front side of the inkjet recording apparatus 100. The sheets S are fed one by one in the storage containers 1100a to 1100c by a separation belt and a conveying roller, and are conveyed to the print module 2000. The number of storage containers 1100a to 1100c may be one or more.

[0013] The print module 2000 includes a sheet correction unit 2100, a belt unit 2200, and a recording unit 2300. The sheet correction unit 2100 corrects the inclination and position of the sheet S conveyed from the feeding module 1000 and conveys the sheet S to the belt unit 2200. The recording unit 2300 is disposed opposite the belt unit 2200 across the conveyance path. The recording unit 2300 performs a recording process (printing) on the conveyed sheet S from above using a recording head to form an image on the sheet S. The sheet S is adsorbed and conveyed by the belt unit 2200. This ensures an appropriate clearance between the recording head and the sheet S. Multiple recording heads may be arranged along the conveyance direction. In this embodiment, four line-type recording heads corresponding to four colors of ink (Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, Bk: black) and one line-type recording head that ejects reaction liquid C0 are provided. The number of colors and the number of print heads are not limited to five each. For example, three line print heads for special colors C1, C2, and C3 other than Y, M, C, and Bk may be added. Inkjet printing methods include, for example, methods using heat elements, piezoelectric elements, electrostatic elements, and MEMS elements. MEMS is an abbreviation for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems.

[0014] Each of the four color inks is supplied to the recording head from an ink tank (not shown) via an ink tube. A belt unit 2200 transports the sheet S, on which an image has been printed by the recording unit 2300, further downstream. A scanner 1 may be disposed downstream of the recording unit 2300. The scanner 1 detects misalignment and color density of the image formed on the sheet S. The detection results are used to correct the subsequently printed image.

[0015] The drying module 3000 reduces the liquid content of the ink applied to the sheet S by the recording unit 2300, thereby improving the fixation of the ink to the sheet S. The drying module 3000 includes a decoupling unit 3200, a drying belt unit 3300, and a hot air blowing unit 3400. The sheet S, on which an image has been printed by the recording unit 2300 of the print module 2000, is transported to the decoupling unit 3200 disposed within the drying module 3000. The decoupling unit 3200 holds the sheet S with air pressure from above and the frictional force of the belt, while transporting the sheet S further downstream. This prevents the sheet S from shifting on the belt unit 2200. The sheet S is transported from the decoupling unit 3200 to the drying belt unit 3300. The drying belt unit 3300 transports the sheet S while adsorbing it. The hot air blowing unit 3400 is disposed above the drying belt unit 3300. The hot air blowing section 3400 blows hot air onto the sheet S to dry the ink-applied surface of the sheet S. The drying belt unit 3300 transports the sheet S to the fixing module 4000.

[0016] The drying module 3000 heats and dries the liquid components of the reaction liquid and ink applied to the sheet S. This promotes evaporation of the water in the reaction liquid and ink, and suppresses cockling of the sheet S.

[0017] The drying module 3000 may be any device capable of performing heat drying. For example, the drying module 3000 may include a hot air dryer or a heater. The type of heater is not particularly limited. For example, an electric heater or an infrared heater may be used as the heater.

[0018] The fixing module 4000 has a fixing belt unit 4100. The fixing belt unit 4100 has an upper belt unit and a lower belt unit. The upper belt unit and the lower belt unit are heated, and the sheet S passes between them. This allows the ink solvent to sufficiently penetrate into the sheet S.

[0019] The cooling module 5000 has multiple cooling units 5100 that cool the high-temperature sheet S transported from the fixing module 4000. The cooling units 5100, for example, use a fan to draw in outside air into a cooling box, increase the pressure inside the cooling box, and then blow the air onto the sheet S from nozzles formed in the transport guide. This cools the sheet S. The cooling units 5100 are arranged on both sides of the transport path in the height direction. This cools both sides of the sheet S. A switching unit 5200 that switches the transport path may be provided inside the cooling module 5000. The switching unit 5200 switches between transporting the sheet S to the reversing module 6000 and transporting the sheet S to a duplex transport path used during duplex printing. During duplex printing, the sheet S is transported to a duplex transport path 5300 provided below the cooling module 5000. Furthermore, the sheet S is transported through the fixing module 4000, the drying module 3000, the print module 2000, and the feeding module 1000. As a result, the sheet S is transported again to the sheet correction unit 2100, the belt unit 2200, and the recording unit 2300 of the print module 2000. Then, the recording unit 2300 prints an image on the second side of the sheet S.

[0020] A reversing unit 4200 that reverses the front and back of the sheet S may be provided in the double-sided conveying path of the fixing module 4000. The reversing module 6000 also has a reversing unit 6400. The reversing unit 6400 reverses the front and back of the conveyed sheet S. This allows the front and back (face down / face up) of the discharged sheet S to be freely selected.

[0021] The discharge stacking module 7000 has a top tray 7200 and a stacking section 7500. The top tray 7200 and the stacking section 7500 align and stack the sheets S conveyed from the reversing module 6000.

[0022] (2) Print module As shown in FIG. 2, the print module 2000 is an image forming unit that performs a recording process on the conveyed sheet S using five recording heads 10 from above (eight recording heads 10 when special color recording heads are used), forming an ink image on the sheet S. The sheet S needs to be conveyed stably to the print module 2000. In particular, the sheet S that passes directly below the recording heads 10 needs to be conveyed stably. Therefore, the belt unit 2200 attracts and conveys the sheet S.

[0023] The print belt 25 of the belt unit 2200 is stretched over tension rollers 21 to 24. The belt surface (transport surface) stretched over the tension roller 21 and the tension roller 24 is called the image forming surface 26. The recording head 10 forms an image by ejecting ink (droplets) onto the sheet S transported by the image forming surface 26. The print belt 25 has multiple suction holes (not shown) for sucking the sheet S. By sucking the sheet S through the multiple suction holes present on the image forming surface 26, the sheet S is firmly attached to the image forming surface 26, and the sheet S is transported stably. Note that the print belt 25 is not limited to a configuration in which the sheet S is attracted to the print belt 25 by suction through the suction holes of the print belt 25. For example, a charge applying unit that applies an electric charge to the surface of the print belt 25 may be added. As a result, the sheet S may be electrostatically attracted to the print belt 25. In this way, the print belt 25 functions as a sheet carrying member that carries the sheet S. The print belt 25 is manufactured from a single strip of PET sheet wound into a roll. PET is an abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate. Multiple suction holes are formed in the PET sheet. The PET sheet is then cut to a predetermined length. The leading and trailing ends of the PET sheet are joined by laser welding. This produces the endless print belt 25.

[0024] (3) Belt unit FIG. 3 shows the belt unit 2200. The belt width is the direction (X direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction (Y direction) of the sheet S. The belt unit 2200 is rotatably supported by frames 30a and 30b provided on both sides of the print belt 25. A support member 29a is provided on the upper surface of the frame 30a. The support member 29a has two holes into which spheres 28a and 28c are inserted. The spheres 28a and 28c are provided on the underside of the housing of the scanner 1. Similarly, the support member 29b has two holes into which spheres 28b and 28d are inserted. The spheres 28b and 28d are also provided on the underside of the housing of the scanner 1. In this way, the spheres 28a to 28d engage or fit into the four holes, thereby positioning the scanner 1 on the belt unit 2200. In this way, the spheres 28a to 28d and the four holes function as positioning members. Alternatively, the spheres 28a to 28d may be provided on the belt unit 2200, and the scanner 1 may be provided with four corresponding hole shapes.

[0025] (4) Inline scanner unit (scanner 1) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the scanner 1. The scanner 1 is disposed downstream of the recording head 10 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The scanner 1 reads the sheet S on the print belt 25 and the image printed on the sheet S. The scanner 1 has a roughly box-shaped housing 2. Inside the housing 2, there is an accommodation space 20. The accommodation space 20 accommodates the optical boxes 3a and 3b. The optical boxes 3a and 3b are held by an internal support plate 8. The internal support plate 8 is fixed inside the housing 2.

[0026] The optical box 3a reads the shape of the sheet S or a test image through the reading glass 4a. The optical box 3b reads the shape of the sheet S or a test image through the reading glass 4b. The scanner 1 moves the reading positions of the optical boxes 3a and 3b in the -Y direction and reads the white reference plates 6a and 6b. The optical boxes 3a and 3b rise in the Z direction. This keeps the distance from the optical boxes 3a and 3b to the reading positions and the distance from the optical boxes 3a and 3b to the white reference plate 6a constant. Coefficients for shading correction are generated based on the results of reading the white reference plates 6a and 6b.

[0027] (5) Airflow FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the scanner 1. In FIG. 5, the X direction is the width direction of the sheet S being conveyed and is also the main scanning direction of the optical box 3a. The scanner 1 houses the optical boxes 3a and 3b in a storage space formed by a housing 2 including an internal support plate 8. The housing 2 is composed of side surfaces 39a, 39b, 39c, and 39d, a bottom surface 39e, and a top surface 39f. The side surfaces 39a, 39b, 39c, and 39d may also be referred to as wall surfaces. The internal support plate 8 also functions as a dividing member arranged to divide the storage space of the housing 2 into two.

[0028] Holding members 31a and 31b are provided at both ends of optical box 3a in the X direction. Holding members 31a and 31b are fixed to internal support plate 8 with screws or the like. Holding members 33a and 33b are provided at both ends of optical box 3b in the X direction. Holding members 33a and 33b are fixed to internal support plate 8 with screws or the like.

[0029] The housing 2 forms a substantially closed space for the scanner 1. This prevents foreign matter such as dust and dirt from adhering to the optical boxes 3a and 3b, resulting in less chance of reading errors. The substantially closed space may include a space that communicates with the space outside the housing 2 through a small opening. Examples of the small opening include a wiring port 61 and a hole 62 for fastening a screw. The wiring port 61 is a through-hole through which an electric cable is routed to connect a control board provided outside the housing 2 to the image processing boards 50a and 50b.

[0030] The mounting position of optical box 3a in the Y direction is different from the mounting position of optical box 3b in the Y direction. However, the mounting position of optical box 3a in the X direction partially overlaps with the mounting position of optical box 3b in the X direction. This means that the reading range of optical box 3a in the X direction overlaps with the reading range of optical box 3b in the X direction. Scanner 1 is designed to have a maximum readable width (maximum reading size). The reading areas of optical boxes 3a and 3b are small compared to this maximum width. Therefore, by offsetting optical boxes 3a and 3b in the X direction, it is possible to read the maximum width. In other words, one image data is created by combining the reading results of optical box 3a and optical box 3b. The overlapping of the reading range of optical box 3a in the X direction with the reading range of optical box 3b in the X direction makes it easy to combine the two reading results. The synthesis process may be performed by the image processing board 50a or the image processing board 50b, or may be performed by a control board provided outside the housing 2.

[0031] Image processing board 50a is fixed to the side of optical box 3a. Image processing board 50b is fixed to the side of optical box 3b. The normals of image processing boards 50a and 50b are generally parallel to the Y direction. In other words, image processing boards 50a and 50b face the same direction. Image processing boards 50a and 50b are parallel to the X and Z directions and also parallel to side surfaces 39a and 39b.

[0032] A fan support plate 37 is fixed to the internal support plate 8. The fan support plate 37 supports the axial fans 35a and 35b. The position of the axial fan 35a in the Z direction is equivalent to the position of the sensor element (imaging element) mounted on the image processing board 50a in the Z direction. The position of the axial fan 35b in the Z direction is equivalent to the position of the sensor element mounted on the image processing board 50b in the Z direction. 。

[0033] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the axial fans 35a and 35b in the XY directions. The rotational axis of the axial fan 35a intersects with the mounting surface of the image processing board 50a. The rotational axis of the axial fan 35b also intersects with the mounting surface of the image processing board 50b. The positional relationship between the axial fan 35a and the image processing board 50a is such that the axial fan 35a blows air toward the gap between the side surface 39a and the image processing board 50a. As a result, the airflow (gas flow path) of the axial fan 35a is formed so that the air blown out from the axial fan 35a hits the side surface 39a of the housing 2 and is deflected toward the sensor element 52a. In other words, the airflow intersects with the imaging surface of the sensor element 52a. On the other hand, the airflow of the axial fan 35b is formed so that the air blown out from the axial fan 35b is directed directly toward the sensor element 52b. The airflow also intersects with the imaging surface of the sensor element 52b. As a result, the sensor elements 52a and 52b are efficiently cooled by the air blown out from the axial fans 35a and 35b. If the airflow and the sensor elements 52a and 52b (image processing boards 50a and 50b) were parallel, the wind-receiving area of the sensor elements 52a and 52b would be extremely small. On the other hand, if the airflow and the sensor elements 52a and 52b (image processing boards 50a and 50b) intersect, the wind-receiving area of the sensor elements 52a and 52b would be relatively large. Therefore, the sensor elements 52a and 52b are cooled more efficiently than before.

[0034] When the sensor elements 52a and 52b generate heat, the optical boxes 3a and 3b may expand. As a result, the optical conditions designed for the optical boxes 3a and 3b may be deviated, resulting in reading errors. When the sensor elements 52a and 52b are cooled efficiently, reading errors are less likely to occur. As a result, the print module 2000 can more accurately adjust the image forming device based on the reading results from the scanner 1.

[0035] As an example, the height of the axial fans 35a and 35b is approximately the same as the height of the sensor elements 52a and 52b. However, a technical idea that contributes to increasing the wind-receiving area is to have the airflow intersect with the imaging surfaces of the sensor elements 52a and 52b. Therefore, the air blown out from the axial fans 35a and 35b may directly hit the sensor elements 52a and 52b, or the air blown out from the axial fans 35a and 35b may indirectly hit the sensor elements 52a and 52b via the side surface 39a or a duct. Note that the member for bending the airflow may be the side surfaces 39a to 39d, the bottom surface 39e, the internal support plate 8, or another plate.

[0036] 6 shows the fan accommodating space 20c formed by offsetting the optical box 3a and the optical box 3b in the X direction. By arranging the axial fans 35a and 35b in the fan accommodating space 20c, it is possible to make the housing 2 compact. It is also possible to support the axial fans 35a and 35b with a single fan support plate 37.

[0037] 7, in addition to the airflow described above, an airflow may be formed to circulate air within the accommodation space 20. The accommodation space 20 is divided into a lower space 20a and an upper space 20b by an internal support plate 8. The optical boxes 3a, 3b and the axial fans 35a, 35b are provided in the lower space 20a.

[0038] In the lower space 20a, the air blown out from the axial fan 35a passes between the optical box 3a and the side surface 39a and flows in the -X direction. Similarly, the air blown out from the axial fan 35b flows in the -X direction through a flow path formed between the optical box 3a and the optical box 3b. Here, the air passes through an opening 40 provided in the internal support plate 8 and is sent to the upper space 20b of the housing 2. The air then flows in the +X direction, passes through an opening 41, and returns to the lower space 20a. The air is sucked in by the axial fans 35a and 35b and blown out again. In this way, air circulates within the storage space 20, which is a substantially closed space.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the effects of the embodiment. The first experimental result (no fan) is a case where the axial fans 35a and 35b are not provided in the housing 2. The second experimental result (pattern A) is a case where the air inside the housing 2 is circulated using the axial fans 35a and 35b. However, the airflow is parallel to the sensor elements 52a and 52b. The third experimental result (pattern B) is a case where the airflow of the axial fans 35a and 35b intersects with the sensor elements 52a and 52b. The temperatures of the sensor elements 52a and 52b were measured in these three cases. FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of the axial fans 35c and 35d in pattern A. As shown in FIG. 9, the axial fans 35a and 35b are not provided in pattern A. The arrangement of the axial fans 35a and 35b in pattern B is as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0040] In the case without a fan, the temperature of the sensor element 52a was 90.6°C. In the case of pattern A, the temperature of the sensor element 52a was 69.5°C. In the case of pattern B, the temperature of the sensor element 52a was 52.0°C.

[0041] In the case without a fan, the temperature of the sensor element 52b was 88.5°C. In the case of pattern A, the temperature of the sensor element 52b was 58.5°C. In the case of pattern B, the temperature of the sensor element 52b was 50.4°C.

[0042] Comparing the temperatures of Pattern A and Pattern B, an average temperature difference of 12.8°C was observed. Therefore, in order to efficiently cool the optical boxes 3a, 3b and sensor elements 52a, 52b, it is effective for the airflow of the axial fans 35a, 25b to be directed toward the object to be cooled. In other words, if the airflow intersects the main surface of the object to be cooled, the air-receiving area becomes larger, improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the fewer obstacles there are between the axial fans 35a, 35b and the object to be cooled, the greater the amount (air volume) and speed (air velocity) of air reaching the object to be cooled, further improving cooling efficiency.

[0043] Although only axial fans 35a and 35b are shown in Fig. 6, axial fans 35c and 35d shown in Fig. 9 may be added. Axial fans 35a and 35b may be other types of fans (e.g., centrifugal fans).

[0044] <Technical ideas derived from examples> (Item 1) an image forming means for forming an image on a medium; a conveying means for conveying the medium; a reading unit for reading the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, The reading means The housing and a first circuit board provided inside the housing; a first imaging element provided inside the housing and mounted on the first circuit board, the first imaging element reading the medium; a first fan provided inside the housing and configured to blow air onto the first circuit board to cool the first circuit board; a second circuit board provided inside the housing; a second imaging element provided inside the housing and mounted on the second circuit board, the second imaging element reading the medium; a second fan provided inside the housing and configured to blow air onto the second circuit board to cool the second circuit board, the first fan blows air into a gap formed between the first circuit board and a first side surface of the housing facing the first circuit board; The second fan blows air toward the second circuit board.

[0045] Sheet S is an example of a medium. Recording head 10 is an example of an image forming unit. Note that the image forming unit may form an image using an electrophotographic method. Belt unit 2200 is an example of a conveying unit. A conveying roller may be used as the conveying unit. Scanner 1 is an example of a reading unit. Image processing boards 50a and 50b are an example of a first circuit board. Sensor elements 52a and 52b are an example of a first imaging element. As illustrated in FIG. 6, axial fans 35a and 35b are an example of a first fan provided inside housing 2 and cooling the first circuit board by blowing air onto the first circuit board. As illustrated in FIG. 6, axial fans 35a and 35b and image processing boards 50a and 50b are arranged so that the flow of air blown out from axial fans 35a and 35b intersects with image processing boards 50a and 50b. Image processing board 50b is an example of a second circuit board. Sensor element 52b is an example of a second imaging element. Axial fan 35b is an example of a second fan. The second fan and the second circuit board may be positioned so that the flow of air blown out from the second fan intersects with the second circuit board. More specifically, side surface 39a is an example of a first side surface of the housing facing image processing board 50a. Axial fan 35a sends air into a gap formed between side surface 39a and image processing board 50a. Axial fan 35b sends air toward image processing board 50b. This increases the air-receiving area of image processing boards 50a and 50b, thereby more efficiently cooling the imaging elements mounted on image processing boards 50a and 50b. (Item 2) Item 1. The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the first fan is positioned so that the direction in which air is blown out by the first fan faces the first side surface of the housing and the air from the first fan is reflected by the first side surface and directed toward the first circuit board.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 6, the air blowing direction of axial fan 35a may be directed toward side surface 39a of the housing. The air from axial fan 35a is reflected by side surface 39a and directed toward image processing board 50a. In this case, too, the airflow intersects with image processing board 50a. This increases the wind-receiving area of image processing board 50a, allowing the imaging element to be cooled efficiently. (Item 3) 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first imaging element is disposed upstream of the second imaging element in the transport direction of the medium.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the sensor element 52a may be disposed upstream of the sensor element 52b. (Item 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the second fan is disposed so that the direction in which air is blown out by the second fan is toward the second circuit board.

[0048] 6, the air blown from the axial fan 35b may be directed toward the image processing board 50b, so that the air blown out by the axial fan 35b directly hits the image processing board 50b. (Item 5) a first optical box that guides light from the medium to the first imaging element; a second optical box that guides light from the medium to the second imaging element; 5. The image forming device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the first optical box and the second optical box are arranged offset in a width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, so that the first optical box and the second optical box cover the entire reading range of the medium in the width direction defined by the reading means.

[0049] The optical boxes 3a and 3b are an example of a first optical box and a second optical box. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the optical boxes 3a and 3b are arranged offset in the X direction. Therefore, the optical boxes 3a and 3b can cooperatively read a wide range in the X direction. Note that, by offsetting the optical boxes 3a and 3b, a space (e.g., fan accommodating space 20c) is created next to the optical box 3a. Axial fans 35a and 35b are arranged in this space, making the scanner 1 more compact. (Item 6) Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 5, wherein the first optical box and the second optical box are arranged apart from each other in the medium transport direction so that air blown from the second fan to the second circuit board passes through a space provided between the first optical box and the second optical box.

[0050] 6, the optical boxes 3a and 3b are spaced apart in the Y direction. Therefore, a flow path is formed between them. This makes it difficult to restrict the flow rate and flow speed of air to the image processing board 50b, allowing the image processing board 50b to be cooled efficiently. (Item 7) the housing further includes a dividing plate that divides the interior of the housing into at least a first internal space and a second internal space; 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the first circuit board, the first imaging element, the first fan, the second circuit board, the second imaging element, and the second fan are arranged in the first internal space.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the internal support plate 8 is an example of a dividing plate. The lower space 20a is an example of a first internal space. The upper space 20b is an example of a second internal space. By dividing the internal space 20 in this way, it becomes possible to circulate air efficiently. Furthermore, because a heat source is present in the lower space 20a, the air heated in the lower space 20a tends to move upward. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the upper space 20b will be able to function more easily as a duct for circulating air. (Item 8) the dividing plate has a first opening and a second opening; the first internal space and the second internal space are in communication with each other through the first opening and the second opening, Item 8. The image forming apparatus of item 7, wherein while the first fan is operating, air in the first internal space enters the second internal space through the first opening, and air in the second internal space enters the first internal space through the second opening, thereby circulating air within the housing.

[0052] The openings 40 and 41 are an example of a first opening and a second opening. The provision of the openings in this manner will facilitate efficient circulation of air. (Item 9) 9. The image forming apparatus according to item 8, wherein an opening surface of the first opening and an air outlet surface of the first fan are orthogonal to each other.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the opening plane of the opening 40 and the blowing planes of the axial flow fans 35a and 35b may be perpendicular to each other. (Item 10) Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to item 8 or 9, wherein an opening surface of the second opening and an air outlet surface of the second fan are orthogonal to each other.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the opening plane of the opening 41 and the blowing planes of the axial flow fans 35a and 35b may be perpendicular to each other. (Item 11) 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the blowing surface of the first fan and the blowing surface of the second fan intersect with each other.

[0055] 6, the blowing surface of axial fan 35a and the blowing surface of axial fan 35b may intersect, which allows axial fans 35a and 35b to be supported by a single support member (e.g., fan support plate 37). (Item 12) 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 5, wherein the first circuit board is provided on a side surface of the first optical box, and the normal direction of the side surface is parallel to the transport direction of the medium.

[0056] 6, the image processing board 50a may be provided on the side of the optical boxes 3a and 3b. The normal direction of the image processing board 50a is parallel to the Y walk. (Item 13) 6. The image forming apparatus according to item 5, wherein the second circuit board is provided on a side surface of the second optical box, and the normal direction of the side surface is parallel to the transport direction of the medium.

[0057] 6, the image processing board 50b may be provided on the side of the optical boxes 3a and 3b. The normal directions of the image processing board 50b are parallel to the Y direction. (Item 14) 14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein an imaging surface of the first imaging element and an imaging surface of the second imaging element are parallel to each other.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the imaging surface of sensor element 52a and the imaging surface of sensor element 52b are parallel to each other. The imaging surface of sensor element 52a is parallel to the image processing board 50a. The imaging surface of sensor element 52b is parallel to the image processing board 50b. The optical box 3a may have one or more mirrors for guiding light incident from the sheet S to the imaging surface of sensor element 52a. The optical box 3b may have one or more mirrors for guiding light incident from the sheet S to the imaging surface of sensor element 52b. (Item 15) 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the housing has a through hole through which an electrical cable that connects the first circuit board and a control board provided outside the housing passes.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the wiring port 61 is an example of a through-hole through which an electric cable that connects the image processing boards 50a and 50b and a control board provided outside the housing 2 passes. (Item 16) 16. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the housing has through holes for fastening the housing with screws.

[0060] The hole 62 is an example of a through hole for fastening the housing with a screw. (Item 17) 17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the first fan and the second fan are supported by the same support member.

[0061] The fan support plate 37 is an example of a support member. This allows the housing 2 to be made compact. In addition, the number of parts is reduced. (Item 18) a conveying means for conveying the medium; a reading unit for reading the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, The reading means The housing and a first circuit board provided inside the housing; a first imaging element provided inside the housing and mounted on the first circuit board, the first imaging element reading the medium; a first fan provided inside the housing and configured to blow air onto the first circuit board to cool the first circuit board; a second circuit board provided inside the housing; a second imaging element provided inside the housing and mounted on the second circuit board, the second imaging element reading the medium; a second fan provided inside the housing and configured to blow air onto the second circuit board to cool the second circuit board, the first fan blows air into a gap formed between the first circuit board and a first side surface of the housing facing the first circuit board; The second fan blows air toward the second circuit board.

[0062] The scanner 1 is an example of an image reading device.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10: recording head, 25: print belt, 1: inline scanner, 2: housing, 50a, 50b: image processing board, 52a, 52b: sensor elements, 52a, 52b: axial flow fans

Claims

1. an image forming means for forming an image on a medium; a conveying means for conveying the medium; a reading unit for reading the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, The reading means The housing and a first optical box provided inside the housing and configured to read the medium; a first image processing board provided on a side surface of the first optical box and configured to perform image processing on the reading result of the medium; a first fan provided inside the housing for blowing air onto the first image processing board to cool the first image processing board; a second optical box provided inside the housing and configured to read the medium; a second image processing board provided on a side surface of the second optical box and configured to perform image processing on the reading result of the medium; a second fan provided inside the housing for blowing air onto the second image processing board to cool the second image processing board; a normal direction of the first image processing board and a normal direction of the second image processing board are parallel to each other; the first fan blows air between the side surface of the first optical box and a first inner surface of the housing; The image forming apparatus, wherein the second fan sends air between the side surface of the second optical box and another side surface of the first optical box facing the side surface of the second optical box.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first fan is positioned so that the direction in which air is blown by the first fan faces the first inner surface of the housing, and the air from the first fan is reflected by the first inner surface and directed toward the first image processing board.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first optical box is disposed upstream of the second optical box in the transport direction of the medium.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second fan is disposed so that the direction in which air is blown out by the second fan is directed toward the second image processing board.

5. An image forming device as described in claim 1, wherein the first optical box and the second optical box are arranged offset in a width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, so that the first optical box and the second optical box cover the entire reading range in the width direction of the medium defined by the reading means.

6. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first optical box and the second optical box are arranged apart from each other in the transport direction of the medium so that air blown from the second fan to the second image processing board passes through a space provided between the first optical box and the second optical box.

7. the housing further includes a dividing plate that divides the interior of the housing into at least a first internal space and a second internal space; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first image processing board, the first fan, the second image processing board, and the second fan are disposed in the first internal space.

8. the dividing plate has a first opening and a second opening; the first internal space and the second internal space are in communication with each other through the first opening and the second opening, 8. The image forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein while the first fan is operating, air in the first internal space enters the second internal space through the first opening, and air in the second internal space enters the first internal space through the second opening, thereby circulating air within the housing.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein an opening surface of the first opening and a blowing surface of the first fan are orthogonal to each other.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein an opening surface of the second opening and a blowing surface of the second fan are orthogonal to each other.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the blowing surface of the first fan and the blowing surface of the second fan intersect with each other.

12. An image forming device as described in Claim 1, wherein the normal direction of the side of the first optical box is parallel to the transport direction of the medium.

13. An image forming device as described in Claim 1, wherein the normal direction of the side of the second optical box is parallel to the transport direction of the medium.

14. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a through-hole through which an electric cable passes, the electric cable connecting the first image processing board and a control board provided outside the housing.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the housing has through holes for fastening the housing with screws.

16. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first fan and the second fan are supported by a same support member.

17. a conveying means for conveying the medium; a reading unit for reading the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, The reading means The housing and a first optical box provided inside the housing and configured to read the medium; a first image processing board provided on a side surface of the first optical box and configured to perform image processing on the reading result of the medium; a first fan provided inside the housing for blowing air onto the first image processing board to cool the first image processing board; a second optical box provided inside the housing and configured to read the medium; a second image processing board provided on a side surface of the second optical box and configured to perform image processing on the reading result of the medium; a second fan provided inside the housing for blowing air onto the second image processing board to cool the second image processing board; a normal direction of the first image processing board and a normal direction of the second image processing board are parallel to each other; the first fan blows air between the side surface of the first optical box and a first inner surface of the housing; The second fan sends air between the side surface of the second optical box and another side surface of the first optical box that faces the side surface of the second optical box.

Images