ES2317128T3 - IMAGE FORMATION DEVICE WITH AN AIR INPUT AND EXHAUST SYSTEM. - Google Patents

Abstract

An air intake and evacuation system comprising: an element for forming flow passages that forms a flow path of dehumidified air (A) and an air flow passage of exhaust heat (B); a dehumidifier (13) that includes a cooling and dehumidifying element (11) positioned in the dehumidified air flow passage (A), and a heat evacuation element (12) positioned in the heat air flow passage of escape (B); an inlet port (16b) to which the dehumidifier (13) is connected; a connecting air flow passage (24) through which dehumidified air (C) is introduced into an image forming unit (14) from the dehumidified air flow passage (A); a dehumidifying fan (21) that sends an air flow from the dehumidified air flow passage (A) to the connecting air flow passage (24); and a heat evacuation fan (20) that discharges exhaust heat from the exhaust heat air flow passage (B) to the outside; characterized by: a receptacle (15) covering an opening (18a) common to the passage of dehumidified air flow (A) and the passage of exhaust heat air flow (B), and in which the dehumidifier (13) It includes a water absorption element (25) positioned in the exhaust heat air flow passage (B), in which water from the dehumidifier (13) evaporates in the exhaust heat air flow passage ( B) through the water absorption element (25) which is configured to absorb and to transport dehumidified water generated in the cooling and dehumidifying element (11).

Description

Imaging apparatus with a system air intake and exhaust.

Background of the invention 1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a system of air intake and control according to claim 1 and an apparatus for imaging according to claim 8, equipped with a system according to claim 1 dehumidifying the interior of the apparatus.

2. Description of the related technique

Generally, in a dehumidifier in an imaging apparatus, the air in a copying section containing moisture and powder toner generated in a developing section is guided into a dehumidifier by an air distribution fan. Dew is formed by moisture in the air, which is transformed into droplets and falls into a recirculation water receiver by means of a cooling fan mounted on a low temperature section of a Peltier element. At that time, the powdery toner is captured by the droplets and falls into the recirculation water receiver along with the droplets. The air, from which moisture and dusty toner are removed, is expelled outside the dehumidifier and supplied to the copy unit. At that time, by cooling a high temperature section of the Peltier element with the air distribution fan through a radiating fin mounted on the Peltier element, the cooling efficiency of the low temperature section of the Peltier element increases. Consequently, the efficiency of dehumidification is improved, as disclosed in the Japanese patent application opened for public consultation No. H6-83129, paragraph [0035] to [0036], Figs. one
and 2.

The imaging device electrophotographic is prone to be affected by changes environmental, and a measure against a characteristic change due to temperature and humidity is a big technical problem. By example, the main characteristics of the processing of images such as loading capacity and toner properties (fluidity and the like) are widely affected by moisture, causing a defective load, a defective cleaning and similar, consequently becoming a cause of formation Image defective. In addition, the rigidity and Young's modulus of the rubber parts used for a cleaning sheet and for transport and separate paper change according to temperature, causing thereby cleaned defective, binding and defective transport, such as multiple feeding and the like. Moreover, when a transfer material, such as paper, absorbs moisture, se softens, decreasing transportation property accordingly, or, when it becomes dry, the resistance increases, causing it a defective transfer.

Thus, an apparatus of imaging that includes a detector that detects the temperature and humidity in the device, and an adjustment unit that adjust the temperature and humidity in the device based on the Temperature and humidity detector detection result. By For example, the Japanese patent application opened for consultation by the public No. H9-81018 unveils a training apparatus of images in which the main part of it is configured substantially as a closed space. Humidity in the device it is detected by a humidity detector and compared with a optimum optimum humidity and, when there is a difference, a humidity adjustment unit adjusts the humidity in the appliance. The Japanese patent application open for public consultation No. 2003-280467 unveils a training apparatus for images in which a plurality of image forming units they are respectively configured as a closed space and, for each of the image forming units, a temperature and humidity detector as well as an adjustment unit of temperature and humidity

However, in an assembly procedure of a conventional dehumidifier, since the Peltier element is prone to load and impact, difficulties arise when the Peltier element, a cooling and dehumidifying element and a heat evacuation element are exposed, and work it's complicated.

In imaging devices disclosed in Japanese patent applications open to public consultation Nos. H9-81018 and 2003-280467, the position between the temperature and humidity detector and a heat source that generates heat in the device. When the detector is installed temperature and humidity near the heat source, for example a fixing apparatus that fixes a toner image by joining thermocompression, the temperature and humidity detector looks directly affected by the heat coming from the source of hot. Therefore, even if the temperature adjustment unit and moisture is put into operation based on the result of the temperature and humidity detector detection, it is difficult control the ambient atmosphere in the device and units image formers at a temperature or humidity appropriate for the Image formation

The document US-A-5539500 unveils a device of imaging with a humidity regulating device. By means of a humidity regulator a regulation is carried out to adjust the moisture content in the device. Said regulator of humidity comprises a dehumidifying unit and a unit of humidification intended to adjust the humidity in the area around The imaging elements. The dehumidifying unit it comprises a dehumidifying element and an evacuation element of hot.

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Two different air flows are used, in which a fan is provided, for ventilation purposes, in the inlet hole of each air flow passage. Connected to step from the dehumidifying air flow is a reservoir for collect water

In the document US-A-2004/052545, a air intake and evacuation system that is widely distributed and includes many different flow steps arranged all over the office machine.

The document US-A-2001/012048 uses a filter, the filter being provided on the front of a fan that blows air into a training apparatus images.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is intended to resolve At least the problems of conventional technology.

In accordance with the present invention, the advantages of the invention are provided by a system of air intake and evacuation according to claim 1 and an apparatus for imaging according to claim 8. The secondary claims define embodiments advantageous

The above and other objects, characteristics, advantages and technical and industrial importance of this invention are they will understand better by reading the detailed description that follows from the presently preferred embodiments of this invention, provided they are taken into account in relation to the drawings that are attached.

Brief description of the drawing

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a imaging apparatus according to a first form of embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier used in the first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier used in the first embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the dehumidifier used in the first embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a dehumidifier used in the second embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a dehumidifier used in the third embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of another example of the dehumidifier used in the third embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a imaging apparatus according to a fourth form of embodiment of the present invention, showing a part of the partial section configuration;

Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a operation performed by the dehumidifier of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the internal configuration of a printer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a control block diagram of the printer;

Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram of the internal configuration of a printer according to another form of realization.

Detailed description of the embodiments preferred

Ways to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to  Drawings attached. The present invention is not limited to These embodiments.

Figs. 1 to 4 represent a first form of embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 1 to 4, elements equal or equivalent are designated with reference numbers same or similar and redundant explanations of the same.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the principle of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. An apparatus of imaging 1 includes a dehumidifier 13 that has a Peltier element 10 disposed between a cooling element and dehumidification 11 and a heat evacuation element 12, a dehumidifier / exhaust heat receptacle 15 covering integrally a common opening of an air flow passage dehumidified A provided on the side of the cooling element and dehumidification 11 and an exhaust heat air flow passage B provided on one side of the heat evacuation element 12, and a electrophotographic imaging unit 14, connected to a subsequent stage of dehumidifier 13 to introduce air dehumidified C from the dehumidified air flow passage A to through an air flow passage 24.

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The imaging apparatus 1 includes a inlet hole 16, the dehumidifier 13 connected to the hole inlet 16, the air flow passage 24 located downstream of the dehumidifier 13, the image forming unit 14 connected to the air flow passage 24, an evacuation passage 23 located waters below the imaging unit 14 and an exhaust port 17 located at the end of the evacuation step 23.

The dehumidifier 13 includes a fan of dehumidification 21, the cooling and dehumidifying element 11 in the form of a fin located on a discharge side of the fan dehumidification 21 to increase the contact surface with the air, the heat evacuation element 12 in the form of a fin located downstream of inlet hole 16 to increase the air contact surface, and an evacuation fan of heat 20 located downstream of the heat evacuation element 12.

Image forming unit 14 is located between the air flow passage 24 and the evacuation passage 23 e includes a humidity detector 8 that detects moisture in the inside the device, a paper container for transfer 26 intended to receive paper for transfer 28, a unit of paper transport for transfer 29, a type photoconductor drum 31 and an image transfer unit 32 that transfers an image on the photoconductor 31. The humidity detector 8 detects the relative humidity in the imaging unit 14 and, when the detected humidity indicates a predetermined value or upper, dehumidify the air in the receptacle of dehumidifier / exhaust heat 15 operating a default equipment arranged in the receptacle of dehumidifier / exhaust heat 15, in order to supply air dehumidified from the dehumidifier / exhaust heat receptacle 15 to the imaging unit 14. The function and the like of the moisture detector 8 are explained in detail later.

In the imaging apparatus 1, can provide for an element to eliminate foreign matter from exhaust heat 19 on the side of the fan inlet hole of heat evacuation 20 provided in the dehumidifier 13, as dust protection measure. It can also be foreseen, in the inside the air flow passage 24, an elimination element of dehumidifying foreign matter 18. In the first form of embodiment, to allow stable operation of the unit Imager 14 and prevent an abnormal image, you can use properly a unit that attracts fine particles in the air using a filter to remove fine particles or a filter static removal

An air intake and evacuation system includes the inlet hole 16 to aspirate the air, the dehumidifier 13 having the Peltier element 10 arranged between the cooling and dehumidifying element 11 and the heat evacuation 12, the dehumidifier / heat receptacle of exhaust 15 integrally covering the common opening of the passage of dehumidified air flow A, provided on one side of the element cooling and dehumidification 11, and the air flow passage of exhaust heat B, provided on the side of the evacuation element of heat 12, the air flow passage 24, intended to let the dehumidified air C pass the dehumidified air flow passage A a the imaging unit 14, and the evacuation fan of heat 20, intended to expel exhaust heat D from the passage of Exhaust heat air flow B. In Fig. 1, the letter of reference E represents exhaust air from the forming unit of image 14.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 13 used in the imaging apparatus according to The first embodiment. As in Fig. 1, they are omitted redundant explanations about similar elements.

The dehumidifier 13 includes the receptacle of dehumidifier / exhaust heat 15 which is located in an area enclosed by a line of two points and stripes and covers integrally the common opening of the air flow passage dehumidified A and the exhaust heat air flow passage B enclosed by a housing 22. In a corner above the part Rear of dehumidifier / exhaust heat receptacle 15, can provide an insulating element 9 that increases the effect of dehumidification

The dehumidifier 13 is provided with a hole exhaust 17a on the left side of the anterior face and can expel the exhaust air evacuated by the evacuation fan of heat 20. A water absorption / diffusion element 25 is provided respectively on a bottom face and a surface vertical between the exhaust hole 17a and the fan heat evacuation 20, so that the droplets are allowed generated by dew formation from moisture in the air cooled by the cooling and dehumidifying element 11 (see Fig. 1) infiltrate the water absorption / diffusion element 25.

The dehumidifier 13 is provided with the hole input 16 to the right of the previous face and you can enter the air through a foreign matter removal element of dehumidification 18a covering the inlet opening 16 for Perform dust protection measures.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 13 used in the imaging apparatus according to The first embodiment. The receptacle of dehumidifier / exhaust heat 15 (see Fig. 1) is removed of housing 22. As in Fig. 2, explanations are omitted redundant on the subject of similar elements.

The dehumidifier 13 includes an orifice of input 16b located on the front face of the fan dehumidification 21, separated the inlet opening 16b of the dehumidifying fan 21, the absorption / diffusion element of water 25 located near the inlet port 16a, the element of removal of foreign matter from exhaust heat 19, provided for in an inlet hole of the heat evacuation fan 20, and a plurality of cooling and dehumidifying elements 11 located downstream of the dehumidifying fan 21.

The cooling and dehumidifying elements 11 have an opening formed substantially in the center of a wall, which separates a flow of air sucked by a negative pressure by means of the heat evacuation fan 20 and an air flow under pressure by the dehumidifying fan 21, and can improve the dehumidification effect and the evacuation effect of hot.

The operation of the training apparatus of Images 1 is explained with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. In the imaging apparatus 1, the air sucked from the passage dehumidified air flow A is dehumidified by the element of cooling and dehumidification 11, and the dehumidified air is feeds the imaging unit 14 through the passage of indoor air flow 24.

Dehumidifier 13 feeds the air dehumidified to image forming unit 14, in order to reduce variations of characteristic values (hardness, Young's modulus and the like) of rubber parts, variations of electric charges of a developer and variations of properties of the toner (fluidity and similar), so you can provide a system that has a stable imaging function. Moreover, it can be suppressed the occurrence of anomalous images such as image blur which ensues in a condition of high humidity.

In this example, moisture detector 8 is mounted on an image forming unit (development unit) 33d (see Fig. 8) in the imaging unit 14 (see Fig. one). The humidity detector 8 serves to detect the humidity in the imaging unit and can also be used at the time of procedure control Alternatively, a temperature / humidity detector.

The dehumidifier 13 goes into operation, as shown in a flow chart shown in Fig. 9, when humidity detector 8 indicates a relative humidity of 60% or higher. More specifically, when the humidity detector 8 indicates a relative humidity of 60% or higher, the fan of dehumidification 21 (heat absorption fan), the element Peltier 10 and heat evacuation fan 20 (fan radiant) are energized and outside air is introduced respectively in the dehumidified air flow passage A, by dehumidifying fan 21 (absorption fan of heat), and in the flow of exhaust heat air flow B, by heat evacuation fan 20 (fan radiant). The outside air introduced in the air flow passage dehumidified A is dehumidified by the cooling element and dehumidification 11, is cooled by the Peltier element 10 to become the dehumidified air C and the unit is fed imager 14 through the air flow passage 24. The outside air introduced in the heat air flow passage of exhaust B is heated by heat from the element of heat evacuation 12, is heated by the Peltier element 10, absorbs water vapor evapotranspirated by the element of water absorption / diffusion 25 to become the heat of escape D, and is ejected from the exhaust hole 17.

When the humidity in the forming unit of image 14 reaches a certain value, the dehumidifier 13 is set in operation as shown in Fig. 9. Consequently, the moisture in the imaging unit 14 can be maintained in a certain value, or less, producing image quality stable. In addition, when operating the dehumidifier 13 only when humidity detector 8 indicates a certain moisture, energy saving can be realized. Also, several sensors in the imaging unit 14 can be cleaned by the wind pressure of the air fed to the unit imager 14, in order to improve the accuracy of detection.

To start the dehumidifier 13, a lot of power is required. On the other hand, in the state in which paper is fed to the imaging apparatus 1, the influence of moisture in relation to the forming unit of Image 14 is sparse. Therefore, when the dehumidifier 13 only in the state in which paper is not fed to the image forming unit 14, the consumption of energy by the entire imaging apparatus 1. Is more, when a user wants to save energy, he can leave the dehumidifier 13 completely deactivated.

The dehumidifier 13 has the Peltier element 10, the cooling and dehumidifying element 11 and the element of heat evacuation 12, and may be coated by and formed integrally with the housing 22 and the receptacle of dehumidifier / exhaust heat 15 forming the air flow passage dehumidified A and the exhaust heat air flow passage B. A insulating element 9a, shown in Fig. 4, isolates the air flow dehumidified of the internal temperature of the forming apparatus of images 1, in order to increase the dehumidification effect.

When using the Peltier 10 element in the dehumidifier 13, the size of the apparatus can be reduced and can save energy. For example, the device is made small and simplified using the Peltier element 10 shown in Fig. 4.

In the dehumidifier 13, the element of cooling and dehumidification 11 is a cooling fin, and a heat transfer element (not shown) is held between the heat absorbing surface of the Peltier 10 element and the dehumidifier 13. Similarly, the heat evacuation element 12 is, in this invention, a radiant fin, and an element of heat transmission (not shown) is attached between the surface heating element Peltier 10 and dehumidifier 13.

An insulating element 9b is provided in a opening of a wall, which separates the air flow passage dehumidified A of the exhaust heat air flow passage B, and it serves as an insulating element that insulates between the element of cooling and dehumidification 11 (cooling fin) and the heat evacuation element 12 (radiant fin).

The housing 22 is part of the flow passage of dehumidified air A and the heat air flow passage of exhaust B surrounding the dehumidifier 13, and the common opening of the dehumidified air flow passage A and the air flow passage of Exhaust heat B is exposed. The common opening is coated integrally from the dehumidifier / exhaust heat receptacle 15, thereby providing the passage of dehumidified air flow A and The air flow passage of exhaust heat B, to separate the flow of air. The water absorption / diffusion element 25 absorbs and transports dehumidified water generated in the cooling element and dehumidification 11.

The dehumidifying fan 21 serves as fan to feed air to the cooling element and dehumidification 11, and sends dehumidified air from the flow passage of dehumidified air to the passage of air flow 24. On the other part, the heat evacuation fan 20 absorbs air coming from the heat evacuation element 12 and expels air heated.

As shown in Fig. 4, the element of water absorption / diffusion 25 can absorb dehumidified water dripped from the cooling and dehumidifying element 11 and transport water horizontally. That is, since the element water absorption / diffusion 25 transports water horizontally formed by saturation to the dew point in the element of cooling and dehumidification 11 at any time, it is not necessary to provide a deposit to collect a large amount of water under the cooling and dehumidifying element 11, so a water leak can be prevented due to an influence by vibration or inclination of the imaging apparatus one.

In addition, it can be provided, to collect water dehumidified, a zone of deposit in juxtaposition in the dehumidifier 13, so that it collects temporarily formed water by saturation to dew point. That is, by providing a deposit area in the dehumidifier 13, can be collected as is, in the dehumidifier 13, dehumidified water generated in the cooling and dehumidifying element 11.

Since the absorption / diffusion element of water 25 is installed on the bottom face and the surface vertical along the exhaust heat air flow passage B, absorbed water can evaporate easily, even in an area Low volume Particularly, since the air flow, after having passed the heat evacuation element 12, it is hot air compared to the air flow in the orifice of output, water evaporation capacity can be improved absorbed by the water absorption / diffusion element 25.

Thus, since the dehumidifier 13 It has an evaporating mechanism of dehumidified water, it can be improved  dehumidifier maintenance property and the effect size reducer By evaporating the dehumidified water in the passage of Exhaust heat air flow, an accumulator of water that has a large capacity, a water discharge operation and the like

In the imaging apparatus 1, the area of the imaging unit 14 to be dehumidified is set so that it is the proximity of photoconductor 31 or others treatment units adjacent to it (for example, the paper container for transfer 26, the transport unit of transfer paper 29 and the transfer unit image 32), thereby promoting the decrease in size and energy saving.

In addition, when providing the imaging unit 14 in a substantially closed treatment cartridge that includes photoconductor 31 and at least one other unit of treatment (for example, image transfer unit 32), dehumidification efficiency can be increased, enhancing with this decreases the size and energy saving of the device imaging 1.

In addition, if the area to be dehumidified is extends to the proximity of the area that includes the paper for transfer 28 and the paper transport unit for transfer 29 and into the paper container for transfer 26, the transfer paper 28 is prevented and the transfer paper transport unit 29 absorb excess moisture compared to the atmosphere, providing with This is a stable transportation ability and transferability. In addition, since the foreign matter elimination element of the exhaust heat 19 is provided in the air flow passage of Exhaust heat B or the foreign matter removal element dehumidification 18 is provided in the air flow passage dehumidified A, even if there is foreign matter such as dust in the outside air can be effectively prevented from getting dirty parts in the area with air conditioning in the appliance imaging 1.

Thus, in the first form of embodiment, the imaging system can be stabilized  by temperature regulation carried out by dehumidifying the air in the dehumidified air flow passage and can also prevent the occurrence of anomalous images in a high environment temperature by dehumidifying the air in the appliance imaging 1. By adopting the configuration of a monolithic dehumidifier 13 coated in the receptacle dehumidifier / exhaust heat 15, an apparatus of imaging in which the dehumidified air and the air of Escape do not mix with each other.

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Since the imaging apparatus 1 includes monolithic dehumidifier 13 coated in receptacle dehumidifier / exhaust heat 15, can be prevented Effective load imbalance and impact on the element Peltier 10 in a dehumidifier assembly procedure 13 in the imaging apparatus 1.

Moreover, by adopting the monolithic dehumidifier 13 which includes coated heat evacuation fan 20 of the dehumidifier / exhaust heat receptacle 15, can reduce gaps and joints in the evacuation step between the heat evacuation element 12 and the evacuation fan of heat 20. Consequently, the heat in the dehumidifier 13 can effectively expelled and the effectiveness of dehumidification

Since the dehumidifying fan 21 is formed integrally with the dehumidifier 13, are reduced gaps and joints in the evacuation step between the element of heat evacuation 12 and heat evacuation fan 20, So the air can be dehumidified effectively.

Since the dehumidifying fan 21 pressurizes the outside air and sends to the dehumidifier 13 the air that will be dehumidified, it is not necessary to provide a fan of air flow for the imaging unit, allowing reduce accordingly the number of parts of the training apparatus of images 1.

Even if there is matter in the outside air strange such as dust, the material removal element strange dehumidification 18 or the elimination element of foreign matter from exhaust heat 19 removes foreign matter. Consequently, the internal parts of the apparatus can be prevented Image formation 1 get dirty.

That is, by providing the element of removal of foreign matter at each step of air flow, even if there is foreign matter such as dust in the outside air, parts in the conditioned area can be prevented from air get dirty. In addition, since the respective elements of Foreign matter removal are integrally formed with the dehumidifier 13, and the gap in the respective flow steps of air is small, it can be effectively prevented from getting dirty the internal parts of the imaging apparatus 1.

When making the imaging unit 14 substantially closed, the natural exchange with the air outside the imaging apparatus 1, improving with it the effect of dehumidification. In addition, since the dehumidifying efficiency, the consumption of Energy.

When dehumidifying with respect to a limited area, that is, the photoconductor and the units of treatment adjacent to it, which have a great effect of dehumidification, dehumidification efficiency is improved, thereby allowing the decrease in size and the saving of Energy.

In addition, by integrally forming the area that is going to Dehumidify as a treatment cartridge, can be maintained easily the closed situation of the area that is going to dehumidify, in order to increase the efficiency of dehumidification, thereby allowing a decrease in size and a saving of energy of the imaging apparatus 1.

In addition, by extending the area that will dehumidify to the proximity of the area that includes the paper for transfer 28 and the paper transport unit for transfer 29 and into the paper container for transfer 26, the transfer paper 28 is prevented and the transfer paper transport unit 29 absorb excess moisture, thereby providing an ability to transport  and stable transferability of transfer paper 28.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a dehumidifier used in the imaging apparatus according to a  second embodiment of the present invention. Omitted redundant explanations of similar elements in the dehumidifier shown in Fig. 4.

Pressurized and fed air from the passage of dehumidified air flow shown on the right side of the Fig. 5 is transferred to the air flow passage 24 (see Fig. 1) on the downstream side, through the cooling element and dehumidification 11. The dust mixed in the air introduced from the exterior is filtered by the material removal element strange dehumidification 18 arranged between the element of cooling and dehumidification 11 and the air flow passage 24, thereby preventing contamination of the photoconductor 31 and Similar.

Figs. 6 and 7 are plan views of the dehumidifier used in an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Omitted redundant explanations of similar elements in the dehumidifier shown in Fig. 4.

Pressurized and fed air from the passage of dehumidified air flow shown on the right side of the Fig. 6 is transferred to the air flow passage 24 (see Fig. 1) on the downstream side, through the cooling element and dehumidification 11. The dust mixed in the air introduced from the exterior is filtered by a common element of elimination of foreign matter 27 disposed between the cooling element and dehumidification 11 and the air flow passage 24, thereby preventing contamination of photoconductor 31 and the like.

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The common element of matter elimination Strange 27 is inserted into a through opening provided in the wall which separates the flow path of dehumidified air and the flow path of exhaust heat air, and extends to the side of the discharge opening of the heat evacuation fan 20. In this case, the common element of foreign matter elimination 27 can effectively remove the mixed powder in the flow of exhaust heat air that passes through the air flow passage of exhaust heat, thereby preventing deterioration of the required durability or performance of protective parts against dust in the imaging device 1.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of an example modified from the third embodiment. The common element of removal of foreign matter 27 is provided, in Fig. 6, near of the heat evacuation fan 20. However, in the modified example shown in. Fig. 7, an element is arranged Common removal of foreign matter 27a between the fan of dehumidification 21 and the cooling and dehumidifying element eleven.

Since the common element of elimination of foreign matter 27a is located upstream of the flow passage of exhaust heat air and dehumidified air flow passage, the foreign matter mixed in the absorbed air can be removed in An early stage. Consequently, it can be prevented Effectively the problem of dust adhering to the fins in the cooling and dehumidifying element 11 and the element of heat evacuation 12.

Thus, in the third form of realization, since the matter elimination element strange dehumidification and the element of matter removal strange exhaust heat are built as a piece, can reduce the number of pieces, thereby reducing the number of procedures in maintenance work.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a imaging apparatus according to a fourth form of embodiment of the present invention, with a part of the configuration cut. Redundant explanations of similar elements shown in Fig. 1.

The imaging apparatus 1 includes the dehumidifier 13 having the inlet hole 16 and the hole exhaust 17a, a plurality of image forming units 14a a 14d, connected to the dehumidifier 13 through the flow passage of air 24, and an exhaust orifice 17b that expels exhaust air of the image forming units 14a to 14d through the passage of evacuation.

The imaging units 14a to 14d include photoconductors 31a to 31d that transfer images in primary colors respectively different from each other, units of image transfer 32a to 32d, development units 33a to 33d, cleaning units 34a to 34d and toner supply units 35a at 35d.

The imaging units 14a to 14d they can provide a color imaging system which has photoconductors 31a to 31d, to which air is supplied dehumidified from dehumidifier 13, whose interior has been Removed foreign matter.

In the fourth embodiment, since it dehumidify the air in the flow path of dehumidified air, can reduce variations in characteristic values (hardness, modulus of Young and the like) of rubber parts in the apparatus of imaging 1, variations in electrical charges of the developer and properties variations of the toner (fluidity and Similar). Consequently, in the imaging system in color that has photoconductors 31a to 31d, it can be reduced a difference in the images transferred from the respective imaging systems and the mismatch of the color registration, thereby achieving high images quality.

The action and effects described in the previous embodiments are only the most appropriate achieved by the invention, and are not limited to those described in the forms of realization.

A fifth embodiment will be explained wherein the present invention applies to a printer at all color (hereinafter "printer"), which is the apparatus of imaging Fig. 10 is a block diagram schematic of the internal configuration of the printer. Is according shown in Fig. 10, the printer includes cartridges of 102Y, 102C, 102M and 102K treatment, which are the forming units image for the representation of respective toner images yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M) and black (K), in a apparatus body 101. Hereinafter, subscripts Y, C, M and K at end of the respective reference numbers indicate that it is of elements intended for yellow, cyan, magenta and black. Below of the respective treatment cartridges 102, a intermediate transfer unit 104 having a belt intermediate transfer 103, to which images of toner formed by the respective treatment cartridges 102. Under intermediate transfer unit 104, they are provided a fixing apparatus 105, which is the fixing unit that fixes the toner image on the P transfer paper, and a transport unit 106, which carries the transfer paper P to the fixing device. Fixing apparatus 105 includes a heating roller 105a, which has inside a heat source (not shown), and a pressure roller 105b pressed against the heating roller 105a, so that the fixing apparatus 105 is a source of heat that generates more heat on the device In the lower part of the body of the apparatus 101 is a paper feed cassette 107 intended for Store the transfer paper P, which can be removed.

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The respective 102Y treatment cartridges, 102C, 102M and 102K respectively include a type photoconductor 110Y, 110C, 110M or 110K drum, a 111Y, 111C, 111M loading roller or 111K, which loads the photoconductor 110, a developing apparatus 112Y, 112C, 112M or 112K, which reveals a latent image formed on the photoconductor 110, and a cleaning sheet 113Y, 113C, 113M or 113K, which cleans residual toner on photoconductor 110. In addition, the respective treatment cartridges 102Y, 102C, 102M and 102K respectively include an optical drive (not shown) that can irradiate laser beams towards the photoconductor 110Y, 110C, 110M or 110K

The procedure for obtaining will be explained a color image on the printer that has a configuration of this type. Initially, in the 102Y treatment cartridge, 102C, 102M, 102K, the photoconductor 110Y, 110C, 110M, 110K is charged evenly by loading roller 111Y, 111C, 11M, 111K. After that, the laser beams are scanned and exposed via the optical drive based on the image information,  in order to form a latent image on the surface of the 110Y, 110C, 110M, 110K photoconductor. The latent image on the 110Y, 110C, 110M, 110K photoconductor is revealed by the respective color toners carried by the developer roller in the development apparatus 112Y, 112C, 112M, 112K, to become a Image visible in the form of a toner image. Toner images over the photoconductors 110Y, 110C, 110M and 110K overlap in sequence and transfer over the transfer belt intermediate 103. On the other hand, the paper for transfer P in the paper feed cassette 107 is transported inside the apparatus body 101 by a paper feed roller 108 arranged near paper feed cassette 107, and transported to a secondary transfer unit with a predetermined timing by a pair of reserve rollers 109. In the secondary transfer unit, the toner image formed  over the intermediate transfer belt 103 is transferred over the transfer paper P. The transfer paper P on the one that transfers the toner image is transported by the transport unit 106, passes between the heating roller 105a and the pressure roller 105b in the fixing apparatus 105, thereby fixing the image, and the paper is ejected for transfer P to the outside of the body of the device.

In the printer according to the fifth form of embodiment, a temperature / humidity detector 120, which is the temperature / humidity detector that detects the temperature and humidity in the body of the apparatus 101, is provided above the 102K black treatment cartridge, which is located in the position further away from the fixing apparatus 105 as a source of heat, between the treatment cartridges 102Y, 102C, 102M and 102K In the upper part of the body of the apparatus 101, it is provided for an air conditioner 121, which is the adjustment unit of temperature / humidity that adjusts the temperature and humidity in the ambient atmosphere in the body of the apparatus 101.

As shown in Fig. 11, it is installed a controller 122 that controls the operation of the conditioner  of air 121, based on the detection result of the detector of temperature / humidity 120, so that temperature and humidity in the body of the apparatus 101 are within a range predetermined. Controller 122 reads the temperature detected by the temperature / humidity detector with a timing default, to determine if the detected temperature is within the predetermined interval. When the temperature detected is within the predetermined range, the controller 122 stops the operation of the air conditioner 121. When the detected temperature is not within the range By default, controller 122 starts the air conditioner 121 so as to regulate the temperature and moisture in the body of the apparatus 101 so that they are inside the default interval. Controller 122 may be provided for the exclusive control of the air conditioner 121, or it can be a controller that can control the entire training procedure of image. Desirably, a part to be treated with air conditioning using air conditioner 121 se It forms substantially in a closed configuration. Although the part that is going to be treated with air conditioning is all the part of the body of the apparatus 101, the configuration can be of such that can be treated individually with air conditioning Each treatment cartridge 102Y, 102C, 102M, 102K, which is more They are likely to be affected by temperature and humidity.

Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram of the internal configuration of a printer according to another form of realization. In Fig. 12, same pieces as in Fig. 10, indicated by the same reference signs, and their explanation It is omitted.

As shown in Fig. 12, a temperature / humidity detector 123, which is the temperature / humidity detector that detects the temperature and humidity in the treatment cartridge 102, may be provided above the black treatment cartridge 102K, which is located in the furthest position of the fixing apparatus 105, from between the treatment cartridges 102Y, 102C, 102M and 102K. In the upper part of the body of the apparatus 101, an air conditioner 124 is provided, which is the temperature / humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature and humidity in the ambient atmosphere in the treatment cartridge 102Y, 102C, 102M and 102K . Also in this case, the controller 122 reads the temperature detected by the temperature / humidity detector with a predetermined timing, to determine if the detected temperature is within the predetermined range. When the detected temperature is within the predetermined range, the controller 122 stops the operation of the air conditioner 124. When the detected temperature is not within the predetermined range, the controller 122 operates the air conditioner 124 so as to regulate the temperature. and humidity in the treatment cartridges 102Y, 102C, 102M and 102K so that they are within the range
predetermined.

Desirably, the treatment cartridges 102Y, 102C, 102M and 102K, which are the part to be dealt with air conditioning by means of air conditioner 124, they are formed substantially in a closed configuration. By example, the configuration is such that a part of a side plate of the treatment cartridge 102, which is the incidence range of the laser beams coming from the optical unit, is formed of a transparent window and only the unit of secondary transfer to transfer the toner image on the photoconductor 110 on the transfer material. Be it then forms an inlet hole and an exhaust port connected to the air conditioner 124 in the cartridge treatment 102.

Claims (20)

1. An air intake and evacuation system which includes: an element for forming flow steps that form a dehumidified air flow passage (A) and a flow passage exhaust heat air (B); a dehumidifier (13) that includes a cooling and dehumidifying element (11) positioned in the flow path of dehumidified air (A), Y a heat evacuation element (12) positioned in the exhaust heat air flow passage (B); an inlet hole (16b) to which it is connected the dehumidifier (13); a connection air flow passage (24) at whose through dehumidified air (C) is introduced into a forming unit image (14) from the dehumidified air flow passage (A); a dehumidifying fan (21) that sends an air flow from the dehumidified air flow passage (A) to the connecting air flow passage (24); Y a heat evacuation fan (20) that discharge exhaust heat from the heat air flow passage of escape (B) to the outside; characterized by: a receptacle (15) covering an opening (18a) common to the flow of dehumidified air flow (A) and the flow path exhaust heat air (B), and in which the dehumidifier (13) includes a water absorption element (25) positioned in the flow passage of exhaust heat air (B), in which water from the dehumidifier (13) evaporates in the heat air flow passage Exhaust (B) through the water absorption element (25) that It is configured to absorb and transport dehumidified water generated in the cooling and dehumidifying element (11). 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, understanding a Peltier element (10) positioned between the cooling and dehumidifying element (11) and the element of heat evacuation (12). 3. The system (1) according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the dehumidifier (13) includes a heat evacuation fan (20) that discharges exhaust heat from the passage of exhaust heat air flow (B) to the outside of the imaging apparatus (1). 4. The system (1) according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the dehumidifier (13) includes a dehumidifying fan (21) provided in front of the cooling and dehumidification (11). 5. The system (1) according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the air flow passage of connection (24) includes an element that eliminates by filtration foreign particles (18). 6. The system (1) according to claim 1, in which the exhaust heat air flow passage (B) includes a element that removes foreign particles by filtration (18a). 7. The system (1) according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the dehumidifier (13) includes a element that removes foreign particles by filtration (27, 27a) both of the dehumidified air flow passage (A) and the passage of Exhaust heat air flow (B). 8. An imaging device (1) that understands: an image forming unit (14); Y an air intake and evacuation system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the unit Image former (14) is connected to the dehumidifier (13) by the connection air flow passage (24) through which introduces dehumidified air into the imaging unit (14) from the passage of dehumidified air flow (A). 9. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein the image forming unit (14) it includes a color imaging mechanism that has independent photoconductors (31). 10. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein the image forming unit (14) is a treatment cartridge (102) in which they are combined integrally a photoconductor (31) and a transfer unit image (32) adjacent to the photoconductor (31). 11. The imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the unit Image former (14) includes transfer paper (28), a paper transport unit for transfer (29) and a transfer paper container (26). 12. The imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the unit Image former (14) includes a humidity detector (8) that detects a relative humidity in the imaging unit (14), in the that the dehumidifier (13) dehumidifies air in the passage dehumidified air flow (A) when the humidity detected by the humidity detector (8) is a predetermined or higher value and supplies dehumidified air to the imaging unit (14) from the receptacle (15). 13. The imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the unit Image former (14) includes a humidity detector (8) that detects a relative humidity in the imaging unit (14), in the that the dehumidifier (13) dehumidifies air in the passage dehumidified air flow (A) when the humidity detected by the humidity detector (8) is a predetermined or higher value and supplies dehumidified air to the imaging unit (14) from the receptacle (15). 14. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein the image forming unit (14) includes a dust-protected structure in which the dehumidified air introduced from the air flow passage of connection (24) is discharged in an evacuation step downstream (2. 3). 15. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the dehumidified air from  of the dehumidifying fan (21) is inserted into the unit image former (14) through the cooling element and dehumidification (11). 16. The imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 8 to 15, further comprising: a plurality of imaging units (14) forming a toner image on an image carrier; a controller (122) that controls the system of temperature / humidity setting based on a result of the temperature / humidity detector detection (120, 123) in order to adjust temperature and humidity at a predetermined interval; Y a source of heat that generates a temperature current maximum in the imaging apparatus (1), in the that the temperature / humidity detector (120, 123) It is located near one of the imaging units (14) located the furthest from the heat source. 17. The imaging apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein: temperature / humidity adjustment system adjust temperature and humidity at least in one of each of the image forming units (14). 18. The imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the detector of temperature / humidity (120, 123) is located near or in one of the image forming units (14) located the furthest from the heat source, and not near any of the other units image formers (14). 19. The imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the unit Imager (14) furthest from the heat source contains A black toner 20. The imaging apparatus (1) according to one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the source of heat is a fixing unit that fixes the image of toner on a transfer material by thermal compression joint.