JP2005227610A - Cooling method and image forming apparatus performing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cooling method which is capable of improving the efficiency of heat discharge in image equipment and solving problems therein, facilitates the loading/unloading and exchange of a unit and enhances the degree of freedom of design and an image forming apparatus performing the cooling method, by providing a heat transfer method which has a cooling mechanism based on liquid cooling on an image forming apparatus main body, transfers the heat generated in the unit and transfers the heat to a cooler in the image forming apparatus main body according to heat conduction and a constitution made as the image forming apparatus provided with a transferring member. <P>SOLUTION: In the cooling method which is provided with the cooler 24 on the image forming apparatus main body and is provided with heat transfer means 29, 31, 33, 35 on the units 1 to 7, when the units 1 to 7 are disposed on the image forming apparatus main body, the heat exchange between the units 1 to 7 and the cooler 24 is made possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which toner transferred to a sheet-like recording medium is fixed by heating to form a permanent image. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cooling method in which cooling is performed to achieve this, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser printer, and a multifunction machine that implements the cooling method.

Conventionally, various techniques for cooling the inside of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser printer, and a multifunction machine have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).
Conventionally, as a device for forming an image on a sheet, a photosensitive member having an image formed thereon and a developing device for visualizing the latent image formed thereon are provided, and a latent image formed on the photosensitive member by an optical writing device. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is used in which a toner is visualized with toner, transferred onto a sheet-like recording medium by a transfer device, and the toner on the recording medium (transfer paper) is fixed by heating to form a permanent image.
During the operation, the air inside the image forming apparatus is heated by the generation of heat, causing problems such as toner melting in each unit and deterioration of the performance of electronic components. Has been proposed.
Heat sources and defects in the optical unit are caused by heat generated by friction of the rotating mirror, image formation deviation caused by distortion of the optical lens, and heat generated by stirring of the toner and carrier in the developing device causes toner blocking. Causing a reduction in the function of the developing device.
Heat due to friction of the cleaning member of the photosensitive member causes contamination of the photosensitive member due to melting of toner on the surface of the photosensitive member. The heat generated from the fixing device for melting the toner and fixing it on the transfer paper causes the temperature inside the apparatus to rise, toner melting, blocking, and toner conveyance trouble.
A temperature increase due to repeated use of a solenoid for contact and separation in the transfer device causes a decrease in transferability due to a change in the electric resistance value of the belt. Further, the heat generated when the transfer paper is stocked increases the temperature inside the machine and causes sticking of the transfer paper. Furthermore, there are problems such as a decrease in photosensitivity and charge-removing property due to light due to a rise in temperature of the photoconductor, and means for exhausting heat to the outside of the apparatus have been considered.

At present, a cooling system using an air cooling system that circulates air in an image forming apparatus and discharges heat by using a fan that creates an air flow is generally used. For example, a method using an air cooling system considers the flow of airflow, and secures an air passage between the units, thereby creating a gap and suppressing the temperature rise of the units (see Patent Document 1).
Also disclosed is a technique for creating a duct, installing it near the object to be cooled, creating a flow of air with a fan, and discharging heat (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Air has a great advantage in terms of freedom of shape, but it is difficult to control the flow of wind.
In addition, there is a demerit that a space for securing the air passage is required, there is a limit to miniaturization, the efficiency is poor due to the leakage of the flow, and the noise due to the rotation of the fan is not lost.
On the other hand, the liquid cooling method by the circulation of the liquid is a more efficient method. Several disclosures have been made on the liquid cooling system because of its efficiency and noise reduction.
For example, with respect to cooling of the image forming apparatus, a water cooling method is employed in a fixing device that fixes toner on the intermediate transfer belt at the same time as transfer (for example, Patent Document 4). Regarding a water-cooled structure, a cooling device having a structure in which a heat pipe is used and a heat radiating portion thereof is arranged in a jacket in which a coolant circulates is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 5).
In addition, the present inventor has previously proposed a cooling device for cooling by attaching a pipe for circulating a liquid to the unit, connecting it to a central cooling portion, and circulating the liquid.
JP-A-10-133550 JP 2003-228260 A JP 2003-122181 A JP 2001-350357 A JP-A-5-256589

However, in the liquid cooling system, there is a problem that it takes a space to install a pipe for circulating the liquid, and the shape becomes complicated and the design becomes difficult. In addition, if there is a liquid leak at the connection part of the pipe that circulates the liquid, it will be impossible to use the equipment, and there will be concerns about contamination to other parts, which may have a serious adverse effect if it is contaminated. Yes, it is not easily adopted in image forming apparatuses.
However, in recent years, new functions have been demanded, and image forming equipment is space-saving and equipped with the latest functions. In addition to fulfilling those functions, resource saving and recyclability have been demanded. There is a demand for a unit having each function to fulfill its functions without any problems.
In addition, the image forming apparatus needs to be able to perform operations such as jam handling of transfer paper, removal of dirt such as toner and paper dust, replacement of functional parts, and the like for drawing out the unit. Furthermore, improvement in design flexibility (ease of layout) is also demanded.
An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling mechanism by liquid cooling in the image forming apparatus main body in consideration of the above-described circumstances, to transmit heat generated in the unit, and to heat the cooling device of the image forming apparatus main body by heat conduction. By proposing a heat transfer method for transmitting, and a configuration as an image forming apparatus provided with a transmission member, the efficiency of heat discharge in the image equipment is improved, the problem is solved, and the unit can be easily attached and detached, It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooling method with improved design freedom and an image forming apparatus that implements the same.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a cooling method in which the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a cooling device, and the unit is provided with heat transporting means, and the unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body. And a cooling method capable of exchanging heat between the unit and the cooling device.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the cooling method in which the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a cooling device, and the unit is provided with heat transporting means and heat insulating means, when the unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body, The cooling method is capable of heat exchange between the unit and the cooling device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a cooling device and the unit is provided with a heat transporting unit, the heat is generated when the unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that a transport unit and the cooling device are in contact with each other so as to be capable of conducting heat.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a cooling device, and the unit is provided with heat transporting means and heat insulating means, when the unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the heat transport means and the cooling device are in contact with each other so as to conduct heat.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus in which the cooling device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is provided with a heat release device for circulating the liquid and releasing the heat.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claims 3 to 5, wherein the heat generated in the unit is conveyed to the heat transport means through an atmosphere.
The invention according to claim 7 is an optical unit in which the unit reflects light and irradiates the photoelectric material, and when the optical unit is installed, a part of the optical unit comes into contact with the cooling device to exchange heat. 6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus performs the above.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device in which the unit has a function of melting toner and fixing it to transfer paper. When the fixing device is installed, a part of the fixing device comes into contact with the cooling device. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein heat exchange is performed.
The invention according to claim 9 is a transfer device in which the unit has a function of transferring toner, and when the transfer device is installed, a part of the transfer device comes into contact with the cooling device and performs heat exchange. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the unit is an image carrier on which an image latent image is formed, and when the image carrier is installed, a part of the image carrier comes into contact with the cooling device and heat exchange is performed. 6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus performs the above.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the unit is a refeed unit for refeeding the transfer paper on which the toner image is formed. When the refeed unit is installed, a part of the refeed unit is installed. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is in contact with the cooling device for heat exchange.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developing device in which the unit agitates and charges the toner and supplies the toner to the image carrier, and when the developing device is installed, a part of the developing device and the cooling device are provided. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is in contact with each other and performs heat exchange.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the unit is a cleaning unit that cleans residual toner on the image carrier. When the cleaning unit is installed, a part of the cleaning unit comes into contact with the cooling device and is heated. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the replacement is performed.
The invention according to claim 14 is a process cartridge in which the unit includes at least an image carrier that forms a toner image, and a developing device that stirs and charges the toner, and when the process cartridge is installed, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a part of the image forming apparatus comes into contact with the cooling device to perform heat exchange.
The invention described in claim 15 is characterized in that the unit is detachable and can be independently replaced.
The invention according to claim 16 is characterized in that the heat transporting means in the unit is constituted by a heat pipe.
The invention according to claim 17 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 15, wherein a member having a lower thermal resistance than the material constituting the casing of the unit is used as a heat transport means in the unit. And
The invention according to claim 18 is the image forming apparatus according to claims 3 to 15, wherein the heat transport means in the unit is based on liquid circulation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which heat generated in each unit in the image forming apparatus can be efficiently cooled and discharged, easily exchanged, and improved in design freedom.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiment of FIG.
The image forming apparatus A according to the present embodiment uses an exposure apparatus based on a written image signal sent from a scanner, a printer, or the like onto a negatively charged photosensitive member 3 by applying a negative charge by a charging roller 2. The laser diode 10 in 1 emits light and is irradiated with optical image information.
The light emitted from the laser diode 10 is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror) 11, passes through optical lenses 12 and 13, is reflected by a mirror 14, and is irradiated onto the photosensitive member 3. Depending on the intensity of the light, the potential on the charged photoreceptor changes, and a potential distribution according to the presence or absence and amount of laser light irradiation is written on the photoreceptor.
The polygon mirror 11 performs main scanning on the photosensitive member 3 by being driven to rotate at a constant speed at a high speed by a motor (not shown). In writing, a position signal for each pixel to be recorded by the control device is applied to the writing LD so that the pixel position is synchronized with the rotational position of the polygon mirror 11, and the density of the pixel and the image signal are determined by the image density. Laser light corresponding to the write signal is on / off controlled.
As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 3. The written electrostatic latent image is developed by the charged toner on the developing roller 4a in the developing device 4. In this embodiment, a reversal development method using negatively charged toner is employed.
On the other hand, on the downstream side of the developing device 4, a transfer device 5 is disposed in contact with the photoreceptor 3, and a transfer belt 5c stretched around rollers 5a and 5b is disposed. An application roller 5d is in contact with the back side of the transfer belt 5c, and a bias is applied by a connected power source (not shown).
On the other hand, in the paper feeding device 8, the transfer paper in the cassette is fed toward the transfer device 5 at the set timing, and the transfer paper is synchronized with the writing of the image at the conveying roller pair 8a, and the transfer paper is The sending timing is readjusted.
The transfer paper is fed onto the transfer belt 5c. The transfer belt 5c is brought into contact with the photosensitive member 3, and the electric charge is supplied to the applying roller 5d in synchronization with the toner on the image carrier (photosensitive member) 3. Transfer to the supplied transfer paper.

In the present embodiment, a drum in which a negatively chargeable OPC is applied to a drum-shaped cylinder having a diameter of 60 mm is used as the photosensitive member 3, and the charging roller 2 is used for charging. The developing device 4 uses a two-component developing system in which the carrier and toner are agitated and charged.
The toner is negatively charged and forms an image on the latent image portion exposed by the laser beam. The transfer paper from which the toner is transferred and exits the transfer portion is sent to the fixing device 6 to fix the toner on the transfer paper. As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 6 rotates together with a heating roller 6a and a pressure roller 6b pressed against the heating roller 6a.
The heating roller 6a is formed by forming a resin layer having heat resistance and good releasability on the peripheral surface of a pipe-shaped cored bar. The heating roller 6a includes a halogen heater 6c.
The thermistor 6d is in contact with the peripheral surface of the resin layer, detects the surface temperature of the heating roller 6a, receives the detection signal, and appropriately controls it with a temperature controller, and turns on / off the halogen heater 6c for heating. The surface temperature of the roller 6a is always kept constant.
The temperature on the heating roller 6a is controlled between 160 and 200 degrees. On the other hand, the pressure roller 6b forms an elastic layer of silicon rubber or the like on the outer periphery of its core metal. Further, a conductive fluororesin is coated on the peripheral surface of the elastic layer.
The pressure roller 6b supports both ends of the central shaft with a cubic bearing, and a biasing spring 6e is applied to the bearing. The urging spring 6e is held by a support shaft of the pressure roller 6b and constantly urges the pressure roller 6b through a bearing to press the pressure roller 6b against the heating roller 6a.
Note that an inlet guide is provided on the sheet entrance side between the heating and rotary pressure rollers 6a and 6b with the leading end directed to the nip portion, and guides the transfer paper after image transfer. The heating roller 6a and the pressure roller The transfer image on the transfer paper is fixed by heat and pressure through 6b.
In the fixing device 6, the transfer paper on which an image is formed is sent to a finisher (not shown) through a paper discharge roller 21 and is discharged or stocked through a roller 22 to a duplex unit 7 and passes through the roller 23. Then, it is sent to the transport rollers 8b and 8a and fed again.

2 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus main body including a cooling device for cooling the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, a region 24 is a place where a liquid cooling device (cooling device) is disposed, and a region 25 is a region where a drive base of the image forming apparatus is disposed. The unit 26 functions as a unit that functions as a main body.
The liquid cooling device in the region 24 includes a tank 28 for holding the liquid, and a zigzag pipe 27 (heat release device) for circulating the liquid from the tank 28. Is circulated in the pipe 27 to dissipate heat transferred from the main body.
Although not shown, a fin or the like may be further provided outside the region 24 to expand the heat dissipation area. The unit 26 is housed in the portion 26, and a heat conductive member provided in the unit comes into contact with the liquid cooling device in the region 24.
FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the image forming apparatus. This figure is a schematic diagram of positions where the optical unit (exposure device) 1, the photosensitive member 3, the transfer device 5, and the double-sided paper feeding unit 7 in FIG. 1 exist.
Each unit in the body is provided with heat conducting members (heat transporting means) 29, 31, 33, 35 for transferring heat, one end of which is highly heat conducting, the heat conducting members 29, 31, 33, 35, or a connection portion (heat transporting means) 30, 32, 34, 36 made of a material having higher thermal conductivity, and each end of the connection portion is an A surface of the liquid cooling device 24. It has a structure that touches. The A surface is, for example, a plate material having high thermal conductivity, and is a means for partitioning the regions 24 and 25. Since the temperature of the A surface is lowered due to the cooling effect of the liquid cooling device in the region 24, the surface A can be efficiently cooled by taking heat away from the member in contact therewith.

High heat conductivity means that iron is 70 W / m · K at 100 ° C., and therefore it is desirable that the substance be more than a single substance. As the number of true contact surfaces increases, the thermal conductivity improves. Therefore, grease having a high thermal conductivity is provided at the contact point between a member having a high thermal conductivity of the unit and the unit side of the liquid cooling device (A surface of the portion 24 in FIG. 3). Although not shown, a device for pressing the units 1, 3, 5, and 7 to the A side with a spring may be provided.
Moreover, although A surface is a plane in a figure, there exists a hollow and it may become possible to insert the connection parts 30,32,34,36. Furthermore, the A surface may be composed of a member having elasticity and high thermal conductivity.
Moreover, the heat conductive members 29, 31, 33, and 35 having high thermal conductivity on the unit side may be elastic members and pressed against the A surface. Furthermore, the heat generated in the unit is transmitted to each part of the unit, and the heat conduction members 29, 31, 33, and 35 absorb the warmed air in the atmosphere and transmit heat. Also good. Furthermore, at least one of the heat conducting members 29, 31, 33, and 35 may be formed of a heat pipe.
Moreover, although the heat conductive members 29, 31, 33, and 35 need to be materials with high heat conductivity, they need to be members with higher heat conductivity than at least the members constituting the exterior of the unit. This can be achieved, for example, by processing a stainless steel, copper, silver, or the like, and using an alloy that has a high thermal conductivity.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration using liquid circulation as heat transport. Furthermore, at least one of the heat conducting members 29, 31, 33, and 35 can be configured to circulate as a means for transporting heat.
In the liquid circulation device in the unit, the liquid circulation pipe 37 is closed, and the liquid inside is circulated in the pipe 37 by the pump 39. The pipe 37 may have any shape, and a tank may be provided on the way.
The pipe 37 is provided with a heat exchange connector 38 in contact therewith, and the heat exchange connector 38 is configured to come into contact with the liquid cooling device of the main body. The pump 39 is driven by a power source (not shown), transports heat inside and outside the unit together with the liquid, and carries it to the heat exchange connector 38.

Next, an example of the heat transfer method in each unit is shown. Here, the unit refers to the above-described optical unit (exposure device) 1, photoconductor 3, transfer device 5, double-sided paper feed unit 7, and the like.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a heat source in the optical unit. The heat source in the optical unit 1 in FIG. 4 is a polygon mirror 11, which warms the air in the optical unit 1.
The highly heat-conductive member 29 constituting the bottom, side wall and the like of the optical unit removes heat generated and accumulated in the optical unit 1 and transmits it to the thermal connector (connection portion) 30. Further, the portion 30 is in contact with the surface of the liquid cooling device A in FIG. 2 and dissipates the heat transferred to the liquid cooling device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the heat transporting means is circulated as an application to another optical unit. The heat source in the optical unit 1 is a polygon mirror 11, which warms the air in the optical unit 1.
The pipe 37 that circulates in the optical unit and that circulates the liquid removes heat from the optical unit 1 and transmits it to the thermal connector (connection part) 30, where it is in contact with the surface of the liquid cooling device A in FIG. Dissipates the heat that has been heated.
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid cooling device on the photosensitive member. The shaft 3d inside the photoconductor 3 is a member having good thermal conductivity and is supported by the flange 3c. The shaft 3d is connected to a member 3e having better thermal conductivity in the gear 3b, and a part of the shaft 3d is provided in the main body so as to be in contact with the liquid cooling device.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a heat pipe is provided in the developing device. Since the developer generates heat due to friction or the like when forming a thin layer on the developing roller 4a, a heat conductive member 29 having a built-in heat pipe is disposed above the developer. The upper part of the unit (developing unit) is composed of a member 4c having low thermal conductivity.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a transfer device is provided with a member having good thermal conductivity and a heat pipe. The transfer device 5 is pushed up by a solenoid 41 so that the photosensitive member at the time of transfer is in contact with the portion where the transfer belt 5c is stretched.
However, since the air in the unit (transfer unit) rises due to the heat generated by the solenoid 41 and heats the transfer belt 5c, a member 29 having good thermal conductivity is provided between the transfer belt 5c and the solenoid 54, and the member 29 It is comprised so that it may contact | connect a liquid cooling device at one end.
Further, the transfer paper exit side (roller 5b side) is close to the fixing device 6 (FIG. 1), air is heated to heat the transfer belt 5c, a heat pipe 37 is installed, and one end thereof is a liquid cooling device. It is configured to touch.
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example in which the fixing device includes a liquid circulation device. The fixing device 6 is heated in the range of 170 ° C. to 1900 ° C. in order to melt and fix the toner. The heat leaks in all directions from the fixing / heating roller 6a, thereby raising the temperature in the apparatus.
The unit cover 43 on the fixing / heating roller 6a side is doubled, and a liquid cooling pipe 37 is installed between them. At one end, a heat exchange connector (not shown) is installed in contact with the liquid cooling device.
The outer unit cover 43 is formed of, for example, a foaming member having a heat insulating effect with low thermal conductivity. Further, the exterior member of the unit on the fixing / heating roller 6a side is preferably composed of a member having good heat reflection.
FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of the double-side reversing unit. The single-sided toner-fixed transfer paper that has been sent stays on the surface 44 once. The member of the surface 44 is formed of a member having good conductivity, and one end thereof is in contact with the liquid cooling device.

FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of a process cartridge. Although the entire apparatus is not shown, at least the photosensitive member 3 and the developing device 4 shown in FIG. 12 are integrated.
In a cartridge type image forming unit that can be replaced by a user when the toner runs out, a member having good heat conductivity is installed on the upper portion 45 side of the developing portion and the side 46 side where the fixing device 6 is installed. Is configured so as to be in contact with the A surface of the liquid cooling device of the apparatus.
Although not shown in the drawing, since the cleaning unit for the photosensitive member 3 is close to the fixing device 6, a heat pipe is installed on the outer wall, and one end thereof is in contact with the A surface of the liquid cooling device.
Each of the above-described units can be replaced by a user or a service person. In that case, even if a liquid cooling device is installed, the toner, It is configured as a device that can be easily attached and detached when cleaning paper dust and the like.
In the present embodiment, a monochrome two-component electrophotographic apparatus in which negatively charged OPC is developed with a negative toner and transferred by a transfer belt has been described. However, the electrophotographic image forming method is limited to this. Instead, for example, the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus that forms an image by arranging four image carriers and developing devices, such as a color image forming apparatus.
Furthermore, although the present invention has a liquid cooling device on the back of the apparatus main body, the region 24 is not limited to this, and can be applied to other places where the unit is in contact with the heat conductive means of the unit and can be cooled. is there.
According to the present invention, as described above, each unit of the image forming apparatus, for example, an optical device, a fixing device, a transfer device, an image carrier (photosensitive member), a refeed device, a refeed device, a cleaning device, It is possible to efficiently cool and discharge heat generated at least in a cartridge including an image carrier and a developing device.
In particular, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can efficiently cool and discharge the heat generated in each unit in the image forming apparatus, can be easily replaced, and has improved design freedom. In addition, the heat generated in each unit using a heat pipe can be efficiently cooled and discharged.
In particular, the heat generated in each unit can be efficiently cooled and discharged by using a member having a lower thermal resistance than the housing of the unit or by transporting heat by liquid circulation.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus main body including a cooling unit that cools the image forming apparatus according to FIG. 1. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of an image forming apparatus. Schematic which shows the structure which carries out liquid circulation as heat transport. The perspective view explaining the heat source in an optical unit. The perspective view which shows the structure which made the heat transport means the liquid circulation as application to another optical unit. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a liquid cooling device on a photoconductor. Sectional drawing which shows an example provided with the heat pipe in the image development apparatus. Sectional drawing which shows an example provided with the member and heat pipe with favorable heat conductivity in the transfer apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example in which a fixing device is provided with a liquid circulation device. The schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of a double-sided inversion unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of a process cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

A image forming apparatus 1 optical unit 3 photoconductor 4 developing device 5 transfer device 6 fixing device 7 double-side reversing unit 8 paper feeding device 24 area (cooling device)
27 Heat transport means (pipe)
29 Heat transport means (pipe)
31 Heat transport means (pipe)
33 Heat transport means (pipe)
35 Heat transport means (pipe)

Claims (18)

  In the cooling method in which the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a cooling device, and the unit is provided with a heat transport means, heat exchange is performed between the unit and the cooling device when the unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body. A cooling method characterized by that.   In the cooling method in which the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a cooling device, and the unit is provided with a heat transport unit and a heat insulating unit, heat is generated between the unit and the cooling device when the unit is installed in the image forming apparatus main body. A cooling method characterized by performing exchange.   In an image forming apparatus provided with a cooling device in the main body of the image forming apparatus and heat transporting means in the unit, the heat transporting means and the cooling device can conduct heat when the unit is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is in contact with the image forming apparatus.   An image forming apparatus having a cooling device in a main body of an image forming apparatus and a heat transporting means and a heat insulating means in a unit. When the unit is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the heat transporting means and the cooling device are An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is in contact with heat.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device according to claim 1 comprises a heat release device that circulates liquid and releases heat.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the heat generated in the unit is conveyed to the heat transport means through an atmosphere.   4. The optical unit that reflects light to irradiate a photoelectric material, and when the optical unit is installed, a part of the optical unit comes into contact with the cooling device and performs heat exchange. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 5.   The unit is a fixing device having a function of melting toner and fixing it to transfer paper, and when the fixing device is installed, a part of the fixing device comes into contact with the cooling device to perform heat exchange. Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to Item 3 to 5.   6. The transfer device having a function of transferring the toner to the unit, and when the transfer device is installed, a part of the transfer device comes into contact with the cooling device to perform heat exchange. Image forming apparatus.   The unit is an image carrier on which an image latent image is formed, and when the image carrier is installed, a part thereof comes into contact with the cooling device to perform heat exchange. 5. The image forming apparatus according to 5.   The unit is a refeed unit for refeeding transfer paper on which a toner image is formed. When the refeed unit is installed, a part of the refeed unit comes into contact with the cooling device and performs heat exchange. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   A developing device in which the unit agitates and charges the toner and supplies the toner to the image carrier. When the developing device is installed, a part of the developing device comes into contact with the cooling device and performs heat exchange. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.   4. The cleaning unit for cleaning residual toner on an image carrier, and when the cleaning unit is installed, a part of the cleaning unit comes into contact with the cooling device to exchange heat. 6. The image forming apparatus according to 5.   The unit is a process cartridge including an image carrier that forms at least a toner image and a developing device that stirs and charges the toner, and when the process cartridge is installed, a part of the process cartridge comes into contact with the cooling device, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein heat exchange is performed.   15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the unit is detachable and can be independently replaced.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the heat transporting means in the unit is constituted by a heat pipe.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a member having a lower thermal resistance than a material constituting the casing of the unit is used as the heat transport means in the unit. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the heat transporting means in the unit is based on liquid circulation.

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