JP4980027B2

JP4980027B2 - Cooling device for image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP4980027B2
Application number: JP2006292338A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 友康平澤; 覚岡野; 均中村
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-10-27
Filing date: 2006-10-27
Publication date: 2012-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-27
Also published as: JP2008107688A

Description

本発明は、循環パイプ内に冷却液を循環させて書き込み装置や現像装置などの温度上昇箇所の冷却を行う画像形成装置の冷却装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a cooling device for an image forming apparatus that circulates a cooling liquid in a circulation pipe to cool a temperature rising portion such as a writing device or a developing device.

複写機やプリンタ等の電子写真方式の画像形成装置は、内部に書き込み装置、現像装置、定着装置などの発熱を伴う複数のユニットが設置されている。特に定着装置は、加熱部材（ヒータ等）を発熱させて転写紙上に転写されたトナーを加熱溶融させるので、この加熱部材（ヒータ等）の発熱によって画像形成装置内の温度がさらに上昇する。このため、特に書き込み装置や現像装置に関しては、それらの動作時において所定温度以上に温度が上昇しないように冷却を行う必要がある。 2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer has a plurality of units that generate heat such as a writing device, a developing device, and a fixing device. In particular, since the fixing device heats and heats the toner transferred onto the transfer paper by causing the heating member (heater or the like) to generate heat, the heat in the heating member (heater or the like) further increases the temperature in the image forming apparatus. For this reason, particularly with respect to the writing device and the developing device, it is necessary to perform cooling so that the temperature does not rise above a predetermined temperature during their operation.

更に、近年の画像形成装置は、小型化に伴って各ユニット（書き込み装置、現像装置等）が装置内に高密度に配置されているので、従来の冷却ファンによる空冷では各ユニットを十分に冷却することが難しくなっている。そこで、最近では、液体の冷媒（冷却液）を装置内に循環させて、冷媒に蓄熱された各ユニット等から発せられた熱を放熱部（熱交換器）を介して装置外に放熱する、いわゆる液冷方式が提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 Furthermore, in recent image forming apparatuses, each unit (writing device, developing device, etc.) is arranged with high density in the apparatus as the size is reduced, so that each unit is sufficiently cooled by air cooling with a conventional cooling fan. It is difficult to do. Therefore, recently, a liquid refrigerant (coolant) is circulated in the apparatus, and the heat generated from each unit or the like stored in the refrigerant is radiated to the outside of the apparatus through the heat radiating section (heat exchanger). A so-called liquid cooling method has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

従来の液冷方式により冷却を行う画像形成装置の冷却装置は、例えば、図７に示すように、画像形成装置内の温度上昇箇所としての書き込み装置１００、現像装置１０１にそれぞれ接するように設けた冷却プレート１０２ａ，１０２ｂと、冷却液が循環される循環パイプ１０３と、放熱部１０４と、冷却液を循環パイプ１０３と放熱部１０４との間で循環させるためのポンプ１０５と、冷却液が貯蔵される貯蔵タンク１０６とを有し、循環パイプ１０３が各冷却プレート１０２ａ，１０２ｂ内を通るように構成されている。なお、放熱部１０４には、ラジエータ１０７とラジエータ１０７での放熱を効果的に行うための冷却ファン１０８を有している。 For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a cooling device of an image forming apparatus that performs cooling by a conventional liquid cooling method is provided so as to be in contact with a writing device 100 and a developing device 101 as temperature rising portions in the image forming device. The cooling plates 102a and 102b, the circulation pipe 103 through which the coolant is circulated, the heat radiating portion 104, the pump 105 for circulating the coolant between the circulation pipe 103 and the heat radiating portion 104, and the coolant are stored. The circulation pipe 103 is configured to pass through the cooling plates 102a and 102b. Note that the heat radiating unit 104 has a radiator 107 and a cooling fan 108 for effectively performing heat radiation by the radiator 107.

そして、画像形成装置の画像形成動作時において、冷却装置のポンプ１０５を作動させて貯蔵タンク１０６に貯蔵されている冷却液を矢印ａ方向に沿って循環パイプ１０３内を循環させ、発熱している書き込み装置１００および現像装置１０１の熱を冷却プレート１０２ａ，１０２ｂを介して冷却液に吸熱させて書き込み装置１００および現像装置１０１を冷却する。そして、冷却液に蓄熱された熱を放熱部１０４のラジエータ１０７で熱交換し、さらに冷却ファン１０８を回転させて強制的に放熱させることにより、書き込み装置１００、現像装置１０１を所定温度以下に保つようにしている。
特開２００５−１０３８８号公報 During the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, the cooling liquid stored in the storage tank 106 is circulated in the circulation pipe 103 along the direction of the arrow a by operating the pump 105 of the cooling apparatus to generate heat. The writing device 100 and the developing device 101 are cooled by causing the cooling liquid to absorb heat from the writing device 100 and the developing device 101 via the cooling plates 102a and 102b. The heat stored in the coolant is exchanged by the radiator 107 of the heat radiating unit 104, and the cooling fan 108 is rotated to forcibly dissipate the heat so that the writing device 100 and the developing device 101 are kept at a predetermined temperature or lower. I am doing so.
JP 2005-10388 A

ところで、複写機やプリンタ等の画像形成装置は、主電源を投入した状態で画像形成動作（以下、「運転モード」という）を所定時間実行していない、いわゆる待機状態のとき（以下、「待機モード」という）は省電力化等を図るために、定着装置の加熱部材（ヒータ等）への通電をＯＦＦにしたり制限したりして余熱状態にし、また、前記冷却装置においてはポンプ１０５を作動させていても、放熱部１０４の冷却ファン１０８の回転数を低下させたり停止させたりしている。 By the way, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer does not execute an image forming operation (hereinafter referred to as “operation mode”) for a predetermined time with the main power turned on. In order to save power, etc., the mode is referred to as “remaining heat” by turning off or restricting energization to the heating member (heater, etc.) of the fixing device, and the pump 105 is operated in the cooling device. Even if it is made to reduce, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 108 of the thermal radiation part 104 is reduced or stopped.

このため、画像形成装置の運転モード時に定着装置の加熱部材（ヒータ等）の発熱等によって画像形成装置内での蓄熱量が増加することにより、定着装置の上部近傍に現像装置が配置される場合には、図８に示すように、時刻Ｔに運転モードから待機モードに移行しても初期の間は現像装置の温度（図８のＳ１）が上昇する。よって、図８に示した現像装置の温度（図８のＳ１）において、待機モードに移行した初期時に現像装置の部品温度が最大値Ｓとなる。 For this reason, when the amount of heat storage in the image forming apparatus increases due to heat generated by the heating member (heater or the like) of the fixing device during the operation mode of the image forming apparatus, the developing device is disposed near the upper portion of the fixing device. As shown in FIG. 8, the temperature of the developing device (S1 in FIG. 8) rises during the initial period even if the operation mode is shifted to the standby mode at time T. Therefore, the component temperature of the developing device reaches the maximum value S at the initial stage of the transition to the standby mode at the temperature of the developing device shown in FIG. 8 (S1 in FIG. 8).

また、同様に冷却装置の冷却液も運転モードから待機モードに移行しても初期の間は温度（図８のＳ２）が上昇する。このため、待機モードの初期時には、運転モード時よりも温度の高い冷却液が循環されることにより現像装置などに対する冷却能力が低下し、かつ現像装置などの温度も上昇しているので、現像装置などの温度が所定温度以上に上昇する不具合が生じる場合がある。 Similarly, the temperature of the cooling liquid in the cooling device rises (S2 in FIG. 8) during the initial period even when the operation mode shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode. For this reason, at the initial stage of the standby mode, a cooling liquid having a higher temperature than that in the operation mode is circulated, so that the cooling capacity for the developing device is reduced and the temperature of the developing device is also increased. In some cases, the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature.

このため、運転モードから待機モードに移行したときにおいて、現像装置などの温度が所定温度以上に上昇しないようにするために、より大型で冷却能力の高い冷却装置を用いることが考えられるが、高コスト化を招いてしまう。 For this reason, it is conceivable to use a larger cooling device having a higher cooling capacity so that the temperature of the developing device does not rise above a predetermined temperature when the operation mode is shifted to the standby mode. Incurs cost.

そこで、本発明は、運転モードから冷却液の熱交換能力を低下させた待機モードに移行した場合でも、大型で冷却能力の高い高価な冷却装置を用いることなく、温度上昇箇所の温度が所定温度以上に上昇するのを防止することができる画像形成装置の冷却装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, even when the present invention shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode in which the heat exchange capacity of the cooling liquid is lowered, the temperature at the temperature rise point is the predetermined temperature without using an expensive cooling device having a large size and high cooling capacity. An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device for an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the above-described rise.

前記目的を達成するために請求項１に記載の発明は、画像形成装置内の温度上昇箇所を通るように設けた冷却液循環管路と、前記冷却液循環管路に内包された冷却液と、前記冷却液循環管路に冷却液を循環させる冷却液循環手段と、前記冷却液循環管路の途中に設けられ、前記温度上昇箇所から発せられた熱により温度上昇した冷却液と熱交換して該冷却液の温度を下げる放熱手段とを有し、前記画像形成装置の画像形成動作が停止されて待機状態である待機モード時には前記放熱手段による冷却液に対する熱交換能力を低下させる画像形成装置の冷却装置において、冷却液が貯蔵された少なくとも一つ以上の貯蔵部と、前記貯蔵部を前記冷却液循環管路の任意の位置に並列に連結させる２つの連結管路と、前記冷却液循環管路の前記各連結管路がそれぞれ連結された各連結箇所にそれぞれ設けられ、前記各連結箇所において冷却液流路を前記連結管路側または前記冷却液循環管路側に切替え自在な切替え手段と、前記各切替え手段の切替え制御を行う制御手段と、を備え、前記制御手段は、前記画像形成装置が画像形成動作時である運転モード時には、前記各連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記冷却液循環管路側となるように前記各切替え手段を切替え制御するとともに、前記画像形成装置が前記運転モードから前記待機モードに移行すると、前記各連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記各連結管路側となるように前記各切替え手段を切替え制御して、前記貯蔵部内の冷却液を前記冷却液循環管路に内包されている冷却液とともに前記冷却液循環管路を循環させることを特徴としている。 In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes a cooling liquid circulation pipe provided so as to pass through a temperature rising portion in the image forming apparatus, and a cooling liquid contained in the cooling liquid circulation pipe. A coolant circulating means for circulating the coolant through the coolant circulation pipe, and provided in the middle of the coolant circulation pipe for exchanging heat with the coolant raised in temperature by the heat generated from the temperature rise portion. A heat dissipating means for lowering the temperature of the cooling liquid, and the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped and the heat forming ability of the heat dissipating means for the cooling liquid is lowered in the standby mode when the image forming operation is stopped. In the cooling apparatus, at least one or more storage units in which the coolant is stored, two connection pipes connecting the storage units in parallel to any position of the coolant circulation pipe, and the coolant circulation Said each connection of pipes Switching means provided at each connection location where the passages are connected to each other, the switching means capable of switching the coolant flow path to the connection pipe line side or the cooling liquid circulation pipe side at each connection place, and switching control of each switching means Control means for performing the operation, wherein the control means is configured such that when the image forming apparatus is in an image forming operation mode, the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the coolant circulation line side. Each switching unit is controlled to switch, and when the image forming apparatus shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode, the switching unit is switched so that the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the connection line side. controlled and, as characterized by circulating the cooling liquid circulation pipe together with the cooling liquid which is enclosed a cooling liquid in the reservoir to the coolant circulation line That.

また、請求項２に記載の発明は、画像形成装置内の温度上昇箇所を通るように設けた冷却液循環管路と、前記冷却液循環管路に内包された冷却液と、前記冷却液循環管路に冷却液を循環させる冷却液循環手段と、前記冷却液循環管路の途中に設けられ、前記温度上昇箇所から発せられた熱により温度上昇した冷却液と熱交換して該冷却液の温度を下げる放熱手段とを有し、前記画像形成装置の画像形成動作が停止されて待機状態である待機モード時には前記放熱手段による冷却液に対する熱交換能力を低下させる画像形成装置の冷却装置において、冷却液が貯蔵された少なくとも一つ以上の貯蔵部と、前記貯蔵部を前記冷却液循環管路の任意の位置に並列に連結させる２つの連結管路と、前記冷却液循環管路の前記各連結管路がそれぞれ連結された各連結箇所にそれぞれ設けられ、前記各連結箇所において冷却液流路を前記連結管路側または前記冷却液循環管路側に切替え自在な切替え手段と、前記冷却液循環管路を循環する冷却液の温度を検知する温度検知手段と、前記各切替え手段の切替え制御を行う制御手段と、を備え、前記制御手段は、前記温度検知手段からの温度検知情報に基づいて、前記温度検知手段で検知した冷却液の温度が所定温度以下のときには、前記各連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記冷却液循環管路側となるように前記各切替え手段を切替え制御するとともに、前記温度検知手段で検知した冷却液の温度が所定温度以上に上昇すると、前記各連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記各連結管路側となるように前記各切替え手段を切替え制御して、前記貯蔵部内の冷却液を前記冷却液循環管路に内包されている冷却液と共に前記冷却液循環管路を循環させることを特徴としている。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coolant circulation pipe provided so as to pass through a temperature rise portion in the image forming apparatus, a coolant contained in the coolant circulation pipe, and the coolant circulation. A coolant circulation means for circulating the coolant in the pipe; and provided in the middle of the coolant circulation pipe, heat exchange with the coolant raised in temperature by the heat generated from the temperature rise portion, A cooling device for an image forming apparatus that includes a heat radiating unit that lowers a temperature, and that reduces a heat exchange capability of the heat radiating unit with respect to a coolant during a standby mode in which an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped and in a standby state. At least one storage section in which the cooling liquid is stored, two connection pipes connecting the storage section in parallel to an arbitrary position of the cooling liquid circulation pipe, and each of the cooling liquid circulation pipes Each connecting pipe is connected A switching means provided at each of the connected locations, and capable of switching the coolant flow path to the connection conduit side or the coolant circulation conduit side at each of the connection locations, and the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation conduit Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the first and second control means for performing switching control of each switching means, and the control means is detected by the temperature detecting means based on temperature detection information from the temperature detecting means. When the temperature of the cooled liquid is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the switching means is controlled to be switched so that the cooling liquid flow path at each connection point is on the cooling liquid circulation pipe side, and the cooling detected by the temperature detection means When the temperature of the liquid rises above a predetermined temperature, the switching means is switched and controlled so that the cooling liquid flow path at each connection point is on the connection pipe side, and the inside of the storage unit The coolant with the coolant that is contained in the coolant circulation line is characterized by circulating the cooling liquid circulation pipe.

また、請求項３に記載の発明は、画像形成装置内の温度上昇箇所を通るように設けた冷却液循環管路と、前記冷却液循環管路に内包された冷却液と、前記冷却液循環管路に冷却液を循環させる冷却液循環手段と、前記冷却液循環管路の途中に設けられ、前記温度上昇箇所から発せられた熱により温度上昇した冷却液と熱交換して該冷却液の温度を下げる放熱手段とを有し、前記画像形成装置の画像形成動作が停止されて待機状態である待機モード時には前記放熱手段による冷却液に対する熱交換能力を低下させる画像形成装置の冷却装置において、冷却液が貯蔵された少なくとも一つ以上の貯蔵部と、前記貯蔵部を前記冷却液循環管路の任意の位置に並列に連結させる２つの連結管路と、前記冷却液循環管路の前記各連結管路がそれぞれ連結された各連結箇所にそれぞれ設けられ、前記各連結箇所において冷却液流路を前記連結管路側または前記冷却液循環管路側に切替え自在な切替え手段と、前記冷却液循環管路を循環する冷却液の流量を計測する流量計測手段と、前記各切替え手段の切替え制御を行う制御手段と、を備え、前記制御手段は、前記画像形成装置が画像形成動作時である運転モード時には、前記各連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記冷却液循環管路側となるように前記各切替え手段を切替え制御するとともに、前記画像形成装置が前記運転モードから前記待機モードを含む他のモードに移行すると、前記各連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記各連結管路側となるように前記各切替え手段を切替え制御して、前記貯蔵部内の冷却液を前記冷却液循環管路に内包されている冷却液とともに前記冷却液循環管路を循環させ、更に、前記連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記各連結管路側に切替えられて、前記貯蔵部内の冷却液が前記冷却液循環管路に内包されている冷却液とともに前記冷却液循環管路を循環しているときに、前記制御手段は、前記流量計測手段からの流量計測情報に基づいて、前記流量計測手段で計測した冷却水の積算流量が所定の量に達したと判断した場合に、前記各連結箇所における冷却液流路が前記冷却液循環管路側となるように前記各切替え手段を切替え制御することを特徴としている。 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coolant circulation pipe provided so as to pass through a temperature rise portion in the image forming apparatus, a coolant contained in the coolant circulation pipe, and the coolant circulation. A coolant circulation means for circulating the coolant in the pipe; and provided in the middle of the coolant circulation pipe, heat exchange with the coolant raised in temperature by the heat generated from the temperature rise portion, A cooling device for an image forming apparatus that includes a heat radiating unit that lowers a temperature, and that reduces a heat exchange capability of the heat radiating unit with respect to a coolant during a standby mode in which an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped and in a standby state. At least one storage section in which the cooling liquid is stored, two connection pipes connecting the storage section in parallel to an arbitrary position of the cooling liquid circulation pipe, and each of the cooling liquid circulation pipes Each connecting pipe is connected A switching means provided at each of the connected locations, and capable of switching the coolant flow path to the connection conduit side or the coolant circulation conduit side at each of the connection locations, and the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation conduit A flow rate measuring unit that measures the flow rate of each of the switching units, and a control unit that performs switching control of each of the switching units, wherein the control unit is configured to connect each of the connected portions when the image forming apparatus is in an image forming operation. When the image forming apparatus shifts from the operation mode to another mode including the standby mode, the switching means is controlled so that the cooling liquid flow path in FIG. The switching means is switched and controlled so that the coolant flow path at the location is on the side of each connection conduit, and the coolant in the storage section is included in the coolant circulation conduit. The cooling liquid circulation line is circulated together with the cooling liquid, and the cooling liquid flow path at the connection point is switched to the connection pipe side, so that the cooling liquid in the storage unit is included in the cooling liquid circulation pipe. When circulating through the coolant circulation pipe along with the coolant that has been performed, the control means, based on the flow measurement information from the flow measurement means, the integrated flow rate of cooling water measured by the flow measurement means Is switched, the switching means is controlled so that the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the coolant circulation pipe side .

また、請求項４に記載の発明は、前記放熱手段が、冷却液が通るラジエータ部と、前記ラジエータ部に風を送る冷却ファンを有し、前記待機モード時には、前記冷却ファンの回転を低下させるまたは停止させることを特徴としている。 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the heat dissipating means includes a radiator section through which a coolant passes and a cooling fan that sends air to the radiator section, and reduces the rotation of the cooling fan in the standby mode. It is also characterized by being stopped.

また、請求項５に記載の発明は、前記貯蔵部の少なくとも一つの外側面が前記画像形成装置の外側に露出し、前記貯蔵部内に冷却液が流れる流路を有するとともに、前記貯蔵部の前記外側面に放熱用のフィンを設けたことを特徴としている。 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one outer surface of the storage unit is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and has a flow path through which a coolant flows, and the storage unit has the flow path. It is characterized by providing fins for heat dissipation on the outer surface.

また、請求項６に記載の発明は、前記貯蔵部の外側面に、前記貯蔵部内の冷却液を冷却するためのペルチェ素子を設けたことを特徴としている。 The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that a Peltier element for cooling the coolant in the storage unit is provided on the outer surface of the storage unit.

本発明によれば、発熱した画像形成装置内の温度上昇箇所の冷却により冷却液循環管路に内包されて循環している冷却液の温度が上昇している場合でも、制御手段によって切替え手段を切替え制御して、各連結箇所における冷却液流路を各連結管路側に切替えることができるので、温度上昇箇所での発熱の影響が小さい貯蔵部内の冷却液を冷却液循環管路に循環させることができる。 According to the present invention, even when the temperature of the coolant circulating in the coolant circulation pipe rises due to the cooling of the temperature rising portion in the image forming apparatus that has generated heat, the switching means is controlled by the control means. By switching control, it is possible to switch the coolant flow path at each connection location to each connection pipeline side, so that the coolant in the storage section that is less affected by heat generation at the temperature rise location is circulated to the coolant circulation pipeline. Can do.

よって、画像形成装置が運転モードから待機モードに移行したときなどに、制御手段により切替え手段を切替え制御して、各連結箇所における冷却液流路を各連結管路側に切替えることにより、現像装置などの温度上昇箇所の温度上昇を抑えて所定温度以下に保つことが可能となる。 Therefore, when the image forming apparatus shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode, the switching unit is switched by the control unit, and the cooling liquid flow path at each connection location is switched to the respective connection pipe side, thereby developing device or the like. It is possible to keep the temperature rise below a predetermined temperature by suppressing the temperature rise at the temperature rise point.

以下、本発明を図示の実施形態に基づいて説明する。
〈実施形態１〉 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments.
<Embodiment 1>

図１は、本発明の実施形態１に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略構成図、図２は、前記冷却装置を備えた画像形成装置を示す概略図である。 FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus including the cooling device.

図１、図２に示すように、本実施形態に係る冷却装置１は、画像形成装置（本実施形態では、電子写真方式の複写機）２内の温度上昇箇所としての書き込み装置３、現像装置４にそれぞれ接するように設けられた冷却プレート５ａ，５ｂと、冷却液（冷却水）が循環される銅製の循環パイプ６と、放熱部７と、冷却液を矢印ａ方向に循環させるためのポンプ８と、冷却液が貯蔵される第１貯蔵タンク９および第２貯蔵タンク１０を有し、循環パイプ６が冷却プレート５ａ，５ｂ内を通るように配管されている。放熱部７は、ラジエータ１１と冷却ファン１２とで構成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a writing device 3 and a developing device as a temperature rise portion in an image forming apparatus 2 (in this embodiment, an electrophotographic copying machine) 2. 4, cooling plates 5 a and 5 b provided so as to be in contact with each other, a copper circulation pipe 6 through which a coolant (cooling water) is circulated, a heat radiating portion 7, and a pump for circulating the coolant in the direction of arrow a 8 and a first storage tank 9 and a second storage tank 10 in which the cooling liquid is stored, and a circulation pipe 6 is provided so as to pass through the cooling plates 5a and 5b. The heat dissipating unit 7 includes a radiator 11 and a cooling fan 12.

本実施形態では、放熱部７の下流側に設けたポンプ８の作動により冷却液が循環パイプ６内を矢印ａ方向に沿って、書き込み装置３の冷却プレート５ａ、現像装置４の冷却プレート５ｂ、第１貯蔵タンク９、放熱部７のラジエータ１１の順に循環する。 In the present embodiment, the cooling liquid flows in the circulation pipe 6 along the direction of arrow a by the operation of the pump 8 provided on the downstream side of the heat radiating unit 7, the cooling plate 5 b of the developing device 4, It circulates in order of the 1st storage tank 9 and the radiator 11 of the thermal radiation part 7. FIG.

第２貯蔵タンク１０は、樹脂製のチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂを介して循環パイプ６の冷却プレート５ａとポンプ８間に並列に連結され、チューブ１３ａ，１３ｂの一端側と循環パイプ６との連結部分には三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂがそれぞれ設置されている。なお、循環パイプ６の三方弁１４ａの上流側には、ポンプ８、放熱部７のラジエータ１１および第１貯蔵タンク９が位置している。第１貯蔵タンク９および第２貯蔵タンク１０にそれぞれ貯蔵される冷却液の量は略同じである。 The second storage tank 10 is connected in parallel between the cooling plate 5a of the circulation pipe 6 and the pump 8 via resin tubes 13a and 13b, and is connected to a connection portion between one end side of the tubes 13a and 13b and the circulation pipe 6. Are provided with three-way valves 14a and 14b, respectively. Note that the pump 8, the radiator 11 of the heat radiating unit 7, and the first storage tank 9 are located upstream of the three-way valve 14 a of the circulation pipe 6. The amount of the coolant stored in each of the first storage tank 9 and the second storage tank 10 is substantially the same.

三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂがチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路を遮断するように切替えている場合は、ポンプ８の作動により第１貯蔵タンク９に貯蔵されている冷却液が循環パイプ６内を循環する。また、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂが循環パイプ６側の冷却液流路を遮断するように切替えている場合は、ポンプ８の作動により第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている冷却液およびこの第２貯蔵タンク１０を経由して第１貯蔵タンク９に貯蔵されている冷却液が、チューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側を経由するようにして循環パイプ６（循環パイプ６の第２貯蔵タンク１０が並設されている三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂ間の領域６ａは除く）内および連結されたチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ内を循環する。 When the three-way valves 14a and 14b are switched so as to block the coolant flow paths on the tubes 13a and 13b side, the coolant stored in the first storage tank 9 by the operation of the pump 8 passes through the circulation pipe 6. Circulate. When the three-way valves 14a and 14b are switched so as to block the coolant flow path on the circulation pipe 6 side, the coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 by the operation of the pump 8 and the second storage. The coolant stored in the first storage tank 9 via the tank 10 passes through the tubes 13a and 13b, so that the circulation pipe 6 (the second storage tank 10 of the circulation pipe 6 is juxtaposed. It circulates in the region 6a between the three-way valves 14a and 14b) and in the connected tubes 13a and 13b.

三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替え制御は制御装置１５によって行われる。制御装置１５は、画像形成装置２の運転状況（運転モードか待機モード）に基づいて三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替え制御を行う（詳細は後述する）。 Switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b is performed by the control device 15. The control device 15 performs switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on the operation status (operation mode or standby mode) of the image forming apparatus 2 (details will be described later).

図２に示すように、第２貯蔵タンク１０は画像形成装置２の側面上部から外側に露出するように設けられており、放熱部７のラジエータ１１は画像形成装置２の排気口を有する側面中央部の内側に設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the second storage tank 10 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside from the upper part of the side surface of the image forming apparatus 2, and the radiator 11 of the heat radiating unit 7 is the center of the side surface having the exhaust port of the image forming apparatus 2. It is provided inside the part.

図２に示す本実施形態における画像形成装置２は、一定の間隔で並設された４つの画像形成部２０ａ，２０ｂ，２０ｃ，２０ｄと、中間転写ベルト２１と、定着装置２２と、前記書き込み装置（露光装置）３等を備えている。各画像形成部２０ａ，２０ｂ，２０ｃ，２０ｄは、感光体ドラム２３、前記現像装置４、帯電器（不図示）をそれぞれ有しており、画像形成部２０ａ，２０ｂ，２０ｃ，２０ｄの各現像装置４には、現像剤としてのＹ（イエロー）、Ｃ（シアン）、Ｍ（マゼンタ）、Ｋ（ブラック）の各トナーを有している。各現像装置４には、前記冷却プレート５ｂ内を通るようにして循環パイプ６が設けられている。 The image forming apparatus 2 in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes four image forming units 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d arranged in parallel at a constant interval, an intermediate transfer belt 21, a fixing device 22, and the writing device. (Exposure apparatus) 3 and the like are provided. Each of the image forming units 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d includes a photosensitive drum 23, the developing device 4, and a charger (not shown), and each developing device of the image forming units 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. 4 includes Y (yellow), C (cyan), M (magenta), and K (black) toners as developers. Each developing device 4 is provided with a circulation pipe 6 so as to pass through the cooling plate 5b.

前記画像形成装置２の運転モード時（画像形成動作時）においては、各画像形成部２０ａ，２０ｂ，２０ｃ，２０ｄの各感光体ドラム２３の表面を各帯電器（不図示）でそれぞれ帯電させ、入力される画像情報に応じて書き込み装置３により露光を行って静電潜像を形成した後、各現像装置４でそれぞれ現像を行うことにより、各色（イエロー、シアン、マゼンタ、ブラック）のトナー像が各感光体ドラム２３上に形成される。そして、各感光体ドラム２３上のトナー像は、矢印ｂ方向に回動する中間転写ベルト２１上に各色のトナー像が順次重ね合わされるようにして転写（１次転写）される。 In the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 2 (at the time of image forming operation), the surface of each photoconductive drum 23 of each image forming unit 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is charged by each charger (not shown). According to the input image information, the writing device 3 performs exposure to form an electrostatic latent image, and each developing device 4 develops the toner image for each color (yellow, cyan, magenta, black). Are formed on each photosensitive drum 23. The toner images on the photosensitive drums 23 are transferred (primary transfer) so that the toner images of the respective colors are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 21 that rotates in the direction of arrow b.

そして、カセット２４から所定のタイミングで転写部位に搬送される記録紙Ｐに、２次転写ローラ２５により中間転写ベルト２１上に担持されているフルカラーのトナー像が一括して転写（２次転写）される。トナー像が転写された記録紙Ｐは定着装置２２に搬送されて、定着ローラ２２ａと加圧ローラ２２ｂにより加熱・加圧されることにより、記録紙Ｐ上にトナー像が定着される。トナー像が定着された記録紙Ｐは、排紙ローラ（不図示）により外部に排出される。 Then, the full-color toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 21 by the secondary transfer roller 25 is collectively transferred to the recording paper P conveyed from the cassette 24 to the transfer site at a predetermined timing (secondary transfer). Is done. The recording paper P onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 22 and heated and pressurized by the fixing roller 22a and the pressure roller 22b, whereby the toner image is fixed on the recording paper P. The recording paper P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the outside by a paper discharge roller (not shown).

前記した運転モード時には、定着装置２２の定着ローラ２２ａ内のヒータ（不図示）の発熱によって画像形成装置２内が温度上昇し、更に、書き込み装置３および現像装置４自体の発熱によって、書き込み装置３および現像装置４が所定温度以上に温度が上昇しないように前記冷却装置１で冷却が行われる。以下、運転モード時および待機モード時における冷却装置１による冷却動作について説明する。 In the operation mode described above, the temperature of the image forming apparatus 2 rises due to heat generated by a heater (not shown) in the fixing roller 22a of the fixing apparatus 22, and further, the writing apparatus 3 and the developing apparatus 4 themselves generate heat due to heat generated by the writing apparatus 3 and the developing apparatus 4 themselves. Further, the cooling device 1 performs cooling so that the temperature of the developing device 4 does not rise above a predetermined temperature. Hereinafter, the cooling operation by the cooling device 1 in the operation mode and the standby mode will be described.

（運転モード時の冷却動作）
画像形成装置２が運転モード時の場合には、この運転モードに基づいて、制御装置１５は三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂへ制御信号を出力してチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路を遮断するように制御する。そして、ポンプ８の作動により、第１貯蔵タンク９に貯蔵されている冷却液が矢印ａ方向に循環パイプ６内を循環する。これにより、書き込み装置３および現像装置４から発せられる熱は、各冷却プレート５ａ，５ｂを介して循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液に伝えられ、昇温した冷却液は放熱部７のラジエータ１１において冷却ファン１２の回転によって効果的に冷却される。 (Cooling operation in operation mode)
When the image forming apparatus 2 is in the operation mode, based on this operation mode, the control device 15 outputs a control signal to the three-way valves 14a and 14b so as to block the coolant flow paths on the tubes 13a and 13b side. To control. And by the action | operation of the pump 8, the cooling fluid stored in the 1st storage tank 9 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 in the arrow a direction. As a result, the heat generated from the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 is transmitted to the cooling liquid circulating in the circulation pipe 6 via the cooling plates 5a and 5b, and the increased temperature of the cooling liquid is the radiator 11 of the heat radiating section 7. The cooling fan 12 is effectively cooled by the rotation of the cooling fan 12.

放熱部７で温度が低下した冷却液は、前記同様ポンプ８の作動により循環パイプ６内を循環し、書き込み装置３および現像装置４から発せられる熱を放熱部７のラジエータ１１から放熱させて、運転モード時における書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度上昇を抑えている。 The coolant whose temperature has decreased in the heat radiating section 7 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 by the operation of the pump 8 as described above, and dissipates the heat generated from the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 from the radiator 11 of the heat radiating section 7. The temperature increase of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 during the operation mode is suppressed.

なお、運転モード時には、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂによりチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路が遮断されているので、第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている冷却液が循環パイプ６内に流入することはない。また、第２貯蔵タンク１０は、画像形成装置２の側面から外に露出している（図２参照）。よって、第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている冷却液は、循環パイプ６内を循環している冷却液よりも温度が大幅に低い状態にある。 In the operation mode, the coolant flow path on the tubes 13a, 13b side is blocked by the three-way valves 14a, 14b, so that the coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 flows into the circulation pipe 6. There is no. The second storage tank 10 is exposed to the outside from the side surface of the image forming apparatus 2 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the temperature of the coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 is significantly lower than that of the coolant circulating in the circulation pipe 6.

（待機モード時の冷却動作）
運転モード（画像形成動作）が停止されて待機モードに移行すると、省電力化等を図るために定着装置２２の定着ローラ２２ａ内のヒータ（不図示）への通電をＯＦＦさせたり制限して余熱状態にすると共に、放熱部７の冷却ファン１２の回転が停止する。 (Cooling operation in standby mode)
When the operation mode (image forming operation) is stopped and the mode is shifted to the standby mode, the remaining heat is set by turning off or restricting energization to a heater (not shown) in the fixing roller 22a of the fixing device 22 in order to save power. At the same time, the cooling fan 12 of the heat dissipating unit 7 stops rotating.

そして、画像形成装置２が待機モードに移行した場合には、この待機モードに基づいて、制御装置１５は三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂへ制御信号を出力して循環パイプ６側の冷却液流路を遮断するように制御する。これにより、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの連結部において循環パイプ６とチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂとが連通する。 When the image forming apparatus 2 shifts to the standby mode, based on the standby mode, the control device 15 outputs a control signal to the three-way valves 14a and 14b to shut off the coolant flow path on the circulation pipe 6 side. Control to do. Thereby, the circulation pipe 6 and the tubes 13a and 13b are communicated with each other at the connecting portion of the three-way valves 14a and 14b.

そして、ポンプ８の作動により、待機モードに移行した初期時には第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている冷却液がチューブ１３ｂから三方弁１４ｂを通して循環パイプ６内へ循環していく。これにより、待機モードに移行した初期時において書き込み装置３および現像装置４に蓄熱された熱は、各冷却プレート５ａ，５ｂを介して循環パイプ６内を循環する第２貯蔵タンク１０からの冷却液に伝えられ、放熱部７のラジエータ１１により冷却される。 And by the action | operation of the pump 8, the cooling fluid stored in the 2nd storage tank 10 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 through the three-way valve 14b from the tube 13b at the initial stage which transfers to standby mode. As a result, the heat stored in the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 at the initial stage of shifting to the standby mode is the coolant from the second storage tank 10 that circulates in the circulation pipe 6 through the cooling plates 5a and 5b. And is cooled by the radiator 11 of the heat dissipating section 7.

放熱部７のラジエータ１１で温度が低下した冷却液は、前記同様ポンプ８の作動により循環パイプ６からチューブ１３ａ、第２貯蔵タンク１０、チューブ１３ｂを経由して循環パイプ６内を循環し、書き込み装置３および現像装置４に蓄熱された熱を放熱部７のラジエータ１１から放熱させて、待機モード時における書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度上昇を抑えている。なお、待機モードに移行した初期時以降においては、書き込み装置３および現像装置４への蓄熱量が減少することにより、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度は次第に減少する。 The coolant whose temperature has been lowered by the radiator 11 of the heat radiating section 7 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 from the circulation pipe 6 through the tube 13a, the second storage tank 10, and the tube 13b by the operation of the pump 8 as described above, and writes The heat stored in the device 3 and the developing device 4 is radiated from the radiator 11 of the heat radiating unit 7 to suppress the temperature rise of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 in the standby mode. In addition, after the initial time of shifting to the standby mode, the temperature of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 gradually decreases due to a decrease in the amount of heat stored in the writing device 3 and the developing device 4.

このように、画像形成装置２が待機モードに移行した初期時には、温度が上昇している第１貯蔵タンク９側の冷却液よりも温度が大幅に低い第２貯蔵タンク１０側の冷却液を循環パイプ６内に循環させて、蓄熱により温度上昇している書き込み装置３および現像装置４を冷却する。 Thus, at the initial stage when the image forming apparatus 2 shifts to the standby mode, the coolant on the second storage tank 10 side whose temperature is significantly lower than the coolant on the first storage tank 9 side where the temperature is rising is circulated. It is circulated in the pipe 6 to cool the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 whose temperature is rising due to heat storage.

これにより、待機モードにより放熱部７の冷却ファン１２の回転が停止される状況において、特に待機モードに移行した初期時において、書き込み装置３および現像装置４に蓄熱された熱を第２貯蔵タンク１０からの温度の低い冷却液に伝えて、放熱部７のラジエータ１１から放熱することにより、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度上昇を抑えることができる。 As a result, in the situation where the rotation of the cooling fan 12 of the heat radiating unit 7 is stopped by the standby mode, the heat stored in the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 is transferred to the second storage tank 10, particularly at the initial stage when shifting to the standby mode. The temperature rise of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 can be suppressed by transferring the heat to the coolant having a low temperature from the radiator 11 and radiating heat from the radiator 11 of the heat radiating unit 7.

〈実施形態２〉
図３は、本発明の実施形態２に係る冷却装置を備えた画像形成装置を示す概略図である。なお、図１、図２に示した実施形態１の冷却装置、画像形成装置と同一機能を有する部材には同一符号を付し、重複する説明は省略する。画像形成装置２の構成は、図２に示した実施形態１の画像形成装置と同様である。 <Embodiment 2>
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an image forming apparatus provided with a cooling device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Members having the same functions as those of the cooling device and the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG.

図３に示すように、本実施形態に係る冷却装置１ａは、画像形成装置２内の温度上昇箇所としての書き込み装置３および現像装置４にそれぞれ接するように設けられた冷却プレート５ａ，５ｂと、冷却液が循環される銅製の循環パイプ６と、放熱部７と、冷却液を矢印ａ方向に循環させるためのポンプ８と、冷却液が貯蔵される第１貯蔵タンク９および第２貯蔵タンク１０を有し、循環パイプ６が冷却プレート５ａ，５ｂ内を通るように配管されている。放熱部７は、ラジエータ１１と冷却ファン１２とで構成されている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling device 1 a according to the present embodiment includes cooling plates 5 a and 5 b provided so as to be in contact with the writing device 3 and the developing device 4, respectively, as the temperature rising portion in the image forming device 2. A copper circulation pipe 6 through which the coolant is circulated, a heat radiating portion 7, a pump 8 for circulating the coolant in the direction of arrow a, and a first storage tank 9 and a second storage tank 10 in which the coolant is stored. The circulation pipe 6 is routed so as to pass through the cooling plates 5a and 5b. The heat dissipating unit 7 includes a radiator 11 and a cooling fan 12.

本実施形態では、放熱部７の下流側に設けたポンプ８の作動により冷却液が循環パイプ６内を矢印ａ方向に沿って、書き込み装置３の冷却プレート５ａ、現像装置４の冷却プレート５ｂ、放熱部７のラジエータ１１、第１貯蔵タンク９の順に循環する。 In the present embodiment, the cooling liquid flows in the circulation pipe 6 along the direction of arrow a by the operation of the pump 8 provided on the downstream side of the heat radiating unit 7, the cooling plate 5 b of the developing device 4, It circulates in order of the radiator 11 of the heat radiating unit 7 and the first storage tank 9.

第２貯蔵タンク１０は、樹脂製のチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂを介して循環パイプ６の第１貯蔵タンク９とポンプ８間に並列に連結され、チューブ１３ａ，１３ｂの一端側と循環パイプ６との連結部分には三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂがそれぞれ設置されている。三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替え制御は制御装置１５によって行われる。制御装置１５は、画像形成装置２の運転状況（運転モードか待機モード）に基づいて三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替え制御を行う。 The second storage tank 10 is connected in parallel between the first storage tank 9 of the circulation pipe 6 and the pump 8 via resin tubes 13a and 13b, and the connection between one end side of the tubes 13a and 13b and the circulation pipe 6 is performed. Three-way valves 14a and 14b are respectively installed in the portions. Switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b is performed by the control device 15. The control device 15 performs switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on the operation status (operation mode or standby mode) of the image forming apparatus 2.

アルミニウム製の第２貯蔵タンク１０は画像形成装置２の側面上部から外側に露出するように設けられており、第２貯蔵タンク１０の表面には放熱用のフィン（不図示）が設けられている。第２貯蔵タンク１０内には、冷却液が流れる流路（不図示）が形成されている。 The second storage tank 10 made of aluminum is provided so as to be exposed to the outside from the upper side surface of the image forming apparatus 2, and fins for heat dissipation (not shown) are provided on the surface of the second storage tank 10. . A flow path (not shown) through which the coolant flows is formed in the second storage tank 10.

以下、運転モード時および待機モード時における本実施形態に係る冷却装置１ａによる冷却動作について説明する。 Hereinafter, the cooling operation by the cooling device 1a according to the present embodiment in the operation mode and the standby mode will be described.

放熱部７で温度が低下した冷却液は、前記同様ポンプ８の作動により循環パイプ６内を循環し、書き込み装置３および現像装置４から発せられる熱を放熱部７のラジエータ１１から放熱させて、運転モード時における書き込み装置４および現像装置３の温度上昇を抑えている。 The coolant whose temperature has decreased in the heat radiating section 7 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 by the operation of the pump 8 as described above, and dissipates the heat generated from the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 from the radiator 11 of the heat radiating section 7. The temperature increase of the writing device 4 and the developing device 3 during the operation mode is suppressed.

なお、運転モード時には、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂによりチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路が遮断されているので、第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている冷却液が循環パイプ６内に流入することはない。また、第２貯蔵タンク１０は、画像形成装置２の側面から外に露出しており、さらに表面に放熱用のフィンを有している。よって、第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている冷却液は、循環パイプ６内を循環している冷却液よりも温度が大幅に低い状態にある。 In the operation mode, the coolant flow path on the tubes 13a, 13b side is blocked by the three-way valves 14a, 14b, so that the coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 flows into the circulation pipe 6. There is no. The second storage tank 10 is exposed to the outside from the side surface of the image forming apparatus 2, and further has a heat radiation fin on the surface. Therefore, the temperature of the coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 is significantly lower than that of the coolant circulating in the circulation pipe 6.

そして、ポンプ８の作動により、待機モードに移行した初期時には第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている冷却液がチューブ１３ｂから三方弁１４ｂを通して循環パイプ６内へ循環していく。これにより、待機モードに移行した初期時において書き込み装置３および現像装置４に蓄熱された熱は、各冷却プレート５ａ，５ｂを介して循環パイプ６内を循環する第２貯蔵タンク１０からの冷却液に伝えられ、放熱部７のラジエータ１１および第２貯蔵タンク１０の表面のフィンにより冷却される。 And by the action | operation of the pump 8, the cooling fluid stored in the 2nd storage tank 10 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 through the three-way valve 14b from the tube 13b at the initial stage which transfers to standby mode. As a result, the heat stored in the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 at the initial stage of shifting to the standby mode is the coolant from the second storage tank 10 that circulates in the circulation pipe 6 through the cooling plates 5a and 5b. And is cooled by the radiator 11 of the heat radiating unit 7 and the fins on the surface of the second storage tank 10.

放熱部７のラジエータ１１で温度が低下した冷却液は、前記同様ポンプ８の作動により循環パイプ６からチューブ１３ａ、第２貯蔵タンク１０、チューブ１３ｂを経由して循環パイプ６内を循環し、書き込み装置３および現像装置４に蓄熱された熱を放熱部７のラジエータ１１から放熱させて、待機モード時における書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度上昇を抑えている。なお、待機モードに移行した初期時以降においては、書き込み装置３および現像装置４への蓄熱量が減少することにより、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度は次第に減少する。 The coolant whose temperature has been lowered by the radiator 11 of the heat radiating section 7 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 from the circulation pipe 6 through the tube 13a, the second storage tank 10, and the tube 13b by the operation of the pump 8 in the same manner as described above. The heat stored in the device 3 and the developing device 4 is radiated from the radiator 11 of the heat radiating unit 7 to suppress the temperature rise of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 in the standby mode. In addition, after the initial time of shifting to the standby mode, the temperature of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 gradually decreases due to a decrease in the amount of heat stored in the writing device 3 and the developing device 4.

このように本実施形態でも同様に、待機モードにより放熱部７の冷却ファン１２の回転が停止される状況において、特に待機モードに移行した初期時において、書き込み装置３および現像装置４に蓄熱された熱を第２貯蔵タンク１０からの温度の低い冷却液に伝えて、放熱部７のラジエータ１１から放熱することにより、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度上昇を抑えることができる。 As described above, in the present embodiment as well, in the situation where the rotation of the cooling fan 12 of the heat radiating unit 7 is stopped by the standby mode, the heat is stored in the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 particularly at the initial time of transition to the standby mode. By transferring heat to the low-temperature coolant from the second storage tank 10 and dissipating heat from the radiator 11 of the heat dissipating unit 7, temperature rises of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 can be suppressed.

〈実施形態３〉
図４は、本発明の実施形態３に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略概略図である。図４に示すように、本実施形態に係る冷却装置１ｂは、図１に示した実施形態１の冷却装置において、循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液の温度を検知する温度センサ１６と、温度センサ１６で検知した循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液の温度情報に基づいて三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替え制御を行う制御装置１５ａを備えている。他の構成および動作は、図１に示した実施形態１の冷却装置と同様であり、重複する説明は省略する。 <Embodiment 3>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling device of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling device 1 b according to the present embodiment includes a temperature sensor 16 that detects the temperature of the coolant that circulates in the circulation pipe 6 in the cooling device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. A control device 15a that performs switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on the temperature information of the coolant circulating through the circulation pipe 6 detected by the sensor 16 is provided. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the cooling apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

制御装置１５ａは、温度センサ１６で検知した冷却液の温度が予め設定している設定値以下の場合にはチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路を遮断するように三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂを制御し、温度センサ１６で検知した冷却液の温度が予め設定している設定値以上の場合には循環パイプ６側の冷却液流路を遮断するように制御する。前記冷却液の温度の設定値は、本実施形態では以下のようにして設定した。 The control device 15a controls the three-way valves 14a and 14b so as to block the coolant flow paths on the tubes 13a and 13b side when the temperature of the coolant detected by the temperature sensor 16 is equal to or lower than a preset set value. When the temperature of the coolant detected by the temperature sensor 16 is equal to or higher than a preset value, control is performed to block the coolant flow path on the circulation pipe 6 side. In the present embodiment, the set value of the coolant temperature is set as follows.

即ち、前記したように画像形成装置が運転モードから待機モードに移行した初期時には、定着装置の定着ローラ内のヒータの発熱等による画像形成装置内での蓄熱量の増加によって、書き込み装置３、現像装置４の温度、および冷却液の温度が運転モード時よりも上昇する（図８参照）。また、トナーを有する現像装置４の許容上限温度は、書き込み装置３の許容上限温度よりも低いので、予め待機モードに移行した初期時における冷却液と現像装置４との温度差の最大値を求めて、その値を基に冷却液の温度の設定値を決定する。本実施形態では、待機モードに移行した初期時における現像装置４の許容上限温度から前記した温度差の最大値を減じた値の８０％を、冷却液の温度の設定値とした。 That is, as described above, at the initial stage when the image forming apparatus shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode, the writing device 3 and the developer are developed by an increase in the amount of heat stored in the image forming apparatus due to heat generated by the heater in the fixing roller of the fixing device. The temperature of the device 4 and the temperature of the cooling liquid are higher than those in the operation mode (see FIG. 8). Further, since the allowable upper limit temperature of the developing device 4 having toner is lower than the allowable upper limit temperature of the writing device 3, the maximum value of the temperature difference between the cooling liquid and the developing device 4 at the initial stage of shifting to the standby mode is obtained in advance. Then, the set value of the coolant temperature is determined based on the value. In this embodiment, 80% of the value obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the temperature difference from the allowable upper limit temperature of the developing device 4 at the initial stage when the mode is shifted to the standby mode is set as the coolant temperature setting value.

画像形成装置２が運転モード時の場合には、循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液の温度は前記設定値以下である。よって、制御装置１５ａは、温度センサ１６で検知した冷却液の温度情報に基づいてチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路を遮断するように三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂを制御して、第１貯蔵タンク９に貯蔵されている冷却液を循環パイプ６内を循環させ、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を行う。 When the image forming apparatus 2 is in the operation mode, the temperature of the coolant circulating in the circulation pipe 6 is not more than the set value. Therefore, the control device 15a controls the three-way valves 14a and 14b so as to block the coolant flow paths on the tubes 13a and 13b side based on the temperature information of the coolant detected by the temperature sensor 16, so that the first storage tank The cooling liquid stored in 9 is circulated in the circulation pipe 6 to cool the writing device 3 and the developing device 4.

そして、画像形成装置２が運転モードから待機モードに移行すると、循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液の温度は前記設定値以上となる。よって、制御装置１５ａは、温度センサ１６で検知した冷却液の温度情報に基づいて循環パイプ６側の冷却液流路を遮断するように制御する。これにより、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの連結部において循環パイプ６とチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂとが連通して、第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている温度の低い冷却液がチューブ１３ｂから三方弁１４ｂを通して循環パイプ６内へ循環し、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を行う。 When the image forming apparatus 2 shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode, the temperature of the coolant circulating in the circulation pipe 6 becomes equal to or higher than the set value. Therefore, the control device 15a controls the coolant flow path on the circulation pipe 6 side to be shut off based on the coolant temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 16. As a result, the circulation pipe 6 and the tubes 13a and 13b communicate with each other at the connection portion of the three-way valves 14a and 14b, and the low-temperature coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 circulates from the tube 13b through the three-way valve 14b. Circulating into the pipe 6, the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 are cooled.

このように本実施形態でも同様に、待機モードにより放熱部７の冷却ファン１２の回転が停止される状況において、特に待機モードに移行した初期時において、書き込み装置３および現像装置４に蓄熱された熱を第２貯蔵タンク１０からの温度の低い冷却液に伝えて、放熱部７のラジエータ１１から放熱することができるので、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の温度上昇を抑えることができる。 As described above, in the present embodiment as well, in the situation where the rotation of the cooling fan 12 of the heat radiating unit 7 is stopped by the standby mode, the heat is stored in the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 particularly at the initial time of transition to the standby mode. Since heat can be transferred to the coolant having a low temperature from the second storage tank 10 and can be dissipated from the radiator 11 of the heat dissipating unit 7, the temperature rise of the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 can be suppressed.

〈実施形態４〉
図５は、本発明の実施形態４に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略概略図である。図５に示すように、本実施形態に係る冷却装置１ｃは、図１に示した実施形態１の冷却装置において、循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液の積算体積流量を計測する積算流量計１７と、積算流量計１７で計測した循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液の積算体積流量情報に基づいて三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替え制御を行う制御装置１５ｂを備えている。 <Embodiment 4>
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling device for an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling device 1 c according to the present embodiment is an integrated flow meter 17 that measures the integrated volume flow rate of the coolant circulating in the circulation pipe 6 in the cooling device of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1. And a control device 15b that performs switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on the accumulated volume flow rate information of the coolant circulating in the circulation pipe 6 measured by the accumulated flow meter 17.

なお、制御装置１５ｂは、実施形態１と同様に画像形成装置の運転状況（運転モードか待機モード）に基づいて三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替え制御も行う。また、第２貯蔵タンク１０内には、冷却液が流れる流路１０ａが形成されている。他の構成および動作は、図１に示した実施形態１の冷却装置と同様であり、重複する説明は省略する。 Note that the control device 15b also performs switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on the operation status (operation mode or standby mode) of the image forming apparatus as in the first embodiment. Further, in the second storage tank 10, a flow path 10a through which the cooling liquid flows is formed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the cooling apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

本実施形態においても実施形態１と同様に、画像形成装置が運転モード時の場合には、この運転モードに基づいて、制御装置１５ｂは三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂへ制御信号を出力してチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路を遮断するように切替制御し、第１貯蔵タンク９に貯蔵されている冷却液を矢印ａ方向に循環パイプ６内を循環させて、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を行う。 Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus is in the operation mode, the control device 15b outputs a control signal to the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on this operation mode to output the tubes 13a and 13b. Switching control is performed so that the coolant flow path on the 13b side is cut off, and the coolant stored in the first storage tank 9 is circulated in the circulation pipe 6 in the direction of arrow a, so that the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 Cool down.

そして、画像形成装置２が運転モードから待機モードに移行した場合には、この待機モードに基づいて、制御装置１５ｂは三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂへ制御信号を出力して循環パイプ６側の冷却液流路を遮断するように切替制御する。これにより、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの連結部において循環パイプ６とチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂとが連通して、第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている温度の低い冷却液がチューブ１３ｂから三方弁１４ｂを通して循環パイプ６内へ循環し、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を行う。 When the image forming apparatus 2 shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode, on the basis of this standby mode, the control device 15b outputs a control signal to the three-way valves 14a and 14b, and the coolant flow on the circulation pipe 6 side. Switching control is performed to block the road. As a result, the circulation pipe 6 and the tubes 13a and 13b communicate with each other at the connection portion of the three-way valves 14a and 14b, and the low-temperature coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 circulates from the tube 13b through the three-way valve 14b. Circulating into the pipe 6, the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 are cooled.

待機モードに移行して、第２貯蔵タンク１０内の冷却液が循環パイプ６へ循環され始めると、積算流量計１７は、制御装置１５ｂからの指示に基づいて循環パイプ６内を循環する冷却液の積算体積流量を計測する。そして、積算流量計１７で計測される積算体積流量の値が循環パイプ６（放熱部７のラジエータ１１、ポンプ８および第１貯蔵タンク９を含む）全体の流路の体積と略同じになると、制御装置１５ｂは、積算流量計１７からの積算体積流量情報に基づいて三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂへ制御信号を出力して、チューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路を遮断するように切替制御し、冷却液を循環パイプ６内で循環させる。 When the standby mode is entered and the coolant in the second storage tank 10 begins to be circulated to the circulation pipe 6, the integrating flow meter 17 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 based on an instruction from the control device 15b. Measure the cumulative volume flow rate. And when the value of the integrated volume flow rate measured by the integrated flow meter 17 becomes substantially the same as the volume of the entire flow path of the circulation pipe 6 (including the radiator 11, the pump 8, and the first storage tank 9), The control device 15b outputs a control signal to the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on the accumulated volume flow information from the accumulated flow meter 17, and performs switching control so as to block the coolant flow paths on the tubes 13a and 13b side. The cooling liquid is circulated in the circulation pipe 6.

これにより、運転モード時に循環パイプ６内を循環していた第１貯蔵タンク９内の冷却液の大部分は第２貯蔵タンク１０側に貯蔵され、入れ替わるようにして第２貯蔵タンク１０内の冷却液の大部分が循環パイプ６内を循環するようになるので、第２貯蔵タンク１０内の温度の低い冷却液が循環パイプ６内を効率よく循環し、冷却能力を向上させることができる。 As a result, most of the coolant in the first storage tank 9 circulated in the circulation pipe 6 during the operation mode is stored on the second storage tank 10 side and cooled in the second storage tank 10 so as to be replaced. Since most of the liquid circulates in the circulation pipe 6, the cooling liquid having a low temperature in the second storage tank 10 circulates in the circulation pipe 6 efficiently, and the cooling capacity can be improved.

また、第２貯蔵タンク１０側に貯蔵された温度の高い冷却液は第２貯蔵タンク１０内の流路１０ａで効率よく自然に冷えるので、所定の時間間隔毎に、あるいは循環パイプ６を循環している冷却液が所定の温度以上に上昇した場合に、前記した三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの切替制御を繰り返すことにより、待機モード時における書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を良好に行うことができる。 In addition, since the high-temperature coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 side cools efficiently and naturally in the flow path 10a in the second storage tank 10, it is circulated through the circulation pipe 6 every predetermined time interval. When the cooling liquid being heated rises above a predetermined temperature, the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 in the standby mode can be cooled well by repeating the switching control of the three-way valves 14a and 14b. .

〈実施形態５〉
図６は、本発明の実施形態５に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略概略図である。図６に示すように、本実施形態に係る冷却装置１ｄは、図１に示した実施形態１の冷却装置において、第２貯蔵タンク１０の側面に複数のペルチェ素子からなるペルチェモジュール１８を設け、更に、ペルチェモジュール１８の第２貯蔵タンク１０と反対側の側面にフィン１８ａと冷却用ファン１８ｂを備えている。ペルチェモジュール１８には直流電源１９が接続されている。他の構成および動作は、図１に示した実施形態１の冷却装置と同様であり、重複する説明は省略する。 <Embodiment 5>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling device for an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling device 1 d according to the present embodiment is provided with a Peltier module 18 including a plurality of Peltier elements on the side surface of the second storage tank 10 in the cooling device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Further, a fin 18 a and a cooling fan 18 b are provided on the side surface of the Peltier module 18 opposite to the second storage tank 10. A DC power source 19 is connected to the Peltier module 18. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the cooling apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

本実施形態においても実施形態１と同様に、画像形成装置が運転モード時の場合には、この運転モードに基づいて、制御装置１５は三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂへ制御信号を出力してチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ側の冷却液流路を遮断するように切替制御し、第１貯蔵タンク９に貯蔵されている冷却液を矢印ａ方向に循環パイプ６内を循環させて、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を行う。 Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus is in the operation mode, the control device 15 outputs a control signal to the three-way valves 14a and 14b based on this operation mode to output the tubes 13a and 13b. Switching control is performed so that the coolant flow path on the 13b side is cut off, and the coolant stored in the first storage tank 9 is circulated in the circulation pipe 6 in the direction of arrow a, so that the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 Cool down.

そして、画像形成装置２が運転モードから待機モードに移行した場合には、この待機モードに基づいて、制御装置１５は三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂへ制御信号を出力して循環パイプ６側の冷却液流路を遮断するように切替制御する。 When the image forming apparatus 2 shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode, based on this standby mode, the control device 15 outputs a control signal to the three-way valves 14a and 14b to flow the coolant on the circulation pipe 6 side. Switching control is performed to block the road.

この際、直流電源１９から電圧が印加されたペルチェモジュール１８により第２貯蔵タンク１０を冷却して、第２貯蔵タンク１０内の冷却液の温度をより下げておくことができる。これにより、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂの連結部において循環パイプ６とチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂとが連通して、第２貯蔵タンク１０に貯蔵されている温度の低い冷却液がチューブ１３ｂから三方弁１４ｂを通して循環パイプ６内へ循環し、書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を行う。 At this time, the second storage tank 10 is cooled by the Peltier module 18 to which a voltage is applied from the DC power source 19, and the temperature of the coolant in the second storage tank 10 can be further lowered. As a result, the circulation pipe 6 and the tubes 13a and 13b communicate with each other at the connection portion of the three-way valves 14a and 14b, and the low-temperature coolant stored in the second storage tank 10 circulates from the tube 13b through the three-way valve 14b. Circulating into the pipe 6, the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 are cooled.

なお、ペルチェモジュール１８により第２貯蔵タンク１０を冷却する際に、ペルチェモジュール１８の第２貯蔵タンク１０と反対側で発生する熱は、フィン１８ａと冷却用ファン１８ｂの回転によって外に放熱される。 When the second storage tank 10 is cooled by the Peltier module 18, the heat generated on the opposite side of the Peltier module 18 from the second storage tank 10 is radiated to the outside by the rotation of the fins 18a and the cooling fan 18b. .

このように本実施形態では、ペルチェモジュール１８により第２貯蔵タンク１０内の冷却液の温度をより下げることができるので、待機モード時における書き込み装置３および現像装置４の冷却を良好に行うことができる。 As described above, in the present embodiment, the temperature of the cooling liquid in the second storage tank 10 can be further lowered by the Peltier module 18, so that the writing device 3 and the developing device 4 can be favorably cooled in the standby mode. it can.

なお、前記した各実施形態では、循環パイプ６に冷却プレート５ｂ，５ａ、放熱部７、ポンプ８、第１貯蔵タンク９がそれぞれ単一に設けられていたが、これらの全部もしくはいずれかを複数設けてもよい。 In each of the above-described embodiments, the cooling plate 5b, 5a, the heat radiating unit 7, the pump 8, and the first storage tank 9 are each provided in the circulation pipe 6. However, all or any one of them may be provided. It may be provided.

また、前記した各実施形態では、循環パイプ６のポンプ８と冷却プレート５ａとの間の管路に、一組のチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂにより第２貯蔵タンク１０が並設された構成であるが、この構成を二組以上設けてもよい。更に、一組のチューブ１３ａ，１３ｂ、三方弁１４ａ，１４ｂにより第２貯蔵タンク１０が並設された構成を、循環パイプ６のポンプ８と冷却プレート５ａとの間の管路以外に設けてもよく、特に、この構成を循環パイプ６の第１貯蔵タンク９と放熱部７のどちらか一方あるいは両方を含む管路に設けてもよい。 Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the second storage tank 10 is provided in parallel in the conduit between the pump 8 of the circulation pipe 6 and the cooling plate 5a by a set of tubes 13a and 13b and three-way valves 14a and 14b. However, two or more sets of these configurations may be provided. Further, a configuration in which the second storage tank 10 is arranged in parallel by a set of tubes 13a and 13b and three-way valves 14a and 14b may be provided in a place other than the pipe line between the pump 8 of the circulation pipe 6 and the cooling plate 5a. In particular, this configuration may be provided in a pipe line including one or both of the first storage tank 9 and the heat radiating portion 7 of the circulation pipe 6.

本発明の実施形態１に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略構成図。1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態１に係る冷却装置を備えた画像形成装置を示す概略図。1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus including a cooling device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態２に係る冷却装置を備えた画像形成装置を示す概略図。Schematic which shows the image forming apparatus provided with the cooling device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施形態３に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略構成図。FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態４に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略構成図。FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態５に係る画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略構成図。FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 従来例における画像形成装置の冷却装置を示す概略構成図。FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a cooling device of an image forming apparatus in a conventional example. 従来例における画像形成装置の冷却装置による冷却動作時の、運転モード時と待機モード時における現像装置の部品温度と冷却液の温度のそれぞれの変化を示した図。During cooling operation by the cooling device of the image forming apparatus in the prior art, it shows a change in their respective temperature component temperature and the cooling liquid of the developing device in the standby mode and during operation mode.

Explanation of symbols

１、１ａ、１ｂ、１ｃ、１ｄ冷却装置
２画像形成装置
３書き込み装置
４現像装置
５ａ，５ｂ冷却プレート
６循環パイプ（冷却液循環管路）
７放熱部（放熱手段）
８ポンプ（冷却液循環手段）
９第１貯蔵タンク
１０第２貯蔵タンク（貯蔵部）
１１ラジエータ
１２冷却ファン
１３ａ，１３ｂチューブ（連結管路）
１４ａ，１４ｂ三方弁（切替え手段）
１５、１５ａ、１５ｂ制御装置（制御手段）
１６温度センサ（温度検知手段）
１７積算流量計（流量計測手段）
１８ペルチェモジュール
２０ａ，２０ｂ，２０ｃ，２０ｄ画像形成部
２１中間転写ベルト
２２定着装置
２３感光体ドラム 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Cooling device 2 Image forming device 3 Writing device 4 Developing device 5a, 5b Cooling plate 6 Circulating pipe (cooling liquid circulation conduit)
7 Heat radiation part (heat radiation means)
8 Pump (coolant circulation means)
9 1st storage tank 10 2nd storage tank (storage part)
11 Radiator 12 Cooling fan 13a, 13b Tube (connecting pipeline)
14a, 14b Three-way valve (switching means)
15, 15a, 15b Control device (control means)
16 Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)
17 Integrated flow meter (flow rate measuring means)
18 Peltier module 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Image forming unit 21 Intermediate transfer belt 22 Fixing device 23 Photosensitive drum

Claims

Cooling liquid circulation line provided so as to pass through a temperature rising portion in the image forming apparatus, cooling liquid included in the cooling liquid circulation line, and cooling liquid circulation for circulating the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid circulation line Means, and heat dissipating means provided in the middle of the coolant circulation pipe, for reducing the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat with the coolant that has risen in temperature due to the heat generated from the temperature rise portion, and In the cooling device for an image forming apparatus that reduces the heat exchange capability of the heat radiating means to the cooling liquid during the standby mode in which the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped and in a standby state.
At least one storage section in which a coolant is stored;
Two connecting pipes that connect the storage unit in parallel to an arbitrary position of the coolant circulation pipe;
Each of the connection lines of the cooling liquid circulation pipe line is provided at each of the connection points connected to each other, and the cooling liquid flow path can be switched to the connection pipe line side or the cooling liquid circulation pipe side at each of the connection points. Switching means;
Control means for performing switching control of each switching means ,
In the operation mode in which the image forming apparatus is in an image forming operation, the control means performs switching control of the switching means so that the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the coolant circulation pipe side, When the image forming apparatus shifts from the operation mode to the standby mode, the switching means is switched and controlled so that the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the connection pipe side, thereby cooling the storage section. Circulating the liquid through the cooling liquid circulation line together with the cooling liquid contained in the cooling liquid circulation line ;
A cooling apparatus for an image forming apparatus.

Cooling liquid circulation line provided so as to pass through a temperature rising portion in the image forming apparatus, cooling liquid included in the cooling liquid circulation line, and cooling liquid circulation for circulating the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid circulation line Means, and heat dissipating means provided in the middle of the coolant circulation pipe, for reducing the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat with the coolant that has risen in temperature due to the heat generated from the temperature rise portion, and In the cooling device for an image forming apparatus that reduces the heat exchange capability of the heat radiating means to the cooling liquid during the standby mode in which the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped and in a standby state.
At least one storage section in which a coolant is stored;
Two connecting pipes that connect the storage unit in parallel to an arbitrary position of the coolant circulation pipe;
Each of the connection lines of the cooling liquid circulation pipe line is provided at each of the connection points connected to each other, and the cooling liquid flow path can be switched to the connection pipe line side or the cooling liquid circulation pipe side at each of the connection points. Switching means;
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation pipe;
Control means for performing switching control of each switching means,
The control means, based on temperature detection information from the temperature detection means, when the temperature of the coolant detected by the temperature detection means is below a predetermined temperature, the coolant flow path at each of the connection locations is the coolant circulation. The switching means is controlled so as to be on the pipe line side, and when the temperature of the coolant detected by the temperature detection means rises to a predetermined temperature or higher, the cooling liquid flow path at each connection point is on the side of each connection pipe line The switching means is controlled so as to be, and the cooling liquid in the storage unit is circulated through the cooling liquid circulation pipe along with the cooling liquid contained in the cooling liquid circulation pipe .
A cooling apparatus for an image forming apparatus.

Cooling liquid circulation line provided so as to pass through a temperature rising portion in the image forming apparatus, cooling liquid included in the cooling liquid circulation line, and cooling liquid circulation for circulating the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid circulation line Means, and heat dissipating means provided in the middle of the coolant circulation pipe, for reducing the temperature of the coolant by exchanging heat with the coolant that has risen in temperature due to the heat generated from the temperature rise portion, and In the cooling device for an image forming apparatus that reduces the heat exchange capability of the heat radiating means to the cooling liquid during the standby mode in which the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is stopped and in a standby state.
At least one storage section in which a coolant is stored;
Two connecting pipes that connect the storage unit in parallel to an arbitrary position of the coolant circulation pipe;
Each of the connection lines of the cooling liquid circulation pipe line is provided at each of the connection points connected to each other, and the cooling liquid flow path can be switched to the connection pipe line side or the cooling liquid circulation pipe side at each of the connection points. Switching means;
A flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the coolant circulating through the coolant circulation line;
Control means for performing switching control of each switching means,
In the operation mode in which the image forming apparatus is in an image forming operation, the control means performs switching control of the switching means so that the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the coolant circulation pipe side, When the image forming apparatus shifts from the operation mode to another mode including the standby mode, the switching means is controlled so that the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the connection pipe side , Circulating the cooling liquid in the storage unit together with the cooling liquid contained in the cooling liquid circulation pipe ,
Furthermore, the cooling fluid flow path is switched to the each connecting tube roadside in the connecting portion, the cooling fluid circulating pipe also with cooling liquid coolant is contained in the cooling fluid circulation line in said reservoir When the control unit determines that the accumulated flow rate of the cooling water measured by the flow rate measurement unit has reached a predetermined amount based on the flow rate measurement information from the flow rate measurement unit when circulating through the path In addition, the switching means is controlled to be switched so that the coolant flow path at each connection point is on the coolant circulation pipe side.
A cooling apparatus for an image forming apparatus.

The heat dissipating means has a radiator section through which a cooling liquid passes, and a cooling fan that sends air to the radiator section, and reduces or stops rotation of the cooling fan during the standby mode.
Cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

At least one outer surface of the storage unit is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus, and has a flow path through which a cooling liquid flows in the storage unit, and a heat dissipation fin is provided on the outer surface of the storage unit.
Cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

A Peltier element for cooling the coolant in the storage unit is provided on the outer surface of the storage unit.
Cooling device of an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.