JPH03105366A - Exhausting device for image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently exhaust heat, ozon, etc., and to improve an air flow in a machine by providing the exhausting system with two exhausting systems providing corresponding required filters on the upper and lower parts of a frame to suck air from a prescribed device. CONSTITUTION:The two exhausting systems for sucking air are provided on the upper and lower parts of the frame of the image forming device. In the upper exhausting system, an air flow through an air flow passage consisting of a diaphragm, a duct, etc., is exhausted through an exhausting fan 67 in the upper exhausting device through a photosensitive body 20, an electrostatic charger or the like generating ozone, respective image forming parts such as a fixing device 40, and an ozone decomposing filter 66. An air flow sucked from a toner suction duct 68 by an exhausting fan 67a is circulated through a duct filter 65 and a steam duct is also provided as necessary. The lower exhausting system is similarly constituted, an air flow sucking a paper carrying device is similarly constituted, an air flow sucking a paper carrying exhausted, and air flow in the machine can be improved.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Field of Application) The present invention is applied to image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and laser printers, in which heat and dust generated inside the apparatus, ozone generated from a discharge device, The present invention relates to an exhaust device for exhausting water vapor generated in a fixing device to the outside of the machine, and particularly relates to an exhaust device for an image forming apparatus that efficiently exhausts heat, ozone, etc. generated from each member.

(Prior Art) In an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser printer, an image writing device using a polygon mirror is used to form an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor, and toner is applied to the DI latent image. Conventionally, methods have been commonly used in which a toner image is formed by adhering to a toner image, and the toner image is transferred and fixed onto a sheet of paper to create a recording sheet.

For example, in a conventional image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 14, an image writing device is provided around the photosensitive drum 20, and when forming a monochromatic toner image, one developing device M22 is provided. In the case of forming a two-color toner image, two developing devices 21 and 22 are arranged to apply toner to each electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor.

Further, a charging corotron 25 is disposed upstream of the image writing position of the photoreceptor 20, and a transfer corotron 28 is disposed in a portion where a toner image is transferred to paper. The toner should be uniformly charged and the toner image transferred to the paper. Further, the paper is sent out from a paper storage device (not shown), passes through an image transfer position by a transfer corotron, is conveyed by a paper conveyance device 50, passes through a fixing device 40, is fixed, and is transferred to an output tray. transported towards.

In a general image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above, heat discharged from a fixing device, ozone generated by discharge in a corotron, toner cloud generated from a cleaning device and a developing device, and paper transport system A fan 37 is provided to discharge paper dust and the like generated from the machine to the outside of the machine, and a ventilation device 30 is provided for the fan 37.

The ventilation system 130 is composed of an upper duct 31 and a lower duct 35, and the upper duct 31 has a suction hole 32 corresponding to the charging corotron 25 and a cleaning device 23.
A suction hole 32a corresponding to the fixed snack device 140 and a suction hole 32b corresponding to the fixed snack device 140 are provided, respectively.

Further, the lower duct 35 is configured to mainly suck air from the transfer corotron 28.
Air from the two ducts is sucked in by a fan 37, and a dust filter and an ozone decomposition filter placed in the exhaust section from the fan separate dust and decompose ozone, and exhaust clean air. let

(Problems to be solved by the invention) However, in the conventional device as described above,
In order to exhaust all the air inside the aircraft with a single fan, there is a problem in that it is extremely difficult to ensure the optimal air flow rate by responding to each cause of generation, such as heat, ozone, and dust. .

In other words, if the openings provided in the upper and lower ducts of the ventilation device are formed to correspond to when each device is operating, for example, when the fixing device is in standby mode and generates little heat, and when the fixing device is performing the fusing function. Therefore, the need for cooling air differs depending on the case where the amount of heat generated from the heating port is extremely large.

However, in conventional apparatuses, the flow rate of air to the fixing position is often maintained constant at all times.

Further, when an ozone decomposition filter is disposed in the exhaust section from the fan, the ozone decomposition filter is carved so that the exhaust air from inside the machine always circulates. However, when the corotron is not discharging, even though the ozone decomposition filter is not performing its function, air containing toner and dust passes through the ozone decomposition filter. Problems such as dust adhesion may occur, which may affect the ozone decomposition effect of the ozone decomposition filter.

In addition, various inconvenient conditions as shown below occur, and there are problems such as WeW on the photoreceptor in the image forming apparatus. In other words, (a) failure to exhaust ozone from around the photoconductor and cleaning blade may occur, and the ozone may cause deterioration of these components, resulting in poor charging of the photoconductor and image quality. This may cause problems such as problems.

(b) In particular, if ozone is not properly discharged from around the photoreceptor, ammonium nitrate is generated due to the interaction between the ozone and temperature and humidity, and it is absorbed into the exposed parts of the optical system and the rollers. The tron wire adheres to the surface of the photoreceptor and causes image quality problems.

(C) In conventional image forming apparatuses, heat from the fixing device cannot be effectively discharged, and the heat from the fixing device heats the cleaning device, photoreceptor, polygon mirror motor, etc. , the operation of each of these devices may be affected, and the image quality may be affected.

For example, if the cleaning device is heated excessively, the toner collected inside the housing of the device will solidify, causing a blocking phenomenon, which will impede the discharge of the toner.

Furthermore, when the temperature of the polygon mirror motor increases, it becomes difficult to maintain the rotational speed of the motor constant, causing problems such as problems in image writing.

Furthermore, when the temperature of the surface of the photoreceptor increases, the sensitive material covering the surface of the photoreceptor softens.
When magnetic toner is used, problems such as iron powder contained therein sinking into the surface of the photosensitive material and deteriorating the photosensitive material occur.

(d) Silicone oil vapor generated from the fixing device flows into the corotron wire portion of the photoreceptor, causing problems such as deterioration of the photoreceptor and uneven discharge due to wire contamination.

(e) Copy damage occurs due to water droplets falling on the paper ejection section of the fixing device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, for example, fans are placed in locations where heat, ozone, dust, etc. In some cases, means are used to enable the control of

However, when a large number of fans are used, the number of ducts connecting the place where dust or heat is generated and the exhaust position increases, resulting in problems such as the complexity of the configuration inside the main body frame. occurs.

In addition, arranging an ozone decomposition filter and a dust filter for each of the large number of fans increases the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the device, and the lifespan of the various filters is relatively short. In particular, the influence on ozone decomposition filters becomes large.

In addition to this, when a large number of fans and the like are provided for each device, the noise generated from the fans may become a problem.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention is intended to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks of conventional image forming apparatuses. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that allows good air circulation within a frame.

(Means and operations for solving the problems) The exhaust device of the image forming apparatus of the present invention disposes an image Il!I writing device with respect to the photoreceptor, and uses the image information written by the image writing device. On the other hand, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus configured to form a toner image on the surface of a photoreceptor using a xerography method and transfer the toner image onto paper to create recording paper.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, air suction means are arranged at the upper and lower parts of the frame of the image forming apparatus, and a dust filter and an ozone decomposition filter are arranged at the exhaust part of each air suction means. The upper exhaust device serving as the upper air suction means is provided with respective air guide means for each member of the xerographic system, and is configured to be able to suck air from each device. In addition, the area around the charger is sealed to improve the ozone suction force toward the photoreceptor, and the lower exhaust device, which serves as the air suction means at the bottom, is equipped with a suction means for the paper conveyance device and the air at the bottom of the photoreceptor. The structure is configured to be able to perform suction.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the air sucked through the upper exhaust device is sucked from both sides of the partition plate member disposed between the cleaning device and the fixing device. The air on the photoreceptor side absorbs ozone generated by the charger and forms an air flow that cools the motor of the image writing device.
The air passage is not formed.

Furthermore, the upper exhaust device can be configured to suck air from the stray paper side of the fixing device through a steam duct. Furthermore, a partition plate may be provided within the duct in order to obtain a uniform suction force. In addition to the above-mentioned precautions, in the present invention, in order to improve the suction power of water vapor, the inside of the duct is partitioned, and an ozone filter is provided only for the air flow on the ozone generation source side, and no filter is provided on the water vapor ventilation side. In addition, the lower exhaust device located in the 'F section of the apparatus main body is configured to function as a suction means for the paper transport device and to suck air from the lower part of the photoreceptor. Depending on the operation, a suction duct can be provided so as to be able to enter the housing.

In addition to the above-described configuration, in the apparatus of the present invention, air suction means are disposed at the upper and lower parts of the frame of the image forming apparatus, and each air suction means has a dust filter and an ozone filter at its exhaust part. In addition to arranging the decomposition filter, the air discharge section can be provided with a switching means for discharging air through the ozone decomposition filter only when ozone is generated from the device.

In addition, when configuring the air exhaust part to be connected to the opening provided in the cover of the main body frame to exhaust the air inside the aircraft, the duct between the fan and the opening in the cover must be The cover can be configured to expand toward the side, and the lattice-like member provided at the opening of the cover can be configured as a member with a streamlined cross section that has low air resistance. Furthermore, in order to prevent the gap between the duct and the cover, a seal is placed in the gap.

Therefore, the exhaust device of the image forming apparatus of the present invention can circulate the air inside the apparatus using a small number of fans, and the duct etc. are not placed in the Wi9l, so other devices etc. can be accommodated. It can be prevented from affecting the space.

Furthermore, in the exhaust system of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the two ventilators provided in the main body frame can dispose of heat, dust, ozone, etc. generated inside the apparatus in a good condition. It is possible to prevent inconvenient conditions from occurring in each device due to such causes.

Furthermore, if the exhaust air is configured not to pass through the ozone decomposition filter when the discharge means is not activated,
Thereby, it is possible to obtain a recovery time for the performance of the ozone decomposition filter, and it becomes possible to maintain the performance of the ozone decomposition filter.

In the present invention, in order to maintain the decomposition rate of ozone and to improve the life of the ozone filter,
It can also have a double structure. Furthermore, the following types of ozone filters can be used depending on the ozone concentration level generated.

・Ceramic honeycomb filter of activated carbon and binder ・Activated carbon-impregnated paper cardboard filter ・Inorganic catalyst honeycomb filter ・Activated carbon-impregnated urethane filter (Example) The configuration of the exhaust device of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be explained according to the illustrated example. .

The image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a recording apparatus such as a laser printer, and an image writing apparatus 10 using a laser is provided on a photosensitive drum 20 of an image forming apparatus w1.

The image writing device 10 has a configuration similar to a polygon mirror commonly used in conventional laser writing devices, and has a polygon mirror 11 that is rotated at high speed by a motor 12 and has a large number of rebellious surfaces. The device is configured to write an image by reflecting a laser beam on the reflective surface and scanning it in the width direction of the photoreceptor.

In the embodiment of the present invention, two optical paths are provided so that recording paper of two colors can be created by the image writing device 10, and a mirror 13 corresponding to each optical path is provided.
Writing units 15 and 1 are applied to the photoconductor 20 via 13a.
6 is placed.

Around the photoreceptor 20, as in the case of a normal xerography system, a charging rotron 25, two developing devices gf 21 and 22, a pre-transfer corotron 27, a transfer corotron 28, and a cleaning device 23 are installed. They are arranged in order in the direction of rotation of the photoreceptor.

Further, the paper for transferring the image formed on the photoconductor is fed through a paper feed path 2 provided at the bottom of the main body frame.
In addition to being conveyed toward the image transfer section, manual feed 1 and lay 3
(a) The paper fed from the paper feeding device has its leading end positioned by a registration roller 4 provided in front of the image transfer section from the photosensitive plate 20. The transfer of the toner image is performed by feeding out the toner image at the same timing as the position of the toner image formed on the photoreceptor.

Further, the paper to which the toner image has been transferred from the photoreceptor 20 is
The paper is transported by the paper transport device 150 and introduced into the fixing device 40, and is nipped between the heating port 42 and the pressure roller 43, where it is fixed by applying heat and pressure, and passes through the discharge path 5. Then, it is carried out by the discharge port roller 6 toward the discharging tray.

In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention configured as described above, the upper exhaust device 60 is disposed in seven parts of the main body frame, and the lower exhaust device 70 is disposed in the lower part. These two systems of ventilation devices exhaust heat, toner cloud, etc. generated inside the machine, as well as ozone etc. generated from the discharge device through respective processing means.

In the two systems of ventilation devices, the upper exhaust device 60 removes heat and water vapor from the fixing device 140 and the cleaning device 2.
3 and the toner cloud generated from the two developing v4 positions,
It is designed so that ozone generated from the charged corotron 25 at the top can be sucked in and disposed of.

The exhaust system by the lower exhaust device 70 removes the heat discharged from the lower part of the fixing unit, the vacuum suction means of the paper conveyance device, the dust generated around the paper conveyance device, the transfer/separation corotron 28, and the front. A device is configured that sucks and processes ozone generated by the transfer corotron 27.

Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the paper transport device 150 is configured to be swingable via a fulcrum provided on the fixing device 40 side, and the paper transport device 50 and the transfer corotron 28 are connected to each other. By releasing the pressure from the push-up lever 52, it can be separated from the photoreceptor 20. If a paper jam or the like occurs in this section, the structure is such that the paper can be easily processed in the paper transport device section.

As mentioned above, it is possible to effectively dispose of heat, dust, ozone, etc. generated inside the main body of the image forming apparatus by arranging two systems of exhaust means, upper and lower, on the main body frame of the image forming apparatus, and passing through the respective ducts. It is considered possible.

(Configuration of Upper Exhaust System) As shown in FIG. It is designed to be separated by Furthermore, a plurality of partition plates 63, 63a, and 63b are arranged inside the duct 61, and the air flow path within the duct 61 is divided by each partition means.

In the upper exhaust device 60 of the present invention described above, the lower plate 62 of the duct 61 is provided with suction holes 628 to 62e corresponding to exhaust members for heat, dust, and ozone. For example, an opening 25a is provided at the top of the charging corotron 25,
A suction hole 6 is provided in the lower plate corresponding to the opening of the charged corotron.
2a8 is provided and used to discharge ozone generated from the transfer corotron 25.

In addition, the cleaning device 23 has a blade of the cleaning device that scrapes off residual toner on the photoreceptor, so that even if a toner cloud is generated, the suction hole 6
2b to enable suction. The suction hole 62b
also has the purpose of sucking up the heat flow that exceeds Batsuful 64. No. 2a to 2C show a seal structure related to ozone suction of the charger, as will be described later. By implementing this seal, more effective ozone suction becomes possible and deterioration of the sensitive material can be prevented.

Furthermore, the upper exhaust device is provided with a suction hole 62G on the fixing device side and a suction hole 62d on the side, and is configured to suck the heat generated from the fixing device 40.

In the upper exhaust device 60, the lower plate 62 of the duct 61
From there, a buttful 64 is provided toward the bottom. This baffle 64 is provided to prevent the heat emitted from the constant pressure Vt@40 from directly hitting the cleaning device 23. That is, the air flow inside the main body frame is partitioned by the baffle 64, and the suction air can be sucked in a divided state from the corresponding suction holes.

In the upper exhaust device 60 of the present invention as described above, as shown in FIGS. 2, 2a, 2b, and 3, the exhaust from the charged corotron 25 and the cleaning device are removed. The flow path is configured such that the exhaust from i23 is exhausted through the lower part of the motor 12 via the respective partition plates 63 and 63a arranged in the duct 61. Therefore, the air inside the machine is sucked from each of the suction holes configured as described above in the state shown by the arrow in the figure.

By discharging the exhaust air through the exhaust section of the duct after cooling the motor 12, it is possible to prevent problems such as insufficient cooling of the motor.

In addition to this, for example, if an FJ drM port is provided between the end of the partition plate 63a and the copper plate of the duct, the air circulation within the duct 61 can be adjusted as desired. This makes it possible to discharge heat from the fixing device, discharge dust, etc. in a good condition, and prevent uneven suction in the axial direction of the photoreceptor 2Oa. Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2a, the charged corotron 2
A seal 101a is disposed between the erase lamp 100 and the duct 61, and a seal 101a is also disposed between the erase lamp 100 and the duct 61.
b is arranged so that the air being sucked in can efficiently absorb heat and ozone.

Further, the opening 25a of the charging corotron 25 is connected to the duct 61.
If the corotron is larger than the hole 62a, in order to prevent air from leaking from both sides of the corotron, partition plates 63b and 63G and seals 1
01 can be provided to provide a good sealing effect and guidance of the air flow.

The example shown in FIG. 2C shows a case where the ozone suction hole 3a and the rotron opening 25a coincide, and in this case, the seal 101a is placed at a portion indicated by fAfJ so as to surround the opening 25a. to seal between both parts.

Furthermore, six exhaust ducts are provided at the ends of the upper exhaust 8 60 of the present invention, projecting to the outside of the main body frame. Inside this exhaust duct 69, as shown in FIG. 3a, an ozone decomposition filter 66 is provided. Further, if necessary, a dust filter is provided upstream of the ozone filter, and the purified air passing through each of these filters is discharged to the outside by an exhaust fan 67. Figure 3b shows a type of ozone filter with greatly improved decomposition rate, life, etc. In this embodiment, two filters 66a. 66a are arranged via a spacer 66c, and the spacer has a double structure in which a gap 66b with an interval δ is provided. In the present invention, the ozone filter may also have a double structure in order to maintain the decomposition rate of ozone and to improve its life. Furthermore, the following types of ozone filters can be used depending on the ozone concentration level generated.

・Ceramic honeycomb filter of activated carbon and binder ・Activated carbon-impregnated paper cardboard filter ・Inorganic catalyst honeycomb filter ・Activated carbon-impregnated urethane filter The embodiment of the upper exhaust device of the present invention shown in FIG. A toner suction duct 68 is arranged,
The duct 68 removes toner clouds generated from the developing device, cleaning device, etc. arranged around the photoreceptor 20.
It is configured so that it can suction through the toner and process the toner independently.

In this embodiment, the exhaust duct 69 protruding from the main body frame includes the toner suction duct 68.
A dust filter 65 and a fan 67a are arranged in accordance with the above, and the dust such as toner sucked through the duct 69 is first processed by the dust filter 65.

Then, the air from which dust has been removed is passed through an ozone decomposition filter 66 together with other suction air to undergo ozone treatment, and then is discharged to the outside of the machine via an exhaust fan 67. Therefore, by performing the two-step process as described above, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the ozone decomposition filter 66 is clogged with toner, etc., reduce the burden on the ozone decomposition filter, and also reduce the burden on the ozone decomposition filter 66. This makes it possible to extend the lifespan of the In addition, in the steam duct 45 shown in FIG. 4,
Baffles 4 5 a and 45 b are provided inside the air intake hole 45 to uniformly intake air from the air intake hole 45 c. The air containing water vapor sucked through the intake hole 45G passes through an opening provided in the main body frame 8, and is exhausted by the fan 67 via a baffle 69a provided in the external duct 69.

FIG. 4a shows a case where heat generated from the developing device motor 102 and the m-control device substrate PWB 103 is sucked through the air intake hole 69b provided in the exhaust duct 69. Intake air for cooling these members is sucked through an intake hole provided in the looper 104 and guided to the exhaust duct 69. Further, FIG. 4b is an explanatory diagram showing the duct 69 portion, and shows the relationship between the duct 69 and the fan 67.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 shows means for exhausting water vapor conveyed to an external exhaust duct 69.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the moisture contained in the paper is released as water vapor by the heat during fixing.
The water vapor may adhere to a guide plate or the like provided at the paper discharge section of the fixing device 40.

If the guide plate gets wet, there are problems such as troubles in ejecting the paper, water droplets on the recording paper, and deterioration of the quality of the recording paper.

Therefore, in the apparatus of the present invention, a water vapor duct 45 provided with a suction hole is arranged facing the paper discharge section of the fixing device, and the air sucked from the duct 45 is connected to an external duct 69.

In addition, in correspondence with the steam duct 45, the guide plate of the paper discharge section of the constant @ device is configured with a grid-like plate member or a plate member having slits, so that water vapor generated from the paper is easily discharged to the upper part. If configured in this way, even greater effects can be obtained.

(Configuration of the lower exhaust device and its exhaust action) The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 shows the configuration of the lower exhaust device 70 disposed at the bottom of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. There is.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the paper transport device 50, which is rearranged following the image transfer section from the photosensitive station 20, is similar to the paper transport device used in ordinary copying machines.
A plurality of belts are arranged at predetermined intervals, and a vacuum chamber is arranged below the conveyance by the belts.

Then, the paper carrying the unfixed toner image is conveyed while the paper is pressed against the surface of the belt by the air suction means and the frictional force between the paper and the belt is increased.

The paper conveyance device 50 of the present invention, which performs the above-described operation, is integrally provided with a frame 51 and an extension frame 51a at the bottom of the corotron 28 at its lower part. It is provided so as to be swingable via the provided fulcrum 52. It should be noted that when the paper conveying device is oscillated 9, the transfer corotron 28 and the like are also oscillated in conjunction with each other, as shown in FIG.

The lower frame 51a of the corotron 28 is bent with respect to the lower frame 51 of the transport device 50, but there is a seal 51c between both frames.
are placed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in order to improve the suction efficiency of ozone generated from the pre-transfer corotron 27, the frame 51a is extended to the lower part of the registration roller 4. Ozone generated in the lower part of the body 20 can be suctioned well.

In the paper conveyance device 150, a suction duct 55 is provided at a predetermined position of the frame 51 to protrude.

This suction duct 55 has a fulcrum 52 as shown in the figure.
It is made up of various types of vibrators that are curved in an arc shape with the center at .The protruding end of the vibrator is inserted into the opening 72 provided in the lower duct 71 of the lower exhaust device 70.

A seven flange 56 is provided at the end of the suction duct 55 that is inserted into the lower duct 71, and a seal 57 is disposed on the back side of the flange, and the seal 57 allows the lower exhaust system 1iR70 to suck air. When doing so, avoid inhaling excess air.

Also, the paper conveyance device 50 is moved through the fulcrum 52 to mI! in the figure.
When the suction duct 5 is swung as shown in
5 will be inserted into the lower duct 71, it is necessary to arrange a filter such as an ozone decomposition filter at the rear of the suction duct while ensuring a swinging range of the suction duct.

As shown in detail in FIG. 7, the lower exhaust system 170 disposed at the lower part of the main body frame 8 of the present invention has a vacuum fan case 75 disposed following the lower duct 71, and the connection between the two. An ozone decomposition filter 74 is provided in the section.

The ozone decomposition filter 74 has the function of decomposing and treating ozone, similar to the ozone decomposition filter 66 provided in the upper exhaust system, and together with the ozone decomposition filter 74,... Although not shown, a dust filter can also be provided. Note that the filter 7
4 has a double structure similar to the one shown in FIG. 3b, so that the ozone decomposition performance can be improved.

Further, a vacuum fan 76 provided in the fan case 75 functions to suck air around the paper transport device and the transfer corotron via the suction duct 55. The air sucked by the fan 76 is then discharged to the outside of the machine via the exhaust duct 77. In addition, air from a vacuum chamber provided in the paper conveyance device can also be sucked at the same time.

As mentioned above, when sucking air from the chamber, the suction hole from the chamber is connected to the suction duct, and the surrounding air and the suction air from the chamber are adjusted to a predetermined ratio. It is possible to use means for efficiently suctioning.

(Switching arrangement of l air duct) The exhaust system shown in FIGS. 8 and 8a has two exhaust ports provided in the exhaust section, and an ozone decomposition filter 66 is disposed in one of them. When the image forming apparatus is on standby, the ozone decomposition filter can be stopped by preventing exhaust gas from flowing to the ozone decomposition filter.

The exhaust device shown in the above embodiment can be placed in the above-mentioned upper exhaust device or lower exhaust device, but in the case of this embodiment, an example in which it is applied to the upper exhaust device 160 will be described. It shows.

In the conventional exhaust system, since the exhaust duct I~ is provided with a fan, a dust filter, and an ozone decomposition filter, when the image forming apparatus is on standby,
Even if no ozone is generated from the corotron, the exhaust gas is configured to pass through the ozone decomposition filter.

However, if the exhaust gas is constantly passed through the ozone decomposition filter, toner, dust, etc. accumulate in the ozone decomposition filter, causing problems such as clogging of the ozone decomposition filter.

In addition, in order to maintain the performance of the ozone decomposition filter, it is necessary to stop the ozone decomposition filter when ozone is not being processed to recover the ozone decomposition performance. In this method, there was a problem in that the ozone decomposition filter could not be fed because the exhaust air passed through even when recording paper was not being prepared.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the upper exhaust device 60 removes ozone generated from the charged corotron 25 disposed relative to the photoreceptor 20 and heat generated from the fixing device 1407'll, as well as the surrounding area of the photoreceptor. It is used as a device to treat dust etc. generated in

The duct 61 of the device is provided with an exhaust fan 67 at a predetermined position, and downstream of the fan 67 is provided with two divided exhaust ports 81 and 82. , 82 is provided with a damper 80 swingably.

Then, the damper 80 is operated when the image forming apparatus is operated;
It should be possible to switch between standby and hiatus. That is, when the imaging device is stopped, the damper 80 closes the exhaust port 81 provided with the ozone decomposition filter 66, as shown in FIG. 8, so that no exhaust air passes through the ozone decomposition filter. be done.

Further, when the image forming apparatus is in operation, the damper 80 is swung to close the exhaust port 82 as shown in FIG. The ozone generated from the charged corotron 25 and the like disposed around the photoreceptor is decomposed by the ozone decomposition filter.

Incidentally, in the upper exhaust VT position 6o, a dust filter can be disposed upstream or downstream of the fan 67, as in the case of the other exhaust devices described above, and the dust filter removes toner and dust. In this state, the exhaust gas can be passed through an ozone decomposition filter.

As mentioned above, by not allowing exhaust gas to pass through the ozone decomposition filter when recording paper is not being created, the ozone decomposition filter is maintained in a resting state, and its ozone decomposition performance is reduced during the rest time. It will be possible to recover.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9, unlike the case shown in FIG. and can be divided by a partition plate 83 within the exhaust duct.

In the exhaust duct 69, of the two exhaust paths partitioned by the partition plate 83, the ozone decomposition filter 66 is disposed in a portion corresponding to the photoreceptor, and only a dust filter is provided in the other ducts. The ozone filter may have a 2M structure as shown in FIG. 3b.

Therefore, by configuring the duct 69 as described above, the exhaust performance in the exhaust path that does not pass through the ozone decomposition filter can be improved, and the exhaust performance against heat, toner cloud, dust, etc. can be improved. You can also do it.

Furthermore, in the embodiment 43 of the present invention shown in FIG. 9, when a damper means as shown in FIG. 8 is provided for the exhaust path passing through the ozone decomposition filter 66,
It is also possible to prevent the exhaust gas sucked in by the fan 67 from passing through the ozone decomposition filter when the device is on standby. FIG. 9a shows the connection between the steam duct 45 and the exhaust duct 69, and the duct 69a connecting the two is formed in an arc shape to reduce air resistance.

(Configuration of exhaust hole provided in exhaust duct and cover) 1st
The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. The present invention relates to providing a seal at the connection between the duct and the body cover, and to means for reducing 1 t force loss and wind noise.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
An exhaust duct 69 is provided between the duct 6 and the
A fan 67 is provided inside the fan 9. As shown in FIG. 10a, a looper 85 with a number of holes 86 is provided at the connection part of the duct 69 to the cover 9, and the exhaust inside the machine is routed to the outside of the machine through the looper 85. Let it drain. Further, in the looper 85, a pillar member 87 having a square cross section is provided between the holes 86.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10a, the shape of the hole is set.

As mentioned above, in conventional equipment, the part where the exhaust duct is connected to the external force bar is simply provided with the ends of the duct touching, which creates a gap between the two connections. There were problems such as air leaking from the gaps. Furthermore, as the exhaust gas leaks into the inside of the cover, heat is not properly discharged from inside the device, and the temperature at the photoreceptor portion tends to rise.

On the other hand, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, seven lunges are provided on the cover side of the duct 69, and a seal 83 made of urethane foam or the like is provided between the seven lunges and the cover 9. to intervene. Therefore, by providing the seal 83 between the duct and the cover, it is possible to prevent exhaust gas from leaking into the inside of the cover from the end of the exhaust duct. In addition, when a sealing member is provided as described above, even if the device vibrates, problems such as the duct hitting the cover directly will not occur, and noise etc. can be prevented from occurring. Become.

FIG. 10b shows another embodiment of the method of attaching the seal 83. How to install this seal. duct 69
A step part 69c is provided at the end of the seal member 8.
3 is wrapped around the cover 9 to prevent a gap from forming between the cover 9 and the jm.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 shows a case where the exhaust duct is expanded outward in a trumpet shape.

In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of FIG. 10, a duct 84 is arranged between the main body frame 8 and the external force bar 9, but the duct 84 has a smaller diameter on the main body frame side. The external force bar side is formed to have a large diameter, so that the exhaust gas discharged by the fan 67 is pushed out toward a wide back passage.

Further, in the navigation embodiment, a column member 88 having a streamlined cross section is arranged in the looper 85 provided on the external force bar, as shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b. Furthermore, a hole 86 formed between the pillars 88
, the size B of its cross section is the size A of the hole in Figure 10a.
It is set to have the same size as that of the main body, so that it is possible to ensure an air circulation space.

By configuring the looper 85 as described above,
The exhaust gas discharged through the exhaust duct 69 is
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of wind noise and pressure loss due to the impact.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a sealing member may be interposed at the end of the duct 84 on the cover side. Additionally, due to the configuration described above, the exhaust gas discharged by the fan may cause a pressure loss within the duct, wind noise may be generated when passing through a portion of the louver, and the It is possible to prevent pressure loss from occurring due to wind hitting the pillars.

(In the case where the ozone decomposition filter is placed inside the photoreceptor) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the ozone decomposition means is housed inside the photoreceptor, and the ozone decomposition means is housed inside the photoreceptor, and the It is configured to send air containing ozone toward the inside of the photoreceptor. An example is shown in which ozone can be processed using an ozone decomposition filter or the like housed inside the photoreceptor.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, an ozone decomposition filter 91 is provided inside the photoreceptor 20, and ozone decomposition processing can be performed by passing air containing ozone through the ozone decomposition filter 91. This shows how to make it possible.

In the embodiment, for the charging corotron 25 and the transfer corotron 28 arranged around the photoreceptor 20,
An upper duct 92 and a lower duct 93 are arranged, and an ozone flow fan 94 is provided at a portion where the ducts 92 and 93 are connected at the side of the photoreceptor.

Further, a discharge port 95 and a discharge port 96 are provided at the center of the flanges provided on both sides of the photoreceptor 20, and the connecting portions of the upper and lower ducts are located at positions corresponding to the discharge ports 95. , a fan is provided at the connection portion.

The apparatus is configured as described above, and while the photoreceptor is rotating and the corotron is discharging, the fan is driven to introduce ozone generated from the corotron into the photoreceptor. It is possible to perform processing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, an ozone decomposing sheet 90 is attached to the inner peripheral portion of the photoreceptor by means such as pasting, and ozone generated in the corotron portion is applied to the hollow portion of the photoreceptor. It is designed to introduce air containing air.

As mentioned above, an ozone decomposition means is provided inside the photoconductor, and air containing ozone is sent into the photoconductor to decompose the ozone only while the photoconductor is in operation. By doing so, it is possible to greatly reduce the occurrence of dirt on ozone decomposition filters, etc. When the ozone-treated air is discharged from the exhaust port 96, the position of the discharge duct can be set at a specific location.

Further, when an ozone decomposition filter or the like is disposed inside the photoreceptor, the ozone decomposition means can be an activated carbon adsorption method, a decomposition method using a catalyst, etc., and its shape is not particularly limited. Therefore, any shape can be used, such as a foamed urethane sheet or a honeycomb structure.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the case of a structure in which an ozone decomposition filter or the like is housed inside the photoreceptor 20,
When replacing the photoreceptor, the ozone decomposition filter and the like can be replaced all at once, so maintenance can be performed very easily and the performance of ozone treatment can be maintained at a constant level.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, an ozone 7 low fan for introducing air into the photoconductor is provided separately from the exhaust fan for cabin air, so that the optimal driving conditions for each fan can be set. This allows the load on the ozone decomposition filter and dust filter to be set efficiently.

(Effects of the Invention) Since the image-type camouflage exhaust system of the present invention has the above-described configuration, it is possible to circulate the air inside the device using a small number of fans. Since ducts and the like do not have to be arranged in a complicated manner, it is possible to prevent the installation of the exhaust means from affecting the housing space for other devices, etc.

In addition, in the exhaust system of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the two vents 5A@ provided in the main body frame effectively dispose of heat generated inside the apparatus, dust, ozone, water vapor from paper, etc. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenient conditions in each device due to such causes.

Furthermore, if the exhaust air is configured not to pass through the ozone decomposition filter when the discharge means is not activated,
Thereby, it is possible to obtain a recovery time for the performance of the ozone decomposition filter, and it becomes possible to maintain the performance of the ozone decomposition filter.

The device of the present invention can effectively discharge ozone from around the photoreceptor, so it is possible to prevent ozone from affecting each device, and to remove untreated ozone from the outside of the device. By discharging the waste into the environment, it is possible to prevent the office environment from being affected.

In addition, the heat discharged from the constant @ device is prevented from heating the cleaning device, photoreceptor, or other devices, which prevents toner blocking in the cleaning device, softening of the photosensitive material, and polygon mirrors. It is possible to prevent inconveniences such as troubles in image scanning due to temperature rise.

Since water vapor on the paper ejection side of the fixing device is also sucked in, rust on the metal members of the fixing unit and damage to copies can be eliminated.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus to which the exhaust device of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows the duct of the upper exhaust device,
2a is a side view of the exhaust system from the charged corotron section, 2b is a plan view thereof, 2C is a plan view of another embodiment, and 3 is a partition. A plan view showing the arrangement of the plates, Figure 3a is a sectional view of the exhaust duct, and Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust duct.
The figure is an explanatory diagram when the ozone filter has a double structure, Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the exhaust duct, Fig. 4a is an explanatory diagram showing the cooling structure of the electrical system, and Fig. 4b is an explanatory diagram showing the cooling structure of the electric system. , a rear view showing the configuration of the duct part, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the steam duct, FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower exhaust system, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view thereof, and FIG. 8 is a damper installed in the exhaust duct. An explanatory diagram of the device, FIG. 8a is an explanatory diagram of the damper position and air flow when the device is activated, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment of the exhaust duct, and FIG. 9a is a perspective view of the exhaust duct. Fig. 10 is a sectional view when a seal is provided between the external force bar and the exhaust duct, Fig. 10a is an external view of the louver, Fig. 10b is a sectional view showing the gap seal structure between the exhaust duct and the cover, and Fig. 11 The figure is an explanatory diagram of the case where a duct formed in a trumpet shape is used, and Figure 11a is a diagram of the duct seen from the X direction in Figure 11. An external view of the bar, Figure 11b is an enlarged sectional view of the Y part in Figure 11,
Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the case where an ozone decomposition filter is placed inside the photoreceptor, Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where an ozone decomposition sheet is provided on the inner surface of the photoreceptor, and Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the ozone decomposition filter is placed inside the photoreceptor. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the device and its exhaust device. Reference numeral 1 in the figure... Image forming device, 10... Image mi
l! Insertion device, 11...Polygon mirror 12
...Motor, 20...Photoreceptor, 25.
...Charged corotron, 28...Transfer] Rotron, 30... Ventilation device, 40...
Fixing device, 45...Steam duct, 45a, 4
5b...Partition plate, 46...Upper duct, 50...Paper transport device, 55...Suction duct, 57...Seal , 60...
・Upper exhaust device, 61...Duct, 62a~6
2d... Suction hole, 63... Partition plate,
64... Baffle, 65... Dust filter 66... Ozone decomposition filter, 6
7... Exhaust fan, 68... Toner suction duct, 69... Exhaust duct, 70...
...Lower exhaust system, 71...Lower duct, 74
...Ozone decomposition filter 76...
Vacuum fan, 80... Dunbar, 81.
82...Exhaust port, 83...Urethane seal, 84...Trumpet-shaped duct, 85...
... Louver, 88 ... Column with streamlined cross section, 90
...Ozone decomposition sheet, 91 ...Ozone decomposition filter, 92,93 ...Duct, 9
4...Ozone 7 low fan, 101a, 10l
b...Seal.ノO/(L Figure 10 Figure 12 Figure 9J Figure 13

Claims (13)

[Claims] (1) An image writing device is arranged on the photoreceptor, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor using the xerography method based on the image information written by the image writing device, and the toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor. In an image forming apparatus configured to create recording paper by transferring the image to paper, air suction means are arranged at the upper and lower parts of the frame of the image forming apparatus, respectively, and each air suction means has an air suction means. ,
A dust filter and an ozone decomposition filter are arranged in the exhaust section, and the upper exhaust device as an upper air suction means is provided with respective air guide means for each member of the xerographic system, and the air from each device is The lower exhaust device serving as the lower air suction means is configured to be able to suction the air from the lower part of the photoreceptor as well as the suction means for the paper conveyance device. Exhaust system for image forming apparatus. (2) Air sucked through the upper exhaust device is sucked from both sides of the partition plate member disposed between the cleaning device and the fixing device, and the air is sucked from both sides of the partition plate member on the photoreceptor side. Claim 1 is characterized in that the air passage is formed so as to form an air flow that sucks ozone generated in the charger and cools the motor of the image writing device. Exhaust system for image forming equipment. (3) The exhaust of the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the upper exhaust device is configured to suck air from the paper discharge side of the fixing device through a steam duct. Device. (4) The lower exhaust device located at the bottom of the device body has
The suction means of the paper conveyance device is configured to be capable of suctioning the air below the photoreceptor, and a suction duct is provided so as to be able to enter the housing in response to the swinging motion of the paper conveyance device. An exhaust system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: (5) An image writing device is arranged on the photoreceptor, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor using a xerography method based on the image information written by the image writing device, and the toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor. In an image forming apparatus configured to create recording paper by transferring the image to paper, air suction means are arranged at the upper and lower parts of the frame of the image forming apparatus, respectively, and each air suction means has an air suction means. ,
A dust filter and an ozone decomposition filter are disposed in the exhaust section, and the air discharge section is provided with a switching means for discharging air through the ozone decomposition filter only when ozone is generated from the device. An exhaust system for an image forming apparatus. (6) When connecting the duct of the air exhaust section to the opening provided in the cover of the main body frame to discharge the air inside the aircraft, connect the duct between the fan and the opening of the cover. Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover is configured to expand toward the discharge side, and the lattice-like member provided in the opening of the cover is configured as a member with a streamlined cross section that has low air resistance. The exhaust device for an image forming apparatus according to any one of Item 5. (7) The exhaust device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that a seal is provided to prevent air leakage between the cover and the exhaust duct. (8) Provide an ozone filter with a double structure,
6. The exhaust device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter has an ozone decomposition function, an improved life, and a reduced cost. (9) The exhaust device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a partition plate is provided in the steam duct to uniformly suck air. (10) Claim 1 or 5 characterized in that the gap between the upper duct and the charger and the gap between the charger and the photoreceptor unit case are sealed in order to improve the ozone suction power of the charger. An exhaust device for an image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 9. (11) The ozone filter may be any one of a ceramic filter made of activated carbon and a binder, a paper cardboard cross-sectional filter made of paper impregnated with activated carbon, a catalytic ceramic filter made of an inorganic substance, a urethane filter impregnated with activated carbon, etc. 9. An exhaust system for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8. (12) In order to improve the suction power of the water vapor duct, the inside of the duct is partitioned, and an ozone filter is provided only on the air flow on the ozone generation source side, and no filter is provided on the water vapor side. The exhaust device for the image forming apparatus according to item 3. (13) The exhaust device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper air intake device is provided with an opening for sucking heat from the electric motor provided on the rear side of the main body.