US 10,768,574 B1 · Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a developer; a heater below the developer; and a case for covering the heater. The apparatus further includes a first air duct of which an end in a first direction side communicates with the outside and which is formed at an inner side of the case, an end of the case in a second direction side opposite to the first direction side being blocked by a blocking plate; a duct arranged between the developer and the case, a second air duct of which an end on the first direction side communicates with the outside and contacting the case and which is formed at an inner side of the duct; a fan, arranged on the second direction side of both the first and second air ducts, configured to blow out air in the first direction side; a cover; and a guide.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An image forming apparatus comprising:

a first cover comprising a first opening and a second opening configured to facilitate passage of air through the image forming apparatus;
a developer;
a heater arranged below the developer;
a case configured to cover the heater and having a first end proximate the first opening and a second end opposite the first end, the case comprising:
a first air duct configured to facilitate passage of air through the first end and the first opening;
and
a blocking plate configured to at least partially block passage of air through the second end;
a second air duct arranged between the developer and the case, which is in contact with the case and configured to facilitate passage of air through the second opening;
a fan located proximate the second end and configured to propel air towards the first end;
a second cover configured to cover a portion of the first air duct, a portion of the second air duct, and the fan;
and
a guide configured to direct air propelled by the fan to the first air duct.

9 more elements

An image forming apparatus comprising:

a first cover comprising a first opening and a second opening configured to facilitate passage of air through the image forming apparatus;
a case covered by the first cover, the case having a first end in contact with the first cover proximate the first opening and a second end opposite the first end, the case comprising a first air duct in contact with the first end and configured to facilitate passage of air to the first opening;
a second air duct positioned within the first cover and external to the case, the second air duct configured to facilitate passage of air from the second opening towards the second end;
at least one developer that is external to the second air duct and the case, and at least partially separated from the case by the second air duct;
and
a power supply located within the case and separated from the at least one developer by the case and the second air duct.

3 more elements

An image forming apparatus comprising:

a first cover comprising a first opening and a second opening configured to facilitate passage of air through the image forming apparatus;
a case positioned within the first cover, the case having a first end in contact with the first cover proximate the first opening and a second end opposite the first end, the case comprising:
a first air duct in contact with the first end and configured to facilitate passage of air to the first opening;
and
a second air duct positioned within the first cover and external to the case, the second air duct configured to facilitate passage of air from the second opening towards the second end;
a developer that is external to the second air duct and the case, and at least partially separated from the case by the second air duct;
and
a fan positioned within the first cover and external to the case, the fan located proximate the second end and configured to propel air into the case towards the first end.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Image forming apparatus

Life of this patent

Image forming apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20