US 12,393,136 B2
Image forming apparatus that cools an exposure device
Ryoichi Kawasumi, Ibaraki (JP); Hiroki Takano, Saitama (JP); Takehiro Ishidate, Tokyo (JP); and Koji Suzuki, Chiba (JP)
Assigned to CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Tokyo (JP)
Filed by CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA, Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Jun. 28, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/757,883.
Application 18/757,883 is a continuation of application No. 18/175,612, filed on Feb. 28, 2023, granted, now 12,055,869.
Claims priority of application No. 2022-037626 (JP), filed on Mar. 10, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0353773 A1, Oct. 24, 2024
Int. Cl. G03G 15/04 (2006.01); B41J 2/00 (2006.01); B41J 2/447 (2006.01); B41J 29/377 (2006.01); G03G 21/00 (2006.01); G03G 21/20 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/04063 (2013.01) [B41J 2/4473 (2013.01); B41J 29/377 (2013.01); G03G 15/04054 (2013.01); G03G 21/206 (2013.01); G03G 2215/0407 (2013.01); G03G 2215/0412 (2013.01); G03G 2221/1645 (2013.01)] 5 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An image forming apparatus comprising:
a rotatable photoconductor;
a charging portion configured to charge a surface of the photoconductor;
an exposure portion including a substrate on which a plurality of chips each including a plurality of light emitting portions configured to emit light for exposing the photoconductor is mounted, and a support portion configured to support the substrate;
a developing portion configured to develop a latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor with toner;
a fan configured to generate an airflow for cooling the exposure portion;
a duct configured to communicate with the fan and to communicate with the support portion, the duct guiding the airflow generated by the fan to the substrate;
a charging support portion that supports the charging portion; and
a developing support portion that supports the developing portion,
wherein the charging support portion and the developing support portion form a part of the duct,
wherein the support portion directs the airflow generated by the fan along a longitudinal direction of the substrate,
wherein at least a portion of the support portion is in contact with the charging support portion, and a space between the support portion and the charging support portion is sealed by a first sealing member, and
wherein at least a portion of the support portion is in contact with the developing support portion, and a space between the support portion and the developing support portion is sealed by a second sealing member.