Image forming apparatus
US6714229B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/13
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A duct is installed in an apparatus housing. The duct has an outside inlet, a first discharge opening, a second discharge opening, and an air filter. Outside air is taken into the duct from the outside inlet through the air filter. The air filter filters the outside air to prevent dust from getting into the duct. A cooling axial flow fan disposed in the vicinity of each of the first and second discharge openings. The cooling axial flow fans blow the filtered outside air into fixing devices to be cooled. Gaps are formed between the cooling axial flow fan and the first discharge opening, and between the other cooling axial flow fan and the second discharge opening, as inside inlets. When the air filter clogs, air in the housing is supplied to the cooling axial flow fans through the gaps, to circulate the air inside the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.