Abstract: A smoke detecting device including: a light-emitting portion that emits light; a light-receiving portion that receives scattered light resulting from the light which the light-emitting portion emits being scattered by smoke generated from a recording medium on which flash-light is irradiated from a flash fusing device; and a judging section that acquires a light amount signal of the received light, from the light-receiving portion, and that judges, on the basis of the light amount signal, whether or not smoke has been generated from the recording medium on which flash-light is irradiated from the flash fusing device, the light that the light-emitting portion emits passing through a space between the flash fusing device and the recording medium, is provided.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus including: a heating rotary member, which heats an image on a recording material in a nip portion; an air blowing unit, which blows air toward an air blowing port to cool a predetermined area of the heating rotary member; and a shutter, which opens and closes the air blowing port, wherein a cooling operation can be performed continuously with the shutter opened after image heating processing is completed, whereby a downtime required for making the temperature distribution over the entire heating area uniform after the continuous sheet supply of small-size recording materials is reduced remarkably.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a developer storage container can be detachably mounted, includes: a reception unit arranged to receive information from the developer storage container; a first temperature detection unit provided in an inside of the image forming apparatus and arranged to detect a temperature of the inside of the image forming apparatus; a cooling unit arranged to cool the inside of the image forming apparatus; and a control unit arranged to determine on the basis of the received information whether second temperature detection unit is provided to the developer storage container, control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection result of the first temperature detection unit when the second temperature detection unit is not provided, and control the cooling unit on the basis of the detection results of the first and second temperature detection units when the second temperature detection unit is provided.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus including: an image heating member, which heats an image on a recording material in a nip portion; an air blower, which blows air toward an air blowing port to cool a predetermined area of the image heating member; and a shutter, which opens and closes the air blowing port, in which the shutter is kept at a closed position when a temperature of the predetermined area of the image heating member is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, whereby a temperature rise in a non-sheet passing portion can be efficiently reduced by using the small air blower without lowering the productivity when small-size recording materials are continuously passed nor reducing the lifetime of the air blower.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit and a printing system containing the heat exchange unit, including a heat exchange region, a first print media transport path configured for transporting in operation a first print medium from a supply through the heat exchange, the heat exchange unit further containing a stationary heat exchange member, having a first side facing said first print media transport path and a second opposite side facing said second print media transport path, wherein, in operation, the second print medium is at an elevated temperature with respect to the first print medium and wherein, the first and second print medium have a heat exchange contact in the heat exchange region.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a feed interval control section that sets feed intervals of the recording materials, for a defined period from immediately after completion of the warm-up operation for a fixing-side rotor and the pressure-side rotor determined by a warm-up completion determination section, to be longer than feed intervals of the recording materials posterior to the defined period in a high-humidity and low-temperature state. Thereby, the image forming apparatus prevents elongation of a warm-up time while achieving both reduction of the back curl and maintenance of fixability in the high-humidity and low-temperature state.

Abstract: A cooling structure includes driving motors as heat sources, a metal sheet body as a heat transfer member that comes into contact with the driving motors, and a first fan serving as a cooling portion provided oppositely to the metal sheet body in a portion spaced apart from the position at which the driving motors are provided to cool the metal sheet body.

Abstract: An image forming device including: a fixing unit that fixes a toner image formed on a recording medium by heating the toner image to a temperature that is higher than the softening point of a toner that forms the toner image; and a cooling unit that cools the fixed toner image from a temperature that is higher than the softening point of the toner, to a temperature that is lower than the softening point of the toner, at a predetermined cooling speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms a toner image. A transferring section transfers the toner image formed onto a recording medium. A fixing unit is located adjacent the image forming section such that a first space is defined between the fixing unit and the image forming section. The fixing unit fixes the toner image on the recording medium. An air-chamber includes a wind exit and discharges the air through the wind exit such that the air flows into the first space. An air-propelling device propels the air to discharge through the wind exit.

Abstract: A drive device 1 includes a planetary roller type power transmission unit, a temperature sensor 5b, a delay time determination unit 103, and an image processing control unit 104. The planetary roller type power transmission unit includes a plurality of planetary rollers at least a part thereof made from an elastic material that is pressed against the periphery of a motor 2 rotation shaft, a ring that contacts the plurality of planetary rollers, a carrier roller, and an output shaft. The temperature sensor 5b measures the temperature Te of or near the planetary roller. The delay time determination unit 103 determines the delay time Td from the start up time of the motor 2 until the start of the image forming process. The image processing control unit 104 starts the image forming process after the delay time Td has passed from the start up time of the motor 2.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a frame, a photoconductive drum disposed in the frame, and an air conditioning device for removing moisture around the drum inside the frame. The drum has a wear-resistant, durable surface layer that wears by an amount of 0.05 ?m to 0.5 ?m for 100,000 rotations.

Abstract: A cooling structure includes driving motors as heat sources, a metal sheet body as a heat transfer member that comes into contact with the driving motors, and a first fan serving as a cooling portion provided oppositely to the metal sheet body in a portion spaced apart from the position at which the driving motors are provided to cool the metal sheet body.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus including a feeding roller for conveying a sheet, a separation roller for conveying the sheet in a reverse direction, a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force to the feeding roller, a limited force reverse transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force to the separation roller through a torque limiter, a forced reverse transmission mechanism for directly transmitting the rotational force to the separation roller, a temperature detector and a controller, wherein the controller controls the separation roller to receive rotational force through the forced reverse transmission mechanism after the limited force reverse transmission mechanism transmits the rotational force to the separation roller, then allows the limited force reverse transmission mechanism to transmit the rotational force to the separation roller, or to rotate the feeding via the transmission mechanism and the limited force transmission mechanism to transmit the rotational force to the separ

Abstract: The image forming apparatus is provided with: plural image carriers; and plural exposure apparatuses that are arranged corresponding to the plural image carriers respectively. The exposure apparatus has a light emitting element member that exposes the image carrier and is arranged on a substrate. A predetermined exposure apparatus among the plural exposure apparatuses includes a heating unit that heats the substrate, and other exposure apparatus other than the predetermined exposure apparatus does not include the heating unit.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of reading an original image at high speed. And other object is to provide an image reading apparatus in which even when heat is generated at an inverter, reading operation is not influenced. In order to achieve these object, the image reading apparatus is comprised with a scanning means including, a light source for illuminating an original, an image pickup element for receiving reflected light from the original, a cabinet and an inverter provided at a vicinity of a side face of the cabinet in parallel with a direction of moving the light source for driving the light source, a communicating means provided at a vicinity of a side face of the cabinet opposed to the side face at the vicinity of the inverter and a cooling fan for cooling an interval between the inverter and the communicating means.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a heating device that is configured to heat an image bearing member so that the detection of the surface potential of the image bearing member can be controlled with greater stability. The image forming apparatus utilizes a surface potential detector and a temperature detecting member placed in positions at a precise distance relative to an exposure portion of the image bearing member, such that the stability of the surface potential detection can be improved. When a surface potential of the image bearing member is detected, it is possible to reduce the amount of change in the potential caused by carriers generated immediately after an exposure operation, and to reduce variations in detection of the surface potential caused by variations in the temperature, so that the surface potential can be controlled with greater stability.

Abstract: A low-voltage power source circuit board is provided downstream in relation to the flow of air introduced through an intake hole and exhausted by a power source fan. Heat sinks are provided on the low-voltage power source circuit board on electronic parts that generate a large amount of heat, the plate surfaces of the heat sinks being arranged along the direction of airflow, thereby minimizing their resistance to the airflow. Air including heat generated from these electronic parts is exhausted by the power source fan without the air heating the high-voltage power source circuit board or engine circuit board that are disposed upstream in relation to the direction of airflow.

Abstract: Heat exhaust holes are provided in a unit frame at positions just above respective imaging units. An exhaust fan causes air heated at developing elements to be exhausted outside an apparatus via heat exhaust ducts and a common duct. The heat exhaust holes are formed in different sizes depending on a position of the imaging unit. The closer the position of the imaging unit is, the larger the heat exhaust hole provided above the imaging unit is.

Abstract: A color printer is disclosed which includes a photosensitive drum, a rotary developing device, a laser unit, a toner container, and a toner supply device. The rotary developing device is located adjacent to the photosensitive drum and includes a plurality of developing units corresponding to a plurality of colors. The laser unit is located above the photosensitive drum and on the rear side in the device. The toner container is located above the photosensitive drum and on the front side in the device. The toner container contains each color toner to be supplied to each of the developing units. The toner supply device is located above the photosensitive drum and between the laser unit and the toner container. The toner supply device supplies each of the developing units with each of color toners contained in the toner container.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a reduction in image density when continuous sheet supply endurance is effected under a low-humidity environment is prevented, and under a high-humidity environment, an image deletion is prevented. A photosensitive member has an undercoat layer, a charge generating layer and a charge transport layer, and the surface layer of the photosensitive member contains a compound of which at least one polymerization functional group has been polymerized or cross-linked and hardened. Also, the hardening of the surface layer is effected by electron irradiation. A temperature raising apparatus for heating the surface of the photosensitive member is controlled by a controlling device to thereby control the surface temperature of the photosensitive member. The controlling device has two or more stages of set temperatures, and uses a high set temperature when the photosensitive member is used under an environment in which the absolute amount of water vapor is great.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which uses a plurality of heat-fixing devices, and secures a fixing property and a high quality of image and on the other hand, suppresses electric power consumption and further, curtails the number of parts, and gives consideration to an environment and realizes a lower cost. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion which forms a toner image on a recording medium, and first and second fixing devices which heat-fix the toner image formed on the recording medium, and an exhaust heat route from the first fixing device passes via the second fixing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus which prevents the rusting of metallic components and paper jams and improves the cooling capability of a heat pipe by ensuring that water droplets do not become adhered to the heat pipe, thereby reducing thermal resistance. A fixing apparatus and a printer engine are shielded from each other by a heat receiving plate, a thermal insulation member, and a heat radiating plate. A heat pipe is provided in the shielding member. One end side of the heat pipe is disposed between the fixing apparatus and printer engine to serve as a heat receiving portion, and the other end side of the heat pipe is disposed in a higher position than the one end side to serve as a heat radiating portion. The thermal insulation member covers the periphery of an intermediate portion of the heat pipe between the two end sides of the heat pipe.

Abstract: An image-forming system includes an image-forming apparatus, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the image-forming apparatus. The terminal device comprises a signal-transmitting unit. The image-forming apparatus comprises an image-forming unit; a signal-receiving unit a first storage unit for storing a starting condition of a preparing action for image formation in the image-forming unit; a first determining unit for determining whether the starting condition is satisfied at the time the signal-receiving unit receives the signal from the terminal device; and an instruction unit for providing an instruction to start the preparing action in the image-forming unit when the first determining unit determines that the starting condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a plurality of stations, each of which includes an light source, a deflector (polygon scan), a scanning optical element, and a housing. The light source emits a light beam to a plurality of surfaces to be scanned. The deflector deflects light beams emitted from the light source. The scanning optical element scans the surfaces to be scanned with light spots of the optical beams deflected by the deflector. The housing houses therein the light source, the deflector, and the scanning optical element. The scanning optical element is secured to the housing so that directions of scanning-line curves caused by temperature change match between the surfaces to be scanned.

Abstract: A thermal fixing device for fixing toner images onto recording sheets includes a heat member, a pressing member, a temperature sensor, a clock, and a control unit. The control unit performs a toner fixing control and a high-temperature heat-up control. During the toner fixing control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a fixing temperature required to melt toner on a recording sheet disposed between the heat member and the pressing member. During the high-temperature heat-up control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a high-temperature fixing temperature that is higher than the fixing temperature. The control unit sets length of the high-temperature heat-up control in accordance with length of the start-up time measured by the clock.

Abstract: A heating system including: a heating device including a first heat generator supplied with electric power by a commercial power source device, and a second heat generator and a third heat generator supplied with electric power by an auxiliary power source device; an electric storage device composed of a capacitor; a discharger for pursuing discharge to raise an input voltage from the electric storage device and supplying an electric power to the second and third heat generators; a detector for detecting an input voltage from the electric storage device to the discharger; and a power supply controller for switching off the electric power supply from the discharger to the third heat generator when the detector detects a reaching of the input voltage to a first threshold value which is set as a value in connection with a permissible limit of an input electric current to the discharger.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a cooling system in an imaging device having an element that generates heat. The cooling system comprises a thermoelectric generator and a cooling device. The thermoelectric generator is thermally coupled to the element to convert the heat generated by the element to electrical energy. The cooling device is powered by the electrical energy to thereby cool the imaging device.

Abstract: The liquid storage apparatus includes: a liquid storage chamber which is constituted by a flexible bag member and stores liquid; an exterior container which has walls constituted by a shape memory member and has a hermetically sealed space in which the liquid storage chamber is disposed, the shape memory member extending and contracting freely at temperatures not greater than a transformation temperature and recovering a memorized shape at temperatures not less than a shape recovery temperature; a forcing member which applies a contraction force to the walls of the exterior container in a direction in which the walls contract; and a temperature adjuster which adjusts a temperature of the shape memory member directly or indirectly so as to control a ratio of a portion of the shape memory member having temperatures not greater than the transformation temperature and deformed to a contracted shape by the contraction force of the forcing member and a ratio of a portion of the shape memory member having temperatur

Abstract: A case having a ventilation system for ventilating a heat generation source disposed in the case, includes: a first sub-case and a second sub-case which is joined to the first sub-case; a first gap provided in a surface of a joining section between the first sub-case and the second sub-case; and at least one ventilation section to discharge air in the case to the outside provided in the first gap.

Abstract: A full-color image forming apparatus has a cooling fan switchable between rotating speeds of “full speed” and “half speed.” A transfer portion thermistor is installed near a photosensitive drum and an intermediate transfer member, and a printer control portion controls the rotating-speed switching of a cooling fan based on the temperature detected by the transfer portion thermistor. The printer control portion sets the rotating speed of the cooling fan at “half speed” when print job is started, sets a fan speed switching threshold value at 30° C. during the print job of only the single-side printing, sets the fan speed switching threshold value at 25° C. during a duplex print job, and switches the cooling fan to “full speed” when the detection temperature is higher than the set fan speed switching threshold value.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive medium on which an image is formed. An intermediate transfer medium is disposed to contact the photosensitive medium and to rotate in a closed loop, and onto which the image formed on the photosensitive medium is transferred. A transferring and fusing unit is disposed to contact the intermediate transfer medium. The image formed on the intermediate transfer medium is transferred onto a printing paper and the transferred image is fused onto the printing paper. A cooling unit is disposed inside of the intermediate transfer medium to cool a backside of the intermediate transfer medium to in turn cool the intermediate transfer medium.

Abstract: A belt member driving mechanism includes a first roller having a rotation shaft and configured to be rotated in a first direction, a belt member including a belt surface having a predetermined width in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and configured to be rotated by a driving force from the first roller, a second roller configured to apply a predetermined tension force to the belt member in cooperation with the first roller, and a temperature control unit, including a detection unit which detects an elongation and/or a contraction of the belt surface of the belt member, configured to produce a temperature difference along the second direction of the belt surface of the belt member to reduce the elongation or contraction.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus is disclosed, wherein temperatures of two or more places on a transfer/conveyance belt are measured. Timing of writing to photo conductor drums based on pixel clock signals is controlled in reference to differences between the measured temperatures, while a printing medium is being conveyed.

Abstract: An image formation device is provided, at which a fixing apparatus is disposed inside a housing of a printer main body, and which is configured in a fanless ventilation structure. This image formation device is provided with: a fixing unit mounting portion positioned at an upper portion of the housing, and surrounded by a partition wall and a heat-shielding member extending from a side face of the partition wall, the fixing apparatus being placed on the heat-shielding member, and the fixing unit mounting portion being isolated such that hot air will not flow to equipment inside the housing; a cover member for covering the fixing unit mounting portion; a ventilation portion which includes ventilation apertures formed through the cover member; and a conveyance portion for the recording medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a fixing mechanism, and a heat radiation mechanism. The image forming mechanism forms a toner image which is transferred by the transfer mechanism transfers onto a recording sheet and is fixed by the fixing mechanism. The heat radiation mechanism is disposed between the image forming and fixing mechanisms and radiates heat generated by the fixing mechanism. The heat radiation mechanism includes a heat receiving member, a heat radiating member, and a heat conduction member. The heat receiving member receives heat generated by the fixing mechanism. The heat radiating member radiates the heat received by the heat receiving member. The heat conduction member has a thermal conductive property to efficiently conduct the heat from the heat receiving member to the heat radiating member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a shielding member protruding from a top surface of an upper frame and forming a chamber portion having a predetermined area together with an upper cover of the main body covering the shielding member so as to include a plurality of heat dissipating holes perforated in the upper frame at predetermined intervals along a lengthwise direction, and a pump installed at one side of the chamber portion and blowing air into the chamber portion to form a laminar flow to prevent heat generated by a fusing roller from heating an upper cover of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming section configured to develop a latent image to thereby produce a corresponding toner image. An endless image transfer body directly or indirectly supports the toner image and conveys it while a fixing unit fixing the toner image. A module frame covers part of the image transfer body to thereby prevent heat generated by the fixing unit from being transferred to the image transfer body.

Abstract: An image forming section forms a visible image on a charged surface of an image bearing body. A transfer section transfers the visible image onto a recording medium. A fixing unit fixes the visible image on the recording medium. A temperature detecting section outputs a signal indicative of a temperature of the image bearing body. A controller performs a cooling operation in which the temperature of the image bearing body is lowered when the signal is higher than a first predetermined value. When the controller performs the cooling operation, the controller turns on and off the heater of the fixing unit with a first duty cycle. When the controller does not perform the cooling operation, the controller turns on and off the heater of the fixing unit with a second duty cycle higher than the first duty cycle. During the cooling operation, the controller may drive the medium-transporting mechanism to rotate in an idling mode in which no printing is performed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus such as a printer has: an image forming unit which forms an electrostatic latent image onto a charged photosensitive drum, deposits toner onto the image, and forms a visible image; a belt arranged so as to run freely in contact with the image forming unit; a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the belt; and a controller which controls an image forming process on the basis of the detected temperature. Since the belt temperature is detected and the printing process is controlled on the basis of the detected temperature, an increase in temperature of the drum and an increase in temperature in the printer can be suppressed. Thus, the flowability of the toner in each image forming unit does not deteriorates and image quality can be improved.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus which can wirelessly transmit information that there is a waiting job and has a plurality of modes concerning power consumption, a portable terminal which can receive the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus, a position detector which detects a position of the portable terminal, and a mode switcher which switches from one mode concerning power consumption of the image forming apparatus to another in accordance with the position of the portable terminal which received the information. The position detector detects the distance between a user carrying the portable terminal and the image forming apparatus. Based on the distance data at the time when the portable terminal received the information that there is a document waiting for being outputted by the image forming apparatus, the mode concerning power consumption of the image forming apparatus is switched by the mode switcher.

Abstract: The temperature difference between an internal temperature and an external temperature which are detected by an internal temperature sensor and an external temperature sensor, respectively, is calculated. If the internal temperature is lower by not less than predetermined degrees than the external temperature and, hence, condensation on the surface of each optical component within a laser writing unit is highly likely, a motor is driven to rotate a polygonal mirror. During its operation the motor generates heat, which in turn transfers from a flange portion directly to a housing while heating air around the laser writing unit. Further, air within the housing is stirred by rotation of the polygonal mirror. In this way the temperature of the entire laser writing unit is raised.

Abstract: To suppress spread of fire from a fixing chamber of a fixing station in an electrophotographic print or copy device, in the event of a fire, in order to partition a fixing chamber for a recording medium in a fireproof manner, arranged at the openings of the fixing chamber is a safety apparatus made of an elastic sealing element and a counter-element, between which the recording medium is guided through. The sealing element is comprised of a fiberglass tube, inside which an elastic filling material or an elastic spreading element is situated. When the sealing element is pressed on the counter-element, a clamp region for the recording medium is formed, via which the opening of the fixing chamber can be sealed and a burning segment of the recording medium can be extinguished. Additionally, ashes present on the recording medium can be removed.

Abstract: An image developing apparatus having a rotating member to bear developing agent in a housing of the image developing apparatus and to convey the developing agent of latent images onto paper transfer sheets opposite a image bearing member, wherein a part of the rotating member rotatably supported by the housing of the image development apparatus is exposed to the exterior of the housing of the image development apparatus so that the exposed portion of the rotating member radiates heat accumulated of the rotating member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing toner offset is disclosed that includes an image forming mechanism and a fixing device. The fixing device includes a fixing rotator, a pressure rotator, a cleaning roller, a temperature detector, and a cooler. The temperature detector detects a surface temperature of at least one of the fixing rotator, the pressure rotator, and the cleaning roller. The cooler operates based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector. An image forming method and an image fixing method are also described.

Abstract: The image forming system includes a digital copying machine 1 and portable terminals 2. The digital copying machine 1 has a wireless communication unit 40, which is wirelessly communication with the portable terminals 2. The digital copying machine 1 identifies a portable terminal located closest to the digital copying machine 1 out of multiple portable terminals 2 that are in communicable conditions. As the distance between the identified portable terminal 2 and the digital copying machine 1 reduces, the temperature of heating rollers 31 is controlled to rise.

Abstract: In a belt device passed over a plurality of rollers one of which is adjacent to a heat source, the temperature of part of a belt moving in the vicinity of the heat source varies little relative to the temperature of the other part of the belt.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer carrier and a developer regulating member including a developer regulating part opposing a surface of the developer carrier to regulate the developer carried and conveyed by the developer carrier. The developer regulating member is formed from a single metallic member and includes a space that faces an inner surface of the metallic member. The space extends in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the surface of the developer carrier. The developing device can include a cooling device that cools the developer regulating member from an inner surface side of the metallic member facing the space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling conditions in a printer that includes a print engine that is operative upon an article to print marks upon the article. Sensors are provided for detecting relative humidity and temperature within a moving air stream in the printer. A controller in the printer determines if the detected relative humidity within the apparatus falls within a range of acceptable relative humidities and the detected temperature within the apparatus falls within a range of acceptable temperatures. The range of acceptable relative humidities and acceptable temperatures defines a predetermined target area. When outside the range of the predetermined target area a determination is made of needed minimal adjustments to bring the temperature and humidity within the target area. Subject to such a determination, mist and/or heating of the air stream are provided to implement the needed adjustments.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a photoconductive drum provided with a photoconductive layer on its surface. A charger uniformly charges the surface of the drum while an exposing unit exposes the charged surface of the drum to thereby form a latent image on the drum. A developing device develops the latent image with toner by feeding the toner to the drum to thereby produce a corresponding toner image and collects residual toner left on the drum after image transfer. An image transferring device transfer the toner image from the drum to an intermediate image transfer body. An air conditioning unit sends dehumidified, air-controlled air to a space around said photoconductive element.

Abstract: In order to prevent generation of image noise by controlling creep of a movable member having flexibility an image forming apparatus for forming images in a recording medium includes a movable member having flexibility, a detection section for detecting temperature of the movable member directly, and a control section for executing control so that when image forming is not conducted, the movable member is temporarily operated at predefined intervals if a temperature detected by the detection section is equal to or above a specified temperature, and the movable member is not operated if a temperature detected by the detection section is below the specified temperature.