Block Member Airflow Control for Image Forming Apparatus Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the generation of frictional heat at areas like the cleaning nip and development nip poses challenges for cooling, leading to potential thermal softening of toner and increased risk of fixing failures due to inadequate air flow management, especially when the apparatus is compactly designed.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a block member positioned between the transfer unit and the cleaning unit, which is in contact with the image bearing member, creates a second space that blocks air currents from flowing towards the fixing device, thereby maintaining effective cooling of the slidingly rubbed portions and preventing air from entering the fixing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is compactly designed with the fixing device disposed in proximity to the image bearing member, then the apparatus size is reduced, but air flow from the cooling unit may easily enter the fixing device causing fixing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a partition wall that divides the apparatus interior into a first space (for image bearing member and fixing device) and a second space (for cooling unit). This spatial segmentation prevents direct air flow from the cooling unit to the fixing device while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the cooling unit and the fixing device. It allows the cooling function to operate effectively while blocking the harmful air flow path to the fixing device, thus mediating between cooling efficiency and fixing reliability.
2Reliability
If the cleaning unit and development unit are disposed at deep portions in the cartridge unit or transfer unit to prevent toner leak, then toner containment is improved, but these portions become difficult to cool by wind blowing onto the outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from external surface cooling to internal direct cooling by introducing a cooling unit that blows wind directly into the deep portions where the cleaning and development units are located. This dimensional change in cooling approach allows effective cooling of previously inaccessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit is positioned to blow cooling wind in advance onto the cleaning unit and development unit before frictional heat can cause toner thermal softening. This preliminary cooling action prevents temperature rise at the cleaning nip and development nip.
3Temperature
If air is blown onto the outer surface of the cartridge unit or transfer unit to cool the image bearing member, then cooling of the image bearing member is achieved, but the air flow may enter the fixing device causing fixing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall segments the apparatus into distinct spaces, allowing cooling air to be directed at the image bearing member without flowing into the fixing device area. This spatial division resolves the conflict between cooling effectiveness and fixing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is localized to specific areas (cartridge unit or transfer unit outer surface) while the fixing device area maintains different air flow characteristics. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of cooling and fixing processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures consistent fixability across the image, preventing thermal issues and fixing failures by effectively blocking air currents that could interfere with the fixing process, while maintaining optimal cooling of the image bearing members.
Implementation Method 1
The block member is configured to block a flow of an air current
Implementation Method 2
frictional heat is generated at the contact portion
Implementation Method 3
frictional heat is also generated at the development nip
Implementation Method 4
cool the exposed area by a blowing wind with use of a blower unit such as a fan
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a facing portion provided at a position facing a surface of an image bearing member that corresponds to a portion between a transfer unit and a cleaning unit, wherein a first space for conveying the recording material from the transfer unit to the fixing unit, and a second space between the surface of the image bearing member and the facing portion are formed in the image forming apparatus, and wherein the image forming apparatus includes a block member positioned in the second space and having one end side fixed to the facing portion on a side closer to the first space, the block member being configured to block a flow of an air current, the block member having the other end side in contact with the image bearing member.