Cooling Air Flow Path Separation in Image Recording Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming devices, the carrying path for a sheet-like medium and the cooling air flow path for the electrical power supply often intersect, causing air to negatively affect the carrying of the recording medium.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus is designed with a configuration where the cooling air flow path is arranged in a lower vertical region, separate from the conveying path, using a relay path to ensure non-intersection and preventing air from affecting the medium's carriage, with an additional cassette device attached under the casing to accommodate the medium and maintain airflow separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cooling air flow path is arranged in the lower vertical region separate from the conveying path, then the air does not interfere with the recording medium carrying, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The cooling air flow path is routed through the lower vertical region of the casing, while the recording medium conveying path occupies the upper horizontal region. This dimensional separation in the vertical direction allows both airflow and medium transport to occur simultaneously without interference, effectively eliminating the harmful air flow interaction while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If another paper supply tray is provided at a lower portion of the casing, then the adaptability increases, but the carrying path and cooling air flow path must be arranged to avoid intersection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the internal space of the casing into distinct functional zones: an upper region for the recording medium conveying path and a lower vertical region for the cooling air flow path and additional paper supply tray. This spatial segmentation allows multiple functions (medium transport, cooling, and additional paper supply) to coexist without interference. The relay path further segments the conveying mechanism, allowing paper from the additional tray to be integrated into the existing conveying system through a separate entry point.
3Volume of moving object
If the electrical power supply is arranged to overlap with the cassette when viewed along the vertical direction, then the device compactness improves, but the airflow path must be carefully designed to avoid intersection with the conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the vertical dimension for spatial separation. The electrical power supply is positioned in the lower vertical region, overlapping with the cassette in the horizontal plane, while the cooling air flow path is routed through a separate vertical channel that does not intersect with the recording medium conveying path. This three-dimensional arrangement achieves compact horizontal footprint while maintaining functional separation through vertical routing.
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 effectively prevents cooling air from interfering with the carrying of the recording medium, enhancing the device's operational efficiency and compactness by ensuring airflow does not disrupt the medium's path, while allowing for improved airflow and increased blowing capability.
Implementation Method 1
an air blower configured to apply a wind-force to air so as to cause the air to flow through the cooling air flow path
Implementation Method 2
a conveyor configured to apply, to the recording medium, a conveying force for conveying the recording medium along the conveying path
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus, comprising: a recording device; a cassette; a discharge tray; a conveying path; a conveyor; an electrical power supply; a cooling air flow path; an air blower to apply a wind-force to air; a casing; and an additional cassette device attached to a lower portion of the casing, and in this configuration, the additional cassette device comprises: an additional cassette and an additional conveying path. A relay path is provided between the additional conveying path and the conveying path. The electrical power supply and the cooling air flow path are arranged under the cassette. The electrical power supply is arranged to overlap with the cassette when viewed along the vertical direction, and the cooling air flow path is formed not to intersect with the relay path.