Cooling Fan Airflow for Sheet Post-Processing Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image formation apparatuses face challenges in effectively cooling the sheet post-processing apparatus due to heat retention and the blocking phenomenon caused by high temperatures, leading to issues like sheet adhesion and jamming.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing apparatus with a cooling fan that directs air perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction, integrated into the image formation apparatus, to cool both the post-processing unit and guide members, while also allowing for easy access and maintenance by reserving sufficient air passages and positioning the stapling mechanism to avoid heat interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sheet post-processing apparatus is disposed inside the image formation apparatus to reduce size, then the apparatus size is reduced, but heat generated by the image formation apparatus is conveyed to the sheet post-processing apparatus, requiring additional cooling structures that are difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling function into separate modules: a cooling air supply unit positioned in the image formation apparatus and a post-processing unit positioned in the sheet post-processing apparatus. This segmentation allows independent optimization of cooling coverage and post-processing functionality, resolving the spatial conflict between compact integration and effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling air supply unit as an intermediary component that generates cooled air and supplies it to the post-processing unit through air passages. This intermediary mechanism enables effective cooling without requiring direct thermal isolation or complex integrated cooling structures, solving the heat convection problem while maintaining compact design.
2Temperature
If cold air is sent to sheets on the mount tray to cool them, then the sheets are cooled, but the sheets become high temperature inside the feeding path due to fusing, causing adhesion and blocking phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized cooling by directing cooled air specifically to the post-processing unit and guide members through dedicated air passages, rather than cooling the entire sheet path. This localized approach prevents sheet adhesion and blocking while maintaining necessary cooling for post-processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fan operates in advance to pre-cool the post-processing unit and guide members before sheets arrive, preventing heat accumulation that would cause adhesion. This preliminary cooling action eliminates the blocking phenomenon before it occurs.
3Volume of moving object
If the post-processing unit is disposed adjacent to the image formation apparatus, then space is utilized efficiently, but sufficient air passages cannot be reserved for cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air passage system into distinct pathways: one for cooled air supply from the image formation apparatus and another for exhaust air from the post-processing unit. This segmentation enables efficient space utilization while ensuring adequate airflow for cooling without complex routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the cooling fan above the post-processing unit and directing air downward through air passages. This three-dimensional air flow arrangement provides sufficient cooling airflow without requiring additional horizontal space, resolving the conflict between compact positioning and adequate air passages.
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 solution effectively cools the sheets and mechanical parts, preventing adhesion and jamming, and allows for efficient post-processing operations while maintaining a compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan that sends air toward the post-processing unit from the direction in which the unit moves
Implementation Method 2
This solution effectively cools the sheets and mechanical parts, preventing adhesion and jamming
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention, a sheet post-processing apparatus includes an ejection path that successively feed sheets each with an image found thereon from an ejection outlet. A processing tray is disposed under the ejection outlet to temporarily store sheets fed from the ejection path. A port processing unit performs post processing such as binding and punching. The post processing unit is located under the ejection path and is provided with a cooling fan that sends air toward the post processing unit.