Image Forming Apparatus Cooling Duct Guide Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the continuous discharge of recording paper can lead to toner image adhesion between sheets on the discharge tray due to the superposition of papers, and existing methods like blowing cooling air are inefficient in preventing this adhesion and maintaining cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a cooling section that includes a cooling fan and duct with outlet ports positioned above the discharge port, and a guide piece extending obliquely downward to block cooling air from entering the discharge port, directing the air directly onto the discharged sheets and preventing it from circulating around the fixing section, thus enhancing cooling efficiency and preventing adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling air is blown from a cooling fan against the recording paper subjected to fixing processing, then adhesion of toner image is prevented, but cooling efficiency is reduced due to air circulation around the fixing section
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling duct is divided into multiple separate outlet ports positioned at different locations above the discharge path. Each outlet port directs cooling air to specific areas, creating segmented cooling zones that prevent air from circulating back to the fixing section while still effectively cooling the discharged recording paper and preventing adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet ports are positioned in the vertical dimension above the discharge path rather than horizontally beside it. This vertical positioning allows cooling air to be directed downward onto the recording paper in a gravity-assisted flow pattern, preventing horizontal circulation around the fixing section while maintaining effective cooling contact with the discharged paper.
2Reliability
If cooling air is blown against discharged recording paper, then toner image adhesion is prevented, but the layout becomes complex requiring additional curl correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling duct with its strategically positioned outlet ports serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the discharged recording paper to prevent adhesion, directs air flow to eliminate the need for separate curl correction mechanisms, and prevents air circulation that would reduce cooling efficiency. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The position and orientation parameters of the outlet ports are optimized to achieve multiple effects. By adjusting the vertical position and downward angle of the outlets, the system achieves effective cooling coverage while simultaneously controlling paper discharge trajectory and preventing curl, eliminating the need for additional correction mechanisms.
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 toner image adhesion between sheets and improves cooling efficiency by directing cooling air directly onto the discharged sheets, reducing the need for additional curl correction mechanisms and allowing for a more efficient layout of cooling air discharge ports.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling section (51) including a cooling fan (52), and a cooling duct (54) having one end part coupled to the cooling fan (52) and another end part having at least one outlet port (53) discharging cooling air generated by the cooling air fan
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharge port is provided with a guide piece extending obliquely downward in a discharge direction from an upper edge of the sheet discharge port to oppose an outlet port. The guide piece blocks flow of cooling air, which has been blown out from the outlet port, into the sheet discharge port and also abuts the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port to guide the sheet obliquely downward in the discharge direction.