Developer Cooling Fins in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the generation of frictional heat due to the interaction between developer mixing and conveying members restricts the design layout around compact image carrying members, particularly in areas with limited space, leading to increased developer temperature and potential image defects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heat releasing device, comprising a metal member and a heat sink integrated with a metal plate, positioned on the outer sides of the developer storing case to efficiently conduct and release heat generated from the developer, while minimizing space constraints and preventing temperature increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fins are provided on the bottom plate of the development device, then heat release efficiency is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat release function with the existing bottom plate structure by forming cooling fins directly on it, merging two functions (structural support and heat dissipation) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate heat release devices while maintaining effective temperature control of the developer.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fins extend in the vertical direction (downward from the bottom plate) to increase the heat dissipation surface area. This dimensional extension allows efficient heat release without occupying horizontal space, thereby avoiding the need to reduce the image carrying member size or compromise layout flexibility.
2Temperature
If cooling fins are provided on the bottom plate, then heat release is improved, but available space for other devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fins utilize the vertical dimension to provide heat dissipation surface area, extending downward from the bottom plate. This vertical expansion allows efficient heat release without consuming horizontal space, thereby preserving the available area for other image forming devices around the image carrying member.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the heat release function into the bottom plate structure itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate heat dissipation components that would occupy additional space. The bottom plate simultaneously serves as structural support and heat dissipation surface.
3Productivity
If developer mixing and conveying members are driven, then developer conveyance is improved, but frictional heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful frictional heat generated by the developer mixing and conveying members into a beneficial controlled heat dissipation process. The cooling fins provide a dedicated pathway for this heat to be efficiently released, transforming the unwanted thermal energy into a manageable aspect of the system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fins act as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the frictional heat source (developer mixing and conveying members) and the external environment. They provide a controlled thermal pathway that manages the heat generation from productive operations, preventing temperature buildup while maintaining conveyance efficiency.
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 suppresses the increase in developer temperature, reduces the risk of image defects, and enhances the design flexibility around compact image carrying members by efficiently managing heat release, thus improving the operational reliability and space utilization within the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The metal member extends in an axial direction of the developer carrying member to receive heat conducted from the developer stored in the developer storing case
Implementation Method 2
The heat releasing device is provided on at least one of the outer sides of the developer storing case in the axial direction of the developer carrying member and disposed in contact with the metal member to release the heat conducted from the metal member
Implementation Method 3
The heat releasing device is provided on at least one of the outer sides of the developer storing case in the axial direction of the developer carrying member and disposed in contact with the metal member to release the heat conducted from the metal member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member carrying a latent image and a development device disposed along a surface of the image carrying member. The development device includes a developer storing case storing a developer, a developer carrying member carrying the developer to develop the latent image with the developer in an area in which the surface of the developer carrying member faces the surface of the image carrying member, a developer supplying member supplying the developer carrying member with the developer, a metal member extending in an axial direction of the developer carrying member to receive heat conducted from the developer, and a heat releasing device provided on at least one of the outer sides of the developer storing case in the axial direction of the developer carrying member and disposed in contact with the metal member to release the heat conducted from the metal member.