Developing Device Cooling Tube Protection During Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with temperature increases in the developing agent due to frictional heat, affecting charging properties and image quality, and existing cooling units risk damage during removal of the developing device.
Innovation Solution
A cooling unit with a heat receiving plate and cooling tube system that contacts the developing device during operation and separates during removal, using a high thermal conductivity bottom plate and elastic cooling tube to manage temperature and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling unit with heat receiving tube is used to cool the developing device, then the temperature of the developing agent is controlled, but the cooling unit may be damaged when the developing device is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling tube is designed to be elastically deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt its shape during the removal process. When the developing device is pulled out, the cooling tube can elastically deform to accommodate the movement, preventing mechanical damage while maintaining thermal contact during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling tube changes its physical state from a rigid structure during normal operation to an elastically deformable state during removal. This parameter change allows the cooling tube to maintain thermal conductivity function during operation while avoiding damage during the removal process
2Ease of repair
If the developing device is made detachable for maintenance and replacement, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the developing roller may damage the photoconductor drum during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The separating mechanism performs a preliminary action by moving the developing device to a separated position before the actual removal process. This preliminary separation of the developing roller from the photoconductor drum prevents direct contact and potential damage during the removal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The separating mechanism acts as an intermediary between the developing device and the photoconductor drum. It mediates the removal process by first separating the developing roller from the drum, then allowing safe removal of the developing device without direct contact between the roller and drum
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
Efficient temperature management of the developing device and safe removal process, preventing damage to the cooling unit and maintaining image quality by suppressing temperature rises and ensuring safe detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit (41) that cools the developing device (53)... a heat receiving plate (93) and a cooling tube (95) supported by the heat receiving plate... the bottom plate comes in contact with the cooling tube and the cooling unit cools the developing device
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a developing device, a separating mechanism, and a cooling unit. The developing device includes a developing roller and a developing housing, and is detachably supported by a support frame. The separating mechanism separates the developing roller from a photoconductor drum before the developing device is removed from the support frame. The cooling unit cools the developing device. The developing housing has a bottom plate with high thermal conductivity. The cooling unit includes a heat receiving plate facing the bottom plate, and a cooling tube supported by the heat receiving plate. In the image forming apparatus, when the developing roller is not separated, the bottom plate comes in contact with the cooling tube, and when the developing roller is separated, the bottom plate is separated from the cooling tube.