Dual-Sided Cooling Device for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices for image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently cooling recording media due to space constraints and interference between multiple cooling units, leading to reduced cooling performance and increased size, especially when using heat pipes or heat sinks with similar cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device configuration that includes a first cooler with a heat sink and a second cooler with a heat pipe roller, both having distinct cooling structures and shapes, allowing for optimized contact with the recording medium and reduced interference, while maintaining efficient cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple heat pipe rollers are aligned to cool both sides of the recording medium, then cooling coverage is improved, but the radiation fins interfere with each other causing the device to increase in size in the sheet conveying direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from aligning multiple heat pipe rollers in the sheet conveying direction to disposing them facing each other in the vertical direction. This dimensional change allows the radiation fins to be arranged without interfering with sheet movement, solving both the cooling coverage and device size problems simultaneously
2Temperature
If heat sink is provided above and below the recording medium, then cooling performance is improved, but the device is extended in vertical direction increasing overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the heat sink and heat pipe roller from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal facing arrangement. This allows both cooling units to operate effectively without extending the device vertically, as they now occupy space in the horizontal plane instead
3Temperature
If multiple cooling units with the same cooling method are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a heat sink and a heat pipe roller into a single integrated cooling device that cools both sides of the recording medium simultaneously. This merging approach achieves effective cooling of both surfaces while reducing device complexity compared to using separate cooling units for each side
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 enhances cooling efficiency and reduces the overall size of the cooling device and image forming apparatus by optimizing the layout and contact area with the recording medium, preventing interference and maintaining high cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooler configured to cool a first face of a recording medium... The first cooler includes a first heat absorbing face
Implementation Method 2
a first cooler with a heat sink
Implementation Method 3
a second cooler with a heat pipe roller... The second cooler includes a second heat absorbing face and a second liquid flowing passage
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device that is included in an image forming apparatus includes a first cooler configured to cool a first face of a recording medium and a second cooler configured to cool a second face of the recording medium. The first cooler includes a first heat absorbing face and a first liquid flowing passage. The first heat absorbing face is configured to contact an inner circumferential surface of a belt to face the first face of the recording medium. The second cooler includes a second heat absorbing face and a second liquid flowing passage. The second heat absorbing face is disposed facing the second face of the recording medium.