Duct Dividing Plate Layout to Suppress Outlet Air Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the use of flow dividing plates within ducts can lead to backflow of air near the outlet, which may result in the re-entry of dust and unnecessary substances, reducing the effectiveness of dust and substance removal.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes a duct with a first and second flow passage, where the second passage is bent and equipped with multiple flow dividing plates arranged in a specific orthogonal direction, with defined length conditions to prevent backflow by ensuring the air flow velocity is evenly distributed and suppressed near the outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple flow dividing plates are provided inside a duct to reduce unevenness in air flow velocity, then air flow uniformity is improved, but backflow occurs near the outlet causing dust and unnecessary substances to re-enter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow dividing plates, specifically setting the length L to satisfy specific mathematical relationships with the width D (L≥D×3.04−6.72 for 3.0≤D≤5.5, L≥D×4.0−12.0 for 5.5≤D≤6.5, etc.). This parameter optimization prevents vortex generation while maintaining flow uniformity, resolving the contradiction between flow uniformity and backflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a specific dimensional relationship between the length and width of flow dividing plates, establishing a mathematical constraint (L/D ratio) as a new design dimension. This dimensional control prevents the formation of vortices that cause backflow, while still achieving uniform air distribution through the multiple plates.
2Manufacturing precision
If flow dividing plates are placed near the outlet of the duct, then air flow distribution is improved, but the capability of removing dust and unnecessary substances is reduced due to backflow
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the length L and width D parameters of the flow dividing plates with specific mathematical relationships, the invention achieves uniform air flow distribution without generating backflow. This allows the plates to be positioned near the outlet for better distribution while maintaining dust removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by designing flow dividing plates with specific dimensions that prevent vortex formation before backflow can occur. The geometric constraints on L and D create flow conditions that inherently resist the development of backflow, counteracting the potential harmful effect before it manifests.
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 backflow near the outlet of the duct, enhancing the capability to remove dust and unnecessary substances, thereby improving the overall cleaning efficiency of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to generate an air flow for taking the air outside the image forming apparatus into the duct
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of flow dividing plates provided in the second flow passage, the plurality of flow dividing plates being disposed in parallel along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and forming a third flow passage between the flow dividing plates adjacent to each other
Implementation Method 3
a duct configured to guide air outside the image forming apparatus to a cooling target
Data Source
AI summary
A second duct for guiding air outside an image forming apparatus A to a charging device includes: a first flow passage; a second flow passage bent from the first flow passage and extending in a direction orthogonal to a rotational direction and a rotational axis direction of a photosensitive drum, the second flow passage being provided with an outlet; and a plurality of flow dividing plates provided in the second flow passage, the plurality of flow dividing plates being disposed in parallel along the rotational axis direction and forming a third flow passage between the flow dividing plates adjacent to each other, in which a relationship between a length in the orthogonal direction and a length in the rotational axis direction of the third flow passage is a predetermined relationship.