Image forming apparatus having duct with flow dividing plates
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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 backward flow 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 parallel, with specific length conditions (L ≥ D×3.04−6.72 for 3.0≤D≤5.5, L ≥ D×4.0−12.0 for 5.5≤D≤6.5, L ≥ D×8.40−40.60 for 6.5≤D≤9.0, L ≥ D×10.50−59.50 for 9.0≤D≤13.0, and L ≥ D×4.70+15.90 for 13.0≤D≤28.0) to suppress backflow by ensuring even air flow velocity and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a plurality of flow dividing plates is provided inside a duct to reduce unevenness in flow velocity, then air flow uniformity is improved, but backflow occurs near the outlet due to vortex generation
Solution Approach 1:
The second flow passage is divided into multiple third flow passages by providing multiple flow dividing plates (at least two) that extend in the second direction. This segmentation creates separate flow channels between adjacent flow dividing plates, allowing better control over air flow distribution and reducing vortex-induced backflow while maintaining flow uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the third flow passages, specifically the length L in the first direction and width D in the second direction, by establishing specific ratio relationships (L/D ratios) between these dimensions. By controlling these parameters to satisfy predetermined relationships, the invention achieves both flow uniformity and backflow suppression through parameter optimization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If flow dividing plates are provided near the outlet of the duct, then flow velocity unevenness is reduced, but dust and unnecessary substances may flow backward with the backflowing air
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the second flow passage into multiple third flow passages using multiple flow dividing plates, the invention creates controlled flow channels that prevent large-scale vortices from forming. This segmentation ensures that air flow remains uniform while preventing backflow that would carry dust and unnecessary substances backward.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the geometric parameters (length L and width D) of the third flow passages to satisfy specific ratio relationships. By optimizing these parameters, the flow passages maintain uniform velocity distribution while preventing the conditions that lead to backflow and subsequent contamination by dust and unnecessary substances.
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 by maintaining even air flow and reducing pressure loss.
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
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
Data Source
AI summary
A duct for guiding air outside an image forming apparatus 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.