Exposure Head Cooling Layout to Prevent Toner Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face the challenge of toner scattering due to airflow used for cooling the exposure head, which is positioned close to the developing device, leading to interference and potential damage during unit attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a retraction mechanism using a development stay, rotating arm, and elevating duct to separate the developing unit and exposure head from the photosensitive drum during maintenance, while utilizing airflow for effective cooling without scattering toner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If airflow is formed in the space between exposure head and developing device for cooling the exposure head, then the cooling effect is improved, but the toner of the developing device scatters inside the image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is segmented into distinct regions: a first airflow path for cooling the exposure head and a second airflow path for transporting toner from the developing device. This segmentation prevents the cooling airflow from interfering with toner, eliminating toner scattering while maintaining effective cooling of the exposure head.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure to separate the first airflow path and second airflow path. This partition wall physically divides the internal space, allowing independent airflow control for cooling and toner transport functions without mutual interference.
2Area of stationary object
If exposure head is disposed close to the developing device, then the space utilization is improved, but the cooling requirement increases due to heat influence on toner
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus internal space is segmented into functionally independent airflow paths despite the close proximity of the exposure head and developing device. This allows efficient space utilization while providing dedicated cooling airflow to prevent heat from the exposure head from affecting the toner in the developing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall acts as an intermediary that enables close positioning of the exposure head and developing device while preventing thermal interference. It allows the cooling airflow to pass through or along the partition to remove heat from the exposure head without the airflow directly contacting the toner.
3Temperature
If airflow is formed around the developing device for cooling, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the toner scattering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow system is segmented into directionally controlled paths: the first airflow path directs cooling air specifically at the exposure head, while the second airflow path handles toner transport separately. This directional segmentation ensures comprehensive cooling coverage of the exposure head without disrupting toner stability in the developing device.
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 ensures efficient cooling of the exposure head while preventing toner scattering, facilitating safe and reliable maintenance of the units by reducing dynamic interference.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow is formed in a space between an exposure head and a developing device as a cooling unit of the exposure head
Implementation Method 2
The exposure head includes a light emitting diode (LED) as a light emitting element
Implementation Method 3
organic electro luminescence (EL) may be included as light emitting elements
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes: a rotatable photoconductor (2); an exposure portion (4) including a substrate (50) on which a plurality of chips (53) each including a plurality of light emitting portions (51) that emit light for exposing the photoconductor (2) is mounted, and a support portion (54,55) configured to support the substrate (50); a fan (62) configured to generate an airflow for cooling the exposure portion (4); and a duct (60) configured to communicate with the fan (62) and to communicate with the support portion (54,55) to guide the airflow generated by the fan (62) to the substrate (50).