Exposure Head Duct Structure for Cooling Without Toner Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing image forming apparatuses face issues with heat dissipation from the exposure head causing toner scattering due to airflow cooling, which is inefficient and disrupts the developing process.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a rotatable photoconductor, an exposure portion supported by a substrate and a duct system that guides airflow for cooling, using a fan to manage heat and prevent toner scattering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If airflow cooling is applied to the exposure head, then heat dissipation is improved, but toner scattering occurs due to airflow disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure head temperatureVSAvoidtoner scattering

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling airflow path is segmented into distinct regions: a first airflow path for cooling the exposure head and a second airflow path for the developing device, preventing cross-interference between the two paths and eliminating toner scattering while maintaining effective cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the exposure head and developing device, physically separating the two airflow paths and preventing the cooling airflow from directly contacting and scattering the toner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If exposure head is disposed close to developing device, then space utilization is improved, but heat influence on toner increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus space utilizationVSAvoidheat influence on toner

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The internal space is segmented into separate cooling zones for the exposure head and developing device using partition walls, allowing close positioning for space efficiency while preventing heat transfer and airflow interference between the two components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Partition walls serve as intermediary thermal and airflow barriers between the exposure head and developing device, blocking heat transfer paths and preventing the cooling airflow from affecting the toner while allowing the components to remain in close proximity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively cools the exposure head while minimizing toner scattering, ensuring stable image formation by separating the developing unit from the exposure head during maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a fan that generates an airflow for cooling the exposure portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12399446B2Image forming apparatus including duct structure that supports light emitting elements for exposing a photoconductor

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a rotatable photoconductor; an exposure portion including a substrate on which a plurality of chips each including a plurality of light emitting portions that emit light for exposing the photoconductor is mounted, and a support portion configured to support the substrate; a fan configured to generate an airflow for cooling the exposure portion; and a duct configured to communicate with the fan and to communicate with the support portion to guide the airflow generated by the fan to the substrate.