Fixer Exit Guide Structure for Dew-Free Duplex Sheet Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dew condensation occurs on conveyance guide plates in image forming apparatuses due to temperature differences after fixing, leading to transfer failure in double-sided printing, which existing methods like using high-density polyethylene or cooling fans are inadequate to prevent.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance device configuration with a sheet metal, a resin sheet, and a high-thermal-conductivity sheet is used, where the high-thermal-conductivity sheet is disposed between the sheet metal and resin sheet to disperse heat and prevent temperature increases in surrounding air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fixing temperature is increased to improve image fixability, then the image fixability is improved, but the sheet temperature increases causing dew condensation on the conveyance guide plate
Solution Approach 1:
A resin sheet is introduced as an intermediary layer between the sheet metal conveyance guide plate and the high-temperature fixed sheet. This resin sheet acts as a thermal barrier that prevents direct heat transfer from the hot sheet to the metal plate, thereby preventing dew condensation while allowing the fixing temperature to be increased for improved image fixability
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance guide plate is constructed as a composite structure combining sheet metal with a resin sheet layer. This composite design integrates the mechanical strength of metal with the thermal insulation properties of resin, enabling the system to withstand higher fixing temperatures without causing dew condensation
2Temperature
If a member made of high-density polyethylene having a low thermal conductivity is attached to the conveyance guide plate to moderate temperature change, then the temperature change is moderated, but dew condensation still occurs when fixing temperature is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the insulation layer by using resin sheet material instead of high-density polyethylene. The resin sheet provides appropriate thermal insulation to moderate temperature changes while maintaining effectiveness even when fixing temperatures are increased, preventing dew condensation formation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling fans or thick low-thermal-conductivity members are used to prevent dew condensation, then dew condensation is prevented, but space constraints make these methods difficult to adopt
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a thin resin sheet as a flexible thermal insulation barrier integrated directly into the conveyance guide plate structure. This thin-film approach provides effective dew condensation prevention without requiring the additional space needed for cooling fans or thick insulation members, thus resolving the space constraint issue
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
Prevents dew condensation on the conveyance face, ensuring smooth conveyance and preventing transfer failure in double-sided printing by effectively managing temperature differences.
Implementation Method 1
a high-thermal-conductivity sheet disposed between the sheet metal and the resin sheet and having a higher thermal conductivity than a thermal conductivity of the sheet metal
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance device conveys a recording medium with an image fixed by a fixer and includes a first guide disposed on a downstream side of the fixer. The first guide includes a sheet metal, a resin sheet disposed over a conveyance face of the sheet metal, and a high-thermal-conductivity sheet disposed between the sheet metal and the resin sheet and having a higher thermal conductivity than a thermal conductivity of the sheet metal.