Fixing Device Placement Above Developer Unit in Upright Image Formers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In upright-type image forming apparatuses, the positioning of the fixing device below the developer unit leads to heat deterioration of the developer and increases the vertical size of the apparatus, making it difficult to load papers and operate efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with the fixing device positioned above the developer unit, and the paper conveyance passage extends upward from the recording sheet storage unit to the receiving unit, preventing heat transfer and reducing the vertical size of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fixing device is positioned below the developer unit, then the paper conveyance passage can extend downward from the lower part of the paper feed tray, but heat generated at the fixing device rises to the developer unit causing heat deterioration of the developer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the fixing device above the developer unit instead of below it. This inversion prevents heat from rising to the developer unit, eliminating heat deterioration while maintaining a compact vertical profile that facilitates easy paper loading.
2Ease of operation
If the paper conveyance passage extends downward from the lower part of the paper feed tray to increase the vertical distance, then the image forming unit can be positioned intermediate, but the vertical distance of the image forming apparatus is increased making it difficult to load papers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the paper conveyance passage direction to extend upward from the lower part of the paper feed tray to the paper output tray. This upward extension reduces the vertical distance required for paper conveyance, making it easier to load papers while maintaining all necessary functional components within a compact apparatus height.
3Device complexity
If the fixing device is positioned below the developer unit, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but heat generated at the fixing device causes heat deterioration of the developer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the vertical positioning of the fixing device relative to the developer unit, placing the fixing device above the developer unit. This simple structural inversion effectively prevents heat from reaching the developer unit, thereby maintaining toner image quality without adding complex heat isolation mechanisms.
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 prevents heat deterioration of the developer and reduces the vertical size of the apparatus, enhancing operational efficiency by allowing easier paper loading and maintaining the quality of toner images.
Implementation Method 1
heat generated at the fixing device rises to the developer unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a recording sheet storage unit for storing recording sheets substantially in an upright position, an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording sheet conveyed from the recording sheet storage unit, and a recording sheet receiving unit for storing the recording sheet conveyed from the image forming unit substantially in an upright position. In this image forming apparatus, a paper conveyance passage for conveying the recording sheet extends upward from a lower portion of the recording sheet storage unit toward the recording sheet receiving unit. The image forming unit positioned on the paper conveyance passage comprises a fixing device and a developer unit at least including a developer carrier, and the fixing device is arranged above the developer unit.