Fixing Unit Vertical Shift and Duct Cooling for Compact Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The downsizing of image forming apparatuses leads to increased heat transfer between the fixing unit and the drum unit, adversely affecting the drum unit, and existing heat insulation methods hinder device miniaturization and may reduce energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a fixing unit that vertically shifts upward in conjunction with the switching behavior of its fixing members, utilizing a cooling fan and duct system to manage heat transfer, and incorporating a partition plate to minimize clearance between units for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the space between units is narrowed for apparatus downsizing, then the apparatus size is reduced, but heat transfer from the fixing unit to the drum unit increases adversely affecting the drum unit
Solution Approach 1:
A partition plate is introduced as an intermediary structure between the fixing unit and drum unit. This partition plate vertically divides the interior space, creating separate thermal zones while allowing the units to be positioned closer together. The partition plate acts as a thermal barrier that prevents harmful heat transfer from the fixing unit to the drum unit, enabling apparatus downsizing without compromising thermal management.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heat insulating member is provided between the fixing unit and drum unit to prevent heat transfer, then heat insulation is improved, but the apparatus size increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element for mounting components, provides thermal insulation by vertically dividing the interior space, and enables compact unit arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heat insulating members, maintaining heat insulation effectiveness while preventing apparatus size increase and preserving energy efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If the fixing unit is positioned near the drum unit for compact design, then apparatus downsizing is achieved, but temperature control of the drum unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space is segmented into distinct thermal zones using a partition plate positioned between the fixing unit and drum unit. This segmentation creates independent temperature control regions, allowing the drum unit to be positioned near the fixing unit for compact design while maintaining appropriate temperature control. The partition plate prevents thermal interference between the hot fixing unit and the temperature-sensitive drum unit.
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 reduces temperature loss in the fixing unit and drum unit, enabling device miniaturization while maintaining energy efficiency by optimizing heat management through vertical shifting and ducted cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan 22 and a cooling duct 23 through which the air flow generated by the cooling fan 22 flows
Implementation Method 2
there is generally known a technique in which a heat insulating member is provided between the fixing unit and the drum unit (a process cartridge) to insulate between the drum unit and the fixing unit, thus preventing heat transfer from the fixing unit to the drum unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a drum unit; a fixing unit including a fixing member and a pressing member; a fixing pressure release unit disposed below the fixing unit; a body frame including a lateral support plate and a partition plate; a cooling fan; a first cooling duct; and a shifting mechanism. The first cooling duct is provided on an outside of the lateral support plate. The lateral support plate is provided with an air outlet. The fixing pressure release unit includes a nip pressure adjustment gear and a rotary gear. The fixing unit performs a switching behavior of switching a state of the fixing member and the pressing member between a pressed state and a released state by a rotary drive force supplied from the rotary gear to the nip pressure adjustment gear. The shifting mechanism shifts the fixing unit vertically upward in conjunction with the switching behavior.