Image Forming Cooling and Purifying Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The internal temperature of electrophotographic image forming apparatuses increases during the fusing process, leading to condensation and the generation of fine dust, such as nanodust, which can contaminate images and reduce the efficiency of the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A cooling and purifying structure is implemented, utilizing a blower to direct airflow through the fusing unit and a filter to remove nanodust, along with an ionizer to charge particles for easier filtration, and a counter electrode arrangement to enhance air purifying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat is applied during the fusing process to fix toner images, then the toner image is successfully transferred and fixed on the print medium, but the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus increases, generating condensation and fine dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful hot air and fine dust generated during the fusing process through a dedicated exhaust system. The exhaust fan draws hot air from the fusing unit through an exhaust passage, separating the harmful thermal environment from the image forming area, thus maintaining reliable toner fixation while controlling internal temperature rise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air conditioning units as intermediary devices that condition the air before it enters the image forming apparatus. These units cool and dehumidify the ambient air, preventing condensation even when internal temperature increases during fusing, thus mediating between the heat generation process and the condensation problem
2Reliability
If the internal temperature increases during fusing, then toner fixation is achieved, but fine dust (nanodust, ultrafine particles) is generated which can contaminate images
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system extracts fine dust particles generated during fusing by drawing air through the fusing unit and expelling it outside. The exhaust passage is designed to capture dust at its source, and the exhaust fan provides sufficient airflow to remove particles effectively, separating the dust generation process from the image forming environment
Solution Approach 2:
Air conditioning units serve as intermediary devices that filter and condition ambient air before it enters the apparatus. The air conditioners remove fine dust particles from the incoming air, preventing dust contamination while allowing the fusing process to proceed at high temperatures
3Temperature
If ambient air is introduced into the apparatus for cooling, then internal temperature is reduced, but condensation may occur due to temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning units perform preliminary cooling and dehumidification of the ambient air before it is introduced into the image forming apparatus. By pre-conditioning the air to a lower temperature and reduced humidity, the system prevents condensation when this air contacts warmer internal components, thus enabling effective cooling without the harmful condensation effect
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning units change the parameters of the ambient air by reducing both temperature and humidity levels. This parameter modification allows the introduced air to cool the apparatus internally while maintaining conditions that prevent condensation, even when contacting surfaces at higher temperatures
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 effectively reduces internal temperatures, minimizes dust contamination, and improves air purifying efficiency by efficiently filtering nanodust and ultrafine particles, enhancing the overall performance of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a blower that is provided in the duct and generates airflow from the air inlet to the air discharge outlet
Implementation Method 2
an ionizer that is provided at the air inlet and charges nanodust
Implementation Method 3
a filter that is located between the ionizer and the blower and collects nanodust
Data Source
AI summary
An example image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form a toner image on a print medium, a fusing unit to fix the toner image to the print medium, a duct comprising an air inlet located adjacent to an exit of the fusing unit and an air discharge outlet located toward a discharge outlet through which the print medium is discharged, and a blower provided in the duct to discharge air to the air discharge outlet.