Image Forming Apparatus Dividing Member Vapor Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, water vapor released during the heating process in the fixing unit easily flows into the reconveyance path, causing dew condensation and sheet jams, which can lead to image defects and density unevenness.
Innovation Solution
A dividing member, such as an elastic plate, is used to block the gap between the fixing unit and the conveyance guide, redirecting water vapor away from the reconveyance path through strategically placed through holes and ventilation paths, preventing vapor from entering the reconveyance path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to allow visual confirmation of the reconveyance path, then ease of operation is improved, but water vapor flows into the reconveyance path causing dew condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is divided into multiple sections: a first guide member forming part of the reconveyance path, a second guide member forming another side of the reconveyance path and part of the main path, and a third guide member forming another side of the main path. This segmentation allows the opening and closing member to open only the reconveyance path while keeping the main path sealed, preventing water vapor intrusion while enabling visual confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member is configured to selectively open only the reconveyance path while maintaining the main path's closed state. This local quality control ensures that water vapor generated in the fixing unit cannot flow into the reconveyance path through the main path, while still allowing operators to visually confirm sheet presence in the reconveyance path when needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fixing unit and reconveyance path are communicated, then ease of manufacture is improved, but water vapor flows into the reconveyance path causing sheet jams
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance paths are segmented into the main path and reconveyance path using separate guide members. The first guide member specifically forms the reconveyance path and can be opened independently, creating a physical separation that prevents water vapor from the fixing unit from contaminating the reconveyance path while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member acts as an intermediary element that controls access between the main path and the external environment. When closed, it prevents water vapor from entering the reconveyance path; when opened, it allows visual confirmation. This intermediary structure maintains both manufacturing ease and operational reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the guide member is close to the outside and low temperature, then ease of manufacture is improved, but dew condensation easily occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members are segmented into different functional zones: the second guide member forms both the reconveyance path and the main path, creating a natural barrier. The opening and closing member further segments access control, ensuring that the reconveyance path remains isolated from water vapor sources while maintaining its accessible positioning for manufacturing and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member provides preliminary protection by maintaining a closed state that prevents water vapor from reaching the reconveyance path. This preliminary anti-action against water vapor intrusion prevents dew condensation before it can occur on the low-temperature guide members positioned near the outside.
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 significantly reduces the amount of water vapor entering the reconveyance path, minimizing the risk of dew condensation and sheet jams, while allowing for visual confirmation and removal of jams in the reconveyance path.
Implementation Method 1
a fixing unit including a fixing rotary member pair configured to fix the image transferred by the transfer unit by heating the sheet
Implementation Method 2
When such a water vapor flows into the reconveyance path, since, in particular, a guide member forming the reconveyance path is close to the outside of the apparatus and a low temperature, dew condensation easily occurs
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit, a fixing unit, a reverse rotary member pair, a first conveyance path, a second conveyance path, an opening and closing member, a first guide member, a second guide member, and a dividing member. The second guide member is supported by the opening and closing member and forms an inserted portion where a case of the fixing unit is inserted and one side of guide surfaces of the second conveyance path. The second guide member forms one side of guide surfaces of the first conveyance path in a state where the opening and closing member is in a closed position. The dividing member, in the state where the opening and closing member is in the closed position, divides a gap formed between the second guide member and the case inserted into the inserted portion from the second conveyance path.