Image Forming Apparatus Duct Configuration for Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face the challenge of upsizing due to the need to suppress image defects caused by toner remelting and dew condensation, which are not effectively addressed in previous designs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a first duct extending in the sheet discharging direction orthogonal to the rotation-axis direction and a second duct along the rotation-axis direction, with air flows merging to reduce dew condensation and toner remelting, while minimizing the apparatus' height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a duct space is formed between the image forming apparatus body and the document reading apparatus to discharge water vapor, then dew condensation is suppressed, but the apparatus height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the duct configuration from a vertical space-between-components layout to a horizontal integration within the image forming unit. The first duct extends in the sheet discharging direction (horizontal), and the second duct extends in the rotation-axis direction, allowing vapor discharge without increasing apparatus height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the duct functions by integrating both the first duct (for vapor discharge) and the second duct (for air flow) within the image forming unit structure. The ducts overlap in the vertical direction, combining multiple functions into a compact integrated design that eliminates the need for separate vertical duct space.
2Manufacturing precision
If air is blown on sheets from an air blowing port to suppress toner remelting, then image quality is improved, but the apparatus height increases due to duct requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vapor discharge function (first duct) and the sheet cooling function (second duct) into a single integrated duct system within the image forming unit. Both ducts extend horizontally and overlap vertically, eliminating the need for separate vertical duct structures and reducing apparatus height while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical duct extension to horizontal duct extension within the image forming unit. The first duct extends in the sheet discharging direction and the second duct extends in the rotation-axis direction, both horizontally integrated, thereby suppressing toner remelting without increasing apparatus height.
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 design effectively suppresses image defects and dew condensation while reducing the apparatus' size, enhancing usability and installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a second duct which extends in the rotation-axis direction, and through which an air flow cooling the sheet discharged by the discharging portion passes
Implementation Method 2
part of the water vapor that fills the above-described space is discharged to the back surface of the image forming apparatus through the duct space, due to the natural convection, so that the occurrence of dew condensation is suppressed
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a reading unit including a reading portion, an image forming unit including an image bearing member, a fixing portion, and a discharging portion configured to discharge the sheet toward the discharging space in a sheet discharging direction, and a first duct extending in a first direction and configured to communicate an outside surface of the image forming unit to the discharging space, the first direction being along the sheet discharging direction and orthogonal to a rotation-axis direction of the image bearing member. The image forming unit includes a second duct which extends in the rotation-axis direction, and through which an air flow cooling the sheet discharged by the discharging portion passes. At least a portion of the first duct is disposed so as to overlap with the second duct in a second direction orthogonal to both of the first direction and the rotation-axis direction.