Image Forming Apparatus Fan Airflow Exhaust Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the separation of image forming and fixing devices to facilitate transfer and installation while preventing heat from the fixing device from affecting the image forming device is challenging, especially due to increased component count and heat conduction issues.
Innovation Solution
The image forming and fixing devices are accommodated in separate frame bodies with an exhaust duct structure that includes axial electric fans and a defined air current path to efficiently exhaust heat and prevent heat conduction, using a sealing member for enhanced sealing and positioning of exhaust fans to manage air flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming device and fixing device are separated into different frame bodies, then the ease of transfer and installation is improved, but heat conduction from the fixing device to the image forming device may still occur
Solution Approach 1:
An air current path is introduced as an intermediary between the fixing device and image forming device. This air path acts as a thermal barrier that prevents heat conduction from the fixing device to the image forming device, while allowing the two devices to remain physically separated for easy transfer and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is segmented into separate frame bodies - a first frame body for the image forming device and a second frame body for the fixing device. This physical segmentation facilitates easier transfer and installation while the air current path provides thermal isolation between the segments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an air duct structure is added to prevent heat conduction, then the protection of the image forming device from heat is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air current path serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents heat conduction from the fixing device to the image forming device, and it provides a structured exhaust path for hot air. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated heat shield components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Loss of energy
If exhaust fans are added to manage air flow, then the heat exhaustion efficiency is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Exhaust fans are strategically positioned at specific locations within the second frame body where hot air accumulates. This localized placement optimizes heat exhaustion efficiency by targeting the most critical heat accumulation zones, rather than uniformly distributing fans throughout the apparatus, thereby minimizing the total number of fans required.
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 allows for stable image output with reduced temperature rise in the image forming device, preventing toner melting and ensuring high-quality image formation without affecting the image forming device with heat from the fixing device, while minimizing the number of components.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust duct structure that includes axial electric fans and a defined air current path to efficiently exhaust heat
Implementation Method 2
using a sealing member for enhanced sealing and positioning of exhaust fans to manage air flow effectively
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit for forming a toner image on a recording material. A first accommodating body accommodates the image forming unit. A fixing unit fixes an image formed by the image forming unit on the recording material. A second accommodating body accommodates the fixing unit, with the second accommodating body being attached to an external part of the first accommodating body. An air current path is formed by a space created by connecting the first accommodating body and the second accommodating body such that the recording material on which the image has been formed is conveyed from the first accommo-dating body to the second accommodating body in order to fix the image. The air current path is adapted to guide air to move outside of the apparatus by use of fans.