Image Reading Apparatus Cooling via Sheet Conveyance Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image reading apparatuses face challenges in maintaining light emission performance of light emitting elements while preventing an increase in apparatus size, especially in array-type configurations where heat dissipation is hindered by the conveyance of sheets and the need for external cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a light guiding member with light emitting elements disposed at its ends, a heat dissipation section outside the sheet passing region, and a cooling system that cools the heat dissipation section from the opposite side of the sheet conveyance surface, using internal air for cooling without increasing the apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fan for introducing external air and a duct are provided to cool the light emitting element, then the light emission performance is maintained, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a separate external air introduction system and integrates it into the existing apparatus structure. The cooling air is introduced through the sheet conveyance path, utilizing the existing space and structure without adding external fans and ducts, thereby maintaining effective cooling while avoiding apparatus size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the sheet conveyance path serve multiple functions: it conveys sheets through the reading section and simultaneously serves as a cooling passage for the light emitting element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling structures, maintaining effective cooling while preventing apparatus size increase
2Temperature
If the wind power of the fan is increased to compensate for heat dissipation from the sheet, then the light emission ability is maintained, but the apparatus size increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for high-power fans by extracting the cooling function from the fan-driven system and implementing it through the natural convection path of the sheet conveyance system. The cooling is achieved through the existing air flow generated by sheet conveyance, eliminating the need for additional high-power fan capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the sheet conveyance system to serve itself by using the air flow naturally generated during sheet conveyance for cooling purposes. The system does not require external high-power fan assistance, as the sheet conveyance process itself provides the necessary cooling air flow, thereby avoiding apparatus size increase
3Temperature
If a duct is provided to cool the light emitting element without interfering with sheet feeding, then the light emission performance is maintained, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sheet conveyance path serve as both the sheet transport route and the cooling passage. The same air flow path that conveys sheets also cools the light emitting element, eliminating the need for separate ducts and reducing apparatus size while maintaining effective cooling
4Productivity
If the light emitting element is disposed in an array-type configuration facing the sheet, then the reading efficiency is improved, but the heat dissipation becomes difficult and light emission performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional array-type configuration where light emitting elements face the sheet. Instead, the light emitting elements are disposed on the side surface of the reading section, facing away from the sheet conveyance path. This inversion allows the sheet to pass by without directly blocking the cooling path, maintaining reading efficiency while improving heat dissipation performance
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 maintains light emission performance by efficiently cooling the light emitting elements while preventing the cooling system from interfering with sheet conveyance and reducing the overall apparatus size, even in double-sided printing configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated at the time of light emission is dissipated to the surroundings whose temperature is lower than that of the element
Implementation Method 3
a cooling section configured to cool the heat dissipation section... the cooling section cools the heat dissipation section from a side opposite to a conveyance surface of the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes: a light emission section including a light emitting element, and a light guiding member configured to irradiate a sheet with light emitted from the light emitting element; a reading section configured to read an image formed on the sheet; a heat dissipation section configured to dissipate heat of the light emitting element; and a cooling section configured to cool the heat dissipation section, in which the light emitting element and the heat dissipation section are disposed at positions outside a sheet passing region of the sheet in the width direction.