Image Recording Apparatus Cooling Air Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the conveying path for sheet-like media and the cooling air flow path for electrical power supplies often intersect, causing the cooling air to negatively affect the carrying of the recording medium.
Innovation Solution
The configuration positions the electrical power supply and cooling air flow path in a lower vertical region, with the recording device and conveying path above, preventing the cooling air from interfering with the recording medium's carriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cooling air flow path is arranged to intersect with the conveying path for simplicity of layout, then device complexity is reduced, but the cooling air negatively affects the carrying of the recording medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The cooling air flow path is positioned vertically below the conveying path, allowing both paths to coexist without intersection. This vertical separation in the third dimension eliminates the harmful interaction while maintaining layout simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical power supply is positioned in the upper region to facilitate connection with the conveyor, then ease of operation is improved, but the cooling air flow path must be routed through regions that may interfere with the conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional separation by positioning the electrical power supply in the lower vertical region, co-located with the cooling air flow path. This vertical arrangement allows electrical connections to be made within the lower region without requiring the cooling air path to route through the upper conveying region, thus eliminating interference while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a casing structure as an intermediary element that houses both the electrical power supply and cooling air flow path in the lower region. This casing provides a protected environment for electrical connections while directing the cooling air flow away from the conveying path, mediating between the need for easy electrical access and the need to avoid air interference.
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 arrangement effectively prevents the cooling air from impacting the carrying of the recording medium, ensuring smooth operation and compact device design while maintaining effective cooling of the electrical power supply.
Implementation Method 1
an air blower configured to apply a wind-force to air so as to cause the air to flow through the cooling air flow path
Implementation Method 2
an electrical power supply that applies electrical power at least to the conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording apparatus, comprising: a recording device; a cassette; a discharge tray; a conveying path; a conveyor; an electrical power supply; a cooling air flow path; an air blower configured to apply a wind-force to air so as to cause the air to flow through the cooling air flow path; and a casing, wherein: the electrical power supply and the cooling air flow path are arranged in a lower region in a vertical direction with respect to the cassette, the conveying path and the recording device; the recording device is located, in regard to the vertical direction, at a position higher than or equal to the cassette; and the electrical power supply and the cassette overlap each other in the vertical direction.