Image Sensor Cooling via Airflow Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate image reading due to temperature fluctuations near the fixing device, which can lead to reduced reading accuracy and require cooling solutions that may increase the apparatus's size.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cooling system using air flow and guiding ribs or plates to direct air flow along the image reading path, allowing for effective cooling without upsizing the apparatus, enabling the image reading portion to maintain optimal temperature and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image reading portion is disposed in the neighborhood of the fixing device, then the apparatus structure is simplified and space is saved, but the temperature of the image sensor rises above the operable condition causing lowering in reading accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feeding path into multiple segments: a first feeding path that passes through the detecting surface side of the image reading portion, and a second feeding path that passes through the opposite side. This segmentation allows the recording material to be routed away from the image sensor, preventing heat interference while maintaining compact apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element to redirect the feeding path of the recording material. The mirror reflects the light path and material path, enabling the second feeding path to pass through the opposite side of the image reading portion without requiring additional space, thus resolving the contradiction between compact structure and temperature control.
2Measurement precision
If a cooling portion is provided to cool the image reading portion, then reading accuracy is maintained, but the apparatus is upsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the recording material itself as a cooling medium. As the recording material passes through the second feeding path on the opposite side of the image reading portion, it naturally carries away heat from the image sensor area, providing passive cooling without requiring additional cooling devices or increasing apparatus volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording material serves multiple functions: it carries the image data to be read, and simultaneously acts as a heat sink to cool the image sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling mechanisms, maintaining compact apparatus structure while ensuring reading accuracy.
3Temperature
If air flow is blown onto the image reading portion for cooling, then temperature control is achieved, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for active cooling systems (such as fans or air blowers) by utilizing the natural heat dissipation capability of the recording material passing through the second feeding path. This passive cooling approach significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control of the image sensor.
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 solution effectively cools the image reading portion, maintaining its operational accuracy and preventing size increases, thus ensuring reliable image detection and processing without compromising the apparatus's compactness.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow generating portion configured to generate air flow; and a flow path forming portion configured to form a flow path along which the air flow is passed through between the recording material passing through the second feeding path and a constituent portion constituting the second feeding path
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, a fixing portion, a reversing portion, a re-feeding path, a detecting portion, a first feeding path, a second feeding path, an air flow generating portion, and a flow path forming portion. The flow path forming portion forms a flow path along which air flow is passed through between a recording material passing through the second feeding path and a constituent portion constituting the second feeding path on a side toward the detecting portion and guides the recording material passing through the second feeding path, when the recording material passes through the second feeding path.