Image Forming Exposure Unit Cooling With Shielded Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in cooling the LED exposure device due to airflow leaks through the introduction port used for both airflow and energizing cables, leading to reduced cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a configuration where the airflow opening is located on the opposite end from the connector, with a shielding wall in between, to prevent airflow leakage and enhance cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the introduction port for airflow is used as the insertion port for energizing cables, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling efficiency deteriorates due to airflow leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exposure device into functionally separate regions: a connector region for cable insertion and an airflow introduction region for cooling. By providing distinct ports for electrical connection and airflow intake, the design prevents airflow leakage while maintaining structural organization. The connector is positioned at one end of the substrate and the airflow introduction port at another, creating clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shielding wall as an intermediary structure between the connector and the airflow introduction port. This shielding wall acts as a barrier that prevents airflow from leaking toward the connector region, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency. The shielding wall is a simple structural addition that effectively mediates between the two functional regions without complicating the overall device design.
2Ease of operation
If the airflow introduction port and cable insertion port are combined, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unsealed airflow path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the port functions by providing separate introduction ports for airflow and cables. The airflow introduction port is specifically designed for cooling airflow intake, while the connector provides cable insertion. This segmentation ensures that the airflow path remains sealed and dedicated to cooling purposes, preventing leakage and maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding wall serves as an intermediary barrier that seals the airflow path by preventing airflow from reaching the connector region. This simple structural element effectively maintains airflow sealing without complicating the port configuration or reducing ease of operation for both airflow and cable connections.
3Temperature
If airflow flows through the lower part of the exposure device, then cooling efficiency is improved, but harmful factors increase due to airflow leakage affecting toner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional zones: the lower part of the exposure device is dedicated to airflow introduction for cooling, while the connector region is positioned separately to avoid airflow interference. By locating the connector at one end and the airflow introduction port at another, the design ensures that cooling airflow does not leak into regions where toner is handled, preventing toner scattering while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding wall acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents cooling airflow from leaking toward the connector and toner handling regions. This simple structural addition effectively blocks the harmful airflow leakage that would cause toner scattering, while preserving the beneficial cooling effect on the LED array in the lower part of the exposure device.
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 seals the airflow path, maintaining cooling efficiency by preventing leaks and ensuring effective heat dissipation for the LED exposure device.
Implementation Method 1
an exposure cooling unit that causes an airflow to flow through an opening formed in the exposure unit to cool the exposure unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a photoconductor; an exposure unit that forms a latent image on the photoconductor by a substrate that is long in a rotational axis direction of the photoconductor and a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a longitudinal direction of the substrate; a connector for energizing the exposure unit, the connector being arranged at a position biased to one end side from the center in the longitudinal direction of the substrate; and an exposure cooling unit that causes an airflow to flow through an opening formed in the exposure unit to cool the exposure unit, in which in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, the opening is located on the other end side from the connector, and a shielding wall is provided between the opening and the connector.