Liquid Cooling Device for Developing Unit in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the increasing temperature due to heat generation in developing and transfer devices leads to decreased toner charge, irregular images, and toner adhesion issues, particularly with densely packed components where airflow cooling is hindered, and liquid cooling methods can deform positioning mechanisms and affect belt cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a liquid cooling device that includes a heat receiving part contacting the developing device and a contact/separation mechanism to manage the pressing force, ensuring efficient cooling while maintaining the developing gap and preventing deformation, and a similar setup for the belt cleaning unit to maintain optimal cleaning distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used to cool the developing device, then the temperature increase is reduced, but the duct space required is not available in densely packed configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies liquid cooling instead of air cooling to the developing device. A liquid cooling device includes a cooling liquid circulation system with a pump, heat exchanger, and cooling channels that directly cool the developing device, eliminating the need for large duct spaces while effectively controlling temperature rise from frictional heat in the developer agitator and developer restriction member.
2Temperature
If liquid cooling is applied to the belt cleaning unit, then the temperature is controlled, but the pressing force deforms the positioning mechanism and affects belt cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling function from the positioning function by providing a dedicated liquid cooling device for the belt cleaning unit that does not interfere with the positioning mechanism. The cooling liquid circulation system is configured to cool the belt cleaning unit without applying excessive pressing force to the positioning mechanism, thereby maintaining both temperature control and positioning precision for effective belt cleaning.
3Volume of moving object
If components are densely packed to downsize the apparatus, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the airflow cooling space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces air cooling with liquid cooling systems in the densely packed apparatus. The liquid cooling device includes compact cooling channels and heat exchangers that can be integrated into the limited space around the developing device and belt cleaning unit, effectively managing heat without requiring the large airflow cooling space that would be needed for traditional air cooling fans and ducts.
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
The solution effectively cools the developing and transfer devices, maintaining image quality and preventing toner adhesion and deformation, while ensuring reliable operation and longevity of components.
Implementation Method 1
a heat receiving part provided to contact a surface of the developing device to receive heat from the developing device
Implementation Method 2
with a cooling medium provided within the heat receiving part
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including a target part to be cooled detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus, a cooling device including a heat receiving part provided to contact the target part to be cooled to receive heat from the target part to be cooled with a cooling medium provided within the heat receiving part, and a contact/separation mechanism to cause the heat receiving part to contact and separate from the target part to be cooled. The contact/separation mechanism includes a pressing unit to press the heat receiving part against the target part to be cooled. A reaction of a pressing force of the heat receiving part applied to the pressing unit when the heat receiving part is pressed against the target part to be cooled is directed onto a predetermined portion of the target part to be cooled.