Movable Cooling Duct for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently cooling sheets post-fixing, leading to image disturbance and sheet jamming due to high temperatures, which complicates the device configuration and reduces layout flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with a duct and a moving mechanism is integrated into the image forming apparatus, allowing the duct to move independently between opposite and retracted positions, and an openable cover to expose the sheet conveyance path, facilitating sheet removal and maintaining compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the duct is fixed at the opposite position to send air to the sheet conveyance path, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and reduced layout flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The duct is designed to be movable between a retracted position and an opposite position through a moving mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the duct to be positioned opposite the sheet conveyance path during cooling operations to maximize cooling efficiency, while being retractable to reduce device complexity and improve layout flexibility when cooling is not required or when space is needed for other components.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to expose the sheet conveyance path for jammed sheet removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the duct position control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism is designed to independently control the duct's position regardless of the cover's opening state. This allows the duct to be retracted when the cover is opened for jammed sheet removal, preventing interference with the removal operation, while maintaining the capability to position the duct opposite the conveyance path when the cover is closed for normal cooling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct and cover are designed as independent components with separate control mechanisms. The duct can move independently of the cover's opening/closing state, allowing each component to perform its function without being constrained by the other's position or state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the duct moves independently of the cover, then layout flexibility is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism enables the duct to move independently between retracted and opposite positions, providing layout flexibility to accommodate different operational requirements and space constraints. The independent movement capability allows the duct to be positioned optimally for cooling while leaving space for other components when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable duct design serves multiple functions: it provides effective cooling when positioned opposite the conveyance path, allows space for cover opening and jammed sheet removal when retracted, and enables flexible layout adaptation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity of the moving mechanism.
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 enables efficient cooling of sheets, reduces sheet jamming, and maintains apparatus compactness by allowing independent duct movement and easy jammed sheet removal, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and layout flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The duct is disposed opposite a sheet conveyance path to send air to the sheet conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device includes a duct, an openable cover, and a moving mechanism. The duct is disposed opposite a sheet conveyance path to send air to the sheet conveyance path. The cover exposes the sheet conveyance path when the cover is opened. The moving mechanism moves the duct independently of the cover between an opposite position opposite the sheet conveyance path and a retracted position.