Image Scanner Cooling via Upward Airflow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face contamination and temperature increase issues due to airflow introducing dust and heat, which degrades scanning quality and requires complex air paths, increasing component count.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an airflow generation section and guiding air path that directs airflow upward to a blow-off port facing the image scanning section, effectively cooling it without a cooling fan inside the scanning section, reducing dust contamination and temperature rise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If airflow is supplied to cool the image scanning section, then temperature increase is reduced, but dust contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guiding air path is introduced as an intermediary structure to channel airflow. The air path guides airflow generated by the airflow generation section (fan) to blow toward the image scanning section from a specific direction, preventing dust-laden air from directly entering the scanning section while still providing cooling effect.
2Temperature
If intake fan and exhaust duct are provided at side walls, then cooling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow generation section (fan) serves multiple functions: it generates airflow for cooling the image scanning section and simultaneously directs this airflow through the guiding air path to prevent dust entry. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling and dust prevention components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing airflow from the side walls (horizontal dimension), the invention directs airflow from below the image scanning section (vertical dimension) through the guiding air path. This dimensional change simplifies the air path configuration while achieving both cooling and dust prevention.
3Temperature
If airflow is supplied to cool the image scanning section, then temperature increase is reduced, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding air path is integrated with the housing structure, merging the cooling function with the structural framework. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the airflow guidance function necessary for cooling without dust contamination.
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 prevents temperature increases and contamination within the image scanning section, maintaining scanning quality while minimizing component complexity and avoiding direct airflow interference with sheet discharge.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow is supplied to the inside of the image scanning section to cool the same
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an image forming section(300), a housing (10), an image scanning section (3B), an airflow generation section(12Lb), a guiding air path (126), and a blow-off port (125). The image forming section (300) forms an image on a sheet. The housing (10) accommodates the image forming section (300) therein. The image scanning section (300) has a bottom portion (35) and is disposed above the housing (10). The airflow generation section (12Lb) generates an airflow inside the housing (10). The guiding air path (126) guides the airflow upward inside the housing (10). The blow-off port (125) is communicated with the guiding air path (126) and arranged so as to face the bottom portion (35) of the image scanning section (300).