Sheet Cooling via Air Flow Generator in Image Forming System

The patent introduces an air passage as an intermediary structure that channels air flow from the fan through the toner bottles to the delivery conveyance portion. This mediator enables effective cooling of sheets by directing cooled air through a defined path, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective cooling.

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using air flow generated by a fan and directed through air passages to cool the sheets. The air current acts as a fluid medium to transfer heat away from the sheets, preventing adhesion while maintaining a relatively simple cooling system structure.

The patent implements preliminary cooling by directing air flow through the air passage before sheets complete their conveyance through the delivery portion. The cooling action is initiated in advance during the conveyance process, preventing heat accumulation and toner remelting before they can cause sheet bonding.

The patent applies cooling selectively to the delivery conveyance portion where sheets are most vulnerable to adhesion. The air passage is positioned to target specific areas of heat accumulation, providing localized cooling without requiring complex system-wide temperature control.

The air passage serves as an intermediary that confines and directs air flow along a controlled path through the toner bottles and onto the sheets. This prevents uncontrolled heat transfer while maintaining simple air flow generation, as the air current is channeled rather than dispersed.

The air passage creates a controlled air environment that acts as a thermal barrier, preventing direct heat transfer from sheets to toner bottles. The circulated air in the passage absorbs heat from sheets while being continuously moved, preventing the formation of hot zones that would transfer heat to surrounding components.