Single Fan Airflow Control for Sheet Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the lack of air application to both sides of the sheet during simplex printing can lead to incomplete toner solidification, adhesion of discharged sheets, curl, and dew condensation, degrading the quality of deliverables.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a single fan that adjusts its rotational speed based on the presence of the sheet at specific air outlet ports to supply air to both the image and non-image surfaces, ensuring effective cooling and evaporation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fan is used instead of multiple fans, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to apply air to both sides of the sheet simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single fan is divided into two functional parts: a first air outlet port facing the image surface and a second air outlet port facing the non-image surface. This segmentation allows one fan to perform the functions previously requiring separate fans, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fan is designed with dual functionality to blow air to both the image surface and non-image surface of the sheet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple fans while maintaining the ability to prevent adhesion, curl, and dew condensation on both surfaces.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fan is stopped during simplex printing to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but toner solidification is incomplete causing sheet adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The fan rotational speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of sheet presence and printing mode. During simplex printing, the fan operates at a first rotational speed to ensure proper toner solidification. During duplex printing, it switches to a second rotational speed to cool both surfaces effectively. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy saving and quality maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operational parameters of the fan (rotational speed) according to different printing conditions. By detecting whether the sheet is present and the printing mode, the system adjusts the fan speed parameter to achieve optimal balance between energy consumption and toner solidification quality.
3Reliability
If high fan speed is maintained continuously to prevent adhesion and curl, then sheet quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan speed is dynamically controlled based on sheet presence detection. When a sheet is detected in the conveyance path, the fan operates at appropriate speed to prevent adhesion and curl. When no sheet is present, the fan speed is reduced or stopped, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining sheet quality during active printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit adjusts the fan rotational speed parameter according to operational conditions. During active sheet processing, higher speeds are maintained for quality assurance. During idle periods or between sheets, the speed parameter is reduced, achieving optimal balance between sheet quality and energy consumption.
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 reduces dew condensation, adhesion of discharged sheets, and curl, improving the quality of printed products while minimizing the need for multiple fans, thus reducing costs and apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to rotate so as to send air... a first air outlet port disposed on the conveyance path, and disposed so as to supply the air sent from the fan to an image surface of the sheet... a second air outlet port disposed on the conveyance path, and disposed so as to supply the air sent from the fan to a surface opposite to the image surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a single fan, a first air outlet port disposed so as to supply air sent from the fan to an image surface of the sheet, a second air outlet port disposed so as to supply the air sent from the fan to a surface opposite to the image surface of the sheet, and a control unit configured to control the fan. The control unit includes a first mode of controlling a rotational speed of the fan at a first rotational speed in a case where the sheet is not present in a position facing the first air outlet port and control the rotational speed of the fan at a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed in a case where the sheet is present in the position facing the first air outlet port.