Peeling Device Cover Member for Toner Scattering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the peeling of thin papers from intermediate transfer belts often results in toner scattering and paper jams, leading to contamination and damage to internal components.
Innovation Solution
A peeling device with a peeling member and a cover member is used, where the peeling member contacts the intermediate transfer belt, and the cover member covers the peeling member, creating a gap to prevent toner scattering and guide the paper effectively, reducing the likelihood of paper jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the peeling member contacts the intermediate transfer belt to peel the recording medium, then the peeling function is achieved, but toner scatters and forms a toner cloud that contaminates internal components
Solution Approach 1:
A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the peeling member and the surrounding environment. The cover member has a toner reception portion that intercepts scattered toner before it can contaminate internal components, while maintaining the peeling function through the gap between the peeling member and cover member.
Solution Approach 2:
The toner reception portion of the cover member converts the harmful scattered toner into a contained substance. Instead of allowing toner to disperse and contaminate the apparatus, the reception portion collects and confines the toner, preventing further harm while maintaining peeling effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the peeling member peels thin paper from the intermediate transfer belt, then paper transport is achieved, but paper jams occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The space around the peeling member is segmented by the cover member, creating a controlled gap region. This segmentation guides the paper through a defined path and prevents unintended contact with surrounding components, reducing paper jams while maintaining efficient paper transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member acts as a mediator that guides the paper between the peeling member and the cover member itself. This intermediary structure provides a controlled pathway that prevents paper from contacting other components that could cause jams, while allowing the peeling function to occur through the gap.
3Device complexity
If the peeling member operates without a cover, then the structure is simple, but toner scatters and damages internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is designed as a simple intermediary component with a toner reception portion that does not significantly increase structural complexity. It effectively intercepts toner scattered during peeling, preventing contamination of internal components while adding minimal structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member functions as a protective shell structure that encloses the peeling operation. This thin-film-like cover contains scattered toner within the gap region, preventing it from reaching internal components while maintaining a relatively simple and lightweight structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A peeling device includes a peeling member and a cover member. The peeling member peels a recording medium, to which an unfixed developer has been transferred from an image holding member, from the image holding member. The leading end of the peeling member contacts the image holding member. The cover member covers a surface of the peeling member with a gap interposed between the peeling member and the cover member. The surface of the peeling member includes at least the leading end of the peeling member, and includes at least a surface of the peeling member on the side opposite to the image holding member.