Separator Design for Belt Integrity in Image Forming Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently separating recording media from endless belts, leading to improper positioning and potential damage to the belts, which results in faulty separation and abrasion or breakage, especially when using direct heating methods that reduce thermal capacity and increase energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A separator design that includes a front edge contacting the recording medium, a separation plate, a contact plate projecting in the axial direction to contact the belt holder, and a bracket with a notch engaging the belt holder, creating a precise interval between the separator and the endless belt to ensure accurate separation and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a thin endless belt is used to decrease thermal capacity for faster heating, then the first print time is shortened and energy efficiency is improved, but the belt becomes more susceptible to damage from improper separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirst print timeVSAvoidbelt integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A separator is introduced as an intermediary component between the recording medium and the endless belt. The separator includes a separation edge that contacts the recording medium to detach it from the belt, while a contact plate and bracket structure position the separator at a precise interval from the belt. This mediator prevents direct contact between the belt and separator, avoiding damage to the thin belt while enabling effective separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the separator contacts the endless belt directly to separate the recording medium, then separation is achieved, but the belt may be deformed or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation functionVSAvoidbelt deformation and abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The separator acts as a mediator that performs the separation function without directly contacting the endless belt. The separation edge detaches the recording medium, while the contact plate and bracket maintain a controlled interval between the separator and belt, preventing deformation and abrasion of the belt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator includes a thin separation edge that can flexibly contact the recording medium for effective separation, while the overall separator structure with contact plate and bracket provides rigid positioning to maintain proper interval from the belt, combining flexibility for separation with rigidity for protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If the separator is positioned too close to the endless belt, then separation efficiency is improved, but the belt may be struck and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidbelt strike and breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The positional parameter between the separator and endless belt is precisely controlled through the contact plate and bracket structure. The contact plate contacts the belt holder to establish a reference position, and the bracket with notch engages the belt holder to fix the interval. This parameter control enables the separator to be positioned close enough for efficient separation while maintaining sufficient distance to prevent belt damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution ensures precise separation of recording media from the endless belt, preventing damage and maintaining the belt's integrity while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing print time.

Implementation Method 1

a configuration to heat the endless belt directly, not via the metal thermal conductor, is proposed as shown in FIG. 2. Since the nip formation plate 500 does not encircle the heater 300 unlike the metal thermal conductor 200 depicted in FIG. 1, the heater 300 heats the endless belt 100 directly, thus improving heating efficiency for heating the endless belt 100 and thereby shortening the first print time further and saving more energy.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9008558B2Separator and separation device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus incorporating same

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A separator includes a front edge disposed opposite an outer circumferential surface of an endless belt. The front edge contacts and separates a recording medium from the endless belt. A separation plate mounts the front edge. A contact plate projects from the separation plate in an axial direction of the endless belt and contacts a belt holder that supports the endless belt. A bracket projects from the separation plate in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the contact plate projects from the separation plate. The bracket includes a notch that engages the belt holder. The contact plate contacting the belt holder and the notch of the bracket engaging the belt holder produce an interval between the front edge of the separator and the outer circumferential surface of the endless belt.