Sheet Separation Device Using Winding Roller and Separation Claw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet separation devices are large and expensive due to the use of large suction devices to separate two-ply sheets.

Innovation Solution

A sheet separation device configured with a winding roller, a conveyance roller pair, and a separation claw that separates the non-bonding portion of a two-ply sheet without increasing the device's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional suction devices are used to separate two-ply sheets, then sheet separation function is achieved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the existing winding roller and conveyance roller pair from the image forming apparatus to achieve sheet separation, rather than adding a separate suction device. The separation claw is inserted into the gap between sheets during the winding process, extracting the separation function from a potential standalone suction system and integrating it into the existing mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The winding roller and conveyance roller pair serve dual functions: they perform the primary function of winding and conveying sheets in the image forming apparatus, and simultaneously enable sheet separation when the separation claw is inserted. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separation equipment, reducing both device size and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a separation claw is inserted into the gap between sheets during winding, then sheet separation is achieved without increasing device size, but the separation timing and positioning must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidseparation timing control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation claw is preliminarily positioned within the winding roller's rotational path before the actual separation occurs. As the winding roller rotates and winds the two-ply sheet, the separation claw is activated at the appropriate moment to insert into the gap between sheets. This preliminary positioning ensures that when separation is needed, the claw is already in the correct location and orientation to effectively separate the sheets without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12233632B2Sheet separation device, laminator, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A sheet separation device separates a non-bonding portion of a two-ply sheet in which two sheets are overlapped and bonded together at a bonding portion of the two-ply sheet. The sheet separation device includes a winding roller, a conveyance roller pair, and a separation claw. The winding roller rotates and winds the two-ply sheet. The conveyance roller pair conveys the two-ply sheet toward the winding roller. The separation claw is inserted into a gap between the two sheets at a position between the winding roller and the conveyance roller pair. The separation claw is disposed in a space that is bounded by an imaginary plane and includes the winding roller. The imaginary plane passes through a nip of the conveyance roller pair and a winding start position at which the two-ply sheet starts to be wound around the winding roller.