Folding Apparatus With Segmented Rollers for Accurate Multiple Folds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding apparatuses often cause wrinkles in recording media when they are folded multiple times due to the application of transport force by downstream rollers on portions of the medium not sandwiched by upstream rollers, leading to inaccuracies in folding position and increased wrinkling.
Innovation Solution
A folding apparatus with an upstream roller pair and downstream roller pairs that sandwich and transport the recording medium, with the downstream rollers applying transport force only to the portion connected to the upstream roller-paired section, and including a transport roller pair that switches between a nip state and a release state during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a downstream roller pair applies transport force to a portion of the recording medium not sandwiched by an upstream roller pair, then the recording medium can be transported through the folding unit, but wrinkles occur on the recording medium
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into multiple roller pairs (upstream roller pair and downstream roller pair) that operate in sequence. The upstream roller pair first sandwiches and transports the recording medium, then the downstream roller pair sandwiches and transports the already-folded medium. This segmentation ensures that transport force is always applied through sandwiching action, preventing wrinkles while maintaining continuous transport capability.
2Productivity
If the downstream roller pair is always in a nip state, then the recording medium is continuously transported, but folding position accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream roller pair operates with periodic nip and release actions rather than continuous nip. The roller pair enters the nip state to sandwich and transport the folded recording medium, then releases to allow the folding unit to accurately position and fold the medium. This periodic action maintains transport capability while ensuring folding position accuracy by preventing continuous pressure that would displace folds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple folds are applied to the recording medium, then the folding capacity is increased, but wrinkles and displacement of previous folds occur
Solution Approach 1:
The folding process is segmented into sequential stages with dedicated upstream and downstream roller pairs for each folding operation. Each roller pair independently sandwiches and transports the medium through its specific folding unit, ensuring that previously formed folds are protected while new folds are created. This segmentation enables multiple folds to be applied without disrupting the stability of existing folds.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream roller pair performs preliminary sandwiching and transport of the recording medium before it enters the folding unit. This preliminary action ensures the medium is properly positioned and stabilized before folding, preventing displacement of previous folds during subsequent folding operations and maintaining fold stability throughout the multiple folding process.
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
Prevents wrinkles and improves folding accuracy by ensuring consistent application of transport force, allowing for multiple folds without displacement of previously formed folds, enhancing the folding process.
Implementation Method 1
an upstream roller pair disposed on an upstream side in a transport direction of the recording medium with respect to the folding unit, and configured to transport the folded recording medium toward the folding unit
Data Source
AI summary
A folding apparatus includes: a folding unit configured to fold a recording medium at an intermediate portion in a transport direction of the recording medium; an upstream roller pair disposed on an upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium with respect to the folding unit, and configured to transport the folded recording medium toward the folding unit with a fold as a leading end; and a downstream roller pair disposed on a downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium with respect to the folding unit, and configured to sandwich and transport the recording medium sandwiched between the upstream roller pair, the downstream roller pair being configured to apply a transport force to a portion of the recording medium that is connected to a portion of the recording medium that is sandwiched between the upstream roller pair.