Forward-Reverse Roller Pair Asymmetric Locking for Sheet Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing methods, such as the nip-reverse method, often result in duplicate folds during the second sheet folding process due to the difficulty in controlling the rotation of the forward-reverse roller pair to eliminate deflections effectively, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in folding processes like letter fold and Z-fold.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sheet processing apparatus with a forward-reverse roller pair that includes a drive portion with play, allowing the roller pair to convey the sheet upstream and downstream when rotating and locking in the downstream direction, but being free to rotate in the upstream direction, enabling precise control and prevention of duplicate folds by idling when pulled by the second folding roller pair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the forward-reverse roller pair is controlled to rotate in both directions to eliminate deflections, then the folding precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for bidirectional rotation control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pair is designed with asymmetric rotational characteristics: it can rotate freely in the upstream direction (first rotational direction) but is locked in the downstream direction (second rotational direction). This dynamic design allows the roller to automatically eliminate deflections by rotating upstream without requiring complex bidirectional control mechanisms, thereby achieving high folding precision while maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller pair automatically performs the function of eliminating deflections through its inherent asymmetric rotational capability. When deflections occur, the roller freely rotates in the upstream direction to correct them without requiring external control intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies the control system while ensuring precise folding operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the roller pair is locked in the downstream direction to maintain position, then the position stability is improved, but the ability to eliminate deflections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pair exhibits asymmetric rotational behavior: it is locked in the downstream direction to maintain position stability, but rotates freely in the upstream direction to eliminate deflections. This asymmetric design allows the system to simultaneously achieve both position stability and deflection elimination capability by utilizing different rotational directions for different functional requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes: a first conveying member pair that folds a sheet; a second conveying member pair that conveys downstream the sheet folded by the first conveying member pair; and a third conveying member pair that further folds the sheet folded by the first conveying member pair. The second conveying member pair is rotatable forward and reversely when driven to convey, and is locked in one rotational direction but is rotatable in the other rotational direction when not driven.