Image Forming Apparatus Saddle Stitch Scoring and Folding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with image damage during saddle stitch processing due to toner peeling when scoring and folding are performed after image formation, and the formation of images on folded papers can result in warped or distorted images due to recessed folding marks.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus system with a scoring section, folder, and image former, where an information terminal displays a folding setting screen allowing operators to set the number of folding places and distance between them, enabling optimal folding and reducing the risk of image damage by allowing for precise control over the folding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If scoring and folding are performed after image formation, then saddle stitch processing can be completed, but the image may be damaged due to toner peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing scoring and folding operations before image formation. The scoring section creates creases on the paper surface in advance, and the folder folds the paper along these pre-formed creases. This sequence prevents toner peeling and image damage while still enabling complete saddle stitch processing functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If scoring and folding are performed before image formation, then image damage is prevented, but the folding mark becomes recessed causing image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the paper surface locally rough through the scoring process. The scoring section creates creases with a specific roughness characteristic that allows the folding mark to protrude rather than recess. This localized surface modification ensures that when the folder folds the paper, the folding mark stands out prominently, preventing image distortion while maintaining image accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the folding setting screen displays all possible folding options, then the operator can precisely control folding, but the operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the folding setting screen automatically calculate and display appropriate folding positions based on the detected paper size and type. The system self-determines the optimal folding parameters without requiring the operator to manually measure or calculate, thereby maintaining high folding position accuracy while significantly reducing operator burden.
4Stability of the object's composition
If scoring is performed on all sheets, then folding is consistent, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the scoring section selectively score only the necessary portions of the paper. Instead of scoring entire sheets uniformly, the system identifies and scores only the specific areas where folding creases are needed, based on the folding pattern selected. This maintains folding consistency while significantly reducing processing time and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus system including an image forming apparatus and an information terminal connected to the image forming apparatus, in which the image forming apparatus includes a scoring section which forms a crease on a sheet of paper, a folder which folds the sheet of paper, and an image former which forms an image on the sheet of paper, and the information terminal comprises a display which displays a folding setting screen to make a setting on a folding mode of the sheet of paper, wherein in the information terminal, when an instruction is given by an operator to execute saddle stitch processing for the sheet of paper, the display displays the folding setting screen, and on the folding setting screen, a setting display to set a number of folding places and a distance between the folding places is presented.