Rotary Folding Machine for Soft Paper Without Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding machines struggle to smoothly fold soft folding materials like hygiene paper without a compression function and require separate drive units for paper feed, lacking efficient sheet length detection and separation mechanisms for perforated and non-perforated paper.
Innovation Solution
A folding machine design featuring a press-on device with profile bodies and a pivoting lug, controlled by external and internal elements, allows for paper feed without compression, integrates automatic sheet length detection, and includes separation mechanisms for perforated and non-perforated paper using profile fingers and folding blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a compression function is used in the folding machine, then the paper can be folded effectively, but soft folding materials like hygiene paper cannot be folded smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the folding mechanism from compression-based to tension-based. The paper is folded by pulling it through the rotary bearing using tension forces from the working rolls, rather than compressing it between rollers. This parameter change enables smooth folding of soft materials like hygiene paper without damage while maintaining effective folding capability.
2Reliability
If a separate drive unit is provided for paper feed, then the paper can be fed reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the paper feed function with the existing rotary bearing mechanism. The working rolls that are already part of the rotary bearing assembly perform the paper feed function by pulling the paper through the bearing during its rotation. This eliminates the need for a separate drive unit while maintaining reliable paper feed, as the feed action is integrated into the existing rotational motion of the bearing.
3Extent of automation
If the rotary frame is designed as a control curve with conveyor rolls, then the folding process is automated, but the device complexity and difficulty of detecting sheet length increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex control curve mechanism to guide conveyor rolls, the invention inverts the approach by using the natural rotational path of the rotary bearing itself as the control mechanism. The working rolls are positioned to interact with the paper at specific points during the bearing's rotation, and the paper feed length is controlled by the bearing's rotational position rather than by complex guide curves. This simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining automation.
4Ease of operation
If profile bodies with lateral link rollers are used in the press-on device, then the paper transport and folding is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The press-on device with profile bodies and lateral link rollers introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the system. The link rollers can move laterally to accommodate variations in paper thickness and positioning, providing self-adjustment during operation. This dynamic feature improves paper transport smoothness and folding quality while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements, as the system can adapt to minor variations rather than requiring exact pre-setting.
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
Enables smooth folding of soft materials without compression, eliminates the need for separate drive units, and provides precise sheet length control and separation, enhancing the functionality of hygiene paper dispensers.
Implementation Method 1
the first profile body (28) transports the paper (39) in interaction with the first working roll (17)
Implementation Method 2
The press-on device (6) is spring-biased and is displaceable along a control curve (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a folding machine for paper and soft folding material, comprising a supporting frame (1), in which a rotary bearing (2) is rotatably mounted, the rotary bearing containing mutually parallel rotatable working rolls (17, 18, 19), wherein: a pressing device (6) for pressing the paper (39) onto positions of the rotary bearing (2) is provided, and an outer control element (7) which is rotated conjointly with the rotary bearing is provided: the pressing device (6) is mounted in an opening flap (26) and is formed by two profiled elements (28, 36), which are controlled by the outer control element (7); the first profiled element (28) receives and transports the paper (39) in cooperation with a first working roll (17), and the second profiled element (36) leads the paper (39), in contact with a first working roll (17) and a third working roll (19) running oppositely to each other, to a folding gap (44); and a pivoting nose (20), which is rotated conjointly with the rotary bearing (2) and is positively controlled by means of an inner control element (11), is provided for a second folding of the paper (39) in a second folding gap (45) between the first working roll (17) and the second working roll (18).