Rotating Pressing Unit With Impact Absorber For Sheet Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet folding devices in multifunction peripherals face challenges in securing fold lines efficiently and reducing noise during the folding process, with existing methods either dispersing pressure, increasing device size, or reducing productivity.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing device with a rotating pressing unit featuring a helical projection portion and an impact absorbing member, which concentrates pressure on the fold line while minimizing noise through controlled rotation and impact absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple additional folding rollers are used to press the fold line, then the fold line securing effect is improved, but the device size increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefold line securing effectVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing function is divided into multiple segments along the sheet conveying direction, with each roller pressing a specific section of the fold line. This allows the fold line to be securely pressed throughout its entire length without requiring a single large roller, thus maintaining effectiveness while reducing overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing action is distributed across multiple rollers positioned at different locations along the sheet conveying direction, transforming a single-point pressing problem into a multi-point distributed pressing system. This dimensional distribution achieves comprehensive fold line securing without increasing the width or height of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If one additional folding roller presses the whole fold line area simultaneously, then the device structure is simplified, but the pressing force per unit area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpressing force per unit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The fold line pressing task is segmented into multiple pressing points along the sheet conveying direction. Each roller applies concentrated pressing force to its specific section, ensuring sufficient pressure per unit area is achieved without requiring an oversized single roller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stress or pressure

If the additional folding roller moves from one end to the other in sheet width direction while sheet is stopped, then concentrated pressing force is applied, but productivity is reduced due to movement time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentrated pressing forceVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing operation is segmented into multiple simultaneous actions performed by different rollers positioned along the sheet conveying direction. While one section is being pressed, the sheet can continue to convey, eliminating the need to stop the sheet for roller repositioning and maintaining continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet conveyance and folding operations continue without interruption. Multiple rollers perform pressing actions simultaneously on different sections of the sheet, eliminating idle time associated with stopping and repositioning rollers, thus maintaining continuous productive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If concentrated pressing force is applied rapidly to the fold line, then the folding efficiency is improved, but impact noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding efficiencyVSAvoidimpact noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The impact force is segmented and distributed across multiple rollers positioned along the sheet conveying direction. Each roller generates smaller localized impact forces rather than one large集中 impact, reducing overall noise levels while maintaining folding efficiency through simultaneous multi-point pressing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables efficient folding with concentrated pressure, reducing noise and maintaining productivity while keeping costs low, without the need for additional rollers or complex drive systems.

Implementation Method 1

an impact absorbing member provided at a part of the pressing unit of the pressing portion, abutting on the sheet at first in the rotation direction of the pressing portion, the impact absorbing member configured to reduce impact upon abutting on the sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10363757B2Sheet processing device and image forming system

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A sheet processing device for pressing a fold line formed in a sheet, the sheet processing device comprises a pressing portion configured to press a sheet while rotating about a rotation axis. The pressing portion includes a pressing unit having a projecting shape, disposed over a predetermined range in a direction of the rotation axis to have a position in a rotation direction about the rotation axis changed according to the direction of the rotation axis, and an impact absorbing member provided at a part of the pressing unit of the pressing portion, abutting on the sheet at first in the rotation direction of the pressing portion, the impact absorbing member configured to reduce impact upon abutting on the sheet.