Center-Folding Sheet Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet bending apparatuses for center-folding processing are inadequate in aligning side ends of recording sheets due to insufficient side end aligning and obliqueness correction, primarily because the side end aligning members are either only positioned upstream or downstream, leading to insufficient alignment and potential deformation of thin sheets.
Innovation Solution
A sheet bending apparatus with a pair of upper side end aligning members positioned upstream and a pair of lower side end aligning members positioned downstream, both movable in opposite width directions, controlled to approach the recording sheet at specific distances to ensure alignment and correction both upstream and downstream in the sheet conveyance direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side end aligning members are positioned only on upstream, then the recording sheet can be aligned during conveyance with less frictional resistance, but the alignment effect on downstream is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The side end aligning members are divided into two separate groups: upstream members (1703a) that contact the sheet during conveyance, and downstream members (1703b) that contact the sheet after placement. This segmentation allows each group to perform its specific function optimally - upstream members provide initial alignment with low friction, while downstream members provide final precision alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream side end aligning members perform preliminary alignment of the recording sheet during conveyance into the sheet holding member, before the sheet is fully placed. This preliminary action reduces the workload for downstream members and prevents deformation by using minimal force when frictional resistance is low.
2Manufacturing precision
If side end aligning members are positioned only on downstream, then precision alignment can be achieved, but the recording sheet may be deformed due to great frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream side end aligning members perform preliminary alignment of the recording sheet during conveyance into the sheet holding member, before the sheet is fully placed. This preliminary action reduces the workload for downstream members and prevents deformation by using minimal force when frictional resistance is low.
3Device complexity
If side end aligning members are made integrally formed and span across bending rollers, then structure is simplified, but the alignment effect is reduced due to cantilever support
Solution Approach 1:
The side end aligning members are divided into two separate groups: upstream members (1703a) that contact the sheet during conveyance, and downstream members (1703b) that contact the sheet after placement. This segmentation allows each group to perform its specific function optimally - upstream members provide initial alignment with low friction, while downstream members provide final precision alignment.
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
This configuration ensures effective side end aligning and obliqueness correction on both upstream and downstream, enhancing the alignment of recording sheets during center-folding processing and preventing deformation, even for thin sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional resistance generated between the recording sheet and the sheet holding member becomes great, and a great force is required to overcome the frictional resistance and to move the recording sheet with the side end aligning members
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet bending apparatus and a sheet postprocessing apparatus are provided for improving an alignment of recording sheets at the time of center-folding processing. A controller of the center-folding unit mounted in the sheet postprocessing apparatus performs: a first processing of making the upper side end aligning members approach a recording sheet in course of being conveyed into the sheet holding member a predetermined distance shorter than a predetermined approaching distance; a second processing of making the upper side end aligning members approach the recording sheet placed in the sheet holding member a remainder of the approaching distance; and a third processing of making the lower side end aligning members approach the recording sheet placed in the sheet holding member a predetermined approaching distance within a period when the second processing is performed.