Sheet Folding Device Drive Coupling for Precision Z-Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet folding devices lack efficient mechanisms for forming precise fold lines on sheets post-image formation, particularly in multi-folding processes like Z-folding and three-folding, which can lead to wrinkles and breakage due to inadequate guide systems.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folding device with a guide drive mechanism incorporating a first and second folding guide, reciprocatable between folding and retracted positions, and a drive coupling system that uses a drive source, transmission portions, and a coupling portion to guide sheets accurately through folding nips, reducing the risk of wrinkles and breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a folding guide is provided to guide sheets through folding nips, then folding precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding guide is designed to be movable between a protruding state (where it protrudes into the folding nip to guide the sheet) and a retracted state (where it is pulled back to avoid interfering with the folding roller). This dynamic configuration allows the guide to provide precision only when needed, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding guide is divided into a guide main body and separate drive arms that can be independently controlled. The drive arms are swingably supported and can be selectively actuated to position the guide main body in the folding nip or retract it, enabling precise control without requiring a complex continuous guide structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a reciprocating folding guide is used to guide sheets accurately, then fold line precision is improved, but the risk of sheet breakage increases due to repeated positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The folding guide transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can be positioned and retracted. By retracting the guide when not in use, the system eliminates unnecessary mechanical contact that could cause breakage, while maintaining precision during the folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is positioned in advance before the sheet reaches the folding nip, allowing the sheet to be gently guided onto the guide surface without sudden contact. This preliminary positioning reduces shock and stress on the sheet, minimizing breakage risk while ensuring precise fold line formation.
3Reliability
If a drive coupling portion is added to transmit drive force to both arms, then guide mechanism reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive coupling portion combines the drive force transmission to both the first and second arms into a single integrated mechanism. By coupling the arms together, the system ensures synchronized movement and improved reliability without requiring separate drive sources or complex independent control systems for each arm.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet folding device includes a sheet conveyance path, first and second side plates, a first folding roller pair, a first folding guide, and a guide drive mechanism. The first folding guide is reciprocatable between a folding position and a retracted position, and includes a guide main body and first and second arms provided respectively at both ends of the guide main body. The guide drive mechanism includes a drive source provided on the first side plate, a first drive transmission portion that transmits a drive force of the drive source to the first arm, a second drive transmission portion that transmits the drive force to the second arm, and a drive coupling portion that couples the first drive transmission portion to the second drive transmission portion and transmits the drive force from the first drive transmission portion to the second drive transmission portion.