Sheet Folding Apparatus Using Movable Pressing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet folding apparatuses in image forming systems require large and heavy rollers for sufficient folding pressure, leading to increased apparatus size and cost, and additional folding mechanisms often result in larger sizes due to the need for moving parts and additional rollers.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folding apparatus with a conveying roller pair, an abutting member, and a loop space where the sheet is bent between the rollers, allowing for high-quality folding without increasing apparatus size by using a moving mechanism to position additional folding rollers on one side of the conveying path, reducing the need for extensive additional folding rollers and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If large diameter and heavy rollers are used to ensure sufficient nip pressure for folding processing, then folding quality is improved, but apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable pressing unit that can move between a pressing position and a retreated position, replacing the need for continuously large heavy rollers. The pressing unit applies force dynamically only when needed for folding, allowing the use of lighter components while maintaining folding quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding function is segmented into distinct phases: the pressing unit moves to the pressing position to apply force to the loop, performs the folding action, then retreats. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to have optimized functions - the pressing unit is heavy-duty only when needed, while the supporting structure can be lighter.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional folding mechanisms with multiple rollers and moving parts are added, then folding quality is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding function and additional pressing function into a single integrated pressing unit. The pressing unit performs both the initial fold creation and the additional pressing to flatten the fold, eliminating the need for separate additional folding mechanisms and reducing overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing unit serves multiple functions: it creates the initial fold by pressing the loop, performs additional folding to flatten the crease, and can be repositioned for different folding operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If a moving mechanism is added to position additional folding rollers, then folding quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing unit operates through periodic cycles of moving to the pressing position, applying force, and retreating. This periodic action simplifies the control mechanism compared to continuous adjustment systems, as it uses simple back-and-forth motion controlled by timing signals based on sheet detection.
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 enables high-quality folding while maintaining a compact apparatus size, reducing costs and space requirements by efficiently utilizing the available space for folding and additional folding processes.
Implementation Method 1
a folding roller pair that is disposed downstream of the conveying roller in the conveying direction and rotates while nipping a predetermined position of the sheet to form a fold at the predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
an abutting member that moves downstream in the conveying direction and abuts against the predetermined position of the sheet to bend the sheet downstream
Implementation Method 3
a first pressing member that is supported by the support member; a second pressing member that is disposed so as to face the first pressing member across the sheet conveying path and presses the fold in cooperation with the first pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet folding apparatus includes: a conveying roller conveying a sheet in a predetermined conveying direction; a folding roller pair disposed downstream of the conveying roller in the conveying direction and rotating while nipping a predetermined position of the sheet to form a fold; a conveying path for conveying the sheet in the conveying direction from the conveying roller to the folding roller pair; an abutting member moving downstream in the conveying direction and abutting against the predetermined position of the sheet to bend the sheet downstream; and a loop space where the sheet is bent between the conveying roller and folding roller pair in a direction crossing the conveying direction. The folding roller pair stops while nipping a front end of the sheet fed from to form a loop of the sheet in the loop space, and the abutting member moves to abut against the loop.