Sheet Folding Device Press Section Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet folding devices face challenges in accurately executing additional folding processes without increasing device size, due to the need for additional conveyance routes and large press rollers, which can lead to displacement of folded parts and require high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folding processing device with a folding processing section, holding members, first press members arranged along the fold direction, a second press member, and a moving mechanism that allows the first press members to move between press and retreat positions to apply pressure accurately, reducing the need for large device size and maintaining fold precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional conveyance routes and space are provided to stack preceding sheets, then the sheet folding device can execute additional folding processes, but the device size and manufacturing cost inevitably increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holding function and pressing function into a single integrated press section. The press section simultaneously holds the folded parts of preceding sheets and applies pressing force to execute additional folding processes on succeeding sheets, eliminating the need for separate stacking conveyance routes and reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The press section is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a holding member for preceding sheets and a pressing mechanism for succeeding sheets. This multi-functional design allows the device to execute additional folding processes without requiring additional dedicated components or space.
2Manufacturing precision
If a large diameter press roller is used to prevent dispersion of pressing force, then the additional folding process can be executed accurately, but the device size increases and the folding roller and press roller must be separated by a large distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressing function into multiple small pressing elements (pressing elements arranged in the sheet width direction) rather than using a single large press roller. This allows the pressing force to be applied accurately without requiring a large diameter roller, thereby reducing the device length and allowing closer positioning of the folding roller and press section.
Solution Approach 2:
The press section employs multiple pressing elements distributed across the sheet width, providing localized pressing force at each fold position. This segmented approach maintains pressing accuracy for each individual fold while avoiding the need for a large overall press roller diameter.
3Strength
If the folding roller and press roller are separated by a large distance to prevent contact, then the large press roller can be used, but the folding roller cannot hold folded parts for executing additional folding processes on Z-fold sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding function and pressing function into a single press section that performs both operations. The press section holds the folded parts while simultaneously applying pressing force, eliminating the need for large separation distance between folding and pressing components and ensuring reliable fold holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The press section acts as an intermediary between the folding roller and the final folded product. It receives the folded sheet from the folding roller, holds the folded parts in position, and applies pressing force to execute additional folding processes, thereby bridging the functional gap between folding and finishing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet folding processing device includes a folding processing mechanism that includes a folding roller pair for forming a plurality of folds on the sheet conveyed in a predetermined sheet conveying direction to produce Z-fold, additional folding rollers and a lower folding guide. The additional folding rollers and the lower folding guide are arranged on the downstream side of the folding roller pair in the sheet conveying direction to face each other and cooperate with each other to press the folds. The interval between the folding roller pair and the additional folding rollers is determined such that when the leading fold as viewed in the sheet conveying direction is pressed between the additional folding rollers and the lower folding guide, the sheet part having a plurality of layers of sheet where the sheet is folded between the additional folding rollers can also be held between the folding roller pair.