Sheet Processing Apparatus Additional Folding Pressing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in performing additional folding on folded sheet bundles without reducing productivity or increasing the size and cost of the apparatus, as existing methods either compromise on strength or require stiffer, more expensive devices.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a pressing unit that sandwiches the fold part between two pressing members and a moving unit that shifts the pressing positions in the direction of the fold, applying a pressing force inclined from the thickness direction, allowing for additional folding without intermittent stops and maintaining productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fold strengthening mechanism and folded sheets relatively move along the fold and intermittently stop during the move, then the strength of additional folding is increased, but productivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing unit continuously presses the fold part while moving along the fold direction without intermittent stops. The first and second pressing members maintain continuous contact with the sheet bundle, applying sustained pressing force that achieves both strong additional folding and high productivity by eliminating stopping cycles.
2Strength
If a fixed receiver opposed to a pressurizing roller is used to generate pressuring force in the thickness direction, then additional folding is achieved, but the apparatus becomes stiffer, larger, and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing unit is designed to move along the fold direction rather than being fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the pressing force to be applied effectively while reducing the stiffness requirements of the apparatus structure, thereby downsizing the device and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing members are positioned and move in a direction inclined relative to the thickness direction of the sheet bundle. By applying pressing force from an inclined angle rather than purely in the thickness direction, the apparatus achieves effective additional folding with reduced structural complexity.
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 approach enables effective additional folding that reduces the thickness of the fold part with minimal force, improving productivity and reducing the apparatus's size and cost by applying a force that stretches or cuts fibers, thus enhancing the folding process.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing unit (260) including a first pressing member (261a) and a second pressing member (262a), the pressing unit (260) sandwiching and pressing a fold part (SB1) of a folded sheet bundle (SB) between the first pressing member (261a) and the second pressing member (262a)
Implementation Method 2
a moving unit configured to move a position pressed by the pressing unit (260) in a direction of a fold of the sheet bundle (SB)
Implementation Method 3
applying a pressing force inclined from the thickness direction, allowing for additional folding without intermittent stops and maintaining productivity... applying a force that stretches or cuts fibers, thus enhancing the folding process
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes a pressing unit including a first pressing member and a second pressing member. The pressing unit is configured to sandwich and press a fold part of a folded sheet bundle between the first pressing member and the second pressing member. The sheet processing apparatus also includes a moving unit configured to move a position pressed by the pressing unit in a direction of a fold of the sheet bundle. A position pressed by the first pressing member on the sheet bundle and another position pressed by the second pressing member on the sheet bundle are shifted with respect to each other in the direction of the fold of the sheet bundle.