Sheet Folding Device Using Transverse Push Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing devices require a movable stopper to fold sheets at target positions, increasing complexity and cost, especially when handling sheets of different sizes or switching between folding in two or three.
Innovation Solution
A sheet post-processing device that uses a first rotating body pair for conveying the sheet and a second rotating body pair downstream, with a push unit to push the sheet into the nip of the second rotating body pair at a timing preset by a control unit to achieve accurate folding without a stopper, utilizing a push member that moves transversely across the conveyance path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a movable stopper is used to fold sheets at target positions, then folding accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the stopper component from the folding device entirely. Instead of using a physical stopper to position sheets, the system uses timing control of the push member relative to sheet conveyance to achieve accurate folding at target positions, thereby eliminating the complex movable stopper mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary positioning by controlling when the push member is activated during sheet conveyance. The push member is timed to push the sheet into the folding roller pair at the exact moment needed to achieve the target fold position, eliminating the need for physical positioning components like stoppers
2Manufacturing precision
If a movable stopper is used to fold sheets at target positions, then folding accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the stopper component from the folding device entirely. Instead of using a physical stopper to position sheets, the system uses timing control of the push member relative to sheet conveyance to achieve accurate folding at target positions, thereby eliminating the complex movable stopper mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive, complex movable stopper mechanism with simpler, less costly components. The push member and timing control system are inherently less expensive to manufacture and maintain than a precision movable stopper assembly, reducing overall device cost
3Manufacturing precision
If sheets of different sizes are handled with a stopper-based system, then folding accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses dynamic timing control to adapt to different sheet sizes. The push member activation timing is adjusted based on the detected sheet size and conveyance speed, allowing accurate folding for various sheet dimensions without requiring physical adjustments or different positioning components for each size
Solution Approach 2:
The timing-controlled push member system serves multiple functions: it positions sheets for folding, accommodates different sheet sizes, and works with varying conveyance speeds. This single system replaces what would otherwise require multiple size-specific positioning mechanisms, enhancing versatility while reducing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sheet post-processing device folding a sheet output from an image forming device at a predetermined target fold position, comprising: a first rotating body pair conveying the sheet; a second rotating body pair disposed along a sheet conveyance path and further downstream than the first rotating body pair in a sheet conveyance direction; a push unit moving a push member in a direction transverse to the sheet conveyance path so that, while the sheet is being conveyed, the push member comes into contact with the sheet and pushes the sheet into a nip of the second rotating body pair, the push member being disposed opposite the second rotating body pair across the sheet conveyance path; and a control unit controlling the push unit so that the pushing operation of the push member is performed at a timing preset according to the target fold position.