Sheet Folding Rollers and Guide Mechanism for Compact Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems that integrate a sheet folding apparatus are enlarged due to the inclusion of a separate sheet folding unit, which increases the overall system size.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folding apparatus with a conveyor, folding rollers, and a guide mechanism that allows for alternate folding directions and detachable integration within an image forming apparatus, utilizing a motor and driving force transmission to switch between folding postures and conveyance paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate sheet folding unit is connected to an image forming apparatus, then sheet folding function is achieved, but the overall system size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet folding unit is integrated into the image forming apparatus by utilizing the existing conveyance path. The folding rollers are positioned within the conveyance path between the image former and ejector, merging the folding function with the existing structure rather than adding a separate external unit, thereby achieving sheet folding capability without proportionally increasing system size
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance path serves multiple functions: it conveys sheets from the image former to the ejector and simultaneously serves as the operational space for the folding rollers to perform sheet folding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate folding apparatus, reducing overall system footprint while maintaining folding capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If folding rollers are positioned to fold sheets, then sheet folding is achieved, but the conveyance path must be modified with branching and reflux paths
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate is designed to be movable between a first position (blocking the branching path) and a second position (opening the branching path). This dynamic positioning allows the conveyance path to adapt its configuration based on whether folding is needed, enabling the system to switch between simple linear conveyance and folding-enabled conveyance with branching paths
Solution Approach 2:
The guide plate acts as an intermediary element that controls sheet flow between the main conveyance path and the branching path. By positioning the guide plate appropriately, sheets can be directed either straight through or diverted into the branching path for folding operations, managing the complexity of the conveyance path structure through a simple controlling component
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet folding apparatus includes a conveyor, a first folding roller, a second folding roller, a third folding roller, a guide, a motor, and a driving force transmission mechanism. The motor causes the second folding roller to perform either forward rotation in which the second folding roller rotates to convey a sheet on a main conveying path in a conveying direction and to convey the sheet on a reflux conveying path from a joining position toward a branching position or backward rotation in a direction opposite to the forward rotation. The driving force transmission mechanism rotates the guide toward a first posture from a second posture in conjunction with the forward rotation of the second folding roller and rotates the guide from the first posture toward the second posture in conjunction with the backward rotation of the second folding roller.