Sheet Processing Apparatus Pressurizing Unit Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the quality of folded pamphlets, particularly when dealing with multiple sheets or rigid sheets, as they often result in swollen folds, and the existing methods to address this require increased apparatus size or reduce productivity.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a folding unit, a pressurizing unit that moves along the folded sheet bundle to compress the folded portion, and a controller that adjusts the pressurizing unit's position based on the sheet size to prevent swelling without enlarging the apparatus, ensuring efficient discharge and maintaining productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a press unit is positioned on the rear side of the apparatus to press the folded portion, then the swelling of the folded sheet bundle is suppressed, but the apparatus size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The press unit is made movable between a rear-side standby position and a front-side press position. During pressing operation, it moves to the front position to press the folded portion effectively. During discharge, it returns to the rear position to enable sheet bundle discharge. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the press unit to occupy different positions at different times, achieving both effective pressing and compact apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The press unit utilizes the width direction (lateral dimension) for its movement rather than being fixed in the rear position. By moving the press unit laterally from the rear standby position to the front press position, the apparatus can maintain a compact length while still providing effective pressing action at the front where discharge occurs.
2Length of stationary object
If the press unit returns to the rear position after pressing to enable discharge, then the apparatus size is reduced, but productivity drops due to return time
Solution Approach 1:
The press unit's movement from rear standby position to front press position and back is integrated into the continuous processing flow. The pressing operation occurs during the time the sheet bundle is being processed, and the return to standby position is coordinated with the discharge sequence. This ensures that the press unit is always ready for the next operation without creating idle time, maintaining continuous productive action.
Solution Approach 2:
The press unit returns to the rear standby position in advance before the next sheet bundle arrives, so that it is already positioned and ready to press the folded portion as soon as the next bundle is fed. This preliminary positioning eliminates waiting time and maintains continuous productivity.
3Productivity
If the press unit stays at the front position to enable immediate discharge, then productivity is improved, but the apparatus size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The press unit dynamically positions itself at the front only when needed for pressing and discharge operations, then returns to the rear standby position. This dynamic behavior allows the apparatus to maintain a compact size while still enabling rapid processing, as the press unit is at the operational position exactly when required rather than permanently occupying space at the front.
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
The solution effectively suppresses the swelling of folded sheet bundles, enhancing the appearance quality of pamphlets while preventing a drop in productivity without increasing the size of the sheet processing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet bundle pressurizing unit which pressurizes the folded portion of the sheet bundle folded by the folding unit
Data Source
AI summary
This invention can improve the appearance quality of a pamphlet produced by suppressing a swell of a folded sheet bundle and prevent a drop in productivity without enlarging the size of a sheet processing apparatus. A sheet bundle receiving position is changed depending on a sheet size and the moving direction of the press unit is changed corresponding to the sheet size of a conveyed sheet bundle. As a consequence, the enlargement of the sheet processing apparatus can be avoided without deteriorating productivity.