Stepwise Pressing Roller Pairs for Sheet Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing devices face challenges in preventing folded sheet bundles from opening after discharge, leading to reduced accumulation and increased assembly complexity due to the need for precise alignment and pressure application of pressing rollers.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing device with a stepwise folding unit that includes multiple rows of pressing roller pairs with gradually reduced intervals, supported by a moving unit with guide members to prevent sheet end portions from being rolled up, facilitating assembly and ensuring the folding direction is inwardly directed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pressing rollers are used to pinch/press the folding loop from thereabove and therebelow, then the folding loop can be flattened and wrinkles reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment and pressure application
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is divided into multiple pressing rollers arranged in rows, with each roller independently pressing the folding loop at different positions. This segmentation allows for distributed pressure application while simplifying the overall mechanism design, as each roller can be independently positioned and adjusted without requiring complex coordination between all pressing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different pressing rollers are positioned at different locations along the folding loop, with each roller applying pressure at its specific location. The pressing force and position are optimized for local requirements, allowing the folding loop to be flattened uniformly across its entire length while using simple, standardized roller components throughout.
2Reliability
If multiple rows of pressing roller pairs are used with gradually reduced intervals, then the folding direction is ensured to be inward and sheet bundle integrity is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing rollers are pre-positioned in multiple rows with gradually reduced intervals before the folding process begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that as the folding loop passes through, the pressure is automatically applied in the correct sequence and direction, guaranteeing inward folding without requiring complex real-time control or adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing rollers are arranged to create a progressive pressing action, with each subsequent row applying pressure at a slightly different position and with adjusted interval. This dynamic arrangement adapts to the folding loop's deformation process, ensuring continuous inward folding direction while maintaining a relatively simple static structure that requires no active control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressing rollers are moved along the folding loop to flatten it, then wrinkles and breaks are reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressing rollers are combined into a single integrated assembly that moves together along the folding loop as one unit. This merging of components simplifies the assembly process, as the entire pressing mechanism can be installed and positioned in a single operation rather than requiring individual assembly and alignment of each roller. The unified structure maintains consistent pressure application while reducing assembly 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
The solution effectively prevents the opening of folded sheet bundles by ensuring the folding lines are pressed inward, enhancing the accumulation property and simplifying the assembly process by allowing the mounting of components as units, thereby maintaining the integrity of the folded sheets.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is disposed between the frame and the pressing member so as to bias the pressing member in the sheet pressing direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing device includes a plurality of first units and a second unit. The first units each include, as one unit, a pressing member that presses a folding loop, a frame that movably holds the pressing member in a sheet pressing direction, and an elastic member that is disposed between the frame and the pressing member to bias the pressing member in the sheet pressing direction. The second unit supports, as one unit, a plurality of rows of first units such that the first units of each row are arranged, as a pair, so as to be opposed to each other and that an interval between the pairs is reduced stepwise from a downstream side to an upstream side in a moving direction of the second unit.