Variable Speed Mechanism for Sheet Folding Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses for image forming devices have complex structures and inefficient folding operations due to the addition of extra folding devices, leading to prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a finisher that incorporates a variable speed mechanism for the folding rollers, allowing for controlled low-speed folding and high-speed discharge, improving efficiency by adjusting the rotation direction of the drive motor to optimize folding and discharge speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an additional folding device is added to fold sheet bundles, then the sheet folding function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complicated and the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding rollers are designed to perform multiple functions: they fold individual sheets during normal operation and also fold sheet bundles when needed. By enabling the same components to serve both purposes, the patent eliminates the need for separate additional folding devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the sheet folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sheet folding function with the existing folding rollers that are part of the discharge mechanism. Instead of adding a separate folding device, the invention merges the bundle folding capability into the existing roller system, integrating multiple functions into a unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional folding device is added to fold sheet bundles, then the sheet folding function is achieved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding rollers operate continuously as part of the normal discharge process. When a sheet bundle needs to be folded, the rollers simply continue their rotation and pressing action without requiring separate operational steps or additional time-consuming interventions, thus maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding rollers automatically perform bundle folding as part of their normal function. The system self-services by using the existing rollers to fold bundles without requiring additional dedicated mechanisms or extended operational sequences, thereby reducing overall operation time.
3Productivity
If the folding rollers rotate at high speed, then the discharge efficiency is improved, but the folding accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable speed control mechanism that dynamically adjusts the rotation speed of the folding rollers based on operational requirements. During normal discharge, the rollers rotate at high speed for efficiency, while during bundle folding operations, the speed is reduced to ensure accurate folding, thus optimizing both productivity and precision through dynamic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus of the invention includes a folding mechanism that includes paired folding rollers, presses a sheet to a nip portion of the paired folding rollers from a direction orthogonal to a transport direction, and folds the sheet by rotating the paired folding rollers. Further, there are provided a drive motor capable of making positive rotation and reverse rotation, a variable speed mechanism to convert a rotation force of the drive motor into a rotation output in a single direction and with a low speed or a high speed by changing a rotation direction of the drive motor, a transmission mechanism to transmit the rotation output in the single direction to the paired folding rollers, and a control unit to control the rotation direction of the drive motor and to change the rotation speed of the paired folding rollers.