The present invention is directed to a wheel folding apparatus with a cutting device for accomplishing the transverse cutting of at least one web of material.
A wheel folding apparatus is typically employed, for example, to separate paper webs, which have been imprinted in a web-fed rotary printing press, into individual signatures by use of a cutting device, and to fold the individual signatures.
Generally known wheel folding devices of this type usually comprise cutting devices which are provided with a transport cylinder and with a cutting cylinder, which cylinders are mutually rotatable and which define a gap through which a conveying path for the web of material to be cut extends. The cutting cylinder supports at least one cutter, each which cutter cuts respectively one signature off the web of material when it passes through the gap.
DE 25 17 000 C2 shows a folding apparatus with a spur cylinder and with a cutting blade cylinder, which cooperate to form a single cutting gap.
DE 35 27 710 A1 and EP 0627 310 A1 both disclose folding apparatus. Two folding blade cylinders work together with a folding jaw cylinder. A single cutting cylinder is assigned to each one of these folding blade cylinders.
The object of the present invention is directed to providing a wheel folding apparatus with a cutting device for transverse cutting of at least one web of material.
In accordance with the present invention, this object is attained by.
The advantages which can be obtained by the present invention lie, in particular, in that with only a small outlay for apparatus, the present invention makes possible the combining of two webs of material, which two material webs are fed to the cutting gaps on two transport carriages, into a common product. The present invention also allows the processing of a web of material, with a very large number of layers, by combining two partial webs.
Processing of webs of materials, which are composed of a large number of layers, by the use of a folding apparatus with a single cutting gap, such as is described in DE 25 17 000 C2, entails difficulties for several reasons. For one, traction rollers, which are customarily provided for use in setting a required tension in the web of material, act directly only the respectively outermost layers of the web of material. The force exerted by such traction rollers is only indirectly transmitted to the inner layers of the web of material by friction of the layers of material against each other. These frictional forces are not accurately controllable, particularly if it is necessary to guide the web around curves, such as, for example, to loop it around a roller. Therefore, the tension of the inner layers of such a web are harder to control, the greater the number of layers there are. Also, the forces required for processing a web, either during cutting of the web or during pushing of the spur points into the web, are all the greater, the greater the number of layers there are. With the wheel folding apparatus in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to combine a product with a defined number of pages from several partial webs, which had been cut separately of each other and placed on the spurs. Since the forces required for cutting these partial webs and, if required, for placing these partial webs on spur points, are less than the corresponding forces that are required when processing a single web with the same defined number of pages, the wheel folding apparatus of the present invention can be constructed lighter and therefore more cost-effectively, without any loss in quality, compared with prior devices.
Further advantages of the wheel folding apparatus of the present invention include that the cutting device eliminates the danger of re-cutting already separated signatures, in the course of a further passage of such signatures through a cutting gap. This is accomplished without requiring elaborate shifting devices, or an extraordinarily high degree of precision when controlling the rotations of the individual cylinders of the cutting device.
To prevent the second cutting blade from again cutting through the first web, during the passage of the web through the second cutting gap, the rotation of the two cutting cylinders is preferably synchronized. During its passage through the second cutting gap, the second cutting blade engages a cut which was formed by the first cutting blade of the first web.
To make the engagement of the second cutting blade with this previously made cut easier, assemblies are preferably provided for use in moving apart the cut edges of the first web that were generated by the first cutter in the course of cutting the first web. During its passage through the gap, the second cutter encounters a gap of non-vanishing width that has been formed in the first web.
In an embodiment of the wheel folding apparatus in accordance with the present invention, in which the cutting cylinder in the cutting device also takes on the function of a transport cylinder for the separated products, the single signature is located between the two cutters, by which it had been cut, so long as it is maintained on the cutting or the transport cylinder. It is sufficient, during this time, that the cutters and the signature do not move in relation to each other. This is done in order to assure that the signature is not cut again in the course of another passage of the signature through the cutting gap.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are represented in the drawings and will be described in greater detail in what follows.
Shown are in:
FIGS. 2 to 5, respectively partial sectional views of the transport cylinder and of one cutting cylinder in different embodiments of the present invention, in
A schematic side elevation view of a portion of a wheel folding apparatus in accordance with the present invention is represented in
Each cutting cylinder 12 or 13 has a circumference corresponding to at least one, and preferably to two lengths of the signatures 21, 27 to be produced from the webs 03, 04, and each cutting cylinder 12 or 13 supports two cutters 14, as may be seen more clearly in
The circumference of the transport cylinder 11 corresponds to more than five, and in particular corresponds to seven lengths of the signatures 21, 27. Seven counter-cutting strips, which may be, for example, hard rubber strips, and which are inserted at equal spaced circumferential distances into the circumferential face of the transport cylinder 11, are used as stops 33. Each of these stops 33 works together with a cutter 14 when cutting the webs 03, 04. A holding device 16 is arranged at the transport cylinder 11 adjoining each one of the stops 33, and may be, for example, a spur strip 16 with extendible spur needles 23, as may be seen in FIGS. 2 to 5.
In the position of the folding apparatus represented in
The signature 21, which has now been cut off from the inner web 03 in this way, is conveyed on the transport cylinder 11 to the second cutting gap 09, where the outer web 04 is placed on top of it. The outer web 04 is also speared or impaled by the spur needles 23 of the spur strip 16.
The rotations of the two cutting cylinders 12, 13 are synchronized in such a way that a cutter 14 of the second cutting cylinder 13 always passes through the second cutting gap 09 simultaneously with the passage of a small gap that has been formed between two successive signatures 21 which were cut from the inner web 03,and the passage of a stop 33 through gap 09. Different techniques for forming this gap will be explained in what follows with the aid of, and with reference to, FIGS. 2 to 5.
In the example represented in
Following its passage through the second cutting gap 09, each spur strip 16 supports a total product which is composed respectively of a signature 21 cut off from the inner web 03, and a signature 27 cut off from the outer web 04. Seven products are formed during each revolution of the transport cylinder 11. This is the same result as if both webs 03, 04 had been brought along in the customary manner through a common inlet 01, 02. Since the cutting off of each individual signature 21, 27 is spread over two cutting steps at the two spaced cutting gaps 08, 09, the force which must be employed in each cutting step is less. This means that a satisfactory, more even running of the machine can be more easily maintained.
Two cylinders 17 and 18, and in particular two folding rollers 17 and 18, which together form a gap 19, and in particular which form a folding gap 19, have been placed, in a contactless manner, against the cutting and transport cylinder 11. Seven folding blades, which are not specifically represented in
In comparison with this extended position of the spur strip 16′, the spur strip 16″ has been pivoted back some distance into the interior of the transport cylinder 11. This pivot movement causes a displacement of the intersection point between the spur needles 23 and the surface of the transport cylinder 11 in a circumferential direction which is opposite to the direction of rotation of the transport cylinder. Because of this displacement, the signature 21 which is held by the spur strip 16″, has been shifted slightly in a direction that is also opposite the direction of rotation of the transport cylinder 11. This shifting is in comparison to the position in which the signature 21 had been cut off the inner web 03 in the first cutting gap 08. Following its passage through the second cutting gap 09, the spur strip 16″ returns to the extended position shown in dashed lines, or even extends to a further extended position in order to cancel, or to overcompensate for, the prior rear displacement of the signature 21. A small gap 26 is formed in this way between the signature 21 and a previous signature 27 which had been cut off immediately prior to this, and into which small gap 26 the cutter 14 of the second cutting cylinder 13 can extend and can, in this way, press the outer web 04 against the stop 33 and can sever it, without the danger arising of again cutting one of the previously cut signatures 21, 27.
A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is represented in
A changed course of the pivot movement of the spur strips, which are here identified by 16*, 16**, 16***, results from the changed arrangement of the shafts 22. The spur strip 16*, which is still situated at a distant that is relatively far from the cutting gap 09, is in a position in which it is comparatively only slightly extended, in which its spur needles 23 extend only far enough past the circumference of the transport cylinder 11 to hold the inner web 03. The spur strip 16* is extended further only shortly before it reaches the second cutting gap 09, in order to also be able to puncture the outer web 04, which positioning can be perceived at the spur strip 16**. With this embodiment, the upward or rapidly outward movement of the spur needles 23 causes a shifting of their intersection with the circumference of the transport cylinder 11 in a direction that is opposite to the direction of movement of the transport cylinder 11. Therefore, the movement of the leading edge of the signature 21 which is held by the spur strip 16** is away from the impact point of the cutter 14 on the stop 33. In opposition to this, the spur needles 23 of the spur strip 16*** have been retracted a short distance into the transport cylinder 11 in order to move the signature 27 they are holding forward in the circumferential direction and in this way to open the resultant gap 26 that is provided at the location of the stop 33.
With this third embodiment, several direction changes of the movement of the spur needles 23, in the course of the revolution of the transport cylinder 11, are avoided.
A fourth embodiment of the cutting device in accordance with the present invention is represented in
In this fourth embodiment, segments 32′, 32″ . . . , are arranged on the circumference of the transport cylinder 11 with each such segment 32′, 32′″ . . . , being located respectively between two successive spur strips 16′, 16″, 16′″, . . . , and are used for increasing the circumference of transport cylinder 11. Each one of these segments 32′, 32″ is comprised of a plurality of flexible disks, which are arranged side-by-side in the axial direction of the transport cylinder 11 and which are spaced apart by gaps. In the course of the passing of the finished cut signatures 21, 27 on to the folding rollers 17, 18, these gaps are used as the outlet openings for tines of a folding blade, which is not specifically represented. The ends of each of the disks 32′, 32′″ . . . , are anchored on head strips 31, which head strips 31 can be shifted in the circumferential direction of the transport cylinder 11.
The segment 32′ is in a configuration wherein the course of its disks corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the transport cylinder 11. After each suchsegment 32′ has passed through the cutting gap 09, its head strips 31 are shifted circumferentially toward each other, so that its disks form a protrusion that is extending beyond the circumference of the transport cylinder 11, as is shown by the depiction of the segment 32″. Because of this protrusion, the distance between the spur strips 16″ and 16′″, as measured along the outer circumferential surface of the transport cylinder 11, is greater than the corresponding distance between the spur strips 16′ and 16″, wherein the latter distance corresponds to the length of the signatures 21, 27 that are formed at the cutting gap 06. Therefore, the bulging of the segment 32″ causes the formation of the gap 26 between the signatures 21 and 27, into which gap 26 the cutter 14 of the second cutting cylinder 13 can extend.
The second cutting cylinder 13 is arranged adjacent the circumference of the transport cylinder 11 so that it cuts in a phase-shifted manner.
The cut of the second cutting cylinder 13 on the transport cylinder 11 takes place close to, in particular 10 mm, next to the other cut of the first cutting cylinder 12.
The cutting cylinders 12 and 13 are arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction on the transport cylinder 11.
Each one of the two identically constructed first and second counter cylinders 34 or 36 has a circumference corresponding to at least one, and preferably to two lengths of signatures 21, 27 to be produced from the webs 03, 04. Each cylinder 34 on 36 supports at least one, and preferably supports two counter-cutting strips, such as, for example, hard rubber strips, that are sunk into its circumferential surface, and which are used as stops 33 for the cutter 14. Each cylinder 34 or 36 also has a groove 24 which is located closely behind each stop 33 and which is utilized for receiving the tips of the spur needles 23 of the spur strips 16 which had been extended past the circumference of the cutting and transport cylinder 11 during the passage of the spur strips 16 through the cutting gap 08 or 09.
In the position of the wheel folding apparatus that is represented in
The signature 21, which has been cut off the inner web 03 in this way, is further conveyed on the cutting and transport cylinder 11 to the second cutting gap 09, where the outer web 04 is placed on top of it. This outer web 04 is also speared by the spur needles 23 of the spur strip 16 and is cut by the same cutter 14. Since the cutters 14 and the spur strips 16 do not move with respect to their circumferential location on the cutting and transport cylinder 11 between the time of their passage through the first cutting gap 08 and the second cutting gap 09, there is no danger that the signatures 21, which had been cut off the web 03 in the first cutting gap 08, will be cut again during their passage through the second cutting gap 09.
At the locations of the first and second cutting gaps 08 and 09, the tips of the spur needles 23, as is shown in
The angular distance between the two cutting gaps 08, 09 is approximately 50° in the example represented in
Following its passage through the cutting gap 09, each spur strip 16 supports a total product which is comprised respectively of a signature 21 cut off from the inner web 03 and a signature 27 cut off from the outer web 04. Seven products are formed with each revolution of the transport cylinder 11, the same as if both webs 03, 04 had been brought along in the customary manner via a common inlet 01, or 02. Since the cutting off of each individual signature 21, 27 is spread over two cutting steps at the first and second cutting gaps 08, 09, the force which must be employed in each cutting step is less. Accordingly, satisfactory, even running of the machine can be more easily maintained, and the demands made on the mechanical load- bearing capability of the cutting device are less than if both webs were fed in via a common inlet 01, 02.
Furthermore, at least five, and preferably seven folding blades, which are not specifically represented in
A modified embodiment of a cutting device in accordance with the present invention differs from the one represented in
It is possible that each one of the webs 03, 04 has identical patterns A and B one behind the other, or in the transport direction. Preferably, these patterns A and B are printed by at least one forme cylinder of a printing unit, that is not specifically shown and which carries two identical patterns A and B on its circumference. The webs 03, 04 are conducted on top of each other, so that signatures with patterns A and B resting on top of each other are formed, each of which signatures is moved to the folding gap 19. To this end, it is not absolutely necessary for the transport cylinder 11 to have an odd division of its circumferential surface. Instead, it can also have an even division, which preferably is greater than 4 or 6.
Preferably, each of the patterns A, B, C, D identifies two newspaper pages, wherein A1, A2, B, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2 each identify one newspaper page. At least one web 03, 04 is to be understood by the identification web 03, 04. However, preferably this is to be understood as a continuous web consisting of several webs 03, 04 placed on top of each other.
In this case, the webs 03, 04 can each be imprinted by forme cylinders of printing units which either have a pattern A or B on the circumference, which is a single circumference, or which have two patterns A or B on the circumference, which is a double circumference. In the case of double circumference forme cylinders, two identical patterns A, A and B, B, or two different patterns A, B can be arranged on the forme cylinder circumference.
Therefore, four modes of operation are possible, when employing the wheel folding apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
In a first and second mode of operation, both of the webs 03, 04 are brought together upstream of the first inlet 01 on the transport cylinder 11 and are cut by the use of a single cutting process.
In a first mode of operation, the webs 03, 04 here each have the same patterns A or C, as can be seen in
In a second mode of operation, that is corresponding to a collection operation, the webs 03, 04 each have alternating patterns A, B or C, D, respectively, situated one behind the other, as is represented schematically in
In third and fourth modes of operation, the two webs 03, 04 are separately fed to the transport cylinder 11 via the inlet 01, 02.
In the third mode of operation, the webs 03, 04 carry patterns A, B or C, D alternatingly one behind the other in accordance with the representation shown in
In this third mode of operation, and in the course of a first revolution of the transport cylinder 11, which is functioning as a collecting cylinder, a first field of the transport cylinder is loaded with a signature with the pattern A at the inlet 01, and with a signature with the pattern C at the inlet 02, so that every second spur strip 16 carries signatures with the patterns A, C when passing the folding cylinders 17, 18, and passes the folding cylinders 17, 19 without delivering the signatures. In the course of a second revolution, two signatures with patterns B, D from the webs 03, 04 are then conducted on the spur strips 16 which had previously received the patterns A,C.
Therefore, during the second revolution of the transport cylinders 11, signatures with patterns A, B, C, D on the spur strips 16 alternate with spur strips 16 which only carry signatures with the patterns A, C, or B, D wherein the finished products, consisting of four signatures with patterns A, B, C, D of each second field are transferred to the folding gap 19.
In a fourth mode of operation, the webs 03, 04 have the same patterns A, A, or C, C in succession, as is shown in
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, as seen in
Each of these two cutting arrangements has rotatable cylinders 12, 13, or 34, 36, which are both provided either with at least one cutter 14 or with at least one stop 33 for a cutter 14 generally in the manner as has been described previously.
If the two cylinders 12, 13 have cutters 14, cooperating stops 33, and preferably three such stops 33, are arranged on the transport cylinder 11. If the cylinders 34, 36 have stops 33, then cooperating cutters 14, and preferably three such cutters 14, are arranged on the transport cylinder 11.
While preferred embodiemtns of a rotary folder comprising a cutting device for cross-cutting at least one web in accordance with the present invention have been set forth fully and completely herinabove, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that various changes in, for example, the drives for the cylinders, the types of presses used to print the webs and the like could be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention which accordingly is to be limited only by the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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103 19 774.5 | May 2003 | DE | national |
This patent application is the U.S. national phase, under 35 USC 371, of PCT/EP2004/050656, filed Apr. 30, 2004; published as WO 2004/096687 A1 on Nov. 11, 2004, and claiming priority to DE 103 19 774.5, filed May 2, 2003, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/EP04/50656 | 4/30/2004 | WO | 11/2/2005 |