CA1309737C - Separation of zig-zag folded web into discrete lengths - Google Patents

Separation of zig-zag folded web into discrete lengths

Info

Publication number
CA1309737C
CA1309737C CA000556350A CA556350A CA1309737C CA 1309737 C CA1309737 C CA 1309737C CA 000556350 A CA000556350 A CA 000556350A CA 556350 A CA556350 A CA 556350A CA 1309737 C CA1309737 C CA 1309737C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
web
separating element
guide
conveyor
path
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA000556350A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hermann Thomas
Josef Herd
Reiner Pfuhl
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Maschinenfabrik Goebel GmbH
Original Assignee
Maschinenfabrik Goebel GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE19873714483 external-priority patent/DE3714483A1/en
Application filed by Maschinenfabrik Goebel GmbH filed Critical Maschinenfabrik Goebel GmbH
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1309737C publication Critical patent/CA1309737C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Separation of zig-zag folded web into discrete lengths There is provided a device for separating a continuous zig-zag-folded web delivered from a zig-zag-folding machine into discrete lengths, comprising: at least two conveyor belt systems for supporting the web and conveying the web in imbricated configuration along a predetermined path, at least part of one of the conveyor systems being raisable and lowerable relative to the other conveyor system; a separating element having a cutting edge for cutting the web into said discrete lengths; and a guide device for separating element, the guide device mounted for pivoted movement about an axis above and transverse to said predetermined path, the guide device allowing the cutting edge of the separating element to follow a non-linear path to cut the web into said discrete lengths, at least part of the path being between and substantially tangential to two adjacent sections of the imbricated web.

There is also provided a device for separating a continuous zig-zag-folded web delivered from a zig-zag-folding machine into discrete lengths, comprising at least two conveyor belt systems for supporting the web and conveying the web in imbricated configuration along a predetermined path, at least part of one of the conveyor systems being raisable and lowerable relative to the other conveyor system; a separating element having a cutting edge for cutting the web into said discrete lengths; and a guide device for the separating element and for guiding the cutting edge of the separating element along a linear path at an acute angle to said predetermined path of the web, at least part of said path being substantially tangential to two adjacent sections of the imbracted web, the guide device being mounted for displacement, in the direction of advance of the web, along guide means substantially parallel to said path of the web.

Description

1 ~ r, ~ 7 --~ 7 ; . , /

Separation of zig-zag folded web into discrete lengths The present invention relates to zig-zag folded webs. In particular the invention relates to a device for separating of a continuous zig-zag folded endless web delivered from a zig-zag 5 folding machine into discrete lengths.

Devices for separating zig-zag folded webs into discrete lengths are known for example from DE-PS 30 13 865 and DE-OS 35 02 176. An endless web, which is provided with perforations at set intervals transverse to its direction of travel, is folded along the 10 transverse perforations by a zig-zag folding machine in such a manner that the sections of web lying between the fold lines, i.e.
between the perforations, are stacked on top of one another in an alternating manner. Thus what is known as a zig-zag stack is formed. According to the disclosures of the prior documents 15 referred to above, a separating element is inserted between adjacent sections of the stacked web to separate the web into discrete lengths. l'he web deposited in a zig-zag stack may be removed in order to run on to further printing apparatus. The printing apparatus may consist, for example, of a fast printer 20 which prints the web with alphanumerical signs retrieved from a data processing plant.

As a result of an increase in the quantity of data processing equipment, in particular such equipment of relatively small size, now being used, a need has arisen to be able to buy readily blank 25 zig-zag stacked paper web. This requires the stacks to be bought to be sufficiently convenient that they can be quickly and easily transported for everyday use. m us ~he demand for smaller stacks, for example of about 500 or 1000 sections folded on top of one another in a zig-zag fashion, arises.
. .
30 As apparent from the prior dbcuments referred to above, eforts have already been made to separate relatively small zi ~ zag-folded .

. . ' `~ ~ ! ' .

, stacks frcm relatively large stacks. However, this requires a very expensive piece of apparatus, which makes the relatively small stacks very expensive. The price of ~he small stacks can however be consîderably reduced if the individual blank paper stacks can be 5 kept small in a single operation even during their manufacture (e.g. by applying the perforations in the direction of travel of the web and transverse to its direction of travel or by printing the web as what is known as continuous blank paper.

Zig-zag-folding machines currently in common use are often 10 constructed in such a manner that the zig-zag-folded web to be deposited in one stack first leaves the folding machine in imbricated form, which is only altered in shape after advancing onto the stack. In this manner, air between the individual adjacent sections of a web stacked on top of one another, in 15 particular when the web to be folded is travelling at relatively high ~peeds, has adequate time to flow away so that the sections of the web may be stacked on tCQ of one another in the desired manner.
Zig-zag-folding machines in which the web to be deposited is depo~ited direct on the zig-zag stack without the formation of an 20 imbrlcated web are often only reliable or effective when the web to be processed is travelling at relatively low speeds.

An object of the present invention is to provide apparatus which permits small stacks to be separated directly from the zig-zag folded web leaving a zig-zag-folding machine connected in series to 25 a blank paper printing machine and cooperating with the latter, the web to be stacked first leaving the zig-zag-folding machine in an imbricated formation.

Furthermore, the imbricated web should accumulate in such a manner that a blade for separating a leading portion of web from a 30 trailing portion of the web can enter the imbricated web.

In accordance with a fir~t aspect of the present invention, there B

1 7 r~ ~ 1 7 7 is provided a device for separating into discrete lengths a continuous web delivered from a zig-zag folding machine and having adjacent sections defined between fold lines which are alternately folded in opposite senses whereby the web is of zig-zag co~f i~uration. The device comprises at least two conveyor belt systems for supporting the web with spaces defined between adjacent sections of the web and for conveying the web aiong a predetermined path with the folds of the web transverse of their direction of conveyance. The folds are substantially horizontal such that alternate folds are at the top and bottom of the web being conveyed.
At least part of one of the conveyor systems is raisable and lowerable relative to the other conveyor system so that either conveying system can selectively engage lengths of the web and the conveyor systems have different speeds of travel whereby such lengths can be spaced apart from each other. A separating element having a cutting edge is provided for cutting the web into the discrete lengths. A guide device is provided for the separating element and is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis above and transverse to the predetermined path. The guide device allows the cutting edge of the separating element to follow a non-rectilinear path to cut the web at selected folds at the bottom of the web into the discrete lengths. At least part of the path is between and substantially tangential to two adjacent sections of the web.

7 ~ 7 - 3a -In accordance with a second broad aspect of the present invention, there iS provided a device for separating into discrete lengths continuous web delivered from a zig-zag folding machine and having adjacent sections defined between fold lines which are alternately folded in oppostie senses whereby the web is of zig-zag configuration. The device comprises at least two conveyor belt systems for supporting the web with spaces defined between adjacent sections of the web and conveying the web along a predetermined path with the folds of the web transverse of their direction of conveyance. The folds are substantially horizontal such that alternate folds are at the top and bottom of the web being conveyed. At least part of one of the conveyor systems is raisable and lowerable relative to the other conveyor system so that either conveying system can selectively engage lengths of the web and the conveyor systems have different speeds of travel whereby such lengths can be spaced apart from each other. A separating element having a cutting edge is provided for cutting the web into the discrete lengths. A guide device is provided for the separating element and for guiding the cutting of the separating element along a path which is rectilinear relative to the guide device and at an acute angle to said predetermined path of the web to cut the web at selected folds at the bottom of the web into the discrete lengths. At least part of the path is between and substantially tangential to two ,~

~ -7 7 7 . / I .

- 3b -adjacent sections of the web. The guide device is mounted for displacement, in the direction of advance of the web, along guide means substantially parallel to the path of the web.

By means of the invention, it is no longer necessary first to form relatively large stacks and then to divide these into smaller stacks in a later operation. Rather, small stacks may be formed ~ 7r`~`7 '' . , ~

wi~hout any further ado as the web leaves the folding machine connected in series to a blank paper printing machine and in the same operation in which the blank paper stack is manufactured w}lilst the machine is running at a high speed. In particular, it 5 is not only possible to divide one stack or an eventual stack into smaller stacks, but to carry out the dividing at as early a stage as when the sheets of an eventual stack lie relatively close to one another and still in the form of an imbricated web. The imbricated web is thus divided at the desired place so that, at least in 10 preferred forms of the first aspect of the invention, stacks with a precise number of zig-zag-folded sections stacked on top of or next to one another can be produced.

In the second aspect of the invention, stacks may be formed having a sufficiently precise number of sections for practical purposes.
15 Generally, this imbricated web is identical to the imbricated web which leaves the zig-zag-folding machine of a blank paper printing machine~ In this manner, the production costs for manufacturing what will eventually be smaller zig-zag-folded stacks can be considerably reduced even when, in the manufacture of the blank 20 papers, already available folding apparatus is fallen back on.

The invention is further described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows first apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows second apparatus according to the invention;
Figure 3 shows third apparatus according to the invention, the view in this figure being in the direction of arrow III Ln Figure 6, Figure 3 also illustrating the path of the imbricated web to be separated;
Figure 4 shows a view of a detail of Figure 3 on a larger 30 æ ale;
Figure 5 shows a section along the line V-V of Figure 6, illustrating the conveyor system;

.

7 ' 7 ~ . , : , ~

Figure 6 shows a section on line VI-VI of Figure 3; and ~igure 7 shows a detail at VII of Figure 4.

For the sake of clarity, the figures do not shcw parts of the apparatus which are not essential to an understanding of the S invention and are suffi~iently known to the person skilled in the art.

Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus shown therein comprises a frame having tWD mutually parallel side walls, one denoted by reference numeral 8 and the cther not shcwn.

10 A web 1 of paper or plastic is continuously delivered from a machine, for exa~ple, from a blank paper printing machine, the web consisting of one or more layers, and enters a zig-zag-foldiny machine 2. The web 1 is provi W ' with lines of perforations transverse to its direction of travel and uniformly spaced apart in 15 its direction of ~ravel. The zig-zag-folding machine may comprise, for example, channels 3 and 4, which may be made to oscillate in the directions of the arrow 7 by eccentrically driven cranks 5 and 6.
~ ~hl~ en~, par~ ot t~e ~o~d~ng machine are rotatably or pivotably suspended in the side wall 8 and the other side wall of 20 the ~rame.

As a result of the oscillation of the fold m g channels 3 and 4, the web 1 is folded at the lines of perforations, the folding at each line of perforations being in the opposite sense to the folding at the preceding line of perforations. m e resulting fold lines which 5 25 are coincident with the lines of perforations are denoted initially by reference nu~erals 9 and 10. The portions of the web adjoining the fold lines 9 and 10 are then gripped by revDlving folding spirals 11 and 12 and consequently creased cleanly along the fold lines. A~cordingly a zig-zag-folded web 13, i.e. a web 6 wherein 30 adjacent sections are defined between successive fold lines, the folding at the fold lines defLning each sectian being in mutually ,. . .

~ 7 7 7 i I ' I

opposite senses, is delivered frcm between the folding spirals 9 and 10 and, as described below the web is arranged away from the spirals in an imbricated configuration. m e folding spirals 11 and 12 are mounted on the side wall 8 or on cross-members, which 5 interconnect the side wall 8 and the other side walls. The folding spirals can be adjusted in position to receive the web at the fold lines 9 and 10.

The zig-zag-folded web 13 is transferred onto belts of conveyors 14, 15 and 16, which form a first conveyor belt system. Each of 10 the conveyors 14, 15 and 16 may comprise a plurality of mutually parallel narrow conveyor belts disposed side-by-side, i.e. one behind another as viewed in the drawing, a gap being left between each tw~ respectively adjacent conveyor belts.

m e conveyor belt or belts 14 pass around guide rollers 17 and 18.
15 The conveyor belt or belts lS pass around the guide roller 18 and a guide roller 19. At the roller 18 narrow belts of the conveyor 15 may project in a comb-like fashion into the gaps between the narrow belts of the conveyor 14. The belt or belts of the conveyor 16 pass around the guide roller 19 and a guide roller 20 or a 20 plurality of coaxial guide rollers 20 disposed one behind another as viewed in the drawing. At the roller 19 the narrow belts of the conveyor belts of the conveyor 16 project into the gaps between the narrow belt~ of the conv~yo~ 15.

The conveyors 14, 15 and 16 revolve at the speed which is generally 25 necessary to transport the imbricated web 13 away from the zig-zag-folding machine to a st æ king site or station not shswn in the drawing. A second conveyor system comprises a conveyor 21 having a plurality of conveyor belts disposed side-by-side i.e. one behind another as viewed in the drawing. The belts of the conveyor 30 21 are disposed in the gaps between the belts of conveyor 16. me belts of the conveyor 21 pass around guide rollers 22 and guide rollers or pulleys 23. The guide rollers 22 are for example, . ~

disposed coaxially with the guide roller or rollers 20. The guide rollers or guide pulleys 23 are rotatably mounted on a pivotable lever or levers 24.
The pivotal lever or lever 2~ can, for example, by means of at least one pressure medium cylinder 25, be pivoted about the axis of the guide roller 19.

The belt or belts of the conveyor 21 run at a considerably slower speed than that of the belts of the conveyors 14, 15 and 16.

The roller guide 20 may comprise a plurality of coaxial individual sections.

Similarly the guide roller 19 may comprise a plurality of coaxial sections arranged one behind another as viewed in the drawing, the sections being in the form of deviation discs or deviation wheels.

When the pressure medium cylinder 25 is actuated, the upper run of the second conveyor 21 is raised above the upper run of the conveyors 16 since the guide pulleys 23 are pivoted in an anti-clockwise direction, by means of the pivoting lever 24, about the axis of the guide roller 19. In this manner, as the imbricated web advances at least one portion of the web 13 can be supported by the more slowly revolving belt or belts of the conveyor 21. As the web further advances in the direction of arrow 26 it returns onto the conveyor belts of the more quickly revolving first conveyor system.

1 7' e7 ~7 -.7 I ~ i I, i ~ 7a -Cross-members 27 and 28 are mounted between the side walls o~ the zig-~ag ~olding machine. The cross-members 27 and 28 are parallel to one another and their geometric axes rest vertically on the side walls. The members 27 and 28 extend through at least one auxiliary side plate or wall 29 which is displaceable along the members 27 and 28. A
plurality of such auxiliary side plates 29 may be provided on the members 27 and 28. There may be two or any other number of the auxiliary side plates. In general such auxiliary B

, 7 ~ 7 side plates are provided in pairs. The auxiliary side plates are, hcwever, substantially idbntical to one another. Accordingly only one of the auxiliary side plates need be described in more detail below.

5 Shafts 30 and 31 are mounted in the auxiliary side plate 29, at least one of the shafts being driven. An associated drive motor is also mounted on the auxiliary side plate 29. A chain ~sprocket) wheel 32 is mounted on the shaft 30, and a chain (sprocket) wheel 33 is mounted on the shaft 31. The chain wheels 32 and 33 revolve 10 in a different plane from that in which the auxiliary side wall 29 is disposed. As viewed in the drawing, the plane in which the chain wheels 32 and 33 revolve is, for example, in front of the plane of the auxiliary side wall 29 and parallel to the latter.
The chain wheels 32 and 33 are spanned by an endless chain 34 and, 15 as can be seen, the chain 34 and the chain wheels 32 and 33 lie in a common plane. In addition to the chain wheels 32 and 33, further chain wheels for guiding the chain 34, for example a chain wheel 35, can cptionally be mounted on the auxiliary side plate 29. At least one link of the revolving chain 34 is provided with a pin 36.
20 The pin 36 is mounted on the chain 34 and a flap 37 is pivotably mounted on the pin. The flap 37 is thus held by the chain 34 and the pin 36. The flap 37 has a first lever arm 38 and a second lever arm 39. A cam roller, a slide ring or the like 40 is mounted on ~h~ s-oon~ l~v~r anm 3~. ~ho cam roller 40, rotably mount-~ on 25 the arm 39, cooperates with a cam 41 which may be rigidly mounted on the auxiliary side plate 29. For example, a grooved cam may be machined into the auxiliary side wall 29. However, any other form of stationary or revolving cam disc is possible. The cam 41 may be enclosed, as shown by d~t-dash lines in the drawing, or may be non-30 enclosed~ as shown in dashed lines. In the latter case, it isadvantageous that the chain 34 revolves in a clockwise direction as viewed in the drawing, so that the lGwer portion of the length of the chain moves in the same direction as the imbricated web 13.
The cam 41 ends approxlmately below the shaft 31 and is provided .. .~

~ 7 7 7 J .J / I ,_) /

with a collecting funnel 42 below and to the right (as viewed in the drawing) of the shaft 30. ~he funnel serves to trap the cam roller 40 after its movement unconstrained by the cam 41, from the end of the cam below the shaft 31. The chain 34 may take a 5 co~pletely different path during its revolution than the course of the cam 41, i.e. the contour Of the cam 41 is different from the path of the chain 34. m e pivoting movement for the flap 37 may be optionally selected from a wide range if the chain 34 is driven by a suitable drive.

10 A further cross-member 43 is mounted between the side walls of the frame. At least one mounting or holding support 44 can be displaced along the member 43. A plurality of mounting supports may be mounted on the member 43 so that preferably two of these mounting supports c~operate with one another. However, more than 15 two holding supports can be mounted on the cross-member 43. These holding supports are substantially identical to one another, so that only one of them need be described in further detail.

A spiked conveyor belt 45, known as a tractor, is mounted rotatably on the support 44. The tractor 45 can revolve in a known manner in 20 the direction of the arrow 46 with the aid of a drive mounted, for example, on the support 44. The spikes 47 of the tractor 45 engages in perforations in a flexible and pliable separating element 48 of metal or plastic and having a cutting edge 52. In order that the separating element 48 is held securely on the spikes 41, a cover 49 25 i~ provided to prevent the separating element 48 from jumping off the spikes while the spiked conveyor 45 is revolving in the direction of an arrow 46. The cover 49 and the spiked belt 45 together ~onm a guide device which is pivotable about the cross-member 43 and is thus ad~ustable, o that it is po~sible to 30 ensure that the separating element 48, and in particular its cutting ed~e, move along a particular path.

While the folding channels 3 and 4 are oscillating, the number of ~3 1~ 7 oscillations which have occurred are recorded by a counter, (not sho~). When this counter has reached a prescribed number, the chain 34 is set in motion by means of a drive in such a manner that the first lever arm 38 of the flap 37 on the zig-zag-folding 5 machine falls into a particular empty triangular or wedge-shaped space 50 defined bet~ccn successive sections of the imbricated web being formed. In this manner, an eventual termina~ sheet of a discrete length of the imbricated web is determuned. The successive following sections of the ~eb 1, obtained by folding, 10 first of all come to rest on the flap 37 after the latter has fallen in the space 50. As the chain 34 revolves further and due to the shape of the cam 41, the flap 37 moves along with the imbricated web, while remaining penetrating between t~ successive sections of the web and the space 50 decreases in size to becoTe a 15 small triangular space 51 as shchn in the drawing. When the imbricated web 13 has travelled sufficiently far in the direction of the arrow 26, the separating element 48 is inserted into the space 51 by the revolving of the spiked conveyor 45, the element 48 advancing almost tangentially to the first lever arm 38 of the flap 20 37 and downwardly and towards the left as viewed in the drawing.
The separating element 48 bends as it enters further into the space 51 and its cutting edge 52 follows a non-l~ear path. When the separating element 48 has penetrated sufficiently far into the space 51 its cutting edge 52 meets the fold line between the tw~
25 sections of the web on either side of the space 51. As the spiked conveyor 45 revolves further the web 1 is cut by the cutting edge between the perforations along the fold lines. Since the mounting support 44 is pivoted about the member 43, for example, and the s~parating element 48 is flexible and c~n bend, the sqparating 30 element 48 follows the course of the imbricated web 13 for a certain time and at least a portion of its length is inserted tangentially between tw~ sections of the web 1 formed by the fold lines 9 and 10. m e path of m~tion 55 of the cutting eBge 52 of the sep2rating element is thus non-linear. When the cutting edge 35 52 of the sqparating element 48 has re~ched the perpendicular as .. , ., l :

; 1 7 ~ 7 7 7 indicated by line 53, for example, the pressure medium cylinder 25 is actuated, so that the more slowly revolving second conveyor system 21 raises at least a portion of the imbricated ~eb 13, supporting it from below. The thus supported sections of the S imbricated web 13 accumulate on the second conveyor system. The left hand portion 54, as viewed in the drawing, of the imbricated web 13 lies on the more rapidly revolving conveyor 16 of the first conveyor sy~tem, in spite of the actuation of the pressure medium cylinder 25, and the portion 54 is conveyed relatively rapidUy 10 tcwards the left as viewed in the drawing, to the depositing position or station. In this manner, the d~r~ete lengths or portions of the imbricated web 13 are cut from the advancinq weh by the separating element 48, making it possible to convey a plurality of separated portions or discrete lengths of imbricated web to the 15 depositing position.

The discrete lengths of imbricated web reach the depositing station at tLme intervals which are sufficiently long that the individual portion or discrete lengths of imbricated web are deposited separately from one another.

20 The cam 41 is interrupted or has a gap in the region which is represented by a dot-dash line in the drawing, i.e. the cam extends only in the region represented by a broXen line in the drawing.
Thus the can roller 40 is not constrained to foliow the cam 41 in the for..~r region when the cam roller 40 is not following the cam 25 41 the 1ap 37 can pivot through a very large angle. Thus it is possible for the flap 37 to fGllow closely the i~bricated web 13 3nd, throughc~t such m~vement of the web, for the space 51 to be kept sufficiently clear for the separating element 48 to plunge into the spaC2. When, as the chain 34 revolves further, the cam roller 40 30 enters the collecting funnel 42, thereafter to follow the cam 41 again, the flap 37 is brought into position of readiness, from which, when signalled ~o do so by the counter, cocperating with the oscillating channels 3 and 4, it can fall into another wedge 50 B

f I
~, ,, ~ , I

(the initially fallen flap 37 being in the position represented by solid dashes).

Various modifications to the apparatus described above are possible. For example, the flap 37 may be pivotably mounted on 5 rotatable revolver. In addition, instead of the separating element 48 being moved by the spiked conveyor 45, the separating element may be suspended on a distant point of rotation by means of a ~ever anm so that the cutting edge of the separating element can be ved on a, for example cruciform, path.

10 The apparatus may further comprise appropriate control means for the conveyor systems, their speed of rotation, raising and lowering of the second conveyor system, stopping, revolving and controlling the speed of the chain 34, the spiked conveyor or spiked conveyors 45 and/or counting of the fold lines of the web 1 or oscillating 15 strokes of the folding channels 3 and 4.

Various other embodiments of the strip lines, conveyor belt guides and belt systems required to carry away the folded discrete lengths or sheets or of the folded web leaving the zig-zag-folding machine are possible.

20 Reference numerals which are common to Figures 1 and 2 represent like parts. Except as described below or shown in the drawings, the apparatus of Figure 2 i6 smaller in construction and operation to that of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 2, the conveyor belt 14 of the first conveyor 25 system additionally passes around and is guided by a guide roller 60. The conveyor belt or belts of the conveyor 15 pass around the guide rollers 61 to 64. The first conveyor system consists only of the conveyors 14 and 15.

B The pivot lever 24, together with the guide roller 23 pivots, when 1 7 ~ r~ 7 7 7 the pressure medium cylinder 25 is actuated, about a pin 65 secured in a saddle, sliding carriage or the like 66. The saddle 66 can be displaced along a guide 67 by means of a drive. The guide 67 is secured in the side wall 8 or in a part thereof. The guide 67 is 5 preferably parallel to the upper run or runs of belt or belts of the conveyor 15. By means of a suitable drive, such as for example a spindle or similar traction means, which is mounted parallel to the guide 67 and is rotatable by means of a motor, the sliding carriage or saddle 66 can be displaced along the guide 67 at a 10 selected speed.

The belt or belts of the conveyor 21 pass a guide roller 68 and a guide roller 69 or around coaxial guide rollers or guide pulleys 68 and coaxial guide rollers or pulleys 69 arranged one behind another as viewed in Figure 2. The guide roller or rollers 68 are so 15 unted in the frame, for example in the side wall 8, as to rotate about a fixed axis. The guide roller or guide pulleys 69 can either also be rotatably mounted in the machine frame so as to rotate about a fixed axis or, as shown in Figure 2, may be mounted in a mounting support 70 which can be displaced in the directions 20 of the arrow 72 by means of a pre~sure medium cylindbr 71. An additional guide roller 73 is mounted in the sliding carriage or saddle 66 and is at least partly encompassed by the belt or belts of the conveyor 21. As in the apparatus of Figure 1, the speeds at which the conveyor belts of the first conveyor system and those of 25 the second conveyor system revolve are different from one another.
Preferably the belts of the second conveyor system revolve more slowly than the belts 14 and 15 of the first co~veyor system. A
reversal of the speed ratio is, however, alternatively possible.

By means of the pressure medium cylinders 71 and 25, at least one 30 part of the path traversed by the belt or belts 21 as they revolve can be raised sufficiently that the upper run of the belt or belts of the conveyor 21, is disposed above the upper run of the belt or belts of the conveyor 15, the belts of the conveyor 21 passing . . .

.7 ~ 7 7 through gaps ~etween the belts of the conveyor 15. In order th~t the sliding carrlage or saddle 66 ca" be displaced along the guide 67, tswards the left for example as viewed in Figure ~, tbe Upper~ost run of the belts of the conveyor 21 extends a~ far as ths 5 ca~riage 66 travels to the left. m is makes it possible to s ~
by means of the ~ore slo~ly-revolving second conveyor system a longe~ or shorte~ section of the imbricated web 13, as ~equire4 In this ~anner the imbricated web 13 can accumulate andJor be partly erected in a part of its path as it advances or travels in 10 the direction of the arrow 26. This permits t~e separating ele~ent 48 to plunge more easily between two sections, formed by the fold linAs of the Lmbricated zig-zag-folded web.

Since the separating element 48 is flexible or pliable and provi~ded with transporting holes along its edges, like endless blank ~ , 15 it can be wound up to a selected extent by means of spikes 47 disposed on a roller 74. The rear end of the separating element 48 is secured to the roller 74. The roller 74 can be rotated in a desired manner, for example with the aid of a stepping motor and a corresponding control device, so that the separating element 48 can 20 be wound onto or o~f the roller 74.

The roller 74 and its drive are secured in a mDunting support 75.
The mounting support 75 is pivotally mounted in a window~ or door-like holding device 77 by means of a pin 76. The mounting 75 can be pivoted about the pin 76 by means of a pressure medium 25 cylinder 78 and a control for the pressure medium cylinder.

The holding device 77 can be pivoted in the directions of the arrow 81 about an axis 83 which is subtantially vertical or lies at an acute angle 82 with respeot to the vertical by means of hinges 79 and 80 mounted on the machine frame.

30 In order to guide the separating element 48 along set paths of mLtion, such as, path, 84 Gr 85, a first channel-like part 86 of a -~ r ~ 7 7 , / j guide device 87 is mounted on the mounting support 75. The part 86 has a left hand and a right hand cover~ for example, as shown in Figure 2, which surround the separating element 48 in such a manner that the separating element can run between the tWD covers. A
5 second part of the guide device ccmprises a flap 88 which can be pivoted about an axis 90 by means of a pressure medium cylinder 89.
~y means of apprCpriate control neans for the pressure medium cylinders 78 and 89, the path of motion of the separating element 48 can be adjusted and selected to a~y desired setting within wide 10 limits. m is ensures that in operation the separating element enters between a pair of adjacent successive sections of the imbricated web 13, i.e. of the zig-zag-folded web 1, substantially tangentially and follows the course of the imbricated web 13 as it advances or travels in the direction of the arrow 26 and remains 15 tangential to said sections even when the separating element 48 has been extensively unw~und from the roller 74 and has plunged deeply between said sections. m is advantage is further strengthened by the flexibility of the separating element 48. Since the separating element 48 is flexible and can be wound on and off the roller 74, 20 the channel-like part 86 of the guide device is preferably linear.
The separating element 48, which i8 largely unwound from the roller, bends, due to its flexibility, approximately where it plunges in the unwound state into the imbricated web 13 and follows the course of the imbricated web 13 as it advances in the direction 25 of the arrow 26 for a predetermined distance. Simultaneously the separat~ng element 48 is also pivoted about the pin 76. Conse-quently, the cutting edge 57 of the separating element 48 follows a non-linear path of ~ntion.

The separating element 48 is secured to the roller 74 by its re æ
30 end and thereby is retracted from the imbricated web 13 when that part of the imbricated web into which the separating element 48 has been inserted has passed through the part of the path of the imbricated web indicatea by the paths of movement 84 and 85. This takes place particularly when the cutting edge 52 of the separating ..

,,, element 48 has been plunged deeply ~etween adjacent sections of the imbricated web 13 in such a m~umer that it has been able to separate these sections from one another so as to form a discrete leading length of the imbricated web (in advance of the separating 5 element) and a discrete trailing section of the imbricated web (rearwardly of the separating element).

A door-like pivotable holdinq device 77 is advantageous in ~hat t optionally facilitates access to the folding spirals 11 and 12.

The holding device for the roller 74 and the separating element 48 10 may alternatively, however, be provided in another form known to the person skilled in the art if this seens advantageous.
Furthermore, the saddle or sliding carriage 66 and the path of the conveyor belts 21 may be for~ed differently within the scope of technological feasibility from the example described. Instead of a 15 single m~unting support 75, a plurality of such mounting supports, for example tw~, may be mo~nted parallel to one another on the holding device 77 in an advantageous manner if required.

The apparatus further comprises a control for all movable parts and by an appropriate drive. Instead of the counter connected to the 20 oscillating channel, other markings may be used to indicate the place or time respectively for the separating element 48 to plunge into the passing imbricated web 13. For example, coloured markings may also ke used, such as, for example, coloured stripes applied to the imbricated web or the intended positions of the fold lines.
25 Instead of a pivotable mounting for the mounting Q ort supporting the separating el } nt, there may be provided another mounting, provided that this permits the positions at which the separating element 48 plunges into the imbricated web to cut the web to be adjusted as desired. For example, this is also possible with a 30 linear guide.

The apparatus of Figures 3 to 7 is similar to the apyaratus of ...

Figures 1 and 2 except as ~escribed below and shown in the drawings.

Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the apparatus shown therein comprises a frame 100 including side frames lOOa and lOOb. The apparatus 5 further comprises a first conveyor belt system consisting of belts or groups of belts 91, 92 and 93. In each case, a plurality of conveyor belts may be arranged side-by-side, one behind another as viewed in Figure 3, for example the group of belts 93 may comprise belts 93a, 93_, 93c, 93d and 93e. The conveyor belts revolve 10 around the rollers 94 to 98 guiding them at a speed which corresponds to the speed of travel of a zig-zag-folded imbricated web 99.

The rollers 94 to 98 can either be mounted directly in a frame 100 of the apparatus or indirectly through the intermediary of a slide 15 ring 101, as indicated next to the roller 9S. The use of the slide ring has the advantage that the respective belt can be tensioned.
For tensioning the belts, however, it can also be advantageous to unt at least one of the rollers, e.g. roller 96, in a pair of pivot levers 102 and to pivot the pivot lever or levers 102 about a 20 point 104 on the machine frame 100 with the aid of a screw 103, the screw or screws 103 being supported on the machine frame 100 by means of a bearing 105.

A second conveyor belt system (Figure 5) comprises revolving belts 106a , 106b, 106c and 106d. All the belts 106 pass around guide 25 rollers or guide pulleys 107 to 111. The rollers 107, 110 and 111 are mounted in the machine frame 100, one thereof, for example, the roller 111, being mounted in such a manner that the belts 106 can be re-tensioned. T~ this end, for example, at least one spring 112 is provided, the spring being mounted on a cross-member 113 of the 30 machine fra~e 100.

The roller 108 may comprise individual pulleys 108a, to 108d. ~rh of these pulleys is mounted cn a shaft 115 by means of associated pivot lever5 114. me shaft 115 itself is rotatably unted m auxiliary side walls or plates 116 and 117. A pressure medium cylinder 118 is connected to one of the pivot levers at 119 and to 5 the respective auxiliary side plate at 120 in such a manner that the respective pivot lever 114 and hence the pulleys 108 can be pivoted if pressure medium is introduced into the pressure medium cylinder 118. m e guide roller 109 is mounted in the auxiliary side plates 116 and 117. me corresponding bearings for the guide 10 roller 109 are indicated as 121 and 122. These bearings may be omitted, however, if instead of the guide roller 109 a stationary guide rod for the belts 106 of the second conveyor belt system is provided. The auxiliary side plate 116 is mounted on a guide 123 and the auxiliary side plate 117 is mounted on a guide 124. The 15 guide 123 is preferably a circular guide. The guide 124 is preferably a flat guide. ~oth guides are parallel to one another and extend, as Figure 5 shows, substantially p æ allel with the upper run of the conveyor belts 93 of the first conveyor belt system, i.e. substantially parallel to a part of the path traversed 20 by the imbricated web 99 of the zig-zag-folded web during the depositing process. me guide 123 is connected to the side frame lOOa and the guide 124 to the side frame lOOb of the machine frame 100 .

The auxiliary side wall 116 is rigidly connected to a chain 125 at 25 the pivotal points 126 and 127. The chain 125 is mounted advantageously in the side frame lOOa of the machine frame 100 with the aid of chain wheels ~sprockets) 128 and 129. At least one of the chain wheels can be driven in a desired manner by means of an appropriate motor 130, for example a digitally-controlled stepping 30 motor. According to the drive, i.e. the modus erandi of the tor 130, the chain 125 can be displaced in either direction of the arrow 131. mis displacement results in a corresponding displacement of the auxiliary side plates 116 and 117 and of all machine parts unted thereon, since the auxiliary side plates 116 1, ... .

and 117 move along the guides 123 and 124 in the manner of a sliding carriage. If, during the displacement, pressure medium is additionally introduced into the pressure medium cylinder 118, then the guide pulleys 108 can, for example, be pivoted in an anti-5 clockwise direction about the centre of the axle 115. Such arotation causes the upper runs of the belts 106 as shown in Figure 5 to penetrate between the upper runs of the belts of the conveyor belts 93, thus lifting the imbricated web 99 lying on the belts 93.
Since the guide roller 110 in Figure 5 lies substantially lower 10 than the guide roller 107, the amount by which the imbricated web 99 is lifted above the upper run of the conveyor belt group 93 i5 decreased when the motor 130 is set in motion and the sliding carriage-like auxiliary side plates 116 and 117 in Figure 5 travel from right to left. If the motor 130 is driven at a speed 15 corresponding to the speed of travel (advance) of the zig-zag-folded imbricated web 99 and if the belts 106 of the second conveyor belt system revolve substantially more slowly than the conveyor belts 93 of the first conveyor belt system, the imbricated web to be deposited accunulates in such a manner that favourable 20 conditions are produced for the insertion of a separating device into the zig-zag-folded web. In this case, the point at which the imbricated web accumulates travels in the same direction as the imbricated web being guided to its final depositing position.

A crosshead guide 132 is mounted on the first frame lOOa. m e 25 crosshead guide 132 also extends parallel to the path of travel of the imbricated web 99 and thus substantially parallel to the upper run of the conveyor belts 93 of the first conveyor belt system, as shown in Figure 3. The crosshead guide 132 is preferably a flat guide on which pulleys 134 and 135 mounted on a holding device 133 30 may rest. A further, eccentrically mounted pulley 136 abuts against the lower side of the crosshead guide 132. By means of the eccentric mounting, play which may exist between the holding device 133 and the crosshead guide 132 may be emphasised. The holding device 133 (Figure 6) comprises tWD parallel side walls 133a and ` 1 7 7 133b. ~rhe side wall 133a abuts the crosshead guide 132 and the side wall 133b abuts a corresponding guide 137 dispos d parallel to the crosshead guide 132 and mounted on the side frame lOOb. The guide 137 may preferably be a guide rail and coqperate with an 5 appropriate supplementary part 138 mounted on the side wall 133b of the holding device 133. The guide 137 and the complementary part 138 can, for example, be parts of what is known as a Star-rail guide by the Deutsch Star Kugelhalter GmbH of D-8720 Schweinfurt, Federal Republic of Germany. This ensures that the holding device 10 133 can follow a path with the minimum play which is parallel to the path of the imbricated web 99 at least for part of the path of travel of the latter. In order to permit a corresponding movement of the holding device 133 along the guide 132 and 137, the side walls 133a and 133_ are each connected to a chain 139. m e chains 15 139 are mounted in the machine frame by means of chain wheels (sprockets) 140, 141 and 142. At least one of the chain wheels for each chain for example the chain wheel 142, can be displaceably mounted in order that the chain 139 may be tensioned. Furthermore, at least one of the chain wheels involved can be driven, for 20 example by a stepping motor 143. If the motor 143 can be driven in a corresponding manner, then the holding device 133 can follow the imbricated web 99.

Each of the side walls 133a and 133b is provided with slots 144 and 145 tFig~re 4). & rews 146 and 147 engage through these slots in 25 order to support the side walls 148 and 149 of the ~ounting support 150 for the separating element in such a manner that the height of m~unting support 150 can be adjusted relative to the side walls 133a and 133_. It is possible to adjust the mounting support 150 with respect to the holding device 133 by means of an adjusting 30 screw 151, the adjusting screw 151 abutting the side walls 148/149 and cross-member 152 connecting the side walls 133a and 133b together. Instead of a single adjusting screw 151, a plurality of such adjusting screws can be provided. The side walls 148 and 149 are connected together with the aid of a circular cross-member 153.

E~ ther auxiliary side walls or plates 154 and 155 (Figure 6) are mounted on the circular cross-member 153. m e auxiliary side walls 154 and 155 are connected together by guides 156 and 157. The side walls 158 and 159 can be moved along the guides 156 and 157 and be S selectively fixed at any position with respect to the guides 156 and 157. Tractors or the like 160 and 161 are mounted on the side walls 158 and 159.

The tractors 160 can be driven in a desired manner by motors so that they thereby move the separating element 162 in the directions 10 of the arrow 163 (Figure 4). m e side walls 148 and 149 of the mounting support 150 can optionally be pivoted about the central point of the circular cross-me~ber 153 by means of at least one pressure medium cylinder 164. EbrthermDre, the mounting support 150 comprises the guides 165 to 168, by means of which a desired lS direction of travel is imposed on the separating element 162.

A gripping device consisting of an upper gripping member 170 (Figure 7) and a lower gripping member 171 is pivotably mounted on the right hand end, as viewed in Figure 4, of the mounting support 150 by means of a hinge bearing 169. A pressure medium cylinder 20 172 is connected to the mounting support 150 by means of a hinge 173, and to a holding plate 175 for the upper and lower gripping members 170 and 171 by means of a hinge 174. The lower gripping device 171 can be brought near to or moved away from the upper gripping device 170 as required, by means of a cam 176 and a 25 motorized adjusting device connected thereto. The upper and lower gripping members can grip at least one fold of the zig-zag-folded web, i.e. can selectively secure one layer of web 99 in order to create some resistance to the penetration of the separating element 162 into the imbricated web 99. In this manner, the separating 30 element 162 can separate the imbricated web 99 more effectively than if no resistance were pr w ided by the gripping members 170 and 171.

.. ..

~.

1 7 r~7 7 7 . ., I

Since the mounting support 150 can be pivoted about the circular cross-memker 153 acting as a hinge, in the manner of a windcw, by means of the pressure medium cylinder or cylinders 164, and since also, the guides 165 to 168 are mounted on the mounting support 150 5 and the mounting support can furthermore be adjusted in height by means of the adjusting screws lSl, all these devices are mounted on the holding device 133 in the form of a sliding carriage and the holdlng device can be moved along the guides 132 and 137 by means of the chains 139, in operation the separating element 162 10 penetrate æ desired between two zig-zag-folded layers of the imbricated web substantially tangentially to the latter and travels together with the imhricated web 99 along part of the path of the latter. In the course of this ~oint travelling, the imbricated web can be separated at a desired place by means of the separating lS element 162 in such a manner that any or virtually any selected number of zig-zag-stacked sections of the folded web may be separated so that, at a further stage in the depositing process of the imbricated web, stacks with a desired number of stacked sections, i.e. of layers of the zig-zag-folded web, and hence 20 stacks of a desired height and having a desired number of sheets æ e obtained. In this case, the speeds of the first and second conveyor belt systems are different from one another so that the imbricated web 99 can accumulate in such a manner that the flexible separating element can enter safely and without problems between 25 two layers of the imbrlcated web at the desired place, can travel a certaln distance together with the latter and can separate the latter whilst travelling.

Since the separating element, and thus the path of m~tion of the separating element can be adjusted extensively, the possibilities 30 of processing the widest variety of materials, for example thick or thin papers, or plastics foils are wide-ranging. By virtue of the fact that all cooperating parts are connected to one another with the minimum amount of play, it is ensured that all the necessary operations of separating the imbricated web to be dbposited can B

1' ; ;7 also be carried out with the necessary precision.

me apparatus further comprises a control device for the various motors and pressure medium cylinders, the central device ensuring that all operations can be synchronised exactly and can be carried S out to the required degree. miS control device can be a computer, for example, or may also comprise what is known as a microprocessor and appropriate auxiliary apparatus.

The front edge of the separating element is preferably inclined so that at least one point or cutting edge is formed for separating 10 the imbricated web or webs. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of blade-like points on the cutting edge of the separating element, more particularly when, as viewed in Figures 1 to 3, a plurality of imbricated sections lie simultaneously one behind another. In addition, it is also possible optionally to 15 combine features of the third apparatus with those of the first and second apparatus.

7 ;-' Given below is a concordance of reference numerals used in this specif lcation and the drawings and the parts or features indicated by the reference numerals.

1 Conveyor 31 Shaft 5 2 Zig-zag-folding machine 32 Chain (sprocket) wheel 3 Channel 33 Chain (sprocket) wheel Ch~nnel 34 Chaln 5 Crank 35 Chain (sprocket) wheel 6 Crank 36 Pin 10 7 Arrow 37 Flap 8 Side wall 38 First lever arm 9 Fold line 39 Second lever anm 10 Fold line 40 Cam roller 11 Folding spiral 41 Can.
15 12 Folding spiral 42 Collecting funnel 13 Imbricated ~*~b 43 Cross-member 14 Conveyor 44 Mounting support 15 Conveyor 45 Spiked conveyor ~elt 16 Conveyor 46 Arrow 20 17 Guide roller 47 Spikes 18 Guide roller 48 Separating element 19 Guide roller 49 Cover 20 Guide roller 50 Wedge 21 Conveyor 51 Empty space 25 22 Guide roller 52 Cutting edge 23 Guide roller 53 Vertical 24 Pivotal lever 54 Part 25 Prèssure medium cylinder 55 Path of motion 26 Arrow 30 27 Cross-member Second apparatus 28 Cross-mamber ~
29 A~xiliary side wall or 60 Guide rDller ~ .
plate 61 Guide roller '~
30 Shaft 62 Guide roller 7 ~~

63 Guide roller 93 Conveyor belt group 64 Guide roller 94 Roller 65 Pin 95 Roller 66 Sliding carriage, saddle 96 Roller or the like 97 Roller 67 Guide 98 Roller 68 Guide roller, guide pulley 99 Imbricated web 69 Guide roller, guide pulley t.
70 Mounting support 100 Frame 10 71 Pressure medium cylinder lOOa Side frame 72 Arrow lOOb Side frame 73 Guide roller 101 Slide ring 74 Roller 102 Pivoting lever 75 Mbunting support 103 & rew 15 76 Pin 104 PoLnt 77 Holding device 105 Bearing 78 Pressure medium cylinder 106 Conveyor ~elts 79 Hinge 107 Guide roller/guide pulley 80 Hinge 108 Guide roller/guide pulley 20 81 Arrow 109 Guide roller/guide pulley ~2 Angle 110 Guide roller/guide pulley 83 Axle 111 Guide roller/guide pulley 84 Path of motion 112 Spring 85 Path of motion 113 Cross-member 25 86 First part of the guide 114 Pivotal lever device 115 Axle 87 Guide device 11~ Auxiliary side wall or plate 88 Flap 117 Auxiliary side wall or plate 89 Pressure medium cylinder 118 Pressure medium cylinder 30 90 Point 119 Pivotal point m ird apparatus 120 Pivokal point 91 Conveyor belt group 121 ~earing 92 Conveyor belt group 122 Bearing ~.

,~".

1 -~ '' '' ? -'7 1.. , 123 Guide 151 Adjusting screw 124 Guide 152 Cross-member 125 Chain 153 Circular cross-member 126 Pivotal point 154 Further auxiliary side wall 127 Pivotal point or plate 5 128 Chain wheel 155 Further auxiliary side wall 130 Mbtor or plate 131 Arrcw 156 Guide 132 Crosshead guide 157 Guide 133 Holding device 158 Side wall 10 133a Side wall of the holding 159 Side wall device 160 Tractor 133b Side wall of the holding 161 Tractor device 162 Separating element 134 Rollers 163 Arrow 15 135 Rollers 164 Pressure medium cylinder 136 Eccentrically mounted 165 Guide roller 166 Guide 137 Guide 167 Guide 138 Complementary part 168 Guide 20 139 Chain 169 Hinge 140 Chain wheel 170 ~pper gripping member 141 Chain wheel 171 Lower gripping mEmber 142 Chain wheel 172 Pressure medium cylinder 143 Stepping motor 173 Hinge 25 144 Slot 174 Hinge 145 Slot 175 Holding plate 146 Screw 176 Cam 147 Screw 148 Side wall 30 149 side wall 150 Mbunting support (for the separating element)

Claims (17)

1. A device for separating into discrete lengths a continuous web delivered from a zig-zag folding machine and having adjacent sections defined between fold lines which are alternately folded in opposite senses whereby the web is of ziz-zag configuration, comprising:
at least two conveyor belt systems for supporting the web with spaces defined between adjacent sections of the web and for conveying the web along a predetermined path with the folds of the web transverse of their direction of conveyance, the folds being substantially horizontal such that alternate folds are at the top and bottom of the web being conveyed, at least part of one of the conveyor systems being raisable and lowerable relative to the other conveyor system so that either conveying system can selectively engage lengths of the web and the conveyor systems having different speeds of travel whereby such lengths can be spaced apart from each other;
a separating element having a cutting edge for cutting the web into said discrite lengths; and a guide device for the separating element, the guide device being mounted for pivotal movement about an axis above and transverse to said predetermined path, the guide device allowing the cutting edge of the separating element to follow a non-rectilinear path to cut the web at selected folds at the bottom of the web into said discrete lengths, at least part of the path being between and substantially tangential to two adjacent sections of the web.
2. A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one flap pivotally mounted on at least one mounting support, the mounting support being revolvable and the flap serving to determine two adjacent sections of the web to be cut apart by the separating element and wherein means are provided to impart two different speeds to the belts of the two conveyor systems.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the mounting support comprises at least one chain.
4. A device according to claim 2, further comprising at least one cam guide for controlling the at least one flap.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the path of the at least one chain is different from that of the at least one cam guide.
6. A device according to claim 1, wherein there are two of said conveyor belt systems each for supporting the imbricated web as it advances along at least part of said predetermined path, means are provided to impart different speeds to the two conveyor belt systems, and a guide device for the separating element is provided, at least part of the guide device being adjustable.
7. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a winding device onto and off of which the separating element can be wound.
8. A device according to claim 7, further comprising a frame and wherein a holding device is pivotally mounted on the frame, the holding device carrying the separating device element and the winding device.
9. A device according to claim 6, further comprising respective adjusting means for the separating element and the guide device.
10. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the separating element is flexible.
11. A device for separating into discrete lengths a continuous web delivered from a zig-zag folding machine and having adjacent sectons defined between fold lines which are alternately folded in opposite senses whereby the web is of zig-zag configuration, comprising:
at least two conveyor belt systems for supporting the web with spaces defined between adjacent sections of the web and conveying the web along a predetermined path with the folds of the web transverse of their direction of conveyance, the folds being substantially horizontal such that alternate folds are at the top and bottom of the web being conveyed, at least part of one of the conveyor systems being raisable and lowerable relative to the other conveyor system so that either conveying system can selectively engage lengths of the web and the conveyor systems having different speeds of travel whereby such lengths can be spaced apart from each other;
a separating element having a cutting edge for cutting the web into said discrete lengths; and a guide device for the separating element and for guiding the cutting edge of the separating element along a path which is rectilinear relative to the guide device and at an acute angle to said predetermined path of the web to cut the web at selected folds at the bottom of the web into said discrete lengths, at least part of the path being between and substantially tangential to two adjacent sections of the web, the guide device being mounted for displacement, in the direction of advance of the web, along guide means substantially parallel to said path of the web.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein there are two of said conveyor belt systems each for supporting the imbricated web as it advances along at least part of said predetermined path, means are provided to impart different speeds to the two conveyor belt systems, and a guide device for the separating element is provided, at least part of the guide device being adjustable.
13. A device according to claim 12, further comprising a frame and wherein a holding device is pivotally mounted on the frame, the holding device carrying the separating element and the winding device.
14. A device according to claim 12, further comprising respective adjusting means for the separating element and the guide device.
15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the separating element is flexible.
16. A device according to claim 1 or 11, further comprising at least one selectively lockable gripper for gripping the web at the region of at least one fold line thereof, the gripper being mounted on a support for the guide device and being directed towards the predetermined path of the webs.
17. A device according to claim 1 or 11, wherein holding means and mounting supports are secured to supporting parts with substantially no play.
CA000556350A 1987-04-30 1988-01-12 Separation of zig-zag folded web into discrete lengths Expired - Fee Related CA1309737C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19873714483 DE3714483A1 (en) 1987-01-07 1987-04-30 ZIGZAG FOLDING APPARATUS
DEP3714483.9 1987-04-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1309737C true CA1309737C (en) 1992-11-03

Family

ID=6326619

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000556350A Expired - Fee Related CA1309737C (en) 1987-04-30 1988-01-12 Separation of zig-zag folded web into discrete lengths

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA1309737C (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5529564A (en) Apparatus for depositing, guiding and pressing material web parts to be stacked
CA1160560A (en) Apparatus for engaging and transporting discrete sheets of paper or the like
US7998050B2 (en) Structure of interfolding machine with adjustable cut-off
US4871157A (en) Zigzag folding apparatus having web cutter means
US4651983A (en) Card feeder control
US8342675B2 (en) Newspaper production system and production method for newspaper
CA1089889A (en) Forward numbering or underlap sheet delivery
MXPA05003468A (en) Sheet folding apparatus and method.
DE4322324A1 (en) Sheet transport and sheet guiding in the delivery area of rotary printing machines
EP0115208B1 (en) Card feeder control
FI96594B (en) Method and apparatus for transporting printed products arriving in rock formation
NL8601745A (en) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ZIGZAG FOLDING OF ENDLESS MATERIALS
CA2031116C (en) Printed paper folding machine
US4750724A (en) Apparatus for stacking a zigzag folded web
JPH04246538A (en) Rotary printing machine to print book and calendar
US4778165A (en) Apparatus for folding and cutting web stacks
GB2096582A (en) Feeder stacker adjustable for different paper sizes
US4269402A (en) Folding apparatus
JP4871439B2 (en) A device for depositing flat objects, which are individually carried, on a forward conveyor in an overlapped form
EP1808390A2 (en) Device for depositing individually supplied printed products in a shingled formation
GB2121772A (en) Apparatus for storing sheets of paper
DE2624812C3 (en) Device for breaking and transporting rod-shaped objects
DE2114865B2 (en) DEVICE FOR SHEDING BOWS
CA1309737C (en) Separation of zig-zag folded web into discrete lengths
DE19509487C1 (en) Sheet feed mechanism to printing press

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
MKLA Lapsed