DE1817006A1 - Method and device for the automatic handling of sheets, signatures and the like. - Google Patents

Description

. Handling of sheets, signatures and the like. "

The present invention is directed to a method and a device for the automatic handling of bows, Signatures and the like.

The object on which the present invention is based consists in creating a novel device for handling folded signatures in a new look.

Invention geaäJ) is also intended to create a new type of device by the folded signatures of a rotary conveyor or planetary conveyors are transferred to a conveying device, which carries the signatures in a hanging position and moves them upright parallel to the axis of the rotary conveyor.

«09835/0232

ΊΒ17008

Furthermore, according to the invention, a novel and simplified one is intended Means to separate the pages and thus to open a signature can be created while this is in motion and the bit of the spine fold is suspended at the top.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a new type of device for controlling the operational sequence of multiple functional mechanisms is to be provided Machine for handling signatures and the like.

Furthermore, a novel device for turning is according to the invention an opened signature that allows the closing of the Signature during their simultaneous straight-line transport not allowed.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a device designed in a novel manner for acting on a case of bends, such as a book spine fold of a signature, created to fit this closer or better on the örat des Saddle of a saddle carrier or a booklet box to edit.

Finally, the aim of the invention is to provide a novel and simplified device for automatic removal of flat, closed ones Signatures are created from a stack standing on edge and for transferring the signatures in the open »state to a saddle conveyor, ν

The above and other objectives and novel features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description ia context of the · attached drawings. It is expressly pointed out that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only, serve and are not to be regarded as a limitation of the invention.

909835/0232

-3- 1817008

In the drawings, in which like references BZ are used to refer to like parts throughout the several views

Figure i © in © partweis® schematic front elevation view of a Form of the device incorporating the present invention,

Figures 2, 3 w & ä h isometric 'views' showing some 'representative forms of Signature® !!' illustrate, for the handling of which the device shown in Figure i is intended,

Figure 5 is a partial side elevational view of the device as seen from the line 5-5 in Figures 1 through 6 with the device removed

Figure 5a a® Iäin2 ©! © shallow © mtl © sg d @ r line 5a «5a la ■ Figure 5s -. - - - -

Figure 6 © ine Ttildramfs © ta £ S © s EisiMiirunga.- -or • 2 «iffflhrt © il of the device -im w © s © a.tii © & © m along the line 6» 6 in Figure 5 «- '. - "·

Figsar 7 © in © t © ilweis © © I @ S © kait ^ shown elevation view. fler Liai © 7 = 7 ^ ^ffi S ⁵ SlMr 6 ^:

Figures 8 uia® 9 SisÄS®l.®fiafi © iai> © 2a Q & rllaag * Ä @ r Lini © 8—8 in Figure 6, in the © m € 3, q IiiM3 © E $ oÄ3.o iia vesreebieÄaiffioa p © 2ri © öieeli © img © n © Bamenen St®!,! «BQ! M QQU ^ iQ ^ oisii ^ QiLo tM & Q®. Stelliamgesi £ ®lg © m _& shown in FIG. -,.

Figure 10 - a © iüiltmlsia aiii ■ SAaiibi gos © 3.g4 © ll © os © l &? Sf »: rissansielit © ntiiiag der Sjimi © - a ©« i © Ia Wig ^ t 6 _f ',. ..,.

Figure Ii ®ime F5 £ aselseläi3.ittaasi®li'5 of a suitable form "© iner Sign & turgreifirorrisktimg, w @ li © i ä © r section along the JUini" ± l-li In Fig. ± 3A Torgeaoaaiea let, ig maa 12A- © iaaaöcr © rgässenäe top views on

des £ rta if ordere rs C, uad admittedly. 1 t »eir, äer Figures 13 and 13A

Section shown Tord «r-

iä -i-feäiiij:, Iitii ": u" pfcäfipg Sea lines 13-13 "aft

in

8AD

■ ... . 1817008

Figures 15A and 15B and i5C are similar representations, which shows the successive positions of a gripping device as seen from the plane of the line 15-15 in FIG during a rotation through an angle Ton.180 * illustrate,

Figure 16 is a partial plan view from the plane of line 16-16 in.Figur 1, in which a suitable form of a device for opening the transported signatures is shown.

FIG. 17 shows a partial elevation view, shown partially in section, along the lines 17-17 in FIGS. 1 and 16,

Figure 18 is an isometric partial view of the signature application saddle ι

FIG. 19 shows a top view of the pusher seat conveyor B. • with broken parts along the line 19-19 in Figure 1,

FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view essentially along it the line 20-20 in Figure 19,

Figure 21 is a partial sectional view taken along line 21-21 in Figure 19, '

Figure 22 is a partial side elevational view taken substantially along the line 22-22 in Figure 1,

Figure 23 is a partial side elevational view taken along line 23-23 in Figure 22,

Figure 24 is a partial view, partially in section, taken substantially along lines 24-24 in the Figures 19 and 22,

FIG. 25 is a partial side elevation view, shown partially in section, taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 22;

Figure 26 is a partial sectional view taken along line 26-26 in Figure 1;

FIG. 27 shows a partially as Sinitt along the line 27-27 Partial front elevation shown in Figure 29,

FIG. 2.8 shows a partial technical view along the line 28-28 in Figure 27,

Figure 29 «essentially unites parts along the Lines 29-29 in Figures 1 and 27,

FIG. 50 shows an isometric view of the various very different programs of a programming tape,

* AD ORIGINAL

. ' ranooa

Figure 31 is a partial sectional view along line 31-3i in Figure 1,

Figure 32 is a partial side elevation view of the vacuum valve assembly of the programming device, seen from the line 32-32 in Figure 29, and '

FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33-33 in FIG Figure 32.

An embodiment of the novel device that is used for. Use in practicing the novel process of the present invention is illustrated partially aromatic in a front elevational view in Figure 1 of the drawings. λ This device is able to handle the various signatures shown in Figures 2 to h , namely right-angled signatures with a closed head (Figure 2), inserted signatures (Figure 3), signatures with an old open head and a fold at the front (Figure 2) k) and a further large number of other signatures with or without a fold and with or without page leaves, cutouts, points, etc. Generally speaking, the machine shown in FIG S passes an endless conveyor C, which is equipped with a series of grippers G. The signatures are transported from the conveyor C in an edgewise position through a signature opening section O 'which is controlled in part by a programming device P and then through a signature turning section T before falling astride a saddle conveyor B. The latter moves the signatures through a book spine folding processing device R and from there to a saddle feeder (not shown) of a known book stitching machine, such as the one under the type designation Smyth No. 12 well-known stapling machine. The entire machine for handling signatures is driven by a motor via a main drive shaft D, and the stapling machine is preferably driven by the same in a certain lateral relation to the MagoJline for handling the signatures.

.6-1517P06

Funnel-like feed and transfer mechanism (Figures 1 «· IQ).

The novel device according to the invention for handling folded signatures and for transferring the signatures to a saddle conveyor, a book stitching machine or the like. in accordance with a novel method comprises a novel funnel-type signature feeder. One form of such a delivery device is illustrated, for example, in Figures 5-10. It has a support frame ^{comprising side plates i, I 1} , to which a signature funnel H »is attached, which can be of any suitable known design. A stack S of signatures 5 », which are collected in the order in which they are stapled together in book form, is supported on edge by slightly inclined rods 2 and belts 3 and lies at the front on a plate k . (Figures 6 and 7). The folded spine edges 6 of the signatures 5 in the stack S ₉ which will form the stapled * spine of the book should be at the bottom, and the closed ends or heads 7 of the signatures should be directed to the left and therefore in the view of the figure 1 of the illustrated embodiment may be the front edge. The lower edge of the foremost signature, in the view of Figure 7 on the right side w of the stack S may be attached to adjustable Stop 8 abut, and each time a signature is pulled from the front end of the stack, this is by means of an intermittent operation, the endless belt 3 is moved forward against the stops 8 in a known manner. For example, the button-operated linkage illustrated in FIG. 10 can be used for this purpose.

A · novel · device is for removing the / foremost signature 5 from the stack S and provided for the transfer of the signature to the continuously running endless gripper conveyor C in a suspended, inverted position.,

S09Ä3S / 0232

i.e. », with the back fold 6 on top and the open Edge parts of the signatures hanging freely from the grippers G of the conveyor · In the embodiment shown, this has novel Device on a shaft 9, which is in the plates 1, is rotatably mounted and by a drive device M in the view of Figures 5 and 7 i »counterclockwise over a set of gears comprising gears 10, Ii, and a timing belt 12 (Figure 5) driven by the is driven by the main drive shaft D,

In a known manner, the lower edge 6 of each signature; of several suction devices 13 of known design | gripped and pulled to the right under the plate k (Figure 7) * The suction devices 13 are mounted on shaft stubs 14, 14 * so that they can be pivoted back and forth, as indicated by arrows. The timed operation of the suction devices 13 and the linkage L is brought about by a cam disk 15 driven by the shaft 9 the hollow rod & 6 wesr & en. carried by arms 17, 17 ^r , which are pivotably attached to the W © Möas-ö®3S9ln 14, 14 *. A trained on the arm 17 lever 16 carries a cam follower roller 18 ', which by a with the. A suitable resilient device connected to lever 18, such as a spring 15 *, is held in contact with the cam surface of the cam disk 15. The suction cups or heads of the suction devices 13 are arranged at appropriate time intervals and in temporal relation to the other functions of the device by the hollow arms 16 ', the raised rod 16, a hose 20, a rotatable disc valve 21 which is concentric with the shaft 9 and driven by this, and a hose (not shown) leading from the valve to a vacuum source such as BB a motor-driven pump 19 (Figure 1) connected to a vacuum source as is known in the art »*

1g 17006

The lower edge 6 of a signature 5 "which has been pulled off by the suction devices 13 (FIG. 7) is thus" then by mechanical gripping devices or suction cups taken, which are carried by the shaft 9 in a known manner. In the embodiment shown, there are several mechanical Grippers attached to several disks 22, 22, which can be identical to each other and basically form a drum. The disks 22 are in turn mounted on the shaft 9 rotatably with this and for the exercise of a twofold Function trained. The grippers consisted of blocks 23 » which are attached to the drum disks 22 near the circumference are and have curved gripping surfaces, which lateral extensions of the peripheral or edge surfaces of the Form discs to cooperate with gripping fingers 24, which are rigidly attached to a shaft 25 in the disks 22 and a disk 26 on the shaft 9 of this opposite back and forth rotatably mounted eccentrically. A pinion 27 at one end of the shaft 25 meshes with one Gear segment 27 *, which forms an arm of an angle lever that rotates at 28 on the shaft 9 Disc 26 is rotatably mounted. The gear segment 27 ' carries a roller 29 which is held in contact with the cam surface of a cam disk 29 * by a compression spring 30. The spring 30 is attached to the other arm of the angle lever and the cam disk is attached to the frame part 1. on in this way, at the precise point in time during the counterclockwise rotation of the drum 22, 22 in the view of FIG Figures 7-9, the gripper fingers 24 brought into a cooperating with the blocks 23 relationship to the lower Edge 6 of a signature 5 to be grasped, as described above, by the suction devices 13 from the stack § has been separated (Figure 7). With the further rotation the drum 22, 22, the gripped signature is pulled down from the stack and from the Travel in a arcuate trajectory taken (Figure 8).

BATH

In addition to the function of carrying the gripper means 23, 24 for peeling off and transporting the signatures from the stack S, the drum 22, 22 cooperates with a sector drum 31 to form a friction or roller feed device for signatures, which the signatures from are transferred to the gripper means. In the illustrated embodiment, the sector drum 31 also consists of a plurality of disks which fit together with the disks of the first drum 22, 22. As shown in the drawing, the latter can also be a sector drum, ie a drum which has only one sector edge or a circumferential surface of the greatest diameter. The drum 31 comprises two mutually% same sector discs which are mounted on a shaft 32 rotatable therewith. The shaft 32 is parallel to the shaft 9 and is preferably driven by a gear 32 'which is in constant engagement with the drive gear 11 on the shaft 9 so that the drums 22 and 31 are driven in opposite directions as indicated by the Arrows in Figure 8 is indicated.

The shaft 32 is supported in the vicinity of its ends in corresponding arms 33 of an angle lever 33t 33 · which are rotatably arranged on a transverse rod 34 between the main frame plates 1, 1 '. The angle levers 33, 33 'are pretensioned in the counterclockwise direction in the view of FIGS. 5 and 10 by compression springs 35 which are arranged between the arms 33 of ^the angle levers and rigid mountings 35'. The springs press the arms 33 'against adjustable stops 36, which determine the minimum distance between the sector edge surfaces a and b of the drums 22 and 31, respectively. Suitable means 'with a threaded portion 36' may be provided to adjust the pressure of each spring 35 and thereby the pressure exerted on a signature gripped between the sector surfaces a and b of the cooperating drum disks 22 and 31.

909835/0232

The sector edges a and b of the sector drum 22 and 21 can have the same radius. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The rotational speeds of the two drums are, however, chosen so that their sector surfaces are opposite each other when they simultaneously pass through the plane in which the drum axes 9 and 32 (FIG. 9) lie in order to place a signature 5 between them under the pressure of the springs 35 grasp and thereby to transport the signature upwards by friction. The relative rotational speeds of the two drums 22 and 31, which are determined by the diameters of the drive gears 11 and 32 ^f , are chosen so that the linear speeds of the sector edge surfaces a and b, which act on opposite sides of the signatures, are essentially equal to one another .

When the front edge 6 of a signature 5, which is gripped by the gripper device 23, 24, has been moved from the position shown in FIG. 8 into the plane in which the parallel axes of the shafts 9 and 32 lie, the adjacent sector surfaces a and b cooperate, to grip the edge 6 of the signature by friction between them. At the same time, the gripper fingers 2h are actuated by the cam disk 29 * so that they move into the open position and release the edge of the signature "(FIG. 9). Following this release, the signature is transported upwards by the drums 22 and 31 and is preferably guided by several fixedly attached hanging rods 37 in a position which is the opposite of the position it assumed in the funnel H. The now upper edge 6 of the signature, which can be the spine fold of the signature, is turned into one of several gripper devices G of the endless conveyor C, which will be described next. Each gripper G passes over the drums 22 and 31 and moves continuously and horizontally to the left (Figure 1) in a line parallel to the axes of the Drumming and running at right angles to the direction

909835/02 3 2

in which the signature is fed from the drums. The timing of the cooperating devices is such that an open gripper G picks up the edge of the signature and closes at the same moment in which "the signature is released from the drums 22 and 31 in order to hold the signature and in in the hanging position (Figure 7), that is, at the moment when the rear end of at least one of the sector edge surfaces a and b moves over ⁷ ÖlTe level in which the axes of the drums lie, whereby the signature is released, i to in a to the axes * parallel line in the direction of: · the SignaturenöffnungsiMl Θ of the machine to be moved _s the drum 31, 31 forming discs are preferably provided on the shaft 32 winkelvers ^ ellbar; to the release of the signatures from the engagement between. the drums or rollers 22 and 31 2ü änleM ^ ünd thus to control time.

Let ^ därauf-hinjg'ewiesenj that the stops ind 36 set to ^l | dSfiS 'the mandest distance between the sector areas a and b ^ ^ftI if € i% ^f see between the waves 9 and 32 opposite ^ e% which is less than the thickness of the thinnest sheet or the thinnest signature that is held by the machine . As a result, each signature moved between the drums 22 and 31 pushes the drum 31 away from the drum against the pressure exerted by the springs 35, thereby producing the necessary gripping effect for the upward transport of the signatures. If so desired, the timed release of a signature from engagement between the drums 22 and 31 can be accomplished by a suitable cam control surface or eccentric device (not shown) by which the bell cranks 33 »33 * and thereby the drum 31 im Be pivoted clockwise around the rod 34 and away from the drum 22 against the pressure of the springs 35. Although it is preferable that the drum 31 is positively driven as illustrated in the drawing, the drum 31 may be required.

909835/0232

possibly also an idle drum, since the drum 22 is positively driven. In the illustrated Embodiment, the diameter of the drum 31 is only half the diameter of the drum 22. Therefore the drum 31 driven at twice the speed of rotation of the drum 22 and consequently leads an additional Rotation while the gripper device 23 »24 returns to the position in which it receives the next signature withdraws from the funnel.

Signature gripper conveyor " (Figures 1. 5, 7 and 11-15)

The gripper conveyor C is of a novel design and in the embodiment shown has a single endless belt or an endless chain 38, which is carried by a drive sprocket 39 and an idle sprocket 40, which are attached to horizontal shafts 39 'and 40', which are stored in parallel beams or rails 41 and 41 *. In the view of FIGS. 1 and 13, the conveyor chain 38 is constantly driven in a clockwise direction in a time-controlled relationship to the hopper feed device F and the other devices which make up the entire machine. As shown in the drawings, the sprocket 39 and thus the chain from the main drive shaft D via a transverse shaft on which a pulley 42 is attached (Figures 22 and 23), a timing belt 42 ', gears 43 and 43 ^f »an overload clutch 44 · and the shaft 39 'is driven.

The chain 38 carries several equidistant from one another arranged in a novel manner signature gripping devices G comprising signature clips, the are able to be pivoted or rotated relative to the chain 38. In the embodiment shown is each gripper device, the details of which are illustrated in FIG. 11, can be rotated by a pivot plate 44 supported by bolts 45 on the side of

909835/0232

special links 46 of the chain 38 is attached protruding lugs. The plate hk is held at a distance from the lugs of the special chain link 46 by a thin flat plate, the edges of the thin flat plate run in grooves along ₉ formed in elongated rods 48, soft on the inner faces of the supports ^ X ₉ 41 '(Figure 14) are attached near their upper and lower edges. The guide plates 47 and the rods 48 thus form a support for the upper and lower section © of the chain 3S _{8 to} prevent deflection. · Prevent .. Sin pivoting pin 49 is mounted in an open swivel plate 44 mnü has © in © n Flsassli extended sopf aa £ _f des * -on <ä © r swivel plate In ■ through the Fillirössgsplatt®. 4.7 trained L'aela flies out. On the more stupid herderst. @ Li®aö © ii Enü @ the Brefea®p £ eiis 49 is with this <‰ rttoax <& tn® in the .ff @ s @ stlie! A®M square ■ MaltessrkreuapXatte. | O sit ®üg © setarägten JSci £ © n rand radial EckscMitsen anggiliraelat _p measure, ®im Gegaüeltss part 51 is an dan flr © Msa, pf @ a% 9 iMreSi. Anything suitable® means, such as. 2So ^S o einea Qia @ rs © pisia, ■ attached-. The Maltese cross plate © 50 and the forked part 51 are dtsrela © in Bohr 52 with © iK®nd © r Y®rlsmii © H _? ias a Ksraraer for © in © compression spring 55 and a Kollsem 54, which is pressed by the spring on the outside. . .

The other end® i®s through. "The spring © r aaadh.au@nahm2ä pressed piston 54-rests on © ime® Kletseas-tab 55 asa? Ö © ^ zwisoh @ B öen fork lead 51 ⁵ " des "forked. . part * 5 is rotatably supported, and causes ö®r Kleasmstali momalerweis® in the figure in dotted-ii in IIIe & ienTgezeigten position is kept A ßrei-ferbacke $ 6 _g <& i® substantially U-fürmigsn Qu®r- ^. cut Ssatg is.t im, g © @ iga0t @ r ¥ eis ©, wi® s «B ₀ diar © h Soliweissungg qu @ r ®a & ®n äuss © r @ .m lmö © B fier fork ends 5i ^s des forked • part 51 attached W®TO „®ia © ßreifereinriclitusig © from the umt®r®m Laiafstraote © äor E @ tt © 38 hangs down, bili @ t di ©

¥ with a diagonal after

a signature 5, which is transported upward by the drums 22 and 31 in the manner described above. The inclined side d of the jaw 56 has several slots e in which the angular fingers 57 of a clamping jaw 58 cooperating with the jaw 56, which is attached to one end of the clamping rod 55, are received. A cam follower roller r is attached to the other end of the clamping rod 55 and runs along a cam control rod 60 which is adjustably attached to the lower edge of the carrier kl ^{% (Figures 5a and}

When a clamping or gripping device G approaches the underside of the sprocket hO , its guide plate kl enters the grooves in the lower guide ^{rod 48, and the tt} olle r comes into contact with the inclined surface F of the cam control rod 60, thereby the clamping rod 55 and to pivot the jaw 58 into the position shown in solid lines in FIG _. in which the jaws 56 and 58 are separated from one another to receive the edge 6 of an upwardly fed signature 5. When the roller r then runs along the more inclined surface g of the curve steeper tabes 60, the clamping jaws are quickly activated by the piston 5 * which is under spring force? moved into the position shown in dashed lines (Figure 11) and thereby closed on the signature. Simultaneously, the signature is released from the rollers or drums 22, 31, as described above, to allow movement of the signature to the left (Figure 1) through the gripper conveyor C where the signature is from the (Ire if device G.

While the hanging signature is continuously transported in the horizontal direction in this way, it is described in more detail below, opened to its center, and before the opened signature on a saddle is discontinued «it may be necessary to order the signature

9098-35 / 0232

to turn a half or quarter of a revolution _e The created for this purpose novel device consists of the Maltese cross plate 50 _s whose edge portions are preferably about on the outer edges of the grooves provided with the guide rods carbon k8. At the point at which the gripper jaws and thus the signature gripped by them are to be rotated or turned, one or more switching pins 59 ", two of which are shown, are provided in order to effect a turn by half a turn (FIGS. 12-14 ). As shown, the switching pins at a right angle bracket are mounted 59 ', the% of the Ti it is attached kl $ and extend into the movement path "of an edge of the Maltese cross plate 50 to cooperate with the radial slots in the corners in. A known manner so that a quarter turn of the clamping jaws 56, 58 is caused by each switching pin 59, the switching pins acting as stops around which the Maltese cross plate rotates due to the rectilinear movement imparted to it by the conveyor chain 38 at their approach and moving past the switching pins 59 »59 are shown schematically in figures _15A? illustrating 15B and 15C. A second holder 59 · with two switch pins 59 is (lh figure) in an inverted position at the upper edge of the carrier kl attached, 'i to each gripper device during the return of the conveyor chain weiterzuschal th and thereby the gripping device in bring back the exact alignment for picking up another signature from drums 22 and 31 of hopper feeder F.

When each gripper device G approaches the left end (Figure 1) of the lower section of the chain 38, the cam follower roller r comes into contact with a second cam control rod 60% which is similar to the cam control rod 60 and on the lower edge of the carrier kl (Figures 12 and 13 ) to the left of the turning station T and above the saddle conveyor B

909835/0232

(Figure l) is attached. The gripper jaws 56, 58 are thereby opened to reveal the opened and inverted signature and allow it to fall astride the inverted V saddle of conveyor B , described below. Curved guides 61 (Figures 12 and 13) can be provided on the upper edges of the beams 41 and 41 ', on which the Maltese cross plates 50 engage in order to steer the guide plates 47 into the grooves in the upper guide rods 48 above the sprocket 39.

Signature opening section (Figures 1, 16 and 17)

The subject of the present invention is also a novel device which, together with the gripper conveyor C, causes a signature to be opened, which hangs from the gripper jaws 56, 58 while it is constantly being transported to the left by the conveyor. In the embodiment shown, this device comprises a support rail or a carrier 62 which is mounted on vertical toothed racks 62 ″ immediately below and parallel to the conveyor chain 38 are suitable gear train (not shown) displaced, the gears comprising on a shaft 64, which are provided ^for engaging with the racks 62 (Figure l). Although several signature store units, namely mechanical and suction units, at both sides of the path of the moving signature are shown, it should be noted that in the broadest scope of the invention, only a single opening unit is required on each side.

Two suction opening units 65 for the signatures to be opened are shown on either side of the rail or bracket 62. The suction opening units 65 are on brackets 66 attached, which are attached to the carrier and are spaced from one another and in the longitudinal direction of the carrier.

9098 3 5/0 232

arranged alternately. The aggregates shown four 65 referred to as first, second, third and fourth opening assembly according to the order for the purposes of the present description, is moved in ü @ t © ine signature etarcfa of the conveyor C to ihnm _o Joübb aggregate comprises ®in a Drehseheibenventil With & : c rigid disk 67 and a DreMselieib © 68 cooperating with ifer, · the bit in Antri@tosvertoiaid.img. © inejr shaft 69, which is mounted in the bracket 66 ₈ wherein the axis © & @ r shaft runs at an angle to the vertical and from the plane of the. Grapple. G- fearab & Iiagendaii signature 5 diverges downwards «

A suction separator 7O _9, which is preferably of the type in the US patent specification 2 799 ^ 99 © ff @ aföart @ si Art .., is attached to the valve disc 6® lait "this toelilbar. Bie disc 68 nand that GeMUas © d @ r suction device can be in structural unit at © in © B Sttiek aissg © lsilä © t, as in the geietarang g @ g © igt. ' Di © Yentilsölieilb © 67 üh®r geeignet® hoses with @ in © r Umt®rteH5lcc |!. [A © ll <3 verbiinä® ", and di © © iaaadsr CHENNOCH ^ sffte-is Fläclsen d © r beid®a discs 67 and 68 _D Si © soakrsiclit & m d "sr Well © -69 run are formed in zusanenwirk @ nd © r ¥ @ is @ sait" L8eli © rn and canals and di © s © ¥ @ ia © »it d @m! nrnens-aira de © SSyliaders der Saug'Foirrlch · »trang 70 sa- ¥ © rbunä @ as, öaö sie.-di © l © tster @ » fowe öhselnd for certain periods of time during each update of the valve *? sclie & e 68 and the priority rank '70 oineu negative pressure and atmospheric Brück unterweriea. Each device 70 comprises a flexible rubber suction cup 7i & ut ₉ of a back · »reciprocable Kolben.-73-attached is" Ib of the detail disclosed in. The above Patent manner constitute piston and the suction cup 71 by internal Bruekunterschiede outwardly ge ^ toss @ n _e when the device is subjected through the valve 6 ?, 68 Unteräraek a _r abuts to the suction cup to a signature © the like, and is closed by this. ¥ © When the suction cup 71 is closed on «Sies® Vei» © by a sheet of a signature, the effect of the negative pressure

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■ »18 -

automatically reversed on the piston, and the piston and the suction cup are brought to their normal retracted position by spring pressure and vacuum, while the sheet is held on the suction cup by the pressure difference acting on the suction cup. Paper or sheet _for the opening of the suction cup closes, is released when the interior of the suction device is separated from the negative pressure groove during its further rotation and is connected to the air supply through the openings of the valve slats 67, 68.

Bioθ sheet separating device 70 is ao arranged on the inclined or tilted valve bank 68, that the axis of the piston 72 is essentially horizontal when it is at right angles to a passing signature 5, the suction cup 71 opposite the signature, as shown in FIG 17 is shown on the right and in FIG. 16 at the bottom left. The valve disk 63 and the suction device 70 are constantly rotated so that the suction cup 71 moves in the same direction and approximately the same speed as the hanging signature when the suction cup and the signature meet. At this point the device 70 is then connected to the vacuum source by the rotary valve 67, 68 and the suction cup 7i is pushed against the side of the signature near the front lower corner of the signature in order to grasp the outermost sheet of the signature and it from the rest Separate part of the signature. With the further rotation of the suction device 70 and the simultaneous advance of the signature by the conveyor C, the sheet, which has been gripped by the vacuum, is drawn off the signature outward and upward at an angle that is controlled by the inclination of the valve disk 67.

To improve the efficiency of the sheet separators, there is a signature guide plate 73 opposite each Device 70 in the direction of the movement path of the signatures, intended. Each plate 73 is preferably on its right

909835/0232

End (Figure 16) bent away from the movement path of the signature, in order to guide the latter between the plate and the adjacent separating device 70. The plates 73 are on tapes 75 * attached, which are attached to the carrier. 62. These Tapes are a bit flexible to allow for some yielding Guide plates allow u and a fixed one on the sliding side Allow the suction cup to attach to the signature. A Stop 74 can be adjusted on the housing of the device

70 be attached to the movement of the suction cup 71 after on the outside in the direction of the signatures.

When the front lower corner of the outermost sheet has been grabbed a signature by a suction device 70 and suddenly pulled away by the suction cup, like it has been described above, there is a risk that an or several neighboring leaves follow this leaf, if none there is sufficient air pressure in between * This undesirable consequence is prevented by a curved rod 75 which attached to the device 70 and in tangential relation to the suspended signature behind the suction cup.

71 is running. Thus, the sheet, which is gripped by the suction cup and separated from the remainder of the signature, is bent rather sharply at the interface between the rod 75 and the side of the signature. The inherent arrival · (attractive force, which would otherwise cause an adjacent free sheet follows the gripped sheet is supported by the resistance of the free sheet to a sharp bend overcome. After the initial separation at the lower end of the front edge 7 of the signature the air between the separated parts the further and complete separation.

The rotatable elements 68, 70 of the individual units 65 are constantly driven in chronological coordination with one another and with the other devices of the machine according to the invention. In the form shown, the fourth signature opening unit 65 is driven by the main drive shaft D (Figures and 17) Via a right-angled bevel drive in a

909835/0232

Drive housing 76, a transverse shaft 77, a right-angled angle drive 78, a splined shaft 79 adjustable in the vertical direction and a flexible angle coupling 80 with the shaft 69 are driven. The third unit 65 is driven by the vertical shaft 79 _} right-angled angle drives at the opposite ends of a horizontal shaft 81, which is mounted in bearing brackets 81 'which are attached to the carrier, a vertical stub shaft 82' and a flexible coupling 80. The shafts 69 of the first and second separating units are in drive connection via timing belts 82 with the shafts 69 of the third and fourth unit 65, respectively. The rotation of each suction unit 70 is timed so that the suction cup 71 of each suction device is on the path of each signature and this opposite when the leading edge or head 7 of the signature passes through the same point. It can be seen that the first and third suction devices 65 are rotated clockwise in the view of FIG. 16 and the second and fourth suction devices are rotated counterclockwise.

A device is provided by means of which the sheet separation initiated by a suction unit 70 is completed and a separate sheet in the open position opposite the remainder of the signature during further movement is held by the gripper conveyor C after the sheet has been released from the suction cup 71 again. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings this device consists of a guide rod 83 in connection with any suction device. The right end of each guide rod 83 in the view of Figure 16 is between the trajectory of the hanging signatures 5 and. the trajectory of the suction cup of the respectively adjacent suction device 70. So if a signature is passed through the Conveyor C is moved to the left, the guide rod enters the space between a sheet that is gripped by the suction cup and has been separated, and the rest of the signature. Each guide rod 83 is made of appropriate

909835/0232

Brackets 83 'are supported which are fixed to the bracket 62, and extends upwards and outwards from the path of movement of the signature in the direction of the transport of the signature. To the preliminary separation of the leading edge portion of the outermost sheet on one side of a signature by a rotating one Suction device 70 is the separated sheet from the Suction device 70 released again to put on a guide rod 83, and is thereby further separated and raised to pass over other devices such as 25.B. the other Suction head assembly 70 on the same side of the path of travel the signature to run.

The composition of some signatures is such that two sheets of paper have to be separated individually in order to open the signature up to its center. This applies in the case of a inserted signature of the type shown in Figure 3. In this case, the outermost sheet is taken from the first suction device trerint on which the signature on one side their trajectory meets, and the inner sheet is in the same way by the next suction unit on the same Side of the signature trajectory separated while the first separated sheet is guided and carried by a guide rod 83. If necessary, more than two signature opening units be provided on each side of the signature's trajectory. If one or more of these devices are not required to open a signature running through the machine, the unnecessary Suction devices from the vacuum source to a remotely mounted valve under the control of a novel Programming device P are switched off, which is described below.

If necessary, the suction units 70 can be used on both • Sides of a signature are made effective to open a signature from either side, but this is usually not required or desirable, usually a signature is opened up to its center by separating the sheets on only one side of the center of the signature

909035/0232

"BAD OBiGiINAL.

will. The other side or half of the signature remains in a vertically hanging position until it approaches the signature turning station T, and is gripped there by a device which is intended to deflect the signature half sufficiently far so that the opened signature straddles a turning screen or Saddle 8k is carried on. This device is shown as a rudder or paddle-like deflector plate 85 which is mounted on a vertical pivot 85 'on the support 62 in the path of movement of the signatures being transported frequently. The paddle 85 can be pivoted between the position shown in solid lines in Figure 16 and the position shown in dashed lines in any desired manner, such as by a spring which moves the paddle into position and an electromagnet 86 whose plunger engages is hinged to the paddle to move it to the other position. The position of the paddle or of the guide 85 is selected such that the hanging or unopened side of a signature is brought onto the correspondingly correct side of the p-shaped nose of the reversible saddle 84. If the signatures are of the kind in which the leaves or folds of one half are longer than those of the other half and therefore over the leaves of the other half at the front edge of the signature, ie, the lower edge in the view of the figures 2- 'i _t survive, it may be necessary to open these sheets mechanically without the application of suction. A novel device is provided by the invention for this purpose, and in the form shown this device comprises an orifice vane 87 and suitable actuator 87 'therefor, both of which are attached to a bracket 88 which is attached to the bracket 62. The blade 87 is hinged at one end to a surface of the holder 88 which is preferably inclined upwards and inwards towards the carrier 62. The blade is attached to a reciprocating plunger of the actuating device between its ends.

direction 87 'hinged, whose axis is also up and

BATH QRieiNAi 909835/0232

is inclined away from the viewer "of FIG. 16. The plunger can by a pressure medium, a spring device, an electromagnetic device or a combination of these Devices are operated in any suitable known manner. The blade 87 can, for example, in its effective Position (shown in Figure 16 in dashed lines) be moved by connecting the actuator to a vacuum source and can be moved into the in can be withdrawn by a spring device when connected to the position shown in solid lines Vacuum source is interrupted.

When processing such signatures with a protruding half, the carrier 62 and equipment mounted on the carrier 62 is raised to a position so that the protruding edge of a signature hanging from a gripping device G is over the lower edge of a guide plate 73 extends out, which is arranged between the opening device 87, 87 'and the signature ₉ wherein the protruding side of the signature is removed from the plate. Thus, when the paddle 87 is moved slightly above the plate 73 to the position shown in dashed lines, the edge of the free end of the paddle, which is then in line with the guide ^{rod 83, grips the protruding edge:} an advanced hanging signature, and directs him to the guide rod, whereby the signature is opened to its center as it moves to the left (Figure 1). In order to avoid the possibility of the leaves of the shorter half following the signature of the protruding half as the latter is deflected by the paddle 87, the curved rod 75 on the suction device 70 opposite the opening arrangement 87, 87 'can be turned 180 ° can be rotated from the position shown in FIG. 17 so that the curved part of the rod 75 extends across the surface of the suction cup 71. When so positioned, the curved rod 75 will contact the signature above the orifice vane 87 and

909835/0232 _B AD

- 2k -

the lower edge of the guide plate 73 tangentially. The protruding part of the signature that goes from the blade 87 into the is moved to the open position, then it becomes quite sharp bent over by the rod 75, thereby preventing the leaves of the shorter part follow it. A second opening arrangement 89, 89 * for the protruding parts of a Signature can be arranged on the other side of the support 62 in order to be used when the protruding half the signature is on the side of the viewer of FIG. Since the first and second separation units 65 do not used when opening assemblies 87 and 89 be used for the protruding signature halves, the vacuum connections to these units be made interchangeable

Turn over the signatures (Figures 1. 16; 18 and 19)

In the manner explained in detail above and by the means explained in detail above, the gripping devices G with an attached signature are rotated 180 ° when the gripping device is attached to the Maltese cross holding pins 59 on the bracket 59 at the lower edge of the rail kl Above the saddle 84 (Figure i). A novel device is provided on the carrier 62 at this point to hold the signature open while it is rotated. This device consists of the saddle or umbrella 84 which is attached to and with the support 62 so as to be vertically adjustable. As shown in the drawing, the saddle consists of a vertical side plate 90, the upper edge 91 of which extends obliquely downwards and to the right (Figure i) in the vicinity of the rudder blade 65, and the lower left sect part 91 'is bent outwards to to guide the hanging half of the opened signature onto the fluff-shaped bevel 92 of the saddle conveyor B "the horizontal upper plate 93 runs backwards (for i) end tine inclined plate 93 'connects the step" cn down and right

90ÖÖ35 / 0232 MB original

running edge 91 of the rare plate 90 with the right band of the horizontal plate 93 to thereby form a wedge-like nose which penetrates into the center of the transported open signatures carried by the gripping devices G. When a gripping device carrying an opened signature passes the switch pins 59 on the holder 59 'above the saddle 84, the gripping device and the signature are rotated by half a turn in the counterclockwise direction in the view of FIG Signature to be kept apart by the saddle 84 * λ

When a rotated signature is moved away from the saddle 34 and is still carried by a gripping device G, its side located in the vicinity (FIG. 1) is brought into contact with the surface 90, 91 * and the saddle nose 92 nearby side of the conveyor saddle 9 * 4 old in the shape of an inverted V out. The other half of the opened signature falls from surface 93 and abuts the opposite or distal side of nose 92 and conveyor saddle 94. When the roped length of the rotated signature has been transported to a position above saddle 9h , the roll will pass r of the gripping device in contact with the cam control block 60 * and walks * t over it, whereupon the gripper jaws 56 »38 are opened and the signature is released to fall astride the saddle 94, where it is exactly for feeding into a book stitching machine is aligned

Push saddle conveyor and

Device for processing the signatures (Figures 1 and 19 to 25)

In the illustrated embodiment, the saddle conveyor B, a shock conveyor having a Endlosriamen or Bin® endless chain 95 (Figure 19), which is on the horizontal sprockets mounted and 96 ', which in turn dureii a suitable

j / v.:, .- / .; '^ - 909835/0232

Frame structure 97 are rotatably mounted. The sprocket 96 and thus the chain 95 are in a timed relationship asu the conveyor chain 38 by a vertical shaft 98, a right-angled angle drive 98 »(Figures 1 and 26), a horizontal shaft 90 and a sprocket 99 'driven (Figures 12 and 13) driven by chain 38.

The inverted V saddle 94 of conveyor B consists of a portion 100 that forms one side of the saddle and an upper edge portion 101 which is bent downwardly around the upper edge or degree of the saddle and to form a sloping surface that is the top of the other side of the saddle. The rest of the other side consists of a plate 102, the upper edge of which is arranged at a distance from the lower edge of the surface 101, around a To form longitudinal slot 103, which is on the same horizontal Level is like the chain 95 * at the receiving end « of the saddle 94 are the inclined sides 100 and 102 of the saddle are connected to one another by a wedge-shaped nose 92 which runs under the reversible saddle or screen 84. A plurality of fingers or plungers 104 are attached to the chain 95 at equal distances from one another and extend into the slot 103 to grasp the signatures and along the saddle in the desired spacing relationship to poke. The fingers 104 are on the links of the chain 95 and can be guided between parts of the frame assembly 97 by pins 105 which are in a groove 106 walk along (figure, 20).

909835/0232

. - 27 - - ε

According to the present invention, a novel device is created for the ideal treatment or preparation of the middle or the back case 6 of a signature while it is being transported on the saddle 794, thereby creating an accurate signature on the saddle of a booklet machine VOEN, and eitf ^book: to ensure better quality. In the form shown, this device consists of two pairs of interacting rollers 107 and 108 * The rollers are disk-like with beveled or obtuse-angled V-shaped peripheral edges and are freely rotatable on the frame 109 carrying the saddle, which also has the sides 102 of the saddle 94 wearing.

The uppermost belts of the rollers 108 protrude through a slot

110 in the gray or the apex line of the saddle 94 the same HÖRQ or slightly higher than the vertex line with the: roles 10? to cooperate, the scope of which with V-shaped grooves is formed (Figures 22 and 24). the Rollers 108 may have a significant amount of axial leeway Have movement on the shafts supporting them, including precise alignment with the V-shaped peripheral edges of the rollers 107 EU guarantee.

The rollers 107 are arranged therebetween at a distance from each other Blocks ill mounted on shafts 112 which are rotatably supported by the blocks ill. The waves 112 lag behind. on the right (Figure 22) and on each shaft 112 is one Multiple V-shaped pulley 123 attached. the The arrangement consisting of the blocks 111 and the rollers 107 is floating on arranged at a lateral distance from one another Rods 113 attached, which run down from beams 114, which are extensions of the beams 41, 41 ' form. The attachment of the roller assembly 107, 111 is by two at a perpendicular distance from each other Cross-locking rods 115 and 116 causes the blocks

Connect 111 with each other and keep them at a distance from each other and slidably run through Schute * 117 in the middle

9Ö9835 / 0232

of the downwardly extending rods 113 are formed. The lower cross-link rod 115 is preferably in the slots 117 are cylindrical and fits relatively tightly in the slots. The upper cross-link rod 116 preferably has a rectangular cross-section in the slots 117 and sits loosely in these. The roller assembly 107, can thus move freely in the vertical direction within the limits of the slots 117 and over a small angle be pivoted about the cross-connecting rod 115 as a rotation axis, which is in a common plane with the roller shafts 112 and is located in the middle between these.

The roller assembly described above is suspended from two tension coil springs 118 ,. 118, which is adjustable between the cross-link rod 116 and a fixed cross-rod 119 (Figure 22) are arranged. A compression spring 120 is attached between the rods 116 and 119 in an adjustable manner. The tension springs 118 and the compression spring 120 are normally set so that the bottom of the V-shaped circumferential grooves of the rollers 107 is located at a small distance above the beveled peripheral edges of the disc rollers 108. The setting the springs and the distance between the cooperating roles in the absence of a signature are due determines the order of magnitude of the thickness of the middle or the spine fold of the signatures to be processed. This distance should be slightly smaller than the thickness of the fold of the thinnest signature, but the difference in spring pressure should be which is issued on the fold of the thickest signatures that pass between the rolls, not large enough to break the signatures. The adjustment of the springs is with the illustrated set screw arrangement, as shown in Figure 22, not difficult to perform.

The rollers 107 are preferably driven by a multiple V-profile belt and pulley 122.

909835/0232

ben attached to an extension of the skins 39 ' which drives the sprocket 39. The belt becomes taut and abut the tops of the circumferentially ribbed pulleys 123 through a perpendicular direction adjustable tension or take-up roller 124 held. The drive ratio is such that the signatures passing between rollers 107 and 108 on saddle 94 be advanced by the rolls as fast as and preferably a little faster than. them by the bump fingers • 104 to be advanced. This may be desirable in order to prevent the signatures from getting through the push fingers 104 squeezed and possibly damaged while- ™ They are gripped or compressed between the rollers 107, iO8 will.

It can be seen that when a signature crosses the saddle 9k, between the pairs of rollers 107, 108, the resilient pressure exerted by the rollers is effective in pushing any sharp folds out of the spine fold 6 of the signature. The folds of the various sheets are combined into a compact spine fold, which then fits exactly on the saddle of a booklet aichine, for example. After a signature has been processed in this way, it can be transported by a push finger 104 onto the feed ( saddle conveyor of a book stapling machine (not shown), which then conveys the signature in a known manner onto the stapling saddle of the stapling machine.

Haift drive
! Fi gures _i and i 22}

Di® Haisp "fcsia1; ri © lssw ©] LI © D ₅ von ä®i" cHie Äst3? I ©] 3 © l £: rs.i'1; ills ¹ den. Antriöfe dt © r different oibeia 1s © @ elarI © S © s © 3ä Eiai?: I® & 1ksEa <= g © n iierg © I © ii © t ώ1γο ₈ will toh © iatssi llsIs'ö] r © D © w © r M

in drive connection with the main shaft D via a variable speed pulley 125, a belt 126, a pulley 127, a countershaft 128, pulleys 129 and 130 and a timing belt I31. Of the the latter also drives a pulley 132 which is connected to the drive of a book stitching machine (not shown) via a Coupling 133 (Figure 1) in a time-controlled relationship can be connected to the signature delivery device described above. This has the added benefit of that it is possible and feasible to set various devices on the stitching machine by means of a programming device appropriately program and control on the signature feeder, such as the glue device and the thread cutting device.

Programming device (Figures 1 and 27-33)

To increase the versatility of the device described above and make the device quick and easy to use to be able to convert different types of signatures and different mixtures of signatures bit changing »sentence, is according to the present invention a novel time control or programming device provided by which those devices are selected and controlled which should be able to have an effect in each individual case. In the Fora shown, the programming device consists of a frame 134, which is attached to the carrier 41, to a driven sprocket 135 and an idler sprocket 136 to be rotatably supported. A pillow block bearing 137 carries a vertical Direction of adjustable tensioning wheel 138 (Figures 1 and 31) wildly a Kettenstütase «ad -guide 139 between Ketenrädera 135 and 136. A new type of programming chain system 140 is of # © a sprockets' and carried the Spaaaraä and came », through the i-ntfeerarat 135 in 5r «f« »ttteiiiigfiarsiaii in i # r view ier? Ι $ \ η 1 driven"

90S43S / 023

- 51 -

The chain arrangement consists of several easily separable links, each comprising an elongated rod 141 (FIG. 30). In the middle of one side of the rod 141 a projection 142 with laterally protruding pins 143 is formed ₉ and on the opposite side of the rod 141 a recess 144 is provided which receives the projection 142 of an adjacent link, as well as two hooks 145 which attach to both sides of the recess are provided to receive the pins 143 of the adjacent link. Lugs 142 and hooks 145 are preferably of the same cross-section _t so that they complement one another to form Λ inwardly protruding semicircular teeth which mesh with sprockets 135 and 136 (Figure 27). The outer surface of each rod 141 has a longitudinal groove 148 for receiving one or more cam blocks 146, which by means of screws 147 or the like. engage with threaded holes or recesses in the blocks. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each link rod 141 is drilled so that it can receive up to nine Noeken blocks 146 in its groove 148. The horizontally extending part 140 * of the chain 140 between the chain sprockets 135 and 136 is supported and guided by the chain guide 139.

Immediately above the chain guide is a valve and "" Switch frame or housing 149 can be pivoted on a Staagp 150 appropriate. It is supported by a frame rod 150- * · and is detachably attached to this several vacuum valves and electrical microswitches are housed in the housing 149 and optionally operable by the Noekenblocks 146, when the chain 140 is driven. As shown, four vacuum line valves 154 are in a structural unit 151 united, which is removably mounted in one side of the housing 149 on flanges 152 (Figures 29 and 32). the

909 83 5/02 32

Assembly 151 can be in the housing by means of adjusting screws 153 149 attached and in the direction of movement of the chain 140 can be arranged to be adjustable. The adjusting screws 153 act on the inclined surfaces of the structural unit 15i. Each of the four Valve 154 has a piston 155 in a cylindrical Passage 156 is displaceable in the valve housing and is formed with a circumferential groove 157 between its ends ■ is. The upper end, which is provided with a thread, has a reduced The diameter of each piston 155 slidably passes through a support plate 158, and its downward movement becomes limited by a nut screwed onto this piston end. The piston 155 is normally by a Spring 159 held in its lower closed position.

The lower end of each piston 155 carries a roller 160 which can be engaged by a squat block 146 as it moves beneath it to raise the piston and thereby connect two passages 16 and 162 through the cylindrical bore and piston groove 157; the piston groove IS? Is normally offset in the axial direction with respect to at least one of the two passages I61, 162. Each of the four passages i62 is in constant communication with a vacuum source via a common chamber I63 and a pipe i64. Each passage 16 is connected by a hose 165 to the vacuum inlet of one of the suction separation units 65 (FIG. 16). Each of the four valves 154 are aligned with a different circumferential row of cam blocks 146 on the chain 140 so that each separator assembly 65 can optionally be connected to the vacuum source in timed relation to a signature carried by the conveyor C by selectively opening the cam blocks 146 the chain 140 can be attached. If it is desired to leave a best suction unit 65 ineffective during each revolution, then no cam blocks 146 on the chain in alignment with the corresponding Y.fciit 11 J.0% isigipbractit

90983S / 0232

- - 33 -

If it is desired to actuate the opening units 87 and 89 for the protruding signature halves, two valves 154 can be connected to the actuating ^{devices 87 ′ and 8.9 r} instead of the first and second suction separation units 65 . If necessary, additional programming valves and connections could of course also be provided for these opening devices. ·

Be used to control other operating mechanisms of the apparatus of the invention, a plurality of micro switches i66 (Figures 1, 29 and 30) in the housing 149 next to the negative pressure valve assembly 151 mounted _g so that they are optional and timed actuated by cam block 146 on the Progransinierkett © 140 . In the embodiment shown, each switch is _r attached to a "block I67 166th which bridges the flanges 152 and is adjustably attached by adjusting screws 153, which engage the opposite bevelled ends of the block Block 167 and a bracket 169 attached to the latter runs in front. - held in its lowest position, which is determined by a transverse pin 172; the EoIIe 170 is preferably not in contact with the chain 150, but is only touched and actuated by a Noekenblock ih6 on the chain, which is aligned with βϊ &. A switch 166 may, depending on its particular function normally be open or closed noraalvrveise, and is temporarily closed or open g @ _§ haiten when its actuating tappet is lifted by a Program 1β8 egg-cam block 146th In the exemplary embodiment shown, four programming switches 166 are turned, namely one in the circuit with the Ilektr © - » m & gnetmn 86" sisr control of the position of the guide paddle

909035/0232

85, a second in connection with a signature thick * detector 173 (Figure 7) »a third one for controlling the operation of the gluing device in the stapler for the first and last signatures of each book, and a fourth to control the operation of the thread trimmer of the booklet machine after the final signature of each. Book

For example, a new type of device is provided by means of which the programmed § 140 is driven in a laterally controlled relationship and / in synchronism with the other devices of the device. This novel device is designed because it facilitates synchronization and allows adjustment for the compensation of different signature sizes as well as other variable values. In the geastigten AueXührungsform a sprocket 174 on a shaft is awl see the beams 41 and 41 attached ^f and is in engagement with the conveyor chain 38 (Figures ISA and 29). A small gear or Bitael 176 on Veil 175 meshes with a much larger gear 177 on a shaft 178 located in tracks 134.

Because of the ease, alt of the limbs or bars 141 can be separated and combined, a program chain or a belt 140 can easily be put together to create booklets of various numbers and Aft to process the signatures in various arrangements. Pit chain is composed of a link 141 for each signature and is driven with a suppleness with which it can be used for each signature sentence, which includes a book block forms, runs through a rolling cycle. If the number of the signatories for each book block is not sufficient to produce one Requiring sufficient chain length around the sprockets. 1351 136 and the tensioning wheel 138 reaches around, it is necessary to . to provide two or more rows of links 141 in a precise order on the chain. In this case then moves for each book block over a distance that corresponds to each of these series is equal to. 909035/0232

BATH ORIGINAL

As shown most clearly in FIGS . 27 and 28, the sprocket 135 is freely mounted on the shaft 178 and is engaged therewith by two arms 179. its hub 18Ö, set screws screwed through the arms, a crossbar 182 freely rotatable on the shaft 178 in a diametrically extending slot 183 through the hub, and a pin.184 in drive connection. This is carried by "the other end of the crossbar 182 and extends through an arcuate slot! $ 5 between the spokes of the sprocket 135" to engage one of several holes 190 spaced around the circumference of a disk or flange that is formed is attached in any suitable manner to the i Wel3ß 178, for example by a welded joint. The pin 18% is preferably provided with a hub part -187 ”and is slidably arranged in a socket 188; the vLrd carried by the cross bar 182. "A compression spring 189 normally holds the pin 184 in the drive position shown in the figure»

It can thus be seen that the chain wheel 135 and soa & it the chain i40 uia - a limited amount compared to the wool 178 - angle verse are teixt kfJsm © gi ₉ inclera - the adjusting screws ^: 181 are adjusted accordingly to a slight adjustment of the Time control of the programming chain opposite

to carry out the signature transponders of the device. ^

A further adjustment of the time control or And ©

tion can be achieved in that the sprockets provided with yawns ^ those at a smaller distance from each other stand "as the EäJtaae 142, 145 of the chain. Through this can be made an adjustment of the "angular position of the chain, which is equal to the distance between the teeth the sprockets is. A similar adjustment can be made - without the chain opposite the sprockets to. move «by opening the middle points of the openings 190 Radii are placed halfway between two. go through the neighboring teeth of the chain sprocket g 135 «

■ "■■ 90-9835 / 0232

The chain wheels and the chain can then be moved by any angular distance that is a multiple of the angular distance is between the centers of these openings. Such an adjustment can be made that the pin 184 from an opening 190 in the flange pulls out and then rotates the cross bar 182 and thus also the sprocket 135 relative to the shaft 178 into a position, in which the pin 184 can be released to engage another opening in the flange 186. The: the latter Adjustment is to facilitate re-synchronization of the feeding device and the programming device useful when such resynchronization is required because, for example, a book block sequence inadvertently contains too many or too few signatures.

Detector Mechanisms (Fig. 7, 19, 22 and 24)

A book is often made from signatures with at least two different thicknesses, such as signatures 16 pages and 32 pages, The present invention provides a simplified device in a novel combination with the programming device described above to correct at some point the lack of a correct Signature, the presence of an unimportant signature, or the presence of an unimportant number of signatures ascertain. This detector * or detection device has a contact roller in the embodiment shown

191 (Fig. 7), hinged on an insulating Lever 193 is arranged and by a tension spring

192 and a stop 194 is held so that they are one of the drums 22 is in contact with the sector surface a, without touching the rest of the drum surface with a smaller diameter. If then between the role 191 and the Drum 22 no signature occurs, can between the roll

909835/0232

1517005

and making an electrical circuit to the drum either to signal the operator or to stop the machine. In order to determine the presence of too large a number of signatures or a signature of too great a thickness, two under pressure contacts 195 and 196 are mounted so that they are moved towards mating contacts on the isolating lever 193 to or from these contacts can. Assuming that the books being shuffled and stapled consist of 16 and 32 page signatures, then if there is more than one ± 6 page signature or a 32 page ™

between the roller I91 and the surface a of the drum 22 the upper contact 195 actuates to complete an electrical circuit and the operator to a signal transmit or stop the machine if a signature with 16 pages is planned to appear at this point. The latter circuit includes one of the Sehalter the programming device described above, which is normally is open and during the period that a single 16-page signature is between drum 22 and of roller 191 should occur, closed by a cam block suitably mounted on chain 140 can be. At other times, for example, {

if a 32-page signature to "the detector location to occur as planned, the circuit to the switch 166. The contact I96 remains open, so that the actuation of the contact remains ineffective 195th is adjusted so that it will only be closed and thus a SignalfetroH - The circle closes when the signature or signatures occurring between the roller 191 and the surface a have a thickness that considerably exceeds the thickness of a 32-page signature, which is planned to occur. '

909835/0232

Furthermore, a novel locking device is provided to determine a signature that has not been properly opened before it is placed on the saddle 9 ^ of the conveyor C. As shown, signal circuits are provided which include microswitches 197 (Figs. 22 and 2k) to be actuated to their closed position if any or part of the signature is improperly astride the saddle and therefore one of the slides down inclined sides 100 or 102 on a switch operating arm 198. Other devices of known type for determining the absence or thickness of signatures can be attached as required along the path of movement of the signature from the stack S to the stapler, such as that shown at 199 (FIG. 19).

Summary description of the company

In summary, causes the device provided by the invention through the suction devices 13 and the rotary gripping means 23, 2k to constantly rotating drums 22 the trigger in each case a signature from a stack S down, in which the signatures on edge in particular, repetitive sequence arrayed . After each signature has been transported by the drums 22 for about half a turn, it is released by the gripping devices 23, 2%, through cooperating sector surfaces a and b on the drums 22 and 31, which roll off one another, upwards and downwards to be transported in linearly moving gripper G. From these, the signature bits hang down on the top of the book fold and are attached to the rotating suction separator ·]! 65 and the opening devices 87 and 89 for protruding signature halves moved past. One or more of the devices 65 and 87, 89 are prepared for this by the programming device P, in the manner described

909835/0 2 32

1317006

to act at the appropriate moment to open a moved signature up to its middle fold. "The opened, hanging signature is then rotated if necessary by 180 ° by the gripper G carrying it, due to the action of the Geneva circular device 50, 59" ei the other rectilinear motion is pivoted by the conveyor chain 38 wirdj "the moving signature held _$ passing through the screen 8k in the open state while being rotated, is then carried by the grippers G astride and on the saddle 9k the shock conveyor C, the shape of a inverted V has been discontinued. As it traverses the saddle of similar conveyor which Buchrückenfalz of the signature is processed by the novel apparatus R such daß.er then exactly o on the saddle of a stapling machine. Like. Fits, which is supplied to the signature next.

Thus, a new type of weed is of simplified construction for the automatic feeding of signatures in a constantly moving stream. This feed takes place according to a new method from a signature stack in the desired order to a booklet machine o. The like. Instead, which is operated in a time-controlled relationship to the feeding device. Furthermore are in novel Combination of a new type of device for the transfer of Sig- ' natures from a continuously running rotary or planetary conveyor to a continuously running, endless, linearly moving one Conveyor, a novel device for opening the hanging signatures during their straight transport, a new kind of device for turning the hanging open ones Signatures while they are being transported in a straight line, as well as a new facility has been created by means of which the folds of the individual sheets, the center or the Form, strengthen or compress the spine fold of a multi-page signature when the signature is along a saddle-like conveyor is moved.

909835/0232

Claims (1)

PATENTANWÄLTE DipUng. MARTI N LICHT PATENTANWÄLTE LICHT, HANSMANN, HERRMANN Dr. R E I N H O L D S C H M I DT 8 MUNICH 2 THERESIENSTRASSE 33 (J Λ AVCI UAKICkAAMKJ ~ W Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. AXEL HANSMANN Dipl.-Phys. SEBASTIAN HERRMANN Munich, the 2k. December 1968 Your mark on us MIEHLE-GOSS-DEXTER, INCORPORATED / De Chicago, Illinois South Central Avenue 310Ö ^l Patent application: "Method and device for automatic Handling of sheets, signatures and the like. " PATENT CLAIMS 1 _# Device for handling sheet-like objects, such as folded signatures, characterized by a device (13, '23, 24) by means of which a signature is gripped at a folded edge and transported in a curved path, two constantly rotating drums ( 22, 3i), which take up and grasp the edge (6) of the signature (5) and transport the signature in a substantially vertical plane with the edge (6) at the top, a continuously running endless conveyor (c) on which Endless conveyor (c) attached gripping devices (G), which are moved by the conveyor in the horizontal direction in said plane, means for opening the gripping device for receiving the edge (6) of a signature transported upwards, means for closing the gripping device on the Edge of the signature when the signature "is released from the drums, means (65) for opening a signature hanging from the moving gripping device (G), j .MjLttel for turning the gripping device with a 909835/0232> ^: " opened signature to the sponsor, a facility, by means of which the signature is kept open while it is turned with the gripping device, a saddle (94t) in the form of an inverted V, means for opening the gripping device, so that it releases the signature and straddles it with the folded edge on top of the saddle falls, a device (104) by means of which the signature is pushed along the saddle, and a device, by means of which the fold on the edge (6) of the signature is compressed when this is moved along on the 'saddle (9 ^ 0 consists of a rotatable disc (108) which is inserted through a slot (HO) in the ridge of the saddle within the | Signature protrudes, and from a wheel (107) with a V-shaped circumferential groove formed on the outer surface of the folded Edge attacks. 2. Device for transporting signatures and the like, from a funnel which carries the signatures upright in a stack, characterized by a first rotatable drum (22), an execution for the rotary drive of the drum, a second drum (31), the cooperates with the first drum _f to transport signatures located between them, a signature conveyor device (C) with gripping devices (Gr), which are movable in a line parallel to the axes of the drums, attached to the first drum second " Gripping devices (23, 24) which, upon rotation of the drum grasp the bottom edge of a signature on the circumference of the drum to peel the signature down from the stack and place it in reverse position between the drums (22, 31) from which it is transported to the first gripping devices (G). 3 * device for the transport of signatures and the like, characterized by a first drum (22), a device for the rotary drive of this drum, a second drum (3l), 90983S / 0232 _BA0 which is rotatably mounted next to the first drum and is resiliently pressed towards this, so that signatures between the Drums are resiliently gripped and transported in a first direction, attached to the first drum (22) Means (23, 24) by which a signature is seized and in the engagement between the two drums is brought about, a conveyor (c) with gripping devices (G), one of pick up and grasp signature fed to the drums as they move in a second direction, the perpendicular to the first direction and means by which the gripping device is actuated to produce a signature grabbed at the moment it is released from the drums. k. Apparatus for handling sheet-like objects, characterized by a first rotatable drum, a second rotatable drum mounted next to the first and cooperates with the same to roughly grasp a sheet and transport it by frictional engagement in a plane, rotatable with the first drum Crreifmittel through which a sheet of the gripped edge above is transported in a path of movement which corresponds substantially to the outer peripheral surface and means extends in the engagement between üan two drums, to open the gripping means to the sheet release when it is in the engagement passes between the drums, and an endless conveyor with grippers that pick up the leading edge of a sheet fed by the drums to convey the sheet on edge in the plane in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sheet is from the Drums is fed. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the outermost circumferential surface of at least one of the drums sector-shaped is formed, whereby the sheet is released from the engagement of the drums when it is released from the gripping 909835/0232 BATH ORIGINAL devices of the conveyor is taken. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotatable drums and the conveyor in a certain time controlled relationship to each other are constantly driven. 7. Apparatus according to claim k for handling folded signatures, characterized in that devices are provided on the path of movement of the signatures through the conveyor, by means of which the advanced signatures are opened due to their feed movement. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7> characterized in that at the path of movement of the signatures arranged suction separators that initiate the opening of the advanced signatures. 9. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that on the path of movement of the signature through the conveyor means are arranged through which the signature up to its center is opened. ID, device for transporting sheets, signatures and the like, characterized by a first rotatable sector drum, a second rotatable sector drum, their axes are arranged parallel to one another and at a distance from one another which is slightly larger than the sum of the radii both sector drums, and a device for the simultaneous rotary drive of both sector drums in opposite directions Directions so that at least parts of the sector edges of the drum pass between the axes at the same time and face each other to grab sheets, signatures or the like and forward them. 909835/0232 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the peripheral speeds of the sector drums are essentially the same. 12. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that gripping means are attached to the first drum, the sheets, Bring signatures or the like into the area of engagement between the drums and release them there in order to remove them from the adjacent Areas of the sector margins to be transported further. 13 · Device according to claim 12, characterized in that Means are provided which are responsive to the rotation of the first sector drum for opening and closing to control the gripping means. 14. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that continuously driven gripping devices are provided, picking up the sheets from the drums moving in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the sheets fed by the drums. 15. Device for handling folded signatures and the like, characterized by a device (c), means of which a folded signature edgewise bit her spine fold eu Oberst is transported, and a device, Kittels which the signature is opened to its center by removing some of the hung leaves from the remaining leaves of the Signature can be separated on the edge opposite the folded band while the signature is removed from the conveyor {C) is transported further. 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the separating device comprises suction gripping devices. 909835/0232 - ■ "- W - 17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the gripping devices each have a device / the around a rigid axis can be rotated to the side of the movement path of the signature. IS, device according to claim 17, characterized in that said axis upwards at an acute angle the plane of the path of movement of the signature hanging down from the conveyor device. 19. Apparatus according to claim IS, characterized in that | the device has reciprocating gripping means, which touch the hanging sheet and grab it when it's on the device is moved. 20. Device · according to claim 19 »characterized in that the gripping devices have rotary valves that and movable gripping axles alternating with each rotation of the device during certain sections a vacuum source and connect to atmospheric pressure. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the reciprocating gripping means are arranged in such a way that * that they are reciprocated in a line which is at an acute angle to the rigid axis. 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the acute angles are complementary. 23. Apparatus according to claim 19 »characterized in that a device is provided by means of which the conveying device and the sheet separating device in time, controlled Yerhaltni »to each other are constantly driven, so that the gripping means essentially touch the front edge part of the veriai-moved signature. SO §§35 / 02 3 2 bad ORIGIN * ¹ 24. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the device has a curved part to which applies the signature in a touching manner after it has been gripped by the reciprocating gripping means. 25. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that in the line of movement of the gripping means to touch the Signature a support device is provided, which is arranged on that side of the movement path of the signature, facing the sheet separator. 26. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the sheet separating device has a stationary guide rod has, which runs in the longitudinal direction of the path of movement of the signature and is designed so that the sheet applies to him when it is released from the gripping means. 'to the sheet as the signature moves on to be further separated by the conveyor from the remaining part of the signature. 27. A method for handling folded signatures, characterized in that a signature with the book spine— fold au is hung on top, the hanging signature is transported edge first, the lower, front edge part of the outer sheet of the hanging, advanced signature is gripped to remove the sheet from the path of movement to pull out the signature and to delay it, and. the pulled out sheet by the further movement of the hanging signatures upwards, and pushed open away from the path of movement do so by opening the signature. 28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in ^ dall the signature on a constantly moving gripping device is hung up, rad that the signature of the gripping device A by roller feed is fed in a direction that at right angles to the direction of movement of the gripping device. 90SI3570232 29. Procedure for opening a signature with a protruding one Part, characterized in that the signature is hung so that the protruding edge is at the bottom, the hanging signature with an edge first in a plane that runs parallel to the broad surfaces of the signature, and is moved in a direction parallel to the protruding Edge runs, and the protruding half of the signature due to the movement of the signature from this plane is pushed out to open the signature to its center. 30. A method for handling signatures, characterized denotes overall λ that the spine edge taken a signature and a stack of vertically arranged signatures downwardly drawn off, the gripped signature is transported along a gekrünntten path to reverse it, the gripped edge Released and, without interruption of its feed movement, is conveyed by roller advance with the edge at the top upwards, then at the same time the roller advance of the signature is ended and the edge is gripped by a constantly moving gripper, which carries the signature in a hanging manner and which is in the hanging signature with an edge first horizontally, then the moving, hanging signature is opened and the opened signature is released to fall astride a saddle. I. 31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the further moved, opened signatures are rotated, before they are released to fall on the saddle. 32. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that that opening the signature is an essential part caused by the advance movement of the signature. 909835/0232 33. The method according to claim 30 »characterized in that the opening of the signature is caused by the fact that a protruding Half of the signature is pushed away from the remaining half as a result of the advancing movement of the signature. 34. Device for opening folded signatures, characterized by a device for transporting a signature with one edge first in the plane of their broad surfaces, and in a hanging position with the book spine fold on top, means for separating the pendent sheets of the signature as it advances through the transport means is, with a suction head that rotates around a rigid axis is rotatable in addition to said plane, a device for the rotary drive of the suction gripping head, a device by means of which the suction gripping head is connected to a vacuum source can be, a device by means of which the rotating suction gripping head substantially radially from the axis is moved in gripping contact with the surface of the signature near its front, lower hand and the rotating one Gripping head with the gripped part of the signature is withdrawn, means for separating the suction gripping head from the vacuum source in order to release the gripped To effect part of the signature, and means by which this part of the signature in the advancement is kept separate from the rest of the signature by the conveyor, 35 * Device according to claim 34, characterized in that the suction head is attached so that it is in a Rotates plane that is inclined with respect to the plane of movement of the signature, whereby the rotating suction gripper head The lower edge of the grasped sheet of the signature lifts and at the same time from the remaining hanging sheets separates. 909835/023 2 1317006 36. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the suction gripping head is driven at a rotational speed which is approximately the same as the speed of the linear movement Signature is. 37 · Device for opening folded signatures, characterized by a stationary frame, a carrier attached to the frame, a device attached to the frame by means of which a hanging signature is transported with one edge first in a movement path over and along the carrier, and means arranged on the carrier by which a forwarded signature is gripped and a part of the signature * door is deflected from the path of movement on one side of its center, in order thereby to open the signature. 38. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the last-mentioned means are rotatable gripping means let around. . 39. Apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that a drive device is attached to the frame, which with the gripping device is operatively connected to it turn, kO. Device according to claim 39, characterized in that the carrier is adjustable in the vertical direction with respect to the drive device and the conveyor device. ^l k ±. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that a plurality of gripping means are arranged on each side of the path of travel and means are provided by means of which each of the plurality of gripping means can be made operative in order to divert part of the passing pendent signatures towards the opening thereof. 909835/0232 k2. Apparatus according to Claim 37 »characterized in that the gripping devices are a plurality of suction grippers which are arranged at a distance from one another on each side of the path of movement, and in that the suction grippers on each side can be actuated in succession in order to grasp a forward-moved signature. 43. Apparatus according to claim 42, characterized by a Programmer in sync with the signature conveyor is driven to selectively control the operation of each suction pad. 44. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that the last-mentioned means in claim 37 consist of a part which is at an acute angle to the movement path runs through this to from the lowermost edge part of a hanging half of a forwarded signature with protruding Hand to be touched. 45. Apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that the part on one side of the trajectory is inclined upwardly away from it. 46. Apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that a device is attached to the carrier by means of which the part can be optionally moved into and out of the operative position through the path of movement . 47. Conveyor device, characterized by parallel rails running at a distance from one another with opposing longitudinal grooves in adjacent sides of the rails, an endless conveyor chain between the rails, sprockets rotatably mounted between the rails that carry and drive the chain, one on a link of the . Chain attached device comprising a guide member,. that can slide along in the grooves of the rails to the To support and carry chain runs between the sprockets, a clamping device consisting of separable jaws rotatably supported by the guide member, 909835/0232 "1817.008 and a resilient device that makes the jaws resilient holds in the closed clamping position, a cam control device on the rails for opening the clamping jaws at the Movement of the chain, and a device based on the movement the chain responds, to the clamping device opposite the To rotate the chain. kS. Conveyor device according to claim 47 »characterized in that the device by means of which the clamping device is rotated consists of a Maltese cross and stationary pins which are attached to the rail and interact with the Maltese cross. k9 * Conveyor device according to claim 48, characterized in that the Maltese cross is held against rotation by the rails during the greater part of each chain revolution. 50. Device for feeding one signature at a time from other signatures to a book stapling machine ο. Like. From a stack of folded signatures with different sets, which in a certain order to form of a book are collected flat in a pile, characterized by a continuously running endless conveyor, which is a series of equidistantly spaced from each other Includes signature gripping devices and has a lower horizontal \ runway from which the gripping devices hang down, a rotating device by means of which the signatures are pulled one by one from the stack, a roller feeder which picks up the signatures from the rotating device and moves them up into the Transported gripping devices that move with the horizontal path of the conveyor and an edge part take hold of the signatures to hang them up and to transport it edge first, a facility by means of which each signature is opened up to its middle while it is being transported by the conveyor, and an entry 909835/0232 direction ι by means of which the conveyor, the rotating device, the roller feed device and the signature opening device are constantly driven in a certain time-controlled relationship to each other. 51. Apparatus according to claim 50, characterized in that a programming device is provided which is used to the signature opening device is optional depending on the set and order of the signatures fed from the stack to control, and that of the drive device in a time-controlled relationship to the supply of the signatures - is driven. 52. Apparatus according to claim 50, characterized in that a device is provided by means of which the gripping devices can be rotated in relation to the conveyor together with the open signatures hanging on them. 53 · Device according to claim 50, characterized by a saddle conveyor and means through which the gripping devices operated to release open signatures so they can fall onto the saddle conveyor. 54. Apparatus according to claim 53 »characterized in that A device is provided between the ends of the saddle conveyor by means of which the spine folds of the Signatures are squeezed together, and which consists of interlocking roles attached to the inner and outer Attack surfaces of the folds. 55. Apparatus according to claim 54, characterized in that the rollers are pressed against the folds by springs in a pressure system. 56. Apparatus according to claim 50, characterized in that the signature opening device has at least one suction gripping device for initiating the opening of a signature 909835/0232 and a guide rod, which due to the movement the signature by the conveyor the signature completely opens. 57. Apparatus according to claim 50, characterized in that the signature opening device has at least one part which runs through the path of movement of the transported signatures, around a hanging protruding To grasp part of a signature with a protruding half. 58. Device for handling folded signatures, characterized by a saddle in the form of an inverted V _T which is used to carry a signature astride, the spine fold of the signature rests on the ridge of the saddle, a slot formed in the ridge of the saddle, a A device by means of which the signature is pushed along the saddle at a certain speed, and a device by means of which the book spine fold is compressed when the signature is moved over the slot. 59 · Device according to claim 58, characterized in that the means for compressing the fold is a rotatable disc attached to the inner surface of the fold through the Attacking slot in the ridge of the saddle, and encompassing a roller, which has a concave peripheral surface on the outer surface of the fold engages opposite the rotatable disc 60. Apparatus according to claim 59 "characterized in that a first spring device is provided which holds the roller at a distance from the disk, and a second" spring device which resiliently opposes the further separation of the roller and the disk, whereby the signature fold is pressed together when it passes between the roller and the disc. 61. Apparatus according to claim 6θ, characterized in that the first spring device is under tension and the second spring device is under pressure. 62. Apparatus according to claim 6O, characterized in that a drive device for the roller is provided to advance the signature at a speed which is slightly higher than the certain speed with which the signature is pushed along on the saddle. ^ 63. Apparatus according to claim 58 »characterized in that ™ the device for compressing the fold two rotatable Comprises disks which are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the saddle and protrude upwards into the slot, as well as two rollers arranged above the disks, which have concave peripheral surfaces that fit together with the disks, a frame which rotatably supports the rollers, and a device, by means of which the frame with the rollers is kept at a distance from the panes and at the same time a limited vertical movement of the frame with the discs is permitted and this movement both in the direction of the discs as even from them yielding resistance is opposed. 64. Apparatus according to claim 63, characterized in that the supporting frame means permitting limited pivoting movement of the frame about an axis in a vertical plane extending in the middle between and parallel to the axes of the rollers. 909835/0232