EP0677473B1 - Device for folding or the like of sheet plies - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1. With the device sheet layers or similar blanks conveyed, processed and / or so be folded that two or more legs or folding legs from an approximately level starting point to one deviating relative position can be transferred, e.g. in a transverse or plane-parallel position. The Both folding legs are useful with one piece trained them, consisting of the same sheet material Folded zone connected to each other, the manner of a Film joint form a linear fold fold and through Cross-sectional weakening of the material can be determined. Such a linear cross-sectional weakening can e.g. embossing, waste-free slitting or perforation or the like. So that the bending stiffness of the material in the area of the folding zone compared to the adjacent areas the fold leg or the entire fold leg weakened is.

For this purpose, the sheet position is expediently not yet separated Connection with an endless track and / or in a row unconnected successive leaf layers in an approximate horizontal or other funding level and a edge area lying on the respective long side engages with a tread rising from the conveyor level brought so that this edge area the one folding leg or forms a strip or tab-shaped folded part, while the part of the sheet layer remaining in the conveying plane forms the other folding leg. The folding part can less or more than 90 ° or any up to approximately 180 ° be folded so that it is then in register with the other Folded leg lies, the fold zone expediently approximately parallel to the conveying direction, so that there is a conveying direction progressive swiveling of the folding part under cabinet deformation in the pass until the folding part is in again one level. The folding part lies with it its pointing in the pivoting direction and / or facing away from it Flat side under pressure on one or more than folding curves trained sliding surfaces so that there is a positive interlocking results.

The folding curve is curved by one in its longitudinal direction extending round rod, it only results a line-shaped or only a punctiform in cross-section Creation of the folding leg. This can be the case with numerous materials to an inaccurate folding, to wear damage on the folding leg and for further or similar disadvantages also lead if inside the fold zone a strip-shaped folding knife engages.

A folding device is known from DE-A-3 916 254 become, in which the sheet layers transversely to the manufactured Fold pressed in between rollers with a folding knife become. A folding curve is therefore not provided here.

The invention has for its object a device to create the disadvantages of known training or of the type described are avoided and in particular very precise and low-wear guiding or folding guaranteed at high running or folding speed. In this respect, a folded finished product should also be made from the sheet layer can be created with diverse precise folds.

According to the invention, the features of claim 1 intended. Means are also provided for the respective Leg or folding leg, especially the folding part, in Cross section transverse or at right angles to the conveying direction or The like at more than just a single point to lead. For example, the folding leg can be attached to two or more transversely to the conveying direction and / or in the conveying direction at a distance investment points lying apart from one another opposite the Weight pressure of the sheet layer greater plant pressure can be performed or can instead of a punctiform guidance larger flat guidance can be provided. The leadership can the folding zone or at the freely protruding end of the folding leg connect, lie between these areas or yourself approximately from the fold zone continuously to the end of the leg extend. Can be in succession in the conveying direction different types of the systems mentioned are provided be.

According to the invention, the running, support or curve surface can also or the running body forming the tread in cross section one deviating from the pitch circle or circular shape Have shape, although the support surface is also flat in cross section can be curved, e.g. with a radius of curvature of more than 20 mm. However, the cross-sectional support surface is advantageous almost flat, with their slope facing each other the conveying level in the conveying direction is approximately continuous or in the manner of a finely structured polygonal curve in small steps in the same direction, e.g. at about an angular degree per millimeter. This allows the support surface through machining and with feed direction across to the conveying direction in individual consecutive in the conveying direction Steps or line zones are formed.

This or another type of production also causes between neighboring line zones running transversely to the conveying direction, only protruding by a fraction of a millimeter and Continuous comb zones across the width of the system be created, against which the folding leg rests, while he in the lying between these surveys and opposite the surveys broader or wider areas not or only with a much lower pressure, so that between these areas and the associated Can form air cushions on the side of the folding leg. Thereby there is an extremely low sliding friction, which is the tendency counteracts that the folding zone of the predetermined Orientation and position deviate, e.g. opposite to the conveying direction lies at an angle.

The effective support surface could indeed cause the relative movement against the sheet position against the device base be moved during operation, but is advisable arranged stationary with respect to the device base, so that only the sheet position in the conveying direction is the one required for folding Movement. Nevertheless, the support surface having supporting or folding body during the folding process compared to the device base a supporting the folding process Labor movement, e.g. perform a rotary movement. As a result, the support surface in the area of engagement in the Folding legs approximately parallel to the conveying direction or even with the folding leg moved about synchronously, so can an essentially sliding friction-free intervention can be effected.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one folding leg during or approximately after the beginning and / or the end of the folding process or in between lying area on both sides of the layer in one of the named Species is supported. For example, the folding leg supported on both sides of the legs facing away from each other, if between its fold zone and its thigh end at least one further fold by at least one further Folding zone, possibly with moving folding curves should. This folding could be in the position of the folding leg done in the conveyor plane, however, the folding leg first raised from the conveyor level by about 90 °, then at a point following in the conveying direction further folding made or pre-folded and on one in turn the following position is both or all folds fully folded, e.g. so that the three or more folding legs lie approximately parallel to one another. When erecting and the finished part can only be folded at its Be supported on the outside. However, the folding leg is in folded again, only the one at its outermost Folding part at the end only on the outside of the fold supported and so also the subsequent folding part as an intermediate layer of the outermost fold parts folded. For this Folds therefore do not require a folding knife, although on End of erecting the folding legs with its inside supported by a tread in the manner described can be.

Due to the described further folding of the folding leg, in which the inner one adjoining the funding level Fold part inwards to the middle of the sheet layer and the next Subsequent folding part directed outwards is an expandable narrow or side wall of an inventive Bag can be created, especially if the Folding outside of the outer folding part with that of one another folding part is connected flat, which on one initially adjacent section of the sheet layer in the conveying direction is provided, which in turn by cross folding the folded fold leg is beaten.

According to the invention on one and the same sheet layer Longitudinally spaced, in cross-section same or different longitudinal folds or folded parts at least partially with the same running or curve surfaces in a single pass and in immediate succession getting produced. In particular, these folding parts be erected with the same folding curve. In cross section shorter folding legs can then be used without significant deformation be passed through another folding station, in which is only longer folding leg of further deformation be subjected. In another, immediately following Folding station can then use the longer and shorter folding legs be folded further or finished, the expediently the longer folding legs along a continuous folding curve be guided while the shorter folding legs initially folded a little further inwards on an intermediate curve until they reach an associated end section the continuous folding curve for the longer one Thighs open and are then folded through them. The intermediate curve can be in the conveying direction between the ends the folding curve for the other or longer folding leg lie and causes the shorter folding leg not with its end edge blunt on the fold curve for the longer one Thighs open. The two folding curves are therefore convenient adjacent to the conveying direction or to the conveying plane to each other.

Regardless of the training described, the folding device with the mentioned areas, guidance for the Sheet layers or the like. An assembly which can be assembled as a whole form that easily, i.e. Detachable or replaceable without destruction to be arranged on the base frame of a folding device. The folding device can be used together with other folding devices arranged or transverse to the conveying direction and be adjustable parallel to the conveying plane, so that the invention Folding device work multi-use, i.e. two or process more sheets or webs running side by side can. Process the outermost folding devices on the side only the outermost folding parts of the laterally outer leaf layers, while the one in between lying folding device the mutually facing folding parts two adjacent sheet layers processed simultaneously. All Folding devices also suitably form a pre-assembled assembly, including as a whole the transverse adjustment and together with a partial frame of the Base frame from the base part is easily detachable. The The base frame in turn is a pre-assembled assembly, if applicable including the respective folding device, easy to mount or replace on a base frame, that stands on a foundation floor. It is advantageous the respective assembly at right angles to the conveyor plane can be used to the conveying plane and / or transversely to the conveying direction or removable, in the manner of a carriage can be guided in guides.

In the conveying direction are in front of and behind the folding device other facilities for processing the sheet layers on the Base frame provided, the base frames of these facilities designed in the same way as that of the folding device or can be assembled and for these base frames the same frame is also provided on the base frame are, so that any exchange of individual facilities is possible. In the conveying direction in front of the folding device a ply web is expediently fed from a roll store and then successively a driven transport device, Longitudinal cutting devices and devices for Production of longitudinal and / or transverse embossments or perforations fed for folding zones, after which the sheet web the Longitudinal folding devices passes through. In the direction of conveyance the folding device passes through the web of sheets Transport device so that it can be used in all facilities between the two transport devices, also in the Folding device, kept under predetermined tension is. The layered web can therefore also be guide or compression members, such as rollers extending across the web width or in contrast drive much shorter rollers, e.g. at the exit of the Folding device are provided after the last folding curve, around the folding legs against each other press and thereby lay flat against each other up to the folding zone. After the second transport device, the individual sheet layers in other facilities first Cross sections separated from the layered web, glued cross-folded and the folding parts in the manner described by connections, like adhesives, are attached to each other.

This can e.g. a bag from a single blank with two stacked, separate pocket compartments are formed, one of which is the stretchy walls has the narrow sides, with its rear wall over transverse folds connects to a cover flap for both pocket compartments and with its front wall on a cross fold the rear wall of the another pocket compartment that connects to the side with simple Folded parts is closed and the front wall in Area of the associated pocket opening and in the side Distance between their lateral ends with a plug or Latch fastener secured releasably against the back wall can be. After opening the cover flap are then both pocket compartments on the inside of the cover flap slightly accessible with the pocket openings in the same direction point and are offset transversely to each other and further the front pocket opening at any time after each opening is lockable or lockable.

Fig. 1

einen Ausschnitt einer mit der Vorrichtung zu faltenden Blattlage in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine erfindungsgemäße Falteinrichtung auf einem Grundgestell in perspektivischer Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3 in Draufsicht,

Fig. 5

eine Faltkurve der Vorrichtung, in Förderrichtung gesehen und

Fig. 6

einen Ausschnitt der Fig. 3 im Querschnitt und wesentlich vergrößerter Darstellung.

These and further features emerge from the claims and also from the description and the drawings, the individual features being implemented individually or in groups in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields, and being advantageous and protectable per se Can represent versions for which protection is claimed here. An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

Fig. 1

a detail of a sheet layer to be folded with the device in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

a folding device according to the invention on a base frame in a perspective view,

Fig. 3

a device according to the invention in side view,

Fig. 4

3 in top view,

Fig. 5

a folding curve of the device, seen in the conveying direction and

Fig. 6

a section of Fig. 3 in cross section and substantially enlarged view.

2 several times next to each other in a folding device 30 arranged devices 1 or folding devices serve to fold a sheet 2 according to FIG. 1, which in Compound with a layer sheet in its or its longitudinal direction 3 promoted and during the continuous run their lateral longitudinal edges 4 is folded. After that the Sheet layer 2 through cross sections on their mutually facing, to the conveying direction 3 transverse end edges 5, 6 separated out the layered sheet. When funding, each of the run ahead or behind both end edges 5, 6. After Longitudinal folds are also several transverse folds around fold zones 7 to 12, which are spaced apart and in Distance from the end edges 5, 6 and the sheet layer 2 across their entire width into individual longitudinal sections or Divide the wall parts.

On each of the two longitudinal edges 4 are parallel to the direction 3, in the direction 3 at a distance one behind the other as well transversely to the direction 3 adjacent folding zones 13 to 16 provided for the formation of folding legs 17 to 20, wherein both longitudinal edges 4 are essentially the same in mirror symmetry are trained. Before entering device 1, 30 sheet layer spread out in a surface or conveying plane 21 2 are the folding legs 17 to 20 laterally over the associated side edge 4 by their leg height, the Folding zones 13, 15, 16 coincide approximately with the longitudinal edge 4, in contrast, the folding zone 14 laterally outwards is offset. The folding legs 17, 19, 20 are on the Long edge 4 upwards and inwards on the top of the rest Sheet layer 2 folded, while at the outer end of the Folding legs 17 over the folding zone 14 adjoining folding legs 18 in the opposite direction, namely to the Outside of the folding leg 17 and the associated longitudinal edge 4 is folded indicative, so that he then with his Inside of the thigh on the outside of the thigh of the folding leg 17 lies.

The wall parts 22 lying between the end edges 5, 6 to 26, 28, 29 each form the folding leg which remains in the conveyor plane 21 during the folding process and compared to the other folding legs 17 to 20 be pivoted. The folding leg carrying the folding legs 17, 18 forms the rear wall 23 and the folding leg 19 carrying folding legs the front wall 25 an approximately the width of the sheet layer 2 accessible only on one transverse side Folding pocket, the side walls of which are each approximate folding legs connected congruently 17 to 19 is formed. The on the inside of the thigh Folding leg 17 adjoining leg outside of the folding leg 18 is with the outside of the leg of the folding leg 19 connected by adhesive so that the strip-shaped Side wall 17 to 19 in the manner of a bellows in their width can be changed continuously and thereby can reversibly adjust the size of the bag contents.

The rear wall 23 and the front wall lying in front of the inside thereof 25 are through one between the associated folding zones 9, 10 lying, strip-shaped and connected in one piece to them Bottom 28 connected together, its width correspond approximately to the greatest width of the side wall 17 to 19 can, approximately in the middle between the folding zones 9, 10 a further folding zone can be provided so that the Bottom 28 folded at least double-layer flat and in the described Way can be reversibly widened. To the End of the rear wall 23 facing away from the floor 28 closes the folding zones 7, 8 or a cover wall lying between them 29 a cover flap 24, which closes the pocket opening the pocket 23, 25, 28 over the pocket opening be folded away to the outside of the front wall 25 can. The pocket opening is then opposite the top wall 29, which, like the bottom wall 28, is designed to be reversibly widenable as well as dimensioned. To that turned away from the rear wall 23 The end of the front wall 25 closes via the folding zone 11 the rear wall 22 of an additional front pocket that like the outside of the rear wall 22 on the outside of the front wall 25 is present. At the end facing away from the folding zone 11 the rear wall 22 closes the front wall via the folding zone 12 26 of the front pocket.

The rear wall 22 is provided with the folding legs 20 on the outside of the legs of the front wall 26 with their side outer edge zones is fixed by gluing or the like, the front wall 26 being a smaller height than the rear wall 22 and the rear wall 22 a smaller height than the front wall 25 has. From the rear wall 22 is a tongue-shaped against the Folding zone 12 protruding, resilient locking flap 27 punched out, under which the edge area abutting the end edge 6 the front wall 26 can be pushed so that the Good in the front pocket 22, 26 falling out is hindered. The folding legs 17, 18 and 19 close without Attachment essentially directly to the associated floor wall 28 and are at a distance from those turned away Folding zones 8, 11. The folding legs 20 essentially close directly to the bottom wall formed by the folding zone 12 the front pocket 22, 26 and lie like that on the Front wall 25 provided folding legs 19 at a distance from the the folding zone 11 separating the two pocket openings which the locking tongue 27 is offset from the folding zone 12. The Cover flap 24 and the top wall 29 also cover the front pocket or their pocket opening.

The folding zones 7 to 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, all for folding serve on the same side of the rest of the sheet expediently formed by embossing grooves, while those for folding folding zones provided in the opposite direction 11, 14 expediently by slot perforations from each spaced one behind the other and aligned short separating cuts are formed. The leg length of the folding leg 17 is advantageously slightly longer than that of the folding legs 19, 20, during the leg length of the folding leg 18 slightly shorter than that of the folding leg 17, 19, 20. Form the folding legs 17, 18, 23 a so-called Z-fold. The front wall 25 can be slight be lower than the rear wall 23. By the described Training results in an advantageous according to the invention Folding bag with several pocket compartments, at least of which one is changeable in its thickness.

All longitudinal folds around the folding zones 13 to 16 are in the Pass through the folding device 30 on a conveyor line causes that is smaller than the working width. The Device 30 has a rigid frame 31 with two The conveyor level is approximately right-angled, on both sides laterally outside of the working width, plate-shaped side walls 32, which has rod-shaped trusses and a frame-shaped connection unit 33 rigidly connected to one another are. The rectangular connection unit 33 forms the bottom Bottom of the frame 31 and therefore the supporting footprint for the folding device 30. The frame 31 is in two individual frames, namely a base frame having the connection unit 33 34 and a sub-frame 35 divided, which on the side of the base frame facing away from the connection unit 33 34 connects, like the base frame 34 by crossbars is inherently rigid and like the base frame 34 parts the side cheeks 32 forms. This allows the two individual frames 34, 35 essentially exclusively over the side cheeks 32 can be connected.

Only the partial frame 35, which is lower than the base frame carries the folding devices 1 hanging from one associated cheek pieces 32 connecting cross-member 36. Die both laterally outer, lying under the traverse 36 Folding devices 1, each only on a single longitudinal edge 4 folds are made with slide guides 37 mounted on the underside of the cross member 36 so that it is independent from each other with an actuator 38 in the transverse direction infinitely variable without changing the position of their funding level 21 can be adjusted. The middle folding device 1, those for folding in the area of two longitudinal edges facing each other 4 is also attached to the cross member 36, which in turn with their ends on the tops the side cheeks 32 are supported so that they are with the side cheeks a portal frame and with the folding devices 1 an assembly easily detachable from the rest of the frame 31, 35 forms.

The two actuators 38 face away from one another Sides of the slide guide 37 each have a direction of adjustment parallel adjusting spindle, which in a corresponding Engages spindle nut on the associated folding device 1, so that this as a whole assembly with all associated Functional parts can be adjusted. The adjusting spindles pass through the front side cheek 32 of the partial frame 35 and each carry one on the front of the frame 31 Handle so that they can be operated easily accessible. The individual frames 34, 35 are with fastening bolts 39 or the like. Braced against each other, which the associated Cheek parts or their cheek edges supported against each other enforce and from the top of the frame 31 at any time are accessible.

The folding device 30 is easily detachable on a base frame 40 arranged, the two plate-shaped and approximately in the Planes of the side cheeks 32 has standing side cheeks 41, which are rigidly connected to one another via cross beams are. On the upper plate edges of the side cheeks 41 are rod-shaped carrier 42 supported with their ends, which also Form trusses and lie transverse to direction 3. The Carriers 42 are parallel to direction 3 with respect to the base frame 40 changeable and form with their tops parallel above the upper plate edges of the side cheeks 41 to support level 21 lying wings and treads for the Folding device 30. This points in the area transverse to it Rollers or the like lying on the outside 3, with which they are transverse to direction 3 and parallel to plane 21 sideways to the front or back from the base frame 40 pushed down, in the opposite direction to the working position inserted or keeping track on any flat surface can be made movable. Lie in working position the rollers in recesses on the treads of the carrier 42, so that the underside of the connection unit 33 with support surfaces then rests directly on the wings.

The subframe 35 can then with the folding devices 1 and the actuators 38 from that remaining on the base frame 40 Base frame 34 lifted up and / or parallel be subtracted to direction 3, after which the base frame 34 as a whole either upwards or into one of the above Running directions can be removed. This is a very inexpensive maintenance of the individual functional units of the folding device 30 possible. The folding device 30 or the frame 31, 34 can with a pallet truck or the like. To the height level the carrier 42 are brought, then carrying and Track of the pallet truck Extensions of the carrier and track 42 form. On these carrier rails that have been extended in this way the folding device 30 can then be pushed back and forth as desired be, the mounting rails of the lifting device for precise alignment expediently positively in positioning members of the base frame 40 releasably engage.

The respective folding device 1 points directly in the direction 3 one after the other for each folding leg 17 to 20 Longitudinal edge 4 three folding stations 43, 44, 45. In the first Folding station 43 is opposite the folding leg by about 90 ° the conveyor level 21 is set up in the second folding station 44 the folding leg 18 at an obtuse angle relative to the folding leg 17 prefolded, while the folding legs 17, 19, 20 over Can be folded slightly inwards and in the 90 ° The third folding station 45 becomes the folding legs 17, 19, 20 completely on the top and inside of the associated folding legs 23, 25, 22 folded while the folding leg 18 on the outside of the folding leg 17 is folded.

For securing the position and mutual pivoting of the folding legs the folding stations have running surfaces during the passage 46 to 56. The one another in the gap distance, but opposite the thickness of the sheet layer 2 are further apart and parallel treads 46, 47 are used for Guiding the parts 22 to 29 lying in the conveying plane 21 the sheet 2 in the respective folding station, so that this Part of the sheet layer 2 always form-fitting on both sides of the layer is secured against transverse movements. The corresponding to the Treads 46, 47 opposite each other, but approximately treads perpendicular to the treads 46, 47 48, 49 serve to guide the folding legs 17 to 20 after Set up in a corresponding manner on both sides, whereby these treads only at the exit of the folding station 43 or at adjoining entrance of the folding station 44, but not are provided in the working area of the folding station 44. The Treads 50 through 53 form a similar, but less strongly angled working gap of the folding station 44, in which the folding legs 17, 18 inclined against each other become. The running surface 54 forms a folding curve for the finished folding the folding leg 17, 18, while the opposite folding curve 55 of the folding station located closer to the conveying plane 21 45 shows a folding curve for carrying out a first partial phase the finished folding of the folding legs 19, 20 forms the after leaving this folding curve 55 to the subsequent end section skip the folding curve 54 and completely of this ready to be folded. The one that forms the folding curve 55 Folding body 68 protrudes only so far that it already partially folded legs 17, 18 am Passing does not prevent, but essentially only contact-free in the re-entrant angle between the folding legs 17, 18 engages. After leaving folding station 45 reach the essentially fully folded folding legs 17 to 20 in succession in a press station 57, in which they pass between compacts so that the folds 13 to 16 are kinked or essentially not spring back. The press station 57 forms the exit of the folding device 1.

To set up the folding legs 17 to 20 from the conveyor level 21 in the folding station 43 is designed as a folding curve Tread 56 is provided, which in direction 3 in small constant levels from their lying in the conveyor level 21 Position in the approximately perpendicular to the conveyor level 21 on Output of the folding station 43 rises. Fold curve 56 is on a folding body 58 is provided, the one with its top and a side surface forming a set outer flank Fold curve 56 forms. The two outer folding devices on the side 1 each have only one folding curve, while the intermediate folding device 1 two lines together subsequent and at the outlet end turned away from each other Folding curves 56, which by a common Folding body 58 or two separate and placed against each other, Mirror-symmetrical folding body 58 can be formed. It can same folding body in the side folding devices 58 as used in the middle folding device 1.

The folding curve 56 is characterized by 21 linear partial areas perpendicular to the conveying plane 59 each of a maximum of 3 or 5 mm wide, where the slope difference between adjacent sub-areas 59 is at most 3 or 5 degrees, so that on the slope of the folding curve 56 over a distance of approximately 90 mm is reached over 90 °. The associated ends of all in each essential flat subareas 59 extend approximately up to the conveyor level 21, while the ends remote from it in a comb-like apex 61 of the folding body 58 and this apex 61 is concave in the initial section of the folding curve 56 progressively increases. Since the apex 61 in one to the conveyor level 21 rectangular and parallel to the direction 3 plane lies, the two folding curves facing away from each other 56 form a common apex 61 according to FIG. The The width of the folding curve 56 is greater than the length of the leg Folded legs 17 to 20, so that when erecting their entire leg length are safely guided. Between neighboring Partial areas 59 are each one to the conveying plane 21 transverse and perpendicular to direction 3, linear Elevation 60 formed which is the actual sliding surface forms for the folding leg 17 to 20.

The folding body 58 is like the other functional parts of the Folding device 1 attached to a device base 62 or stored, which on the guide 37 on the frame 31st is rigidly attached so that each folding device 1 independently can be easily detached from the rest and replaced. The folding body 58 extends into the area of the folding station 44 and forms the tread 49 up to its working area for the inside of the legs of the folding legs 17 to 20, wherein on the folding body 58 also movable parts of the folding station 44 be stored and a pre-assembled with the folding body 58 Can form an assembly.

The folding curves 50 to 53 of the folding station 44 are by peripheral surfaces formed by runners 63, 64 which e.g. as disk-shaped Rolling around parallel to the conveying plane 21 right-angled and offset in relation to direction 3, rigid axes are rotatable. Each runner 63, 64 has two at an obtuse angle of more than 120 ° or about Folding surfaces 50, 51 or 52, 53 in lying at 150 ° to one another Form of truncated cone surfaces, each up to the associated Go through the end face of the roller 63, 64. At the extent of Runner 63, the folding surfaces 50, 51 rise frustoconically against each other so that they are in a radially projecting, edge-shaped ring zone connect to each other or into each other pass over. Rise 64 at the circumference of the other runner the folding surfaces 52, 53 complementary to the folding surfaces 50, 51 away from each other radially outwards so that they jump in V-shaped to each other and a sharp-edged in the V-tip Form a ring recess. The two axes of rotation of the runners 63, 64 lie in a direction perpendicular to direction 3 Axial plane, the folding surfaces 50, 51 and 52, 53 with a Interlocking gap distance, which is only slightly larger than the material thickness of the sheet layer 2 or the folding leg 17, 18.

The runner 63 can be in its largest, in the projecting Ring edge lying diameter about a quarter smaller than the largest diameter of the Runner 64, so that on the one hand the farther away from the runners 63 lying in the longitudinal center plane of the sheet layer 2 save space can be accommodated and on the other hand due to the smaller radius of curvature a stronger buckling effect in the working gap between the freely rotatable and only due to the frictional engagement with the folding legs 17, 18 in Rotation offset runners 63, 64 results. For more compact Housing the two folding stations 44 of the middle folding device 1, these folding stations 44 against each other in Slightly offset direction 3, so that the two closer to the longitudinal median plane between the folding curves 56 Runner 63, seen in direction 3, overlap one another can. The running surfaces 50 to 53 of the two runners 63, 64 form due to their convex curvature on the inlet side a degressively narrowed inlet funnel 66 and on the outlet side a progressively expanded discharge funnel 67 for the folding legs 17 to 20. Correspondingly to the level of Folding legs approaching or moving away from this plane Inlet and outlet surfaces are also on fixed treads conceivable and serve for a gentle inlet and outlet before or after each fold. The folding leg 18 can protrude beyond the folding surfaces 51, 53. The runner 63 can be mounted on the folding body 58. Runner 64 is on an independently mountable bearing body or Base 62 stored.

The folding surfaces 50 to 53 and the runners 63, 64 are transverse to the conveying level 21 essentially continuously adjustable, e.g. in that interchangeable spacers on the end faces, like insert rings in their axes of rotation are provided so that the folding surfaces 50 to 53 to the respective Location of the folding zone 14 can be adjusted. The closer to the conveyor level 21 and at an angle to this folding surfaces 50, 52 also serve to guide the Folding legs 19, 20, whose leg length is such that they do not continue into the area of the funding level 21 removed and to this also inclined folding surfaces 51, 53 and therefore not through the ring recess engaging folding ring bead can be detected. Of the Distance between the outlet of the folding curve 56 and the work area the folding station 44 can be chosen so that the respective folding leg 17 to 20 already has the folding curve 56 has left completely before engaging in work with the folding station 44 comes or that he at the beginning of this intervention still engaged with its trailing section with the fold curve 56. The same applies to the Distance between the folding station 44 and the folding station 45 or the distance between the folding station 45 and the pressing station 57.

The running surface 54 of the folding station 45 is in the direction 3 sloping wedge surface formed, which over their entire length in cross section approximately parallel to the conveyor plane 21 can be formed and approximately up to this funding level 21 drops. The folding curve 54 can also in the initial area be inclined approximately at an angle which is the inclined position of the folding leg 18 due to the pre-folding in the work station 44 corresponds, the folding curve 54 then expedient in the mentioned parallel position by setting around an axis passes, which is perpendicular to the conveyor level 21 and is parallel to the direction 3 plane and accordingly the acute-angled wedge slope to the conveying plane 21 drops. To a corresponding one, but approximately in the funding level 21 and axis lying in the running area of the folding zones 13, 15, 16 the folding curve 56 is set so that adjacent sub-areas 59 progressively to their ends remote from the conveyor plane 21 take up larger arc distances around the cabinet axis and therefore the elevations 60 to these ends in height increase.

In contrast, in the cabinet axis or conveyor plane 21 Partial surfaces 59 and elevations 60 in the direction 3 straight aligned with each other so that they are free of paragraphs or increases connect continuously to each other. Especially for short folding flaps 19, 20, the folding curve 54 can also be made a position at right angles to the Enene 21 by setting in direction 3 in a parallel to level 21 and immediately pass adjacent location and have a structure, as on the basis the folding curve 54 described. Most of the rising Section of the folding curve 56 and the folding curve 54 there is no tread directly opposite. this applies also for the folding curve 55.

The folding curve 54 pointing towards the conveying plane 21 lies with a much larger compared to the gap distances mentioned Distance of the folding body 68 opposite, which in cross section transverse to direction 3 in the manner of a freely protruding one Armes in the direction of the longitudinal median plane of the associated sheet layer 2 protrudes and easily detachable with its fastening end exchangeable on the folding body forming the folding curve 54 or can be attached to the base 62. The in a similar Way as the folding curve 54 descending as well as against the conveying plane 21 pointing fold curve 55 lies with its rear end at a distance from the rear end and with its front end at a greater distance from the front end the folding curve 54. Does the folding leg 18 run with its from the conveying plane 21 diagonally pointing leg outside after leaving the folding station 44 on the folding curve 54 on, so the folding legs 17, 18 around the folding zones 13, 14 further folded, being at their from the longitudinal median plane the sheet 2 opposite side in the area of Fold zone 14 define a V-shaped recess so that it without touching the one then engaging in this recess Folding body 68 can run past. The folding legs 19, 20 on the other hand, initially do not come into engagement with the folding curve 54, but first with the folding curve 55, through which it turns the folding zones 15, 16 are pivoted further inwards. After The folding legs 19, 20 leave the folding curve 55 then engaged with the associated end of fold curve 54, which she puts completely against the folding legs 25, 22.

The folding station 57 has two directly via a friction gear 70 runners 69 in mutual drive engagement, 71, which is parallel to the conveying plane 21 and to the direction 3 right-angled axes that can be rotated in one Direction 3 are approximately rectangular parallel axial plane. The peripheral surfaces of the runners 69, 71 form pressing surfaces 73, 72, which in the conveyor level 21 the continuous and in the described manner folded folding legs 17 to 20, 23, 25, 22 press against each other. The runner 69, which on the side facing away from the folding legs 17 to 20 Folding leg 23, 25, 22 runs, can with a fixed axis mounted on the base 62 and by an over the working width the folding device 1 or 30 continuously continuous Guide roller formed, which is directly promoted by the Layer 2 is driven. Via the gear 70, whose intermeshing gear rotor in the axes of the Runners 69, 71 also lie on the folding legs 18 to 20 running runners 71, but with a reduction ratio is chosen such that the peripheral speeds the pressing surfaces 72, 73 slightly different are. For example, the peripheral speed the pressing surface 72 slightly larger than that of the pressing surface 73 to be opposite to an inclined position of the folding zones 13 to 16 to avoid the predetermined orientation. In the working gap the pressing surfaces 72, 73 run in the same direction running with the sheet railway. The press surfaces 73, the runner 69 can also directly according to FIG. 6 through the peripheral surfaces the outer rings are formed by ball bearings and protrude axially expedient as the pressing surfaces 72 over both leg ends the folded folding leg 17 to 20 or over the Folding zones 13 to 16.

Each of the runners 71 is on a separate, approximately in the direction 3 freely projecting support arm 74 which is spaced apart behind the rotor 71 about an approximately parallel to its axis Axis free and independent of all neighboring ones Runners 71 is pivotally mounted on the base 62. With a on the arm 74 acting spring 75, the rotor 71 with its pressing surface 72 pressed against the pressing surface 73, wherein the spring force of the spring 75 manually with an adjustment 76 can be changed continuously. The press surface 72 of the rotor 71 is expedient by a resiliently flexible Cover formed, which is due to the pressure largely deformed on the folding legs 18 to 20 running. For everyone lying on the respective longitudinal edge 4 Folding leg 17 to 20 is a separate pair of runners 69, 71 intended.

All properties mentioned, such as dimensions, orientation and Like. Exactly as described or, in contrast, only in provided substantially or approximately or very differently be. Results from the inventive method a very precise processing of the sheet layers 2 at very high processing speed. The leg length of the The folding leg can be of any size, in particular under 20, 10 or even 5 mm. Furthermore, by appropriate recess the treads of the folding legs also folded if it is already covered with a layer of glue. Furthermore, continuous continuous folding legs or, as described, intermittently successive folding legs with any running speed up to at least 300 m / min. folded each on a very short folding distance become. Different folding devices can be mounted on the frame 31 1 can be arranged for different folds.

Claims (11)

1. A device (1) for folding, or the like, sheet plies (2), more particularly of a substrate material, such as paper material, comprising at least one device base (31, 40, 62) and at least one running contact surface (46 to 56) for mutually folding at least two parts (17 to 20, 23, 25, 22) of the fold of the sheet ply (2) adjoined via a crease and including at least one leg (17 to 20) of the fold, one running contact surface being configured as a fold curler (50 to 56) curling the leg (17 to 20) of the fold about its leg height in a folding direction and the leg as well as the fold curler being movable relative to each other along a conveying path in a conveying direction (3), characterized in that the fold curler (50 to 56) is configured for folding legs (17, 18 and 19, 20) of the fold differing in height.
2. The device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that at least one running contact surface (46 to 56) in at least one cross-section forms a supporting surface provided in more than but one point of contact for contacting the leg (17 to 20) on the fly or having a cross-sectional shape other than circular, and/or characterized in that at least one running contact surface or fold curler (50 to 56) has cross-sectional shapes changing in the conveying direction (30) or is configured as a profile surface, more particularly at least one running contact surface or fold curler (50 to 56) being configured cross-sectionally flat at least in part to approximately linear and preferably at least one fold curler (54 to 56) comprising a sequence of facets (59) each assuming a different inclination or a running contact surface smaller than each surface unit formed by protuberances (60) for forming a substantially continuous curling upsweep in the conveying direction (3), the running contact surface forming over its length a supporting surface substantially constant in width.
3. The device as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that relative to the base (62) at least one running contact surface (50 to 53, 72, 73) for the sheet plies (2) is driven in a folding movement such as a rotary movement about a single axis or the like included substantially continuously in a sole direction, more particularly at least one fold curler (50 to 53, 72, 73) being driven at least in part by positive frictional engagement with the sheet ply (2) or a part (17 to 20) of the fold and preferably a fold curler forming, as viewed in the conveying direction (3), a flat outer side of a curler body (58, 63, 64, 68), dimensionally rigidly where necessary, and/or at least one fold curler (50 to 53) forming at least one degressively upsweeping entry funnel (66) or at least one progressively upsweeping exit funnel (67) as well as at least one gradient crest, more particularly an entry funnel (66), an exit funnel (67) or a gradient crest being formed by at least one circumferential surface or a nip and preferably a fold curler (50 to 53) being formed by a rolling surface.
4. The device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of at least one fold curler (50 to 56) for the sheet plies (2) at least one supporting surface (46 to 49) adjoining approximately a crease (13 to 16) or one leg end of a leg (17 to 20) facing away therefrom is provided for at least one leg (17 to 20, 23, 25, 22) of a fold, more particularly a supporting surface being formed at least in part by a fold curler (50 to 56) and preferably a supporting surface extending in the conveying direction (3) over the majority of the extent of a corresponding fold curler (50 to 56), and/or for at least one leg (17 to 20, 23, 25, 22) of the fold at least two cross-sectionally substantially parallel or complementary running contact surfaces (46 to 53) are provided opposite each other, more particularly the running contact surfaces (46 to 53) forming a fly nip having a daylight approximating the thickness of a corresponding leg of the fold and preferably two supporting surfaces (50 to 53) adjoining each other cross-sectionally at an approximately obtuse angle for two adjoining legs (17, 18) of the fold.
5. The device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that separate running contact surfaces (56, 50 to 53, 54, 55) such as fold curlers are located juxtaposed in sequence in the conveying direction (3) or transversely to the conveying direction (3) for folding in a sole folding direction, more particularly at least a first or at least a second running contact surface (56, 54, 55) defining a folding angle of approximately 90° and preferably between a first and a second running contact surface at least one third running contact surface (50 to 53) is provided for further prefolding of the part (17 to 20) of the fold on it leaving a first running contact surface (56) and/or at least two running contact surfaces (56, 50-53, 54, 55) being provided in or transversely to the conveying direction substantially spaced away from each other in sequence on a common tool body (58) arranged removable and interchangeable of the base (31, 34, 35, 40, 62), more particularly means being provided for substantially simultaneously folding at least two juxtaposed sheet plies (2) and preferably a tool body (58) comprising on sides facing away from each other running contact surfaces (54 to 56) for two separate sheet plies (2) located adjacent or approximately in the same plane.
6. The device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that running contact surfaces (50 to 56) such as nip-forming running contact surfaces (50 to 53) are provided for folding separate legs (17 to 20) of the fold at the same longitudinal side (4) of the corresponding sheet ply (2) in a common fly passage and about separate creases (13 to 16), such as creases (13, 14) or the like located in line in sequence in the conveying direction (3), mutually offset transversely to the conveying direction (3), juxtaposed transversely to the conveying direction (3), each connecting two from three hingingly interconnected legs (23, 17, 18) of the fold directly to each other, more particularly a common running contact surface (50 to 53, 56) being provided for folding or prefolding legs (17 to 20) of the fold differing in length and preferably two second separate running contact surfaces (54, 55) being arranged adjacent transversely to the conveying direction (3) or an end section of the second running contact surface (54) provided for the longer leg (17, 18) of the fold for finish folding the shorter leg (19, 20) of the fold, and/or two separate adjacent running contact surfaces (54, 55) being provided for legs (17, 18 or 19,20) of the fold projecting to a differing extent in the same section of the conveying movement, of which more particularly one running contact surface (55) transfers the less protruding leg (19, 20) of the fold to the other running contact surface (54).
7. The device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that running contact surfaces (50 to 53) are provided for folding at least two legs (17, 18) of the fold in differing or opposing first and second folding directions, more particularly a first running contact surface (56) being provided for common prefolding of the legs (17, 18) of the fold in the first folding direction, a running contact surface (50 to 53) adjoining in the conveying direction (3) being provided for mutually prefolding the two legs (17, 18) of the fold in the second folding direction and a further or last running contact surface (54, 72, 73) being provided for finish folding the legs (17, 18) of the fold in the first and second folding directions substantially simultaneously, preferably a nip means (57) being provided for smoothing the folded creases (13 to 16).
8. The device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one running contact surface (50 to 53) is provided for successive guidance of separate, differently long legs (17 to 20) of the fold following their prefolding, more particularly the running contact surface (50 to 53) being provided for folding the longer legs (17, 18) of the fold and for substantially fold-free guidance of the shorter leg (19, 20) of the fold and preferably the running contact surface (50 to 53), as viewed in the conveying direction (3), comprising two surface or nip sections (50, 51; 52, 53) connected to each other in a folding edge or the like, the section (50, 52) closer to the running plane (21) of the sheet ply (2) serving to guide two differently long legs (17 to 20) of the fold and the section (51, 53) further removed from the running plane (21) only guiding the longer leg (17, 18) of the fold or the folding edge for folding the longer leg (17, 18) of the fold into two individual legs.
9. The device as set forth in any of the preceding claims for folding, or the like, sheet plies (2), more particularly of a substrate material, such as paper material, including at least one device base (31, 40, 62) and at least one running contact surface (46 to 56) for mutually folding at least two parts (17 to 20, 23, 25, 22) of a fold of the sheet ply (2) adjoined via a crease, one running contact surface being configured as a fold curler (50 to 56) curling the leg (17 to 20) of the fold about its leg height in a folding direction and the leg (17 to 20) as well as the fold curler being movable relative to each other along a conveying path in a conveying direction (3), characterized in that at least one running contact surface (50 to 56) for the sheet plies (2) within the outer definition of its coverage by the corresponding sheet ply (2) comprises at least one contact protuberance (60) smaller relative to the surface area of this coverage for contacting at least one covering sheet ply part (17 to 20) of the sheet ply (2) with a reduction in surface area.
10. The device as set forth in claim 9, characterized in that more particularly at least one running contact surface (50 to 56) is composed substantially flat or of a plurality of substantially obtusely-angled polygonal facets (59) directly adjoining each other, differing in upsweep, where necessary, and preferably for sliding guidance of a covering sheet ply part (17 to 20) a plurality of protuberances (60) is provided such that the sheet ply part (17 to 20) is supported substantially only by the protuberances (60) and substantially not by the facets (59) adjoining the latter and/or at least one contact protuberance (60) being substantially linear full-length transversely to the conveying direction or the like over part or all of the covering width.
11. The device as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is arranged as a modular assembly with the base (62) on a frame (31) for facilitated replacement, the device more particularly being mounted continuously crosswise adjustable on the frame (31) by means of a positioner (38) and preferably the device comprising two folding sections for legs (17 to 20) of the fold spacingly opposing each other transversely to the conveying direction (3) and/or the frame (31) comprising a cart (33) or the like for insertion on a bedplate frame (40) transversely to the conveying direction (3), more particularly the cart (33) being located on the underside of the frame (31) as a connecting unit dead lockable relative to the bedplate frame (40) and preferably the frame (31) being divided into two readily detachable sub-frames (34, 35), one of which carries the connecting unit (33) and the other carries the modular assembly (1).

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