EP0686592B1 - Device for manufacturing printed products - Google Patents

Abstract

The device manufactures single or multiple print works one after each other between at least one product supply station and at least one product reception station in several reception positions (8,17,30,44,59). Each individual or all of the reception positions have at least one folding device having a pair of folding rollers (10,18,33,46,55,91). The folding device also has a fold centre-board (11,19,35,47,60) between the folding rollers. The reception positions are in the form of pocket parts whereby each adjacent part is divided by a wall element (7,16,31,43,54,92). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for producing consisting of one or more individual products Printed matter such as Newspapers, magazines and the like, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Devices are known from the prior art which Devices for compiling or editing Printed products can be connected upstream or downstream and only for folding printed products are suitable.

For example, in the EP-A-0 583 602 discloses a folder for the individual folding sheets or sheets packages can be fed serially are then in several folding units at the same time are foldable. The folding units point transversely movable folding rollers between which the ones to be folded Products can be moved using a folding knife.

There is also one in US-A-3,966,185 Folding device with two interacting folding rollers discloses between which the product to be folded by means a folding knife is movable.

Finally, in the DE-A-26 09 059 a device for folding Printed products with the features of the preamble of claim 1 described in which to fold Print products each within a compartment of a revolving driven cellular wheel are foldable.

These known devices are only expensive with devices for compiling or editing Printed products can be coupled, partly mechanically complicated structure and partly not suitable to process a continuous flow of products.

An object of the present invention is one Form the device of the type mentioned in such a way that they can be produced economically and in a simple manner Devices for compiling or editing Printed products can be coupled, and finally should also be suitable for a continuous Process product stream.

This object is achieved by a device with solved the features of claim 1.

Since according to the invention individual or all receiving elements each with at least one folding device is provided possible the time of triggering the folding processes individually according to the given requirements to choose. In the case of a continuously occurring to be folded Product or product stream become the folding processes then preferred for the individual receiving elements triggered when the respective receiving element a certain point of the processing line happens. In In this case, the folding operations are carried out on successive Recording elements triggered one after the other.

However, it is also conceivable that the folding operations at all or at least some recording elements at the same time trigger.

Furthermore, the receiving elements can also according to the invention provided with two or more folding devices each be, whereby the located in the receiving elements Products can be folded several times accordingly. In particular, it is possible to use the folding devices in this way train that successively perpendicular to each other running folds can be generated.

The individual folding devices can preferably continue be formed so that the fold generated in each case essentially rectangular printed matter each according to the required further processing of the folded printed products left, right, top or comes to lie down.

Finally, it is possible to use folding devices through the folding process for a continuous Further transport of the printed products in the Recording elements perpendicular to their direction of movement to care. In this way, you can take particular care that the printed products are worn, for example an essentially spiral end Go through the processing section continuously, as well during the folding process for a transport in the direction of the Longitudinal axis of the substantially spiral Processing line is taken care of.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the folding devices in the receiving elements Processing route can be provided, which between at least a product feed station and at least one Product removal station along the processing line are arranged, with the receiving elements cooperating collection, Binsteck-, collation, booklet and / or Gluing stations are provided.

The receiving elements of such a device along the processing line with a number of Individual products loaded, which in the individual Receiving elements one each from several individual products existing print product is put together. The It is compiled from along the Processing line arranged processing stations by means of which the individual products are brought together, collected and / or plugged in. You can also go along the processing line further, for example as adhesive, Stapling and / or card gluing stations trained Processing stations may be provided.

With the present invention, such Device are designed so that individual products or products consisting of several individual products folded while passing through the processing line can be.

By integrating the folding devices into the Processing line are the possible uses of a Device of the type mentioned significantly increased because without the use of a separate, outside of Processing line to be provided folding device next to the Compiling, stitching and / or gluing also folding the Printed products is possible, the in the Processing line integrated folding devices both unfolded as well as pre-folded, from one or printed products consisting of several individual products can fold. The printed products can be used if necessary already be stapled.

In this way, folded printed products can be made quickly and easily with little economic effort manufacture, since neither separate from the processing line decoupled folding devices must still be provided for a delivery of the printed matter from a separate folding device on the processing line or vice versa must be taken care of.

However, if necessary, it is also possible to use this device exclusively for folding printed products use. This requires an additional increase in Variability of possible uses of these preferred Embodiment of a device according to the invention.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are in the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäß ausgebildete Verarbeitungstrommel gemäß einer ersten Variante,

Fig. 2

ein erfindungsgemäß ausgebildetes Umlaufsystem,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäß ausgebildete Verarbeitungstrommel gemäß einer zweiten Variante,

Fig. 4

einen schnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäß ausgebildete Verarbeitungstrommel gemäß einer dritten Variante,

Fig. 5

einzelne, entlang einer Verarbeitungsstrecke aufeinanderfolgende, erfindungsgemäß mit Falzeinrichtungen versehene Aufnahmeelemente in Verschiedenen Betriebszuständen,

Fig. 6

das Ablaufschema eines mit einer Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 3 bewerkstelligbaren Falzvorgangs,

Fig. 7

das Ablaufschema eines Falzvorgangs, welcher mit einer Kombination der Vorrichtungen gemäß den Fig. 1 und 3 durchführbar ist,

Fig. 8

das Ablaufschema eines mit einer Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4 bewerkstelligbaren Falzvorgangs,

Fig. 9

das Ablaufschema eines mit einer Vorrichtung gemaß der Fig. 3 oder 4 bewerkstelligbaren Falzvorgangs,

Fig. 10

das Ablaufschema gemäß Fig. 9 einschließlich der Durchführung einer weiteren Falzung,

Fig. 11

das Ablaufschema eines erfindungsgemäß durchgeführten Falzvorgangs mit einem kombinierten Einsteckvorgang, und

Fig. 12

ein Antriebsschema für Falzwalzen einer erfindungsgemäßen Falzeinrichtung.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the possible embodiments shown in the drawings; it shows:

Fig. 1

a processing drum designed according to the invention according to a first variant,

Fig. 2

a circulation system designed according to the invention,

Fig. 3

3 shows a section through a processing drum designed according to the invention in accordance with a second variant,

Fig. 4

1 shows a section through a processing drum designed according to the invention in accordance with a third variant,

Fig. 5

individual receiving elements in succession along a processing line and provided with folding devices according to the invention in different operating states,

Fig. 6

3 shows the flow diagram of a folding process that can be carried out with a device according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 7

the flow diagram of a folding process, which can be carried out with a combination of the devices according to FIGS. 1 and 3,

Fig. 8

4 shows the flow diagram of a folding process that can be carried out with a device according to FIG. 4,

Fig. 9

3 shows the sequence of a folding process which can be carried out with a device according to FIG. 3 or 4,

Fig. 10

9 including the implementation of a further folding,

Fig. 11

the flow diagram of a folding process carried out according to the invention with a combined insertion process, and

Fig. 12

a drive diagram for folding rollers of a folding device according to the invention.

1 shows a substantially horizontal axis 1 rotationally driven cylindrical processing drum 2, which is mounted in a frame 4 via a shaft 3.

A drive motor 5 is connected to the frame 4, which is coupled to the shaft 3 via a drive belt 6.

The one rotating in the direction of the arrow Processing drum 2 is radial with its axis 1 provided extending wall elements 7, which in Circumferential direction of the processing drum 2 regularly are arranged distributed on this. Between every two adjacent wall elements 7 are each pocket-shaped Compartment 8 designed to accommodate Printed products 9 is used.

The processing drum 2 is not shown Product feed station coupled, by means of which individual, printed products each held by a gripper Processing drum 2 along a designated A. Route are fed.

In relation to the longitudinal axis 1 of the processing drum 2, the fold section designated B are the wall elements 7 each provided with a folding device.

Each of these folding devices consists of a pair of folding rollers 10, which extend radially with their longitudinal axis the rotary axis 1 of the processing drum 2 in the plane of Extend each wall element 7 away. The wall elements 7 are in the area provided for the folding rollers 10 interrupted by the same. By between two cooperating folding rollers 10 formed gap two adjacent pocket-shaped compartments 8 each in connection with each other.

Each compartment 8 is furthermore only one in FIG Folded sword shown schematically in some sections 8 11, which serves to fold a product 9 interacting with the area to be folded between two Folding rollers 10 to move. The folding swords 11 are each from a not shown in Fig. 1 Actuating mechanism applied, by means of which the Front edge of the folding sword in the direction of between two cooperating folding rollers formed gap movable is.

The folding rollers 10 are each of a likewise in Fig. 1st Actuated rotary actuator, not shown, which for an opposing rotary drive of two interacting Folding rollers around their respective longitudinal axes.

Each pair of folding rollers 10 points to that assigned folding sword 11 facing away from the side Guide element 12 for the folded products 13. The Guide element 12 extends from each Exit side of the formed between two folding rollers 10 Gaps up to one in the direction of axis 1 of the Processing drum 2 offset area of the folding rollers 10 on the outlet side of adjacent wall element 7.

At the folding section B of the processing drum 2 closes a not shown in Fig. 1 Product removal station, by means of which the folded Products 13 conveyed away from the processing drum 2 can be, each of which in Fig. 1st also not shown grippers are held. The The folded products 13 are transported away along a route marked with C.

The device shown in Figure 1 operates as follows:
While the processing drum 2 is set in rotation via the drive belt 6 and drive motor 5, the individual compartments 8 are fed printed products 9 to be folded. The product can be fed in via a clamp conveyor, a conveyor belt or another conveyor device that removes the products 9, for example from a stack.

By loading the processing drum 2 with folding printed products 9 is in each of the in Circumferential direction of the processing drum 2 successive compartments 8 a printed product 9 introduced. The product feed path A is like this arranged that the printed products to be folded 9 in Processing direction before the folding section B in the Compartments 8 are filed.

Those stored in compartments 8 in this way, too folding printed products 9 then describe one Orbit around the processing drum 2, being at the same time by means of not shown in Fig. 1 Funding in the direction of the axis of rotation 1 of the Processing drum 2 in the area of the folding section B be transported so that the to be folded Print products 9 ultimately one essentially spiral orbit along the processing line describe.

The printed products to be folded 9 are so far in the folding section B transported in that for the Folded edge provided area of the printed products in each case in the area of the formed between two folding rollers 10 Comes to lie.

Then the one assigned to the respective gap Falzschwert 11 operated in such a way that for the Folded edge area of the area to be folded Printed product 9 in between the respective Folding rollers 10 trained gap is moved.

The set in rotation folding rollers 10 clamp this folding printed product 9 between itself and promote this while folding on the each assigned folding sword 11 facing away from the side with the respective folding rollers 10 provided wall element 7.

On this side facing away from the folding sword 11 Folding rollers 10 is the folded printed product 13 through the guide element 12 is deflected and guided in the manner, that there is a movement in the direction of the axis of rotation 1 of the Processing drum 2 executes so that the folded Printed product 13 continues essentially on a continued, essentially spiral path around the Rotation axis 1 of the processing drum 2 moves.

By the folding devices shown in Fig. 1 Folding such that the fold edge within the Compartments 8 comes to lie at the front in the transport direction.

The folded product 13 is then again from a conveyor mechanism, not shown in Fig. 1 grabbed, which continues for a funding operation in Direction of the axis of rotation 1 of the processing drum 2, so that the product 13 even after the folding section B an essentially spiral path around the Axis of rotation 1 of the processing drum 2 describes.

Since the essentially from folding rollers 10, folding blade 11 and Guide element 12 existing folding device each within a two adjacent compartments 8 from each other delimiting wall element 7 is achieved, that the product or product 9, 13 during the folding through the section interrupted by the folding rollers 10 of the respective wall element 7 is moved, whereby the finally folded product 13 in a compartment 8 lie, that compartment 8 in the circumferential direction of Processing drum 2 is adjacent, in which the Product 9 before performing the folding process along the Product feed path A was introduced.

Due to the essentially spiral further promotion of folded printed product 13 finally arrives in the range of those not shown in FIG. 1 Product removal station, which is for conveying away the folded printed products 13 from the Processing drum 2 along the product removal line C. The product removal station can as well the product feed station as a clamp conveyor, as Conveyor belt or the like may be formed.

The means of transport, not shown in Fig. 1, which the products in the direction of axis 1 of the Promote processing drum 2 can also do this serve, a falling out of the products from the compartments 8 in to prevent the lower portion of the processing drum 2.

With the device shown in Fig. 1, both unfolded as well as pre-folded products processed be, the products of one or more Individual products can exist.

Fig. 2 shows one spaced apart by two Horizontal axes 14, of which only one in FIG. 2 is shown, revolving in the direction of arrows D. driven traction element 15, which e.g. in form of Endless belt is formed.

Are regularly distributed on the tension member 15 in the circumferential direction Wall elements 16 arranged, which are essentially extend perpendicular to the tension member 15. The Wall elements 16 a slight inclination against Direction of rotation D of the pulling element.

There are essentially one between the wall elements 16 Pocket-shaped compartments 17 having a U-shaped cross section educated.

The wall elements 16 are each by an arrangement of two perpendicular to the horizontal axis 14 Folding rollers 18 interrupted, the axes of rotation each run parallel to the wall elements, one one Pair of folding rollers essentially 18 common tangent in the plane of the by the respective folding rollers 18th interrupted wall elements 16 runs.

On the feed side of the folding rollers 18 there is one Folding sword 19 pivotable about a pivot axis 20 arranged, for the sake of clarity in Fig. 2nd only complete in one compartment and in two others Compartments is indicated schematically.

That with a pair of folding rollers 18 each cooperating folding sword 19 is in each case in Direction of transport in front of the pair of folding rollers 18 arranged wall element 16 attached, the Pivot axis 20 of the folding sword 19 parallel to the Axes of rotation of the folding rollers 18 extends. The folding swords 19 are about their pivot axis 20th pivotable that the respective folded edge 21 of the Folded swords 19 on the respective feed side of the respective pair of folding rollers 18 in the direction of between the folding rollers 18 formed gap is movable.

On the exit side of each pair of folding rollers 18 is one in the direction of the respective exit gap curved partition 22 is provided which each compartment 17 in a feed sector for a first pair of folding rollers 18 and a conveying sector for a in the conveying direction of the Tension member 15 adjacent second pair of folding rollers 18th divided.

The partitions 22 extend in an arc from Exit gap of the folding rollers 18 to approximately in the Center between two adjacent wall elements 16 Area where they are then parallel to the wall elements 16 run.

On one side of the upper run of the train member 15 is a in 2 product feed station, not shown, is provided, which the products to be folded 23 along the E marked product feed line in the respective Conveyor sector of a pocket-shaped compartment 17 moves. The Product feed section E runs essentially in a plane parallel to the upper run of the tension member 15.

On the other side of the upper run 15 is one in FIG. 2 also not shown product removal station provided by means of which the folded products 24 from the respective away sectors of the pocket-shaped compartments 17 are removed. The removal takes place along a product removal line F.

The device shown in FIG. 2 functions as follows:
The traction element 15 is driven in a rotating manner around the axis 14 and also about a further axis, which is not shown in FIG. The speed of the product feed station is synchronized with the rotational speed of the pulling element 15, so that a product 23 to be folded is placed in each of the successive compartments 17.

For example, the trained as a clamp conveyor The product feed station is relative to that in FIG. 2 shown device arranged so that the supplied Products 23 held by the feeder for so long and transported until the products 23 within the Compartments 17 come to rest so that the one to be folded Area of the products 23 immediately before the feed gap of the respective folding rollers 18 is located. That way you can a separate one, provided in the respective compartments 17 Transport device that the products 23 promotes along the compartments 17 to the position in which the Folding process can be triggered.

As soon as the product feed station has to be folded Product 23 has conveyed into the folding position, that becomes folding product released from the product feed station. The product 23 to be folded is in this position between those causing the folding process to be carried out Folding rollers 18 and the folding edge 21 of one of these folding rollers 18 associated folding sword 19.

The respective folding blade 19 is then around its axis 20 pivoted, causing the area of the to be folded folding product 23 by means of the folding edge 21 in the The nip of the folding rollers 18 is pressed, whereupon the rotating folding rollers 18 the product to be folded 23 in the reach the area to be folded.

The product to be folded 23 is then by the gap formed between the folding rollers 18 the leading fold edge is drawn, the folded Product 24 on the exit side of the folding rollers 18 through the curved area of the respective partition 22 in the the respective transport sector, which runs between one Wall element 16 and a partition 22 is formed.

By guiding the folded product 24 and the Rotation of the folding rollers 18 becomes the folded product 24 along the conveying sector from the folding rollers 18 promoted away. Also for conveying away the folded one Product 24 of the folding rollers 18 is therefore not separate, to be provided in the respective transport sector To provide transport equipment.

The folded ones are in the conveyed away position Products 24 from the one not shown in FIG. 2 Product removal station along the Product removal line F transported away.

In the device shown in Fig. 2, all Conveying processes either from the product feed unit, the Folding rollers 18 or the product removal station executed. Separate transportation facilities within each Compartments 17 or within the respective additions or Removal sectors are not required. However, it is also conceivable, the individual compartments 17 for other applications to be provided with such separate transport devices.

With the device shown in Fig. 2, both pre-folded as well as unfolded products processed become. Furthermore, the compartments 17 can each have two or more folding devices are provided so that the individual products with two or more, in particular to be able to provide differently oriented folds.

FIG. 3 shows a device according to FIG. 1 corresponding processing drum 25, which in The direction of the arrow is driven to rotate.

3 is a section through the processing drum 25 in two different, along the axis of rotation 26 of the drum 25 staggered levels shown.

The first section plane shown on the right in FIG. 3 is located in the area of a as a clamp conveyor trained product feed station 27, which to be folded Products 28 each by means of a bracket 29 and in Compartments 30 moves between saddle-shaped ones wall elements 31 extending radially from the drum 25 are trained.

Each compartment 30 is in its axis of rotation 26 Processing drum 25 facing area with a pivotable bracket member 32, by means of which the Products 28 located in compartments 30 along the individual compartments 30 transverse to the direction of rotation of the Processing drum 25 can be promoted. Likewise are the clamp elements 32 are suitable for the products 28 against falling out of the compartments 30 in the lower region of the Secure processing drum 25.

If the product feed station is designed so that the Products 28 already in a way in compartments 30 be filed that a transverse to the direction of rotation Processing drum 25 ongoing transport process superfluous, the bracket elements 32 only meet that holding function described.

The section plane shown in the left area of FIG. 3 runs along the longitudinal axis 26 of the processing drum 25 offset to the area of the product feed station 27. In this level are the partitions 31 with folding devices provided, which is analogous to the representations in FIGS. 1 and 2 essentially from a pair of folding rollers 33, one around an axis 34 pivotable folding sword 35 and one Guide element 36 for the folded product 37 exist.

In contrast to the device shown in Fig. 1 the folding rollers 33 run essentially in the plane of Wall elements 31 parallel to the axis of rotation 26 of the Processing drum 25. In this respect, one in FIG. 3 shown device a fold can be generated, which perpendicular to one with one shown in Fig. 1 Device generated fold runs.

One is essentially in the area of the folding devices tangentially and vertically on the processing drum 25 passing product removal station 38 provided the as well as the product feed station 27 as Clamp conveyor is formed.

The device shown in FIG. 3 functions as follows:
The products 28 to be folded are introduced into the successive compartments 30 via the product feed station, the transport speed of which is synchronized with the rotational speed of the processing drum 25.

In the compartments 30, the products 28 to be folded are gripped, held and the clamp elements 32 if necessary transversely to the direction of rotation of the Processing drum 25 promoted.

After the products to be folded 28 against the Folding devices are positioned so that the one to be folded Area opposite to the feed area of the folding rollers 33 the products to be folded are removed by the Clamp elements 32 released. Then one Pivotal movement of the folding sword 35 triggered which the folding area of products 28 in between the Folding rollers 33 presses formed gap. In the case of FIG. 3 shown device, the fold is always in one Distance from that of the axis of rotation 26 of the processing drum 25 facing end of the product 28 generated the distance between the end of the compartments facing the axis of rotation 26 30 and that formed between the folding rollers 33 in parallel corresponds to the gap extending axis of rotation 26.

Due to the rotation of the folding rollers 33, what is to be folded becomes Product formed by the between the folding rollers 33 Gap pulled and then through the guide member 36th so distracted that the folded product 37 with his Folding edge ahead approximately radially from the axis of rotation 26 of the Processing stream 25 is conveyed away. The Guide element 36 preferably does not run exactly radially to the axis of rotation 26 of the processing drum 25 instead slightly in the circumferential direction of the processing drum 25 inclined.

Due to the continued rotation of the Processing drum 25 receives the folded product 37 on the guide element 36 finally in one Oblique position that it is due to gravity on the Guide element 36 substantially radially from the axis of rotation 26 of the processing drum 25 slides away, this Finally, sliding of one bracket 39 each Product removal station 38 is braked because the radial gliding folded product 37 against an open one Bracket 39 strikes, each synchronous to the rotational movement the processing drum 25 is moved.

Then the one that strikes against the bracket 39 folded product 37 from the closing bracket 39 gripped on the folded side and from the Processing drum 25 conveyed away.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a left region of FIG. 3 folding sector one in Processing drum 40 rotating in the direction of the arrow.

The differences from the device shown in FIG. 3 are explained below:
By means of the product feed station 41, the products 42 to be folded between wall elements 43 are fed to the processing drum 40 rotating about the axis 45.

Each compartment 44 is provided with a pair of folding rollers 46 provided, which in Fig. 3 in the wall elements 43rd are arranged.

With a pair of folding rollers 46 acts in each case Folding sword 47 together, each around the pivot axis 48 pivotally mounted and with a lever element 49 connected is. The lever element 49 runs when the Processing drum 40 over a stationary backdrop 50, which deflects the lever member 49 in such a way that with folding sword 47 connected to it in the direction of between two Folding rollers 46 trained gap is moved.

This with simultaneous folding between two folding rollers 46 product 42 drawn through is on the outlet side of the Folding rollers 46 from a guide member 51 in the manner distracted that it was radially in front with its folded edge Direction of the axis of rotation 45 of the processing drum 40 moves becomes. After the folded product 52 from the folding rollers 46 was released, it slides due to its Gravity continues radially in the direction of the axis of rotation 45 of the processing drum 40 until it is finally on the End region of the compartment 44 facing the axis of rotation 45 strikes. In this area, the folded product 52 gripped by a pivotable bracket member 53, wherein the folded product 52 from the clamp member 53 on the the folded side is held. The bracket element 53 can serve to fold the folded product 52 against one Sliding out of the compartment 44, especially in the lower one Secure area of processing drum 40. Likewise can the clip element 53 with the appropriate training for Conveying the folded products 52 transversely to the direction of rotation the processing drum 40 worry.

It can make sense for the execution of complex folding processes be, the folding devices according to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 axially offset from each other on a single processing drum to provide. In this case, both horizontal and vertically running folds are generated, the folded product when it is removed from the Processing drum can be oriented so that the last fold created on top, bottom, left or right comes to lie.

Fig. 5 shows individual, along a processing line successive, moved in the direction of arrow G and provided according to the invention with folding devices Receiving elements, which correspond to their respective Position in the processing line in different Operating states.

Positions a to g show seven successive, trained according to FIG. 1 Wall elements 54, which are perpendicular to the conveying direction G extend. The representation of FIG. 5 thus corresponds to essentially the developed coat one Processing drum according to FIG. 1.

In each of the wall members 54 is a pair of folding rollers 55 integrated, whose diameter is approximately the thickness of the Wall elements 54 corresponds.

A slide 56 is provided on each wall element 54, which, for example, corresponds to the EP-A-550 828 can be formed and for this purpose is suitable, a product to be folded 57 in the direction of To promote arrow H in the area of the folding rollers 55. Of the Slider 56 is both in the direction of arrow H as can also be moved in the opposite direction.

On the same side of the wall element 54 on which the slide 56 is attached, is located in the direction of Double arrow J adjustable stop 58, this one Stop 50 on the side facing away from the slide 56 Folding rollers 55 is arranged.

In each, between two adjacent wall elements 54 trained compartment 59 is a along the arrows K. movable folding sword 60 arranged in his front area has a folded edge 61.

Is offset in the conveying direction H to the folding rollers 55 in each wall element 54 integrates a guide roller 62, the The axis of rotation runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the folding rollers 55.

Another deflection roller 63 is in the direction of arrow G spaced from the deflection roller 62, the distance of the two pulleys 62 and 63 substantially the width corresponds to a compartment 59.

About the pulleys 62, 63 and the pulley 62 facing folding roller 55 runs a conveyor belt 64, which in the between the folding roller 55 and the guide roller 63 area on an additional guide roller 65 is supported.

The conveyor belt 64 is either over one of the pulleys 62, 63 or driven by the folding roller 55. Prefers it is driven by the folding roller 55.

Substantially parallel to that between the folding roller 55 and the deflection roller 63 extending region of the Conveyor belt 64 extends a support rail 66 running obliquely from a wall element 54 to one of these adjacent wall element 54. In the area of the folding rollers 55 the support rail 66 is angled to an exact Guide of a folded product 68 on the exit side to ensure the folding rollers 55.

The device shown in FIG. 5 functions as follows:
A product 57 (position a) to be folded with its rear end against the slide 56 is conveyed in the direction of arrow H into the area of the folding rollers 55 until its front end strikes the stop 58 (position b). By adjusting the stop 58 in the direction of the double arrow J, the distance between the front edge of the product 57 to be folded and the folding edge to be produced can be set. In this way, the device according to FIG. 5 can be adjusted to different product formats, in particular eccentric folds can also be produced, as are required, for example, for pre-folding products.

After the product 57 to be folded with its leading edge has hit the stop 58, the folding sword 60 in Direction of the formed between the folding rollers 55 Gap moved (position c). This will make the one to be folded Area of the product to be folded 57 by means of the folded edge 61 of the folding blade 60 in the between the folding rollers 55 trained gap pressed.

By rotating the folding rollers 55 in the direction of the arrows L. (Position a) the product to be folded 57 with its fold 67 ahead by the one formed between the folding rollers 55 Slit pulled (position d). This will be in the folding process located product 57 on the outlet side of the between the folding rollers 55 formed gap through the Support rail 66 out.

As soon as the product 57 to be folded from the folding rollers 55 was gripped, the slide 56 can be in its Starting position will be moved back (position e). Consequently describes the slide 56 when the wall elements 54 move in the direction of arrow G a movement corresponding to that in 5 drawn arrow M.

The folded product released by the folding rollers 55 68 is between the support rail 66 and the rotating Conveyor belt 64 clamped and thus in the direction of the Folding rollers 55 adjacent on their exit side Wall element 54 promoted (positions f and g).

Through the described folding process, one that is to be folded arrives Product 57 from one compartment 59 to an adjacent one Compartment 59, this folding process from one Folding device is effected, which in one of the two adjacent compartments 59 wall element delimiting each other is integrated.

With a device shown in Fig. 5 can also as with devices according to FIGS. 1 to 4 continuously resulting products to be folded are processed.

Fig. 6 shows the flow diagram of one with a device 3 achievable folding process.

The one rotating in the direction of the arrow about the axis of rotation 26 Processing drum 25 are the products to be folded 69 fed in the direction of the arrow, whereupon they within the Compartments perpendicular to the feed direction in the area of Folders are encouraged.

If there is a product 69 'in the area of the folding devices is located during the rotation of the processing drum 25 the folding process, so that finally a folded product 70 is formed, the folded edge of which is parallel runs to the axis of rotation 26 of the processing drum 25.

The folded product 70 is in a parallel to the Feed direction offset from the direction Processing drum 25 conveyed away.

Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of a folding process, which with a combination of the devices according to FIGS. 1 and 3 is feasible.

With such a combination, each compartment is the Processing drum 71, each with two folding devices provided that are suitable for perpendicular to each other to produce running folds.

The one rotating in the direction of the arrow about axis 72 Processing drum 71 becomes the products 73 to be folded fed in the direction of the arrow.

During one perpendicular to the feed direction and parallel to the Rotation axis 72 passes through the directional transport movement the product 73 to be folded is a folding device according to FIG. 1, whereby a perpendicular to the axis of rotation 72 Fold 74 is generated.

The product 75 thus folded once passes through then another when the processing drum 71 rotates Folding device, which is designed according to FIG. 3. This creates a further fold 76, which runs perpendicular to the fold 74.

The double-folded product 77 is used in a Feed direction offset from the parallel direction Processing drum 71 conveyed away.

8 shows the flow diagram of a device 4 achievable folding process.

The product 42 to be folded becomes the one about the axis 45 rotating processing drum 40 already in the area of Folders fed.

The two folding rollers 46 each Folders create a fold 78 which is parallel runs to the axis of rotation 45 of the processing drum 40.

The fold-in products 79 thus produced come with the axis of rotation 45 facing fold 78 to lie in the compartments 44 and are perpendicular to the feed direction and parallel to the Axis of rotation 45 within the compartments 44 from the area of Folders conveyed away in the direction of the arrow.

The area of the compartments 44 in which the fold-in products 79 come to rest after the folding process is radially less far from the axis of rotation 45 of the processing drum 40 removed as the folding devices. In this area of Processing drum 40 can additionally perform a collection process by means of a collecting station, not shown in FIG. 8 occur.

Finally, the folded products 79 from one in Direction of the axis of rotation 45 offset to the folding devices arranged area of the processing drum 40 removed and against the feed direction from the processing drum 40 promoted away.

9 shows a flow diagram of a device 3 or 4 achievable folding process.

The products 80 to be folded become those about the axis 81 rotating processing drum 82 in the direction of the arrow fed, the feed already in the with Folders provided sector of the processing drum 82 is made.

After continued rotation of the processing drum 82 the folding process with one of the devices according to the Fig. 3 or 4 has been made, the folded product 83 conveyed away from the processing drum 82, with feed and Transport direction in Fig. 9 substantially the same and not staggered.

If a folding device in the flow chart of FIG. 9 3 is used, a removal process takes place with leading fold.

However, if in the flow chart of FIG. 9 Folding device according to FIG. 4 is used Removal process with trailing fold.

FIG. 10 shows the flow diagram according to FIG. 9 inclusive performing another fold.

Instead of the one shown in dashed lines in FIG. 10 The folded products are conveyed away according to FIG. 9 once folded product 83 in a compartment parallel to Axis of rotation 84 of the processing drum 85 is conveyed, wherein creates another fold during this conveying process which is perpendicular to the previously created fold runs. This further fold is, for example, with a 1 can be generated. So this is how - As with a device according to FIG. 7 - a Product 86 with two mutually perpendicular Foldable.

11 shows the flow diagram of an inventive method performed folding process with a combined Insertion process.

The product 87 to be folded, which is by means of staples 87 'is already tacked into a compartment of one Processing drum or a circulation system introduced, until with its lower edge at the lower area 88 of the Compartment strikes.

The product 87 is then folded, in the longitudinal direction of the Compartment transported and opened, the flower of the folded product 89 on the processing drum or the side facing away from the circulation system.

A printed product 90 is then folded into the Product 89 inserted in the direction of the arrow.

After further funding along the compartment, the folded product 89 with inserted product 90 from conveyed away from the device in the direction of the arrow.

11 shows that according to the invention both folding and inserting with a single one Device is feasible. One can also device according to the invention also with a stitching and / or Couple the gluing station.

11 is also not on stapled out of one or more individual products existing products applicable.

Finally, according to pre-stitched products Fig. 11 alternatively or in addition to insertion perform other machining operations.

12 shows a drive diagram for a folding roller Folding device according to the invention, which in particular 8 is formed. This drive scheme can be modified accordingly also in parallel to Folding roller oriented axis of rotation of the processing drum apply.

Two cooperating folding rollers 91 are in one Wall element 92 held a processing drum, wherein the axes of rotation 93 of the folding rollers 91 parallel to the axis of rotation the processing drum.

The folding rollers 91 are each fixed with a concentric coupled to their axes of rotation 93 arranged gear 94, the two gears 94 meshing with one another.

The gear 94 of one of the two folding rollers 91 is with one axially offset gear 95 coupled, which in turn meshes with a gear 96 which is concentric with the The axis of rotation of the processing drum is arranged. This Gear 96 is stationary and consequently rotates not together with the processing drum.

When the processing drum rotates, the gear wheel rolls 95 on the stationary gear 96 and thus causes a Rotation of the gear 94 coupled to the gear 95. Da the two gears 94 mesh with each other, is on this Way an opposite rotation of the two folding rollers 91st causes.

With the principle shown in Fig. 12 can easily Way, a plurality of pairs of folding rollers 91, the each in a wall element 92 of a processing drum are integrated, driven.

Claims (15)

1. Apparatus for producing printed products comprising one or more individual sub-products, e.g. newspapers, periodicals and the like, having a plurality of successive, circulating receiving elements (8, 17, 30, 44, 59) which move between at least one sub-product-feeding station and at least one product-removal station and are intended for receiving sub-products (9, 23, 28, 42, 57, 69, 73, 80, 87), characterized in that individual receiving elements or all the receiving elements (8, 17, 30, 44, 59) are each provided with at least one folding device, each folding device exhibiting a pair of folding rollers (10, 18, 33, 46, 55, 91) and a folding tongue (11, 19, 35, 47, 60) which moves, between the folding rollers (10, 18, 33, 46, 55, 91), the sub-product which is to be folded.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the receiving elements are designed as pocket-like compartments (8, 17, 30, 44, 59), respectively adjacent compartments (8, 17, 30, 44, 59) being delimited from one another by a wall element (7, 16, 31, 43, 54, 92).
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that the wall elements (7, 31, 43, 54, 92) extend away essentially radially from the approximately horizontally extending axis of rotation (1, 26, 45, 72, 81, 84) of a rotationally driven processing drum (2, 25, 40, 71, 82, 85) and are arranged on the processing drum (2, 25, 40, 71, 82, 85) such that they are distributed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the same.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that the wall elements (16) run essentially perpendicularly with respect to a drawing member (15) driven in circulation about two spaced-apart horizontal axes (14) and are arranged on the drawing member (15) such that they are distributed at regular intervals in the direction of circulation of the same.
5. Apparatus according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each wall element (7, 16, 31, 43, 54, 92) exhibits at least one folding device by means of which the sub-products can be conveyed, with simultaneous folding, from one compartment (8, 17, 30, 44, 59) into an adjacent compartment (8, 17, 30, 44, 59).
6. Apparatus according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, with respect to the folding devices, each compartment (17) exhibits in each case one conveying-in sector and one conveying-away sector, conveying-in and conveying-away sectors being delimited from one another, in particular, by a partition wall (22) extending essentially parallel to the wall elements (16).
7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal axes of at least one pair of folding rollers (18, 55) of each receiving element (17, 59) run essentially vertically in the upper region of the processing section and/or in that the longitudinal axes of at least one pair of folding rollers (10, 33, 46) of each receiving element (8, 30, 44) run essentially horizontally in the upper region of the processing section, each receiving element being provided, in the upper region of the processing section, in particular with a folding-roller pair with approximately vertical longitudinal axes and with a folding-roller pair which is arranged offset with respect to the first folding-roller pair and has approximately horizontal longitudinal axes.
8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each folding roller (91) of each folding-roller pair is coupled to in each case one gear wheel (94), the two gear wheels (94) assigned to a folding-roller pair meshing with one another, and one of these two gear wheels (94) being in engagement, at least indirectly, with a stationary gear wheel (96) arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the processing drum.
9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding tongues (47) are mounted pivotably in each case and are connected to a lever element (49) which can be actuated via a stationary guide (50).
10. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case one conveying device which exhibits, in particular, conveying belts (64) and is intended for conveying away the folded products (68) is provided on that side of the pair of folding rollers (55) which is directed away from the folding tongue (60).
11. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving elements (59), in particular the wall elements (54), each exhibit an in particular, adjustable stop (58) for positioning the sub-products (57) which are to be folded.
12. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving elements (30, 44, 59) are each provided with conveying means (32, 53, 56) which transport the sub-products in the receiving elements (30, 44, 59) perpendicularly with respect to the movement direction of the receiving elements (30, 44, 59).
13. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that provision is made for a conveying-in station which conveys the sub-products, in particular by means of grippers (29), into the region of the folding devices; and/or in that provision is made for a conveying-away station which conveys away the products, in particular by means of grippers (39), out of the region of the folding devices.
14. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving elements are arranged between at least one sub-product-feeding station and at least one product-removal station along a processing section, provision being made for insertion and/or collating stations which interact with the receiving elements.
15. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving elements are arranged between at least one sub-product-feeding station and at least one product-removal station along a processing section, provision being made for collecting, stapling and/or adhesive-bonding stations which interact with the receiving positions.

Images