EP0755356B1 - Device and process for combining and processing several paper webs - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP95/01402 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 15, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 15, 1996 PCT Filed Apr. 13, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/28345 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 26, 1995A device for combining and processing at least two paper or foil webs includes at least two pay-out units (1a, 1b, 1c), in each of which a paper web (3a, 3b, 3c) provided with markings applied at regular intervals is pulled off by withdrawal rolls (7a, 8a, 7b, 8b, 7c, 8c) from a roll (2a, 2b, 2c) and, possibly guided over deflection rollers (13a, 13b, 13c), is combined with the at least second paper web (3a, 3b, 3c) and fed to a processing line (11). In processing line (11) preferably the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c), possibly independent of one another, pass through processing units and are supplied to a unit (15) for further processing. Means are provided for congruent longitudinal register control of the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c), said means comprising means for producing a paper tension that is essentially the same for each of the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c), over the width of the respective paper web, web feelers (18, 17a, 17b, 17c) for registering the time sequence of the markings on each paper web (3a, 3b, 3c), and a control unit (19) for controlling a drive or brake device. Withdrawal rolls, especially in the form of rubber rolls (14a, 14b), are provided as means for developing paper tension, said rolls being located downstream of processing line (11) and preferably directly upstream of unit (15) for further processing.

Description

The invention relates to a device for merging and finishing several paper webs according to the preamble of Claim 1, and a method for merging and refining several paper webs.

GB-A-637 131 discloses a similar device, but the Paper web is not provided with markings. A paper web with such markings, however, is already known, e.g. from the US-A-3,097,844.

Refining a paper web is in the broadest sense understood any form of processing, be it printing, Coating, numbering, punching, punching, or even applying or covering (gluing) with plastic cards, such as Credit cards, with sample packs, with labels, or the Creation of address windows and their coverage by transparent foils.

If a single, endless paper web is finished, it is due to a synchronization of the processes the error-free Further processing of the same, such as folding or cross cutting, only from the correct observance of the web speed dependent. This happens, for example, in that the Paper webs register holes are provided in the Barbed tapes that run along the processing or finishing line are arranged, intervene and thus one Ensure synchronous feed of the paper web. That kind of Longitudinal registration, however, shows the disadvantage that on the one hand this perforation edge in the further processing unit generally needs to be removed, and on the other hand this double-sided perforation edge means loss of an high quality material.

This disadvantage is eliminated in a known device, by marking the paper web, which are registered via a track switch. This button is arranged in front of the processing unit. In order to becomes - via a corresponding control - a custom-fit Further processing, such as printing, embossing, punching or cutting already processed, for example pre-printed, Enables railways. About the control the drive of the unwinding rollers on the unwinding unit is regulated, whereby the format length can be influenced. Alternatively can also use the register if necessary via a drive the feed rollers arranged in front of the further processing unit influencing synchronous motor can be corrected.

A completely different situation arises if not only one web should be refined and processed - a requirement that arises, for example, from newspaper printing several lanes are to be processed, possibly in different ways - think for example on glued sample packages or removable ones Reply cards. So far there have been no satisfactory ones Given solutions. Certainly it is possible for everyone To run paper webs over barbed tapes, however, would be Independent processing of individual webs is not possible. The other device shown above is for one Paper web can be used, but not for multiple webs together, i.e. one above the other, are guided, and if necessary can be processed independently and, if necessary, lanes of different quality or with different finishing (e.g. occupancy).

The invention has therefore set itself the task To provide an apparatus and a method with the Help merged several paper webs and - if necessary independently of each other - be refined, and the lengthwise register together in a further processing unit can be supplied. One way to solve it this task is accomplished by the combination given the features of claim 1 and claim 7.

Advantageous trainings are in the dependent claims described.

"Paper webs" in the sense of the invention are all those To understand materials that are in web form, the may be subjected to a finishing process, which are in any case brought together with other railways, and then one with these other railways Be subjected to further processing. So for example Foil webs, rather thin cardboard webs and paper webs of different thickness and quality.

This is "merging" the individual paper webs arranging the already unrolled paper webs one below the other - if necessary at a distance from each other - to understand before these pass through the processing line, where appropriate processed independently or not at all become, i.e. also cover other routes if necessary. So it is possible according to the invention that one of the webs without Machining runs through the processing line while a another web is guided over deflecting rollers and finishing processes is subjected. In the same way, however also all webs in one processing unit at the same time edited, for example crimped or numbered will.

The means for congruent longitudinal register control of the at least two paper webs comprise means for building one for the at least two paper webs each essentially same paper tension across the width of the respective web down, which only causes the registration of the on the paper webs applied markings on the track buttons in their chronological order of relevance and, this registration for regulating the longitudinal registration of the at least two paper webs can be used. Only because the merged paper webs under a certain paper tension there may be differences in the longitudinal register, for example due to the finishing in the processing line can occur, and that about the registry the markings are determined by the track buttons, be balanced again. This is done via a Control unit each have a drive or braking device controlled, in particular the respective take-off rollers is assigned, since this as the driven rollers the web speed pretend.

In order to cross the processing line even when passing through of the individual processing units, precise processing of the individual tracks and their correct, common Further processing in the further processing unit ensure the means to build up the paper tension at least between the processing line and the further processing unit to be arranged, and since the tracks in the Processing unit generally no longer under Tension, if possible immediately in front of the processing unit.

Are the means to build up the paper tension as a pair of pull rollers provided in the form of rubber rollers, because of the relatively compliant surface of the same on the merged Paper webs acting pressure more evenly the width of the paper web is distributable than, for example, at known pull rollers would be the case, one especially for refined Railways essential requirement. Are such rubber rollers on their scope with a certain profile, so finishing products applied to the paper web (s) the passage of the paper webs through the rubber rollers in the appropriate recesses in the profile are made, the pressure on the merged paper webs remains equal. Depending on the paper quality used, the number of paper webs and, if applicable, the type of processing carried out in the processing line Individual paper webs can be used instead of a single pair of draw rollers the several of which are provided to provide sufficient Non-positive connection between the individual paper webs to ensure and / or any existing air bubbles squeeze between the paper webs.

Is a path button that marks the top path registered, in the area of the pull rollers, in the case of several Pull roller pairs especially in the area of the paper transport direction last pair of pull rollers, provided so given the guarantee that subsequent processing with exact length registration, especially when the processing unit if possible connects directly to the pull rollers. The registration of the markings on those under the top track Paper webs are done using web buttons in front of the Processing line are provided - this will be simultaneous also the longitudinal registration required for individual processing correct - especially immediately before the merge with the top paper web. Also for them the uppermost path can be one arranged in front of the processing line Path sensors are provided, which in particular at different processing units in the processing line information on the correct longitudinal registration the top lane is given in addition to the top the web buttons arranged in the area of the pull rollers Register information values, which then in particular only for the correct registration of the units of the processing unit and the aggregates of the processing unit be used.

Fig.1

eine Abrolleinheit;

Fig.2

eine Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Zusammenführen und Veredeln von drei Papierbahnen mit drei Abrolleinheiten und

Fig.3

eine Ansicht der Vorrichtung von oben entsprechend der Fig.2.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

an unwinding unit;

Fig. 2

a side view of the inventive device for merging and finishing three paper webs with three unwinding units and

Fig. 3

a view of the device from above according to Fig.2.

In Figure 1, a roll-off unit 1 is shown, in which one Roll 2 a paper web 3 is unrolled. This is the axis 4 of the roller 2, mounted on an inclined roller guide 5, the paper web 3 is in contact with the circumference of the roll 2 - generally driven and acting as a brake - Roll 6 rolled, two take-off rolls 7 and 8 with Differential gears pull the paper web 3 with a certain, selectable or adjustable speed. In order to the paper web speed is fixed. About one Read head 26, the register of the web is determined and one Control unit 19 supplied as a reference value. After that the paper web 3 passes through a web edge control 9 which the further processing of the paper web 3 with an exact lateral Registration allowed.

As can be seen from Fig. 2 and 3, there are several such Unrolling units 1a, 1b and 1c, which are arranged side by side are paper or film webs 3a, 3b and 3c unrolled. The individual tracks pass through turning crosses 10a, 10b and 10c, where they are guided over deflecting rollers 13a, 13b and 13c and each subsequent web under the previous lane (s) comes to rest. After that, they will fed to a processing line 11.

The three rolls are then rolled off in the processing section 11 Lanes 3a, 3b and 3c either together or from one another processed independently, depending on the desired processing steps. For example, Numbering units, print media (such as inkjet or laser printers), multiflex units, filing hole stations or rotary feeder for the application provided by parcels. For each of these gearboxes 12 are provided for freely positionable intermediate modules, which are each provided with a 360 ° register.

The paper webs need in the processing section 11 not, as is known from the prior art, via barbed tapes to be led, but are excited here, and if necessary - depending on the intermediate module to be provided - guided over deflection rollers. Nothing nonetheless can but - especially since there is an independent one in the processing unit Processing of the individual paper webs is possible, optionally one for at least one of the paper webs Barbed tape guide can be provided.

For example, a web that moistens in the processing line will be stretched. To this effect to compensate, the web is over intermediate rolls or around additional cylinders guided to the necessary tension hold.

After passing through the processing line 11, the webs 3a, 3b and 3c between two driven rubber cylinders 14a and 14b and a further processing unit 15 fed. In the known processing and processing units are train groups that are generally called mechanical press rollers are formed, then on the roll-off unit is provided. After the processing line and before the further processing unit no further Train groups provided. Before the processing unit arranged and optionally adjustable guide rollers are used - As introduced in the introduction - in the known arrangements to correct the path register, but not to build it up a certain web tension.

On the other hand, it is possible to use the rubber cylinders 14a and 14b in front of the further processing unit 15 over the paper web width build up the same paper tension and to control them. Rubber covers with different profiles can be pulled over rollers and are adaptable to different machining processes. So can, for example, recesses on these rubber cylinders be provided in the by means of in the processing line provided card dispenser glued onto one of the tracks Plastic cards or using a rotary feeder applied sample packs fit. This puts the pressure on all merged lanes at this point across the lane width stay even there. This rubber cylinder 14a and 14b are driven, substantially synchronously with print image processing. So the paper webs are pulled and kept stretched over the processing line 11. The basic setting is based on the control of the superimposed paper webs by the operating personnel be made, the ongoing corrections then happen during the editing process via the Control devices described below.

Further pairs of pull rollers can also be provided are also preferably formed as a rubber cylinder. Such an arrangement is advantageous if it is multi-layer products, since merging several Paper webs like air cushions between each - especially the innermost - lanes remain, the unwanted Modulations in the individual registers result could. For this, at least two pairs of pull rollers should be used in succession be arranged, variations due to air cushions can be compensated. But it could also between certain processing units or units in the processing section of pairs of draw rollers be provided, which is particularly the case with long processing lines may prove beneficial to the tension to keep safe over the processing line.

In general, rollers with a standard scope are called pull rollers of 24 "(60.96 cm). Both cylinder rollers 14a, 14b of the pair of pull rollers are driven, synchronously, so that the same peripheral speed is given. The Axes of the two cylinders 14a, 14b are exactly on top of each other aligned and are perpendicular to the paper transport direction. This moves the pair of pull rollers onto the one in between Same pressure applied to paper webs, the paper webs are without the smallest wrap angle transported in a straight line.

It is obvious that - for example depending on the material or the flexibility of the cover of the pull rollers - The peripheral speed of these pull rollers to the adapted the respective thickness of the paper web (s) guided between them must become.

Due to the availability of the registration of the markers Information can also determine the speed of circulation Pull roller (s) are modified. This is done via the Control unit 19, a servo controller 22d for operating a servo motor 20d on the gear 21d, preferably as a rubber cylinder 14a and 14b trained traction rollers. In order to it is ensured that the paper webs in the subsequent Processing unit 15 register accurate can be edited. But also the right positioning the aggregates of the processing unit 11 is such adjustable. In a corresponding manner (not shown) can the transmission of the intermediate modules 12 via the Control unit 19 can be controlled.

A main drive 23 is for driving the take-off rollers 7 and 8, the drive of the intermediate modules 12, the rubber cylinders 14a and 14b and the individual stations of the further processing unit 15 provided.

The processing unit 15 can, for example, be a Cutting, perforation or stapling unit. The distance between blanket cylinders 14a and 14b and the processing unit 15 should generally be as low as possible, there - seen in the direction of web travel - behind the rubber cylinders 14a and 14b no more paper tension is maintained. The finished products are then placed on a delivery table 16 applied or, if necessary, an additional Further processing, such as a bookbinding machine or a folder.

Behind the turning crosses 10b or 10c - in the direction of web travel seen - is for the second and third paper web respectively a path button 17b or 17c is provided, another path button 18 is immediately in front of the rubber cylinders 14a and 14b arranged. This arrangement of the path sensor 18 immediately in front of the cylinders 14a, 14b - or in front of the last of the pairs of draw rollers - will generally be beneficial since the Paper webs in the subsequent processing unit if necessary due to the processing carried out therein no longer under tension, possibly something to Flutter and read the registration marks becomes insecure. The paper webs 3a, 3b and 3c have markings, which are applied at certain and equal intervals are. Depending on the type of track switch, the type of Marking, such as line markings, that can be detected by photo sensors.

Now becomes the first mark on the first and top Paper web 3a registered by the web button 18, so A signal is available via this track switch 18, which the Control unit 19 is supplied.

The operator determines that the longitudinal registration is correct, a reference value is available which reflects the desired web speed and which relates to the longitudinal register regulation of the top orbit the processing unit 15 - or in relation to the individual modules of the processing unit 11 - allowed (the chronological sequence of the signals available via the path sensor 18 is therefore decisive).

Because the tension of the paper web 3a over the two blanket cylinders 14a and 14b is generated, they must always be running at a somewhat greater peripheral speed than that would actually require the desired web speed. In order to ensure the required longitudinal registration, are continuously available via the web button 18 Signals in the control unit 19 compared with the reference value.

If the actual value differs, the control unit 19 controls - if necessary contactless - a servo controller 22a for operation a servo motor 20a on the differential gear 21a of the take-off rollers 7a and 8a on the unwinding unit 1a. So that is it is possible to hold back the paper web 3a somewhat, so to speak to break.

It is thus the two rubber cylinders 14a and 14b Paper tension alternately built up and also controlled.

The other paper webs 3b and 3c must also be registered exactly lengthways be together with the first train 3a, since these three lanes may be independent of theirs different processing together in the processing unit 15 are processed.

Now passes the second paper web 3b after passing through the Turning cross 10b the path button 17b, this becomes the markings register and send signals to the control unit 19 send. An exact length registration of the paper web 3b, namely on the upper paper web 3a, if at the location of the path sensor 18 the markings of the two paper webs are congruent. Now, on the one hand, the distance covered by the second paper web 3b Track switch 17b and track switch 18 are known and on the other hand is due to that of the two rubber cylinders 14a and 14b pressure exerted on the two paper webs 3a and 3b given a certain traction on both tracks. So can from the chronological sequence of those obtained via the track switch 17b Signals are determined whether the paper web 3b is correct is registered.

According to the regulation described for the paper web 3a the paper web 3b is also made. A servo controller 22b is operated via the control unit 19 a servo motor 20b on the differential gear 21b Discharge rollers 7b and 8b are controlled on the unwinding unit 1b.

For the third paper web 3c, too exact longitudinal registration regulated. This is the track switch 17c provided, indirectly via the signal of a servo controller 22c for operating a servo motor 20c on the differential gear 21c of the take-off rollers 7c and 8c on the unwinding unit 1c is controlled.

After passing through the rubber cylinders 14a and 14b, the merged Paper webs 3a, 3b and 3c processed further; the paper webs are generally no longer here kept excited. Therefore, to ensure the congruence of the orbits to get the processing unit as immediately as possible connect to the rubber cylinders 14a and 14b.

A web button 17a, that of the uppermost paper web, can optionally be used is assigned to be provided, via which if necessary - as already described above - an additional or alternative register control or control for the top one Paper web 3a is possible

Within the processing line 11 could in known Additional means for monitoring the individual registers be provided.

Following the turning crosses 10a, 10b and 10c can guide rollers 27 (indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 2 and 3) provided be, which may also be driven and essentially the paper guide but not the paper clamping to serve. In the latter case, it should be for each of the lanes a train group, possibly in traditional training, provided for correct registration.

Claims (9)

1. Device for combining and processing at least two paper or foil webs with at least two pay-out units (1a, 1b, 1c), in each of which a paper web (3a, 3b, 3c) provided with markings applied at regular intervals is pulled off by withdrawal rolls (7a, 8a, 7b 8b, 7c, 8c) from a roll (2a, 2b, 2c) and, possibly guided over deflection rollers (13a, 13b, 13c), is combined with the at least second paper web (3a, 3b, 3c) and fed to a processing line (11) in which preferably the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c), possibly independently of one another, pass through processing units and are supplied to a unit (15) for further processing, whereby means are provided for congruent longitudinal register control of the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c), characterized in that the means for congruent longitudinal register control comprise the following parts:

   means (14a, 14b) for producing a pressure that is the same over the width for each individual of the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c) and of developing a paper tension that is the same - essentially constant - for each individual of the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c) over its width;

   web feelers (18, 17a, 17b, 17c) for registering the time sequence of the markings on each paper web (3a, 3b, 3c) which registration for each paper web being fed in the form of signals to a control unit (19) which control unit (19) controls a drive or brake device, especially those associated with the respective withdrawal rolls (7a, 8a, 7b, 8b, 7c, 8c), which drive or brake device is associated with one of the paper webs.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one withdrawal roll pair, especially in the form of rubber rolls (14a, 14b) is provided as means for developing the paper tension, said rolls being located downstream from processing line (11) and preferably directly upstream of unit (15) for further processing.
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that rubber rolls (14a, 14b) are provided on their circumference with a profile for receiving corresponding processing products.
4. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the axes of rubber rolls (14a, 14b) are aligned on one another and in a plane perpendicular to the direction of web travel of paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c).
5. Device according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a web feeler (18) is provided in the vicinity of the withdrawal rolls, especially immediately upstream of the latter, looking in the direction of web travel, while a second web feeler (17b, 17c) for every paper web (3b, 3c) that is not uppermost is provided upstream of processing line (11) and in particular is located immediately upstream of the combination with the at least second paper web.
6. Device according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the circumferential speed of the withdrawal rolls can be regulated by control unit (19).
7. Device according to one of the foregoing Claims, characterized in that the unit (15) for further processing directly abuts the withdrawal rolls.
8. Method for combining and processing at least two paper webs, with each of paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c), each provided with markings applied at regular intervals, being pulled off in a pay-out unit (1a, 1b, 1c) by means of withdrawal rolls (7a, 8a, 7b, 8b, 7c, 8c) from a roll (2a, 2b, 2c) and possibly guided over deflection rollers (13a, 13b, 13c), whereupon the at least two paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c) are combined and fed to a processing line (11) in which they pass through processing units, possibly independent of one another, and are fed to a unit for further processing (15), characterized in that an essentially constant paper tension is built up across the web width of each of the at least two webs (3a, 3b, 3c), and that the time sequence of the marks on each paper web (3a, 3b, 3c) is registered, said registration being fed in the form of signals to a control unit (19), compared with a preset reference value, and serving to control a drive or braking device, especially one associated with the respective withdrawal rolls (7a, 8a, 7b, 8b, 7c, 8c).
9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that paper webs (3a, 3b, 3c) are each kept under tension at least up to the end of processing line (11).

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