EP1022155B1 - Method and device for producing pockets, in particular file protectors - Google Patents

Abstract

Material band (4), forming envelope (1), has width (Lb) more than four times larger than envelope width (Lp). Material band forms batt (7) with zone (10, 11) between sides (8, 9) with double thickness of material; its width (Lz) is equal or superior to Lp. Batt is pulled with rollers, and envelopes are formed in zone of double thickness. Batt is cut in length direction in two sections (14, 15). An Independent claim is also included for the plant to manufacture envelopes and copy frames.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an installation for manufacture of pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors.

However, although more specifically intended for such applications, it can also be used for the manufacture of pockets of other kinds.

Currently, for the production of document holders, it is known to use two reels of film beforehand produced, the width of which corresponds substantially to that of the pockets. Said films are rolled out opposite one another and then welded and cut to the desired format.

It is also known to use a film reel whose width corresponds substantially to twice the final width of a pocket. The film is first folded on itself to form two sheets of facing material which are then welded and cut according to techniques identical to the previous process.

With such solutions, if one wishes to increase the pouch production capacities, it is necessary to multiply the means of production which naturally leads to an increase in costs, not only due to the purchase of the machines and their operation but also, in particular, on the ground surface to be cleared for their installation or at the setting time.

It should also be noted that these solutions require a transport and storage of film reels between their place of manufacture and their place of use, which can cause many problems, in particular due to the risk of damage during handling or loss of flexibility of films which age if stored too much long time.

In addition, the coil changes imply each times of production stoppages which affect the final cost of the products.

In addition, for the production of document holders, it is known from document CH-A- 347817 to produce sleeves in thermoplastic material by injection.

The object of the invention is to propose a method and a device for manufacturing pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors, which overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and make it possible to optimize the means of production required.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for manufacturing pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors, which reduce or even eliminate storage upstream film reels, intended for their constitution.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for manufacturing pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors, which reduce or even eliminate handling of reels of film upstream, intended for their constitution.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for manufacturing pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors, which reduce the number of stops production, and / or increase production capacities at a cost less.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from during the description which follows which is given for information only and which is not intended to limit it.

• on prévoit une bande de matière, destinée à constituer lesdites poches ou pochettes et dont la largeur développée L_b est au moins supérieure à quatre fois la dimension, dite dimension multipliée L_p, d'un des côtés desdites poches ou pochettes à fabriquer, ladite bande de matière, constituant une nappe présentant de chacun de ses côtés longitudinaux une zone avec une double épaisseur de matière, dite zone à épaisseur doublée, dont la largeur L_z est égale ou supérieure à ladite dimension multipliée L_p,
• on fait défiler au moins ladite nappe selon son axe longitudinal, grâce à une succession de moyens d'entraínement,
• on constitue séparément lesdites poches ou pochettes dans chacune desdites zones à épaisseur doublée,
• on effectue une séparation de la nappe selon le sens de la longueur en au moins deux parties juste en amont des moyens d'entraínement les plus en aval.

The invention relates first of all to a method of manufacturing pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors, substantially rectangular, in which:

• a strip of material is provided, intended to constitute said pockets or pouches and whose developed width L _b is at least greater than four times the dimension, called multiplied dimension L _p , of one of the sides of said pockets or pouches to be manufactured, said strip of material, constituting a sheet having on each of its longitudinal sides an area with a double thickness of material, known as a doubled thickness area, the width L _{z of which} is equal to or greater than said multiplied dimension L _p ,
• at least said sheet is scrolled along its longitudinal axis, thanks to a succession of drive means,
• said pockets or pouches are constituted separately in each of said zones with doubled thickness,
• it performs a separation of the web in the direction of the length into at least two parts just upstream of the drive means most downstream.

• une succession de moyens d'entraínement pour faire défiler selon son axe longitudinal au moins une nappe constituée d'une bande de matière, destinée à constituer lesdites poches ou pochettes et dont la largeur développée L_b est au moins supérieure à quatre fois la dimension, dite dimension multipliée L_p, d'un des côtés desdites poches ou pochettes, ladite nappe présentant de chacun de ses côtés longitudinaux une zone avec une double épaisseur de matière, dite zone à épaisseur doublée, dont la largeur L_z est égale ou supérieure à ladite dimension multipliée L_p,
• des moyens pour constituer séparément lesdites poches ou pochettes dans chacune desdites zones à épaisseur doublée,
• des moyens pour effectuer une séparation de la nappe selon le sens de la longueur en au moins deux parties prévus juste en amont des moyens d'entraínement les plus en aval.

The invention also relates to an installation for implementing the method described above for manufacturing pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors, substantially rectangular, comprising:

• a succession of drive means for scrolling along its longitudinal axis at least one ply consisting of a strip of material, intended to constitute said pockets or pouches and whose developed width L _b is at least greater than four times the dimension, said multiplied dimension L _p , on one of the sides of said pockets or pouches, said ply having on each of its longitudinal sides an area with a double thickness of material, said area with doubled thickness, the width L _{z of which} is equal to or greater than said multiplied dimension L _p ,
• means for separately constituting said pockets or pouches in each of said zones with doubled thickness,
• means for performing a separation of the sheet in the direction of the length into at least two parts provided just upstream of the most downstream drive means.

• la figure 1 est une vue de principe schématique illustrant de face un exemple d'installation conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 illustre, en vue de dessus schématique la transformation d'un exemple de bande de matière conforme à l'invention au fur et à mesure de son passage dans l'installation représentée à la figure 1 précédente.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description accompanied by the attached drawings which form an integral part thereof and among which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic principle view illustrating from the front an example of installation in accordance with the invention,
• Figure 2 illustrates, in schematic top view the transformation of an example of a strip of material according to the invention as it passes through the installation shown in Figure 1 above.

The invention relates first of all to a manufacturing process pockets or pouches, in particular document protectors.

However, although more specifically intended for such applications, it can also be used for the manufacture of pockets of other kinds.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, these are pockets or sleeves 1 substantially rectangular, closed on at least two of their contiguous sides and possibly at least partially on a third side to define an insertion opening at least on the fourth side.

They are optionally provided with a binding margin 2, for example perforated, on one of their sides.

They are made, for example, of flexible plastic, possibly transparent, or similar material.

According to the process according to the invention, a strip of material 4 is provided, intended to constitute said pockets or pouches 1. The width L _b of said strip 4 is at least greater than four times the dimension, called multiplied dimension L _p , on one side of said pockets or pouches 1. This is, for example, their width.

Said strip of material 4 constitutes a ply 7 having on each of its longitudinal sides 8, 9 a zone 10, 11 with a double thickness of material, called zone with doubled thickness, the width L _{z of which} is equal to or greater than said dimension multiplied L _p .

Said pockets or pouches 1 are constituted separately in each of said zones 10, 11 with doubled thickness.

Said pockets or pouches 1 are thus formed in a same strip of material 4 which allows the use of means of production common in each of the zones 10, 11 with doubled thickness.

However, at least said sheet 7 is scrolled, by example according to the arrow marked 50, thanks to a succession of means 12, 13 and we perform a separation of the sheet according to the lengthwise in at least two parts 14, 15, in particular of width substantially equal, this as far downstream as possible with respect to the direction of scrolling 50 of the strip of material 4, and, more particularly, just in upstream of the most downstream drive means 13.

This reduces the risk of discrepancy between the different separate parts 14, 15, likely to appear in case of difference stretching.

According to a first embodiment, said strip 4 is present in the form of a sleeve to define the ply 7.

According to another embodiment, we do, as illustrated, previously scroll flat said strip of material 4 along its axis longitudinal 3 and the longitudinal edges 5, 6 of the strip 4 are folded down by folding inwardly thereof to form said ply 7.

Said separation of the strip 4 is carried out in several strips, in particular two in the figures, during the constitution of the pockets or pockets 1.

In this regard, the pockets or pouches 1 are constituted, by example, by welding the two thicknesses of material provided at the level said zones of double thickness 10, 11, then cutting thereof. The or the welding operations are optionally followed by a cooling.

Thus, in particular, pockets or pouches 1 of which one of the closed edges 16 is formed by the folded longitudinal edges of the sides 8, 9 of the ply 7, the other perpendicular closed edge (s) 17 and / or parallel 18 being obtained by welding.

The separation of the original tablecloth 7 into several parts intervenes, for example, after welding, possibly after cooling, and before cutting, in particular before the final cutting in the direction orthogonal to the direction of travel, which will be closest possible.

As for the most downstream drive means 13, they are located, in particular, downstream of the weld, possibly downstream of the cooling, and upstream of the cutting, in particular just upstream of the final cutting.

Furthermore, advantageously, at least said form is formed. ply 7, for example by extrusion, in particular continuously, and it is driven downstream for the constitution of said pockets or pouches, as described above, by synchronizing the latter at the frame rate of the strip 4 and / or, where appropriate, at its extrusion speed.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to manufacture pockets or pockets directly at the outlet of the web forming machine 7 without using intermediate coils.

In the case of a ply 7 defined by a sleeve, it is said sleeve which is extruded and directly driven for the constitution of pockets or pouches 1.

In the case of a ply 7 defined by folding a strip previously driven flat, it is said strip which is extruded, flat, and directly driven to build pockets or pouches 1, after folding of the strip.

After extrusion, said strip 4 is optionally cooled. It is driven continuously, for example, downstream of the folding and upstream of the constitution of said pockets or pouches 1. For this, we provides localized locations at which a accumulation 19 of material using buffer devices, capable of authorizing a variable length of said strip 4.

To promote the formation of pockets 1, can equalize the longitudinal edges 5, 6 of the latter, before folding. Such an operation takes place, for example, downstream of the cooling which makes following the formation of said strip 4 and upstream of the first means 12.

The longitudinal edges 5, 6 of the strip are folded 4, in particular, simultaneously on each side.

As illustrated, according to a particular mode of implementation, a binding margin 2 is formed along one of the sides of said pockets or pockets 1, in particular the side corresponding to the edge 18 parallel to the edge folded 16. For this, a slightly offset weld is made parallel to the welding of said edge 18 parallel to the folded edge 16.

Said binding margin 2 is then possibly perforated, for example downstream of the separation of the strip 4 into two parts and / or upstream of the cutting of the pockets or pouches 1, possibly in upstream of the most downstream drive means 13.

It is also possible to strengthen said binding margin 2 by a binding strip 20, introduced for example centrally after folding between said double thicknesses of strip 4 and before welding locations at which said binding margins 2 are intended to be defined.

In the case of a sleeve, it is previously split to allow a central introduction of said reinforcing strip 20. Des appropriate means are provided for this purpose.

It should be noted that the binding strips 20 may be previously manufactured and wound or can be directly extruded just before their use by suitable stations inserted in the present installation.

Said pockets or pouches 1 are constituted, for example, simultaneously and in parallel in each of said thickness zones doubled 10, 11. In order to avoid material losses, we can recycle possible falls of bands 4 produced during the separation of this last in two and / or during the equalization of its longitudinal edges 5, 6, illustrated by the dotted arrows marked 51.

In the event of an incident occurring during the constitution of pockets or pouches 1, we can consider deviating the strip 4 extruded in direction of a winding device, not shown, where it can be stored without having to stop manufacturing immediately.

In the event of rupture of said strip 4, it may be possibly planned to connect its two ends at a level 21, provided just upstream of the folding.

The invention also relates to an installation for implementing the method described above. It comprises a succession of means 12, 13 for driving to scroll along its longitudinal axis at least one ply 7, consisting of a strip of material 4, intended to constitute said pockets or pouches 1 and whose width L _b is at less than four times the dimension of one side of said pockets or pouches, called multiplied dimension L _p .

Said ply 7 has on each of its longitudinal sides 8, 9 a zone 10, 11 with a double strip thickness 4, called a zone with doubled thickness, the width L _{z of which} is equal to or greater than the multiplied dimension L _p .

It also includes means 23 for constituting said pockets or pouches 1 separately in each of said zones 10, 11 with doubled thickness as well as means 24 for separating said sheet 7 according to the direction of its length in at least two parts 14, 15, in particular of substantially equal width, provided just upstream of the means 13 most downstream drive.

According to a first embodiment, said ply 7 is present in the form of a sleeve.

According to another embodiment, said strip 4 is, as illustrated, previously driven flat and the device conforms to the invention further comprises means 22 for folding down the longitudinal edges 5, 6 of said strip 4 towards the inside thereof.

The drive means 12, 13 are constituted, by example, of rollers 25, 26, facing each other and rotating in opposite directions, between which said strip 4 is provided capable of being inserted.

Said means for constituting the pockets or pouches 1 include, for example, at least one welding unit 27 of the two thicknesses of material constituting the ply 7 at each of its longitudinal sides 8, 9, a cooling unit 28 of said ply 7, and / or a cutter 29 for cutting said pockets or pouches 1, taken in this order.

Said means for separating the sheet 7 into several parts consist, for example, of at least one cutting system 30, distributed in the central part at the level of the ply 7.

They are located, in particular, between the welding unit 27, possibly the cooling unit 28 and the cutter 29.

As for the most downstream drive means 13, they are located, in particular, downstream of said central cutting system 30 and in upstream of said cutter 29.

The installation according to the invention further comprises advantageously, means 31 for forming at least said ply 7 in continued. It is, in particular, an extruder 32 provided, for example, with a material supply hopper 33, a filter 34 and a die 35.

In the case of a sleeve-shaped ply 7, the extruder is provided capable of constituting said sleeve.

In the case of a strip of material 4 previously driven flat, the extruder is designed capable of forming said strip flat.

Said means 31 for forming the strip 4 are followed, by example, means 36 for cooling the latter and / or means 37 for equalizing the longitudinal edges 5, 6 of said strip 4.

Said cooling means 36 are constituted, by example, of a system 38 for propelling an air knife and / or rollers coolers 39 around which said strip 4 is partially wound scrolling.

Said equalization means 37 are constituted, for example, cutting systems 40 provided on either side of said strip 4.

On this subject, the most upstream training means 12 are located, for example, between said means 31 to form the strip 4, possibly said means 37 for leveling its longitudinal edges, and said folding means 22.

However, said welding unit 27 is possibly designed to allow the definition of a binding margin 2. The said means 23 for constituting the pockets or pouches 1 then comprise, by example, means 41 for perforating said binding margin 2 provided in downstream of the welding unit 27, possibly of the cooling unit 28 and upstream of the cutter 29, possibly means most downstream drive 13.

Said means 23 for constituting the pockets or pouches 1 may also include, in particular, means, not shown, for allow the introduction of a binding strip 20 at said margin binding 2, between said thicknesses of material constituting the sheet 7 in said double thickness zones 10, 11.

Said means for introducing the binding strip 20 are consisting, in particular, of an unwinder provided above said ply 7 and / or rollers for holding said binding strips 20 between said strip thicknesses 4.

Alternatively, the binding strip 20 can either be unwound from a winder, as mentioned above, or be extruded onto place just before use.

Said binding strips 20 are also guided, in particular, up to the welding unit 27, for example, in the central part of the tablecloth 7.

On this subject, in the illustrated case, the width L _b of said strip 4 is provided for substantially greater than at least quadruple of said multiplied dimension L _p so that, after folding, said longitudinal edges 5, 6 of said strip 4 are neighbors l of each other. The introduction of said binding strip 20 between said thicknesses of strip 4 is thus facilitated.

Said means for introducing the binding strip 20 are provided, for example, between said folding means 22 and said unit of solder 27.

That said, each element of the means 23 for constituting the pockets or pouches 1, in particular the means for introducing the strip binding 20, the welding unit 27, the cooling unit 28, the means 41 and the cutter 29 are formed by machines identical and installed in parallel on each of the double thickness zones 10, 11.

The installation according to the invention further comprises, in particular, accumulator buffer devices 42, allowing differences in speed in the travel of tape 4, during its path and / or means for recycling scrap, consisting of others of a grinder 52.

The means 22 for folding the strip 4 by folding are consisting, for example, of a double folding system comprising at least a trapezoidal frame 43 illustrated in phantom in Figure 2, able to be oriented parallel to said strip 4.

The large base 44 of said frame 43 is provided upstream and dimensions substantially identical to the width of said strip 4. Its small base 45, provided downstream, is of dimensions substantially identical to those tablecloth 7.

Said means 22 for folding down also include means, not shown, for straightening the longitudinal edges 5, 6 along inclined sides 46 of said frame 43 and to lay them on the central part strip 4 downstream of said frame 43.

These are, in particular, guide bars, playing the role of cams.

Naturally, other modes of implementation, within reach skilled in the art, could have been considered without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (12)

1. A manufacturing method for pockets or wallets (1), notably document folders, substantially rectangular, wherein:

   a material band (4) is provided, intended to form said pockets or wallets (1) and whereof the developed width (L_b) is at least greater than four times the size of one of the sides of said pockets or wallets (1) to be manufactured, so-called multiplied dimension (L_p), whereas said material bad (4) forms a lap (7) exhibiting on either of its longitudinal sides (8, 9) a zone (10, 11) with a double material layer, so-called lined layer, whereof the width (L_z) is equal to or greater than said multiplied dimension (L_p),

   at least said lap (7) is caused to run along its longitudinal axis, thanks to a succession of driving means (12, 13),

   said pockets or wallets (1) are formed separately in each of said zones (10, 11) with a lined layer,

   the lap (7) is separated in the length direction into at least two parts (14, 15) just upstream of the lowermost driving means.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein sand material band (4) is caused to run first of all flat along its longitudinal axis (3) and the longitudinal edges (5, 6) of said band (4) are folded toward the inside thereof to form said lap (7).
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said lap is separated into several courses when forming pockets or wallets (1).
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said pockets or wallets (1) are formed by welding two band layers provided at said zones with a lined layer (10, 11), then cutting said layers, whereas the lap (7) is divided into two parts after welding and before cutting.
5. A method according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least said lap is formed continuously and is driven downward to form said pockets or wallets (1) while synchronising said lap with the running speed of the band (4).
6. A method according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal edges (5, 6) of the band (4) are equalised before folding.
7. A method according to claim 1 or 6, wherein any wastage of material produced during the separation of the lap and/or during the equalisation of the longitudinal edges (5, 6) of the band is recycled.
8. A method according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal edges (5, 6) of the band (4) are folded simultaneously on either side.
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said pockets or wallets (1) are formed simultaneously and in parallel in each of said zones with a lined layer (10, 11).
10. An installation for the implementation of the method, according to claim 1, for manufacturing pockets or wallets (1), notably document folders, substantially rectangular, comprising:

    a succession of driving means (12, 13) to cause to run along its longitudinal axis at least one lap (7) formed of a material band (4) intended to form said pockets or wallets (1) and whereof the developed width (L_b) is at least greater than four times the size of one of the sides of said pockets or wallets (1), so-called multiplied dimension (L_p), whereas said lap (7) exhibits on either of its longitudinal sides (8, 9) a zone (10, 11) with a double material layer, so-called lined layer, whereof the width (L_z) is equal to or greater than said multiplied dimension (L_p),

    means (23) to form separately said pockets or wallets (1) in each of said zones (10, 11) with a lined layer,

    means (24) to divide the lap (7) in the length direction into at least two parts (14, 15) provided just upstream of the lowermost driving means (13).
11. An installation according to claim 10 comprising moreover means (22) to fold the longitudinal edges (5, 6) of said band (4) toward the inside thereof to form said lap (7), whereas said band (4) runs first of all flat along its longitudinal axis (3).
12. An installation according to claim 11, wherein the folding means (22) are formed of a double folding system comprising at least one trapezoid frame (43), capable of being oriented parallel to the band (4), whereof the dimension of the greater base (44), provided upstream, is substantially identical to the width of the band (4) and whereof the dimension of the smaller base (45), provided downstream, is substantially identical to that of the lap (7), as well as means to straighten the longitudinal edges (5, 6) of the band (4) along the tilted sides (46) of said frame (43) and to lay them on the centre portion of the band (4) downstream of said frame (43).

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