EP2411309A1

EP2411309A1 - Method for operating a longitudinal folding machine comprising a folding blade and folding table as well as such a longitudinal folding machine

Info

Publication number: EP2411309A1
Application number: EP09801213A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Wilhelm Decker; Klaus Friederich; Christof Horst HÖGER; Holger Ratz; Gerd Weiler
Original assignee: Koenig and Bauer AG
Current assignee: Koenig and Bauer AG
Priority date: 2009-03-27
Filing date: 2009-12-23
Publication date: 2012-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-23
Also published as: CN102365223B; CN102365223A; EP2411312B1; US20120035032A1; US8251882B2; EP2411309B1; WO2010108559A1; CN102365224A; EP2411312A1; DE102009003237A1; US8323162B2; WO2010108560A1; DE102009003240B4; US20120035040A1; EP2411313B1; DE102009003235B3; CN102365220A; CN102365224B; CN102365220B; DE102009003240A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a longitudinal folding machine (01) which comprises a folding blade (04) and a folding table (02), wherein the folding blade (04) is driven, with regard to the cyclic frequency thereof, in a synchronized manner relative to one or more elements of a web-processing machine mounted upstream thereof and/or a flow of incoming products (03). The entry of a leading edge of products (03) is detected at a first measurement point (S1) on the delivery route of the folding table (02). A relative phase position ?F between the movement of the folding blade (04) and the phase position of the element(s) mounted upstream thereof and/or the phase position of the flow of products is deliberately modified by means of a control and/or regulation device (10) in order to adjust a contact point of the folding blade (04) with the product (03) to be folded. According to the invention, the relative phase position ?F is modified by a rule algorithm such that, at least in one operating mode or phase of production, the leading edges of the products (03) to be folded, which were transported on the folding table (02), are maintained at a distance from the measurement point (S1) on the delivery route by varying the relative phase position ?F so that due to the detection of the leading edge of one or a certain number of successive products (03) at this measurement point (S1), the relative phase position ?F varies earlier for the first contact of the product (03) and the folding blade (04) and/or for the contact point having a placement nearer to the entry side (18) of the incoming products (03). The invention also relates to a longitudinal folding machine.

Description

description

A method for operating a folding blade and a folding table having Längsfalzapparates and Längsfalzapparat

The invention relates to a method for operating a folding blade having a folding blade and a longitudinal folding apparatus and a longitudinal folding apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 and 33, respectively.

From DE 10 2005 007 745 A1 a Längsfalzapparat is known, wherein the folding table on each side of the folding blade a braking device, for. As a brake brush, is provided so as to prevent the product to be folded comes to rest at full speed on the stop. Instead, the product should be braked in a defined manner via the braking device and aligned in a defined manner against the stop. Each brake brush is in this case mounted on a holder and adjustable via actuators, wherein the two brake devices are connected in such a way that they can be moved away from the folding table together.

DE 694 00 629 T2 discloses a longitudinal folding device with a folding blade and the folding area on the folding table limiting stop. Furthermore, a brush brake device is provided with brushes, wherein a servo unit is provided for adjusting the brush pressure for each brush or brush group. Two transverse to the product direction sensor systems are provided on both sides of the folding blade, which on a product path side each of a plurality of in the transport direction to z. B. 1 mm spaced detectors, as well as on the other product path side of the respective sensor system illuminating infrared source. The measuring range of these sensor systems extends over an area in front of the stop and on the product side. About an evaluation of the degree of coverage and a distance to a stop and, where appropriate, the timing of the Cover during the folding process is a possibly faulty braking effect recognizable and automatically correctable. A comparison of the distance between abutment and product edge over the degree of coverage of the two sensor systems allows the verification of the leading edge in terms of an oblique or incorrect alignment. By means of a control system containing the sensor systems, the effect of the braking device is adjusted in dependence on the display of the sensor device such that the folding blade acts on each product, if this is optimally aligned in the folding area, the leading edge to the stop face comes to rest so that the printed product is not damaged and exactly folded. The folding blade moves out of phase with the printed product feed, so that it moves down to engage the top of each printed product when it is fully in the fold region, with the leading edge directly against or very close to the stop face comes. In DE 694 00 629 T2 it is also noted that for folders in which the braking effect is achieved solely by the folding blade, the braking effect can be regulated by changing the phase adjustment of its folding movement.

From EP 2 017 210 A2 a Längsfalzvorrichtung and a method for operating the Längsfalzapparates is known, wherein two speeds are determined in the transport direction in succession by means of two detector systems and the product to be folded longitudinally by a force exerted on the printed product friction, z. B. by the folding blade, from the first speed to the second speed is reduced while the printed product moves along a braking distance on the folding table. The time for a start of the printing product decelerating frictional engagement, z. B. the first touch of the folding blade is set in response to a deviation, which has a determined actual value of the second speed of the printed product from a predetermined setpoint value for this second speed. The aim here is to ensure a bumping of the product at the stop to its deceleration and alignment. DE 198 56 373 A1 relates to an early warning system and method for detecting jams of printed signatures. For this purpose, sets of sensors are provided after the cross cutter of the transverse folder and in each case upstream of two longitudinal folding devices. If an inclined position is detected, an error message is output and the printing press is slowed down or stopped.

DE 100 63 528 A1 discloses a method and a device for determining the accuracy of a folded position, wherein markings printed on the scale flow in the product display are detected, via whose relative position to the folding back a statement about the folding quality is to be made. This can serve as an aid to the operator in fault diagnosis and also allows feedback of the folding accuracy to the folder. If errors such as oblique folding or protruding paper occur measures to increase the folding accuracy can be initiated, such. As a correction of a phase position of folding blade to jaw, a control of a speed of the shingled transporting transport element, or even shutdown of the printing press.

In DE 10 2004 058 647 A1 discloses a Taschenfalzeinrichtung is disclosed with a sensor, wherein the sensor or two transverse to the transport direction sensors characterize the process of impingement of the leading edge of the workpiece. The sensor or the sensors can be designed as a microphone, as an acceleration sensor, as a stretch measuring strip, or in the manner of ultrasonic sensors. In the latter case, the orientation of an orientation signal characterizing the pocket stop to be moved to the leading edge should be able to be generated. By means of the measured values from the sensor or the sensors, adjusting means are controlled for adjusting the orientation of the pocket stop.

DE 32 34 148 A1 relates to a method and apparatus for testing folded sheets on deviations of the fold line to the desired folding line in dependence on the type in Pocket or knife folders. For this purpose, two spaced transversely to the current sensors are provided in the stream of folded products, which detect the distances between the product applied to the folding marks and the folded edge, from this information, an evaluation calculates a mean deviation from the setpoint for length and angle deviations of the fold break, indicating and / or to control the machine. As a result, a targeted correction of adjusted machine values is possible.

By DE 199 50 603 B4 a sheet feed of sheet to be printed in a printing unit of a sheet-fed printing machine is disclosed by means of two transversely spaced to the current ultrasonic sensors information about the location of a scattered, the printing unit to be supplied sheet provided before this by a gripper the printing unit is supplied. Here, an inclined position or a faulty double layer can be seen, which is connected to a connected to the gripper control and regulating device.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved method for longitudinal folding of a product on a folding table of a longitudinal folder and a suitable Längsfalzapparat for this purpose.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and 33, respectively.

The achievable with the present invention consist in particular in that a Längsfalzvorrichtung, called in web-fed rotary printing machines as "third fold" or "second longitudinal fold" is created for higher performance and low requirement for manual intervention with good folding quality.

This finds z. B. a lever folding blade system with sensor-controlled folding time control (eg., Folding timing of the folding blade) and / or a Sensor-controlled inclination control (inclination correction by brushes), z. B. with four motor brush systems which are integrated into an automatic control, application.

Particularly advantageous in terms of high folding quality and low risk of failure are provisions with regard to an optimal position during folding. This concerns the position on and / or under the folding table. The appropriate regulation or appropriate regulations make the correct folding largely independent of influences such as belt wear, paper type, page number, color, and / or surface finishing of the printed product feasible.

A control concept based on the modes of operation and / or phases allows optimal adaptation to the requirements.

It is particularly advantageous that with the method and the longitudinal folding apparatus possible damage to the product to be folded is counteracted.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a longitudinal folding apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a longitudinal folding apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the folding table of a longitudinal folding apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the folding table a Längsfalzapparates with a product that is just starting up;

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the folding table of a longitudinal folding apparatus with a sloping incoming product;

6 is a schematic representation of a control device;

7 shows schematic representations of control stages or modes of operation of the longitudinal folding apparatus a), b) and c);

8 shows an example of a signal sequence of the trigger module of two sensor signals;

9 shows a schematic longitudinal cross section through the folding apparatus;

10 shows a schematic illustration of a method for skew correction;

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of the longitudinal folding apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the longitudinal folding apparatus of FIG. 11 with the braking device pivoted off; FIG.

13 shows a representation according to FIG. 12 from a different perspective;

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal section of the embodiment of the longitudinal folding apparatus of Fig. 1 1;

Fig. 15 shows a cross section of the embodiment of the longitudinal folding apparatus of Fig. 1 1.

Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal folder Faltapparat 01, short folder 01, running Processing stage 01 in a simplified sectional view (without details described in more detail below, such as brush systems), Fig. 2 in a simplified side view and Fig. 3 to 5 schematically in plan view. The longitudinal folding apparatus 01 comprises a folding table 02 or an upper side of the folding table 02, in which an elongate folding gap 06, in particular parallel to a first transport direction T1 of a product 03 entering the longitudinal folding apparatus 01 from an inlet side 18, is provided. This product 03 or intermediate 03 provides z. B. a possibly previously already longitudinally and / or transversely folded product portion of a web-processing machine, preferably a printing press, in particular a web-fed rotary printing press, printed product printed.

Below the folding table 02, at the level of the folding gap 06, a pair of folding rollers 07 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) are arranged such that they form a gap which is oriented parallel to the folding gap 06 and located directly below it. For folding the product 03, a folding blade 04, likewise oriented parallel to the folding gap 06, is provided, which plunges into the folding gap 06 by up and down movement and leaves it again upwards. For this purpose, on the longitudinal folding apparatus 01 pivotable lever 08, z. B. folding lever 08, be stored, which carry the folding blade 04. With pivoting of the folding lever 08, the folding blade 04 can penetrate into the folding gap 06. In one end region of the folding table 02 and / or the folding gap 06, a one-piece or segment-like stop device 09 is provided in an active position limiting the path of the product 03, wherein the stop surface facing a product 03 - one or more parts - essentially in a line transverse to the orientation of the folding gap 06 runs.

The folding blade 04 is - in contrast to a rotating knife - preferably in the manner of a. The folding table 02 relative to the folding table 02 movable up and down, z. B. pivotable, knife 04 executed. The knife 04 is z. B. mounted on the folding levers 08, which in turn with respect to. The folding table 02 are pivotally mounted about an axis 1 1. In another embodiment, the knife 04 but also as be arranged eccentrically on a continuously rotating body rotation. It may also be arranged eccentrically on a revolving planetary gear. In a preferred embodiment, however, for the movement of the folding blade 04, regardless of its mechanical or physical expression, mechanically from the drive of the upstream units (such as the drive of printing units and / or the drive of a Querfalzapparates and / or the drive of the folding process upstream conveyors) independent drive, in particular one of these units independent drive means 17, z. B. a drive motor 17, is provided.

In the folding step, the product to be folded 03, z. B. printed product 03, the folding blade 04 through the folding gap 06 in the gap between the two folding rollers 07, z. B. Falzwalzenspalt pressed and thereby folded longitudinally, then promoted by a belt system 19 either to a paddle wheel 21 and from there to a delivery device 22 or as shown in dashed lines, otherwise discharged.

The folding blade 04 is preferably driven by a cam gear. For this purpose, the folding blade 04 is arranged on the lever 08, which at a pivot point, for. B. the axis 1 1, is pivotally mounted. The lever 08 may be either a lever arm 08 of a lever designed as a double lever with a second lever arm 12, or may be formed as a one-armed lever, then with the rotatably mounted axle 1 1, the second lever 12 is rotatably connected. At the fulcrum distal end of the second lever 12 (or second lever arm 12) is a with the curved line of a rotatable body 13, z. B. a cam 13, cooperating stop 14, z. B. designed as rotatably mounted on the lever 12 roller 14, arranged. The cam 13 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 16 which is rotatably driven directly or via a gear through the only schematically indicated drive motor 17.

The cam 13 may preferably be one with respect to its axis of rotation Have irregular and asymmetrically formed curve line, which then causes a corresponding movement of the folding blade 04 during rotation on the crank gear (levers 08 and 12). In the illustration of Fig. 1, the cam plate 13 is formed as a circular disk with a circular peripheral line, which, however, is arranged eccentrically on the shaft 16. However, the cam plate 13 is formed, its rotation causes a defined up and down movement of the folding blade 04, the motion profile fixed at constant rotation of the shaft 16 and the drive motor 17, the speed for the flow of this fixed motion profile, however, depending From the drive speed of the shaft 16 and the drive motor 17 is variable. The knife 04 thus continuously traverses during operation in its up and down movement a periodically recurring motion profile with the phase length (period length) a complete up and down movement to the next same phase position with the same direction of motion and their frequency by the default the drive speed of the shaft 16 and the drive motor 17 is determined and preferably is variable.

In a preferred embodiment, the folding blade 04 is thus provided with a conveying and / or production device (such as conveying conveyor or conveyor belts feeding the product 03) and / or printing units and / or an upstream transverse folding apparatus, which is mechanically upstream from the longitudinal folding apparatus 01 , z. B. own drive means 17 assigned. The drive means 17 can then be carried out in the above-mentioned manner as a drive motor 17, which via a transmission, for. B. cam mechanism, an eccentric or a crank mechanism, the folding blade 04 clocked to a desired position of a product 03 on the folding table 02 lowers or raises. In a further development by the drive motor 17 via a mechanical drive connection, z. B. via a gear connection of the shaft 16 ago, the folding rollers 07 rotatably driven. In addition, the paddle wheel 21 and / or possibly even the delivery device 22 could be driven by the drive motor 17 via corresponding drive connections. Advantageously, the paddle wheel 21, however, has its own, not shown Drive motor on. To fix the Längsfalzapparates 01 or its drive or drive motor 17 may be provided a holding brake, which rotatably with a motor shaft or the folding blade drive, z. B. the shaft 16 or the cam 13, connected brake disc cooperates.

The control of the drive 17 is effected for example by a folding blade drive (and / or, if these are jointly driven the Falzwalzenantrieb), in Fig. 1 only schematically indicated as a box control and / or regulating device 10, or briefly control device 10, which under Use of information explained in more detail below with respect to a speed V of the printing press or a conveying path conveying the product 03 to and / or into the folding apparatus 01 and / or using information from sensors Sx (see below) controls the drive of the folding blade 04 in such a manner, the movement of the folding blade 04 is synchronized with the product flow of the products 03 entering the longitudinal folder 01 in a desired manner and if necessary the synchronization in its relative phase position ΔΦ is intentionally varied or corrected (see below).

The drive of the folding blade 04 in the stationary operating state preferably takes place with respect to its folding frequency synchronized with the product flow to be fed to the folding device 01. With regard to its speed V, this synchronization can basically take place at a speed V of the upstream printing machine or to its drives, for example, B. on an aggregate of the printing press, be oriented to an upstream folder or an upstream, the products 03 conveying conveyor line. The basic synchronization with respect to the folding frequency, z. B. the rotational speed of the drive motor 17, can in a simpler version, for example via signal generator to upstream systems, eg. B. on a moving part of the conveyor line, or on the frequency of the incoming products 03 or as described below, carried out via an electronic master axis. All this should be generalized first of all under the information provided to the control device 10 with respect to a Speed V be understood. The adjustment and modification of a desired relative desired phase position ΔΦ _R or desired relative position ΔΦ _R , z. B. reference reference phase position ΔΦ _R , between folding blade movement and product entry can be done by relative phase change between the incoming product flow and the angular position Φ _{A of} the drive of the folding blade 04, in particular by "twisting" of the drive motor 17.

If, in a preferred manner, drives of assemblies of this printing machine are driven synchronously by an electronic, in particular a so-called "virtual master axis", the at least rotationally synchronous drive of the folding knife 04 advantageously takes place on the basis of data, in particular speed and / or angular position-relevant data. This data can be based on angular positions of a rotating master axis, on angular velocities and / or on a velocity preset, which is indicated as circumferential angular position Φ (t) or generalized as velocity V in FIG are processed, for example, in a control module 23 assigned to the drive motor 17 for the direct control of the drive motor 17 or a control circuit that regulates the position and / or speed of the drive motor 17. The control module 23 can be used as a purely software-controlled control process 23 within a plurality of such or such a nersgeartete control processes containing Sterereinrichtung or as a structurally separate unit, eg. B. with its own housing or as a plug-in card, as so-called. Drive control 23 or as part of the same. Likewise, this can be arranged (partially) centrally and with close proximity to the drive (eg integrated in the drive control 23) or together with corresponding controls for other drives. Representative is shown in the figures, the control module 23 as part of a generally designated control device 10 control device whose components in a common control means, for. As logic circuitry (eg., PLC) and / or data processing means (eg, computer, PC), or in a plurality of signal-technically interconnected control means, for. B. logic circuits (eg, PLCs) and / or data processing means (eg, computer, PC) are provided.

An above-mentioned signal conditioning of the leading axis data in z. B. the control module 23 and / or the control device 10 takes place, for example, taking into account a geometry-related offset value Δ (z., Correction angle .DELTA.) And / or Getriebefaktors G. The former (.DELTA.) Represents the relative phase angle between z. As the orbiting Leitachswinkellage Φ (t) (or a position- and / or clock generator) and the folding blade position for the correct folding time safe and the latter (G) brings the phase length (period length) of the Leitachsumdrehung or her subsequent machine movement (product production, eg by printing unit drive) and that of the folding blade movement in such a way that in a certain period of time the folding blade 04 passes through as many periods as products 03 can or should enter the longitudinal folding apparatus 01. An increase in the speed V, in particular the production speed V (or leading axle speed dΦ (t) / dt) then causes a corresponding increase in the folding blade frequency in synchronism. In addition to the synchronized speed V and phase length, however, as mentioned above, the relative phase position between the incoming product 03 and the phase position of the folding blade 04 for the folding process of considerable importance. This is ensured by an above-mentioned offset value Δ, which z. B. before or at the beginning of production manually or automatically determined and / or adjustable, as can be done, for example, in the manner explained below. The above-to-be-set target relative position ΔΦ _R goes z. B. in the offset value Δ or corresponds to this even in the event that no other geometrically caused offset sizes are taken into account. The desired relative position ΔΦ _{R to} be set can be monitored and maintained by means of a control circuit which compares and possibly corrects the product flow (eg by means of an input-side sensor SO) and the folding blade phase position (eg on the drive thereof). A correspondingly synchronized operation with regard to a target relative position ΔΦ _{R to} be maintained can then be carried out, for example, as follows: The longitudinal folder 01 or its folding blade 04 is driven by the drive motor 17 by the conveying path which is mechanically independent of the upstream product conveyor 03. In case of deviation of the relative phase position, ie the actual relative position ΔΦ | between the product phase position Φ _P , z. B. determined on an "input sensor", for example, a sensor SO at the inlet point 18 or on the upstream conveyor line, and the angular position Φ _{A of} the folding blade drive, eg the drive or the drive motor 17, from the previously defined target Relative position Δφ _R is corrected by a relative phase change between conveyor track drive and folding blade drive, for example by relative rotation of the folding blade drive by a correction angle Δ This can be done, for example, by the drive motor 17 driving the folding blade 04, depending on the deviation time-limited faster or slower than the speed V, eg the speed corresponding to the machine speed or the conveying speed, until the desired relative position ΔΦ _R is restored, for example in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment with electronic master axis the offset value Δ becomes corresponding varies by a correction value to the target relative position .DELTA.Φ _R or to restore the resulting target angular position Φ _s . This inner control circuit for maintaining a predetermined target relative position ΔΦ _R or target angular position Φ _s is not specifically shown in FIG. In order to maintain a target relative position ΔΦ _R , this control circuit thus controls, depending on the time of arrival of the product 03 at a designated sensor, for. B. by means of a folding blade 04 upstream sensor SO, the phase position of the folding blade 04, in particular its drive motor 17, relative to the product 03. For example, by means of the sensor SO, the entry or possibly exits a product 03 representing signal is detected, a to When the signal is taken angular position Φ _{A of} the drive motor 17 detected, z. B. from this engine angle position and a zero angle position of the drive motor 17, the actual relative position .DELTA..PHI determined, and this Actual relative position ΔΦ | compared with the target relative position ΔΦ _R to be maintained, and in the case of deviation as described above, a phase change is made by a correction angle Δ.

Preferably, as explained in more detail below - in operation, the operation of the longitudinal folder 01 in such a way that a first touch of the subsidized product 03 is performed by the folding blade 04, while the product 03 on the folding table 02 is still moving and before the stop 09; (or 46, see below).

At the beginning of a production, a ("basic") synchronization of the folding blade phase with the product phase may be advantageous, whereby, for example, a product 03 is first conveyed to an intended contact position on the folding table 02 at a lower installation speed compared to a production speed, and after reaching the intended contact position at stationary conveyor line of the drive or drive motor 17 of the folding blade 04 is rotated until the folding blade 04 in the movement phase on the product 03 to this just touched or is about to touch (first contact). the position occupied for the contact position angular position Φ _a of Falzmesserantriebes or drive motor 17 as a zero-angle position held (for the Abfalzzeitpunkt), then z is active conveying section. B. means of the sensor SO an entrance signal (or exit signal) of a product 03 in front of the folding table 02, or before the folding gap 06 detected, the At the signal time, the angular position Φ _{A of} the drive or drive motor 17 is determined as the reference position Φ _R , and from the zero position and the reference position Φ _R the desired relative position ΔΦ _R (desired reference phase position ΔΦ _R ) predetermined for the further operation is formed. This is then complied with via the above-mentioned control circuit. In the case of an electronic master, this input is found in the offset value Δ (for example expressed as Δ (Δφ _R ) or represents this itself (Δ = Δφ _R ), the drive motor 17 taking into account this offset value Δ or this nominal value. Relative position ΔΦ _R is operated according to angular position. This the drive motor 17 associated desired relative position ΔΦ _R (possibly on the offset value Δ) could then in principle for a production run or even generally maintained and maintained. However, a procedure explained in more detail below is advantageous, according to which the desired relative position ΔΦ _R or the offset value Δ containing it - and thus the folding time or the time and / or location of the first contact between product 03 and folding blade 04 on the folding table 02 - too Control purposes of the folding process is varied specifically. This can then, for example, by adding a corresponding positive or negative correction value kΔ already in the control module 23 or the drive control 23, for example by changing the storage value for the desired relative position ΔΦ _R or the offset value Δ (as shown schematically in Fig. 6), or by applying the desired angular position Φ _s (T) generated by the control module 23 or the drive control 23 for the time T by a corresponding correction value kΦ (not shown). The determination of such a correction value kΔ; kΦ can, as explained in more detail below, in a control module 51 (possibly also just a software control process) directly from deposited relationships with the production process data M (eg production phase and / or speed and / or product strength and / or used Substrate), z. B. from stored tables or functions. The determination can preferably take place in a suitably designed process module 51 using data M relating to the production process and measured values relating to the folding process (eg phase positions and / or product layers). In Fig. 6, the process module 51 is in the z. B. as a drive control 23 executed control module 23 is shown integrated, but can also be as integrated into another device or independent, but signal technology connected to the control module 23 or guided from the control module 23 to the drive motor 17 angle signal module connected. Ultimately, the target angular position Φ _s (T) in the appropriately designed control device 10 thus preferably from the Leitachswinkellage Φ (t) using a possibly required gear factor G and an offset value Δ the latter being formed either by a correction value kΔ; kΦ variable default for the relative position ΔΦ _R itself is varied or finds the variable default for the relative position ΔΦ _R separately in another way in the algorithm account for determining the target angular position Φ _s (T). As indicated in Fig. 6, z. Thus, for example, at the time t = T: Φ _s (T) = Φ _s (Δ (Δ _o , ΔΦ _R (kΔ)), G, Φ (t = T)), wherein the ultimately effective total offset Δ originally a pure geometric offset value Δ _o and the required, and possibly corrected relative position ΔΦ _R includes.

Basically, this procedure is also based on a control of the drive, which is based only on a predetermined speed or speed setpoint by the master axis. However, in this case-not to be explained here-at least one reference angle signal per motor revolution and / or per folding blade cycle must be available for phase adjustment. A variation of the relative phase position can then by a time-limited variation of the speed specification via a corresponding offset or correction value Δ; kΔ; kΦ done.

The driving means 17 designed as a drive motor 17 is thus at least as regards. Its speed controllable drive motor 17, z. B. electric motor formed. In an advantageous development, it is designed as a stepping motor or even preferably as a drive motor 17 which is adjustable with respect to its angular position. The design of the drive motor 17 as at least with respect to its speed or with respect to a relative change in position (defined steps) or preferably with respect to an absolute angular position adjustable drive motor 17 is particularly advantageous in view of the below-described method (s) for adjustment and / or varying the synchronization of folding blade movement with respect to product position and / or changing operating parameters (eg, machine speed, machine acceleration, product properties, etc.). In an alternative, but less preferred embodiment of the drive of the folding blade 03 may be mechanically coupled to upstream conveying and / or production facilities (see above), with a relative speed and / or relative phase relation to the upstream units, however, z. B. via a remote continuously variable in the gearbox variable transmission in the drive branch to drive the blade 04 back, is changeable and controllable. For this case, the below for the correction of the phase position (and / or speed) explained with the proviso that not a drive motor of the knife 04, but the transmission is driven accordingly to set a relative speed and / or a relative phase position between the machine and knife phase position or change. The above-presented electronic master axis would be effected by the mechanical drive connection and would be omitted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the procedure described may specifically the sensor SO, z. B. be provided in the transport direction T1 in front of the folding gap 06, which is connected to the control device 10, and due to the product passage signals described the basic triggering of the folding blade drive. In contrast to this, however, one of the sensors or measuring points or measuring points S1 to S4, S7 or S8 mentioned below, in particular possibly S3 and / or S4, could also use a corresponding signal for its further processing in a manner described for the sensor SO. This is then z. B. as described by means of the comparison of the phase position of the sensor SO or the alternatively used sensor, for. B. S3, passing or entering products 03 and the phase angle of the folding blade drive, z. B. taking into account a certain machine speed and / or Leitachsposition or - speed. Here, the relative position of these phases is constantly checked and compared with the desired relative position ΔΦ _R. The processes governing the other (described below), the folding time point can then be used as the correction value kΔ; kΦ with respect to the desired relative position ΔΦ _{R be} considered. The described setting and triggering of the phase position of the folding blade 04 to the product flow is preferably supplemented by one or more of the methods described below.

In order to ensure a trouble-free operation and the most accurate possible folding, measures are shown below, which already considered individually for themselves, but in particular in combination of several of these measures are of particular advantage. The measures relate to corresponding embodiments of the longitudinal folder 01 and procedures for operating the folder 01.

In an advantageous embodiment of the folder 01 is an ideal folding time or an ideal folding location despite varying production speeds V and / or different products 03 (thickness, material) ensured by a subsequently explained device and method for controlling the folding time.

For this purpose, at least a first and a second sensor S1, which detects the presence of the product 03 in the respective detection area (measuring location) on the folding table 02; S2 (or measuring location S1; S2), which are viewed in the transport direction T1 spaced from each other. At the outputs is z. B. in each case between a presence and absence of the product 03 am by the relevant sensor S1; S2 monitored location S1; S2 distinguishable and a corresponding signal m1; m2 or measurement signal m1; m2, z. B. digital as "1" or "0" or at least with respect to "yes" or "no" dual evaluable signal, can be tapped. The two sensors S1 to be evaluated; S2 or measuring locations S1; S2 are significantly spaced apart in the transporting direction T1, but preferably adjacent to each other in the direction of transport T1, ie without the need for further measurement sites arranged therebetween. Thus, they preferably do not provide spatial resolution as compared to photodiode arrays, line or area cameras, but are preferably singular spaced measuring locations S1; They limit a so-called "catch area" whose boundaries they monitor.For the purpose and method described here, they are not used in the context of, for example, distance measurements for a stop or a speed measurement.

A first sensor S1 is provided directly on or directly in front of the surface of the stop device 09 which acts as a stop surface, or at least arranged such that it detects the presence of the product 03 on the folding table 02 directly at or directly in front of the stop surface at a measuring location S1. Sensor S1 or its measuring location S1 are not at all, or z. B. at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm in front of the surface effective as a stop surface of the stop device 09 spaced. The sensor S1 or its measuring location S1 is preferably at the same time as close as possible, for. B. transversely to the transport direction T1 at most by a distance a1 of 100 mm, advantageously at most 50 mm, preferably at most 15 mm spaced from a passing through the longitudinal direction of the folding blade 04, preferably arranged substantially vertically extending plane E.

Preferably, a second sensor S2 is provided, which or its measuring location S2 considered in the transport direction T1 z. B. at least by 3 mm, but at most by a distance a1, 2 of 20 mm, advantageously by at most 10 mm, preferably by 3 mm to 8 mm, from the stop surface of the stop device 09 or the first sensor S1 and / or transversely to the transport direction T1 considers z. B. by a distance a2 of at most 50 mm, advantageously at most 20 mm, preferably at most 10 mm, from the plane E or in the presence of the sensor S1 from the sensor S1 or its measuring location S1 is spaced.

In one embodiment of an operation of the longitudinal folder 01, the products to be abfalzenden 03 with its leading end z. For example, in a so-called "capture region" between sensor S1 and sensor S2, the rule principle applies here: Sensor S1 should / must not "see", ie the product 03 to be removed must not be detected at the measuring location S1 of the first sensor S1, and sensor S2 should see, ie each product 03 is to be folded before or at least during folding at the measuring location S2 of the second This position is achieved by the temporal displacement of the contact between folding blade 04 and product 03, and is maintained during this mode of operation, in that the point of contact or location relative to the product 03 to be folded (" Folding time "), ie the relative phase ΔΦ between product entry and Falzmesserphasenlage is selectively changed. This is done in the above-described embodiment of the folding blade drive z. B. in that the drive, in particular the drive motor 17 in the calculation of the target angular position Φ _s (T), depending on the direction of the required change, a positive or negative, correction kΔ1 (or kΦ1) is applied. This happens, for example, by a defined relative rotation of the cam 13, which is independent of upstream and / or the folding table 02 associated transport facilities such. B. belts, is driven by the drive motor 17 by the above-mentioned target relative position .DELTA.Φ _R or the offset value including this or representing Δ with a corresponding correction value kΔ; (kΦ) is applied.

An advantageous embodiment of a stepwise regulation of the folding time for the longitudinal fold (eg also referred to as a third fold or as a second longitudinal fold) with partial or complete use o. Devices will be described below and explained with reference to FIG. 7:

In conventional operation, the products 03 are getting harder with increasing machine speed to the stop 46; (09) driven and from a critical speed V, the z. B. also depends on the nature of the product 03, damaged.

The automatic startup (especially synchronous with the upstream Web-fed rotary printing machine z. B. on the electronic master axis) is in several, z. B. four, operations or stages divided.

A first mode of operation (stage) represents, for example, an acceleration phase of the machine. In this case, the production speed V and, associated therewith, the frequency of the incoming products 03, z. B. increases along a predetermined curve or ramp. To counteract the o. G damage, is in the acceleration phase, z. B. generally or from a lower limit speed V1 of the production speed V, z. B. from V1 = 5,000 copies / hour, the movement of the folding blade 04 regulated so that the product touch of the folding blade 04 successively happens sooner. In this first phase, the point of contact of the folding blade 04 to the product 03 is successively and consciously from the stop 46; (09) regulated away, d. H. a distance A between product 03 and stop 46; (09) at the time when the folding blade 04 touches on the product 03 (first contact), is successively and deliberately enlarged. This occurs recurrently whenever the sensor S1, z. B. photosensor S1, on or directly in front of the stop 46; (09) (see above) detects a leading edge of the product. The products 03 are consequently braked under the folding blade 04, without the stop 46; (09) to touch or at least without the stop 46; (09) with significant velocity V. In this case, for a different production speed V, a later point in time for a lower production speed V and an earlier time of first contact for a higher production speed V are regulated in such a way that no contact or at most a contact of the stop 46; (09) without significant speed, d. H. a speed of substantially 0 m / s, z. B. less than 0.3 m / s, in particular less than 0.1 m / s, takes place.

This process is illustrated as an example for three different velocities V successively achieved during the acceleration in ascending order in the partial images 1, 2 and 3 of FIG. 7a). Here you can see that the product 03 is rising Speed V further from stop 46; (09) is removed. In this case, with increasing speed V (partial image 1, 2, 3), the folding drive or drive motor 17 is controlled such that the contact takes place relatively earlier relative to the position of the product 03 on the folding table 02. This is z. B. caused by the fact that, as soon as the sensor S1, z. B. photosensor S1, on or directly in front of the stop 46; (09) (see above) detects a product leading edge og target relative position ΔΦ _R or the offset value Δ containing this with a correction value kΔ2; (kΦ2) is applied. At the next detection, the previously changed target relative position ΔΦ _R or the changed offset value Δ containing it is again compared with the correction value kΔ2; (kΦ2) applied. This correction value kΔ2; (kΦ2) can be stored in memory, e.g. As a memory of the controller 10, the control module 51 or a machine control, held and preferably be changed.

A second advantageous mode of operation (eg, a second stage of a production cycle) (Figure 7b)) describes e.g. B. a constant production speed V, for example, below a certain second limit speed V2, z. B. V2 <45,000 copies / hour, can lie. As soon as the machine has reached this production speed (eg V2) and the sensor S1 stops at stop 46; (09) detects no product 03, the application time of the folding blade 04 to stop 46; (09) regulated out, ie, for example, the folding blade drive delayed (correction of the existing target relative position ΔΦ _R ). This is done again by successively applying the current desired relative position ΔΦ _R with a, here z. Negative, correction value kΔ3; (KΔ3). Detects the sensor S1 on the stop 46; (09) just the product leading edge, the then existing value of the correction angle Δ and the target relative position ΔΦ _{R is maintained} during the further drive of the drive motor 17. In this mode of operation, the product 03 touches the stop 46; (09) either not yet or at least without significant speed, ie a speed of substantially 0 m / s, z. B. less than 0.3 m / s, in particular less than 0.1 m / s. It is advantageous if an additional manual correction of the folding blade position to or away from Stop 46; (09), ie a manual change of the obtained target relative position ΔΦ _{R is} feasible. At constant production speed V, z. B. smaller V2, the product 03 is thus on or in the immediate vicinity of the stop 46; (09) positioned and folded. The product 03 then has no or only slight contact with the stop 46; (09).

In a second mode of operation, which is alternative to the second mode of operation, or in a third mode of operation (eg, a third stage of a production cycle) (FIG. 7c), the production speed V is again constant. B. higher than the above limit speed V2 be, for example, at least one limit speed V3, z. B. V3> = 45,000 copies / hour. The stopper 46; (09) can be here, z. B., be turned off. The Abfalzposition is from the sensor S1 on or just before the stop 46; (09) and the second sensor S2, the z. B. about 5 mm before the stop 46; (09) sits, monitors. Detects the sensor S1 on the stop 46; (09) a product leading edge is the point of contact of the folding blade 04 z. B. by Beauschlagung the target relative position ΔΦ _R with a correction value kΔ3; (kΦ3) due to the signals of the sensor S1 from the stop 46; (09) away, ie the date of first contact moved forward. Be viewed by the arranged in the transport direction T1 in front of the first sensor S1 sensor S2 over a defined time window .DELTA.T1, the z. B. from the product cycle (speed) may be dependent, no more detected products 03, the point of contact is again stop 46; (09), so z. B. the relative angular position of the drive, again regulated in the other direction. This is done by applying a correction value kΔ4 acting in the opposite direction; (KΦ4). At production speeds V of at least V2, the product 03 is thus positioned and folded with its leading edge between the sensors S1 and S2. The stopper 46; (09) may be on or preferably off.

Another, z. B. fourth operation (or stage), not shown, describes the deceleration of the machine, ie a mode with negative acceleration. At the When decelerating, the products 03 tend to lag because the energy to propel the product 03 forward is constantly decreasing. Consequently, in this mode of operation, the point of contact with the stop 46; (09), ie, for example, corrects the desired relative position ΔΦ _R corresponding to "rearward", ie with a correction value kΔ5; (kΦ5), which, for example, delays the folding-blade drive This occurs, for example, as soon as the sensor S2 no product 03 is detected in front of the stop 09, (46) over a defined time window ΔT2 (eg greater than 5 s) If, during deceleration, the production speed V falls below a limit speed V2, eg V2 <45,000 copies / hour , can be comparable to the first mode of operation, but with respect to the correction value with reversed sign, apply, here again the sensor S1 evaluated, but the product edge is controlled by successively acting on the target relative position .DELTA.Φ _R so that the admission occurs when no product 03 is detected at the sensor S1 over a time window T3 The product 03 is positioned directly in front of or against the stop 46 (09) in this mode of operation.

For conversion, the signals m1; m2 of the sensor S1 which detects the arrival time and the products 03 at the stop 46; (09) monitors, and the second sensor S2, the products 03 just before the first sensor S1 and before the stop 46; (09) monitors, on a z. B. digital input of a regulator, z. B. a control loop of the drive control 23 or o. G. Process module 51, to be given. The signals m2 of the second sensor S2 and the signals m1 of the first sensor S1 are z. B. detected by a probe function of the control unit on two probes.

The probe function for probes 1 and 2 is z. B. set via an integrated PLC of the drive control 23 and z. B., when the drive controller 23 has reached the operating mode. Preferably, the longitudinal folder 01, in particular advantageous in connection with one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, additionally comprises one or more devices and / or procedures for monitoring and correcting a skew of lying on the folding table 02 längszufalzenden product 03 and / or an inclined position of the folding rollers 07 leaving longitudinally folded product 03 (FIGS. 5 and 10).

To correct an inclined position of the resting on the folding table 02 längszufalzenden product 03 is in the longitudinal folder 01 above the folding table 02 at least one braking device 24; 36 provided, which at least two transverse to the transport direction T1 spaced apart, in particular on both sides of the folding gap 06, arranged Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 or groups 26; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34, which in an advantageous embodiment, for. B. as brushes 31; 32; 33; 34 or brush groups 26; 27; 28; 29 are formed. These are able to decelerate during the passage of a product 03, in particular over friction.

This can, if the u. G. Device and method for correcting an inclined position of the folding rollers 07 leaving longitudinally folded product 03 is used, one or more of the correction of the inclined position of the folding table 02 provided Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 or groups 26; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34 apply for both purposes.

Preferably, at least two on both sides of the folding gap 06 arranged Abbremselemente 31; 32 or groups 26; 27 of braking elements 31; 32 independently variable in their distance from the folding table 02 and the Falztischoberseite and / or the product 03. In the case of two in the transport direction T1 spaced braking devices 24; 36, find for the above-mentioned skew correction on the folding table 02 preferably Abbremselemente 31; 32 or groups 26; 27 one Approach closer braking device 24 application.

The Abbremselemente 31 independently formed changeable in their distance from the folding table 02; 32; 33; 34 or groups 26; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34 preferably have independently operable actuators 41; 42; 43; 44, z. B. drives 41; 42; 43; 44 on.

Regardless of the o. G. Sensors S1 and S2, but particularly advantageous i. V. m. these, two sensors S3 and S4 (or measuring location S3; S4) detecting the presence of the product 03 on the folding table 02 are provided (see FIG. 3), which or their measuring points S3; S4 transversely to the transport direction T1 viewed from each other by a distance a3,4, z. B. by at least 100 mm, advantageously by at least 150 mm, preferably by 150 mm to 250 mm, are spaced. The two sensors S3 and S4 or their measuring points S3; S4 are preferably arranged equidistantly on both sides of a plane E passing through the longitudinal direction of the folding blade 04, in particular to this plane E approximately (i.e., to ± 10 mm deviation). They or their measuring points S3; S4 are preferably arranged in a same, perpendicular to the transport direction T1 and / or perpendicular to the plane E running escape. Furthermore, they can advantageously be arranged in a substantially same vertical distance aO3, in particular aO3 of 3 mm to 10 mm, to a product 03 resting on the folding table 02 between folding table 02 and sensor S3 or S4.

The two sensors S3; S4 or measuring points S3; S4 are viewed in the transport direction T1 preferably at a distance aT1 to the position of the stop surface in the active state of the stop device 09; (46) which is at least 20 mm, advantageously at least 30 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 200 mm, in particular about 40 mm. However, they are advantageous in the transport direction T1, however, area of the folding table 02, that is arranged between the input area of the inlet side 18 and stop device 09 and the above-mentioned distance. Preferably, the both sensors S3; S4 or measuring points S3; S4 viewed in the transport direction T1 at a height in the region of the immersion length of the folding blade 04, in particular at the level of a braking device 36; 24, ie, for example transversely to the transport device T1 considered with the immersion length or a length L33 of Abbremselementen 31; 32; 33; 34 arranged overlapping.

In the method for detecting an inclined position of a product 03 entering the folding table 03, the sensors S3 and S4 or their evaluation means detect a time offset during the passage of the leading edge of the product. Is a deviation .DELTA.t1 in the time offset from a desired time offset, z. B. in several successive products 03, present, the drive 41 to 44, z. B. Drive 41 or 42, the side on which the product edge is first recognized, "down" its brush group 26, 27, 28, 29 and brushes 31, 32, 33, 34, in particular brushes 31 or 32 If a higher brush pressure on one side of the product restricts this side more than the other and thus turns it slightly, if the changed braking effect results in an adjusted folding time, the above-mentioned regulation of the folding time intervenes and regulates the required folding time through the control loop to maintain the desired relative position ΔΦ _R by means of the product phase position detected via the sensor SO and the angular position of the drive motor 17. However, preferably only one system is always controlled, then measured and then another action is started also the drive 41 to 44, eg drive 41 or 42, the side on which the product edge is recognized as the second one d, "his" brush group 26; 27; 28; 29 and brushes 31; 32; 33; 34, in particular brushes 31 or 32, up-regulate. Due to the lower brush pressure on one side of the product, this side is retained less strongly than the other, and thus also the product 03 is slightly rotated. A correction of the folding time is necessary if necessary as stated above.

The processing of signals m3 and m4 of the sensors S3 and S4 takes place, for example by appropriate means in a control module 38 (possibly also only a software control process 38), briefly module 38, which z. B. also part of the control device 10 (as shown) or may be formed individually. In this module 38, the signals m3 and m4 of the sensors S3 and S4 out, these signals m3 and m4 evaluated, and a result in the form of a control signal to one or more of the drives 41; 42; 43; 43, in particular drive 41 and / or 42, out.

The principle of skew detection is z. B. implemented using a trigger module. The module 38 has z. B. two signal inputs, z. Eg inputs E1; E2, one pulse output A1 and one direction output A2. On the input E1 z. B. the sensor S3 for the detection on a first page and the input E2 of the sensor S4 the second side of the folder 01 given. Pulse output A1 is set when input E1 (eg, through signal m3) or input E2 (eg, through signal m4) provides a first signal. The pulse output A1 is reset if the other of the two inputs E2; E1 (eg by signal m4 or m3) subsequently delivers a signal. The direction output A2 delivers z. A signal, if input E2 (eg by signal m4) was set in time before input E1 (eg by signal m3). Conversely, no signal is set. FIG. 8 shows an example of a signal sequence of the trigger module.

The pulse length of the pulse output A1 is preferably used as a measure of the detected product skew. The directional output A2 provides the information on which side the product 03 was detected first. If the pulse output A1 delivers a signal, this is read in via a time measurement function of the probe function of the module 38 and finally evaluated in a logic. The time measurement function delivers z. B. a unit of time in microseconds. This time is converted in the logic, for example, taking into account the time, which takes a product 03 per mm of travel as a function of the machine speed, in an indication in 1/100 millimeter. From the information about the direction of the imbalance (direction output A2) and the converted amount for the skew (pulse output A1) is then a correspondingly large actuating signal to be addressed accordingly actuator, ie one of the drives 41 to 44, in particular one of the drives 41 or 42nd of brushes 31; 32 issued.

In order to correct an inclined position of the longitudinally folded product 03 leaving the folding rollers 07, in the longitudinal folder 01 above the folding table 02, preferably at least two braking devices 24 spaced apart in the transporting direction T1; 36, namely, an entrance-side closer and an entry-side-further deceleration device 24; 36, which are able to decelerate in a corresponding contact position during the passage of a product 03, in particular via friction. The respective braking device 24; 36 has at least one braking element 31; 32; 33; 34 or at least one group 26; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34, which in an advantageous embodiment, for. B. as brushes 31; 32; 33; 34 is formed or are.

Preferably, at least one of the braking devices 24; 36 independent of the other of the deceleration devices 24; 36 variable in their distance from the folding table 02. For this purpose, the entry-side closer braking device 24 by at least one actuator 37, preferably by at least one z. B. designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder pressure medium actuatable actuator 37, at a distance from the folding table 02, z. B. by at most 50 mm, changeable and / or optionally in or out of contact with the continuous product flow can be brought (Fig. 1 1 to 15).

In this case, if at the same time the above-mentioned device and method for correcting an inclined position on the folding table 02 is used, one or more of the correction of the inclined position of the folding rollers 07 leaving product 03 provided, in particular one or more of the entry side closer Braking elements 31; 32 or at least one, in particular near-entry group 26; 27 of braking elements 31; 32 apply for both purposes.

The entry-side closer braking device 24 may be a total of an effective range of the folding table 02, z. B. by more than 200 mm from the folding table 02 away, be arranged swung out (Fig. 12 and 13).

At least one of the at least two braking devices 24; 36, preferably both braking devices 24; 36, have at least two Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34, z. B. brushes 31; 32; 33; 34 or access side remote "stop brushes" 33, 34 and entry-side-closer "middle brushes" 31; 32, or at least two groups 26; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34, z. Brush groups 26; 27; 28; 29 or brush systems 26; 27; 28; 29 on.

The Abbremselemente 31 independently formed changeable in their distance from the folding table 02; 32; 33; 34 or groups 26; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34 preferably have independently operable actuators 41; 42; 43; 44 on.

Preferably, in particular in connection with the above-mentioned devices for monitoring and correcting an inclined position of the folding table 02, a total of at least four Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 or at least four groups 26; 27; 28; 29, z. B. two braking devices 24; 36 with two groups 26 each; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34 provided, wherein the four Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 or four groups 26; 27; 28; 29 each independently by an actuator 41; 42; 43; 44 are variable in their distance from the folding table 02. The first two groups 26; 27 have z. B from four braking elements 31; 32, z. B. each with a length L31 in the transport direction T1 of z. B. at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, in particular about 200 mm, the two second groups 27; 28 z. B. three braking elements 33 each; 34, z. B. each with a length L33 in the transport direction T1 of z. B. at least 50 mm, preferably at least 70 mm, in particular about 90 mm on.

At least one of the entry side closer and one of the entry side remote Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 or groups 26; 27; 28; 29 are independently variable in their distance from the folding table 02 and the product 03 arranged thereon, in particular by an actuator 41; 42; 43; 44, formed.

The (respective) actuator 41; 42; 43; 44 is z. B. as a motor, in particular as a servomotor or stepper motor, which (r) preferably via a transmission, for. B. a screw drive, or in any other way to be stopped Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 or groups 26; 27; 28; 29 acts to adjust the distance to the folding table 02.

Independent of one or more of the sensors SO; S1; S2; S3; S4, but particularly advantageous i. V. m. some of these or with these, are two the presence of the longitudinally folded after passing through the folding gap 06 03, in particular below the folding table 02, detecting sensors S5 and S6 (or measuring location S5, S6) are provided, which or their measuring point S5; S6 viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of a folding roller 07 and / or to the longitudinal direction of the folding gap 06 and / or to the longitudinal direction of the folding blade 04 direction by a distance a5,6, z. B. by at least 80 mm, advantageously by at least 120 mm, preferably by 120 mm to 180 mm, are spaced (Fig. 9). The two sensors S5; S6 or measuring points S5; S6 are preferably in a substantially same vertical distance a5,6,02, z. B. 150 mm to 400 mm, in particular a maximum of 350 mm, to a on the folding table 02 for the product 03 before folding bearing surface of the folding table 02 and / or in particular arranged in the product path behind the folding rollers 07. One of the two sensors S6; S5 or measuring point (s) S6; S5 is z. B. in a longitudinal direction of a folding roller 07 or to the longitudinal direction of the folding gap 06 or Viewed longitudinal direction of the folding blade 04 parallel direction at most by a distance a6.09 of z. B. 120 mm, in particular at most 100 mm to a through the stop surface of the stop 09; (46) level, and / or the other sensor S5 spaced by a distance to this plane of at least 150 mm, in particular at least 200 mm. Preferably, the two sensors S5; S6 is at the same distance from the position of the product 03 passed by.

As set forth above, the deceleration member 31 close to the entrance side and the entry side are provided; 32; 33; 34 or at least one group 26; 27; 28; 29 such Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 for straight-off, d. H. to correct any skew after the folding gap 06, used. In this case, during the production by the sensors S5 and S6 or at their measuring locations S5 and S6, the discharge of the folded product 03 under the folding table 02 is observed. If the folded product 03, z. B. with its leading edge, not parallel to the Falzwalzenachsen out of the folding rollers 07, it can cause wrinkling or tearing on the outer sides of the product 03 at high speeds. This can be achieved by more or less pressure on the (or friction with) the product 03 of all or individual Abbremselemente 31; 32; 33; 34 (eg, brushes 31, 32, 33, 34) and groups 26, respectively; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34, z. Brush groups 26; 27; 28; 29 are corrected (Fig. 10). A higher brush pressure, for example, the front, d. H. entry side remote brush groups 28; 29 would cause a stronger retention of the product end leading with respect to the transport direction T1 when passing through the folding rollers 07 and therefore turning the folded product 03 in one direction and vice versa.

The processing of signals m5 and m6 of the sensors S5 and S6, for example, by appropriate means in a control or process module 39, short module 39, which z. B. also part of the control device 10 (as shown) or may be formed individually. In this module 39, the signals m5 and m6 of Sensors S5 and S6, these signals m5 and m6 evaluated, and a result in the form of a control signal to one or more of the drives 41; 42; 43; 43, in particular drive 43 and / or 44, out.

The evaluation can preferably be carried out with the aid of a trigger module in a manner similar to the one above. M3 and m4 described manner be implemented the same way. Here are o. G. Replace signals m3 and m4 with the signals m5 and m6. From the information about the direction of the imbalance (eg, again a directional output A2) and the converted measure for the skewness (eg, again a pulse output A1), a correspondingly large actuating signal is then applied to the or the corresponding actuators ( eg as drives with associated brushes), d. H. to one or more of the drives 41 to 44, in particular the drives 43 and / or 44 (or generally the "drive" one, in particular the entry side remote braking device 36) output.

In the procedure for correcting an inclined position of a product 03 emerging from the folding rollers 07, two sensors S5 and S6 spaced transversely to the transport direction T2 detect a time offset Δt2 or a deviation Δt2 from a setpoint offset (eg zero seconds) during the passage of the preceding one product edge. As a result of the deviation .DELTA.t2 or the time offset .DELTA.t2, at z. B. several consecutive products 03, now one of two on the folding table 02 in the transport direction T1 spaced from each other Abbremselementen 31; 32; 33; 34 or one of two on the folding table 02 in the transport direction T1 spaced from each other arranged groups 26; 27; 28; 29 of braking elements 31; 32; 33; 34 further to the product 03 towards or away from the product 03 moved away. In principle, this can also be done by a sensor which has a field of view in order to be able to determine and evaluate the passage of the leading or trailing edge at at least two spaced measuring points (S5; S6). The detection of a skew or skew described above - on and below the folding table 02 - takes place in each case by means of two sensors z. B. sensor S3 and S4 or sensor S5 and S6, which are arranged in pairs parallel to each other (see above) and one to the respective transport direction T1; T2 transverse product edge, in particular the leading edges of the products 03 detect. Alternatively, however, this could also be the trailing edges.

For the skew compensation under the folding table 02 z. For example, the entry-side brushes 33, 34 (also called "stop brushes" 33, 34) are pressed correspondingly hard onto the product 03. The entry-side brushes 31, 32 (also called "middle brushes" 31, 32) are e.g. B. only for the above-described skew compensation on the folding table 02 used. Once both middle brushes 31; 32 (or groups 26, 27) provide a larger voltage value than a z. B. for production previously set dressing value, the center brushes 31; 32 no longer lowered, but in an advantageous embodiment again a z. B. definable path away from the folding table 02. This ensures that the central brushes 31; 32 never press too hard on the product 03.

If the operator still recognizes skewness in the product 03 in spite of the skew compensation, which is automatically regulated in the manner described above, a further development is advantageous, with manual intervention, for B. via appropriate keys, especially arrow keys, a keyboard or a display, is possible to correct this possibly remaining imbalance on. By means of the two buttons, the product 03 z. B. on page I or on page Il continue to stop 09 are driven, ie the braking effect of the brush 31; 32; 33; 34 are influenced on the respective side I or Il. A further advantageous development is the possibility of manual intervention by the operator in order to improve the stripping behavior of the product 03 on the folding table 02. Here, for example, again via arrow keys of a keyboard above, the central brushes 31; 32 (or the two entry side closer groups 26, 27) be moved closer to the folding table 02 or further away.

The two modules 38; 39 if both provided, can individually, but also in a common control 54, z. B. a brush control 54, for example, be provided as processes in a same computing and / or storage means.

The allowable skewness of a product 03 on the folding table 02 is fixed in an advantageous embodiment, z. B. to half a millimeter, but preferably changeable. Under the folding table 02, the allowable skewness is z. B. 10 mm.

Particularly advantageous is an embodiment of a device or a method with one or both of the above-mentioned skew corrections, which is in connection with an above-mentioned device or method for controlling the folding time. Advantageously, in parallel in each phase of the operation, but at least during or directly following the above-mentioned corrective measures of inclinations, a monitoring of the folding time, ie the product distance to the stop 09; (46) at Erstberührung the Abfalzprozesses, in the manner described above. Once one or more brushes 31; 32; 33; Press 34 on the product 03, this may have an effect on the position of the product 03 on the folding table 02 during the Abfalzen result. The product 03 stays behind and does not come far enough to the stop 09; (46). In this case, preferably the above-described, acting on the folding blade drive Falzzeitpunktregelung and compensates for this remaining of the product 03 behind its desired position by the target relative position ΔΦ _R by applying a corresponding correction value kΔ; (kΦ) is corrected (see above). In single-stage folding time control, the correction by a correction value kΔ; (kΦ), in multi-stage folding time control by the control strategy corresponding to the present phase and a corresponding correction value kΔx; (kΦx), with x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 done. If the position of the product 03 by stronger brush pressure is left behind the desired, the Erstberührungspunkt the folding blade 04 with the Product 03 by applying a correction value kΔx; (kΦx) in the direction of the stop 09; (46) displaced, ie the folding blade drive at least temporarily delayed. Conversely, if the position of the product 03 migrates by lower brush pressure beyond the desired, the Erstberührungspunkt the folding blade 04 with the product 03 by applying a correction value kΔx; Moves (kΦx) in the direction of entry side 18, ie the folding blade drive at least briefly accelerated.

If the distance between Erstberührungspunkt the folding blade 04 and stop 09; (46) too small, the danger is great that in the area of the longitudinal folder 01 a tamper occurs. The Erstberührungspunkt the folding blade 04 is z. B. depending on the working frequency (cycles per hour) of the folding knife 04. A guideline for the safe Erstberührungspunkt is z. B. at least 1 mm distance from the stop 09; (46) per 1,000 cycles / hour working frequency.

The o. G. Regulation of the brushes for skew correction (on and / or under the folding table 02) is z. B. actively switched from a working frequency on the folding blade 04, for example, 20,000 cycles / hour. So that the brushes 31; 32; 33; 34 have equal contact with the product 03, they can in an advantageous embodiment in an initial phase of the production to be carried out, for. B. at a speed V of z. B. <1500 cycles / hour, on both sides of the folding gap 06 (eg., On page I and page II) trained separately relative to the product to be folded 03, d. H. be adjusted in their distance or zeroed. The dressed value of each brush 31; 32; 33; 34 or brush group 26; 27; 28; 29 remains until a change in production requiring a new setting has been made at the fold, or the operator manually resets or changes the dressing value.

In the following, an advantageous apparatus and method for the above setting or "dressing" of the brush 31, 32, 33, 34 or brush group 26, 27, 28, 29 is presented. Independently of one or more of the aforementioned sensors S1; S2; S3; S4; S5; S6, but especially advantageous i. V. m. some of these or with these, two sensors S7 and S8 detecting the presence of the product 03 on the folding table 02 are provided, which or their measuring point S7; S8 viewed transversely to the transport direction T1, from each other by a distance a7,8, z. B. by at least 100 mm, advantageously spaced by at least 150 mm, preferably by 150 mm to 250 mm, but preferably are arranged substantially symmetrically to the plane E. Preferably, the two sensors are S7; S8 or the measuring points S7; S8 on both sides of the passing through the longitudinal direction of the folding blade 04 plane E, preferably to this approximately (to ± 10 mm) arranged equidistantly. The two sensors S7 and S8 or their measuring points S7; S8 are arranged in a same, perpendicular to the transport direction T1 and / or perpendicular to the plane E running alignment. They are, for example, in a substantially same vertical distance aO3, in particular 3 mm to 10 mm, to one on the folding table 02 between folding table 02 and sensor S7; S8 resting product 03 arranged. Preferably, they or their measuring points are S7; S8 viewed in the transporting direction T1, directly at or directly in front of, ie, for example, at most at a distance of 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm before the position of the stop surface in the active state of the stop device 09; (46) arranged.

One of the two sensors S7; S8, in particular sensor S8, can be omitted. Instead of this measuring point S8, the two measuring locations S7; S8 for the dressing process against each other evaluating a above-mentioned also elsewhere using measuring point, z. B. the arranged directly on the stop 09 measuring point S1 of the above sensor S1 use. In this case, the sensor S8 can be omitted. In addition or instead, the sensor S7 or its measuring location can be arranged in a position indicated by S7 ', which may have a substantially (to ± 3 mm) same distance a1 to the plane E as the sensor S1, but on the other side Il the level E is arranged. In order that different products 03 may be taken into account with different productions, however, the above-mentioned regulations work independently of page number, paper weight, asymmetrical products 03, etc., preferably at least center brushes 31; 32 and the corresponding entrance side closer groups 26; This is done, for example, at a speed suitable for this purpose, for example at an operating frequency at the folding blade 04 of, for example, 2,000 before or at production start in its vertical basic setting, in particular the groups 26 and 27 - 25,000 cycles / hour.

This is done in the way that the brushes 31; 32; (33; 34) or groups 26 and 27 (and possibly 28 and 29) are first moved to a position where they are not in contact with the passing product 03. Thereafter, one after the other z. B. each of the four brush systems 26; 27; 28; 29 shut down until the detected phase position of the penetrating product 03 changes, d. H. a delay compared to the previously observed product tact is evident. This phase change is z. B. by the sensors S7 for one side, z. B. side I, and sensor S8 (or alternatively S1) for the other side, z. B. side Il observed and detected by a corresponding evaluation. The position of the brushes 31; 32; (33; 34) or groups 26 and 27; (28; 29), in which this change is visible for the first time, is the dressing position described above. This process is successively for both sides I; Il performed. The determined dressing values are z. B. held in a storage device until they are possibly overwritten by new values.

For the above-mentioned sensors SO to S8, the indication and representation of their position or position in the folding apparatus 01 is to be understood synonymously as location of the measuring location SO to S8 in such a way that at their output or at their outputs between a presence and absence of the product 03 at the observed by the respective sensor SO to S8 measuring point SO to S8 can be distinguished. The sensor SO to S8 can Thus, it can also be arranged in a position deviating from the representation in the folding apparatus 01 with the proviso that it monitors the relevant measuring location SO to S8 or measuring point SO to S8 identified above and in the figures by the sensors SO to S8. As "position or position of the sensor" can - except the statements concerning the distance aO3 to the product 03 - thus generalized the "position or position of the measuring location or the measuring position" of the sensor in question be understood to S8. For example, a sensor SO to S4 arranged above the folding table 02 can also be arranged below or in the folding table 02 with appropriate provision (such as opening, for example), provided that it monitors the relevant measuring location or measuring point.

The sensor or the aforementioned sensors SO to S8 is or are preferably as optical sensors, for. B. light guide sensor (s), advantageously in the form of a reflection type, is formed. Preferably, an embodiment (in particular for the sensors S1; S2; S3; S4; S7; (S7 ¹ ) and S8) is provided with a convergent light beam, e.g. B. focused on a point or focused light spot, wherein the diameter of the light spot at the focal point highest 0.7 mm, advantageously at most 0.5 mm, and / or the focal length less than 20 mm, advantageously not more than 10 mm. The sensors S5 and S6 can be of the same genanten type with the same technical data, but also with a larger focal length, z. B. greater than 20 mm or u. U. also be formed in deviation from the reflection type in the manner of a light barrier.

The aforementioned sensors S0 to S8, in comparison to photodiode arrays, line or area cameras, need not be sensors providing spatial resolution, but preferably represent singular, mutually spaced measuring locations, since essentially only passage times are to be determined and evaluated.

Nevertheless, in each case a camera system would be conceivable for the above-mentioned field of application of the bevel corrections (on or under folding table 02) in a more expensive solution, wherein, however, in contrast to z. B. the print quality rating systems - a camera with low to medium local resolution and / or only a black and white color, in combination with an evaluation software for detecting a product edge and their rating with respect to a skew would be sufficient.

In Fig. 1 1 to 15, an advantageous embodiment of the longitudinal folding apparatus 01 is shown in different views.

Such as B. recognizable in Fig. 4, the folding table 02 in addition to stationary, d. H. frame-fixed support portions 48 parallel to the transport direction T1 extending, the product 03 transporting bands 49 have. This upstream can be a further transport device, not shown, for. As a conveyor belt, be provided, through which the längsfalzenden products 03 are promoted in the entrance area of the inlet side 18 and up to the bands 49. As stated above, the folding blade drive is preferably mechanically independent and independently adjustable relative to the drive of the belts 49 and / or the upstream transport device.

On the folding table 02, in particular in a closer to the entrance side end of the folding gap 06 area, the stop device 09 is provided, which is preferably designed to -. B. at least in an active position - to limit the path of the product 03 along the transport direction T1.

The stop device 09 has a long drawn, or more transversely to the first transport direction T1 juxtaposed stop elements 46, wherein the product 03 facing, formed by the one or more stops 46 effective stop surface substantially in a line perpendicular to the transport direction T1 and / or to the longitudinal direction of the folding gap 06 stands.

The one or more stop elements 46 is or are at least one actuator 47, z. B. formed movable by a pneumatic or hydraulic drive 47. The one or more stop elements 46 is or can be switched on or off, preferably in the plane of movement of the product 03 with its active surface hineinbringbar or removable therefrom and / or in the plane of movement of the product 03 with its stop surface optionally at a distance from the inlet side 18th variable. In this case, several or more groups of stop elements 46 can be movable by a plurality of actuators 47.

In an advantageous operating situation, the stop device 09 can then be turned off during the folding.

reference numeral

01 longitudinal folder, folder, processing stage

02 folding table

03 Product, intermediate, printed matter

04 folding knife, knife

05 -

06 folding gap

07 folding roller

08 Lever, folding lever, lever arm

09 stop device, stop

10 control and / or regulating device, control device

1 1 axis

12 lever arm, lever

13 body, rotatable, cam

14 stop, roll

15 -

16 wave

17 drive means, drive motor

18 entrance side

19 band system

20 -

21 bucket wheel

22 display device

23 control module, control process, drive control

24 braking device, near the entrance

25 -

26 group, brush group, brush system (31)

27 group, brush group, brush system (32) Group, brush group, brush system (33) group, brush group, brush system (34) - braking elements, brush, center brush braking elements, brush, center brush braking elements, brush, stop brush braking elements, brush, stop brush - braking device, inlet side remote actuator control module, module, control process control module, module , Actuator Actuator, Actuator Actuator, Actuator Actuator, Actuator Actuator, Drive Actuator, Actuator Actuator, Actuator, Pneumatic or Hydraulic Support Area Band - Control Module, Process Module - - Control, Brush Control

distance E level

G gear factor

M data, machine-relevant

V speed, production speed

A1 pulse output

A2 direction output

E1 input

E2 input

L33 length

L34 length

T1 transport direction

T2 transport direction

V1 limit speed

V2 limit speed

V3 limit speed

I page

Il page

a1 distance a2 distance

aO3 distance a1, 2 distance a5.6 distance a5,602 distance a6,09 distance a7,8 distance

aT1 distance

Φ (t) angular position, circumferential, Leitachswinkellage

Φ _A angular position

Φ _s (T) target angle position

ΔΦ _R target phase position, relative, reference relative position, reference reference phase position

Δ offset value, correction angle, angle correction

kΔ correction value

Sx sensor, measuring point, measuring point, x = 0, 1, 2 ... 8 mx signal, measuring signal, x = 0, 1, 2 ... 8

Claims

claims

1. A method for operating a folding blade (04) and a folding table (02) having Längsfalzapparates (01), wherein a drive of the movement of a folding blade (04) with respect to its cyclic movement frequency synchronized to one or more aggregates of an upstream, web-processing machine and / or a cycle of incoming products (03) takes place, the entry of a leading edge of incoming products (03) being detected at a first measuring point (S1) in the transport path of the folding table (02), and a relative phase angle ΔΦ between the movement of the folding blade (04) and the phase angle of the upstream of the aggregates and / or the phase position of the product cycle for setting a contact point of the folding blade (04) with the product to be folded (03) by a control and / or regulating device (10) is deliberately changed , characterized in that the relative phase ΔΦ is changed by a control algorithm such that z at least in an operating mode or phase of a production operation, the leading edges of the products (03) to be unfolded on the folding table (02) are kept away from the measuring point (S1) in the transport path by varying the relative phase angle ΔΦ in such a way that as a result of detection the leading edge of one or a certain number of successive products (03) at this measuring point (S1) a variation of the relative phase ΔΦ at an earlier time of first contact of product (03) and folding blade (04) and / or the touch point to a closer to an inlet side (18) of the incoming products (03) lying point takes place.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at a second, the first measuring point (S1). With respect to the transport direction (T1) upstream measuring point (S2) also the entry of a leading edge incoming products (03) is detected, and the relative Phase position ΔΦ by a control algorithm such is varied, that at least in one mode or phase of a production operation, the leading edges of the rebate on the folding table (02) funded ausfalzenden products (03) by varying the relative phase ΔΦ in a by the two in the transport direction (T1) spaced measuring points (S1; S2) and / or the position of the edge for subsequent products (03) is in particular returned to this catching area when the catch region leaves the container once or several times.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that as a result of a at the second measuring point (S2) over a certain period observed absence of detected leading edges, a variation of the relative phase ΔΦ at a later time point of first touch out and / or the touch point to one on takes place to an inlet side (18) of the incoming products (03) remote location.

4. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the detection by sensors (S1; S2) takes place.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control in the first mode of operation is such that due to detection of a leading edge of one or a number of successive products (03) the variation at an earlier time point or closer to the entrance side ( 18), so that the leading edge of a subsequently incoming product (03) does not touch a stop (09, 46) delimiting the transport path.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control in a second mode after reaching a constant production speed is such that a variation of the relative phase ΔΦ from an earlier time to a later time point out until the leading edge of an incoming product (03) is detected for the first time at the measuring point (S1) and then this phase position ΔΦ is maintained so that the leading edge of incoming products (03) has a stop (09; ) just do not touch, or at least without significant speed on the stop (09, 46) meet.

7. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the change in the relative phase ΔΦ by a relative change in the phase at the folding blade movement causing drive, in particular by relative rotation of the folding blade drive causing drive motor (17) and / or the Falzmesserbewegung controlling cam takes place.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the achievement and / or compliance with a required for the relative phase ΔΦ current desired phase position ΔΦ _S by a an actual relative position ΔΦi with a desired relative position (.DELTA.Φ _R ) comparing control loop takes place.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that at a deviation of the actual relative position ΔΦ _h in particular between a product phase position Φ _P and an angular position (Φ _A ) of the folding blade drive, from the current desired relative position (ΔΦ _R ) a correction by, if necessary successive, relative rotation of the folding blade drive by an angle correction (Δ) takes place.

10. The method of claim 1, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the change in the relative phase ΔΦ by, possibly successively, change a relative desired phase position (ΔΦ _R ) by a correction value kΔ; kΔi; kΦ; kΦi or by, possibly successively, applying a relative desired phase position (ΔΦ _R ) with a correction value kΔ; kΔi; kΦ; kΦi is effected.

1 1. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the synchronization of the Falzmesserbewegung with the at least one upstream unit on the basis of speed and / or angle relevant data from a drive of the folding blade (04) and the drive of the at least one unit connecting electronic lead takes place ,

12. The method of claim 7 and 1 1, characterized in that the change in the relative phase ΔΦ by one, possibly successively, applying a resulting from the Leitachsvorgabe desired angular position with a correction value kΔ; kΔi; kΦ; kΦi or by, possibly successively, changing the resulting from the Leitachsvorgabe desired angular position by a correction value kΔ; kΔi; kΦ; kΦi is effected.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the change in the relative phase ΔΦ by applying a further, or change of an existing offset value (Δ) takes place.

14. The method of claim 10 or 12, characterized in that the change in the relative phase ΔΦ occurs until the condition determined by the control algorithm is met.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a relative phase ΔΦ a product phase position Φ _P of the, in or in the longitudinal folder (01) funded products (03) and a phase angle (Φ _A ) of the folding blade drive is used.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the product phase position Φ _P as a product passage, in particular a leading or trailing edge, to a location of the folding path upstream transport path is determined.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the product phase position Φ _P as the theoretical product phase position of a phase position of one or more of the upstream aggregates and a, z. B. empirically determined and preferably held, offset value is formed.

18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first measuring point (S1) is detected at or immediately before a transport path (T1) in the activated state limiting stop surface.

19. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first measuring point (S1) is located at or immediately before a transport path (T1) in the activated state limiting stop surface.

20. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a correction of an inclined position on the folding table (02) of the longitudinal folding apparatus (01) to be folded, at least before folding along the transport direction (T1) on the folding table (02) moving product ( 03), wherein a passage time of a leading or trailing edge of the product is detected at two measuring locations (S3; S4) spaced apart transversely to the transport direction (T1) of the product to be folded (S3) by reference to the two measuring locations (S3; ) a deviation .DELTA.t1 between a detected during the passage of the considered product edge at the two measuring locations (S3, S4) time offset and a desired time offset is detected and evaluated, and as a result of at least one tolerance range beyond

Deviation .DELTA.t1 by a control process (38) one of the deviation .DELTA.t1 counteracting, in particular unbalanced delaying or accelerating the on the folding table (02) moving products (03) influencing action is initiated

21. A method according to claim 1 or 20, characterized in that a correction of an oblique position of the longitudinally folded product (03) by means of a device provided by friction based braking on both sides of the folding gap (06) arranged independently in their distance from the folding table (02 ) or to the folding table top changeable braking elements (31; 32; 33; 34) takes place.

22. A method for operating a Längsfalzapparates (01) with a folding table (02) and a folding blade (04), in particular according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that during an acceleration phase of an upstream, web-processing machine, a location of a touch point on the folding table (02) or a time related to the product phase position of the first contact of a product to be folded (03) with the folding blade (04) is changed depending on a machine speed and / or an engine acceleration.

23. A method for operating a Längsfalzapparates (01) with a folding table (02) and a folding blade (04), in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that during an acceleration phase of an upstream, web-processing machine, a location of a touch point or the time of first contact a product (03) to be folded is controlled with a folding blade (04) as a function of a signal (m1) at a measuring point (S1) located on the folding table (02) in such a way that the contact point continues as a result of a signal (m1) recognizing the product edge is shifted to the entrance side (18).

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the location of the contact point on the folding table (02) or a distance (A) between the contact point and a downstream stop (09; 46) is set differently for different speeds.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that for a higher speed a closer to the product entry location or a greater distance (A) to the stop (09, 46) is set.

26. A method for operating a Längsfalzapparates (01), in particular according to one or more of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that for different operating phases during production, a location of a contact point of a product to be folded (03) with a folding blade (04) after is governed by different rules.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that during an acceleration phase, d. H. a phase of increasing speed of the machine, the control of the location of the touch point or the time of first contact according to a rule according to claim 1, 22 or 23 takes place.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that during a stationary production phase, d. H. constant speed of the machine, the regulation of the location of the touch point or the time of initial contact according to a rule according to claim 2.

29. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that during a stationary production phase, ie constant speed of the machine, the regulation of the location of the contact point or the time of initial contact according to a rule according to claim 6.

30. The method according to claim 28 and 29, characterized in that during a stationary production phase, d. H. constant speed of the machine, the control of the location of the touch point or the time of initial contact according to a rule according to claim 6.

31. A method according to claim 1 and / or 22, characterized in that a correction of an inclined position of a Falzwalzenspalt two folding rollers (07) of a Längsfalzapparates (01) exiting product (03) takes place, wherein the product (03) by the relative to the folding table ( 02) is pressed up and down folding blade (04) in the Falzwalzenspalt, leaves the Falzwalzenspalt and is conveyed along a transport direction (T2), wherein at two transversely to the transport direction (T2) of the folded product (03) spaced measuring locations ( S5, S6) in each case one passage time of a leading or trailing edge of the product is detected, based on the at the two measuring locations (S5; S6) detected passage time switching and / or data processing technology a deviation .DELTA.t2 between a passage of the considered product edge at the two measuring locations ( S5; S6) detected time offset and a target time offset is detected and evaluated, and as a result a deviation Δt2 counteracting measure is initiated by at least one tolerance range deviation Δt2 by a control process (39), which on stronger or less strong retention of the product (03) when passing the folding rollers (07) and / or more or less friction between Brake elements (31; 32; 33; 34) with the product (03).

32. The method of claim 2 or 28, characterized in that the folding takes place while a in Anstelllage the transport path limiting stop (09, 46) is in the parked position.

33. longitudinal folding apparatus (01), in particular for carrying out the method of one or more of claims 1 to 32, with a folding blade (04) and a folding gap (06) having folding table (02), of an inlet side (18) along a first, preferably parallel to the folding table plane transport direction (T1) are to be folded products (03) can be supplied, wherein a first measuring point (S1) at or immediately before the transport path (T1) in the activated state limiting stop surface and a second, closer to the inlet side ( 18) lying measuring point (S2) and the folding blade associated control and / or control device (10) is provided, characterized in that the folding blade (04) to move at least one of the folding gap (06) upstream, the products ( 03) to, in or in the longitudinal folder (01) conveying conveyor mechanically independent folding blade drive, and that the control and / or STEU ereinrichtung (10) is formed with an algorithm to, due to at the first and second measuring point (S1; S2) the presence of a product leading edge detecting signals (m1; m2) to cause a change in a relative phase position between folding blade drive and product flow such that the product leading edge of a subsequent product (03) is detectable only at the second measuring point (S2).

34. A longitudinal folding apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the two measuring points (S1; S2) represent singular measuring points (S1; S2) which are significantly spaced from one another and / or delimit a catching area whose boundaries they monitor.

35. longitudinal folding apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the folding blade drive has a position-controlled drive motor (17) which upstream of an electronic master axis with the Längsfalzapparat (01) Aggregates is synchronized.

36. longitudinal folding apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that the drive motor (17) is associated with a signal technically connected to the electronic master axis, the drive motor (17) setpoint angular positions predetermining drive control, wherein a control process (38) is provided with an algorithm by the Target angle position of the signals (m1; m2) of the measuring points (S1; S2) depending on a correction value kΔ1 or kΦ1 is applied.

37. longitudinal folding apparatus (01) according to claim 33, with two on a transport path along the transport direction (T1) the presence of a longitudinally to be folded product (03) recognizing, transversely to the transport direction (T1) of the vorbeizuführenden product (03) spaced sensors (S3; S4) and with a control process (38), by which the signals (m3, m4) of these sensors (S3, S4) are evaluable with respect to a product skew, wherein at least one adjustable as a result of an output signal of the control process (38) actuator for influencing a product skew the folding table (02) is provided.

38. longitudinal folding apparatus according to claim 33 or 37, characterized in that one of a stop (09) different device for monitoring and correcting a tilt of the longitudinally folded product (03) on the folding table (02) is provided.