EP3059195A1 - Folding device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for folding sheets or sheet stacks (4), with at least two folding / transport rollers (1), a transport device (3) and a sword (2), wherein the transport device (3) has a transport plane E for defined in a transport direction R supplied sheets or sheet stack (4), wherein the sword (2) is substantially perpendicular to and through the transport plane E through, the folding / transport rollers (1) above the transport plane E on both sides of the sword (2) are arranged opposite each other, wherein the axis of rotation A of the folding / transport rollers (1) is substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E and wherein the at least two folding / transport rollers (1) at their the transport plane E each end facing a rounded portion (1a), so that between the at least two folding / transport rollers (1) a narrowing gap S is formed, in which the sheets or sheet stack (4) by means of the sword (2) can be introduced in order to be folded there and simultaneously be conveyed in the transport direction R, and a corresponding method.

Description

The invention relates to a device for folding sheets or sheet stacks and a corresponding method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a newspaper product from at least a first and a second partial product.

From the EP 0 846 573 A1 For example, a folding apparatus and method for producing an omega-shaped fold are known. After an incoming sheet or stack of sheets has been lifted centrally with a sword, the fold is made by two relatively movable jaws. The folded product is ejected after opening the jaws from the rebate area in the direction of the folded edge.

From the EP 1 213 245 A1 are an apparatus and a method for folding sheets, in particular printed sheets of paper, known with a sword having a straight, lying in a Zuförderebene upper edge and is movable perpendicular to the Zuförderebene and with two Anfalzelementen to form a fold. The Anfalzelemente are at least two parallel to the Zuförderebene arranged Anfalzrollen whose axes of rotation each extend parallel to the folded edge. Furthermore, at least two removal rollers are present, whose axes of rotation are perpendicular to the feed plane and which are arranged on the side facing away from the Zuförderebene the Anfalzrollen and / or laterally from the Anfalzrollen. This device and the corresponding method have proven to be very reliable, especially when folding individual sheets. As a result of that the folding and the removal operation are perpendicular to each other, so that in each case a corresponding deflection of the sheets is required, however, a relatively long time is required for the folding and conveying away the sheets.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method in which an increase in the processing speed can be achieved in an efficient manner. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method by means of which a newspaper product composed of at least two partial products with a different arc length can be produced in a particularly efficient manner.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a device for folding sheets or sheet stacks, with at least two folding / transport rollers, a transport device and a sword, wherein the transport device defines a transport plane for fed in a transport direction sheets or sheet stack, the sword substantially perpendicular to and through the transport plane, wherein the folding / transport rollers are arranged opposite the transport plane on both sides of the sword opposite, wherein the axis of rotation of the folding / transport rollers is substantially perpendicular to the transport plane and wherein the at least two fold / Transport rollers at their end facing the transport plane each having a rounded portion, so that between the at least two folding / transport rollers, a narrowing gap is formed, in which the sheets or sheet stack can be introduced by means of the sword to folded there u nd simultaneously conveyed in the transport direction by means of a method for folding sheets or sheet stacks, by means of at least two folding / transport rollers, a transport device and a sword, the transport device defining a transport plane for sheets or sheet stacks fed in a transport direction, the sword substantially perpendicular to and through the transport plane, wherein the folding / transporting rollers are arranged above the transport plane opposite to both sides of the sword and wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: (a) feeding a sheet or a sheet stack by means of the transport device in FIG transport direction; (b) moving the sword positioned below the transport plane in contact with the sheet or stack of sheets lying in the transport plane, (c) lifting the sheet or sheet stack by means of the sword and inserting the sheet or sheet stack into one formed between the folding / transport rollers Gap; and (d) folding and simultaneously conveying the sheet or sheet stack in the transporting direction by means of the nip formed between the folding / transporting rollers.

The present invention is suitable both for folding individual sheets and for folding sheet stacks, the invention preferably being used in connection with the folding of sheet stacks, since in certain circumstances the folding accuracy need not be quite as high as for individual sheets , Nevertheless, the folding accuracy achievable with the present invention is quite sufficient even for individual sheets.

The length of the sheet and the width of the sheet are variable over a wide range without having to change over the apparatus.

The feeding speed of the sheets or sheet stack can also be made variable.

In addition variable is the number of sheets in a stack of sheets and the thickness of the individual sheets in a stack of sheets.

Preferably, the number of sheets in a stack is 2 to 25, and more preferably 4 to 12.

Usually, according to the invention, the sheets or sheet stacks are longitudinally folded, but additional transverse folding is likewise possible.

According to the invention, in particular, the folding of the sheets or sheet stacks can take place without a significant change in the movement speed and without a change in the transport direction, which leads to higher processing speeds and shorter clock cycles, as well as a displacement of the individual sheets in a stack of sheets.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rounded portions of the folding / transport rollers on a spherical disc-shaped configuration. This means that, seen in cross-section, the rounded portions of two opposing folding / transporting rollers converge in the manner of two asymptotes and thus form the narrowing gap between them.

However, a conical configuration of the rounded sections is also conceivable. In particular, the transport plane facing side of the rounded portions of the folding / transport rollers is formed flattened (ie at least not completely round) to minimize the penetration depth of the sword in the gap or between the folding / transport rollers and thus a faster movement in the To allow transport direction. If the folding / transport rollers were completely rounded or pointed at their lower end, the penetration depth of the sword would be higher and the cycle time longer.

Preferably, the penetration depth of the sword in the gap formed between the folding / transport rollers is about 3 to 12 mm, particularly preferably 5 to 10 mm. In this way, the clock cycle can be minimized or further optimized.

The sword is preferably formed as thin as possible, so that the folding / transport rollers are moved as far apart as possible during the folding process. Usually, the sword is designed to be thin and pointed, with it being slightly flattened at its upper end (or upper edge). This will prevent the sword from cutting into the paper.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the folding / transport rollers are resiliently mounted, preferably transversely to the transport direction. You can therefore passively move against each other. If the sword with a bow or a pile of sheets between the folding / transport rollers is moved, it pushes apart the individual roles of a pair and when the sword is moved back, they go back together. In addition, an active movement of the folding / transport rollers, ie via a drive, conceivable - be it by exact control of the gap during the folding process, for presetting the gap due to the thickness of the stack to be folded or to improve the folding quality by pressing the fold - / transport rollers when conveying away the stack after folding.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sword is hinged to at least two pulleys (or drive rollers). The articulation is carried out regularly by means of a connecting piece, which is firmly engaged with an underside of the sword and which in each case with the associated pulley (or drive roller) is screwed.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly during the folding operation, the pulleys (or drive rollers) which produce the stroke of the sword are driven at a constant speed. However, particularly preferred is a control of the rotational speed of the pulleys (or drive rollers) such that a substantially constant horizontal movement of the sword results during the folding operation. As a result, a further process optimization can be achieved and a shift of individual sheets in the stack can be prevented.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transport device is in

Form designed by two mutually parallel conveyor belts. In this way, a particularly reliable conveyance of the sheets or sheet stack can be ensured.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a glue head is disposed downstream of the folding / transport rollers. By means of the glue head, a glue trace can be applied to the folded edge of a sheet or sheet pile. This is especially necessary when multiple folded stacks need to be glued together, or when stacked onto a folded stack, e.g. an envelope should be glued on.

Seen in the transport direction after the folding / transport rollers but still before the glue head a pair of pressure rollers is preferably still provided, which serves for (re) pressing the fold. Downstream of the glue head, preferably, a pair of holding rollers are arranged to help prevent descaling of the folded sheet or sheet stack during the sizing operation, thereby ensuring that the folded sheet or sheet stack is out of alignment with the apparatus.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a photocell for detecting the trailing edge of a sheet or stack of sheets is disposed upstream of the folding / transporting rollers. Preferably, the detection of the trailing edge of a sheet or stack of sheets triggers a movement or a stroke of the sword. In this way, it is ensured that two sheets or sheet stacks, which enter the device at a short distance, nevertheless can be processed precisely. As a result, the gaps between the sheets or sheet stacks can be kept as low as possible, resulting in further process optimization.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sheets or sheet stacks are weakened before or during the feeding according to step (a) or else during the folding and simultaneous conveying away according to step (d), in particular to avoid an oblique formation of the fold. The weaknesses can be done in different ways. On the one hand, the sheets or sheet piles can be scored along the desired fold line ("scoring"). The bows or sheet piles can also be perforated accordingly. Furthermore, it is conceivable to apply a trace of water droplets along the desired fold line in order to cause a temporary weakening of the paper.

Another object of the invention is the virtually simultaneous production of a newspaper, which consists of one or more frets / sections (or partial products) of the same or different format, with a booklet inserted into the newspaper (as a further sub-product), the individual Bows are regularly fixed together (eg by sizing).

In contrast, in conventional processes, the newspaper and the booklet are each printed separately and the sub-products are brought together in a separate step (the booklet is subsequently inserted in the newspaper).

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method for producing a newspaper product from at least a first and a second partial product, wherein the first partial product is formed from sheets having a length L ₁ and the second partial product is formed from sheets having a length L ₂ , wherein the Method comprises at least the following steps: (a) printing the individual sheets for the first and second partial product, preferably on a paper web and preferably in digital printing; (b) singulating the sheets and collecting the sheets on at least one stack for the first partial product and at least one stack for the second partial product; (c) preferably transverse folding of the stack with the sheets for the second partial product; (d) longitudinal folding of the collected stacks for the first and second partial products; (e) collecting the individual stacks into a newspaper product; and (f) preferably carrying away the finished newspaper product, preferably in a flake display.

In this way it is possible that the individual parts or partial products of the newspaper (that is to say including the inserting booklet) can be printed on the same printer and at the same time on the same paper roll and subsequently processed together. The printing is preferably carried out by means of a digital printing machine and can be carried out both in-line and off-line. It is preferable to print on a roll of continuous paper. However, the supply of single sheets is conceivable. In the latter case, it is also conceivable to use different types of paper or grades for the different sub-products.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after printing according to step (a), the printed paper web cached, in order to be further processed later if necessary.

When separating the sheets according to step (b), the sheets are preferably cross-cut and immediately afterwards collected. In this case, during the cutting or collecting optional further processing steps can be performed, such as a coating of the sheets (coating), trimming the sheets (longitudinal trimming of the sheets) or gluing the sheets. The collecting of the sheets and cross cutting (singling) can optionally also be done on the collecting device.

For the broadsheet newspaper format, a cross-fold of the collected stack is preferably provided (optional step (c)).

When longitudinally folding the collected stacks according to step (d), optionally the individual sheets of the stacks can be joined together, e.g. using staples or a thread (thread stitching).

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for the production of a newspaper product, the sheets or stacks are weakened before or during one of the steps (b), (c) or (d), in particular in order to avoid an oblique formation of the fold. The weaknesses can be done in different ways. On the one hand, the sheets or stacks can be scored along the desired fold line ("scoring"). The sheets or stacks can also be perforated accordingly. Furthermore, it is conceivable to apply a trace of water droplets along the desired fold line in order to cause a temporary weakening of the paper.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, when collecting according to step (e), the individual stacks are joined together. The collecting of the individual stacks preferably takes place on a saddle. The stacks are collected saddle-shaped and possibly glued together.

The optional removal of the finished newspaper products according to step (f) preferably takes place in brick form in a so-called flake display. Before or after removal, in a further optional step, the finished newspaper product is trimmed, i. cropped at its sides.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length L _{2 of} the sheets for the second partial product is greater, preferably twice as large as the length L _{1 of} the sheets for the first partial product. This is due to the fact that large newspapers (so-called broadsheet format) are folded twice, ie once longitudinally and once across. Small newspapers (so-called tabloid format), however, are folded only once (longitudinally). Both formats can be mixed produced with the inventive method and collected to form a common end product.

The accompanying drawings are for the purpose of illustration and are merely exemplary of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 1a

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln;

Fig. 1b

eine schematische Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln;

Fig. 1c

eine schematische Frontalansicht der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln;

Fig. 2a

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer ersten Position;

Fig. 2b

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer ersten Position;

Fig. 2c

eine schematische Frontalansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer ersten Position;

Fig. 3a

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer zweiten Position;

Fig. 3b

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer zweiten Position;

Fig. 3c

eine schematische Frontalansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer zweiten Position;

Fig. 4a

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer dritten Position;

Fig. 4b

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer dritten Position;

Fig. 4c

eine schematische Frontalansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer dritten Position;

Fig. 5a

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer vierten Position;

Fig. 5b

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer vierten Position;

Fig. 5c

eine schematische Frontalansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer vierten Position;

Fig. 6a

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer fünften Position;

Fig. 6b

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer fünften Position;

Fig. 6c

eine schematische Frontalansicht eines Ausschnitts der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Falzen von Bögen oder von Bogenstapeln in einer fünften Position;

Fig. 7

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Verarbeitungslinie für das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Zeitungsprodukts;

Fig. 8a

eine beispielhafte Papierbahn für das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren in einer Verarbeitungslinie gemäss Fig. 7;

Fig. 8b

eine beispielhafte Papierrolle für das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren in einer Verarbeitungslinie gemäss Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

einen vereinzelten Bogen für ein erstes Teilprodukt sowie einen vereinzelten Bogen für ein zweites Teilprodukt;

Fig. 10

einen Stapel für ein erstes Teilprodukt sowie einen Stapel für ein zweites Teilprodukt;

Fig. 11

einen quergefalzten Stapel für ein zweites Teilprodukt;

Fig. 12a

Ansichten eines ersten Teilprodukts aus verschiedenen Perspektiven;

Fig. 12b

Ansichten eines zweiten Teilprodukts aus verschiedenen Perspektiven;

Fig. 13

Ansichten eines fertigen Zeitungsprodukts aus verschiedenen Perspektiven;

Fig. 14

mehrere fertige Zeitungsprodukte beim Wegfördern in Schuppenauslage.

It shows:

Fig. 1a

a schematic perspective view of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks;

Fig. 1b

a schematic side view of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks;

Fig. 1c

a schematic frontal view of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks;

Fig. 2a

a schematic perspective view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a first position;

Fig. 2b

a schematic side view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a first position;

Fig. 2c

a schematic frontal view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a first position;

Fig. 3a

a schematic perspective view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a second position;

Fig. 3b

a schematic side view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a second position;

Fig. 3c

a schematic frontal view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a second position;

Fig. 4a

a schematic perspective view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a third position;

Fig. 4b

a schematic side view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a third position;

Fig. 4c

a schematic frontal view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a third position;

Fig. 5a

a schematic perspective view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a fourth position;

Fig. 5b

a schematic side view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a fourth position;

Fig. 5c

a schematic frontal view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a fourth position;

Fig. 6a

a schematic perspective view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a fifth position;

Fig. 6b

a schematic side view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a fifth position;

Fig. 6c

a schematic frontal view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a fifth position;

Fig. 7

a schematic perspective view of a processing line for the inventive method for producing a newspaper product;

Fig. 8a

an exemplary paper web for the inventive method in a processing line according to Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 8b

an exemplary roll of paper for the inventive method in a processing line according to Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 9

a single sheet for a first partial product and a single sheet for a second partial product;

Fig. 10

a stack for a first partial product and a stack for a second partial product;

Fig. 11

a Quergefalzten stack for a second partial product;

Fig. 12a

Views of a first sub-product from different perspectives;

Fig. 12b

Views of a second sub-product from different perspectives;

Fig. 13

Views of a finished newspaper product from different perspectives;

Fig. 14

several finished newspaper products when conveying away in scale delivery.

The Fig. 1a shows a schematic, perspective view of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks, but here even without a sheet or sheet pile.

The feed rollers for the sheets or sheet stacks are designated by the reference numeral 8. Above the feed rollers 8 a weakening device 11 is provided for the incoming sheets or sheet stack, which serves to weaken the paper before folding and thus make it easier to fold. On the one hand, this may be a device for rilling along the desired one Or "scoring" or a perforating device. In addition, there is still the possibility that a trace of water droplets is sprayed onto the paper by means of the weakening device 11 in order to bring about a temporary weakening of the paper. However, it is also possible that the weakening of the paper is suitably carried out during the folding operation. The weakening can very effectively avoid creating a skewed seam, resulting in a significant increase in the quality of the finished product.

Downstream of the attenuator 11, but still in the area of the feed rollers 8, a light barrier 7 is provided. The photocell 7 serves to detect the trailing edge of a sheet or a sheet stack and triggers a movement of the sword 2 (in this regard, the photocell 7 of course is connected to a corresponding control, which is not shown here for reasons of simplicity).

The sword 2 is connected via the connecting pieces 9 respectively with the drive rollers 5 (usually pulleys) or hinged thereto. The drive rollers 5 are driven in the direction shown by the respective arrows (i.e., counterclockwise in the present case).

The sword 2 is arranged between two conveyor belts 3a and 3b of a transport device 3, so that it can engage substantially centrally with the supplied sheets. Above the transport device 3 a plurality of pairs of opposing folding / transport rollers 1 are arranged, which for folding and Serve simultaneously convey the sheets or sheet pile. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor belts 3 a, 3 b may extend upstream of the folding / transport rollers 1 and thus possibly take over the function of the feed rollers 8 completely or at least partially.

Downstream of the folding / transport rollers 1, a pair of pressure rollers 19 is provided, which serves for the repeated Zusammen- or pressing of the previously formed fold and thus contributes to increasing the quality of the fold. Downstream of the pressure rollers 19, a glue head 6 is arranged, by means of which a glue trace can be applied to the fold edge of the respective sheet or sheet pile.

Downstream of the glue head 6, a pair of retaining rollers 10 is finally provided. The support rollers 10 serve to prevent descaling of the folded sheet or sheet stack during sizing. In this way it is ensured that the folded sheet or sheet stack comes straight out of the device.

In the Fig. 1b the same reference numerals denote the same components, which also applies to the further description of the figures. In this side view, one can see in particular the transport plane E for the sheets or sheet piles to be processed. The transport plane E is essentially defined by the surface of the conveyor belts 3a, 3b of the transport device 3 and possibly also by the imaginary top side of the feed rollers 8. The axis of rotation A of the folding / transport rollers 1 runs perpendicular to the transport plane E. The axis of rotation A is here drawn only by way of example for one of the folding / transport rollers, but in the other folding / transport rollers 1 it runs in the same way. Further, again by way of example, the transporting direction R of the leftmost folding / transporting roller 1 is shown divided into its rounded portion 1a and the cylindrical portion 1b (this embodiment will be explained later in detail). It can also be seen well that the glue application from the glue head 6 after passing through the pressure rollers 19, before entering the holding rollers 10, takes place.

In the frontal view according to Fig. 1c it can be seen that the hinged on the connecting rollers 9 to the drive rollers 5 sword 2 is located exactly in the middle between the conveyor belts 3a and 3b and that the respective pairs of rollers, ie the support rollers 10, the pressure rollers 19 and the folding / transport rollers 1 each to Both sides of the sword 2 are arranged opposite one another. The Leimkopfauslass 6a is arranged so that the glue can reach exactly the fold formed by the sword of the sheets or sheet stack. Below the conveyor belts 3a and 3b can be seen still the lower half of the feed rollers. 8

The Fig. 2a shows a schematic, perspective view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a first position in which a sheet or sheet stack 4 by means of the feed rollers 8 of the transport device 3 and the two conveyor belts 3a, 3b is fed. The trailing edge 14 of the sheet or sheet stack 4 does not yet have the in Fig. 1a shown photocell 7 happens; the leading edge 13 is straight first on the conveyor belts 3a, 3b via. The sword 2 is thus in its starting position. The folding / transport rollers 1 are therefore not yet in engagement with the sheet or sheet stack 4. The hinged to the drive rollers 5 connectors 9 are in their right, middle position.

In Fig. 2b is again the geometric relationship between the transport direction R, the transport plane E and the axis of rotation A of the folding / transport rollers 1 illustrated: the axis of rotation A is substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E and the transport direction R.

In Fig. 2c it can be seen that the upper edge or upper side of the sword 2 is arranged just below the underside of the incoming sheet or sheet stack 4. As a result, on the one hand, the supply of the incoming sheet or sheet stack 4 is not blocked, on the other hand, the sword 2, in response to a corresponding signal from the photocell 7 and the associated control, directly engage with the sheet or sheet stack 4.

Between the folding / transport rollers 1 with their rounded portions 1a and their cylindrical portions 1b, a gap S is formed, which, seen from the bottom upwards, increasingly narrows. The inner sides of the two folding / transport rollers shown in cross-section accordingly form an asymptotic arrangement. The rounded portions 1a of the folding / transport rollers are formed spherical disc-shaped, so that they have on their underside a flattening 1c. The flattening 1c serves to make the sword 2 in Operation must not penetrate too deeply between the folding / transport rollers 1. The direction of rotation of the axis of rotation A of the two folding / transport rollers 1 shown is in opposite directions, as indicated by the two arrows.

The Fig. 3a shows a schematic, perspective view of a section of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a second position in which the sheet or sheet stack 4 already completely on the conveyor belts 3a, 3b of the transport device 3 rests (see also Fig. 3b ). The trailing edge 14 of the sheet or sheet stack 4 has thus passed the light barrier, so that the triggering of a movement of the sword 2 is imminent, but not yet done. The sword 2 is almost directly on the underside of the sheet or sheet stack 4 (see. Fig. 3c ) and is ready to move it out of transport plane E.

In the Fig. 4a to 4c schematic sectional views of a device according to the invention for folding sheets or sheet stacks are now illustrated in a third position, in which the movement of the sword 2 has already taken place. The drive rollers 5 and the hinged to them connectors 9 were moved in the direction indicated by the arrows around a circular arc of 90 ° in the uppermost position, so that the sword 2 the sheet or sheet stack 4 in the gap S between the folding / Transported roles 1 or has introduced. The folding / transport rollers 1 are preferably spring-mounted, as by means of the double arrows in Fig. 4c indicated so that they can move apart horizontally when the sword 2 penetrates with the sheet or sheet stack 4 in the gap S or can move together again when the sword 2 and / or the sheet or sheet stack 4 are no longer in the gap S.

The penetration depth of the sword 2 in the gap S is designated by X (see. Fig. 4c ), and is usually measured from the bottom or the flattening 1c of the folding / transport rollers 1 to the top or top edge of the sword 2. The sword 2 has here reached its highest position between the folding / transport rollers 1, wherein the top of the sword 2 protrudes into the region between the cylindrical portions 1 b of the folding / transporting rollers 1, ie beyond the rounded portions 1 a.

The Fig. 5a to 5c show schematic sectional views of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in a fourth position in which the sword 2 is no longer in engagement with the sheet or sheet stack 4. The drive rollers 5 and the connecting pieces 9 articulated thereon have moved in the direction of the arrow by a further arc α of 90 ° and are now in their left middle position. The sword 2 is thus again reached directly below the transport plane E. The sheet or sheet stack 4 was from the folding / transport rollers 1 relative to the third position according to the Fig. 4a to 4c moved a bit further in the transport direction R and folded at the same time, the fold 12 of the sheet or sheet stack 4 parallel to the transport plane E runs.

The Fig. 6a to 6c finally show schematic sectional views of the inventive device for folding sheets or sheet stacks in one Fifth position in which the sheet or sheet stack 4 was further promoted in the transport direction R and thereby folded, so that he now in accordance with the Fig. 1a to 1c in engagement with the pressure rollers 19 and optionally the glue head 6 and the support rollers 10 would be. The fold 12 continues to run parallel to the transport plane E. Another sheet or stack of sheets 4 is already transported by the feed rollers 8 in the direction of the conveyor belts 3a and 3b.

The drive rollers or pulleys 5 have moved further through another arc α of 90 ° in the drive direction (see arrows), so that the hinged connector 9 is in its lowermost position. The sword 2 has reached here accordingly also its lowest position. In Fig. 6c it can be seen that the lower edge of the connecting piece 9 is practically flush with the underside of the drive roller or pulley. 5

From this position, the sword 2 then passes again through a further movement along a circular arc α of 90 ° in its initial position according to the FIGS. 2a to 2c back, in which the next sheet or sheet stack 4 has arrived with its leading edge 13 on the conveyor 3 and the previous sheet or sheet stack 4 has left the folding / transport rollers 1 anyway.

Due to the illustrated interaction of the individual components of the inventive device, the sheets or sheet stack 4 are always transported in the same transport direction R, whereby high processing speeds and short clock cycles can be achieved.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a processing line for the inventive method for producing a newspaper product from at least a first and a second partial product. The processing line 40 is composed of the following components (seen in the transport direction from right to left):

At the beginning of the processing line 40 is an unwinder 41 for the (endless) paper roll 23. From here, the unwound paper web is forwarded to the printer 42, which is regularly designed as a digital printing press. Here, the paper web is printed with corresponding sheets of different sizes. Following the printer 42, a vacuum box 43 can be arranged, which serves as a buffer for speed compensation.

Downstream of the vacuum box 43, a cross cutter 44 is arranged, which ensures the separation of the sheets. The cross cutter 44 is followed by a collector 45 (usually a drum collector), on which the stack formation takes place from the corresponding bows. On the collector 45, a gluing of the sheets forming the stacks can also already take place.

From the collector 45, the stacks are then forwarded to a folding module 46, which is subdivided into a feed 46a, a transverse folding device 46b (optional) and a longitudinal folding device with optionally a Aufsattler (in a module). The feeder 46a should be designed to be sufficiently long (usually several arc lengths) in order to be able to brake the incoming stacks somewhat, if necessary. To the folding module 46th is followed by a removal conveyor 47 for transporting the finished newspaper products 30 at.

In Fig. 8 a paper web 22 is now shown schematically, on which already sheets 4 ', 4''were printed with different formats. The two sheets 4 'each have a length L ₁ and the sheet 4''has a length L ₂ , wherein the length L _{2 is} about twice as large as the length L _{1 of} the sheets 4'. The width B of the paper web 22 is the same in each case.

The paper web 22 is regularly unwound from an (endless) paper roll 23, as in Fig. 8b will be shown. Again, one recognizes the two arches 4 'and the approximately twice as long sheet 4''. However, there is also the possibility that the sheets 4 'and 4''are fed individually.

In Fig. 9 now each a single sheet 4 'and a scattered sheet 4''are shown. The separation takes place, as already shown above, usually in the cross cutter 44th

Fig. 10 1 illustrates a stack 24 'of sheets 4' and a stack 24 '' of sheets 4 ''. The stack 24 'here comprises five sheets 4' and has a fold line 25 shown in dashed lines in the middle. The stack 24 'in the present case comprises three sheets 4''and has a fold line 26 and a fold line 27. The collecting of the individual stacks 24 'and 24 "takes place on the collector 45 according to FIG Fig. 7 ,

Based on Fig. 11 A stack 24 'of three sheets 4 "folded around the transverse fold line 26 will now be illustrated. When folding the folded edge 26a was formed and recognizes Furthermore, the still unfolded fold line 27. In the inventive method, this step represents an optional intermediate step.

In Fig. 12a Now, views of a first partial product 31 of a newspaper product are shown from three different perspectives. The first partial product 31 is formed by the longitudinal folding of a stack 24 'of five sheets 4' along the longitudinal fold line 25. In this case, the folded edge 25a is formed.

The Fig. 12b shows corresponding views of a second partial product 32. The second partial product 32 is formed by folding the in Fig. 11 shown stack 24 '' along the fold line 27. In this case, the folded edge 27a is formed, which divides the folded edge 26a in the middle. The corresponding folding steps are performed on the folding module 46 Fig. 7 executed.

Fig. 13 schematically illustrates the saddle-shaped collected to a finished newspaper product 30 partial products 32 and 31. In the present example, a partial product 31 (ie formed from sheets 4 ') in four partial products 32 (ie formed from sheets 4'') inserted. Of course, the finished newspaper product 30 may also assume any other desired form, although at least the outermost subproduct is regularly a second subproduct 32. Incidentally, the folded partial products 31, 32 can also be glued together during collection.

Which of the optional method steps take place when, if appropriate, is preferably effected by means of a (in Fig. 7 for reasons of simplicity not shown) control set: cross fold yes / no, glue application when stacking the still unfolded sheets yes / no, glue application when collecting the folded partial products yes / no, weaknesses of the fold lines yes / no, etc.).

The Fig. 14 finally shows five finished newspaper products 30 when conveying away in the preferred scale display, in which the individual newspaper products 30 are roof tiles on each other. However, the finished newspaper products 30 can also be conveyed away individually or as a stack. The conveying away takes place by means of the removal conveyor 47, as in Fig. 7 shown schematically.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Folding / transport rollers

1a

rounded section

1b

cylindrical section

1c

flattening

2

sword

3

transport means

3a

conveyor belt

3b

conveyor belt

4

Sheets / sheet pile

4 '

Sheets

4 ''

Sheets

5

Pulleys / drive rollers

6

gluing head

6a

Leimkopfauslass

7

photocell

8th

feed rollers

9

joint

10

holding rollers

11

weakening device

12

fold

13

leading edge

14

trailing edge

19

Pinch Rollers

22

paper web

23

Paper roll (printed)

24 '

stack

24 ''

stack

25

fold line

25a

folding edge

26

fold line

26a

folding edge

27

fold line

27a

folding edge

30

newspaper product

31

first partial product

32

second partial product

40

processing line

41

liquidator

42

printer

43

Vacuumbox

44

Sheeter

45

collector

46

folding module

46a

feed

46b

cross-folding

46c

A longitudinal folder

47

removal conveyor

A

axis of rotation

e

transport plane

L ₁

length

L ₂

length

R

transport direction

S

gap

X

penetration depth

α

arc

Claims (19)

Apparatus for folding sheets or sheet stacks (4), comprising at least two folding / transport rollers (1), a transport device (3) and a sword (2), wherein the transport device (3) a transport plane E for in a transport direction R supplied Arches or sheet stack (4) defined, wherein the sword (2) is substantially perpendicular to and through the transport plane E through, the folding / transport rollers (1) above the transport plane E on both sides of the sword (2) arranged opposite wherein the axis of rotation A of the folding / transport rollers (1) is substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E and wherein the at least two folding / transport rollers (1) each have a rounded portion (1a) at their end facing the transport plane E, so that between the at least two folding / transport rollers (1) a narrowing gap S is formed, in which the sheets or sheet stack (4) by means of the sword (2) can be introduced are there to be folded there and simultaneously promoted in the transport direction R. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rounded portions (1a) of the folding / transport rollers (1) have a spherical disk-shaped configuration. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding / transport rollers (1) are resiliently mounted, preferably transversely to the transport direction R. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sword (2) is articulated on at least two drive rollers (5). Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive rollers (5), in particular during the folding operation, are driven at a constant speed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the penetration depth X of the sword (2) into the gap S formed between the folding / transport rollers (1) is approximately 5 to 10 mm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (3) in the form of two mutually parallel conveyor belts (3a, 3b) is configured. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that downstream of the folding / transport rollers (1) a glue head (6) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that upstream of the folding / transport rollers (1) a light barrier (7) for detecting the trailing edge (14) of a sheet or a sheet pile (4) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the detection of the trailing edge (14) of an arc or a sheet stack (4) triggers a movement of the sword (2). A method for folding sheets or sheet stacks (4), by means of at least two folding / transport rollers (1), a transport device (3) and a sword (2), wherein the transport device (3) a transport plane E for in a transport direction R supplied sheets or sheet stack (4) defined, wherein the sword (2) is substantially perpendicular to and through the transport plane E through, the folding / transport rollers (1) above the transport plane E on both sides of the sword (2) opposite and wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: (A) feeding a sheet or a sheet stack (4) by means of the transport device (3) in the transport direction R; (b) moving the sword (2) positioned below the transport plane E in contact with the sheet or sheet stack (4) lying in the transport plane; (c) lifting the sheet or stack of sheets (4) by means of the sword (2) and inserting the sheet or sheet pile (4) into a nip S formed between the folding / transport rolls (1); and (D) folding and simultaneously conveying away the sheet or the sheet stack (4) in the transport direction R by means of the formed between the folding / transport rollers (1) gap S. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the trailing edge (14) of according to step a fed sheet or the sheet stack (4) of a light barrier (7) is detected, whereupon the movement of the sword (2) according to steps ((c) and d) is triggered. A method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that according to step (d) the sword (2) penetrates approximately 5 to 10 mm deep into the gap S. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the sheets or sheet stacks (4) are weakened before or during the folding according to step (d). A method for producing a paper product (30) is made from at least one first and one second partial product (31, 32), said first partial product (31) of sheets (4 ') is formed with a length L ₁ and the second partial product (32) Bends (4 '') is formed with a length L ₂ , wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: (A) printing the individual sheets (4 ', 4'') for the first and second partial product (31, 32), preferably on a paper web (25) and preferably in digital printing; (b) separating the sheets (4 ', 4'') and collecting the sheets (4', 4 '') on at least one stack (24 ') for the first partial product (31) and at least one stack (24'') for the second partial product (32); (c) preferably, transverse folding of the stack (24 ") with the sheets (4") for the second partial product (32); (d) longitudinal folds of the collected stacks (24 ', 24 ") for the first and second partial products (31, 32); (e) collecting the individual stacks (24 ', 24 ") into a newspaper product (30); and (F) preferably carrying away the finished newspaper product (30), preferably in a flake display. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the length L _{2 of} the sheets (4 '') for the second partial product (32) is greater, preferably twice as large, as the length L _{1 of} the sheets (4 ') for the first partial product (31). A method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that after printing according to step A, the printed paper web (22) is temporarily stored. Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that during collection according to step E, the individual stacks (24 ', 24'') are interconnected. Method according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the sheets (4 ', 4'') or stack (24', 24 '') before or during the folding according to step (c) and / or (d) weakened become.

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