EP3063082A2

EP3063082A2 - Folding module for paper sheets, folding device comprising the folding module, and method for folding paper sheets

Info

Publication number: EP3063082A2
Application number: EP14809585.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Albin WEISS
Original assignee: Innovative Card Systems GmbH
Current assignee: Innovative Card Systems GmbH
Priority date: 2013-10-28
Filing date: 2014-10-16
Publication date: 2016-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-16
Also published as: EP3063082B1; WO2015062583A2; DE102013111838A1; WO2015062583A3; PL3063082T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding module for paper sheets having a positionally variable weight distribution and/or having additional bodies locally fastened thereto, comprising a folding-roller pair having two folding rollers for folding the paper sheets, which folding rollers are arranged parallel to each other at a variable distance and are elastically loaded against each other, a transport unit for feeding the paper sheets to the folding-roller pair, a stop for positioning the paper sheets in relation to the folding-roller pair, a folding sword, which can be linearly displaced and which can be brought from a base position, in which the folding sword is spaced apart from the folding-roller pair and the paper sheets can be supplied by means of the transport unit, into a folding position in such a way that the paper sheets are pressed between the folding rollers by the folding sword, wherein the folding-roller pair and the folding sword are provided on opposite sides of the transport unit in the base position and an opening is provided on the transport unit, into which opening the folding sword reaches in the folding position of the of the folding sword, wherein a displacement distance of the folding sword between the base position and the folding position is sized in such a way and a relative association of the folding sword with the folding-roller pair is defined in such a way that the folding rollers are pushed apart by the folding sword in the folding position.

Description

Fold module for paper sheets, the folding module having folding device and method for folding paper sheets

The invention relates to a folding module for paper sheets with locally variable weight distribution and / or locally fixed thereto additional body comprising a pair of folding rollers with two at a variable distance parallel to each other and elastically clamped against each other folding rollers for folding the paper sheets, a transport unit for feeding the paper sheets to the Falzrollenpaar, a stop for positioning the paper sheets relative to the pair of folding rollers, a linearly displaceable folding blade, which is provided from a basic position in which the folding blade spaced from the Falzrollenpaar and the paper sheets are fed via the transport unit can be brought into a folding position such that the Paper sheets are pressed by the folding blade between the folding rollers, wherein the folding roller pair and the folding blade in the basic position of the same are provided on opposite sides of the transport unit and at the transports inheit a recess is provided, in which engages the folding blade in the folding position of the same, and a folding device with at least two such folding modules. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for folding paper sheets comprising the following method steps: feeding the paper sheets and providing them in a Falzausgangsstellung; Bringing a folding blade provided in a basic position into a folding position, wherein the folding blade touches the paper sheets provided in the region of a folding contour and the paper sheets are pressed by the folding blade into a drawing-in gap formed between two folding rollers of a folding roller pair; Driving the folding rollers for feeding the paper sheets between the counter-rotating folding rollers of Falzrollenpaars; Providing the folded paper in a finishing position.

Basically, it is known to machine paper sheets. For example, printed newspaper sheets are folded and folded by machine. Similarly, stationery can be folded by machine and placed in an envelope.

While stationery is usually folded in a folding module with pivotally arranged sheets to an intended standard size, generic folding modules are commonly used to fold newspaper sheets or the like. Such a folding module is known, for example, from EP 0 748 756 B1. It is pressed a group of sheets of paper by means of a linear deliverable folding blade in a formed between two oppositely rotating folding rollers nip. By the linear delivery of the folding blade, an outboard paper sheet comes into contact with the lateral surfaces of the rotating Falzrollenpaars, and the paper sheets are fed and folded between the folding rollers. For example, DE 41 01 399 A1, EP 0 017 204 A1 and US 2007/0241492 A1 describe similar folding modules for paper sheets, diapers or textiles. Optionally, it can be provided here that in order to compensate for thickness tolerances of the medium to be folded, the folding rollers of the folding roller pair are elastically braced against each other.

While the folding modules described above are well-suited for folding commercial paper sheets, problems arise when folding paper sheets with locally variable weight distribution and / or with additional bodies fixed locally on the paper sheets. For example, when folding paper sheets with Bonded bank cards, loyalty cards or other flat additional bodies problems because the additional body regularly have a high compared to the weight of the paper sheet own weight and high rigidity and thus negatively affect the handling of the paper sheet when folding. Known problems are, for example, the damage or detachment of the additional body when folding. Likewise, the paper sheets can be folded next to the actually intended folding contour, so that the folded paper sheet is folded obliquely. The diagonally folded paper sheet has a lower quality. In addition, with larger deviations, in particular the machine inserting the folded paper sheets can be hindered.

The object of the present invention is to specify a folding module suitable for folding paper sheets with locally variable weight distribution or with locally fixed additional bodies. Furthermore, a folding device with at least two folding modules according to the invention is to be created and a method for folding paper sheets with locally variable weight distribution and / or with locally specified additional bodies specified.

To achieve the object, the invention has the features of independent claims 1 and 11.

With respect to the folding module is provided in particular that an adjustment of the folding blade between the basic position and the folding position dimensioned such and a relative assignment of the folding blade to the folding roller pair is determined such that in the folding position, the folding rollers are pushed apart from the folding blade. Advantageously, this ensures that the sheets of paper to be folded are fed by the folding blade to directly between the folding rollers of Falzrollenpaars. When delivering the folding blade, a folded edge of the folding blade comes into contact with a folding contour on the paper sheets. This linear contact between folding blade and paper sheets is only abandoned after the paper sheets are securely drawn between the pair of folding rollers. The paper sheets are then fed to the production of the fold in the Falzrollenpaar, and the folding blade is in the Basic position returned. The paper sheets are so far always guided when folding, either on the folding blade or between the folding rollers or - transitional - on the folding blade and between the folding rollers. An unwanted and harmful to the quality of the folding position change of the paper sheets during folding is thereby prevented.

By means of the folding module according to the invention a plurality of paper sheets can be folded either simultaneously or sequentially. When folding several sheets of paper at the same time, the intended number of sheets of paper is preferably combined in a function module located upstream of the folding module. The paper sheets are then fed together via the transport unit of the folding module and aligned with the stop. Subsequently, the paper sheets are pressed together from the folding blade to between the pair of folding rollers. If the paper sheets are to be folded individually, they are fed to the folding module with a time delay. The sequentially fed and individually folded paper sheets can then either be further processed separately, for example, individually enveloped. Likewise, the separately folded paper sheets can be collected in a downstream functional module and further processed in groups.

To drive the folding blade basically any drive unit is suitable, which provides a linear feed movement. For example, a linear actuator, such as a solenoid, may be provided. Preferably, an eccentric drive unit is used, which converts a rotational movement via a crank in a linear feed movement of the folding blade. The adjustment path of the folding blade, which is determined by the kinematics of the eccentric drive unit, is dimensioned so that on the one hand in the basic position the folding module is provided so spaced to the transport unit that the paper sheets safely, reliably and quickly fed and aligned with the stop , On the other hand, the adjustment must be dimensioned so that the folding rollers of the folding roller pair are pushed apart by the folding blade in the folding position against an elastic restoring force. For example, an actively actuated conveyor belt can be provided as part of the transport unit. About the conveyor belt, the paper sheets are preferably conveyed lying horizontally and aligned with the stop. For example, the transport unit can be realized in the manner of an oblique or completely vertically oriented product chute. The paper sheets are then supported on a guide plate and fed to the Falzrollenpaar under the influence of gravity.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one and preferably both folding rollers on the shell side on an elastic surface coating. The surface coating is preferably made of silicone material having a hardness at room temperature in the range of 40 to 50 Shore A. Advantageously, the elastic surface coating assists safe handling of the paper sheets with the locally fixed thereto auxiliary body. Since the additional body usually does not extend over the entire width of the paper sheet, deforms the relatively soft surface coating when folding the paper sheet in the region of the additional body locally, as soon as the additional body passes between the pair of folding rollers. Due to the only local deformation of the folding rollers remains a linear contact between the paper sheet with the attached thereto additional body and the folding rollers. In this respect, the paper sheets are guided on the folding roller pair permanently over their full width between the folding rollers, and an unintentional change in position of the paper sheets during folding is prevented. If, on the other hand, a compensation of the thickness of the paper sheet to be folded was possible only via the center distance of the mutually elastically tensioned folding rollers, the paper sheets would only be in contact with the additional body and the folding rollers in the area of the additional body during the passage of the additional body through the folding roller pair, while the adjacent areas the paper sheets would not be guided at the folding rollers.

According to a development of the invention, an auxiliary folding unit with at least one movably held supporting body is provided on at least one and preferably on both sides of the recess provided in the region of the transport unit. The support body can be moved from a flat position in which the paper sheets can be fed by the transport unit and positioned on the stop in an engaged position spend, in which the paper sheets are raised by the supporting body of the auxiliary folding unit on at least one side and preferably on both sides of the provided below the fold edge of the folding blade folding contour in the direction of the folding blade and pre-formed. The pre-deformation is in this case in particular V-shaped or funnel-shaped, whereby by raising the paper sheets on both sides of the folding contour and the simultaneous impressions of the paper sheets along the folding contour in a feed nip formed between the folding rollers, the pre-deformation of the paper sheets favor the collection. In particular, an excessive bending of the same in the area of the recess provided for the folding blade in the region of the transport unit is counteracted by lifting and pre-deforming the paper sheets with the additional body fixed thereto. An inadmissibly strong forming of the paper sheets in the region of the recess carries the risk that the additional body of the paper sheet dissolves, especially if it does not adhere to the paper sheet over its entire surface. In addition, the auxiliary folding unit favors the folding process, since the disadvantageous influence of the variable-location weight distribution on the folding quality is prevented via the supporting bodies. The support body act insofar as a change in position of the paper sheet when feeding the same between the Falzrollenpaar.

In the flat position of the support body can be provided sunk in particular below a provided on the transport unit bearing surface for the paper sheets. In the engaged position, the support body is then pivoted out of the transport unit.

According to a development of the invention, at least one hold-down device for the paper sheets is assigned to the transport unit such that the paper sheets are pressed by the hold-down device against the contact surface provided on the transport unit or in the direction of the stop. Advantageously, the at least one hold-down device thereby favors the flat support of the paper sheets on the support surface and the reliable installation of the paper sheets on the stop. In each case, this favors the exact folding of the paper sheets along the folding contour and counteracts an undesirable deviation from the folding contour. For example, the hold-down can be formed by rollers which above the bearing surface of the Transport unit are pivotally mounted and press by their own weight, the paper sheets against the support. For example, elastic pins, brushes or the like can be provided as hold-down. An angle of attack or swivel angle of the blank holder to the vertical can be chosen so that stands independently when feeding the paper sheets of hold-down in a feed direction of the support surface and is clamped in an opposite movement of the hold-down against the support surface.

The hold-down device provided for pressing on the paper sheets can be lifted off the paper sheets, for example, when the folding blade is moved into the folding position. As a result, the collection of paper sheets is simplified. For example, the movement of the folding blade and the lifting of the hold-down can be done mechanically coupled. Likewise, the hold-down a separate actuating means, such as a linear actuator, be assigned. The hold-down can be reset after lifting, for example, spring-actuated.

According to a development of the invention, the stop for the paper sheets is designed in the manner of a linear stop. Here, the paper sheets are positioned only along a single edge of the paper. The stop may for example be elongated and linear or formed by a plurality of spaced pins provided to each other. An exact positioning along the single edge of the paper can be effected, for example, by the paper sheets are actively conveyed by the conveyor belt of the transport unit against the stop and the transport unit is initially operated even after the application of the paper sheets to the stop further. By continued operation of the transport unit, the active alignment of the paper sheets is immediately effected on the stop. A simultaneous alignment of the paper sheets along a second paper edge can be omitted if the stop extends parallel to the folding contour. The orientation of the paper sheets can then be done in a very simple manner, and a detachment of the first paper edge of the linear stop during the alignment of the paper sheets with respect to the second paper edge is counteracted. According to the invention, a first sensor may be provided for detecting an abutment of the paper sheets on the stop, and a second sensor may be provided for detecting the position of the folding blade when moving it from the basic position to the folding position or for detecting the folding position of the folding blade. According to the invention, a control unit may be provided which cooperates with the drive unit for the folding blade and a drive unit for the folding roller pair such that the drive of the folding roller pair drives the folding rollers after the folding blade or a paper sheet supplied by the folding blade through the recess into the folding roller pair with at least a folding roller of Falzrollenpaars has come into contact. Advantageously, this ensures that the paper sheets are pulled only controlled from the Falzrollenpaar and folded. In particular, the collection takes place after the paper sheets between the folding blade on the one hand and the folding rollers on the other hand are fixed and insofar a change in position of the paper sheets is prevented during collection. The folding of the paper sheets between the folding rollers can then take place with very high accuracy along the folding contour. This is all the more so as the elastically against each other strained folding rollers are pressed apart by the folding blade and acting between the folding rollers restoring force supports the clamping or fixing the paper sheets to the Falzrollenpaar.

According to a development of the invention, the control unit cooperates with a drive of the auxiliary folding unit such that the at least one supporting body of the auxiliary folding unit is first lifted and the paper sheets are pre-formed in the direction of the folding blade after the sheets of paper to be folded have moved away from the folding blade Resting basic position in the folding position at the folded edge of the folding blade. Advantageously, the contact between the paper sheet and the folded edge counteracts a displacement of the paper sheets when they are fed to the folding roller pair and during the pre-deformation thereof. This is especially true when the paper sheets are raised on both sides of the folding blade and pre-formed in the direction of the folding blade and only one side of the folding contour, an additional body is fixed to the paper sheets. For example, two or more similar folding modules according to the invention can be provided for realizing a folding device according to the invention. Likewise, two or more folding modules according to the invention can be used for a folding device, wherein the folding modules are formed differently from each other. By providing the two folding modules, the paper sheets can be folded twice, for example, and a standardized Z or Wickelfalz be formed. The paper sheets are sequentially fed to the first folding module and folded along a first folding contour. Subsequently, the once folded paper sheets are fed to the second folding module and folded along a second folding contour.

For the two folding modules, for example, separate control units can be provided. Likewise, the folding device for the two folding modules can provide a common control unit. It can be provided, for example, that at the same time the paper sheets are transported away from the first folding module by means of the transport unit provided for feeding the paper sheets to the second folding module.

If paper folds in DIN A4 or US letter format Z-folded with the folding device according to the invention, can by dispensing with the usual today for letterhead, unfavorable in terms of their moment of inertia folding folding modules and the use of linearly moving Falzschwerter a throughput of about 2,700 be reached sequentially fed, single sheets of paper per hour. Each individual paper sheet is first folded by the first folding module along the first folding contour and then by the second folding module along the second folding contour. The throughput is above the usual throughput rates, so that in particular continuous letters can be processed particularly economically by means of the folding device according to the invention and can be prepared ready for shipment in large quantities.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a points unit is provided, which can be brought from a first switching position to a second switching position and from the second switching position to the first switching position. In the first switching position of the points unit the paper sheets are the first folding module and in the second switching position of the points unit the second folding module fed. Advantageously, by providing the points unit on the folding device according to the invention, paper sheets can be fed directly bypassing the first folding module to the second folding module and folded only once. In this respect, on the folding device according to the invention, the paper sheets can be folded twice, for example in the manner of a Z-fold, or once, for example in the manner of a V-fold. This results in the use of the folding device a high degree of flexibility. For example, the folding device can be used in Germany to produce the preferred Z-fold for the format DIN long, while the same folding device is used in Switzerland to form the V-fold for the favored there DIN A5 shipping format. A throughput of the folding device according to the invention in the formation of the V-fold for the DIN A5 format gives up to about 1,800 sheets per hour.

According to a development of the invention it can be provided that in the first switching position of the points unit, the paper sheets are fed from the transport unit of the first folding module the associated first Falzrollenpaar and that the once folded paper sheets are then fed from the transport unit of the second folding module to the second Falzrollenpaar, or the unfolded paper sheets fed in the second switching position of the point unit are fed by the transport unit of the first folding module to the folding roller pair of the second folding module. Advantageously, this simplifies the structure of the folding device, since the transport unit of the first folding module is provided to supply the paper sheets depending on the switching position of the points unit either the first folding module or the second folding module. A separate transport unit for feeding the unfolded paper sheets to the second folding module is thus dispensable.

To solve the problem, the inventive method is characterized in that the folding rollers of Falzrollenpaars are driven only when the folding blade has reached its folding position or a touch of the folding blade or the folding of the folding blade in the feeder gap pressed paper sheets on the one hand to the pair of folding rollers on the other hand , The particular advantage of the invention is that the paper sheets are protected from impermissible and undesired changes in position at any time by the sequential actuation of the folding blade and the subsequent driving of the folding roller pair. In particular, a displacement of the paper sheet is prevented relative to the folded edge of the folding blade even with paper sheets with uneven weight distribution or at least one held on it additional body. The paper sheets are first pressed by the linear movement of the folding blade in the feed nip and clamped positionally maintaining position between the folding blade on the one hand and at least one folding roller of Falzrollenpaars. The clamping force can be provided by the advancing movement of the folding blade and / or result from acting between the folding rollers elastic restoring force. According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the folding rollers are forced apart from the folding blade in the folding position of the folding blade.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the paper sheets positioned in the fold exit position are pressed into the pull-in gap by the folding blade. The advancing movement of the folding blade is in this case superimposed on an adjusting movement movably held support body. The supporting bodies lift the paper sheets counter to the advancing movement direction of the folding blade and pre-deform the paper sheets in the direction of a flank of the folding blade. In particular, it can be provided that the raising of the paper sheets by the support body only after the folding blade with the folded edge of the same touches the paper sheets in the folding contour and thus presses the paper sheets in the nip of the Falzrollenpaars. Advantageously, a positionally accurate folding of the paper sheets along the folding contour is favored by the supporting pre-deformation of the paper sheets using the support body. In particular, the support bodies are suitable for lifting or supporting the paper sheets where the additional body is fixed to the paper sheet.

The support bodies are arranged at a distance from the folding blade or the recess provided on the transport unit such that in the folding position of the support body the paper sheets are merely pre-deformed. A folding of the paper sheets However, using the support body in particular along the folding contour can not be realized. The support body does not act insofar as the pivot plates of a Klappfalzmoduls. A folder of paper sheets alone by the swivel body is not possible.

From the other dependent claims and the following description further advantages, features and details of the invention can be found. There mentioned features may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Of course, features and details of the device described in accordance with the invention also apply in connection with the method according to the invention and vice versa. Thus, the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention can always be referenced reciprocally. The drawings are merely illustrative of the clarification of the invention and are not of a restrictive nature.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic diagram of a folding device according to the invention with two differently designed folding modules,

FIG. 2 shows the functional principle of the folding device according to FIG. 1 during production of a folding device

Z-fold and

FIG. 3 shows the functional principle of the folding device according to FIG. 1 during production of a folding device

V-fold.

A folding device according to the invention is used for folding paper sheets 1. The folding device comprises a first folding module 2 and second folding module 3. As part of the first folding module 2 is a transport unit 4 with a circulating conveyor belt 5 and a support surface 6 for the paper sheets 1, in a linear Zustellbewegungsrich- direction 7 movable folding blade 8 and a two folding rollers 9, 10 exhibiting Falzrollenpaar 11 realized. The transport unit 4 has in the region of the support surface 6 a Recess on. Through the recess lying on the support surface 6 paper sheets 1 can be pressed by the folding blade 8 in a formed between the folding rollers 9, 10 feed nip 12 of the folding roller pair 11.

At the first folding module 2, two hold-downs 13, 14 are provided for the paper sheets 1 fed to the folding roller pair 11 via the transport unit 4. A first hold-down 13 has an attached to a pivot point 15 arm 16 fixed roller 17. When feeding the paper sheets 1 on the conveyor belt 5, the hold-down 13 can be pivoted counterclockwise about the pivot point 15. The roller 17 can - also counterclockwise - roll on the supplied paper sheets 1 or the conveyor belt 5. A second hold-down 14 is formed elastically bending in the manner of an elongated rod or brush 14. The second hold-down 14 is like the first hold-down 13 pivotally supported about a pivot point 18. Like the first hold-down 13 and the second hold-down 14 is employed against a feed direction 19 of the paper sheets 1, that the hold-down 14 is pivoted counterclockwise about the pivot point 18 when feeding the paper sheets 1.

As part of the folding device, a switchable point unit 20 is provided. The points unit 20 is spatially integrated into the transport unit of the first folding module 2 and can be moved from a first switching position to a second switching position and back. In the first switching position of the points unit 20, paper sheets 1 supplied by the transport unit 4 into the feed direction 19 are fed to the folding roller pair 11 of the first folding module 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the second switching position of the point unit 20 shown in FIG. 3, the transport unit 4 of the first folding module 2 conveys the paper sheets 1 to the second folding module 3.

In the second switching position of the switch unit 20, the paper sheets are folded only once. The folding is carried out by the second folding module 3. In the first switching position of the points unit 20, the paper sheets 1 are folded twice. A first fold of the paper sheets 1 is made by the first folding module 2, then the already folded paper sheets 1 are the second Folded module 3 fed and folded again. Subsequently, the double folding of the paper sheets 1 will first be shown. The point unit 20 is here - as shown in Figures 1 and 2 - in the first switching position.

For folding the paper sheets 1, these are positioned after feeding via the transport unit 4 lying on the support surface 6 at one of the first folding module 2 associated stop 21 in a Falzausgangsstellung so that a first folding contour 22 is provided directly below a folded edge 23 of the folding blade 8. The correct position of the paper sheets 1 in the Falzausgangsstellung can be detected, for example by means not shown position sensors. If the paper sheets 1 with an end paper edge 24 are correctly provided on the linear stop 21, the folding blade 8 is linearly displaced from a basic position shown in FIG. 1 in the direction of supply movement 7. For linear displacement of the folding blade 8 in the Zustellbewegungsrichtung 7 serves, for example, an eccentric drive unit, not shown. A linear displacement of the folding blade in the Zustellbewegungsrichtung 19 is then determined by the stroke between the top dead center of the eccentric and the bottom dead center of the eccentric. As soon as the folded edge 23 of the folding blade 8 touches the paper sheets 1 in the region of the folding contour 22 and the folding blade 8 is delivered further, the paper sheets 1 are pressed by the folding blade 8 into the drawing-in gap 12. In a folding position of the folding blade 8 is just this far moved linearly in the Zustellbewegungsrichtung 7 that the folding rollers 9, 10 of the folding roller pair 11 are pressed apart by the folding blade 8 against a resilient return spring 25. In this case, the paper sheets 1 bear on an elastic surface covering 26 of the folding rollers 9, 10 and are thus clamped or fixed between the folding blade 8 and the folding rollers 9, 10.

If the contact of the folding blade 8 or of the paper sheets 1 with the folding rollers 9, 10 is produced, the folding rollers 9, 10 are driven in opposite directions by means of a drive unit, not shown, such that the voltage applied to the folding rollers 9, 10 paper sheets 1 between the folding rollers 9, 10th retracted and folded along the folding contour 22. The folding of the paper sheets 1 through the first folding module 2 along the first folding contour 22 is assisted by an auxiliary folding unit 27. The auxiliary folding unit 27 comprises two pivotally supported supporting bodies 28, 29. The supporting bodies 28, 29 are provided on both sides of the recess formed in the region of the draw-in gap 12. In a flat position of the support body 28, 29, the same below the support surface 6 are provided such that the paper sheets 1 undisturbed fed to the folding roller pair 11 via the transport unit 4 and can be aligned with the stop 21. As soon as the paper sheets 1 are pressed by the folding blade 8 into the intake gap 12, the support bodies 28, 29 are pivoted about the pivot points 30, 31 in the direction of the folding blade 8. A pivot angle of the support body 28, 29 may be in the range of 30 ° to 90 °, preferably in the range of 45 ° to 90 °. As a result of the pivoting movement of the support body 28, 29, the paper sheets 1 are raised on both sides of the folding contour 22 and pre-formed funnel-shaped. In particular, the support bodies 28, 29 touch the paper sheets 1 where an additional body, not shown, for example, a bank card, a loyalty card or the like is fixed to the paper sheets 1. On the paper sheets 1 corresponding preferred areas 32 are provided for this purpose. In the preferred areas 32, a total of up to six additional bodies per paper sheet 1 can be defined.

As soon as the paper sheets 1 have been folded along the first folding contour 22, the paper sheets 1 are fed to a second folding roller pair 42 of the second folding module 3 formed from two folding rollers 40, 41. This purpose, a transport unit 43 of the second folding module 3. The transport unit 43 has a guide plate 44 in a substantially vertical orientation and two guide roller pairs 45, 46 for guiding the paper sheets 1. Furthermore, a folding blade 47 and a stop 48 for positioning the paper sheets 1 relative to the folding roller pair 42 are provided as parts of the second folding module 3. As before, the paper sheets 1 positioned and aligned with the stop 48 can be pressed by a linear advancing movement of the folding blade 47 in a feed movement direction 49 into a drawing-in gap 50 formed between the folding rollers 40, 41 of the folding roller pair 42 Folded edge 23 of the folding blade 47 formed second folding contour 55 has come to a contact between the folded edge 23 of the folding blade 47 and the paper sheets 1. The recess provided on the transport unit 43 is located between the two guide roller pairs 45, 46.

Once the paper sheets have 1 contact with the surface coatings 51 of the folding rollers 40, 41, the folding rollers 40, 41 are driven in opposite directions by a drive unit, not shown, such that now folded twice sheets of paper 1 between the folding rollers 40, 41 and then fed through a the second folding module 3 downstream transport unit 52 are transported away. By way of example, the transport unit 52 is formed by two pairs of transport rollers 53, 54, which are braced against one another by means of an elastic return spring 25.

The pairs of guide rollers 45, 46 may be designed, for example, as driven pairs of guide rollers 45, 46 and actuated by a drive unit (not shown). For example, the pairs of guide rollers 45, 46 may be coupled via a gear to the folding roller pair 11 of the first folding module 2 such that a drive movement is transmitted from the folding roller pair 11 to the guide roller pairs 45, 46. For example, the pairs of guide rollers 45, 46 may be formed as non-driven guide roller pairs. The feeding of the paper sheets 1 to the folding roller pair 42 of the second folding module 3 is then assisted by gravity.

If instead of the Z-fold on the paper sheets 1 a V-fold is to be formed, the points unit 20 is moved to the second switching position, see Figure 3. A conveyed on the conveyor belt 5 of the transport unit 4 paper sheet 1 is then from the transport unit 4 of first folding module 1 is fed directly to the folding roller pair 42 of the second folding module 3 and aligned with the stop 48. Once the alignment has been carried out, the folding blade 47 of the second folding module 3 can be delivered in the usual manner in the direction to adjusting movement 49 and the paper sheets 1 are pressed into the nip 50 of the Falzrollenpaars 42 for producing the V-fold. The folding blade 47 is delivered so far that the folding rollers 40, 41 are pressed apart from the folding blade 47 and the paper sheets 1 between the folding blade 47 and the folding rollers 40, 41 are held. When pulling in the paper sheets 1 between the folding rollers 40, 41, the fold is then produced in a known manner along the folding contour 55 provided for this purpose.

In order to ensure that the paper sheets 1 can be folded properly on the second folding module 3, a guide roller 56 of the guide roller pair 46 provided adjacent to the folding blade 47 is movably arranged. The movement of the folding blade 47 in the Zustellbewegungsrichtung 49 is coupled to a movement of the guide roller 56 such that when moving the folding blade 47 in the folding position, the guide roller 56 is lifted from the paper sheet 1 or moved away from the same. The guide roller 56 serves here as a hold-down for the paper sheets 1 due to their movable arrangement relative to the stationary provided second guide roller 57 of the same pair of guide rollers 46.

The correct positioning of the paper sheets 1 on the stop 48 of the second folding module 3 is detected by means of suitable sensors, not shown. For example, position sensors for detecting the paper sheets 1 can be provided. Likewise, 48 pressure sensors or other sensors for detecting the touch can be provided on the stop.

The position of the folding blades 8, 47 when they are being moved out of the basic position into the folding position or the insertion of the folding position itself is also detected. To detect the position, for example displacement sensors are provided which are assigned to the folding blade 8, 47. Likewise, position sensors, for example Hall sensors, can be provided on the folding unit, not shown, of the folding blades 8, 47. A position detection can also be sensorless, for example via monitoring of the electrical operating parameters of the drive units. It can further be provided to detect the position of the folding blades 8, 47 indirectly, for example by detecting the force applied to the folding rollers 9, 10, 40, 41 by the folding blade 8, 47 or by detecting a distance of the folding rollers 9, 10 of the first folding roller pair 11 and the folding rollers 40, 41 of the second folding roller pair 42 to each other. The distance changes here, so soon the folding blade 8, 47 between the folding rollers 9, 10, 0, 41 of the Falzrollenpaarel l, 42 is pushed.

The stops 21, 48 can be changed in particular with regard to their position. By changing the position of the stops 21, 48, the folding device can be used particularly flexible for different paper sheet sizes. In particular, the stops 21, 48 can be set linearly perpendicular to the Zustellbewegungsrichtungen 7, 49.

In particular, it can be provided that the folding blades 8, 47 are lowered during the movement of the same into the folding position as far as between the parallel axes of the folding rollers 9, 10, 40, 41. The folded edge 23 of the folding blades 8, 47 is then located centrally between the folding rollers 9, 10, 40, 41 of the folding roller pairs 11, 42. It is thereby ensured that the paper sheets 1 are pressed securely and positionally in the Falzrollenpaare 11, 42 and permanently safely between the folding rollers 9, 10, 40, 41 are clamped.

Identical components and component functions are identified by the same reference numerals.

Claims

claims

1. folding module (2, 3) for paper sheets (1) with variable distribution of weight

and / or with locally fixed thereto additional body

- A folding roller pair (11, 42) with two at a variable distance parallel to each other and elastically against each other tensioned folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) for folding the paper sheets (1);

- A transport unit (4, 43) for feeding the paper sheets (1) to the folding roller pair (11, 42);

- A stop (21, 48) for positioning the paper sheets (1) relative to the folding roller pair (11, 42);

a folding blade (8, 47) provided in a linearly displaceable manner, which is provided from a basic position in which the folding blade (8, 47) is spaced from the folding roller pair (11, 42) and the paper sheets (1) are conveyed via the transport unit (4, 43 ) can be fed, can be brought into a folding position such that the paper sheets (1) are pressed by the folding blade (8, 47) between the folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41),

wherein the folding roller pair (11, 42) and the folding blade (8, 47) in the basic position of the same on opposite sides of the transport unit (4, 43) are provided and on the transport unit (4, 43) is provided a recess into which the folding blade (8, 47) in the folding position of the same engages, characterized in that an adjustment of the folding blade (8, 47) between the basic position and the folding position dimensioned such and a relative assignment of the folding blade (8, 47) to the folding roller pair (11, 42 ) is determined such that in the folding position, the folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) of the folding blade (8, 47) are pressed apart.

2. folding module (2, 3) according to claim 1, characterized in that on at least one folding roller (9, 10, 40, 41) and preferably on both folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) an elastic surface coating (26, 51) is provided on the shell side and / or that the surface coating (26, 51) has a hardness in the range of 40 to 50 Shore A at room temperature and / or that the surface coating (26, 51) is made of silicone material ,

Folding module (2, 3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on at least one and preferably on both sides of the recess provided on the transport unit (4, 43) an auxiliary folding unit (27) with at least one movably held support body (28, 29 ) is provided which from a flax ^¬ tellung in which the sheets of paper (1) (from the transport unit 4, 43) can be fed and / or (with the stop 21, 48) are positionable in an engaging position can be brought such that the paper sheets (1) of the support body (28, 29) of the auxiliary folding unit (27) on at least one side and preferably on both sides of a below one fold edge (23) of the folding blade (8, 47) provided folding contour (22, 55) in the direction of the folding blade (8, 47) are raised.

Folding module (2, 3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transport unit (4, 43) at least one hold-down (13, 14, 56) for the paper sheets (1) is assigned such that the paper sheets (1 ) of the hold-downs (13, 14, 56) against an on the transport unit (4, 43) provided support surface (6) or a contact body (guide roller 57) pressed and / or the paper sheets (1) against the stop (21, 48 ).

Folding module (2, 3) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the stop (21, 48) is designed in the manner of a linear stop such that the paper sheets (1) fed in via the transport unit (4, 43) have a single paper edge (24) of the same abut against the stop (21, 48).

Folding module (2, 3) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a first sensor is provided for detecting a system of paper sheets (1) on the stop (21, 48) and / or that a second sensor is provided for Detecting a position of the folding blade (8, 47) when it is brought from the basic position in the folding position and / or for detecting the folding position of the folding blade (8, 47).

7. folding module (2, 3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that for driving at least one folding roller (9, 10, 40, 41) of the folding roller pair (11, 42) and preferably both rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) of the folding roller pair (11, 42) a drive unit is provided and / or that the folding roller pair (11, 42) a rotary drive for driving at least a first folding roller (9, 40) and / or a transmission for transmitting the rotational movement of the first Roller (9, 40) are assigned to a second folding roller (10, 41).

8. seaming module (2, 3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a control unit is provided, which with a drive unit of the folding blade (8, 47) on the one hand and the drive unit for the folding roller pair (11, 42) on the other hand such cooperates, that the drive for the folding roller pair (11, 42) the folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) only drives, if the folding blade (8, 47) or one of the folding blade (8, 47) through the recess in the Folding roller pair (11, 42) supplied sheet of paper (1) on the one hand and at least one folding roller (9, 10, 40, 41) of the folding roller pair (11, 42) on the other hand touch each other.

9. seaming module (2, 3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit with the auxiliary folding unit (27) cooperates such that the at least one support body (28, 29) of the auxiliary folding unit (27) only raised and the to be folded paper sheets (1) in the direction of the folding blade (8, 47) are preformed after the sheets of paper (1) when moving the folding blade (8, 47) from the basic position to the folding position at the folded edge (23) of the folding blade (8, 47).

10. seaming module (2, 3) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the hold-down device (13, 14, 56) for the paper sheets (1) is provided movable and preferably pivotable and that one with the folding blade (8, 47) on the one hand and the hold-down on the other hand cooperating coupling agent vorgese- hen, which is designed such that when moving the folding blade (8, 47) from the basic position to the folding position, the hold-downs (13, 14, 56) are lifted from the paper sheet (1) and / or moved away.

11. folding device for paper sheets (1) comprising at least a first folding module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10 for producing a first fold of the paper sheets (2) along a first folding contour (22) and at least one second folding module (3) after one of claims 1 to 10 for producing a second fold of the paper sheets (1) along a second fold contour (55), wherein by means of a transport unit (43) of the second folding module (3) of the first folding module (2) along the first folding contour (22 ) folded paper sheets (1) the folding roller pair (42) of the second folding module (3) can be fed.

12. folding device according to claim 11, characterized in that one of a first switching position in a second switching position and returnable turnout unit (20) is provided, wherein the sheets of paper to be folded (1) in the first switching position of the points unit (20) the folding roller pair ( 11) of the first folding module (2) are fed and wherein the sheets of paper to be folded (1) in the second switching position of the points unit (20) the Falzrollenpaar (42) of the second folding module (3) can be fed.

13. Folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that the points unit (20) of the transport unit (4) of the first folding module (2) is assigned such that the sheets of paper to be folded (1) in the first switching position of the points unit (20) over the Transport unit (4) of the first folding module (2) the folding roller pair (11) of the first folding module (2) can be fed and that to be folded paper sheets (1) in the second switching position of the points unit (20) via the transport unit (4) of the first folding module (2) the folding roller pair (42) of the second folding module (3) can be fed.

14. A method for folding paper sheets (1) comprising the following method steps: - feeding the paper sheets (1) and providing them in a Falzausgangsstellung;

- Moving a provided in a basic position folding blade (8, 47) in a folding position, wherein the folding blade (8, 47), the paper sheets (1) provided in the region of a folding contour (22, 55) touches and the paper sheets (1) of the folding blade (8, 47) are pressed into a feed gap (12, 50) formed between two folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) of a folding roller pair (11, 42);

- Driving the folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) for inserting the paper sheets (1) between the counter-rotating folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) of the Falzrollenpaars (11, 42);

- Providing the folded paper sheets (1) in a finishing position, characterized in that the folding rollers (9, 10, 40, 41) of the folding roller pair (11, 42) are driven only if the folding blade (8, 47) has reached its folding position or if a contact of the folding blade (8, 47) or of the folding blade (8, 47) in the feed nip (12, 50) pressed paper sheets (1) on the one hand to the folding roller pair (9, 10, 40, 41) on the other hand formed ,

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that during the removal of the folding blade (8, 47) in the folding position provided in the Falzausgangsstellung paper sheets (1) by a movably supported support body (28, 29) against an adjusting movement direction (7, 49) of the folding blade (8, 47) are raised and preformed in the direction of a flank of the folding blade (8, 47).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that for Vorver molding of the paper sheets (1) on both sides of the folding contour (22, 55) are raised after the folding blade (8, 47) in the same from the basic position in the Folding the paper sheets (1) in the folding contour (22, 55) touched.