FR2795058A1 - Machine for folding documents with inclusions has rollers to fold document while leaving insert flat - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine for folding documents with inclusions has multiple folding stations which can be selectively actuated to fold a document attached to a non-folding flat mailing insert. The fold is formed by movement of a roller (11) tangential to a fixed roller (9), which describes an arc of a circle to position it with respect to the fixed roller perpendicular to the path of the document.

Description

The present invention relates to a folding machine, in particular for folding documents on which flat objects that can not be folded (for example credit cards, CD ROMs, etc.) are fixed, and that make it possible to perform 0 to n folds in a folder with n folding modules, n being a positive natural number.

Current folders use fixed rollers, which does not allow or greatly limits the folds of documents on which are fixed flat objects, with risk of recess for these objects.

The present invention overcomes these problems by performing the folding by moving a roll, limiting neither the number nor the style of folds achievable.

The object of the present invention is to provide a folder made up of one or more folding modules, each of which makes either no fold if the folding module is not activated or a fold if the folding module is activated. documents on which flat objects can be fixed.

The fold is made by moving a moving roll, tangent to a fixed roll.

The displacement of the movable roller can be obtained by the pivoting of a support around the axis of rotation of the fixed roller on which is fixed the axis of rotation of the movable roller.

Indeed, the movable roller, tangent to the fixed roller and positioned on the same side as the fixed roller relative to the path of the document defined by guides, describes an arc of a circle so as to be positioned relative to the fixed, perpendicular roller to this trajectory. In doing so, it curves the document and the rotating rollers in the opposite direction cause the document and thus generate the fold.

Guides and transfer rollers define the path of the document.

 This can be rectilinear or almost rectilinear so as not to twist the flat objects that can be fixed on the documents.

Guides can be fixed on the support which pivots about the axis of rotation of the fixed roller, to give the document its trajectory after the passage between the rollers.

A flap can be fixed on the support which pivots about the axis of rotation of the fixed roller, to facilitate the flap of the document obtained by moving the movable roller.

An accompanying iron can be added to the folding module to accompany the document in the folding rolls.

Thus, the arrangement of n folding modules, (n being a positive natural integer) makes it possible to perform 0 to n folds, each module realizing either no fold if it is not activated, or a single fold. it is activated.

The particular arrangement of three folding modules makes it possible to obtain the folding of a document according to the most used folds namely: fold up, fold down, accordion fold z, accordion fold in s, rolled fold up, fold rolled down, no crease. The invention and its advantages are illustrated by the exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication for which - Figures 1, 2 and 3 are a longitudinal sectional view of the same folding module for producing a fold , at different stages.

- Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a folding module to which are added a flap flap, an accompanying iron, and roll output guides.

- Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a folder with three folding modules.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are a longitudinal sectional view of a same folding module for producing a fold at different stages.

There are - guides (5), (6), (7), (8), transfer rollers (1) and (2) which define the trajectory (4) of the document (3).

- A roller (9) fixed tangent, either above or below, to the path (4); in this illustration it is located above.

- A movable support (19) pivoting about the axis of rotation of the roller (9) on which is fixed the axis of rotation of the roller (11) tangential to the roller (9).

When the movable support (19) pivots about the axis of rotation of the roller (9), it causes the displacement of the roller (11) which remains tangent to the fixed roller (9).

It pivots so as to position the fixed (9) and movable rollers (11) either outside the path (4) of the document (3), on the side of the fixed roller (9), or perpendicular to the path (4).

The operation of the module according to the invention is as follows. FIG. 1 represents the folding module when it is not activated, in the so-called rest phase. The rollers (9) and (11) are perpendicular to the path (4) of the document (3) and rotate in the opposite direction; they behave like transfer rollers.

If the module is not activated, it remains in the rest phase.

The document (3) is between the rollers (9) and (11) which enter it since they rotate in the opposite direction; no fold is made.

If the module is activated to make a fold, the support (19) pivots about the axis of rotation of the roll (9) so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) out of the path ( 4) of the document (3) on the side of the fixed roller (9) (Figure 2).

The transfer rollers (1) and (2) drive the document (3) to the folding module. When the document (3) is positioned at the point where it is desired to fold, the support (19) describes an arc of a circle pivoting about the axis of rotation of the roll (9), so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) perpendicular to the path (4) of the document (3). By performing this arc, the roller (11) curves the document (3).

In position perpendicular to the path (4), the rollers (9) and (11) rotating in opposite direction cause the document (3) and thus generate the fold (Figure 3).

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a folding module to which is added a flap flap (13), an accompanying iron (16) and guides (10), (12) at the outlet of rollers (9). ) and (11).

It is found - The same elements as in the previous figures, - A flap flap (13) fixed on the support (19), - An accompanying iron (16) with an arm (17) which pivots around an axis (18), - Guides (10), (12) fixed on the support (19).

The operating principle is identical to that described above.

When the support (19) pivots about the axis of rotation of the roller (9), it simultaneously moves the movable roller (11), the flap (13) and the guides (10) and (12).

 When the folding module is activated, the support (19) pivots around the axis of rotation of the roll (9) so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) outside the path (4) of the document ( 3) on the side of the fixed roller (9).

The transfer rollers (1) and (2) drive the document (3) to the folding module. When the document (3) is positioned at the point where it is desired to fold, the support (19) describes an arc of a circle pivoting about the axis of rotation of the roll (9), so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) perpendicular to the path (4) of the document (3).

By pivoting thus, the support (19) moves the flap (13) which folds the document (3) while the accompanying iron (16) moves towards the rollers (9) and (11) so as to accompany the document (3) between the rollers (9) and (11).

In a position perpendicular to the path (4), the rollers (9) and (11) rotate in the opposite direction, thus causing the document (3). As soon as the document (3) is taken between the rollers (9) and (11), the iron (16) returns to its original position. The fold is thus realized.

In addition, the guides (10) and (12) fixed on the support (19) allow the document (3) to continue its trajectory (4) when it leaves the rollers (9) and (11) perpendicular to the trajectory ( 4).

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a folder with three folding modules.

Each module can perform either no fold if it is not activated, or a fold if it is activated, the particular arrangement of the three modules as illustrated in Figure 5 provides a folder to perform the most common folds in the field of folding documents. The folder is composed of three folding modules (1), (11), (11l), as described above. We find in each folding module the different elements that guide and fold the document (3) namely: - The guides (7) and (8), - The accompanying iron (16) with its arm (17) which pivots around the axis (18), - the fixed roller (9), - the support (19) pivoting about the axis of rotation of the roller (9) on which the roller (11) is fixed tangential to the roller (9). ), the flap flap (13).

At the entrance of the folder, the guides (5), (6) and the transfer rollers (1) and (2) bring the document (3) to the first folding module (1).

If this first folding module (I) is activated, the support (19) pivots about the axis of rotation of the roll (9) so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) out of the path (4). ) of the document (3) on the side of the fixed roller (9) (above the path (4)).

The document (3) leaves the guides (7) and (8).

The support (19) describes a circular arc (in a clockwise direction since the rollers (9) and (11) are located above the path (4)) by pivoting about the axis of rotation. rotating the roller (9) so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) perpendicular and tangent to the path (4) of the document (3). In doing so, the support (19) moves the flap (13) which folds the document (3) while the accompanying iron (16) moves towards the rollers (9) and (11) so as to accompany the document ( 3) between the rollers (9) and (11). In perpendicular position with respect to the trajectory (4), the fixed (9) and movable (11) rollers rotate in opposite directions, thus driving the document (3). As soon as the document (3) is taken between the rollers (9) and (11), the iron (16) returns to its original position. The fold is thus realized. The guides (10) and (12), not shown for the sake of clarity, fixed on the support (19) allow the document (3) folded with a fold down to continue its trajectory (4) and to enter the second folding module (B).

If this second folding module (II) is activated, the support (19) pivots about the axis of rotation of the roll (9) so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) out of the path (4). ) of the document (3) on the side of the fixed roller (9) (below the path (4)). The document (3) leaves the guides (7) and (8).

The support (19) describes a circular arc (in the counterclockwise direction since the rollers (9) and (11) are located below the trajectory (4)) by pivoting about the axis of rotation. rotating the roller (9) so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) perpendicular and tangent to the path (4) of the document (3). In doing so, the support (19) moves the flap (13) which folds the document (3) while the accompanying iron (16) moves towards the rollers (9) and (11) so as to accompany the document ( 3) between the rollers (9) and (11).

In perpendicular position with respect to the trajectory (4), the fixed (9) and movable (11) rollers rotate in opposite directions, thus driving the document (3). As soon as the document (3) is taken between the rollers (9) and (11), the iron (16) returns to its original position. The fold is thus realized. The guides (10) and (12), not shown for the sake of clarity, fixed on the support (19) allow the document (3) folded one fold down in the module (I) and a fold upwards in the module (II) to continue its trajectory (4) and to enter the third folding module (III).

If this third folding module (III) is activated, the support (19) pivots about the axis of rotation of the roll (9) so as to position the rollers (9) and (11) out of the path (4). ) of the document (3) on the side of the fixed roller (9) (above the path (4)).

The document (3) leaves the guides (7) and (8).

 The support (19) describes a circular arc (in a clockwise direction since the rollers (9) and (11) are located above the path (4)) by pivoting about the axis of rotation. rotating the roller (9), so as to position the rollers (9) and (I1) perpendicular and tangent to the path (4) of the document (3). In doing so, the support (19) moves the flap (13) which folds the document (3) while the accompanying iron (I6) moves towards the rollers (9) and (11) so as to accompany the document ( 3) between the rollers (9) and (11). In perpendicular position relative to the trajectory (4), the fixed rollers (9) and (11) rotate in the opposite direction, thus driving the document (3). As soon as the document (3) is taken between the rollers (9) and (11), the iron (16) returns to its original position. The fold is thus realized.

Thus passing in each folding module (I) (II) (I11), the document (3) was folded in accordion into 4 parts, since each folding module (I) (II) (III) has been activated.

More generally, with the same folder with n folding modules, we can perform between 0 and n folds by choosing to activate a particular folding module.

For illustration, the folder shown in Figure 5, allows the realization of the most common folds namely: - Do not fold the document (3) activating any folding module, in this case, the document (3) crosses the different modules guided by the guides (7), (8), (10), (12).

- Fold the document (3) into a single fold; This fold can be folded down by activating either only the module (I) or only the module (HI), the document passing through the other two folding modules not activated.

This fold can be a fold upwards by activating only the module (II), the document passing through the other two folding modules not activated.

- Fold the document (3) in 2 folds.

The folder shown in Figure 5 allows for all two-ply styles by activating only two modules; - The accordion fold in z, activating only the modules (1I) and (III). - The accordion fold in s, activating only the modules (1) and (II).

- The fold rolled up, activating only the modules (I) and (II). - The fold rolled down, activating only the modules (II) and (III). Of course, it would be possible to use any combination of n folding modules as described above (folding in one direction or in the opposite direction depending on the position of the rollers (9) with respect to the trajectory (4) of the document (3) without To do this, it would be possible to add, reduce, or replace the various guides and irons with other guiding means such as rollers or belts without departing from the scope of the invention. .

Furthermore the trajectory (4) has been defined rectilinear or quasi-rectilinear in order to minimize the risk of detachment of flat objects on documents. One could change the trajectory of the document (3) without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

 CLAIMS 1 - Folding module composed of guides (7), (8) defining the trajectory (4) of the document (3), a fixed roller (9) tangent, either above or below, to the trajectory (4), a movable roller (11) tangential to the fixed roller (9), a movable support (19) pivoting about the axis of rotation of the roller (9) on which is fixed the axis of rotation of the roller (11), characterized in that the folding is carried out by moving the movable roller <B> (11), </ B> tangent to the fixed roller (9), when it is perpendicularly positioned with the stationary roller (9 ) relative to the path (4), and by the passage of the document (3) in the rollers (9) and (11) rotating so as to cause the document (3) when they are perpendicular and tangent to the path ( 4). 2 - Folding module according to the first claim characterized in that the roller (11), tangent to the fixed roller (9), moves by pivoting about the axis of rotation of the fixed roller (9) of the support ( 19) on which is fixed the axis of rotation of the movable roller (11). 3 - Folding module according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that guides (5), (6), (7), (8), and transfer rollers (1) and (2) define the trajectory (4) of the document (3) rectilinear or quasi-rectilinear. 4 - Folding module according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that a flap (13) is fixed on the support (19) to facilitate the flap of the document (3) during the movement of the roller (11). 5 - Folding module according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that an accompanying iron (16), provided with an arm (17) which pivots about an axis (18), moves towards the rollers (9) and (11) to accompany the document (3) between the rollers (9) and (11) perpendicular and tangent to the path (4) rotating in the opposite direction. 6 - Folding module according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that guides (10) and (12) are fixed on the support (19) so that when the rollers (9) and (11) are perpendicular and tangent to the path (4), the guides (10) and (12) allow the document (3) to continue its trajectory (4) when it leaves the rollers (9) and (11). 7 - Folding module according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that n folding modules (n being a positive natural integer) are arranged to obtain a folder with n modules to achieve from zero to n folds, each module realizing either no fold if it is not activated, or a fold if it is activated. 8 - Folding module according to the seventh claim, characterized in that three folding modules (1), (II), (111) are arranged to obtain a folder to achieve all the following folds - no fold, activating no module (1), (II), (III), - a single fold, activating either only the module (I), or only the module (II), or only the module (III), - two folds, in activating either only the modules (II) and (III) to obtain either a z-fold or a roll-down fold, or only the modules (I) and (1I) to obtain either a fold in s , a fold rolled up.