GB1277931A - Apparatus for folding flexible sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

1277931 Folding apparatus R FUNK & CO Inc 16 June 1969 [18 June 1968] 30287/69 Heading B8R A folding apparatus is constructed to fold sheets of differing sizes into "packets" of the same predetermined length and width. The apparatus comprises a registering feedtable 16, Fig. 1, a buckle folding unit having folding pockets 20 and 21, a first conveyer 25 for transporting folded sheets from the buckle folding unit to a receptacle 26 or for positioning the folded sheets beneath cross-folding units 27 and 28, Fig. 10. Beneath the cross-folding unit 27 is a conveyer 33 for delivering sheets to a receptacle 34. Beneath the cross-folding unit 28 is a further cross-folding unit 29, Figs. 5e and 10. Unit 29 connects with conveyer 33 via guide-plate 80. Pocket 20 of the buckle folder carries longitudinally adjustable end stop 56 and two stops 54 and 56 (carried on rotary members 53 and 55) which may be positioned to provide end stops further along the pocket when required. Each of the cross-folding units (e.g. unit 28) comprises a reciprocable blade 611 co-operating with a pair of nip rollers 31, 31. A stop 73 is provided on folding unit 29 to arrest a sheet issuing from unit 28 such that the sheet may be further folded between rollers 32, 32 by blade 76. Conveyer 25 is associated with a stop 51 which either permits a sheet to pass from the buckle folding unit into receiver 26 or halts a sheet beneath the cross-folder. Deflector fingers 50 on the buckle folding unit prevent sheets from entering the upper pocket 21 when required. Operation.-A control circuit permits a sheet registerd on table 16 to be provided with one or two first transverse folds in the buckle folding unit, the position of these folds being determined by which of the stops 54, 56, 57 is operative. The sheet thus folded is either, passed directly to receptacle 26 (stop 51 inactive) or, subjected to one or two cross folds (stop 51 active) being finally delivered to receptacle 34. For a single cross-fold unit 27 is rendered operative and for two cross-folds both units 28 and 29 are rendered operative. If a sheet does not fold exactly into a required dimension the surplus area 81, Fig. 6, may be "tucked" into the folded packet by latching blade 76 in the position shown in Fig. 6 to guide the surplus area into the nip of rollers 32.