Abstract:
A device for providing folded products utilizes a funnel-shaped structure that consists of at least two funnels that are usable for providing two longitudinally folded strands or webs. A register device is usable for adjusting a path of at least one of the strands or webs between the funnel and the entrance to a folding machine. The register device can be associated with both of the strands or webs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The subject application is the U.S. National Phase of PCT/DE02/04611, filed Dec. 17, 2003; published as WO 03/055777 A1 on Jul. 10, 2003 and claiming priority to DE 101 53 211.8, filed Dec. 21, 2001. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to a device for making folded products. A folding hopper structure has at least two folding hoppers for producing at least two longitudinally folded strands.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A hopper structure for a double-width printing press is known from DE 32 37 504 A1. Longitudinally folded strands from two hoppers, which are arranged side-by-side, can be selectively conducted to one of two folders arranged underneath them. Alternatively, each strand can be conducted to either one of the two folders.  
         [0004]     A hopper structure for a triple-width printing press is known from DE 25 10 057 A1, which hopper structure has three upper hoppers and three lower hoppers, each arranged side-by-side. The strands run over guide rollers and a dancer roller assigned to the respective strand, by use of which rollers their linear register can be set before they are conducted together to a gap of the folder.  
         [0005]     DE 41 28 797 C2 shows an arrangement of several hoppers for the longitudinal folding of strands of paper webs. The folded strands can be selectively conducted to a first folder, to a second folder, or to both folders arranged underneath.  
         [0006]     A folding structure is known from DE 44 30 693 A1. Folded strands can be conducted by hoppers, via individually motor-driven traction and transfer rollers, to two folders which are individually motor-driven.  
         [0007]     DE 41 37 818 A1 discloses a hopper structure with at least two side-by-side arranged hoppers. Traction rollers, each with an rpm-adjustable drive mechanism, are provided for adjusting the tension in the strands leaving the hoppers.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The object of the present invention is directed to providing a device for making folded products.  
         [0009]     In accordance with the present invention, the object is attained by the provision of a hopper structure having at least two hoppers, or funnels, for producing at least two longitudinally formed and then folded strands. At least one register device may be provided for establishing a path of at least one of the strands between the hoppers and an entry into a folder. The hoppers, subsequent folding rollers and subsequent folders are arranged on different levels.  
         [0010]     The advantages to be gained the present invention lie, in particular, in that a great flexibility in the products of a printing press is created. Additionally, the outlay and the costs in regard to the guidance and register regulation of individual strands are kept low.  
         [0011]     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the tracks and direction changes of the strands are kept low and comparable for all strands. This in turn, favors the reduction of regulation and an improvement of the product quality. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     A preferred embodiment of the device for producing folded products, in accordance with the present invention, is represented in the drawings and will be described in greater detail in what follows.  
         [0013]     Shown are in:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1 , a first preferred embodiment of a device for making folded products in accordance with the present invention, in  
         [0015]      FIG. 2 , a second preferred embodiment of a device for making folded products, in  
         [0016]      FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of the first preferred embodiment, and in  
         [0017]      FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the second preferred embodiment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]     A printing press, and in particular a web-fed rotary printing press, has one or several printing groups or printing units, which are not specifically represented, and by the use of which, at least one web  01  of material to be imprinted, hereinafter web  01  for short, can be imprinted. The printing units are embodied to be “double wide”, for example. This means that the printing cylinders have a length which corresponds to at least four printed pages, for example newspaper pages in Rhenic, Berlin, New York Times format, or the like, or to eight horizontal pages in tabloid format, for example, such as pages of a telephone directory, for example.  
         [0019]     After the double-width web  01 , or after the double-width web  01 , depicted in  FIG. 1 , i.e. after four printed pages, of a width b 01 , of the web  01 , have been imprinted in the printing units, they are conveyed to a hopper structure  02  for further processing. On the way to hopper structure  02 , they are cut, in the longitudinal direction, into two partial webs  01   a ,  01   b  by a cutting device, which is not specifically represented, and are combined respectively into a web strand  03  or  04 . Three cutting devices can also be arranged for printing in tabloid format, which three cutting devices cut the webs  01  longitudinally into quarters and into a corresponding number of web strands. In  FIG. 1  combining the webs  01  into the web strand  03 ,  04  takes place by the use of a separate roller  06 , or a group of rollers  06 , before the strand  03 ,  04  is afterwards conducted via a roller  07 , for example via a hopper roller  07 , to respective hoppers or funnels  08 ,  09 , for example embodied as so-called double hoppers or funnels  08 ,  09 . The hoppers  08 ,  09  are preferably each arranged aligned with the one of respective partial web  01   a ,  01   b . During so-called “straight forward operations” the partial webs  01   a ,  01   b  run up on the respective hoppers  08 ,  09  without an offset. In an advantageous embodiment, the web combining roller  06  and the hopper roller  07  each have their own drive motors  11 ,  12 , by the use of which separate roller drive motors  11 ,  12  the web tension can be set or adjusted. In a further development, the web combining roller  06  and/or the hopper roller  07  can be embodied as rollers  06 ,  07  which are divided over their length into partial roller elements, and each such partial roller element can be driven by its own drive motor  11 ,  12 , each represented twice in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . Also, respectively two partial rollers  06 ,  07 , not having a common core, can be arranged with their end faces or fronts directed toward each other, and each can be driven independently of the other by the use of their own drive motor  11 ,  12 .  
         [0020]     At least one pair of rollers  13 ,  14 , which may be, for example, folding rollers  13 ,  14 , and at least one traction roller  16 ,  17  are arranged downstream of each hopper  08 ,  09 , respectively. In the first preferred embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , a pair of folding rollers  13 ,  14  and two traction roller groups  16 ,  17 , for example one traction roller with contact rollers or contact cylinders acting together, are respectively, arranged downstream of each hopper  08 ,  09 . The last traction roller group  16 ,  17 , which constitutes a traction roller group nip  16 ,  17 , is the structural termination of the respective folding or forming hopper or funnel  08 ,  09 , in a running direction of the respective strand  03 ,  04  in the direction toward a folding unit  18 , and, as a rule, this traction roller group nip is arranged at a fixed distance from the hopper  08 ,  09 , except for any possible adjusting or mounting purposes.  
         [0021]     The folding unit  18  is arranged downstream of the hopper structure  02  and has two folders  19 ,  21 , or two folding groups  19 ,  21  of a double folder. In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the hoppers  08 ,  09  and the folders  19 ,  21  are arranged on directly adjoining feed levels, so that they are without any further intervening units, which intervening units would interfere with, or would extend the course of the web, such further units typically being configured as further hoppers, etc. In an advantageous embodiment, and as schematically represented in  FIG. 1 , the two folders  19 ,  21  each have their own drive motors  22 ,  23 . The two strands  03 ,  04  can be fed selectively together to one of the folders  19 ,  21 , or respectively each individually to one of the folders  19 ,  21 .  
         [0022]     The two folders  19 ,  21  are advantageously aligned, in respect to each other and to the two hoppers  08 ,  09 , in such a way that the strands  03 ,  04  can be fed to the two folders  19 ,  21  over the shortest possible distance.  
         [0023]     A first reference point  24 ,  26 , for example a first folder nip  24 ,  26 , which is represented in  FIG. 1  by a roller group  24 ,  26  and which is a fixed part of the folder  19 ,  21 , is assigned to each folder  19 ,  21 , and acts together with the strands  03 ,  04 , or the strands  03 ,  04 . In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the two folders  19 ,  21  are embodied, or are arranged, in such a way that an uninterrupted path of the strand  03 ,  04  from the respectively last traction roller nip  16 ,  17  of the hoppers  08 ,  09  to the first folder nip  26 ,  24  of the folder  21 ,  29 , which are arranged in the shape of a cross underneath, is substantially of the same length in each case. This means that a distance a 03 , a 04  from the traction roller nip  16 ,  17  of the hopper  08 ,  09  is configured to be approximately equal to a distance a 04 , a 03  from the traction roller nip  17 ,  16  of the hopper  09 ,  08  to the first folder nip  24 ,  26  of the folder  19 ,  21 . The distances a 04 , a 03  can differ from each other maximally by 200 mm, however preferably by 100 mm, in particular by up to 50 mm.  
         [0024]     The two folders  19 ,  21  are, for example, arranged in such a way that each of the first folder nips  24 ,  26  is located symmetrically, with respect to a center plane M extending between the two hoppers  08 ,  09 . The center plane M is located parallel to, and centered between the two planes which extend through the longitudinally folded strands  03 ,  04  in the area of the last folding rollers  13 ,  14 , or in the area of the traction rollers  16 ,  17  assigned to the hoppers  08 ,  09 . As a rule, these latter planes coincide with the symmetry planes E 08 , E 09  of the hoppers  08 ,  09 , such as represented in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]     For rerouting the paths, or for setting the paths to be travelled by the two strands  03 ,  04  between the hoppers  08 ,  09  and the folders  19 ,  21 , at least one register device  27  is provided. A position of the at least one register device  27  can be changed and this at least one register device  27  is assigned to the two strands  03 ,  04 . The movement of a positional change of register device  27  has at least one component which is parallel in respect to the normal plane of the strands  03 ,  04  acting together in the area where they touch. In an advantageous embodiment, the register device  27  can be rotatorily driven by its own drive motor, which is not specifically represented, and its position can be changed by the use of an actuating drive, which also is not specifically represented. For example, the register device  27  can be pivotable along a curved line around a pivot axis S, or can be movable in the vertical direction. Depending on its position, the register device  27  acts in different ways with the strands  03 ,  04 , which different ways of register device  27  action will be explained in greater detail in what follows.  
         [0026]     In a first mode of operation of the device for producing folded products in accordance with the present invention, it is intended to produce a product in which the web strands  03 ,  04  of both hoppers  08 ,  09  are conducted to one of the two folders  19 ,  21 . This one of the folders is the folder  21 , as is shown in  FIG. 1 . The register device  27 , which is common to both strands  03 ,  04 , has now been pivoted or shifted about its pivot axis S in such a way that a total path to be travelled by the strand  04  between the traction roller nip  17  and the first folder nip  26  corresponds to a total path to be travelled by the strand  03  between the nips  16  and  26 .  
         [0027]     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the register device  27  acts together selectively only with one strand  04 ,  03 , here the strand  04 , while the other strand  03 ,  04  runs undisturbed through the register unit  27 , i.e. runs through the register unit  27  without an operative connection with the register unit  27 . In this mode of operation, a resultant path S 04 , which is composed of the partial paths s 1 , s 2 , of the strand  04  has a distance which corresponds to the distance a 03 , all as seen in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]     If now, in a second mode of operation, in which production is to take place on the other folder  19 , the register device  27 , which is assigned to the two strands  03 ,  04 , is brought into a second position in which second position, the conditions of the running of the strands  03 ,  04 , which prevail, are reversed with respect to the first mode of operation discussed above. Again, the paths S 03 , S 04  are of the same length. For example, the strand  04  now extends without an operative connection with the register device  27 . For reasons of clarity, the paths for the second mode of operation are not specifically represented in  FIG. 1 . Only the register unit  27  is indicated in  FIG. 1  in dashed lines in its second position.  
         [0029]     In the first preferred embodiment, which is shown in  FIG. 1 , the register device  27  has two rollers  28 ,  29 , for example two register rollers  28 ,  29 , which are arranged so that their positions can be changed together. In a simple embodiment, these two register rollers  28 ,  29  are arranged with their axes of rotation at a fixed distance from each other. If they are rotatorily driven by a drive mechanism, for example by a common drive motor, the drive mechanism should be configured in such a way that there is a direction of rotation in opposite directions. However, the two register rollers  28 ,  29  can also each be driven by their own separate drive motors. In  FIG. 1 , the two register rollers  28 ,  29  are arranged in a common support  31 , or frame  31 , which common support  31  or frame  31  is pivotable around the pivot axis S, which is fixed in respect to the frame and which extends in a plane parallel in respect to one of the folded strands  03 ,  04 , and vertically in respect to its conveying direction. In an advantageous embodiment, because it is symmetrical, the pivot axis S is also arranged lying in the center plane M. The register device  27  is shown magnified or enlarged in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0030]     In the mode of operation which is shown in solid lines in  FIG. 1 , the register roller  29  close to the hopper  09  acts together with the strand  04  in the above described manner. A distance “a”, as is seen in  FIG. 3 , between the two register rollers  28 ,  29  has been selected, for example, in such a way that, taking into consideration the required pivot path, the register roller  28 ,  29  assigned to the other strand  03  is not in operative connection with that other strand  03 .  
         [0031]     In a second mode of operation, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the register device  27  only has a single roller  32 , for example a single register roller  32 , which selectively acts together with only one of the two strands  03 ,  04  in the manner described above with respect to the paths S 03 , S 04 . In the first mode of operation, the register roller  32  acts together with the strand  04 , as represented in solid lines in  FIG. 2 . Here, the single register roller  32  is not located between the two strands  03 ,  04 , but is located on the side of the strand  04  to be rerouted, which side of strand  04  faces away from the other strand  03 . The second mode of operation is again represented by a depiction of the single register roller  32  in dashed lines. The conditions regarding the path of the web and the position regarding the register roller  32  are symmetrical to or a mirror image of those from the first mode of operation of the register device shown in  FIG. 2 . If the roller  32  is embodied as a driven roller, for example by being driven through a gear from other units, or by its own rotatory drive motor, the drive mechanism should be provided as having an option for reversing the direction of rotation.  
         [0032]     In a third mode of operation of this second embodiment, the register roller  32  can be in a position without contact with either one of the two strands  03 ,  04 . Now production can take place with both strands  03 ,  04  each on one of the folders  19 ,  21  respectively.  
         [0033]     In another embodiment of the construction of the register device  27 , it is not arranged pivotable around the pivot axis S, but instead is movable linearly, and, in an advantageous manner, is also movable vertically in respect to the center plane M, in a frame, which is not specifically represented in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . This applies correspondingly to the embodiments of the register device  27  in accordance with the first and second exemplary embodiments which are  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0034]     The embodiment of the register device  27  with its own rotatory drive mechanism makes possible, on the one hand, a tension regulation, or at least an improved conveying behavior when conveying the strand  03 ,  04 , and, on the other hand, also makes possible a reversal of the direction of rotation of the register roller or rollers without a large outlay in gear technology.  
         [0035]     It is possible, by the use of the device in accordance with the present invention, for example during collecting operations and when utilizing “double-large” printing cylinders, such as when using a forme cylinder that has a circumference corresponding to two standing printed pages and, if necessary, also including non-printing parts, such as fastening devices, etc., to create a product with four books. If there is no collection, or if the forme cylinders merely have a single circumference, two books can be produced. The four or two books can be selectively conducted to one of the two folders  19 ,  21 , or can be split up to both of the two folders  19 ,  21 .  
         [0036]     If the device in accordance with the present invention is integrated into a hopper structure  02  with additional hoppers, which are not specifically represented, which hoppers, for example, are arranged as a further double hopper above the hoppers  08 ,  09 , the flexibility, with regard to possible products, is considerably increased. The webs, or the strands  33 , coming from these hoppers can be additionally conducted to the folders  19 ,  21  on a direct path, or via the register device  27 . This applies, in particular, if these hoppers and/or their guide devices, are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center plane M.  
         [0037]     The embodiment of the register device  27  with two register rollers  28 ,  29 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , can be used in the situation of further hoppers which are not specifically represented, and which are arranged above the hoppers  08 ,  09 , in particular also for an additional strand  33 , or strands  33  as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . In case the strands  33  have already been adjusted in their own linear register by their own devices, they can be additionally conducted over one of the rollers  28 ,  29  to one or both strands  03 ,  04 . However, in a further development of the present invention, the distance “a” between the two rollers  28 ,  29  can also be embodied to be adjustable, for example by the use of a drive mechanism. In this further embodiment, one or several of the strands  33  coming from above, as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1  can be conducted over a roller  28  which does not act together with a lower strand  03 ,  04 , and its linear register can be set by setting the distance “a”. Then, this strand  33  can be conducted, either together with the lower strands  03 ,  04  to the same folder  21  or, relative to a further strand  33 , a further strand  33  whose linear register has been set, conducted to the folder  19 . In this case, the two rollers  28 ,  29  are without their own drive mechanism, or are each embodied with their own drive motor.  
         [0038]     While preferred embodiments of a device for producing folded products, in accordance with the present invention, have been set forth fully and completely hereinabove, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that various changes in, for example, the type of press used to print the web or webs, the longitudinal cutting devices for the webs and the like, could be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention which is accordingly to be limited only by the following claims.