Patent GB-988477-A (GB)
Title: Process for the folding of sheets and device for carrying the said process into effect
IPC: D06F89/00
Filed: 1962-07-27
Abstract: 988,477. Folding fabric sheets. R. L. DUFLOT. July 27, 1962 [July 28, 1961; Dec. 8, 1961], No. 28951/62. Heading D1S, A folder for folding sheets into a predetermined number of panels comprises a horizontal conveyor A to supply a flat sheet D; at least one flap member VI articulated on a horizontal pivot C for separating successive folds of the sheet D and capable of adopting two outermost positions, one at a tangent to an outer drum of the conveyer A, the second forming an actute angle with the first position; and a detection device for controlling the movement of the flap member or members. In one embodiment, Figs. 1 and 3, for concertina-like folding, the sheet D passes from a drier on to the conveyer A comprising a number of parallel belts between which a feeler B is situated. As the leading end of the sheet D begins to descend against an outer wall of a pivoted member VI the trailing end encounters the feeler B which couples an electro-magnetic clutch R to start a vertical conveyer T to raise the detection assembly carried thereon and which comprises a photo-cell Ce1 and a radiation emitter P1. The velocity of the conveyer T is one third that of the conveyor A due to a reducing transmission t. When the leading end of the sheet D intersects the light beam # the clutch R is disengaged and a jack E moves the member VI to the position shown in Fig. 3. The sheet D forms a pocket between the member V1 and a second member V2 and when the bottom of the pocket intersects a beam of light of a second detection assembly mounted on the same carriage as the first, a jack G rotates the member V2 until it abuts the member V1. A grooved pressure roller K then nips the folded sheet against a roller F through notches (not shown) in the members V1 V2. These rollers rotate and the sheet is carried on to a conveyer H. To fold the sheet into more panels extra flaps may be provided. In an alternative embodiment, Figs. 5 and 7, to fold a sheet into a form having juxtaposed end panels, only one member V is provided and initially rests in the position shown in Fig. 5. As the sheet D passes along the conveyor A it encounters a finger b1 which starts the conveyer T which is stopped as soon as the leading end intersects the light beam from the emitter P1. The jack E moves the member V to nip the sheet against a cross member Z. The sheet drops externally of the member V until the bottom of the pocket soformed intersects the light beam in the second detection assembly which actuates the jack E so that the member V moves to nip the sheet against a roller F on the conveyer H, Fig. 7, and the detection assemblies descend. A presser comprising a number of small wheels K nips the sheet against the roller F through notches in the member V so that the sheet is removed on to the conveyer H. In a modification, Fig. 12, (not shown), the detection devices each comprise a stretched wire arranged in the path of descent of the sheet to actuate a relay switch. In a further modification, Fig. ii (not shown), the feelers b1, b2 are replaced by two keys fed with low-voltage current interrupted by the sheet passing therebetween. To prevent the sheet D being folded about slanting lines, it passes under a free-running presser roller R#, Fig. 13, and over rollers g I rigid with a common free shaft g a mounted resiliently on the end of a lever Lv articulated at Lo and which tends to apply the rollers g l against the roller Rp. The rollers g I are mounted between the belts of the conveyer A.