Patent Abstract:
Webs of printable materials which are fed into a printing machine are provided with a feed tip that allows the web to be rapidly and releasably connected to a the web feed device. The feed tip has a thickened section which is generally perpendicular to the direction of web transport and which cooperates with a carrier element that is fastened to the web feed device. The carrier element has an oblong cavity which extents in the direction of web transport and which cooperates with the thickened portion of the web to form a stop that is perpendicular to the direction of web transport.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a method and to a device for drawing in a web in a web-fed rotary printing press. The web has a draw-in tip which is made thicker than the rest of the web. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A device for attaching a web of material to a carrier of a web draw-in device is known from EP 0 118 860 B1. A fastening device, that receives the end of the web of material, is loosely suspended by a loop fastened on the former from the carrier, of a draw-in element. 
     A draw-in device is described in G 92 15 764 U1, in which a cable, which is attached to the draw-in tip, is pushed vertically in respect to the conveying direction into the openings of carriers. The cable is maintained on the carrier, secure against slipping out opposite the conveyance direction, by the use of a headpiece of the cable. 
     DE 198 37 361 A1 discloses a device for drawing in a web of material to be imprinted. A free end of the draw-in tip is threaded through an opening of a carrier which is connected with the draw-in device and is made into a loop by a hook-and-loop closure. 
     EP0 425 741 A1 shows a device for drawing in a web and having a draw-in assembly. A positive connection opposite and transversely to the conveying direction with a carrier arranged on the draw-in assembly can be made by the use of a coupling element arranged on a draw-in tip. The coupling element, embodied in a stepped manner, and the carrier can be connected with each other, or released from each other, by a relative movement along the conveying direction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is based on providing a method and a device for drawing in a web. 
     In accordance with the present invention, this object is attained by providing the web to be drawn in with a thickened portion. This thickened portion is received in a carrier that is part of the web draw-in device. The thickened portion is slid into the carrier in a direction perpendicular to the web conveying direction and is then moved in the carrier in a direction parallel to the conveying direction. This second movement takes place with limited travel in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. 
     The advantages which can be realized by the present invention reside, in particular, in that the connection between the draw-in assembly or device and the draw-in tip is positive in the conveying direction, which connection is embodied in a self-securing manner in respect to releasing the connection during the operation, i.e. when drawing the web in. The danger of a spontaneous and unintentional release of the connection, such as can occur in a connection with simply designed carriers, is reduced by a travel limitation imposed on the draw-in tip on all sides of the tip, which is closed to a great extent. 
     The connection between the draw-in tip and the draw-in assembly or device is substantially achieved in an advantageous manner by the requirement of a two-step movement, which movement is guided to a great extent, of the draw-in tip in respect to the carrier. In an advantageous manner, the suspension and securing of the tip in the carrier takes place in two defined movement directions, which extend almost perpendicularly with respect to each other. In a first step, the suspension of the tip in the carrier takes place in a direction which is almost perpendicular in respect to the web conveying direction. In a second step, the connection is secured by a relative movement between the clamping element and the draw-in tip in which the tip moves relative to the clamping element in a direction opposite to the web conveying direction. The movement, which is guided to a great extent and which extends almost perpendicularly in respect to the conveying direction for a suspension in a narrowly bordered forward direction provides increased assurance against unintentional release of the tip from the carrier. 
     In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a sequence of two defined movements is required for connecting, or releasing the tip and the carrier, wherein one movement represents a rotational movement, which movement is not one typically occurring in the draw-in process, in a direction R. With this sequence of movements, the connection is not sensitive to unintentional release because of fluctuations in the web tension or in web speed during draw-in. 
     In at least one area in which the draw-in tip, or a thickening at the draw-in tip, and the carrier engage each other, a first movement is possible only guided along in a direction which is predetermined to a great extent. 
     In addition to providing a high degree of assurance that the connection will not become undone, a substantial advantage of the present invention is its rapid and simple operability. Elaborate opening or closing by the use of tools, gluing or threading into closed eyes is not required. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are represented in the drawings and will be described in greater detail in what follows. 
     Shown are in: 
     FIG. 1, a perspective view of a device for drawing in a web in accordance with the present invention, 
     FIG. 2, a side elevation view, partly in cross-section, through the device for drawing in a web, in 
     FIG. 3, a side elevation view of the device for drawing in a web, in 
     FIG. 4, a top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the device for drawing in a web in accordance with the present invention, in 
     FIG. 5, a top plan view of a third preferred embodiment with an inclined suspension device, and in 
     FIGS. 6 a - 6   e , several preferred embodiments of a thickened or portion of the draw-in tip in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Drawing-in of webs, for example webs of material to be imprinted in web-fed rotary printing presses, takes place, in a generally known manner, by the operation of a web draw-in device  01 , for example such as a chain  01 , a belt or a cable, as depicted somewhat schematically in FIG.  1 . As a rule, the chain  01  is located adjacent the side of the paper web to be drawn in and is conveyed through the printing press, for example on a rail, along a path provided for the paper web. A carrier  02  is arranged on the chain  01 , and on, or to which a start  03  of the paper web is fastened. The chain  01  may be embodied as a roller chain  01  with rollers  09 , for example. 
     In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the start  03  of the paper web is configured as a draw-in tip  03 , which is connected with the paper web, and whose free end  04  can be positively connected with the carrier  02  which is supported by chain  01  to move in the conveying direction T. The draw-in tip  03  can be in the form of a foil which is connected with the paper web, a reinforced end of the paper web itself, a single- or multi-part reinforcement or extension, which is connected in a non-positive manner, in a positive manner or is incorporated into the material. In an advantageous manner, the draw-in tip  03  extends in the conveying direction T at an acute angle toward the laterally arranged chain  01 , and is embodied, at least in the area of the connection with the chain  01 , or the carrier  02 , in a manner which is substantially tear-resistant, for example as a metal or as a plastic strip. The draw-in tip  03  is flat and flexible and has a reduced thickness d 03 , as seen in FIG. 3, wherein preferably d 03 &lt;1.5 mm, for example d 03 =0.5 mm. Draw-in tip  03  preferably extends on a conveying plane. The conveying plane is understood to be that plane whose length extends in the conveying direction T on the plane of the carrier  02  through the conveying direction T and the imagined position of the web. 
     On its free end  04 , the draw-in tip  03  has a thickening or an enlargement  06  formed in a direction with respect to the web and to the web draw-in tip  03  which direction is almost perpendicular with respect to the conveying direction T and which draw-in tip  03  acts together, in a positive manner, with the carrier  02  in the course of the draw-in of the web in the conveying direction T. The thickening or enlargement  06  can be a raised bump generated by forming or by embossment, as seen in FIG. 6 a , by the provision of a pin or bolt penetrating the draw-in tip  03 , as seen in FIG. 6 b , or as any other raised section, which causes an increase of the cross-section of the draw-in tip  03  in respect to a direction perpendicular with respect to the conveying direction T. The shapes of the cooperating carrier  02  and the draw-in tip thickening  06  are reciprocally provided in such a way that a suspension, which is guided to a great extent, and a connection between the carrier  02  and the draw-in tip  03  with the thickening  06  takes place, which suspension and connection is limited in at least five of the six spatial directions, and in one embodiment of the invention, in six of the six spatial directions. A movement, that is guided to a great extent, is required along part of the connective path, at least in the area in which the carrier  02  and the draw-in tip  03 , or the thickening  06 , penetrate each other. Because of the reciprocal shaping of the tip  03  and the carrier  06 , the connective movement between the two takes place within a narrow angular range. Two examples from the multitude of possible options have been taken in what follows and will be described in greater detail. 
     In the first example, the thickening  06 , as depicted in FIG. 6 c , is embodied as a head of a screw  07  which screw  07  is extending perpendicularly through a recess, not specifically represented, in the draw-in tip  03  with the screw head situated on one side of the draw-in tip  03  and, on the other side of the tip  03 , as a nut  08 , which is, for example, fixed against relative rotation, and which is cooperating with the screw  07 . The free end  04  of the draw-in tip  03 , as provided with the thickening  06  described above, cooperates with the carrier  02  of the chain  01  when the paper web is drawn in, as depicted in FIG.  1 . 
     At least at its end  11  that is trailing in the conveying direction T, as seen in FIG. 1, the carrier  02  is provided with a slit  12  extending approximately parallel with the conveying plane. In the preferred embodiment, the carrier  02  is embodied for this purpose as a two piece clamping element  02  with a first cheek or segment  13  and a second cheek or segment  14 , which two segments  13  and  14  are connected with each other by two screws  16  extending almost perpendicularly in relation to the slit  12 . To provide the slit  12  with a height h 12 , it is possible to arrange a spacer element between the segments or cheeks  13  and  14 , for example. However, the segments or cheeks  13  and  14  can also be offset from each other on their sides respectively facing each other, so that a slit  12  is created when they are brought together. A one-piece embodiment of the carrier or clamping element  02  is also possible, wherein the slit  12  is embodied as a sawn cut, for example. In the configuration of the carrier  02  shown in FIG. 3, the height h 12  of the slit  12  is defined by two bolts  23 , which connect the clamping element  02  with the chain  01  and which are arranged between the two segments  13  and  14 . 
     In the area of its trailing end  11 , the clamping element  02  has an elongated hole or aperture  18  that is passing, almost perpendicularly with respect to the conveying direction T, through both segments or cheeks  13  and  14 , and which aperture  18  extends at least partially along its length l 18  in the conveying direction T. 
     The outer lateral side  19  of the clamping element  02  has a recess  21 , for example a bore  21 , with side  19  being opposite the chain  01 . The bore  21  is arranged in such a way that it connects the outer side  19  with the elongated hole or aperture  18  at the the end of the elongated hole or aperture  18  which is remote from the draw-in tip  03 . 
     The bore  21  has a diameter d 21 , which corresponds at least to the largest cross section of the thickening  06 , and at least to the largest of the dimensions of the length l 06  and the maximum diameter d 06  of the thickening  06  constituted by the screw  07  and the associated nut  08 . The elongated hole or aperture  18  also has a width b 18 , as seen in FIG. 2, which corresponds at least to the maximum diameter d 06  of the thickening  06 . The length l 18  of the elongated hole or aperture  18  is greater than the diameter d 21  of the lateral bore  21 . Preferably, the length l 18  is greater than the sum of the diameter d 21  of the bore  21  and half the maximum diameter d 06  of the thickening  06 . 
     If the thickening  06  is embodied as a pin  06  penetrating through the draw-in tip  03  perpendicularly, as seen in FIG. 6 b , the diameter d 21  of the bore  21  is selected to be at least equal to the length l 06  of the pin  06 , and the width b 18  to be at least equal to the diameter d 06  of the pin  06 . Thus a lateral interior wall  22 , extending in the direction of the length l 18 , of the elongated hole  18  acts, together with the thickening  06 , to form a detent  22 . The width b 18  of the elongated hole  18  can also taper towards the trailing end  11  of the clamping element  02  in such a way that a frictional connection between the thickening  06  and the clamping element  06  is provided by the tensile force directed in the conveying direction T. 
     The height h 12  of the slit  12 , as seen in FIG. 3, is at least equal to the thickness d 03  of the draw-in tip  03 , and is less than the length or the height l 06  of the thickening  06 , so that the draw-in tip  03  can be guided into the slit  12 , at least in the area of the draw-in tip free end  04 , but that the thickening  06 , together with the slit  12 , and almost all of the entire interior wall  22 , with the exception of the bore  21 , constitutes the detent  22 . 
     In one embodiment of the present example, as seen in FIG. 2, the draw-in tip  03  is provided with a second thickening  17 , for example a casing of the draw-in tip  03  in the form of a woven tape. This thickening  17  on the draw-in tip  03  is spaced away from the first thickening  06  at a distance a 17  and in a direction opposite the end of the draw-in tip  03 . Advantageously, the distance a 17  is less than a distance a 21  of the recess  21 , but must at least be selected to be as large as an inner width l 18  of the longitudinal hole  18  from the side  19  of the clamping element  02 . 
     During operation, i.e. in the suspended state of the draw-in tip  03  in the clamping element  02 , the thickening  06  is connected together with the end  04  of the draw-in tip  03  and their travel is limited in six directions. In the preferred embodiment, the draw-in tip  03  is positively connected in all directions perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction T and is movable parallel in respect to the conveying direction T, but its travel is limited. In the embodiment with the draw-in tip  03  having the second thickening  17 , the freedom of movement of the draw-in tip  03  in the conveying direction T is additionally limited and, for releasing the connection, the draw-in tip  03  initially makes a rotation in the direction R, as seen in FIG. 2, around an axis which, in an advantageous manner, extends almost perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction T. In the tightened state in particular, for example during drawing in of the web in the conveying direction T, the thickening  06  is also positively, or at least with limited travel, connected opposite to a suspension direction E parallel in respect to the longitudinal axis E of the bore  21 , which represents the direction in which the thickening  06  is conducted into the clamping element  02  in the course of suspending the draw-in tip  03 . 
     The clamping element or carrier  02  is releasably fastened to the chain  01  by use of the two bolts  23 , or screws  23 . In an advantageous manner, a spacing distance a 23  between the bolts  23  in the conveying direction T, as seen in FIG. 3, is a whole number multiple of the distances between the shafts of two roller  09  of the chain  01 . 
     In a second preferred embodiment of the device for drawing in a web, as seen in FIG. 4 , the thickening  06  is embodied as a bead  06  on the free end  04  of the draw in tip  03 , as seen in FIG. 6 d . This bead  06  can be, for example, a small tube  24 , as shown in FIG. 6 d  that is worked into the end  04  of the draw in tip  03 , or as a pin or a groove, as shown in FIG. 6 a , that is formed in the draw in tip  03  during its manufacture. The bead  06  extends in the conveying plane almost perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction T. 
     As in the first preferred embodiment, this bead  06  cooperates positively with an elongated hole  26  formed in the carrier  02  in a manner in which it limits travel, and in the conveying direction T. The elongated hole  26  of the second preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, does not extend perpendicularly, in respect to the conveying plane, and to the bore  21 , through a clamping element  02 , but instead is almost parallel with the conveying plane. Over its length l 26 , the elongated hole  26  extends nearly parallel in respect to the conveying direction T. To prevent the bead  06  from slipping laterally out of the elongated hole  26 , the elongated hole  26  is discontinuous on the lateral outer side  19  of the clamping element  02 ; i.e. the side of the clamping element opposed to the chain  01 , so that a projection  27  remains on the side  19  as a detent  27 . This lateral projection  27  is located on the side of the elongated hole  26  which is closer to the trailing end  11  of the clamping element  02  and thus prevents the suspended thickening  06  of the draw-in tip  03  from sliding out of the clamping element  02  in a direction opposite to the suspension or attachment direction E. The portion of the elongated hole  26  which is continuous on the outer lateral side  19  corresponds to the recess  21  in the first preferred embodiment that is required for suspending the draw-in tip  03 . On the side facing the chain  01 , the elongated hole  26  can be continuous. As a rule, the draw-in tip  03  is prevented from sliding out of this side of the clamping element  02  by the adjoining chain  01  which thus also serves as a travel limiter. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the elongated hole  26  can be configured as an elongated hole  26  which conically tapers in a direction opposite the conveying direction T, and which is provided with a frictional connection by the thickening  06 , in addition to the travel limitation, when the clamping element  02  and the draw-in tip  03  are moved relatively away from each other in the conveying direction T. 
     The elongated hole  26  can also be arranged in the clamping element  02  in such a way that its length l 26  does not extend parallel in respect to the conveying direction T, but is inclined in relation to the conveying direction T at an angle α which is not equal to 0° against the conveying direction T. In this preferred embodiment, as indicated in FIG. 5, the inclination α between the orientation of the elongated hole  26  of the length l 26  and the conveying direction T is approximately 20°. This embodiment can be selected, for example, for assuring even more security against the thickening  06  laterally slipping out of the longitudinal hole  26 , but also, if required, to point in the direction of a resultant line for the tensile force. 
     In a configuration that is suitable for use with both preferred embodiments, the thickening  06  on the draw-in tip  03  is formed as a ball  06  or as a cylinder  06  which are arranged on one end of a belt  28  or cable  28 , which in turn has been incorporated into the draw-in tip  03  as seen in FIG. 6 e . In actual use, a steel cable  28  with a steel ball  06  or a steel cylinder  06 , for example a Bowden cable  06 ,  28 , is preferable. When using a cylindrical thickening  06 , in the first preferred embodiment an axis of the cylindrical thickening  06  is oriented nearly perpendicularly in respect to the paper plane. In, in the second preferred embodiment this axis is oriented nearly parallel with the paper plane. 
     The embodiment in accordance with FIG. 6 e  can be modified in an advantageous manner in that additionally a bolt  29 , or, for example, a pin  29 , is arranged on the thickening  06 , which designed as a ball  06 . This bolt or pin is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6 e , since this is optional. In the suspended state, this pin  29  is used for securing the ball  06  in the recess  18 . The pin  29  is oriented, for this purpose, in such a way that, in the suspended end state, its longitudinal direction extends perpendicular in relation to the plane of the slit  12 . If the recess  18 , the bore  21  and the slit  12  are aligned as represented in FIG. 1, the pin  29  extends perpendicular to the paper plane, or to the plane of the draw-in tip  03 . If the arrangement is rotated by 90°, the pin correspondingly extends in the paper plane, or the plane of the draw-in tip  03 . 
     In this embodiment, four different movements, of which two are guided translatory movements and two are rotatory movements, are required for suspension. Initially, the ball  06  must be inserted along the suspension direction E, as seen in FIG. 2, laterally into the bore  21  in such a way that the pin  29  is guided through the slit  12  into the interior of the recess  18 . To do this, a diameter d 29 , or a thickness d 29 , of the pin  29  must be less than the height h 12  of the slit  12 . Then the ball  06  with the pin  29  must be turned by approximately 45° in the recess  18  around an axis along the insertion direction E. Thereafter, the translation opposite the conveying direction T and a rotation in the direction R around an axis which is nearly perpendicular in respect to the conveying direction and the insertion direction E can take place. 
     The configuration of the thickening  06  and of the cooperating bore  21 , or the recesses in the form of elongated holes  18 ,  26 , or differently shaped recesses  18 ,  26  in the carrier or clamping member  02  is possible in a multitude of ways in order to make possible a guided suspension in the suspension direction E of the draw-in tip  03  perpendicularly to a great extent, or with a component perpendicular to the conveying direction T, and the travel limiting securing of the draw-in tip  03  in the carrier  02  against movements in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction T. It is advantageous that the clamping element  02  is provided with a recess  18 , or  26 , which has at least one component of the diameter, or the inner width l 18  or l 26  in the conveying direction  26 , which is greater than the corresponding component of the diameter, or the inner width d 21  of the recess  21 , which is required for the suspension and which is connected with the recess  18  or  26 . Because of the separation of the movements for suspension and for securing, a travel limitation is also provided in directions perpendicular to the conveying direction T, in particular also counter to the suspension direction E. 
     The mode of functioning of the device for drawing in a material to be imprinted, in accordance with the present invention is as follows: 
     For drawing in a web of material to be imprinted, its start is provided with a draw-in tip  03 , which has a thickening  06  on its free end  04 . This free end  04  of the draw-in tip  03 , with the thickening  06 , is pushed, in the suspension direction E, into the recess  21 . Simultaneously the end  04  of the draw-in tip  03  is slid into the slit  12  of the clamping element  02 . By a movement of the draw-in tip  03  in a direction opposite to the conveying direction T, or a movement of the clamping element  02  in the conveying direction T, the thickening  06  slides in the elongated hole  18 , or  26 , in the direction toward the trailing end  11  of the clamping element  02 . The position of the free end  04  of the draw in tip  03  is thus secured in all of the conveying direction T, or the course of the elongated hole  18  in the conveying direction, against slipping out laterally. After the web of material to be imprinted has been drawn in, the release and removal of the draw-in tip  03  takes place in the reverse order. When removing the draw-in tip  03  with a second thickening  17  at the previously mentioned distance a 17  from the thickening  06 , an additional relative rotation in a direction R between the draw-in tip  03  and the clamping element  02  is required for the suspension, or release of the draw-in tip  03 . 
     While preferred embodiments of method and of a device for drawing in a web, 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 a number of changes, for example, in the type of printing press being used, the structure of the draw-in chain 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1