EP1208975A2 - Method and device for determining the overlap of a signature - Google Patents

Abstract

The folding system has a folding mechanism (10) with adjustable overlap for folding signatures (18), an optical sensor (28) for measuring the presence of folded signatures and a controller (30) connected to the folding mechanism and optical sensor for determining the overlap of the folded signatures. The folding mechanism is a drum folding mechanism with a pair of folding rollers. Independent claims are also included for the following: a method of folding signatures.

Description

The invention relates generally to printing machines and, more particularly, to a device and a method for setting an overlap on a folded signature.

Web-fed rotary printing machines print an endless web of material, for example Paper. The endless web is then fed into a folder of the printing press cut and folded in a signature in a cutting unit.

One way to fold the resulting signatures is to use a so-called wheel folder or drum folder, which a cylinder with rotating (folding) knives that alternate over the circumferential surface of the Step out of the cylinder to fold the signature. The signature is held by point needles at their leading edge and usually close to the middle the signature folded by a folding knife. The fold is between the folding knife forced two rotating folding rollers, which are arranged next to the cylinder and the Take the signature along the fold at a gap, set the fold and the folded one Lay out or transport the product, for example to a paddle wheel unit. Wheels or drum folding apparatus are described, for example, in Chapter 6, (page unit 136 - 154) of the book "Newspaper Presses" by William Braasch.

If the signature is folded exactly in half, there is no overlap of the distance between the leading edge and the leading edge of the signature. Corresponding there is an overlap if the signature is folded outside the center because the The leading edge and the leading edge are spaced apart.

In a drum folder, the overlap changes as the speed changes the machine changes. Accordingly, the overlap differs for a slow one Test run before the actual production of the overlap, which is at full Sets production speed. An exact measurement and setting of the overlap It is therefore important for a drum folder during the running of the folder.

The signature can be overlapped by moving the folding knife against the Puncture needles are made in the circumferential direction. The distance between the puncture needle as well as the leading edge of the signature and the location where the encircling Folding knife forcing the signature into the folding unit determines the overlap.

The "Patent Abstracts of Japan" No. 62-70174 describe a helical tooth Gear mechanism for adjusting the size of the overlap of folded sheets without to stop the machine. Separately designed needle segments and folded edge segments are arranged alternately on a folding drum. That of the needle side assigned helical gears are axially rotated by a Drive mechanism shifted.

The device of "Patent Abstracts of Japan" No. 62-70174 has none Control device which controls the mechanism for setting the overlap, and the device does not appear to be able to independently overlap correct. Furthermore, no optical sensor and no feedback mechanism appear to be present to detect the overlap.

The "Patent Abstracts of Japan" No. 6-255881 describe an apparatus for Setting the overlap at any speed of the press associated data for a long side as a control signal to an actuator motor Control unit are fed. A deviation of a rotation speed detection signal of the motor from the aforementioned control signal is considered a Control signal supplied to the motor and the rotation speed as long controlled until an overlap is obtained that is within an allowable range.

The device of "Patent Abstracts of Japan" No. 6-255881 has the disadvantage that no sensor is provided that automatically detects the overlap of a folded signature. Accordingly, the device seems - although it would be quite suitable - to overlap one to change folded signature depending on control signals - none To have feedback mechanism that is able to the actual Determine the overlap of a folded signature.

It is an object of the present invention, an apparatus and a method for Measure and control the overlap of folded signatures. A another or another object of the present invention is an optical Sensor and a control device for measuring and setting an overlap of folded signatures. An additional task of the present Invention is an automatic feedback mechanism for to automatically set the overlap of folded signatures.

According to the present invention, a folding system has a folder with a changeable overlap for folding signatures to form folded signatures, an optical sensor for measuring an overlap on the folded signatures, and a control device connected to the folder and the optical sensor Set the overlap to.

The folder with adjustable overlap is preferably a wheel folder or a Drum folder, which has folding rollers for receiving the signatures, such that folded signatures are formed.

The drum folder can further comprise an outer puncture shell, which in Circumferential direction is movable relative to the folding blades of the drum folding apparatus. The outer puncture cup offers the advantage of automatically adjusting the position of the Signature regarding the folding knife, so that the position of the fold can be changed.

The optical sensor can detect the first edge (the folded edge) of the folded signature to send a signal to the control unit when the fold edge optical sensor happens. When the folded edge of the folded signature passes the sensor, the optical sensor is triggered. The sensor can be interrupted in one electromagnetic radiation are triggered, which originates from the optical sensor. If the beam hits the sensor again, d. H. after the break on the sensor the rear edge (either the trailing edge of the signature or the leading edge of the signature) is detected. Accordingly, the time t is the total Signature required to pass the optical sensor, known. Triggering the optical sensor provides the advantage of automatic and efficient accumulation of data that can be used to overlap the folded signature to calculate.

The control device preferably has a processor for the Speed of the folded signature and the signals received by the optical Sensor are transmitted to determine the length of the folded signature s. If the optical sensor is triggered, the optical sensor sends a signal to the Control device. Accordingly, the time t taken for the folded signature to pass needed to be calculated. For example, the control device can Start internal timer or counter after receiving the first signal, and this Stop the counter after receiving the second signal. The elapsed time t becomes multiplies the speed v of the signature, which is a predetermined constant, by to obtain the length s of the signature according to the relationship s = t * v. The speed can be determined by the speed of the folding rollers.

The processor preferably uses the length s of the folded signature and one Section length of the signature c to calculate the overlap of the folded signature D. In order to calculate the overlap of the folded signature D, the length of the signature s with Multiplied by 2 and subtracted the section length c from this value, according to D = (s * 2) -c. The section length c is the length of the entire paper and is made from the size of the signatures separated from a web by a cutting cylinder. The Invoice provides the advantage of automatically determining the correct overlap the folded signature without an operator having to measure the overlap.

The processor preferably calculates whether the overlap is positive or negative, i. H. for example the sign of the overlap based on an overlap of subsequent folded signatures and the previously calculated overlap. The invoice offers the advantage that the sign of the overlap can be determined without the press must be stopped for this, or an operator must be present got to. Furthermore, the data obtained can be used for the device automatically set to an operator-specific overlap distance.

The sign of the overlap can be determined by the overlap a primarily folded signature with the overlap of a subsequently folded signature is compared. The absolute value of the primary overlap is determined, and the The control device then sends a control signal to the outside Puncture cup by a small distance relative to the cup carrying the folding knife in To move circumferential direction, for example by increasing the distance between the puncture needle and the folding knife for a signature. The outer puncture shell rotates therefore in the circumferential direction with respect to the puncture shell with the folding knives a small amount preferably such that the difference between the primary Overlap and a subsequent overlap is equal to the minimum distance which the optical sensor can perceive; however, in any case smaller than the primary Overlap. If the overlap of the primary signature is positive, an enlargement will result the distance between the point needle and the folding knife to a decrease in Overlaps the subsequent signature. If the overlap of the primary signature is negative an increase in the distance increases the absolute value of the overlap of the Signature. The sign of the overlap of the primary signature can therefore be determined become. It should be noted here that the overlap on the primary signature also can be zero, in which case a determination of the sign is not necessary is.

If, for example, the outer puncture shell is rotated in the circumferential direction with respect to the folding knife shell, for example clockwise, in order to increase the distance between a puncture needle and the folding knife, the control device can compare the subsequent overlap D ² with the primary overlap D ¹ to determine the sign of the primary one Determine signature. If the difference between the primary overlap D ¹ and the subsequent overlap D ² results in a positive number, ie D ¹ - D ² > 0, the primary signature has a positive sign for the overlap. Conversely, the primary signature has a negative sign for the overlap if the difference between the primary overlap D ¹ and the subsequent overlap D ^{2 is} a negative number, ie D ¹ - D ² <0.

The outer puncture shell can be easily rotated in the circumferential direction relative to the folding knife shell in order to reduce the distance between the puncture needle and the folding knife, for. B. counterclockwise. The control device can then compare the subsequent overlap D ² with the primary overlap D ^{1 in} order to determine the inclination of the primary signature. If the difference between the primary overlap D ¹ and the subsequent overlap D ^{2 is} a negative number, ie D ¹ - D ² <0, the primary signature has a positive sign for the overlap. Conversely, the primary signature has a negative sign for the overlap if the difference between the primary overlap D ¹ and the subsequent overlap D ^{2 is} a positive number, ie D ¹ - D ² > 0.

The control device preferably has the possibility of automatic feedback in order to use the data for the overlap and the data for the positive or negative tendency to automatically configure the overlap on the folded signature in accordance with a user-specific overlap. The setting of the overlap is achieved in that the outer puncture shell is moved relative to the folding knives as a function of the control signal sent by the control device. In order to determine the correct control signal, the control device determines the sign of the folded signature (if not previously known) and then compares the overlap on the folded signature with a desired overlap previously entered by the operator. The comparison provides the advantage that the overlap on the folded signatures can be set automatically in accordance with an operator-specific overlap without stopping the folder. The feedback control can be carried out by comparing the primary overlap D ¹ with a desired overlap x ₁ , which is entered by the operator. The desired overlap x ₁ can be a positive value, a negative value or zero.

The controller then makes a determination as to whether the primary signature is being introduced has a positive or negative sign or none, and moves the outer Puncture cup by the desired amount by turning the puncture cup with respect to the Folding knife shell in the circumferential direction.

If the primary signature has a positive sign for the overlap and the primary overlap D ^{1 is} greater than the desired overlap X ₁ , the control device sends out a control signal which causes the outer puncture shell to move in the circumferential direction so that the distance moves enlarged between the puncture needle and the folding knife. However, if the primary overlap D ¹ is less than the desired overlap X ₁ , the control device sends out a control signal which causes the outer puncture shell to rotate in the circumferential direction in such a way that the distance between the puncture needle and the folding knife is reduced.

The folding cylinder preferably contains at least one puncture needle on an outer one Puncture cup is attached to hold the leading edge of the signature.

The drum folder can preferably also be a cutting cylinder and have an anvil attached to the outer puncture shell or a grooved strip to aid in cutting the web.

The present invention provides a method for folding signatures, which cutting a web with an adjustable overlap Folder for the formation of signatures, the folding of the signatures with the help of the Folders for the formation of folded signatures, the optical measurement of the overlap in the folded signatures and the setting of the overlap as a function of the measurement includes.

The step of folding can further puncture, i.e. H. stuck the signature using puncture needles on the leading edge of the signature, and contacting the Signature at a set distance from the leading edge of the signature with include a folding knife. By dotting the leading edge and that Contacting the signature at a set or predetermined distance from the leading edge removed, the signature is stabilized, and the length of the overlap can be determined.

The method of folding signatures also includes measuring one Folded signature speed. The speed measurement allows the Determine the length or size of the overlap when the speed of the Drum folder or wheel folder is changed.

The procedure for folding signatures can still change the set one Include distance to change the overlap. The advantage that this offers that the set distance is changed can be seen in the set length the overlap of a signature can be changed.

The step of changing the distance or the set length also includes preferably changing the set distance by using a Feedback from a control device. By using a feedback A control device has the advantage that an automatic Calibration of the length of the overlap is provided.

The invention is described below with reference to a preferred embodiment described on the drawings.

Fig. 1

Eine Seitenansicht eines Trommelfalzsystems;

Fig. 2

Eine Seitenansicht einer gefalzten Signatur;

Fig. 3

Eine Seitenansicht von verschiedenen gefalzten Signaturen.

The drawings show:

Fig. 1

A side view of a drum fold system;

Fig. 2

A side view of a folded signature;

Fig. 3

A side view of various folded signatures.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Drum folding system 1 used, which a folder 10 with adjustable overlap having. The web 16 runs into the folder 10, which has a cutting cylinder 12 and has an outer puncture cup 14 which is driven and circumferentially related a rotating folding knife shell 15 is movable. The cutting cylinder 12 contains one Cutting unit 11, for example a knife, which with an anvil or Groove strip 20 cooperate, which is attached to the outer puncture shell 14 to the To cut web into at least one signature 18. One on the outer puncture cup 14 attached puncture needle 22 or a pin 22 holds a leading edge of the signature 18 firmly and aligns the signature 18 with a folding knife 24 of a variety of Folding knives, which are arranged on the folding knife shell 15. If the signature 18 with a certain distance with the cylinder having the shell 14 and 15 rotates, the folding knife 24 provides a fold and pushes the signature 18 into the access a plurality of folding rollers 26 which cooperate with each other to close the fold set and promote the folded signature 18 to a variety of conveyor belts 32. The folded signatures 18 pass one on their way to the conveyor belts 32 optical sensor 28, e.g. can contain a light source and a light receiver. The optical sensor 28 detects when an edge of the folded signature 18 passes, e.g. in that the passing of the signature 18 emits an electromagnetic beam interrupts, which is emitted by the optical sensor 28, and sends a signal to one Control device 30. The control device 30 uses the signal from optical sensor 28 to perform calculations such as with reference to FIG. 2 is described below. When the data sent to the control unit 30 does not match the data specified by an operator, sends the Control device 30 outputs a control signal to determine the position of the folding knife 24 to modify the signature 18, which can be done by provides feedback, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 3 becomes. 1 also shows a folded signature with a negative overlap D.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a folded signature 18. When the optical sensor 28 the passage of the folded edge 50 is detected by the optical sensor 28 emitted electromagnetic beam is interrupted and the optical sensor 28 sends a signal to the control device 30. The control device 30 starts one internal counter mechanism after receiving a first signal and stops the internal counter mechanism after receiving a second signal, namely when the beam is received again or is no longer interrupted, e.g. B. if one rear edge 52 of the signature passes the sensor 28. Then calculate the Control device 30 the time t that the folded signature 18 needed to to pass optical sensor. The control device 30 multiplies the time t then at the speed v of the folded signature 18 by the length (s) 58 of the to calculate folded signature 18; according to s = t * v. The speed v can be determined by the Rotation speed of the folding rollers 26 can be determined, and can by the operator in the control device 30 can be entered, or can be set to another desired one Way to be determined. The control device 30 calculates an overlap (D) 60, by multiplying the length (s) 58 of the folded signature 18 by the number 2 and then subtracting section length (c) 56; according to D = (s * 2) -c. The Section length (c) 56 is the entire length of the signature 18 and is defined by the Speed of the cutting cylinder 11 or in another way, for example determined by input from the operator.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of signatures to the process of determining the To better explain the sign of the overlap according to the present invention. A Controller 30 (FIG. 1) may have positive primary data Overlap 70 received on a primary signature 72 with positive overlap.

Since the primary overlap 70 is not equal to zero, the control device 30 sends in Control signal 30 from the outer puncture shell 14 opposite the folding knife shell 15 to move a path in the circumferential direction so that the difference between the primary overlap 70 and a subsequent overlap 76 essentially at least corresponds to a minimum distance that the sensor is just picking up or perceive, and which is smaller than the primary overlap 70.

For example, the movement intentionally reduces the distance between the puncture needle 22 and the folding knife 24. The control device 30 can then compare the previous overlap 76 D ² with the primary overlap 70 D ^{1 in} order to determine the sign of the overlap of the primary signature 72. Since the difference between the primary overlap 70 D ¹ and the subsequent overlap 76 D ^{2 is} a negative number, because 76 is greater than 70, the primary signature 72 has a positive sign. Conversely, the subsequent overlap 76 D ^{2 would be} smaller than the primary overlap 70 if the primary overlap 70 D ^{1 were} negative. If there is no difference between the primary overlap 70 D ¹ and the subsequent overlap 70 D ² , an error has occurred and the control device 30 sends an error signal to warn the operator.

3 also shows a signature 78 with a positive sign for the overlap, a signature 85, in which the sign of the overlap is zero, and a signature 80 with negative sign for the overlap shown.

An operator can overlap between these positions by changing the distance between the puncture needle 22 and the folding knife 24 by setting the Puncture shell 14 moves in the circumferential direction with respect to the folding knife shell 15. If the puncture shell 14 is moved faster than the folding knife shell 15 increases the distance between the point needle 22 and the folding knife 24 for the signature and the overlap becomes increasingly negative, so that a positive overlap becomes smaller and smaller negative overlap is absolutely larger. This would result in an overlap of zero become negative, i.e. from a signature similar to signature 85 to a signature similar the signature 80. If the puncture cup 14 is slower than the folding knife cup 15 the overlap becomes increasingly positive.

The operator can therefore have a desired positive or negative overlap on the Set control device 30 and the feedback moves the puncture cup according to the folding knife bowl until the desired overlap is reached, at which the control device ensures that the folding knife shell 15 and the Rotate the puncture cup 14 at the same speed.

The term "optical sensor" as used herein can be any type of include radiation-based sensors which, for example, radio waves, infrared, Use ultraviolet or visible light rays.

List of reference numbers

1

Rotary blade system

10

Folder with adjustable overlap

11

cutting unit

12

cutting cylinder

14

outer puncture cup

18

signature

20

Anvil / grooved strip

22

Punktumadel

24

folding blade

26

folding rollers

28

optical sensor

30

control device

32

conveyor belts

50

folding edge

52

rear edge

56, c

section length

58, p

Length of a folded signature

60, D

overlap

70

primary overlap

72

primary signature with positive overlap

76

subsequent overlap

78

Signature with a positive sign for the overlap

80

Signature with a negative sign for the overlap

85

Signature with zero as a sign for the overlap

t

time

v

speed

Claims (16)

Folding system
marked by
a folder (10) with an adjustable overlap (60) for folding signatures (18),
an optical sensor (28) for measuring the presence of folded signatures (18); and a control device (30), which is connected to the folder (10) and the optical sensor (28) and determines an overlap (60) of the folded signatures (18). Folding system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the folder (10) is a drum folder. Folding system according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the folder (10) contains a pair of folding rollers (26). Folding system according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the folder (10) contains a point needle (22) which can be rotated in the circumferential direction with respect to a folder (24). Folding system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the control device (30) contains a processor for recognizing a folded edge (50) on the folded signatures (18). Folding system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the control device (30) contains a processor for recognizing a rear edge (52) of the folded signatures (18). Folding system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the control device (30) contains a processor for calculating the length (58) of a folded signature (18). Folding system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the control device (30) contains a processor for calculating a sign for the overlap (60). Folding system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the control device (30) controls or regulates an overlap (60) of the folder (10). Folding system according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the control device (30) feeds the folder (10) a feedback. Folding system according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the folder (10) includes a cutter (11) and an anvil (20) attached to the outer shell which assists in cutting the web by interaction with the cutter (11). Procedures for folding signatures,
characterized by the following process steps: Folding the signatures (18) in a folder (10); and Measuring the folded signatures (18) with an optical sensor (28) to determine an overlap (60). Method according to claim 12,
characterized in that
the step of folding comprises puncturing the leading edge of a signature (18) and contacting the signature (18) with a folding knife (24) at a set distance from the leading edge. Method according to claim 12,
characterized in that
this further comprises measuring the speed (v) of the folded signatures (18). A method according to claim 13,
characterized in that
this further includes changing the set distance to change the overlap (60). A method according to claim 15,
characterized in that
the change in the set distance is carried out by using a feedback from a control device (30).

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