Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02167057 2004-O1-13
CUTTING APPARATUS
Background of the Invention
1. Introduction
The present invention relates to an apparatus for
trimming products bound in a booklet-like manner for
insertion into a cutting apparatus, bound spine ahead,
for transport onwards between a first position serving
for front trimming and a second position serving for foot
and head trimming. The transport means includes at least
one pair of transport bands which are guided about a
relatively small deflection roll at their ends facing the
insertion region.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Such a cutting device, which is also known as a
knife trimmer, is for instance used in a gather-stitcher
system where it usually immediately follows a stitching
station. The products, which have already been stitched,
are inserted into the cutting machine via chain drivers,
for instance, where they first occupy a first position
serving for front trimming and are subsequently
transported onwards to a second position where foot and
head trimming is carried out.
In the previous cutting machines of this type, the
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relatively massive design of the transport means
impeded the use of formats having a smaller base length as
measured perpendicularly with respect to the spine and ob-
tained via the front trimming. The knife or hold-down
means associated with such devices cannot be disposed in
any vicinity to the clamping location constituted by the
pair of transport bands. This is because the deflection
rolls are too large and the penetration depth is too low.
There is also a risk for the product inserted up to the
l0 position serving for front trimming in that the required
further transport is no longer ensured or that good regi-
stry is no longer provided for during such transport
operation.
It is the object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus of the type specified above for also realizing
formats having smaller base lengths, in particular, and for
making sure that the further transport of the product con
cerned for subsequent foot and head trimming is effected
without warping occurring.
Summary of the Invention
In accordance with the invention, a generic apparatus
of the type specified has at least one synchronously-
drivable, auxiliary-transport band associated with at least
one of two transport bands of a respective pair of trans-
port bands. The auxiliary transport band extends beyond
the main transport band concerned towards the insertion
region and is guided about an auxiliary deflection roll at
its end facing the insertion region, wherein the diameter
of the auxiliary deflection roll is less than the diameter
of the deflection roll of the main transport band.
Due to this configuration, substantially shorter base
lengths may be transported. It is also ensured that the
product be transported onwards, after the front trimming
has been carried out, into a second position serving for
foot and head trimming without any warping and in good
registry. Such further transport is guaranteed even if the
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product does not enter a clamping gap formed by the main
transport band and an opposite transport band. It is suf-
ficient that the product is gripped by the auxiliary trans-
port band extending toward the insertion region. Due to
the relatively small diameter of the deflection roll for
the auxiliary transport band, the spacing between the knife
serving for front trimming or a hold-down means associated
therewith, respectively, and the adjacent location of en-
gagement between the auxiliary transport band and the pro-
duct concerned may be kept small. Even if the product is
simultaneously gripped by both bands, warp-free transport
is ensured due to the main transport band and the auxiliary
transport band being driven simultaneously.
More particularly, the diameter of the deflection roll
of the auxiliary transport band may be less than half, pre
ferably less than a third of the diameter of the deflection
roll of the main transport band.
Description of the Drawings
In the following, the invention will be explained in
detail with reference to the drawings; wherein:
Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional representation of an
apparatus for trimming products bound in a booklet-like
manner along line I-I of Fig. 2;
Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the cutting
apparatus according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional representation of a
further modification of the cutting apparatus along line
I-I of Fig. 4;
Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the cutting
apparatus according to Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of another
alternative apparatus taken along I-I of Fig. 6; and
Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of the cutting
apparatus of Fig. 5.
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Description of Preferred Embodiments
Figs. 1 and 2 show an apparatus 10 for trimming pro-
ducts 12 bound in a booklet-like manner in a purely sche-
matic representation wherein respective products 12 are
insertable in the direction of arrow F, bound spine 14
ahead.
Cutting apparatus l0 is provided with a transport
means 16 including two pairs of transport bands 18, 20 be-
ing formed identically and comprising a spacing "a" from
each other, transversely with respect to the direction of
transport F. The two transport bands 18, 20 of a respective
pair of transport bands are disposed on top of each other
and respectively guided about a deflection roll 24 at the
end facing insertion region 22.
A soft, padded auxiliary transport band 26 of urethane
sponge on neoprene is driven at the same speed as a main
transport band 18. The band 26 is associated with upper
transport band 18 at both sides of a respective pair of
transport bands 18, 20. Each of these auxiliary transport
bands 26 extends beyond the main transport band 18 toward
the insertion region 22.
At the end facing insertion region 22, the respective
auxiliary bands 26 are, in their turn, guided about an
auxiliary deflection roll 28 having a diameter d that is
significantly less than the diameter D of deflection roll
24 of the main transport band 18. The diameter d of auxil-
iary deflection roll 28 of auxiliary transport band 26 use-
fully is less than half, preferably less then a third of
the diameter D of deflection roll 24 of main transport band
18. In the illustrated embodiment, diameter d is slightly
less than a third of diameter D.
The two auxiliary transport bands 26 associated with
a respective main transport band 18 are respectively
guided, at the end opposite to auxiliary deflection rolls 28, about
a drive roll 32, the rotational axis A thereof being coaxial
~oith the axis of main deflection roll 24 of the main transport
band 18 (see Fig. 2) .
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The drive rolls 32 drive the auxiliary transport bands
26 and are respectively connected to be rotationally fixed
with deflection roll 24 of the respective main transport
band 18 via a plurality of pins 34 which are parallel to
axis "A" so that both auxiliary transport bands 26 respec-
tively are associated with a respective main transport band
18 and are driven via the main transport band 18. A corre-
sponding drive roll for the main transport band 18 is pro-
vided at the opposite band end (not represented).
Rolls 32 have the same diameter D as the main deflection
roll 24 concerned so that the auxiliary transport bands 26
are driven at the same speed as the corresponding main
transport band 18.
Auxiliary deflection rolls 28 of both auxiliary transport bands
26 associated with a respective main transport band 18 are
mounted on a pivotable frame 36 the rotational axis "A" of
which is parallel to the axis of main deflection roll 24 of the
main transport band 18 (see Fig. 2). The frame 36 is
formed to be U-shaped. The corresponding auxiliary deflection rolls
28 of the two auxiliary transport bands 26 are secured to
frame 36 to be rotatable about a common axis B, constituted
by a shaft 30 extending between the two free leg-ends 38 of
frame 36. Shaft 30 is configured to be a hollow shaft and
anchored to both legs or arms 82 of the U-shaped frame via
a screw fastener 76. Auxiliary deflection rolls 28 are rotatably
mounted on said shaft 30 and fixed in the axial direction
by corresponding means.
Each of the two U-shaped frames 36 respectively rests
on an inner section 68 of a stepped stub shaft having a re
duced diameter and being connected to the free end of a
swivel arm 44 via an outer section 48 which has a lar~.~r
diameter, on which frames 36 are radially fixed via annu'_.z:-
shoulders 78 as well as screws 70 provided with washers ~.. .
Rotational axis "A" of frame 36 as defined by sh~:~
section 68 which extends in parallel with respect to
B as well as the frame web and approximately exter::.;
through the center of two arms 8 2 formed by the f rame 1 cv, ~ : . .
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Main deflection rolls 24 or drive rolls 32, respectively are also
rotatably mounted to the same shaft section 68, within the
two frame legs.
The two swivel arms 44 are pivotally affixed to shafts
48 at their free ends. Their opposite (non-represented)
ends are connected to a through-type swivel shaft mounted
on the stand of cutting apparatus 10.
Respective frames 36 are pivotable about axis A and
supported at the web-side ends on knurled screws 46 which
serve as stops via lateral projections 80. The screws 46
are screwed into a bracket 62 secured on shaft section 48.
The spacing between the deflection rolls 28 of the auxil-
iary transport bands 26 mounted on frame 36 and a support-
ing means 40, 42 for inserted product 12 opposite the
auxiliary transport bands 26 is set in the clamping posi-
tion with swivel arms 44 being lowered via the screws 46
(see Fig. 1). The knurled screws 46 may be locked in the
bracket 62 by means of screw 64 via which both ends of
slotted bracket 62 may be contracted.
In the embodiment represented, supporting means 40, 42
for the respectively inserted product 12 as disposed oppo
site the auxiliary transport bands 26 includes a supporting
plate 40 having a recess for supporting roll 42 provided
therein. The supporting means 40, 42 is disposed between
2 5 main deflection rolls 24 of the pairs of transport bands 18, 20
comprising the same diameter D and a cutter including bottom
knife 58 being supported on a bottom knife carrier 56 and
having associated therewith an upper punching knife 52 as well
as a hold-down means 54 (see Fig. 1).
In the region of knives >8, 52 serving for front trim-
ming, a (non-represented) lower transport means is provided
for taking away offcut 66.
Between the two pairs of transport bands 18, 20, there
are disposed two stops 50 being upwardly bent to have ,~;v
L-shape, pivotable in the direction of arrow S1 (see f i ~; .
1) into the transport path of respective product 1?_ m.i
abutted by the bound spine 1~1 of the respective product- 1.'
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as soon as the latter occupies its position serving for
front trimming as represented in figs. 1 and 2. These stops
50 may be adjusted to different formats in the direction of
transport.
Through the respective swivel arm 44 pivotable in the
direction of arrow S2 (see fig. 1), the respective frame 36
and, accordingly, the respective end of main transport band
18 as well as auxiliary transport bands 26 associated
therewith form a small-format means 60. These, together
with frame 36, are pivotable from a position lifted off
from opposite transport band 20 or, respectively, support-
ing means 40, 42 into a clamping position serving for
transporting the respective product 12 onwards as repre-
sented in fig. 1. The desired clamping effect between the
two transport bands 18, 20 of a respective pair of trans-
port bands is additionally assisted by a leading support 74
associated with the respective lower transport band 20.
A further modified embodiment of the cutting apparatus 10
is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, where the same reference numerals
have been used for comparable parts. That embodiment differs
from the one according to Figs. 1 and 2 in that the two
auxiliary deflection rolls 28 of a respective pair of
auxiliary deflection rolls are no longer disposed on a common
frame 36, but on two arms 82 which are pivotable independently
of each other. Further, in addition to the two stops 50, two
further stops 50' of similar type are provided to be
adjustable relative to stops 50.
According to Figs. 3 and 4, auxiliary deflection rolls 28 of the
two auxiliary transport bands 26 associated with a respec-
tive main transport band 18 are respectively mounted at one
end of a pivotable arm 82. The swivel axis of arm 82 is
disposed at the other end and parallel to rotational axis
"A" of main deflection roll 24 of the respective main transport
band 18. These auxiliary deflection roils 28 are disposed on the
sides of arms 82 facing each other and respectively rest on
a stub shaft 86 secured on the respective arm end.
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The two arms 82 are piVOtable independently of each
other and are supported on separate stops 84 which are a lso
adjustable independently of each other. The stops 84 are
respectively constituted by a sliding block which is guided
in a respective arm 82. One of its ends is connected to a
threaded spindle 88 and led through a carrier plate 90 con
nected with the respective shaft section 48. Two threaded,
knurled nuts 92 are provided on each spindle at the end
opposite sliding block 84, via which nuts 92 the respective
positions of sliding blocks 84 may be adjusted.
In the embodiment represented, spindle 88 is provided
with an outer thread at its upper end which receives the
two knurled nuts 92. A compression spring 94 is slipped
onto each section of threaded spindle 88. Each spring is
preferably plain and situated between a carrier plate 90
and a sliding block 84 to press the sliding block 84 and,
accordingly, the related arm 82 downwardly until lower
knurled nut 92 abuts carrier plate 90.
The two threaded spindles 88 associated with each pair
of auxiliary transport bands 26, respectively, are carried
by a common carrier plate 90 which is secured to shaft sec
tion 48 via a screw 96.
Thus, the two arms 82 respectively are provided with
auxiliary deflection rolls 28 which may be adjusted independently of
each other via threaded spindles 88. Such separate fine
adjustments of the inclination of the two auxiliary trans-
port bands 26 associated with a respective main transport
band 18 enables optimum adaptation to various practical
conditions such as changes in booklet thickness.
Corresponding adjustment is provided for the further
pair of auxiliary transport bands 26. For the sake of
simplicity, however, the carrier plate 90 common to the
other threaded spindles 88 has been left out here.
Thus, the spacings between auxiliary deflection rolls 28 of the
auxiliary transport bands 26 mounted on arms 82 and the
opposite supporting means 40, 42 as provided in the clamp-
ing position with swivel arms 44 being lowered may be ad-
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justed separately of each other via the threaded spindles
88. On the other hand, all arms 82 respectively carrying a
main deflection roll 24 are also moved, together with main deflection
rolls 24 of the main transport bands 18, between a release
position and a clamping position via the two outer swivel
arms 44.
Moreover, each of the two inner stops 50 is upwardly
bent to have an L-shape and has associated therewith a fur-
ther outer stop 50' extending in parallel with the related
inner stop 50. The stops are adjustable in the transport
direction F via elongated holes 100 (Fig. 4) , for instance.
The respective inner stop 50 is connected with a web 102
extending in the transverse direction to which the related
outer stop 50' is secured via two screws 104 penetrating
elongated holes 100 provided at the one end of outer stop
50'. The two stops 50, 50' of a respective pair of stops
extend from web 102 like fingers, against the direction of
transport F towards insertion region 22 where they are up-
wardly bent to be at least substantially L-shaped. The two
outer stops 50' are narrower as compared with inner stops
50 and are disposed in the region of the respective outer
edge of product 12 whereas the two inner stops 50 are pro-
vided on both sides of an interposed center line M at a
similarly-small spacing less than their width.
Due to the two additional outer stops 50', there
accordingly results a four-point abutment for the product,
with the two outer stops 50' at least being adjustable
relative to inner stops 50. If the respective product 12
comprises staples or the like in the region of outer stops
50' whereas such clips are absent in the region of center
stops 50, uniform abutment of the product at the stops may
nevertheless be achieved by corresponding fine adjustment
of outer stops 50'relative to inner stops 50'. The same is
true for instance in the case where it is only the inner
stops which hit such staples or the like.
The mode of operation of the cutting apparatus in
accordance with the invention is as follows:
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The respective product 12, which has for instance been
bound or stitched by a gather-stitcher, runs, spine ahead,
into cutting apparatus 10 to abut on upwardly pivoted stops
50, 50'. During this entry phase, the upper punching knife
52 as well and hold-down means 54 occupy their upper posi-
tions. Lower transport bands 20 as well as upper transport
bands 18 and, accordingly, associated auxiliary transport
bands 26 are stopped. Moreover, swivel arms 44 are pivoted
upwardly so that upper bands 18 and 26 are slightly lifted
off of lower bands 20 or supporting means 40, 42, respec-
tively, and an entry gap is formed.
Product 12 is then pressed against bottom knife 58 by
hold-down means 54 under timed, synchronous operation. The
upper transport bands 18 as well as small-format means 60
associated therewith are pivoted downwardly together onto
transport bands 20 or supporting means 40, 42, respec's~re-
ly, via swivel arms 44. This clamps the product 12. In
this phase, such clamping is especially effected between
auxiliary transport bands 26 of small format means 60 and
2o supporting means 40, 42. Front trimming is subsequently
effected via upper punching knife 52.
The upper punching knife 52 and the hold-down means 54
are then moved upwardly and stops 50 are pivoted away down-
wardly. Transport bands 18, 20, 26 are then put into
operation, whereupon the respective product 12, supported
by small format means 60, is transported in the direction
of arrow F into a subsequent position for foot and head
trimming without any warping and in good registry. Before
these cuts are realized, the bands are again stopped. Sub-
sequently, swivel arms 44 as well as stops 50, 50' are
again pivoted upwardly whereupon the next product 12 can be
inserted and a new clock cycle begins.
Yet another embodiment is described in connection w i ~ t:
Figs. 5 and 6. That embodiment is similar to that ilW:
strated in Figs. 3 and 4 except that a new link 118 exte;;_~:J
between an auxiliary deflector roll 28' and a second small roll 120
which is vertically adjustable by means about to be ~~~~-
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scribed (rather than the vertically adjustable roll 28 of
Fig. 3).
In Figs. 5 and 6, an adjusting means 108 is comprised
of a knurled knob 110 adjacent to nuts 112 located on a
threaded spindle 114 which, when rotated by the knob 110,
moves the link 118 and the small roller 120 upwardly and
downwardly against the force of a compression spring 116
located between the link 118 and a support block 126. The
motion of the small roll 120 is pivotable about a pivot pin
122; and, it is the motion of the roller 120 which provides
the primary adjustment for the various thicknesses of
booklets 12 that are fed to and through the cutting
apparatus of Figs. 5 and 6.
A padded transport belt 123, similar to padded belt 26
in the Fig. 3 embodiment, passes around the two small rolls
28' and 120.
The belt 26 remains in the Fig. 5 and 6 embodiment,
but it need not be padded. The belt 26 is the drive roller
for the padded belt 123; and, a timing pulley 124 is
provided to synchronously drive all of the belts.
The left auxiliary roll 28' in Fig. 5 is essentially fixes?
except for a rough adjustment which pivots about shaft 48
in Fig. 6. The rough adjustment includes a kipp handle 128
to lock the position of the entire assembly. An eccentric
130 is also included to provide a fine adjustment of the
position of the entire assembly about shaft 48.
The new roller 120 now has the basic adjusting
mechanism and spring; and it also has the padded belt 123
which extends between the auxiliary deflection roll 28' and the new
roll 120.
The Fig. 5 and 6 embodiment illustrates only a single
adjusting knob 110 for the padded belt 123, but it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that additional
belts such as 123 can be employed and that correspondingl~.~
additional adjusting means 108 can also be employed.
Due to the configuration in accordance with the invcu,-
tion, booklet base lengths in the range of 6.5 cm can ..
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WO 95/02488 PCT/US94/08028
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achieved instead of the hitherto smallest possible base
length of about 8.9 cm.
There may basically be provided both a pair of trans
port bands and a plurality of such pairs of transport
bands. Corresponding multi-up is ensured according to the
number of pairs of transport bands.
The apparatus according to the invention may basically
be employed not only in a gather-stitcher system, but also
in other aggregates such as book manufacturing, folding or
printing machines.
The products to be processed by the apparatus in
accordance with the invention may be stitched in most
various manners, inclusive of not only clamped or, respec
tively, wire-stitched and thread-stitched products, but
also glued, sized and lumbecked products.
