EP2508353A2 - Method for manufacturing books, in particular photo books and/or image strips - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine has an adhesive applicator applying a planar adhesive on outer sides of a book block (96) when the book block is conveyed by a swiveling/rotary unit and a wheel plate. A conveying device conveys individual book covers (200) to a joining position. A book cover providing station feeds two halves of the book cover to the outer sides of the book block to complete manufacturing of a book. A pliers conveyer removes the manufactured book. A delivery station delivers the manufactured book to a packing machine. An independent claim is also included for a station control unit for coupling a main control device with a machine for manufacturing books, through a bus system.

Description

The invention relates to a machine for producing books, in particular photo books and / or picture books.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine of the aforementioned type, with which continuously different, immediately consecutive lay-flat books, in particular lay-flat photo books and / or illustrated books, can be produced.

This object is achieved with a machine for the production of books, in particular photo books and / or picture books, with a Bogenbahnabgabestation for delivering a moving in its longitudinal direction, one-sided printed and / or coated and / or photocopied and provided with print marks and / or Druckauftragskodierungen arc path with at least one provisioning means for providing the sheet web, a downstream sheet path storage and a first conveyor for withdrawing the sheet web from the supply means of the sheet path and for conveying the sheet path in the Bogenbahnspeicher, a Bogenbahnabgabestation downstream cross cutting station, with a sensor device for detecting on the sheet path located print marks and / or print job encodings and outputting an output signal representing the result of the detection, a downstream cross-cutting unit configured to cut the sheet path in discrete sheets one behind the other, a second conveyor being formed, the sheet path from the sheet delivery station in response to the output of the sensor device to convey intermittently and format and / or register accurate to the cross cutting unit, and a cross conveyor downstream of the third conveyor, which is designed to convey the discrete sheets from each other by obtaining a predetermined distance, a creasing station downstream creasing and folding station for central creasing and folding the Arc transverse to its direction of movement, a laminating station for the surface connection of several consecutive folded sheets with each other, with an adhesive applicator for substantially full-surface order ag of adhesive on top of the folded sheets, a stacking device configured to stack a plurality of sheets to form a book block, and a pressing device for substantially laminating the respective uppermost folded sheet with pressure, a three-side cutting station with a fourth conveyor, configured to convey the book block from the laminating station to the three-side cutting station in response to a selected format such that the leading edge of the book block opposite the spine comes to lie on a defined line of cut substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the book blocks, along the section line arranged transverse blades and two side blades, which are spaced apart substantially transversely to the direction of movement of the book blocks and arranged transversely adjustable for the purpose of format adjustment, a book cover providing station for providing n and feeding a respective predetermined individual book cover for the respective book block, comprising a provision means for providing the book covers and a fifth conveyor for removing a book cover from the providing means and a creasing device for scoring the book cover to produce the back of the book forming strip-shaped center section, the is bounded by two grooves and divides the book cover in two halves, one of the three-side cutting station downstream joining station for assembling a book block and an associated book cover, comprising a sixth conveyor for transferring the book block to a joining position, an adhesive applicator adapted to apply adhesive substantially flat on the two outer sides of the book block while the sixth conveyor moves the book block through the adhesive applicator a seventh conveyor for moving the individual book cover into the joining position; and a book cover applying device for applying the two halves of the book cover to the adhesive outer surfaces of the book block for completing the book and a removal device for removing the finished book, and a dispensing station for dispensing the book finished books, preferably to a subsequent packaging machine.

The machine according to the invention makes it possible to produce continuously, in terms of content, number of pages or pages and format, different, directly consecutive lay-flat books, in particular lay-flat photo books and / or picture books, with a laminated binding.

A lay-flat binding not only allows a flat shape of the book in the closed state and a simple turning pages, but also prevents the pages from bulging when the book is opened. Rather, when you open a lay-flat book whose pages are flattened so that lie in the open state of the book two adjacent sides substantially in a common plane flat. Thus, in a lay-flat photobook or image tape images can be easily arranged in the middle and are such photo books or illustrated books ideal for panoramic photos that extend over two adjacent pages.

Conventional backbonding is completely eliminated by the invention, which greatly simplifies the binding process.

The machine according to the invention enables the production of complete lay-flat books in a closed process chain, with which additional Transport processes and / or process interfaces and thus possibly resulting sources of error, waiting times and faulty productions are significantly reduced.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Preferably, the provision means for providing the sheet web in the sheet delivery station on a winding mandrel for receiving a Bogenbahnrolle.

Conveniently, the Bogenbahnabgabestation also have a device for Entdrallung the sheet web.

Also preferably, the Bogenbahnabgabestation have a device for generating a predetermined web tension in the sheet web.

The first conveying device and / or the second conveying device preferably has a draw roller pair.

The third conveyor may preferably have a suction belt conveyor.

The ninth conveyor may preferably have a suction roller pair.

For example, the cross-cutting unit in the cross-cutting station a rotatably mounted knife carrier, on which a helical knife is arranged, and a fixedly arranged counter knife. In particular, because of the stationary arrangement of the counter blade, this design leads to a cost-effective solution, which nevertheless allows the desired format flexibility with non-uniformly driven blade carrier.

Furthermore, for example, the laminating station can have a cooling device for cooling the adhesive bonds in the book block, resulting in a higher production speed due to shorter setting and cooling time of, preferably consisting of hot melt adhesive in the book block leads.

In the book cover providing station, the creasing device can have at least one, preferably vertical, movably arranged crease bar and at least one stationarily arranged counter bar. Such a design allows a format setting, so to speak, online shortly before joining the book cover with an associated individual book block, especially with different thicknesses and / or length and / or width dimensions.

In a further expedient embodiment of the invention, the adhesive application device in the laminating station has an adjustable adhesive applicator nozzle device, in which the adhesive applicator nozzle device preferably has a slot die.

Conveniently, the laminating station may comprise a cooling device for cooling the adhesive bonds in the book block.

Preferably, the fourth conveyor in the three-side cutting station on a pliers conveyor, which is designed in particular for gripping a front edge of the book block adjacent portion.

In the three-side cutting station, the transverse knife and / or at least one of the two side knives may preferably be arranged to be movable downwards at an angle.

Preferably, the providing means for providing the book covers in the book cover providing station comprises a stacking magazine.

The fifth conveyor in the book cover providing station may comprise a suction gripper.

The eighth conveyor in the joining station can have a forceps conveyor.

Preferably, the joining station has a Falzpressvorrichtung, wherein the eighth conveyor is designed in particular to transport the finished book to the Falzpressvorrichtung.

Fig. 1

schematisch in einem groben Ablaufdiagramm die wichtigsten Schritte für die Herstellung eines Fotobuches;

Fig. 2

in einer Übersichtsdarstellung ein schematisches Blockdiagramm einer Fotobuchmaschine gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

schematisch als Blockdiagramm die Anordnung unterschiedlicher Module der Fotobuchmaschine von Fig. 2 zueinander gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

in Seitenansicht ein eine Bogenbahnabgabestation und eine Querschneidestation aufweisendes erstes Modul der Fotobuchmaschine gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

in schematischer Seitenansicht insbesondere ein eine Rill- und Falzstation und eine Kaschierstation nebst Kühlvorrichtung aufweisendes zweites Modul der Fotobuchmaschine gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 6

eine vergrößerte schematische Einzelansicht der im zweiten Modul der Fotobuchmaschine enthaltenen Rill- und Falzstation in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 7

in Draufsicht eine schematische Darstellung des Aufbaus und der Funktion einer ein drittes Modul der Fotobuchmaschine bildenden Dreiseitenschnittstation;

Fig. 8a

schematisch in Seitenansicht eine im fünften Modul der Fotobuchmaschine enthaltende Fügestation gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung;

Fig. 8b

schematisch die Fügestation von Fig. 8a in einer gegenüber Fig. 8a um 90° gedrehten Seitenansicht;

Fig. 9

schematisch den Arbeitsablauf in der Fügestation gemäß den Figuren 8a und 8b durch gleichzeitige Darstellung einzelner Arbeitsschritte in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 10a

schematisch in Blockschaltbilddarstellung einen ersten Teil einer Antriebskonfiguration der Fotobuchmaschine; und

Fig. 10b

schematisch in Blockschaltbilddarstellung den zweiten Teil der Antriebskonfiguration der Fotobuchmaschine.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematically in a rough flow chart the most important steps for the production of a photo book;

Fig. 2

in an overview, a schematic block diagram of a photobook engine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

schematically as a block diagram, the arrangement of different modules of the photobook engine of Fig. 2 to each other according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

in side view of a Bogenbahnabgabestation and a cross-cutting station exhibiting the first module of the photobook machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5

in a schematic side view, in particular, a second module of the photobook machine having a creasing and folding station and a laminating station together with a cooling device, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6

an enlarged schematic single view of the creasing and folding station contained in the second module of the photobook machine in side view;

Fig. 7

in plan view, a schematic representation of the structure and the function of a third module of the photobook engine forming three-sided editing station;

Fig. 8a

schematically in side view of a fifth module of the photobook machine containing joining station according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8b

schematically the joining station of Fig. 8a in one opposite Fig. 8a rotated 90 ° side view;

Fig. 9

schematically the workflow in the joining station according to the FIGS. 8a and 8b by simultaneous representation of individual work steps in perspective view;

Fig. 10a

schematically in block diagram representation a first part of a drive configuration of the photobook engine; and

Fig. 10b

schematically in block diagram representation of the second part of the drive configuration of the photobook engine.

The plant shown in the figures is a photobook machine according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, with which continuously different, immediately following one another so-called "lay-flat" photobooks can be produced with a laminating bond, this being for the content, for the number of sheets or pages and, within certain limits, also the format. In this connection, it should be noted that the photobook machine described below can also be used to produce other types of lay flat books, such as lay flat picture books.

In lay-flat books, a plurality of folded sheets is combined to form a stack, and in each case two adjacent halves of two adjacent sheets are glued together to form a common side.

The back of the inner book block formed by said stack is then formed by the adjacent folded edges of the individual sheets. The book block is provided with a book cover, which is alternatively referred to as a cover. While the sheets and the pages formed therefrom usually consist of paper or foil, a thicker material, in particular paperboard, is used for the production of the book covers. The book cover is provided in the middle with two spaced-apart grooves. The two grooves enclose between them a narrow strip-shaped section which forms the outer spine of the book. The arrangement of these two grooves and the intermediate narrow spine section, the book cover is divided into two halves with which the book cover is glued to the outsides of the book block, one half of the front book cover and the other half of the book cover forms the rear cover. The grooves in the book cover act as a film hinge when the book is opened, whereby the narrow strip-shaped section forming the outer spine of the book is pressed outwards between the two grooves during the opening of the book.

The lay-flat binding described above not only allows a flat shape of the book in the closed state, but also prevents the pages when opening the book. Rather, when you open a lay-flat book whose pages are flattened so that lie in the open state of the book two adjacent sides substantially in a common plane flat. For example, images can be easily placed in the middle of a lay-flat photo book, and such photo books are also ideal for panoramic photos that span two adjacent pages. In addition, turning a lay-flat book is much easier and more elegant to accomplish.

To illustrate the production of a photobook are in Fig. 1 schematically illustrated the most important steps in the manner of a flowchart. The photo book machine 2, which in particular has the function "book block production" designated as block 4, and the subordinate function "hanging the book cover", which is designated as block 6, assume a central importance here. contains. In the presentation of Fig. 1 Block 8 represents the provision and manufacture of the book cover. Even if in Fig. 1 the provision and production of the book cover according to block 8 is shown outside of the photobook machine 2, it is alternatively also conceivable to additionally integrate the provision and production of the book covers in the photobook machine 2.

The production of customized photo books is not the production of a large number of the same books in an increased circulation in the manner of a series production, but the production of 'unique', in terms of content, the sheet or page numbers and in differentiate individual boundaries in terms of format. Accordingly, the photo book engine 2 is designed so that it can respond to changes from book to book during operation. The photobook machine is usually used by a photo lab, to which the customer transmits his photos or pictures together with further information, such as textual information and specifications regarding the number of sheets or pages and format. The images and other information must be provided by the customer in a specific data format.

The data will be processed by the Photographic Laboratory and processed in Fig. 1 is marked with the block 10. Subsequently, then takes place an exposure and development of the photos, which in Fig. 1 is indicated by the block 12. The photos, along with these unique print marks and job codes, are applied to a sheet web, which is usually photographic paper and is wound into a roll in a reel station. From such a sheet-web roll, a corresponding book block is produced in the book block production 4 of the photobook machine 2. However, since not only the inner pages of a photo book are provided with photos specified by the customer, but also the possibility of individual design of the book cover in particular by other specified by the customer photos, at the same time for book block production also a corresponding production of the associated book cover instead. This has to be done essentially synchronously while paying attention to it be that in step according to block 6 of Fig. 1 the correct book cover is assembled with the correct book block to then make the desired photo book 14 from it.

In Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the rough structure of the photobook engine 2 of Fig. 1 shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the photobook engine 2 is essentially subdivided into six modules or modules 21 to 26, of which the first three modules 21 to 23 of the book block production 4 and the last three modules 24 to 26 of the function marked "block the book cover " assigned.

The first module 21 contains the functions unwinding, counterbending and feeding the sheet web and cutting the sheet web into individual sheets. In the second module 22, the individual sheets are grooved, folded and glued and laminated to book blocks and pressed, which are then cooled. In the third module 23, the book blocks taken over by the second module 22 are subjected to a three-sided section to produce the desired format.

In the fourth module 24, the book cover is laid out and aligned accordingly, which belongs to the issued from the third module 23 book block, that is assigned to this, and has been made substantially simultaneously with the production of that book block. The joining of the previously prepared accordingly book cover with the associated and also previously prepared accordingly book block takes place in the fifth module 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the book block is suspended in the associated book cover. Specifically, in the present embodiment in question in the fifth module 25 of the book block is rotated and placed upright with his back up before a saddle plate from below enters the book block. The saddle plate engages inside the book in the back area and takes the book block in an upward movement. During the upward movement of the book block passes through an adhesive application station, whereby the two outer sides of the book block are provided substantially flat with adhesive. With continued upward movement of the Book block with his back in a joining position, in which the associated book cover has been spent in the middle. With continued upward movement through the saddle plate, the book block reaches with its back in the middle of the book cover, which is at this time still in a horizontally flat spread out form. With continued upward movement, the two halves of the book cover are folded in the direction of the two provided with adhesive outer sides of the book block and glued to this, which is supported by appropriate Anreibewalzen. The then provided with the book cover book block is then subjected in the fifth module 25 nor a Falzpressvorgang. By assembling book cover and book block thus results in a substantially finished book, which is about the intended as a display sixth module 26, preferably to a subsequent packaging machine, not shown, is issued.

In a modification of the photobook engine not shown, instead of the first module 21 described here, in which an arcuate web is withdrawn from a roll and cut into sheets, a so-called sheet feeder may be provided as an alternative first module, namely in the case when finished printed and / or exposed and / or coated sheets are fed.

Specifically, in the fifth embodiment module 25, the book block is turned and placed upright with its back up, before a saddle plate enters the book block from below. The saddle plate engages inside the book in the back area and takes the book block in an upward movement. During the upward movement of the book block passes through an adhesive application station, whereby the two outer sides of the book block are provided substantially flat with adhesive. With continued upward movement of the book block reaches with his back in a joining position in which the associated book cover has been spent in the middle. With continued upward movement through the saddle plate, the book block reaches with its back in the middle of the book cover, which is at this time still in a horizontally flat spread out form. As the upward movement continues, the two halves of the book cover are directed towards the two adhesive Outside of the book block folded and glued to this, which is supported by appropriate Anreibewalzen. The then provided with the book cover book block is then subjected in the fifth module 25 nor a Falzpressvorgang.

In Fig. 3 it is shown by way of example how the six modules 21 to 26 can be arranged relative to one another. After that, the first module 21, the second module 22, the third module 23, the fifth module 25 and the sixth module 26 are arranged substantially in a row. The arrow A represents the transport or conveying direction or paper direction in which the sheet web, the sheets cut therefrom, the book blocks produced therefrom and the finished books move. The transport direction according to arrow A also forms the process direction. Considered in the transport direction according to arrow A, therefore, the modules 21, 22, 23, 25 and 26 are consecutive. The arrangement thus formed has a front side 2a and a back side 2b. As Fig. 3 can be seen, the fourth module 24 for applying and aligning the book cover in the illustrated embodiment is not included in the row formed by the other modules 21 to 23, 25 and 26, but arranged in the region of the fifth module 25 on the front side 2a, so that the book covers are moved transversely to the transport direction of the book blocks according to arrow A in the fifth module 25, as the arrow B can be seen.

The photo book machine 2 is accessible via its front side 2a for the operating personnel, in particular for adjustment and maintenance work. Accordingly, a housing for the photo book machine 2 is designed to be open at the front side 2a, so that the relevant components can be reached for all modules. However, the front side 2a should preferably be closed by transparent hoods, flaps and / or doors. In contrast, the photo book machine 2 may have on its rear side 2b a substantially closed wall, which may preferably contain doors if necessary.

Furthermore, in Fig. 3 still another dashed line recognizable, which is marked with the letter "C". In this line C is in the illustrated Embodiment by a reference line, which is used for the defined guidance and orientation of the sheet web, the sheet, the book blocks and the finished books. It is according to in the illustrated embodiment Fig. 3 the reference line C is divided into an upstream first section C ₁ and a second downstream section C ₂ . The first section C _{1 of} the reference line C passes from the first module 21 into the second module 22 and defines a lateral reference line for a longitudinal side of the sheet path and the sheet cut therefrom. As Fig. 3 Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, this first section C _{1 of} the reference line C extends adjacent to the back side 2 b of the photobook machine 2. The second section C _{2 of} the reference line C runs from the second module 22 through the third module 23, the fifth module 25 into the sixth Module 26 and defines, in contrast to the first section C _1, a reference line for the center line of the book blocks and the finished books. The use of such a machine zero-edge reference line facilitates the transport and processing of the sheets and book blocks of different formats, because such a reference line allows the sheets and book blocks to be always correctly positioned for editing even with different formats.

Hereinafter, the structure and function of a preferred embodiment of the photobook machine 2 based on FIGS. 4 to 7 and 10a and 10b described in more detail.

In Fig. 4 is an example of the structure of the first module 21 shown in side view. Visible is a Bogenbahnrolle 30 which is rotatably mounted on a winding mandrel 32. The sheet web roll 30 is, as previously mentioned, already provided with customer-specific photos and other information and with clearly assignable print marks and print job encodings. From the Bogenbahnrolle 30 with the help of an in FIG. 4 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a shown drive 32a, which sets the winding mandrel 32 in rotation in accordance with a curved path deducted in Fig. 4 designated by the reference numeral "34". After deduction of the Bogenbahnrolle 30, the sheet 34 is a fixed roller 36 in the direction deflected on a movable roller 38 which sits at the free end of an arm 40 which is pivotally mounted about a pivot point, which coincides in the illustrated embodiment with the pivot point of the winding mandrel 32. The arm 40 is resiliently but resiliently biased by a spring, or other assembly, not shown, in the illustration of FIG Fig. 4 clockwise. In this way, the tension is controlled in the arcuate path 34 and thereby prevents in particular that the tensile stress exceeds a maximum value and thereby threatens to tear the arcuate path 34. Accordingly, therefore, the roller 38 forms a tension control member. After the roller 38, the arcuate path 34 at an in FIG. 4 not shown, but in FIG. 10a schematically shown sensor device 41, which is used for example for the control or regulation of the web speed of the sheet 34 moves past and passes through the sheet 34, a first Zugwalzenpaar 42, which is for withdrawing the sheet 34 from the Bogenbahnrolle 30 and for conveying the sheet 34 in a downstream Bogenbahnspeicher 44 is provided and of a in FIG. 4 not shown, but in FIG. 10a drive 42a shown schematically is driven. Instead of an active drive 32a for the winding mandrel 32 or in addition to such a drive 32a, a passive mechanical brake or an active electric motor brake, which may also be part of the drive 32a, may be provided; If only one brake is provided instead of an active drive 32a, the sheet web 32 is deducted from the sheet web roll 30 by the first draw roller pair 42. When using a particularly passive mechanical brake, such a brake should preferably be controlled by means of the arm 40.

The first pair of drawing rollers 42 has a conveying roller 42b arranged above the sheet 34, which may preferably be provided with a suitable non-metallic surface for an impression-free engagement with the coating or printing side 34b of the sheet 34, and one opposite side 34c the arcuate path 34 facing lower conveyor roller 42c, which is preferably provided with a smooth metallic surface. Furthermore, in Fig. 4 another adjusting means 42d for adjusting the pressing force between the upper conveyor roller 42b and the lower conveyor roller 42c for a gentle conveyance of the sheet web.

The effect of the Bogenbahnspeichers 44 results in the illustrated embodiment by forming differently long or large loops, of which exemplary in Fig. 4 the loop 34a is shown recognizable. After formation of the loop (s) 34a, the sheet web 34 is deflected around a roller 46 and withdrawn from the Bogenbahnspeicher 44 by a second Zugwalzenpaar 48. The Bogenbahnspeicher 44 serves to decouple the subsequent processes of the supply of the sheet web 34 of the Bogenbahnrolle 30, in particular to compensate for differences between the processing speed in the subsequent processes and the feed rate of the Bogenbahnrolle 30.

A second Zugwalzenpaar 48, the one in FIG. 4 not shown, but in FIG. 10a schematically shown drive 48a is rotated, conveys the sheet path 34 in a cross cutting unit 50, in which the sheet path 34 is cut in the direction of movement according to arrow A consecutive single sheet 52. The second Zugwalzenzpaar 48 also has an upper conveyor roller 48b and a lower conveyor roller 48c and a setting means 48d for adjusting the pressing force between the upper conveyor roller 48b and the lower conveyor roller 48c, wherein the surface finish of the conveyor rollers 48b, 48c preferably that of the conveyor rollers 42b, 42c of the first Zugwalzenpaares 42 is similar or equal to this.

The cross-cutting unit 50 has a rotatably supported knife carrier 54, on which a helical knife (not shown) is held, and a fixed counter knife 55. The knife carrier 54 is of a in FIG. 4 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a shown drive 54a in a rotational movement. When passing through the cross cutting unit 50, the image or printing side 34b of the sheet path 34 provided with the coating points upwards to the knife carrier 54 and thus the image or printing side 34b of the sheet path 34 is directed upward. Further, upstream in front of the knife carrier 54 in FIG. 4 also not shown, but in FIG. 10a schematically shown sensor device 55 for detecting on the sheet path 34 located print marks and Druckauftragscodierungen provided. In addition, the second Zugwalzenpaar 48 in response to the output signal of the sensor device 55 from the associated drive 48 a ( FIG. 10a ) conveyed intermittently and format and / or register accurate to the cross cutting unit 50.

Downstream of the cross-cutting unit 50, a suction belt conveyor 56 is arranged, whose endlessly circulating and provided with suction openings not shown conveyor belt 58, the cut discrete sheets 52 with its image or print side upwards from the cross cutting unit 50 and transported away from the first module 21. As the FIGS. 4 and 10a Furthermore, the suction belt conveyor 56 has a drive 59, which sets the conveyor belt 58 in motion. In this case, the conveying speed and the acceleration of the conveyor belt 58 of the suction belt conveyor 56 are adjusted so that the sheets 52 are transported away from each other at a certain distance.

From Saugbandförderer 56 in the first module 21, the sheets 52 are successively taken over by a further conveyor belt 60, which is part of the second module 22, whose structure is exemplified in Fig. 5 is shown. By the conveyor belt 60, the sheets pass successively into a creasing and folding station 62, the structure in Fig. 6 is shown in more detail by way of example. After retraction by a Zugwalzenpaar 64, by a in FIG. 6 not shown, but in FIG. 10a In the creasing and folding station 62, the sheet 52 is guided by two punches 66, 67 in the creasing and folding station 62. The two punches 66, 67 serve as a scoring tool to impress in the middle of the arc 52 a transverse to the transport direction according to arrow A running groove. While in the illustrated embodiment, the lower punch 67 is arranged stationary, the upper punch 66 is spaced between an upper rest position to the image or printing side 52b of the sheet 52 and a lower working position according to FIG. 6 movably mounted. For this purpose, the upper punch 66 of a in FIG. 6 not shown, but in FIG. 10a schematically shown lifting drive 66a, which carries out a superimposed lifting and pivoting movement for the uninterrupted transport of the sheet 52, in a corresponding combined pivoting and upward or downward movement. Subsequently, the thus grooved in the middle sheet 52 engages with a transport roller 68 and with folding rollers 70a to c. For the transport roller 68 and the folding rollers 70a to 70c drives 68a, 70d are provided, which in FIG. 6 not shown, but in FIG. 10a are shown schematically. Furthermore, the creasing and folding station 62 has a sensor device 71 which, although in FIG. 6 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a is shown and in particular serves to detect an incoming sheet 52 so that depending on the measurement result of this sensor means 71, the creasing and folding station 62 is controlled or regulated accordingly.

First, the sheet 52 is drawn between the two folding rollers 70a, b and conveyed vertically upwardly therefrom, whereby the sheet 52 is contacted only on one side by the folding roller 70c. The sheet 52 comes to a standstill and is acted upon by the tip 72a of a so-called. Falzschwertes 72, which is supported in the direction of the double arrow D movable on a scaffold, not shown, and of a in FIG. 6 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a shown linear drive 72b is placed in corresponding movement. By movement of the sword 72 in the direction of the common engagement region of the rollers 70b, c, the sheet 52 is taken along and folded or folded, the image or pressure side 52b comes to lie inside, as Fig. 6 lets recognize. In this case, the sheet 52 must be aligned so that the sword 72 with its tip 72a hits the previously impressed by the creasing device 66, 67 groove. Accordingly, this groove forms the folding or folded edge of the folded seam 52 by the folding blade 72. As a result, the sheet 52 is folded so that its two halves lie one above the other and the folded edge 52a leads. With its folded edge 52a ahead of thus the folded sheet 52 is pulled by the two folding rollers 70b, c on a subsequent conveyor belt 73, which is a in FIG. 5 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a shown drive 73a is set in motion.

Furthermore, the creasing and folding station 62 in the embodiment shown here on a discharge device, not shown, which ejects out of the creasing and folding station 62 with the help of rollers 68, 70a faulty sheet, which is indicated by the arrow E shown in dashed lines. In order to detect faulty sheets, the aforementioned sensor device 71 (FIG. FIG. 10a ) is used, and the discharge device is activated in response to the output of this sensor device 71 accordingly to auszuschleusen a faulty arc in the direction of the dashed arrow E.

As Fig. 5 now further recognizes the conveyor belt 73 connects the creasing and folding station 62 in the second module 22 with a downstream laminating station 74. By the conveyor belt 73 are now folded sheets 52 with its folded edge 52 a ( Fig. 6 ) conveyed in the transport direction according to arrow A to an adhesive application station 76, which forms an upstream part of the laminating station 74. The adhesive application station 76 has, in particular, a sizing apparatus 78 with a glue nozzle strip, not shown, and a transporting roller 80. Further, the adhesive application station 76 may include at least a pair of feed rollers and a glue tray, which is disclosed in US Pat Fig. 5 but not shown. After the in Fig. 5 not shown folded sheet with the transport roller 80, which is below the Glimapparat 78 arranged Leimdüsenleiste, has come into engagement and rests with its underside on the transport roller 80, it is passed under the Leimdüsenleiste. In this case, the unprinted side 52c of the sheet 52, which now forms the upper side, is exposed and can therefore be glued undisturbed by the glue nozzle strip over the entire surface.

The glue nozzle bar or the entire glue apparatus 78 with the glue nozzle bar can be moved between a lower working position and an upper resting position, preferably pivoted, mounted, which is in Fig. 5 not shown. For this purpose, a corresponding drive 78a is provided, which in FIG. 5 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a is shown. The glue nozzle bar is divided into segments for a format width change Fig. 5 also not shown. Also, the transport roller 80 may be below the sizing apparatus 78 between a working position in which it can be brought for the transport of a sheet in engagement with the underside, and a rest position be brought, preferably pivotally mounted, be stored, which is also not shown in the figures.

Adhesive application station 76 may also be provided with an in Fig. 5 also not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a be provided sensor device 81 which detects the arrival and the presence of an arc. On the basis of a corresponding signal from such a sensor device 81, the sizing apparatus 78 is then correspondingly controlled to apply glue to the top of the folded upper half of the sheet. While the folded sheet, including driven by the transport roller 80, is glued on the top of its folded upper half, the aforementioned sensor means 81 detects the trailing edge and thus the end of the folded sheet and with a defined delay initiates the interruption of the glue flow and thus the shutdown of Glimapparates 78 a. Here, the mentioned defined delay is such that the top of the folded upper half of the sheet is completely glued and the glue delivery from the Glimapparat 78 is switched off exactly on reaching a virtual line in the edge region of the sheet. When switching off the gluing process of Glimapparat 78 or its Leimdüsenleiste and the transport roller 80 can each be spent in its rest position or pivoted and thereby moved apart.

As in Fig. 5 is further indicated, downstream of the transport roller 80, an obliquely downwardly directed Saugbandförderer 82, the now at the top of its folded upper half glued sheet of an approximately horizontal orientation in the adhesive application station 76 with its folded edge ahead in a strong after downwards inclined orientation transferred. The suction conveyor 82 is driven by a in FIG. 5 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a shown drive 82a. The sheet reaches the area of a downstream stacking station 84, which is also part of the laminating station 74 in the second module 22.

The stacking station 84 has in the illustrated embodiment, a lifting table 86 which is vertically aligned so that its surface forms a vertical plane. By the suction belt conveyor 82 of the glued folded sheet is aligned in the aforementioned inclined position so that the glued top of the folded upper half of the folded sheet to the lifting table 86 has. By successively feeding folded sheets, a stack not shown in the figures is formed on the surface of the lifting table 86. For this purpose, therefore, the successively supplied and already glued folded sheets are stacked on the surface of the lifting table 86. Since the surface of the lifting table 86 so to speak forms the bottom for the stack, but is vertically aligned in the illustrated embodiment, the stack is formed on the surface of the lifting table 86 in the horizontal direction and therefore is not horizontal, but is upright or upright.

In order to glue the glued top side of each newly fed folded sheet to the respective uppermost sheet of the stack formed up to this point on the lifting table 86, the newly supplied sheet is to be pressed against the stack already formed over its entire surface. This is done in the illustrated embodiment by means of horizontally oriented laminating or pressure rollers, which move over the surface of the lifting table 86 from bottom to top and rub the new arc to the stack in the manner of a rolling pin.

In Fig. 5 schematically a plurality of pressure rollers 87 are shown, along a closed guideway, in Fig. 5 not shown, are movably mounted. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, two spaced apart conveyor chains are provided, of which one conveyor chain is arranged on one side of the stack forming station 84 and the other conveyor chains on the opposite other side of the stack forming station 84 and guided by gears. In Fig. 5 is the viewer facing conveyor chains 88 recognizable, which is guided by gears 89 and deflected to this. The arrangement and the course of the two conveyor chains 88 are identical. Between the two conveyor chains 88, the pressure rollers 87 are arranged horizontally by by their respective end in a non-illustrated Bearing element are mounted, which is attached to the associated conveyor chain 88.

In order for the conveyor chains 88 can perform a circumferential movement, at least one of the gears 89 of a in Fig. 5 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a shown drive 89a set in rotation. As shown by Fig. 5 the circulation takes place in the opposite direction to the clockwise direction. By the circulation operation, a continuous and fully automatic operation can be realized by providing a pressure roller 87 for each newly delivered folded sheet. The distance between two adjacent pressure rollers and the working stroke at least in the second module 22 of the photobook machine 2 are to be dimensioned or adjusted in dependence on each other such that a next pressure roller 87 is provided for each newly delivered folded sheet.

As Fig. 5 can also be seen, the stacking station 84 has an adjusting device 90 to adjust the lifting table 86 in the horizontal direction and thus perpendicular to its vertical surface. In this case, the lifting table 86 is retracted during the stack formation by the adjusting device 90 such that the upper side of the stack remains substantially stationary. Accordingly, the lifting table 86 by the adjusting 90 depending on the thickness of the stack and depending on the increasing height or thickness of the growing stack quasi continuously into the stack forming station 84 and thus according to the illustration of Fig. 5 shifted to the left. Thus, the distance of the guided over the surface of the lifting table 86 pressure rollers 87 does not need to be readjusted individually depending on the instantaneous height or thickness of the stack formed up to then, but it is sufficient a constant leadership consistently for all pressure rollers 87, which constructively is advantageous and allows a constant contact pressure.

After completion of the stack and completion of the previously described laminating the desired book block is made. This is then from the laminating station 74 by means of a conveyor 91 in a cooling station 92 transferred. From the conveyor 91 is in Fig. 5 schematically represented only a revolving conveyor belt. In fact, the conveyor 91 additionally has a gripper, not shown, with which the finished book block is removed from the lifting table 86 and placed on the conveyor belt 91.

The cooling station 92, which is also part of the second module 22 of the photobook machine 2 in the illustrated embodiment, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of plate-shaped cartridges, of which in Fig. 5 by way of example only one cassette 94 is shown. Using an in Fig. 5 Not shown transfer device, for example, has a gripper, the book block is transferred from the conveyor 91 to a cassette 94. In Fig. 5 A book block 96 is shown schematically at the bottom of the cassette 94.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of cassettes are movably mounted along a closed guideway 98 and thereby arranged substantially equidistant from each other. For this purpose, a corresponding drive 98a is provided, although in FIG. 5 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10a is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassettes hang on non-illustrated bearing elements, which are designed for example as a roller carriage and move along the guide track 98. The hanging arrangement is based on the in Fig. 5 shown cassette 94 in Fig. 5 recognizable. Using an in Fig. 5 not shown drive means the cassettes with the book blocks therein are placed in a circulating operation along the guideway 98 through the cooling station 92.

For cooling in the cooling station 92 corresponding cooling units are provided which in Fig. 5 are not shown. The cooling causes a cooling and a resulting accelerated hardening or setting of the adhesive in the book blocks and thus their Leimkaschierbindung, as used in the present embodiment as an adhesive in the adhesive application station 76 hot melt or hotmelt. A lamination by hot glue or hotmelt and the immediately following cooling ensures a short setting time and thus a high production capacity.

After completion of the cooling process, the book blocks are successively removed from the suction mounts using a transfer device, not shown, and passed to the, as seen in the transport direction according to arrow A, downstream third module 23 of the photobook machine 2.

The cooling station 92 preferably operates in a continuous mode in which the book blocks 96 taken over by the laminating station 74 are successively transferred to the suction holders 94 at a location adjacent to the conveyor 91 and after almost complete circulation along the guide path 98 in one Counterclockwise direction in the illustration of Fig. 5 at an opposite location, the book blocks 96 are removed from the suction holders 94 again.

Fig. 7 shows schematically in plan view the structure and function of a preferred embodiment of a third module 23 of the photobook machine 2 forming three-sided cutting station 100th

The three-side cutting station 100 has in the illustrated embodiment, a gripper, the in Fig. 7 is shown schematically and designated by the reference numeral "102". The gripper 102, for the movement of an associated in FIG. 7 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10b shown drive 102a takes over the book block 96 of the aforementioned, but in Fig. 5 Not shown transfer device that connects the cooling station 92 in the second module 22 with the three-side cutting station 100 in the third module 23. In this case, the incoming book block 96 comes with its leading edge 96a in engagement with the gripper 102. This situation is as step I in Fig. 7 shown.

The gripper 102 pulls the book block 96 on a tray-shaped pad 103, which in the illustrated embodiment, a part of the three-sided cutting station 100 forms. In this case, the gripper 102 spends the book block 96 in a defined position on the base 103, as indicated by the step II in FIG Fig. 7 is shown schematically. For this purpose, the leading edge 96a of the book block 96 comes with the folded edge 52a of the folded sheets 52 (FIG. Fig. 6 ) coincides with lying on a defined perpendicular to the direction of arrow A defined virtual line, which is not shown in the figures and spaced exactly to a parallel thereto extending, virtual and also not shown in the figures section line.

As the Fig. 7 and 8th can also be seen, the three-side cutting station 100 on a cross blade 104 which generates the aforementioned virtual cutting line, extends transversely to the transport direction according to arrow A substantially over the entire width of the pad 103 in the direction of the double arrow F and is mounted vertically movable, and two spaced side knives 106, 107, which are oriented in the transport direction according to arrow A and also mounted vertically movable. In addition, the two spaced apart side knives 106, 107 for the purpose of format adjustment across the width of the base 103 are arranged transversely to the transport direction according to arrow A in the direction of the double arrow F adjustable. In Fig. 7 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10b shown drives 104a, 106a and 107a ensure that the knives 104, 106, 107 are brought from an upper rest position to a lower working position, the blades 104, 106, 107 are arranged for an efficient cut obliquely downwardly movable. Furthermore, corresponding linear drives 106b, 107b are provided for the transverse adjustments of the two spaced side knives 106, 107 for the purpose of format adjustment FIG. 7 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10b are shown.

After the book block 96 in the in step II of Fig. 7 96, the cross knife 104 is lowered to move from the book block 96 one from the folded edge 52a (FIG. Fig. 6 ), to cut off the excess trailing edge portion, thereby giving the book block 96 a defined, uniform and clean edge 96b, as in the illustration of the following Step III in Fig. 7 can be seen. As a result, the book block 96 is brought to the desired format length

After separating the trailing edge portion by the cross knife 104 of the book block 96 is moved in the three-way cutting station 100 by the gripper 102 a bit further in the transport direction according to arrow A and thereby spent in the work area of the two side knives 106, 107, as indicated by step III in Fig. 7 is shown. After the two side knives 106, 107 have been adjusted to the desired format width, they are lowered, thereby separating the redundant side edge portions from the book block 96 to form defined, uniform and clean side edges. The above-described operations are monitored by a sensor device 108 which, although in FIG. 7 not shown, but schematically in FIG. 10b whose output signals are used to control the three-side cutting station 100.

The now tailored to the desired format book block 96 is in step IV of Fig. 7 shown. Accordingly, the leading edge 96a of the book block 96 remains unprocessed, since it forms the defined zero edge, so to speak, and with the folded edge 52a of the folded sheets 52 (FIG. Fig. 6 ), while in order to achieve the desired format, the three remaining edges of the knives 104, 106 and 107 in the three-side cutting station 100 are trimmed accordingly.

The thus now cut to the desired format book block 96 is then transferred to the fifth module 25, in which it is assembled with an intermediate provided in the fourth module 24 book cover. The 'mating' of book block and associated book cover then forms the finished photo book 14 ( Fig. 1 ) and is output from the photobook engine 2 via the sixth module 26

For creating and aligning a book cover that belongs to the output from the third module 23 book block, so this is assigned, and essentially are made simultaneously with the production of the book block, in the trained as Buchdeckenbereitstellungsstation fourth module 24, in particular a linear actuator 112 and a linear actuator 114 and a sensor device 115 in particular for detecting an on-book cover job ID and possibly also also for detecting the Location and orientation of the book cover provided, like Fig. 10b is indicated schematically.

Hereinafter, the structure of the device for assembling book block and book cover based on FIGS. 8a and 8b with simultaneous explanation of the workflow, as shown schematically in Fig. 9 is shown described. In the illustration of the figures, the paper running direction or conveyor or transport direction and the process direction runs from left to right, which is indicated by the arrow A.

How the particular FIGS. 8a and 9 can be seen, the book blocks 96 are thus transported in a horizontal orientation us in a horizontal conveying plane. Initially, the book block 96 moves forward with its back 96a, which is formed from the superimposed fold lines of the individual layers. This transport state can be in Fig. 9 recognize positions I and II. The transport is carried out by means not shown, which may have, for example, an endless circulating conveyor belt. The book block 96 is transferred to a pan / turn unit 116, which in Fig. 9a is shown schematically. The pivoting / rotating unit 116 engages the book block 96 in its position II and rotates it by 90 °, so that it is brought with its back 96 a at a contact edge 6 in abutment, as shown in FIG Fig. 9 shown position III is recognizable. Due to the contact with the edge of the book, the book block 96 is aligned with its back 96a with respect to a so-called. Machine zero edge, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment of the contact edge; In this way it is possible that book blocks with different formats can always be positioned at the same machine zero edge.

Along the edge of the abutting with his back 96 a there book block 96 in the transport direction according to arrow A in the in Fig. 9 Position IV shown moved. This can take place, for example, by means of the pivoting / rotating unit 116, if it is mounted correspondingly displaceable.

Moving to position IV according to Fig. 9 For example, the book block 96 is conveyed to an erection table which is in a horizontal position at this time and then folded up 90 degrees to a vertical orientation. In Fig. 8a this table is shown recognizable in its already folded upright position and provided with the reference numeral "117". As Fig. 8a can also be seen, the table 117 is provided with two side strips, which extend in the transport direction according to arrow A and are spaced from each other. These two lateral strips serve as stops on the side edges of a book block 96 accommodated by the table 117, in order to fix the book block 96 transversely to the transport direction according to arrow A. With regard to different widths of the book blocks 96 having different formats, the (according to FIG Fig. 8a Lower) side bar along the surface of the table 117 arranged transversely to the transport direction according to arrow A slidably.

The (according to Fig. 8a upper) side bar is fixedly mounted in the illustrated embodiment on the table 117 and thereby arranged and aligned so that it is aligned with the aforementioned abutment edge or forms a portion of the abutment edge when the table is 117 in its horizontal position, in the the book block 96 on the table 117 in the position IV according to Fig. 9 is recorded. By folding up the table in the in Fig. 8a shown upright position of the book block 96 located on the table 117 is also spent in a vertically upright position, the Fig. 9 marked with "V". Thus, the book block 96 remains fixed during the pivoting movement and in the upright position of the table 117 thereon, the table 117 is further not shown in the figures, locking or engagement means (for example, in FIG Form of clips) for releasably fixing the book block 96 on the surface of the table 117 provided.

In the illustrated embodiment, the table 117 is not only pivotable in the manner described above, but also linearly movably mounted in the transport direction according to arrow A, so that it can be moved in the direction of a sword box 119. This pivotal movement and this linear movement are generated by a drive, not shown in the figures. In Fig. 8a For example, the table 117 is shown in a position immediately adjacent to the sword box 119. The sword box 119 is a narrow box which is arranged vertically and parallel to the virtual plane extending from the table 117 in its upright position Fig. 8a is spanned. The sword box 119 consists essentially of two plates, the small distance from each other is substantially dimensioned so that they can take a sword 118 between them. The sword 118 is disposed in the same vertical virtual plane as the sword box 119 and is movably supported in the vertical direction along a rail system. The raising and lowering of the sword 118 along the rail system is effected by a drive, also not shown in the figures. In Fig. 8a the sword 118 is shown in its lower position. In order for the blade 118 to be able to pass through the sword box 119 during its upward and downward movement, its lower edge 12a and its upper edge are open and form a corresponding slot-shaped opening.

In the figures, fingers not shown push the book block 96 from its position V on the table 117 on the sword box 119 in a position VI. A comparison of positions V and VI in Fig. 9 let recognize that they are in the same virtual plane in which the book block 96 is pushed accordingly in the direction of transport according to arrow A on the sword box 119. In this case, the side edge of the sword box 119 facing the installation table 117 engages in the book block 96 between two pages in its center, so that the book block in the position V with its one half on one side and with his other half on the other side of the sword box 119 comes to rest. In order to avoid damage to the free edges of the book pages during this Aufschiebbewegung by pointing to the table 117 side edge of the sword box 119, this side edge of the sword box 119 in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 8a formed inclined relative to the vertical, thus ensuring a gradual and gentle engagement of the sword box 119 with its side edge in the book block 96. In addition to avoid marks and other damage on the inner sides of the book block, especially in the area of the back, the book block 96 is not only by the arranged on the table 117 (in the upright position according to Fig. 8a lower) side bar, but also supported by a strip-shaped support, which is arranged on the sword box 119, such as Fig. 8a can also recognize. In this case, the support is mounted adjustably in the vertical direction and is set to a height in which it with the (in the upright position of the table 117 according to Fig. 8a lower) side bar of the table 117 is aligned. The arrangement of the stationary side bar 8a on the table 117 and the adjustable side bar 8b on the table 117 and the likewise adjustable support 17 on the sword box 119 made so that the book block 96 with his back 96a at a certain vertical distance from the upper edge 12b of the sword box 119 is pushed onto the sword box 119 in order to prevent the upper edge 12b of the sword box 119 from causing marks or other damage within the book block 96. Like the side bar on the table 117, the support on the sword box 119 is vertically adjusted at right angles to the transport direction according to arrow A in a format change in the same way. Preferably, a strip-shaped support is provided on each of the two outer sides of the sword box 119, wherein both supports are synchronously adjustable in the vertical direction and are always at the same vertical height.

Furthermore, the arrangement and orientation of the table 8 in its upright position according to Fig. 8a be met with respect to the sword box 119 so that the sword box 119 with its side edge centered in the book block 96 engages when it is moved from the position V in the position VI on the sword box 119. So that book blocks or books can be processed with different thicknesses, the table 117 is also mounted so that it is in its upright position according to Fig. 8a additionally also transversely to the transport direction according to arrow A is adjustable. In this way, the last degree of freedom, namely the variance of the thickness of the book block 96, eliminate, since the table 117 by the mentioned transverse adjustment in its upright position according to Fig. 8a a kind of averaging, based on the thickness of the book block 96 performs.

After placing the book block 96 in its position VI on the sword box 119 leaves the sword 14 his in Fig. 8a shown lower position, moves through the sword box 119 upwards and engages with its at the upper edge 12b of the sword box 119 exiting (not visible in the figures) upper edge in the inside of the back 96a within the book block 96 to the book block 96 in continued upward movement take along accordingly and thus lift in the vertical direction of the sword box 119.

As the FIGS. 8a and 8b can also be seen, located above the sword box 119 a landing station 18, whose task is to align a book cover for the assembly with the book block 96 and create accordingly. Such book covers are in particular in Fig. 9 recognizable and marked with the reference numeral "200". The delivery of the book covers 200, which takes place substantially simultaneously with the delivery of the book blocks 96, takes place in the illustrated embodiment from the side, as the positions VII and VIII show, in which in the FIGS. 4a and 4c each book cover 200 is shown recognizable. During the delivery and in the Fig. 9 shown positions VII and VIII and IX take the book covers 200, which are preferably made of cardboard or at least a thicker paper layer, a flat spread out shape.

After moving from the delivery position VII in the position VIII by a conveyor, not shown, the book cover 200 is centered opposite two aligned spaced apart and mutually parallel groove strips 122, which are then pressed into the surface of the book cover 200 to form two correspondingly spaced and transverse to the longitudinal extent of the book cover 200 centrally extending grooves. The groove strips 122 are moved and driven by corresponding handling devices, not shown. As the FIGS. 8b and 9 can also be seen, below the plane in which the book cover 200 is in their positions VIII and IX, and thus provided below the book cover 200 a counter bar 123, while the grooved strips 122 are arranged above this level and thus above the book cover 200. The counter strip 123 extends parallel to the groove strips 122 and lies in the middle between them. The counter strip 123 is raised and lowered by a lifting drive 23a and serves on the one hand as a kind of abutment against the upper groove strips 122 and on the other to impress a groove, not shown in the drawings on the inside of the book cover 200 in the middle. By means of the groove strips 122 can in the book cover 200 in its position VIII according to Fig. 9 the grooves impressed for the first time or, if in a previous step already corresponding grooves have been generated in the book cover 200, these grooves are even more pronounced. The formation or expression of the grooves in the book cover 200 represents a preparatory measure before assembling the book block 96 and the associated book cover 200. For the grooves 20a serve in particular to form a hinge in the manner of a film hinge in the book cover 200, on the one hand a targeted, accurate position flip the book cover 200 during assembly with the book block 96 and on the other hand to facilitate the opening and closing of the finished book.

How the particular FIGS. 8a and 8b can be seen, a gluing station 121 is located directly above the sword box 119. Now, if the sword 14 emerges during its upward movement from the upper edge of the sword box 119, the book block 96 resting on the sword box 119 until then still in position VI is taken along by the sword 118 and raised accordingly. During this lifting movement passes through the Book block 96, first the gluing station 121 and is glued over its entire surface on both its outer sides. The vertical path along which the sword 118 moves and entrains the book block 96 in the upward direction is in FIG Fig. 2 indicated by a dot-dash line indicated by the reference numeral "Z". In the exemplary embodiment shown, the gluing station 121 has two arrangements provided on both sides of the conveying plane or conveying path Z from a glue application roller, a further distributor roller in contact therewith and a pan containing the two rollers and accommodating the two rollers. Both of these arrangements or at least the glue rollers are between a working position in which they can be brought for a Beleimungsvorgang in touching contact with an outside of the Beleimungsstation 121 upwardly continuous book block 96, and a rest position, in which the two glue rollers at a greater distance from each other lie as in the working position, so that a glue application to a Beleimungsstation 121, in particular in the downward direction, continuous book block is omitted.

As in particular the FIGS. 8a and 8b can be seen, is located above the gluing station 121, a so-called. Anreibstation 28, in which after leaving the gluing station 121 of the book block 96 is moved during its continued upward movement along the vertical conveying plane and the vertical conveying path Z. During this continued upward or reciprocating movement of the book block reaches with its leading back 96a in abutment with the underside of the later spine forming middle strip-shaped portion 20b of that book cover 200, located in the particular in Fig. 9 is therefore located flat in horizontal orientation and centered over the gluing station 121 with respect to the vertical conveying path or the vertical conveying plane Z centered. As the book block 96 continues its upward movement, it carries along the strip-shaped central portion of the book cover 200, while unillustrated engagement means in the joining station 28 ensure that with the continued upward movement of the book block 20, the two halves become up to this Time located in the position IX book cover 200 are applied to the outsides of the book block 96. The upward movement is continued in the joining station until reaching an upper position, which in Fig. 9 is specified as position X. The docking station also has two spaced-apart feed rollers. Furthermore, a so-called. Back strip is provided, which is aligned horizontally and sits at the lower end of a guide device. By means of the guide device, the back strip between the two feed rollers is movable in the vertical direction.

In the FIGS. 8a . 8b and 9 the feed rollers are shown in their upper position. For better adhesion of the two halves of the book cover 200 with the glued outer sides of the book block 96, the Anreibwalzen 30 are brought into contact with the outer sides of the two folded halves of the book cover 200. For this purpose, the two gripping rollers enclose from above in its upper position X according to Fig. 9 located and provided with the book cover 200 book block 96, which together with the book cover 200 so to speak, the pair "book" forms. During the subsequent vertical downward movement, the two nip rollers roll along the outside of the book and simultaneously exert pressure on the halves of the book cover 200 to effect effective, bubble-free, high-quality bonding to the book block 96.

After the book block 96, now already provided with the book cover 200, has reached the upper position X and also the previously described grating process using the feed rollers is completed, a reversal of movement of the sword 118 takes place, which continue the book block 96 or now in the upper position X carries the book consisting of the book block 96 and the overlying book cover 200 existing book. As a result of the reversal of the direction of movement, the blade 118 is lowered along the same vertical conveying path or the same vertical conveying plane Z in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the book leaves, so to speak, backward the grinding station and also runs backwards through the gluing station 121. Meanwhile, both the Anreibwalzen the grind station and the glue rollers of the gluing station 121 open, so as not to hinder the downward movement and to avoid unwanted further glue application.

With continued lowering or downward movement, the book reaches the lower position VI and is thereby again on the sword box 119, now coming from above, deposed, while the sword 118 in the sword box 119 further retracts until it the in Fig. 8a reached shown lower position. Since in the lower position VI, the book lying on both sides of the sword box 119 book is now supported again on its downwardly facing free edge of the support so that the book does not rest with his back on the upper edge of the sword box 119, but is relieved of this and thus an engagement of the upper edge of the sword box 119 is excluded with the interior of the book, there is no risk that marks or other damage inside the book when removing the book from the sword box 119.

How further Fig. 10b can be seen schematically, the module 25 has a drive 116a for the pan / turn unit 116 to provide the supplied book block 96 from its horizontal orientation with its back upright. For movement of the sword 118, which then enters the book block, in the upward and downward direction, a corresponding drive 118a is provided. For the alignment of the book cover 200, the joining station 120 has a corresponding device which is driven by a drive 120a. For grooving the book covers corresponding suitable strip-shaped scoring tools are provided, of which in Fig. 10b by way of example schematically a groove strip 122 is shown, which is offset by an associated lifting drive 122a in a corresponding linear movement. For the removal and removal of a finished book, in which the book block is provided with an associated book cover, a non-illustrated forceps conveyor is used in the joining station of the fifth module 25, the drive but schematically in Fig. 10b shown and designated by the reference numeral "124". As Fig. 10b also schematically shows, the fifth module 25 of the photobook machine 2, in the illustrated embodiment another folding press 126, which is actuated by an associated lifting drive 126a. Finally, in the fifth module 25 also has a in FIG. 10b schematically indicated sensor device 127 is provided with which in particular the instantaneous position of the book block and the finished book is detected and monitored.

The output of the finished photo book takes place via a provided in the sixth module 26, not shown in the figures delivery conveyor, whose associated drive in Fig. 10b is shown schematically and provided with the reference numeral "130".

As the FIGS. 10a and b can also be seen, the individual drives are each connected to an associated drive control device 140. About the drive control devices 140, the respective associated drives are separately controlled or regulated.

The sensors or sensor devices 41, 55, 71, 81, 108, 115 and 127 and the individual drive control devices 140 are mutually coupled together via a bus system 142 to which additionally a higher-level main control device 150 is connected, which in FIG. 10a is shown. Returning to the main control device 150, an operating and display unit 152, an order control device 154 and a control device 156 for further processing machines, not shown in the figures, are connected, such as FIG. 10a can also recognize.

At least one of the sensor devices 41 and 55 are provided for detecting print marks and print job encodings (not shown in the drawings) on the sheet web 34, the print marks and print job encodings containing job data being transmitted via the bus system 142 and the main controller 150 from the higher-level job controller 154 be retrieved and preferably contain a job identifier, sheet dimensions and sheet number of a book block to be produced. In the main controller 150 and / or in the job control device 154, a data comparator is provided which compares the job identifier of a predetermined book block and the job identifier of the associated predetermined book cover with each other and generates a warning signal in case of disagreement and / or contained in the fifth module 25 ejection device for ejecting the unassignable book block for ejecting the unassignable book block and / or the unassignable book cover activated.

Like that FIGS. 10a and 10b It can also be seen that the drive control devices 140 for the drives 32a, 42a of the unwinding and the first pair of pull rollers 42 are respectively connected to a station control device 160 for withdrawing a curved path 34 from the sheet web roll 30 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) and the drive control devices 140 for the drives 48a, 54a and 59 of the second pull roller pair 48, the transverse cutting unit 50 and the suction belt conveyor 56 to a station controller 161 for the cross cutting station 50 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) in the first module 21 or assigned. The drive control devices 140 for the drives 64a, 66a, 68a, 70d and 72b of the third pull roller pair 64, the upper punch 66 provided as a grooving tool, the transport roller 68, the folding rollers 70a to 70c and the folding blade 72 are connected to a station controller 162 for the creasing tool. and folding station 62 ( Fig. 5 . 6 ), the drive control device 140 for the drives 73a, 78a and 82a of the conveyor belt 73, the sizing apparatus 78 and the suction belt conveyor 82 to a station controller 163 for the adhesive application station 76 (FIG. Fig. 5 ) and the drive control devices 140 for the drives 89a and 98a of the conveyor chains 88, 98 are combined or assigned to a common station control device 164 for the laminating and cooling stations 84, 92 in the second module 22. The drive control devices 140 for the drives 102a, 104a, 106a, 106b, 107a, 107b of the forceps conveyor 102, the transverse knife 104 and the side knives 106, 107 together with the format adjustment device are connected to a station control device for the three-side cutting station 100 (FIG. Fig. 7 ) in the third module 23 or assigned. The drive control devices 140 for the drives 116a, 118a, 120a, 122a, 124a and 126a of the pivoting device 116, the fifth wheel plate 118, the Conveyor 120, creasing tool 122, pincer conveyor 124 and folding press 126 are coupled to station controller 166 for fifth station 25 containing joining station and drive controllers 140 for linear drive 112 and lift actuator 114 to a station controller 167 for fourth module containing cradle docking station 24 summarized or assigned.

The main controller 150, the drive controllers 140, and the station controllers 160 to 167 are configured and arranged for automatic uninterrupted format change.

The main controller 150 and / or at least one of the station controllers 160 to 167 includes at least three shift registers, not shown in the figures, for tracking the unfolded and folded sheets 52, the book block 96 and book cover, and the completed book. One of the shift registers contains the order data for the book blocks and another shift register contains the order identifiers for the book covers. The shift registers for tracking the unfolded sheets 52, the folded sheets 52 and / or the book blocks 96 on the one hand and the shift registers for tracking the book covers on the other hand are synchronized such that in the joining station of the fifth module 25, the book block and the book cover substantially simultaneously, preferably in the same shift register clock, with the book cover aligned above and substantially centered to the book block by means of the station controller 166.

Claims (18)

Machine for making books, in particular photo books (14) and / or picture books, with - a Bogenbahnabgabestation (32 to 46) for delivering a moving in its longitudinal direction, one-sided printed and / or coated and / or photocopied and provided with print marks and / or Druckauftragskodierungen arcuate web (34), with at least one provisioning means (30, 32) for providing the sheet path (34), - A downstream Bogenbahnspeicher (44) and - A first conveyor (42) for withdrawing the sheet web (34) from the providing means (30, 32) of the sheet path (34) and for conveying the sheet path (34) in the Bogenbahnspeicher (44), - One of the Bogenbahnabgabestation downstream cross-cutting station (48 to 59), with a sensor device (55) for detecting print marks and / or print order encodings located on the sheet web (34) and for outputting an output signal representing the result of the detection, - A downstream cross-cutting unit (50) which is adapted to cut the sheet web (34) in the direction of movement (A) successive discrete sheets (52), - A second conveyor (48) which is adapted to convey the sheet web from the Bogenbahnabgabestation in response to the output signal of the sensor device (55) intermittently and format and / or register accurate to the cross cutting unit (50), and - One of the cross-cutting unit (50) downstream third conveyor (56) which is formed, the discrete sheets (52) abzufördern from each other while achieving a predetermined distance, a creasing and folding station (62) arranged downstream of the cross-cutting station for the central creasing and folding of the sheets (52) transversely to their direction of movement (A), - A laminating station (74) for the surface connection of several consecutive folded sheet (52) with each other, with an adhesive applicator (76) for substantially full-surface application of adhesive to the top of the folded sheets, - A stacking device (84, 86) which is adapted to stack a plurality of sheets to form a book block on each other, and - A pressing device (87) for substantially planar loading of the respective uppermost folded sheet with pressure, - A three-sided editing station (100) with - A fourth conveyor (102) adapted to the book block (96) from the laminating station (74) in the three-side cutting station (100) depending on a selected format to promote such that the book spine opposite the leading edge (96 a) of the book block (96) comes to lie on a defined cross-section extending substantially transversely to the direction of movement of the book blocks (96), - An arranged along the cutting line transverse knife (104) and - Two side blades (106, 107), which are spaced substantially transversely to the direction of movement (A) of the book blocks (96) and arranged transversely adjustable for the purpose of format adjustment, - A book cover providing station (24) for providing and Zufördern a respective predetermined individual book cover for each book block, with a provisioning means for providing the book covers and - A fifth conveyor (112,114) for removing a book cover from the providing means and a creasing device for creasing the book cover for producing a strip-shaped center section forming the back of the book, which is delimited by two grooves and divides the book cover into two halves, - One of the three-side cutting station (100) downstream joining station (25) for joining a book block and an associated book cover, with a sixth conveying device (116, 118) for bringing the book block into a joining position, an adhesive applicator configured to apply adhesive substantially flat to both outer sides of the book block while the sixth conveyor 120 moves the book block through the adhesive applicator, - A seventh conveyor for moving the individual book cover in the joining position and - A book cover applying device for applying the two halves of the book cover to the provided with adhesive outer sides of the book block to complete the book and - A removal device (124) for removing the finished book, and - A dispensing station (26) for dispensing the finished books, preferably to a subsequent packaging machine. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the creasing and folding station (62) comprises a creasing tool (66) and a ninth conveyor (64) for conveying the bows to the creasing tool. Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the creasing and folding station has at least two rotatably mounted folding rollers (70a to 70c) which are preferably in operative connection with a folding blade (72). Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the creasing and folding station (62) has a discharge device for rejecting a defective sheet. Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the pressing device has at least one movably mounted driving roller (87) in the laminating station (74). Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the creasing device in the book cover providing station has at least one, preferably vertically, movably arranged crease bar and at least one stationarily arranged counter bar. Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the sixth conveyor (116, 118) in the joining station has an upright saddle plate which can be moved from a lower position to an upper position and which is designed to engage in the book block from below approximately in the middle; so that the book block can be placed with its back on an upper edge of the fifth wheel plate. Machine according to claim 7, in which the sixth conveying device has a rotating and / or pivoting device (116) for erecting the book block with the back upwards. Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the seventh conveyor (120) is formed in the joining station, the book block in an essentially flat spread shape angularly, preferably substantially transversely, to align the conveying direction of the sixth conveyor (116, 118). Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the book cover applying device comprises two movably mounted feed rollers which receive between them the book cover provided with the book cover. Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the book cover providing station (24) has a discharge device for sorting out a faulty book cover and / or the joining station (25) of a discharge device for rejecting a defective book block. Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which at least the sheet-web delivery station, the cross-cutting station, the creasing and folding station, the laminating station, the three-side cutting station and the joining station together form a substantially side-by-side arrangement comprising an operator-accessible front side (2a ) and a back side (2b). A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a reference line (C) is defined for defined guiding and alignment of the sheet web (34), sheet (52), book blocks (96) and finished books (14) first section (C ₁ ) of the reference line from the sheet delivery station (32 to 46) through the cross cutting station (50) and the creasing and folding station (62) to the laminating station (74) runs and a lateral reference line for a longitudinal side of the sheet path (34) and the arc (52) and a subsequent second section (C ₂ ) of the reference line from the laminating station (74) passes through the three-side cutting station (100) to the joining station (25) and defines a reference line for the center line of the book blocks (96) and the finished books , A machine according to claims 12 and 13, wherein the first portion (C ₁ ) of the reference line is adjacent to the back (2b). Machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising a main control device (150) and a plurality of station control devices (160 to 167) coupled to the main control device (150), in particular via a bus system (142), which at least some of the stations, in particular the Bogenbahnabgabestation (32 to 46), the cross cutting station (50), the creasing and folding station (62), the laminating station, the book cover supplying station (24) and the joining station (25) are assigned, wherein the conveyors each have at least one separately tax and / or or controllable drive and in each case has at least one rotary or linear displacement measuring device,
at least one of the stations each having a format setting device for setting different formats, in particular sheet and book block formats and book formats, and
wherein the main control device (150) and / or the station control devices (160 to 167) are designed and set up for an automatic uninterrupted format change. A machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the sensor means (41; 55) is adapted to detect print marks and / or print job codes on the sheet web (34) with the main controller (150) and / or at least one of the station control devices (160; 161) is coupled and provided with the main controller (154) and / or at least one of the station control means higher order control means (154) is provided, wherein the print marks and / or print job encodings have order data which can be called up via the main control device (150) and / or at least one station control device (160 to 167) from the higher order control device (154) and preferably contain an order identifier, sheet dimensions and number of sheets of a book block (96) to be produced. Machine according to claim 11 and claim 13 or 14, comprising sensor means (115) for detecting an order code located on the book cover, said sensor means (115) coupled to the main control means (150) and / or at least one of the station control means (167) is, and with a data comparison means which is adapted to compare the job identifier of a predetermined book block (96) and the job identifier of the associated predetermined book cover together and generate a warning signal in case of disagreement and / or the discharge device for rejecting the unassignable book block and / or to activate the unassignable book cover. A machine as claimed in claims 16 and 17, wherein the main controller (150) and / or at least one station controller (160-167) has at least three shift registers for tracking the unfolded and folded sheets (52), the book block (96) and book cover, and the finished Preferably, one of the shift registers contains the order data for the book blocks (96) and another shift register contains the order identifiers for the book covers, and wherein the Shift registers for tracking the unfolded sheets (52), the folded sheets (52) and / or the book block on the one hand and the book cover tracking registers on the other are synchronized such that the book block (96) is conveyed by the sixth conveyor (116, 118) and the book cover by means of the seventh conveyor (120) substantially simultaneously, preferably in the same shift register clock, under orientation of the book cover above and substantially centrally to the book block (96) by the station control device (166) associated therewith are positioned.

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