EP2695741B1 - Sewing machine - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for operating a thread stitching machine according to claim 1. It also relates to a thread stitching machine for performing a method for the processing of printed sheets to book block according to claim 13.

State of the art

Conventional thread stitching machines can only ever be set up in one format. This is done via mechanical connections, for example by the use of multi-tooth clutches and magnetic brakes, during the establishment of production. In the course of production itself, this system is not adjustable or at least not flexible enough. This leads to problems when book blocks from signatures, also called sheet, should be different arc length, for example, if they have different formats as an art print or for creative reasons.

In particular, when printed sheets are transported on the foot side and interrogated on the head side and then transferred from one transport line to another, this is due to the machine-inflexible format setting not possible or only with restrictions, this regularly reducing the production speed, a machine stop or by the continuous laying of the sheet by hand after pulling.

When applying different sized sheets manually on a saddle, as is currently practiced, dangerous safety procedures, which are no longer allowed by the security authorities, because for the operator of the machine so there is the immanent great danger that serious finger injuries can occur.

Purely for safety reasons, therefore, machines with auxiliary saddle pad would be preferable. A disadvantage of these machines is the recurrent monotonous movement of the operator when placing the individual open by hand sheet. Moreover, there is the risk that print sheets can be confused, which can lead to a non-negligible reject rate. However, it is so that a manual application of format different sheets on the auxiliary saddle is only possible if the driver chain has no fixed position.

Another way to produce such a book with under-sized inserts is to divide this book into several parts and then thread them together. In such a process, first of all, all solid print sheets, which are also called normal-sized press sheets, are stapled to a sub-format press sheet. Then all subsequent normal-format signatures are processed, and finally the under-format printed sheets are stapled. Lastly, a book with at least three thread-stitched book blocks is created, which can be glued together in the correct order.

Since the demand for such books, in which, for design reasons, lower-format printed sheets are incorporated, is increasing, the processes known in the state of the art in connection with thread stitching machines are no longer sufficient, because with all the techniques that have become known, an economically secure production can be achieved do not realize.

In this context, and in view of the prior art which has become known, subsidiary to the document EP 2 184 177 A1 which describes a device for thread stitching of folded printed products. In this case, the individual printed products are stapled at their fold with a sewing machine and sewn together at their the fold having backs to a book block, the printed products in a swivel saddle on which they rest astride individually, the Sewing station to be supplied. This document forms an integral part of this description.

The EP 1 561 599 A1 is concerned with the exact and flexible positioning of normal format, folded sheet on a saddle, which are connected to a book block, ie thread-stitched. The thread stitching machine has, inter alia, a feed conveyor and a downstream saddle stitch. The printed sheets are taken over by means of a conveyor device of the saddle from the feeder and transported in a stapling position on the saddle. For this purpose, the conveyor device is drive-connected to a trained by a computer-connected control, angle-controlled electric motor. The computer has a data memory, in which format-related data different sheets are stored, whereby the conveyor is easily adjustable or convertible to a specific format size of the sheet to be processed. In addition, on the saddle one of the stapling position of the sheet corresponding, the end position of a sheet defining stop can be arranged, which serves to align the leading edge of the respective sheet. Alternatively or additionally, the stapling position may also be assigned a sensor which determines the end position of a printed sheet and is aligned with the binding saddle. However, all variants of this solution are only aimed at the exact and flexible positioning of normal-size printed sheets, so that this solution offers no contribution to the production of book blocks, which consist of both normal-format and under-sized printed sheets.

document EP-A-089 3275 Disclosed a method according to the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

The invention aims to remedy this situation. The invention, as characterized in the claims, the object is based, in a method for operating a thread stitching machine and a thread stitching machine for performing a method for the processing of printed sheets to book block of the type mentioned, a positional positioning format different sheets in front of a sewing station accomplish a holistic automated production of book blocks possible becomes. It is also an object of the invention to introduce under-sized printed sheets in a position-specific manner within a composite of normal-format printed sheets.

According to the invention, a transport path for printed sheets is proposed, which is operated between an upstream opener system and a downstream sewing station. This transport route consists essentially of a first transport route, called auxiliary caliper in thread stitching machines, and a downstream second transport section, called stitch saddle in thread stitching machines.

Auxiliary saddle and saddle are common expressions in the industry, and are intended to express that these are autonomously acting sub-transport sections, which, however, have an operational interdependence with respect to the transport of the printed sheets. The inventive method is operated integrally regardless of the starting position, whether pure "normal format" printed sheets are transported, or intermittently, i. as needed, "under-format" printed sheets are processed.

It is furthermore essential to the invention that the insertion of under-sized printed sheets into the normal-sized printed sheets can be extended to the effect that the first-mentioned printed sheets can be positioned respectively. location-specific within a book block can be positioned. This means that under-sized sheets in a book block compared to the normal format sheet either flush (flush left on the saddle in the transport run), flush (right-aligned on the saddle in the transport run), centered or arbitrarily positioned and can be attached, which here is assumed that the Saddle felt in the direction of transport seen from the front operated on the left of the auxiliary caliper.

The main advantage of the invention is the fact that the proposed delivery system is able to print sheets of different formats, respectively. different arc lengths within an uninterrupted production of the sewing station safely, correctly positioned and without loss of production supply.

Thus, according to the invention, the possibility is created here of hiding sub-sized printed sheets, offprint sheets or other insertions in a book or book block without having to interrupt the stapling process or to merge book parts in the subsequent course.

According to the invention, the following precautions are taken resp. Interdependent integrated into the delivery system:

The drive belonging to the auxiliary caliper drive chain, which has hitherto been mechanical or was rigidly adjusted by means of a multi-tooth clutch and a magnetic brake when setting to a specific format is preferably replaced by an asynchronous motor, which is controlled by a servo. This makes it possible to control the driver chain during production so that they can each set to the arc length of the currently located on the auxiliary saddle sheet. This happens at full production speed, so that the hitherto used components, such as drive, multi-tooth clutch, magnetic brake, can be omitted.

It should be mentioned that a predefined sequence of the printed sheets entering the central control is in the foreground. However, it is also possible to superimpose this process with punctual system changes or interventions. The controlled sequence also ensures that the intermediate necessary blank cycles can be inserted when introducing different printed sheets.

1. a) bei einem transportierten unterformatigen Druckbogen wird eine intertemporäre Beschleunigung der Mitnehmerkette ausgelöst;
2. b) im Nachgang der unterformatigen Druckbogen wird ein Leertakt ohne Zustellung eines Druckbogen eingeschaltet;
3. c) bei einem dem Leertakt folgenden normalformatigen Druckbogen wird eine gesteuerte Verzögerung der Mitnehmerkette ausgelöst.

It is also possible to provide a further detecting means within the transport path belonging to the auxiliary caliper, which triggers the following control steps:

1. a) in a transported unterformatigen printed sheet intertemporäre acceleration of the carrier chain is triggered;
2. b) in the wake of the under-format sheet a blank cycle is switched on without delivery of a sheet;
3. c) in a normal format sheet following the blank cycle, a controlled deceleration of the carrier chain is triggered.

Said detecting means may be readily operated independently, or it may be provided in redundancy with the predetermined sequence of the sheets to be transported.

A booklet to be stapled consists of, for example, ten printed sheets, for the sake of explanation it is assumed that 9 printed sheets are of normal size, that is, they have the same size of format, a printed sheet is assumed to be under-sized, this means a shorter sheet length. In this starting position, the pre-entry of all printed sheets is first done according to uniform principles, ie either head or foot side ahead. If the magazines are loaded individually or if the filing takes place by hand by way of exception, the initially defined sequences must always be strictly adhered to.

The book sewing machine directs its production, i. their bars, in the largest format to stapling. The delivery system leads the sheets one after the other from the magazine via an opener system astride the auxiliary saddle, where the single sheet is taken from the foot side by a driver element (driving finger) and forwarded until they can be taken over at the head end of a book saddle belonging sheet feeding system, the acquisition the print sheet is done on the head side. Immediately after this acquisition, the printed sheets are transported along the saddle with great acceleration. For the observer this process seems to proceed as if the sheets were pulled away from the auxiliary saddle or shot away by the belonging to the saddle stitch sheet feeding system.

This procedure remains unchanged until the withdrawal of a sub-sized sheet from the magazine is announced. In the following sequence, a blank sheet is then generated, ie, after the under-sized printing sheet is operated intertemporär with a blank cycle, in which immediately deducted no further sheet so that there is a gap in the transport run. The circumstances of this gap will be discussed further below.

Now, if the under-sized sheet in combination with the other sheets carries the number 5, this results in the following sheet order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 0 , 6, 7, 8, ..., where 0 here symbolizes the blank sheet. In the case of a blank sheet, the machine does not pull a sheet out of the magazine, so that a space or gap has arisen in the material flow along the transport path, which is then recognized in the stitching center of the sewing station and implemented as a blank stitch.

This recognition, resp. the predeterminant specification that sub-format printed sheets need to be transported, and then a blank must be switched on, triggers various processes:

When entering the sheet saddle belonging to the sheet insertion system, the sheets are preferably first detected head-side via a photocell. At this time, the distance between the driver element and Bogeneinschubsystem corresponds exactly to the set arc length of the normal format sheet. Now comes the sheet No. 5 with a Δ smaller arc length compared to that of the normal format sheet on the auxiliary saddle for transport, this sheet would be 5 conventional format setting by a length amount Δ later arrive at the saddle stitch, and therefore could not in the desired manner be detected by the sheet insertion system on the head side and transported on. It would then inevitably lead to a collision with the already in stapling position moving saddle, which would then lead to a stop of the system.

The collection of these format differences is accomplished by the delivery system in operative connection with a central controller as follows:

The independently driven driving chain now pushes the sheet over the associated driver element during the transport route on the auxiliary caliper to the Δ-length in the transport direction. This is done by an intertemporal acceleration of the driver chain. Once then the Δ-length amount caught up is, the carrier chain takes back their usual transport speed. With this measure, it is thus ensured that the under-sized sheet edge, which is the head side of the corresponding sheet, at the same time on the saddle stitch, as was the case earlier with respect to the normal-sized sheet, so that there detection confirms the proper production process and releases.

Thus, it can be achieved that the sheet insertion system of the saddle saddle can work independently of format by first a detection of the leading edge of the sheet and then a detection of the trailing edge is made, the respective confirmation that the trailing edge of the respective sheet the transition between auxiliary saddle and stitch saddle time correct Warranty means that both under-sized and normal-sized press sheets are positioned accurately and holistically on the book saddle.

During the following empty cycle 0, after the under-format sheet, the carrier chain automatically resets itself to the original length of the normal-sized sheet due to a negative acceleration (deceleration). The Δ-length amount is now reset by the now slower moving sheet transport again, so that the delivery system has again taken on the normal format printed sheet related original state.

If now follow multiple sheets 5 in a row, then fall the negative accelerations first off, and related to the number of consecutive sheet 5 empty cycles 0 initially also fall away.

If successive under-sized printed sheets have different sheet lengths, production can still be made continuous by switching on appropriate empty cycles, in which a respective acceleration / deceleration of the carrier chain is carried out in relation to the sheet lengths of the printed sheets to be processed. Incidentally, it is always possible to reposition the delivery system by using empty bars. According to the invention, depending on the position of the under-sized printed sheet compared to the normal-sized sheet in the transport run assigned to each printed sheet of the book block a defined stroke. This can either be specified manually on the control panel of the controller, or it is calculated from the JDF data of the order ticket information, or controlled by printed on the sheet at least one bar code, the operating unit for this purpose transmits the incoming information, for example, a servomotor become.

In detail, the recording of the different signature formats will proceed as follows: First, the stroke distance X is assigned to a normal format signature. A sub-format printed sheet, which is to be attached flush with the head (left-justified in the transport run), is logically assigned the stroke distance X as well. It can now be moved to optimize the movements of the book saddle immediately after the detection of the trailing edge of this sheet against the sewing center.

A sub-sized sheet to be centered, flush with the feet (right-aligned in the transport run) or attached as desired within the book block, the stroke distance X-Y is assigned, wherein the value Y in this case corresponds to the selected distance of the lower format sheet compared to Kopfbündigkeit the normal format sheet.

The delivery system according to the invention has the following advantages:

In principle, the manual activities of the operator can be completely eliminated with the subject according to the invention; at most, such interventions tend towards zero. On the one hand, this ensures that the safety regulations against accidents can be complied with. On the other hand, it is ensured that by carelessness of the operator not incorrectly composed book blocks are produced.

If, however, the possibility of manual intervention is not entirely waived, it must be provided for this purpose that the driver element, or the driver elements with complementary driver chains, be protected by profile parts, so that the operator of the machine during manual operation of these driver elements can not be detected.

However, with special types of book blocks, it can easily make sense to place certain sub-sized sheets manually on the auxiliary saddle. When driving in this mode, the previously set cycle sequence of the thread sewing machine intervenes, in that the machine switches on a stop in the sense of an idle cycle in order to insert such a printed sheet. After the appropriate sheet has been inserted, the machine resumes its original production. Since the auxiliary saddle of the thread stitching machine can be adequately secured, for example, by a protective door with circuit breaker and acknowledgment sensors, the operator of the machine is at no time in danger.

The main advantage of the invention is also to be seen in the fact that a device is provided which enables fully automatic, positional arbitrary positioning of under-sized signature on the saddle within a normal-sized book block.

All to be bound sheets, even the unterformatigen, are always at the same time (machine angle) at the entrance of the book saddle belonging sheet insertion system, such that the forward direction of each sheet passes in the conveying direction the transition between auxiliary saddle and stitch saddle time correct.

The sensor for controlling the servomotor for the operation of the sheet insertion system has a mechanically defined position within the transport path and is not adjustable, thus ensuring that a reproducibility in the processes is ensured.

All to be bound sheet a travel (stroke) is assigned, which can be different depending on the desired position within the book. It is also possible to process books of different formats with or without under-sized printing sheets in the sequence. The number and position of the sub-format sheets are arbitrary and can vary from book to book. Such books can be conventionally printed or digitally produced, with the latter method, the requirements for "on demand" books are particularly advantageous to bear.

The information on the travel distance (stroke distance) can be manually via Commander or via printed on the sheet (barcode) or RFID radio chips that are incorporated into the sheet or from a higher-level control system (eg: via JDF data), or off a database are transmitted to the control of the Bogeneinschubssystems.

An adjustable stop located on the saddle is intended to be used preferably for the largest to be printed sheet of the respective book block, in which case it must be selected whether the head-side positioning of the introduced sheet only by the stop or by the Control certain travel is created, and if at best, a redundancy between the two arrangements is provided.

Indesssen, according to the invention can also provide advantageous that the stitching saddle is provided with an adjustable and motor-driven stop which can take a different position on the stitch saddle at each machine cycle by automatic adjustment, the capture of this situation only in the alternative in cooperation with the respective given by the control travel can be used, if necessary, only in a redundant manner.

However, the prerequisite for such an operation is always that even the under-sized printing sheets are always at the entrance of the sheet insertion system at the same time. Therefore, the detection or at least the presence of the sheet at this point for the operation of the whole book sewing machine of great importance.

An advantageous embodiment of the stop can also consist in that positive studded belt can be used, such knobs in the conveying direction precede the sheet, and can serve as a freely positionable stop in arbitrary position on the saddle when arbitrary positional stop the system.

The delivery system described here in connection with a book sewing machine can also be applied to pure saddle stitchers, where it is not a thread printed with printed sheets or other supplements with different format lengths not thread-stitched produce, but feet to transport and head end position accurately on.

A format change can take place automatically at full machine speed within the production, regardless of whether it is smaller or larger press sheet sizes.

With the aid of the system according to the invention, it is possible to position under-format printed sheets with a shorter back length within a book block in a position-adjustable and fully automatic manner, which up to now was only possible manually. Thus, the system according to the invention also offers the possibility of dispensing with attacks in principle, or to include them selectively only where it makes sense.

Advantageous and expedient developments of the inventive task solution are characterized in the further dependent claims.

Brief description of the figures

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. All features that are immaterial to the instant understanding of the invention have been omitted. Identical features are provided in the various figures with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1

die miteinander in Transportrichtung der Druckbogen in Wirkverbindung stehenden Hilfssattel und Heftsattel, wobei sich auf dem Hilfssattel ein normalformatiger und nachfolgend ein unterformatiger Druckbogen befinden;

Fig. 2

eine Transportsituation, bei welcher sich der normalformatige Druckbogen teilweise auf dem Heftsattel befindet, während der unterformatige Druckbogen auf dem Hilfssattel transportiert wird;

Fig. 3

eine nachfolgende weitere Transportsituation, bei welcher der normalformatige Druckbogen seine Endposition auf dem Heftsattel erreicht hat;

Fig. 4

eine nachfolgende weitere Transportsituation, bei welcher der unterformatige Druckbogen auf dem Hilfssattel eine ihm zugewiesene Endposition erreicht hat.

It shows:

Fig. 1

standing with each other in the transport direction of the sheet in operative connection auxiliary saddle and stitch saddle, which are on the auxiliary saddle a normal format and subsequently a sub-sized sheet;

Fig. 2

a transport situation in which the normal format signature is partially on the saddle while the sub-format signature is transported on the auxiliary saddle;

Fig. 3

a subsequent further transport situation in which the normal-sized sheet has reached its final position on the saddle stitch;

Fig. 4

a subsequent further transport situation in which the under-sized signature on the auxiliary saddle has reached an end position assigned to it.

Ways to carry out the invention, industrial usability

Fig. 1 shows a transport path for sheet, which is located between an opener system not shown in detail and a sewing station 300 also not shown in detail. This transport route consists of an auxiliary saddle 1 and a secondary stitch saddle 2. Auxiliary saddle 1 and stitch saddle 2 are autonomously acting partial transport sections; but they have a compelling interdependence on each other for the transport of the printed sheets, ie, they are in operative operative connection with one another. This initial situation is in itself independent of whether pure "normal-sized" printed sheets 100 or whether intermittently "under-sized" printed sheets 200 are transported.

However, the terminology chosen for "normal" and "under-format" states nothing more than that the normal sized sheets have a uniform dimension that coincides with the actual size of the book block. The under-sized printing sheets are those printed sheets, which have a smaller dimensioning compared to the normal format sheet. In principle, the under-sized printing sheets can have deviations both in terms of their sheet length and their sheet width, wherein the sheet width does not come into play here in the inventive transport.

It is therefore about superficially continuous sheet with different arc lengths, which can usually be incurred individually or intermittently, continuously edit, without having to stop the transport system or to have to incorporate other measures.

In the present transport system, it is irrelevant which cadence is used as the basis, and after which intermittent the different printing sheets follow each other. In principle, therefore, the under-sized printed sheets can occur distributed over the entire book block, or form a coherent package within the book block.

The FIG. 1 shows what is important here when transporting astride printed sheets with different bow lengths. First is in the FIG. 1 It can be seen that the auxiliary caliper 1 has an autonomous promotion of the printing sheets 100, 200, which ensures the positionally correct further promotion in the sheet transport direction 4 sustainably by a motor 3 with rotary encoder and sprocket. The initial transport of the sheet to the auxiliary caliper 1 is not shown in detail; also not shown in more detail is the Öffnersystem in which the sheets are opened and then by a likewise not shown conveyor belt, along which the sheets 100, 200 detected non-positively and further transported. These elements are known to the person skilled in the art.

If then the sheets have been advanced at least over their entire arc length on the auxiliary saddle 1, engages for further stable position promotion of this sheet a driven by the said motor 3 rotating cam follower 5, which is called with spaced apart driving elements 6, also driving finger equipped ,

The fact that the sheets lie astride the auxiliary saddle, their capture can easily accomplish by the driver 6, since each driver element 6 acts only on a signature that is detected by the driver element 6 laterally and below the back of the sheet. The driver element 6 thus pushes forward in time the printed sheet recorded along the base of the auxiliary saddle 1 in the direction of the saddle 2 of the saddle.

Here shows the FIG. 1 flash-like a position of the transported normal-sized sheet 100, which at the end of the auxiliary caliper 1 resp. immediately before the saddle 2 is located. In this position, the sheet 100 is thus at the point of engagement of a saddle 2 belonging Bogeneinschubsystems 7. The sheet 100 is thus first pushed by the driver 6 towards Bogeneinschubsystem 7, where the sheet is then from the driven by a servo motor 9 Bogeneinschubsystem 7 head-side taken over resp. recorded and carried on the saddle 2 with acceleration on. The saddle 2 is located during this process carried out by the Bogeneinschubsystem 7 transport process in a so-called loading position.

It should be noted that the saddle 2 has a lower side Vorsattel 8, which basically performs the vertical movement of the saddle 2; the final pivotal movement of the saddle 2 loaded with the signature to the sewing station 300, not shown in more detail, is usually performed by a top part 10 belonging to the saddle 2. This means that the stitching saddle 2 leads from its loading position the printed sheets to the sewing station 300 via a vertical / pivotable movement.

The FIG. 1 shows further that the next sheet 200 with a sub-sized sheet length coming from the opener system 4 has already reached the auxiliary caliper 1, this sheet 200 is also detected in the same manner as the previous normal-sized sheet 100 by a next follower element 6 and transported ahead , First of all, however, the leading standard-sized printed sheet 100 must have been handed over to the saddle 2 in line with the cycle.

For this purpose, a control function is provided, which consists of a sensor 11 detecting at the end of the auxiliary caliper 1, which detects a correct absolute position of the respective printed sheet by first detecting its front edge. If the detected detection confirms that both conditions (position and qualification of the printed sheet are given, then the incoming printed sheet, here in FIG. 1 shown as a sheet 100, neatly passed to the loading saddle 2 located in loading position. The printed sheet 100, which is detected on the head side by the sheet insertion system 7, is then transported on the saddle 2 with the implementation of a strong acceleration and conveyed further into the region of an end position, from where this sheet is subsequently fed to the sewing station 300. The same sensor 11 also continuously detects that the foot-side edge of the respective printed sheet has passed this position at the end of the auxiliary caliper 1 in conformity with the clock.

After detection of the position and presence of the sheet by the sensor 11, a further sensor 12 having a defined position is disposed in operative connection with the sheet insertion system 7 at its inlet, which is connected to the control of the servomotor 9, which, as already mentioned , forms the drive of the trained example with a pair of belts Bogeneinschubsystem 7. If the sensor 12 detects the printed sheet, a signal is sent to the control of the servomotor 9, with the aid of a curve assigned to the printed sheet, to travel down a travel path X. The travel X is normally slightly longer than the back length of the maximum format of the book block to be stapled, so the normal size, so the back length of the book block. As already mentioned, the servo motor 9 accelerates the printed sheet first and brakes it towards the end of the travel path X and brings it to a standstill there.

The system for detecting the printed sheets can also be supplemented by a further reading device 14, which reads in the stroke associated with the printed sheet, and then transmits this information to an automation device, as is known FIG. 2 , Pos. 16.

Furthermore, the example shown here goes according to FIG. 1 assuming that the printing sheets 100, 200 along the auxiliary caliper 1 are pushed forward on the foot side by the entrainment elements 6, and which are then grasped on the head side by the sheet insertion system 7 of the binding saddle 2. However, such a position specification is not necessarily to be understood, because the sheets could also be delivered by the opener system 4 rotated 180 °, then the effected by the driver elements 6 sliding along the auxiliary caliper 2 would be done on the head side, and the sheets would then logically fussseitig by the Sheet insertion system 7 detected and transported along the saddle stitch 2 on.

In principle, the positioning of the individual printed sheets on the saddle, whether they are normal-sized or undersized, can be accomplished exclusively by the control, whereby in extreme cases this control can also continuously specify a changed position of the individual printed sheets.

With certain specifications, the positioning of the individual printed sheets can also be achieved exclusively by activating at least one stop.
Thus, in principle, it is also possible to operate with a stop 13 which marks on the saddle 2 the head-side end position of the normal-sized printing sheet 100, and possibly also forms a stop point of a lower-format printing sheet 200, which is positioned flush with the head, ie left-aligned.

In addition, the predetermined by the stop positioning of the individual sheets can also accomplish not unterzufündig certain undersize printed sheet by the attack by the controller, according to the size and the position to be taken of the corresponding sheet in conjunction with the rest, assume its position. The stop can thus change its position continuously by essentially horizontal displacements. It is also possible that the stop in the correct place at the right time from the book saddle pops up from the saddle.

In principle, a combination of the two described positioning systems can be used as well, whereby the main application of the one system in combination with the other on a case-by-case basis. Thus, for example, the head-side positioning of a normal-sized signature can be accomplished solely by the controller, and, for example, achieve the foot-side or intermediate positioning of a sub-format signature via the activation of the stop. Reverse procedures are of course also possible.

The two positioning systems can also be used in a redundant manner.

With such a specification, the procedure is as follows in terms of control technology. Since the under-sized signature 200 has a Δ smaller arc length compared to the normal-sized sheet 100, is the next clock compliant incoming driver 6 by the amount too far from the lower format sheet 200, because this driver element 6 still on the normal format of the previous sheet 100th is set. In order for the driver element 6 to be used to catch the leading under-sized printed sheet 200, the driver chain 5 is correspondingly accelerated by the motor 3, which may preferably also be an asynchronous motor, ie, an additional is provided by the intertemporal acceleration Compensated for the Δ-amount compared to the machine speed. As a result, the underside printed sheet 200 located on the auxiliary saddle 1 is pushed further by an additional Δ-path in the direction of the sheet insertion system 7, this Δ amount corresponding to the arc length difference of the two printed sheets 100, 200 relative to each other. As a result, the position of the under-sized printing sheet 200 shifts holistically by the difference Δ, which makes up the sheet-length difference between the two printing sheets 100 and 200.
The information by which difference Δ the carrier chain must be additionally moved, the controller takes the data belonging to the corresponding sheet from the data available to it, or it is used by the sensor 14 outgoing signal to determine the length of the sub-format sheet.

As a result of the acceleration transmitted by the motor 3 to the carrier chain 5, the driver element 6 in use picks up the difference in the sheet length by the difference Δ, and then continues at the original machine speed. This is achieved by this intertemporal acceleration that the said driver element 6 can catch up with the underprint sheet 200 targeted.

In the gaps between the individual sheets, the saddle 2 is driven integrally, ie, including its elements, by a vertical / pivoting movement to the sewing station 300 and back.

The acceleration triggered by the sheet insertion system 7 and acting on the print sheets is preferably accomplished by the already mentioned servomotor 9, which immediately goes to high acceleration after detection of the print sheet. Towards the end of the transport path determined on the saddle 2, a delay occurs so that the edges of the transported signature do not hit too hard against the stop 13 provided there. This stop serves as a head-side alignment of all there incoming sheet before they are fed to the sewing station 300. If small differences can be tolerated in the alignment of the printed sheets, it is also possible to work without making use of a stop, which can be considered in the case of printing sheets made of thin paper.

If the under-sized printing sheets 200 are not to be aligned flush with the other normal-sized printing sheets 100, for example, by aligning or placing the under-format printing sheets on the feet, this can be achieved by moving the predetermined position through a dynamically movable sheet aligned to the under-sized printing sheets Stop is created.

A further possibility according to the invention is that the end position of the under-sized printing sheet is achieved by the control of the drive unit which is in operative connection with the saddle 2, compared with the normal-format printed sheet, ie without the use of a stop.

As a further possibility, the invention provides for the respective positioning of the normal-sized and under-sized printed sheets 100, 200 on the book saddle 2 by a coordination between position creation by pure drive and / or by stop.

FIG. 2 shows the essential elements of a control system, which draw for a control-dependent positioning of the unterformatigen sheets within a composite of normal format sheet.

Each printed sheet of the book block to be stapled is assigned a defined travel distance (stroke distance). This stroke distance can be achieved either manually or via information printed on the printed sheet (barcode) 15 or from a higher-order control unit (external) of at least one servomotor.

A normal format sheet 100 is assigned the stroke distance X. A sub-format sheet 200 to be flush-mounted (left-justified) is also assigned the stroke X (See FIG. 3 ). A sub-format sheet to be centered, flush-mounted (right-justified) or stapled anywhere within the book block is assigned the stroke X - Y (See FIG. 4 ). The value Y in this case corresponds to the selected distance of the under-sized printing sheet 200 with respect to the head stop of the normal-sized printing sheet 100.

The idea of the invention will become apparent from the following example.

A too book block has a back length of 400 mm and consists of 20 printed sheets. Of these, 17 printed sheets are "normal format" with 400 mm back length and 3 printed sheets are undersized with 300 mm back length. These 3 sub-format sheets are, for example, the 5th, 11th and 16th sheet within the book block to be stapled.

The 5th printed sheet should be positioned flush with the head (left-aligned) within the book block. The 11th printed sheet should be positioned in the middle of the book block and the 16th printed sheet should be flush-mounted (right-justified).

The travel X (stroke distance) of the normal format sheet is z. B. 600 mm (transport distance + arc length). The stroke length of the sheet No. 5 is also 600 mm. At the end of the transport route is, as already under FIG. 1 explained in detail, a mechanical stop, to which the normal-sized sheet and the left-aligned or head-side unterformatigen sheets can strike, so it does not necessarily have to rely on the positioning by a controlled path.

The stroke distance of sheet no.11 is 550 mm (transport distance + arc length - half the arc length difference). The stroke length of the printing sheet No. 16 is 500 mm (transport distance + arc length - sheet length difference). Thus, these sheets do not come into contact with the head-end mechanical stop, but must therefore be positioned freely, and stopped at their assigned position and held by traction in this position. This means that print sheet no. 5 is left-aligned, print sheet no. 11 is centered and print sheet no. 16 is right-justified within a book block.

The following procedure describes the travel path of a normal-sized printing sheet 100 with a back length of 300 mm on the saddle and in the subsequent cycle the travel of a sub-sized sheet 200 with a back length of 230 mm. This sheet should be attached 35 mm from the head stop of the normal format sheet. This means that the sheet should be placed in the middle of the book block as a result:

Sheet 100 is assigned a stroke distance of 500 mm. Sheet 200 is assigned a stroke of 465 mm. This information is either entered manually into the controller (Commander) 17, printed on the printed sheet (bar code) 15 and read via a sheet recognition system (eg ASIR) or bar code reader 14 or transmitted to the controller via RFID chips incorporated into the paper plus associated reading device , As already described above, the data can also be taken from a database or data extracted from a superordinate control system can be calculated from the JDF data.

Based on the following example, the positioning of the printed sheets with different arc lengths will be discussed in more detail.

A machine cycle in which a printed sheet is applied and stapled corresponds to 360 °. The specified machine angle degrees indicate the position of the machine within the cycle, they are only to be understood as guideline values and can overlap each other as long as the transport of the sheet does not lead to disturbances.
1st cycle: 230 °: Sheet 100 reaches the entrance of the Bogeneinschubsystems 7 and is checked by a sensor 11 for presence and then transported. 270 °: Sheet 100 is mechanically captured by the slide-in belts of the sheet-fed system. 275 °: The sensor 12 of the servo motor 9 detects the sheet 100 and gives a signal to the control of the servomotor 9 now to the sheet 100 associated travel of 500 mm. 276 ° - 60 °: The printing sheet 100 is moved by 500 mm, transported to the saddle 2 and then stopped. Approximately 40 ° - 235 °: The saddle 2 pivots in the stapling center and the sheet 100 is stapled. Then the saddle 2 returns to its original position and the process begins again.
2nd cycle: 230 °: Sheet 200 reaches the entrance of the Bogeneinschubsystems and is checked by the sensor 11 for presence and then transported on, as well as above FIG. 1 has been described in detail. 270 °: Sheet 200 is, as already described, also mechanically detected by the slide-in belt of the sheet insertion system. 275 °: The sensor 12 of the servomotor 9 detects the sheet 200 and gives a signal to the control of the servo motor 9 now to the sheet 200 associated travel of 465 mm. 276 ° - 60 °: The sheet 200 is moved by 465 mm, transported to the saddle 2 and then stopped. About 40 ° - 235 °: The saddle 2 pivots into the stapling center and the sheet 200 is stapled. Then the saddle moves back into its starting position and the process begins again.

Sheet 200 was offset by 35 mm from the printed sheet 100 attached and is based on the supine position, exactly in the middle of the book block.

The procedure is analogous if the positioning of the under-sized printing sheet 200 is to adopt a different position relative to the normal-format printed sheet 100, as a result of which different traverse paths are to be run.

According to the invention, it is now possible to position under-format sheets with a shorter back length within a book block in a position-adjustable and fully automatic manner.

The system is also suitable for providing that the auxiliary saddle 1 can be equipped with two independently operating driving chains, wherein one driving chain operates exclusively for the normal-sized printing sheets, while the newly provided driving chain specifically transports the under-format printing sheets, and consequently only intervenes, when it comes to conveying under-sized printing sheets. Of course, the first driver chain then has to be in active contact with the second in terms of the clock, so that the saddle is not overwhelmed by a too fast delivery of printed sheets.

Claims (23)

1. Method of operating a book sewing machine for processing printed sheets into book blocks, the book sewing machine comprising, in essence, a transporting system (1,2) for the printed sheets and a stitching station (300) connected downstream thereof, the transporting system comprising, in essence, a first transporting line (1) on which the printed sheets are transported while resting down astride and are fed to a second transporting line (2), and the printed sheets being fed from this second transporting line (2) to the stitching station, the first transporting line (1) being operated by at least one conveying mechanism (5) which is responsible for the onward transport of the printed sheets (100, 200) to the second transporting line (2), the second transporting line (2) being operated by a conveying means (7) for the continuing transport of the printed sheets, and the conveying means (7) within the second transporting line (2) being operated by means of a control system and/or being operatively connected to at least one stop (13), which control system and/or stop ensure that at least one undersized printed sheet (200) is individually positioned relative to the normal-sized printed sheets (100) within a book block, characterised in that the conveying mechanism (5) of the first transporting line (1) is operated with a change of speed as a function of the direct sequence of different lengths of the printed sheets (100, 200).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the individual positioning of the undersized printed sheets (200) relates to a position to which they are moved in such a way that they are flush with the normal sized sheets (100) at the head end or foot end or are in an intermediate position.
3. Method according to claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the positioning of the stop (13), which is related to the particular size of the printed sheet, is achieved by means of a controlled horizontal or quasi-horizontal movement along the length of the second transporting line (2), and/or the stop produces the positioning by means of a controlled vertical or quasi-vertical movement out of the plane of the second transporting line.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that in the change of speed there is an acceleration of the undersized printed sheets (200) which are intermittently transported along the first transporting line (1) and a deceleration when the transport of a normal-sized sheet (100) again occurs.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that, at the transitions within the first transporting line (1), between the first and second transporting lines (1, 2) and within the second transporting line (2), there are means (11, 12) present for detecting the local position and timing of the printed sheets (100, 200) which pass these points, and in that the signals sensed by this detection are fed to a central control system (16) by which the book sewing machine is operated.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the control system (16) confirms, on the basis of the incoming signals detected, that the operation of the book sewing machine is to continue or, if there are faults in the transport of the printed sheets (100, 200), triggers a shutdown of the book sewing machine.
7. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a further detecting means within the first transporting line (1) performs the following control operations:

   a) if an undersized printed sheet (200) is transported, an interposed acceleration of the entraining chain belonging to the first transporting line (1) is triggered,

   b) in succession to the undersized sheet (200), a no-sheet cycle is inserted in which a printed sheet is not fed in,

   c) if a normal-sized printed sheet (100) follows the no-sheet cycle, a deceleration is triggered of the entraining chain belonging to the conveying mechanism (5).
8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the acceleration and deceleration of the entraining chain belonging to the conveying mechanism (5) are so designed that the differences in length between a normal-sized and an undersized printed sheet, or between an undersized and a normal-sized printed sheet, as the case may be, are compensated for within the distance of travel along the first transporting line (1), in such a way that at least that edge of the printed sheet which is leading in the direction of conveyance passes the transition between the first and second transporting lines (1, 2) at the correct point in the cycle timing in relation to the preset cycle of the second transporting line.
9. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the first transporting line (1) is operated by two entraining chains, in that the first entraining chain is used for transporting the normal-sized printed sheets (100) and in that the second entraining chain is used for transporting the undersized printed sheets (200).
10. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that, if a printed sheet is placed on the first transporting line (1) manually, the book sewing machine stops after a predetermined sequence of control operations and starts again when a manual operation has been entirely completed.
11. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the transporting system (1, 2) is operated by means of a control system and/or is operatively connected to at least one stop (13), in such a way that book blocks of different sizes which comprise normal-sized sheets throughout or which are provided with undersized printed sheets are processed.
12. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the transporting system (1, 2) is operated by means of a control system and/or is operatively connected to at least one stop (13), in such a way that the book blocks of the same or different sizes are provided with undersized printed sheets in the same or different quantities, and/or in the same or different positions, and/or of the same or different sizes.
13. Book sewing machine for carrying out a method of processing printed sheets into book blocks, the book sewing machine comprising, in essence, a transporting system for the printed sheets and a stitching station connected downstream thereof, the transporting system comprising, in essence, a first transporting line on which the printed sheets can be transported while resting down astride and can be fed to a second transporting line, the printed sheets on the second transporting line being able to be fed to the stitching station, the first transporting line (1) being equipped with at least one conveying mechanism (5) which effects the onward transport of the printed sheets (100, 200) to the second transporting line (2), the second transporting line (2) being equipped with a conveying means (7) for the continuing transport of the printed sheets, and the conveying mechanism (5) of the first transporting line (1) being able to be operated with a change of speed as a function of the direct sequence of different lengths of the printed sheets (100, 200), and the conveying means (7) within the second transporting line (2) having a control system and/or being operatively connected to at least one stop (13), which control system and/or stop ensure that at least one undersized printed sheet (200) is individually positioned relative to the normal-sized sheets (100) within a book block.
14. Book sewing machine according to claim 13, characterised in that the first transporting line (1) takes the form of an auxiliary saddle and the second transporting line (2) that of a sewing saddle.
15. Book sewing machine according to claim 13, characterised in that the sequence of the printed sheets (100, 200) is fixed in a predetermined manner or can be altered in the course of the process.
16. Book sewing machine according to claim 13, characterised in that the means (11) for detecting the position of the printed sheets is a photocell, and in that the signals detected can be used directly for the operation of the book sewing machine.
17. Book sewing machine according to claim 13, characterised in that the conveying mechanism (5) comprises in essence an entraining chain which has entraining fingers (6).
18. Book sewing machine according to claim 13, characterised in that an acceleration or a deceleration is characteristic of the change of speed of the entraining chain belonging to the conveying mechanism (5).
19. Book sewing machine according to claims 13 and 14, characterised in that the movement of the sewing saddle (2) relative to the stitching station (300) comprises a combined vertical/pivotable movement in translation.
20. Book sewing machine according to claims 13 and 14, characterised in that a characteristic of the driving of the conveying means (7) operatively connected to the sewing saddle (2) is an acceleration applied to the incoming printed sheets (100, 200).
21. Book sewing machine according to claim 20, characterised in that the conveying means (7) is driven by a motor or an inserting roller.
22. Book sewing machine according to one or more of claims 13 to 21, characterised in that the sewing saddle (2) has, at an end, a stop for positioning the printed sheets (100, 200) which arrive at it, which stop is movable axially or quasi-axially or fixed.
23. Book sewing machine according to one or more of claims 13 to 22, characterised in that the auxiliary saddle (1) is equipped with two entraining chains, in that the first entraining chain transports the normal-sized printed sheets (100), and in that the second entraining chain transports the undersized printed sheets (200).

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