EP2774773B1 - Device and method for stapling together printed products - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device and a method for stapling printed products with at least one stapling head slidably mounted on a stapling carriage and with at least one position detecting device connected to a machine control of the device and cooperating with the at least one stapling head for detecting the actual position of the stapling head at least one stapling head and with at least one Einrichtungshilfe for positioning the at least one stapling head in a desired position.

In print finishing, printed products are often stapled with staples using a wire stitching device for this purpose. Wire staplers each have a stapling head and a clincher with which the stapling operation is performed. The stapling process includes feeding a wire, cutting a blank, stapling, piercing the printed product to be stapled with the staple, and bending the two staple legs.

A stapling carriage with at least one stapling head is movably mounted in a section of the stapling device which is designed, for example, as a saddle stitcher and staples the printed sheets of the printed products to be stapled while the stapling device continues to run, that is the stapling carriage moves synchronously with the staples during stapling stapling printed products. Thus, the transport movement is not stopped, but the printed products are stapled in motion.

Depending on the format of the printed products, different numbers of staples are to be applied at different locations. For stapling printed products with different formats, the stapling device used must be set to the format of each printed product to be stapled, resulting in relatively long Downtime of the stapler leads, or it must be kept ready for each format of the printed product set with respect to the appropriate format stapler, resulting in high costs.

In the prior art, methods and devices are known with which stapling heads are positioned by the service personnel in accordance with the specifications of a machine control with the aid of a scale. The saddle stitcher "Primera" by Muller Martini, for example, specifies a number of staples and their position based on a production order. The machine control of the stapling device calculates the number and the position of the stapling heads on a stapling carriage from the position of the staples defined in the production order and outputs the calculated values on a central display. A machine operator now places, with the aid of the values read from the display of the machine control, the stapling heads of the stapling device on the stapling carriage, which has such a scale for this purpose. This setup process involves the risk of errors occurring either during reading or when transferring the values, which can lead to incorrectly stapled printed products.

From the EP916515 A1 is a stapler for stapling printed products with at least one stapling head and each associated with a Umbieger known, in which the stapling head and the Umbieger are each arranged on a separate receiving element which is detachably attached to the stapling device. To convert the stapler from a previous format to a subsequent format, dedicated quick-release devices must be loosened and the stapling heads used for the previous format removed and replaced with the stapling heads aligned according to the subsequent format. The stitching heads are removed together with their stapling carriage from the stapler and aligned on the stapling carriage so that the staples are finally introduced by means of stapling heads at the desired location in the printed product to be stapled. This alignment also takes place here on the basis of a scale on the stitching carriage, by means of which the stitching heads are aligned in accordance with the positions known for the respective format of the printed products to be processed. Subsequently, the stitching heads must be re-installed in the stapler. Also at This relatively time-consuming type of setup, the error sources above occur because the machine operator must read the values to be set first and then align the stitching heads on the basis of the scale on the stitching carriage. In addition, a greater amount of time and effort is required to adjust the stapling head and the associated Umbieger each separately from each other on a separate scale.

From the DE10354362 A1 ( EP 1 422 074 A1 1) for stapling printed products with at least two stapling heads fastened on a stapling head unit, in which the spacing of the stapling heads from one another is adjustable by a drive unit. Depending on the type and size of printed products to be stapled, a different distance between the stitching heads relative to one another can be adjusted by motor. Although this conversion of such a saddle stitching machine can be done faster, but there are other sources of error, since no direct control of the position of the stitching heads is provided during setup. This solution also allows a common positioning of stapling head and Umbieger by their arrangement on a jointly movable stitching carriage.

The invention has for its object to provide means for a device and a method of the type mentioned, which allow a simple, fast to be performed and accurate positioning of stapling heads of a stapler. This should optimize the setup time and reduce it to a minimum.

This object is achieved by a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 7 by the characterizing features. In this case, the position detection device is designed as an electronic scale, wherein the Einrichtungshilfe is arranged on the stapling head or in the region of the stapling head. The Einrichtungshilfe has a signaling device with which an adjustment and / or a Verstellwert for adjusting the stapling head in the desired position can be displayed, wherein the at least one stapling head on the stapling carriage according to the displayed adjustment direction and / or the adjustment value in the target Position is displaceable.

The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic scale is designed for carrying out a capacitive measurement. The small dimensions of such capacitive measuring devices are advantageous. In a further embodiment, the electronic scale comprises a sensor arrangement with a plurality of measuring electrodes. This can be done, for example, a simultaneous and therefore faster position detection of multiple stitching heads. Because the stapling head is displaceable during its positioning relative to the sensor arrangement, a permanent location of this stapling head can take place.

In a preferred embodiment, when the signaling device has a direction indicator and / or an end point indicator, this facilitates accurate positioning of the stitching heads. An even more accurate positioning is made possible in a further embodiment in which the signaling device has a numerical display for outputting a value less than or greater than zero before reaching the desired position of the stapling head and a value equal to zero upon reaching the desired position of the stapling head ,

With the method according to the invention, a positional adjustment of at least one stapling head on a stapling carriage takes place according to a production order. For this purpose, an adjustment direction or an adjustment value for the adjustment of the at least one stitching head in the desired position is displayed on the at least one stitching head or in the region of the at least one stitching head. Thereupon, the at least one stapling head is moved by the operator into the desired position in accordance with the indicated adjustment direction and / or the adjustment value.

In one embodiment of the inventive method, the detection of the actual position of the at least one stitching head is performed capacitively. For detecting the actual position of the at least one stapling head, a sensor arrangement with a plurality of measuring electrodes is advantageously used.

In a development of the method, the capacitance against the stapling head is measured at each measuring electrode, the actual position of the at least one stapling head being determined by a mathematical evaluation, in particular an interpolation, of the individual measured values. It is advantageous before reaching the desired position of the stapling head, a direction indicator and when reaching the desired position of the stapling head an end point display. This type of display facilitates the establishment of a stapling head in a desired position. In a further embodiment, a value smaller or greater than zero is displayed on an optical signal device before reaching the desired position of the stapling head, and a value equal to zero is displayed numerically when the desired position of the stapling head is reached. To set the stapling head on the stapling carriage, a numerical value can advantageously be used here.

Advantageously, a stitching station for stitching printed products is equipped with at least one device according to the invention or a saddle stitcher with at least one such stitching station.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Seitenansicht auf einen Bereich einer Vorrichtung zum Heften von Druckprodukten mit einer Positionierung nach dem Stand der Technik,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zum Heften von Druckprodukten mit einer Positionserkennungseinrichtung und einer Einrichtungshilfe,

Fig. 3

Komponenten der Positionserkennungseinrichtung,

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung des Messverfahrens,

Fig. 5

eine Wirkungsdarstellung der Positionserkennung eines Heftkopfes,

Fig. 6

eine analoge Anzeige der Einrichtungshilfe und

Fig. 7

eine digitale Anzeige der Einrichtungshilfe.

In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to the drawing, to which reference is expressly made with respect to all details essential to the invention and details of which are not further described. All elements not essential to the instant understanding of the invention have been omitted. The same elements are provided in the individual figures with the same reference numerals. It shows:

Fig. 1

1 is a schematic representation of a side view of a portion of a device for stapling printed products with a positioning according to the prior art,

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of a side view of the inventive device for stapling printed products with a position detection device and a Einrichtungshilfe,

Fig. 3

Components of the position detection device,

Fig. 4

a representation of the measuring method,

Fig. 5

an effect representation of the position detection of a stapling head,

Fig. 6

an analogue display of the installation help and

Fig. 7

a digital display of the setup help.

Embodiment of the invention

In the in Fig. 1 shown area of a device 1 according to the prior art for stapling printed products 2, a stapling head 3 is shown, which is slidably mounted on a stapling carriage 7. In a designed as a recess 17 receiving device of the stitching carriage 7 designed as a mechanical scale 52 position detection device 5 is arranged. According to a specific production order, several such stitching heads 3 can be arranged side by side on the stitching carriage 7 as required. A first position of the stapling head 3 is identified by a read actual value 56. A second position of the stapling head 3 is characterized by a predetermined desired value 57. This predetermined target value 57 is displayed in accordance with a production order on a display 55 of a machine control 4.

An operator 51 now reads first the actual value 56 for the position of the stapling head 3 directly on the mechanical scale 52, goes to the used as Einrichtungshilfe 8 display 55 of the machine control 4 and compares the read actual value 56 with a on the display Returned to the stitching slide 7, the operator 51 shifts the stapling head 3 in accordance with the previously read setpoint value 57 until it detects a corresponding desired value 58 on the mechanical scale 52. This sets a nominal position 53 of the stapling head 3. The displacement is shown by a dash-dotted arrow. The farther the display 55 is away from the stapling carriage 7, the greater the distance that the operator 51 has traveled and the more greater are both the time required for it and the possible sources of error.

In the in Fig. 2 shown inventive device 1 for stapling printed products 2, a stapling head 3 is shown, which is slidably mounted on a stapling carriage 7. In a likewise designed as a recess 17 receiving device of the stitching carriage 7, here a position detection device 5 is shown symbolically, with their components in Fig. 3 are shown in detail. The recess 17 may be formed as a receiving device for standardized mechanical scales. In the area of the stapling head 3, a fitting aid 8 is also shown symbolically, which in turn comprises a signaling device 9, which in 6 and FIG is shown in detail. According to a specific production order, a plurality of such stitching heads 3 may be slidably mounted side by side on the stitching carriage 7 as needed. The signaling device 9 is in turn connected to a machine control 4, wherein this connection is shown only sketched.

The machine control 4 calculates the desired position 53 of the stapling head 3 from the predetermined position of a staple to be inserted into the printed product to be stapled in a specific production order and outputs the calculated values on the signaling device 9 of the device 8. An operator 51, who now has this signaling device 9 and the corresponding stapling head 3 in view, places and moves the stapling head 3 by means of the instructions issued by the signaling device 9 until the position of the stapling head 3 required for the production job is reached and this is achieved the signaling device 9 is displayed accordingly. Similarly, all other stitching heads are placed and moved until the operator 51 has implemented all the instructions of the set-up aid 8.

This setup procedure avoids errors in reading or transmitting the values found in prior art devices. According to the invention, the respective signaling device 9 of each stapling head 3 enables the location data to be read near the location and the corresponding positioning Spot. The display 55 of the machine controller 4 is not required in the inventive solution as in the prior art as Einrichtungshilfe 8.

Fig. 3 shows the effective components of the position detection device 5 Fig. 2 having an electronic scale 6. In the present exemplary embodiment, this comprises a sensor arrangement 10 with a plurality of measurement electrodes 11 arranged next to one another and arranged on the front side of a printed circuit board 36. On the back of the printed circuit board 36 is provided with a driver 32 active shield 35 is arranged ( Fig. 4, Fig. 5 ).

As in Fig. 5 shown, a position detection of a stapling head 3 is characterized in that the capacitance is measured at each measuring electrode 11, which has this against the corresponding stapling head 3. Prerequisite for this is the electrical connection of the stapling head 3 to the mass 15, as in a sketched representation of the measuring method Fig. 4 shown.

By interpolation of the individual measured values, the exact position of each individual stapling head 3 is determined. A measuring electronics required for this purpose has a capacitance-determining circuit 31 and a multiplexer 33, as in FIG Fig. 5 illustrated, wherein the multiplexer 33 is connected to the measuring electrodes 11 of the sensor assembly 10. For the evaluation of the measurement results, each measuring electrode 11 delivers a capacitance value. An increase in the capacitance value from one measuring electrode 11 to the next suggests that a stapling head 3 begins there. Since at a certain position of the stapling head 3 not all the measuring electrodes 11 are completely covered, an interpolation of the measured values is carried out in order to determine the exact position of each stapling head 3.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show two variants of one connected to the machine control device 4 Einrichtungshilfe 8, which is arranged either directly on the stapling head 3 or in the region of the stapling head 3. Variously configured signaling devices 9 of this device aid 8 have either a numerical display 14 (FIG. Fig. 6 ) or a display with analogue symbols ( Fig. 7 ) on.

The numeric display 14 off Fig. 6 can indicate the actual and / or desired position of the corresponding stapling head 3. An operator 51 can use these values to quickly and easily place each stapling head 3 in the desired position. Analogously, all further stitching heads 3 are displaced by means of each individual signal device 9.

The Einrichtungshilfe 8 off Fig. 7 with the analog symbols has two opposite direction indicators 12, for example "left" and "right", and an end point display 13. Before reaching the desired position 53 of the stapling head 3, one of the direction indicators 12 lights up and when the desired position 53 of the stapling head 3 is reached, the end point indicator 13 lights up. This indicates to the operator 51 whether to move the corresponding stapling head 3 to the left or to the right in the position calculated by the machine control 4 according to the production order.

In the embodiment shown, a stapler, not shown, is arranged on the stapling carriage 7 for each stapling head 3. In embodiments in which the stapling head 3 and the associated clincher are each arranged on a stapling carriage 7 or a folding carriage, the positioning of the clincher can take place analogously to the positioning of the stapling head 3. Alternatively, the Umbieger can also be placed on the basis of the position of the stitching heads 3.

Claims (14)

1. Device (1) for stitching printed products (2), comprising at least one stitching head (3) displaceably mounted on a stitching carriage (7), at least one position-detecting device (5) per stitching head (3) connected to a machine control system (4) for the device (1) and cooperating with the at least one stitching head (3) for determining the actual position of the at least one stitching head (3) and at least one set-up aid (8) for positioning the at least one stitching head (3) in a setpoint position (53), the position-detecting device (5) being designed as an electronic scale (6) and the set-up aid (8) being arranged on the stitching head (3) or in the region of the stitching head (3), characterised in that the set-up aid (8) has a signalling device (9) by means of which an adjustment direction and/or an adjustment value for adjusting the at least one stitching head (3) into the setpoint position (53) can be displayed and that the at least one stitching head (3) can be displaced into the setpoint position (53) on the stitching carriage (7) in accordance with the adjustment direction and/or the adjustment value displayed.
2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the electronic scale (6) is designed to perform a capacitive measurement.
3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the electronic scale (6) includes a sensor arrangement (10) with a plurality of measuring electrodes (11).
4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the stitching head (3) is displaceable relative to the sensor arrangement (10) during the positioning thereof.
5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the signalling device (9) has a direction display (12) and/or an end-point display (13).
6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the signalling device (9) has a numerical display (14) for displaying a value less than or greater than zero before the setpoint position (53) of the stitching head (3) is reached and a value equal to zero when the setpoint position (53) of the stitching head (3) is reached.
7. Method of stitching printed products (2), comprising at least one stitching head (3) displaceably mounted on a stitching carriage (7) for adaptation to a new production order, in which an actual position of the at least one stitching head (3) is detected, a setpoint position (53) of the at least one stitching head (3) for the new production order is determined by a machine control system (4) and the stitching head (3) is displaced into the setpoint position (53) on the stitching carriage (7), characterised in that an adjustment direction or an adjustment value for adjusting the at least one stitching head (3) into the setpoint position (53) is displayed on the at least one stitching head (3) or in the region of the at least one stitching head (3) and the at least one stitching head (3) is displaced into the setpoint position (53) in accordance with the adjustment direction and/or the adjustment value.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the actual position of the at least one stitching head (3) is detected capacitively.
9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that a sensor arrangement (10) with a plurality of measuring electrodes (11) is used to detect the actual position of the at least one stitching head (3).
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that the capacitance relative to the stitching head (3) is measured at each measuring electrode (11), the actual position of the at least one stitching head (3) being determined by mathematical evaluation, in particular interpolation, of the individual measured values.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a direction display (12) before the setpoint position (53) of the stitching head (3) is reached and an end-point display (13) when the setpoint position (53) of the stitching head (3) is reached.
12. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that a value less than or greater than zero is displayed numerically on an optical signalling device (9) before the setpoint position (53) of the stitching head (3) is reached and a value equal to zero when the setpoint position (53) of the stitching head (3) is reached.
13. Stitching station for stitching printed products (2) comprising at least one device according to one of claims 1 to 6.
14. Gang-stitcher comprising at least one stitching station according to claim 13.

Images