EP3251869A1 - Method for producing printed products with integrated envelope - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method for producing printed products, in particular softcover books, with an integrated envelope, the method comprising at least the steps of: printing a paper web or individually fed paper sheets, preferably by means of digital printing; single or multiple folding and cutting of the paper web to signatures or single or multiple folds of the paper sheets to signatures; Stacking the signatures into a signature stack having at least a topmost and a bottommost signature; Unfolding the uppermost sheet of the uppermost signature or the lowermost sheet of the lowermost signature and applying an adhesive layer in at least the region of the unfolded sheet which is to comprise at least the spine and / or a region of the signature stack adjacent to the spine; and folding the unfolded and adhesive coated sheet around the spine of the signature stack so as to form the envelope for the printed product.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing printed products, in particular softcover books, with which both the envelope and the contents of the printed product can be produced simultaneously in one and the same printing line with one and the same printer.

So far, especially in the production of digitally printed brochures, especially softcover books, regularly a method was used, which is the separate production of envelope and inner part or content (ie usually a signature stack or a stack of sheets, both can also be referred to as a book block be). The partial products produced in separate operations and often on different machines then had to be laboriously brought together and glued together.

Specifically, according to this known method, first a paper web was printed, which was subsequently folded and cross-cut to produce the signatures. The individual signatures were then stacked in a stacking device to form a signature stack as an intermediate. In this context, the in EP 2 159 070 A1 and in WO 2013/067650 A1 referenced methods.

In a separate process step, the envelopes were printed, typically in the form of printed Individual sheets. Another intermediate product was a loose envelope.

Following this, the merging of the envelopes and the signature stacks (or book blocks), i. the actual binding process. Here, the signature stack or book block was first processed on the back, i. in particular milled or roughened and then provided with adhesive. Thereafter, the envelope was fed and firmly bonded to the signature stack (or book block).

In this context, as a rule, devices are also required which check whether the two merged partial products actually belong together (this is the case in particular in the case of personalized printed products in which a corresponding mix-up is to be ruled out, as for exam forms for students or at customer-specific bank data brochures, which are issued today especially in the private banking sector).

In a final operation, the printed product or the bound book is then trimmed to up to three pages.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method by means of which a corresponding printed product can be produced overall significantly cheaper and without major control effort.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for producing printed products, in particular softcover books, with an integrated envelope, the method comprising at least the following steps: (a) printing on a paper web or of individually supplied paper sheets, preferably by means of digital printing; (b) optionally applying an adhesive coating to the paper web or sheets of paper; (c) single or multiple folding and cutting of the paper web into signatures (the cutting can be carried out before or after the folding, depending on the application) or one or more folds of the paper sheets into signatures; (d) optionally applying an adhesive coating to the signatures; (e) stacking the signatures into a signature stack having at least an uppermost and a lowermost signature; (f) unfolding the top sheet of the top signature or the bottom sheet of the bottom signature and applying an adhesive layer in at least the portion of the unfolded sheet which includes at least the spine and / or a spine adjacent portion of the signature stack (ie, the final printed product ); (g) transferring the unfolded and adhesive coated sheet around the spine of the signature stack so as to form the envelope for the printed product; and (h) optionally pressing the envelope (pressing the envelope usually involves compressing the entire printed product so as to increase overall composite stability).

The inventive method can be carried out inline without interrupting the process chain. However, there is also the possibility that, in particular, the above steps (f), (g) and (h) are performed off-line.

The cost advantages are obvious - in contrast to a conventional softcover printed product accounts for the Pre-production of the envelope, the binding process and the regularly complex control, whether envelope and content match - which in the negative case, moreover, requires a stop of the plant and / or a subsequent production. According to the invention, on the other hand, the envelope and spine are simultaneously labeled or printed with the contents, ie the content is indicated both on the front and back as well as on the back.

In addition, the removal of the spatial and temporal separation in the production of the envelope and signature stack (or book block) results in simplified logistics processes.

Another positive aspect of the inventive method is that paper can be saved, as compared to the conventional binding process eliminates the milling and roughening of the paper. In addition, only one type of paper must be used according to the inventive method.

Furthermore, depending on the requirements and application, pruning of the printed product can be dispensed with on up to three pages.

Thus, the invention is basically used for the production of rather inexpensive printed products, which generally do not have to have a particularly long service life (for example, study books and other "disposable products", etc.).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention takes place before or during the stacking of the signatures of the adhesive application to the top and / or Bottom of the individual signatures. By this measure, in particular, the stability of the stack can be improved in itself, which is for further processing of advantage or easier.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the stacking of the signatures, an adhesive application takes place in the back region of the signature stack. In this case, for example by means of suitable roller devices, the adhesive can be applied in strips transversely or else over the full area over the back of the already completed signature stack (which remains correspondingly aligned). This solution is less time consuming than the bonding of each signature and also provides good stability of the stack. In addition, it gives the pile back a certain flexibility.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive layer is designed in the form of a (conventional) adhesive application or in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape. When using a double-sided adhesive tape (or tapes) instead of adhesive, a particularly high stability of the back can be ensured. The adhesive tape may also be, for example, a prefabricated adhesive strip, which is activated by the heat after the topmost or the lowermost signature sheet has been transferred around the stack. Such prefabricated adhesive strips can in principle be used for all adhesive applications in connection with the method according to the invention.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive jobs are from Cold adhesives, hot adhesives or hotmelts (eg polyurethane adhesive) or formed from a combination of cold and hot adhesives. In the case of hot adhesives or hotmelts, bonding takes place immediately when the cover sheet is folded over or after heat transfer has taken place.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more grooves are introduced into the paper web sections or paper sheets (or signature sheets) provided as the uppermost or the lowest signature. Such a grooving serves to facilitate the transfer of the respective cover sheet by a corresponding weakening of the paper. The grooves are preferably arranged so that they correspond to the thickness of the printed product or softcover book. In other words, the (paper) surface between the preferably two parallel grooves forms the back of the printed product or softcover book.

The unfolded cover sheet is thus folded twice, ie each along the grooves (which define corresponding inflexible lines) when folded over about 90 °. The creasing is usually done before the corresponding sheet (ie, either the sheet cut from the paper sheet or the sheet fed separately) is folded and, like the adhesive coating, can be dynamically and automatically adjusted for the desired thickness of the printed product. Instead of a grooving, a perforation or a trace of water droplets can basically be provided to weaken the paper.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paper web sections or sheets of paper (or signature sheets) provided as the uppermost or the lowest signature are printed with a stability-increasing coating (i.e., preferably in step (a) of the process according to the invention). In this way, the life of the envelope can be extended in an efficient and cost effective manner. As a particularly suitable material for this clear coat has been found, with which - in addition to the increase in stability - by means of the beautiful appearance and the value of the finished printed product can be increased.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, either the uppermost sheet of the uppermost signature or the lowermost sheet of the lowermost signature is formed with a length which is substantially longer than the length of the remaining signature sheets by the thickness of the spine of the printed product. Hereby, especially with thicker printed products, it is possible to cope with the fact that after transferring the contents (i.e., the signatures of the signature stack which do not form the envelope) protrude beyond the envelope; namely by the thickness of the printed product, which "missing" the cover sheet after flipping.

In other words, according to the cutting of the paper web or the feeding of the paper sheets must be carried out such that the paper web section or the sheet of paper, which is to form the uppermost or the lowest signature to the thickness of the product to be produced longer than the others web sections or paper sheets which form the content of the printed product. Specifically, then the lowermost or the uppermost sheet in the lowest or highest signature (ie, the cover sheet) on a projection X, which compensates for the resulting gap L.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unfolded and adhesive-coated (cover) sheet is cut at its free end along the adhesive layer. A preferred market practice is to cut off the cover sheet parallel to the spine (i.e., along the adhesive layer at its free end) prior to transfer. Obtained in this way a possibility of bonding analogous to a binding means Fälzelstreifen. The complete printed product can then be introduced as a (cheap) precursor, for example in a hardcover envelope (as a more expensive end product).

• Es zeigt:

  Fig. 1

  eine schematische Darstellung einer Produktionsstrasse für Druckprodukte gemäss dem Stand der Technik;

  Fig. 2

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Papierbahnausschnitts für einmal längsgefalzte Signaturen (Druckrichtung von oben nach unten);

  Fig. 3

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Papierbahnausschnitts für zweimal längsgefalzte Signaturen (Druckrichtung von oben nach unten);

  Fig. 4

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Papierbahnausschnitts für einmal querfalzte Signaturen (Druckrichtung von oben nach unten);

  Fig. 5

  eine schematische Darstellung einer Produktionsstrasse zur Ausführung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens;

  Fig. 6a

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von einmal gefalzten und miteinander verklebten Signaturen;

  Fig. 6b

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von zweimal gefalzten und mit- sowie untereinander verklebten Signaturen;

  Fig. 6c

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von einmal gefalzten und miteinander verklebten Signaturen, wobei die unterste Signatur einen Überstand aufweist;

  Fig. 6d

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von zweimal gefalzten und mit- sowie untereinander verklebten Signaturen, wobei die unterste Signatur einen Überstand aufweist;

  Fig. 7a

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von einmal gefalzten und miteinander verklebten Signaturen mit aufgeklappter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 7b

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von zweimal gefalzten und mit- sowie untereinander verklebten Signaturen mit aufgeklappter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 7c

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von einmal gefalzten und miteinander verklebten Signaturen mit aufgeklappter Umschlagseite sowie mit Klebeschicht auf der Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 7d

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels von zweimal gefalzten und mit- sowie untereinander verklebten Signaturen mit aufgeklappter Umschlagseite sowie mit Klebeschicht auf der Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 8a

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 7c mit umgelegter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 8b

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 7d mit umgelegter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 8c

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 6c mit Klebeschicht auf der und umgelegter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 8d

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 6d mit Klebeschicht auf der und umgelegter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 9a

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 7c mit aufgeklappter Umschlagseite, deren freies Ende abgeschnitten wird;

  Fig. 9b

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 7d mit aufgeklappter Umschlagseite, deren freies Ende abgeschnitten wird;

  Fig. 9c

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 9a mit in Form eines Fälzels umgelegter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 9d

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 9b mit in Form eines Fälzels umgelegter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 10a

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels aus einmal gefalzten und im Rückenbereich miteinander vor-verklebten Signaturen;

  Fig. 10b

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels gemäss Fig. 10a mit Klebeschicht auf der und umgelegter Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 11

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels aus einmal gefalzten und lediglich durch die Klebeschicht auf der Umschlagseite im Rückenbereich miteinander verklebten Signaturen;

  Fig. 12

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels analog zu Fig. 8a mit einem Klebeband (Tape) als des Klebschicht auf der Umschlagseite;

  Fig. 13

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels analog zu Fig. 7c, wobei jedoch die Klebeschicht auf der Umschlagseite so ausgestaltet ist, dass er nach dem Umlegen lediglich eine seitliche Verklebung bereitstellt;

  Fig. 14

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Stapels analog zu Fig. 7c, wobei jedoch zwei separate Klebeschichten auf der Umschlagseite so ausgestaltet sind, dass sie nach dem Umlegen sowohl eine seitliche Verklebung als auch eine Verklebung im Rückenbereich bereitstellen.

The present invention as well as preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated and explained in the following by way of example with reference to the attached drawings:

• It shows:

  Fig. 1

  a schematic representation of a production line for printed products according to the prior art;

  Fig. 2

  a schematic representation of a paper web cutout for once longitudinally folded signatures (printing direction from top to bottom);

  Fig. 3

  a schematic representation of a paper web cutout for twice longitudinally folded signatures (printing direction from top to bottom);

  Fig. 4

  a schematic representation of a paper web cutout for once transversely folded signatures (printing direction from top to bottom);

  Fig. 5

  a schematic representation of a production line for carrying out the inventive method;

  Fig. 6a

  a schematic representation of a stack of once folded and glued together signatures;

  Fig. 6b

  a schematic representation of a stack of twice folded and mit- and with each other glued signatures;

  Fig. 6c

  a schematic representation of a stack of once folded and glued together signatures, the lowest signature has a supernatant;

  Fig. 6d

  a schematic representation of a stack of twice folded and with and glued together as well as signatures, the lowest signature has a supernatant;

  Fig. 7a

  a schematic representation of a stack of once folded and glued together signatures with unfolded cover page;

  Fig. 7b

  a schematic representation of a stack of twice folded and mit- and with each other glued signatures with unfolded cover page;

  Fig. 7c

  a schematic representation of a stack of once folded and glued together signatures with unfolded cover page and with adhesive layer on the cover page;

  Fig. 7d

  a schematic representation of a stack of twice-folded and mit- and with each other glued signatures with unfolded cover page and with adhesive layer on the cover page;

  Fig. 8a

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 7c with folded cover page;

  Fig. 8b

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 7d with folded cover page;

  Fig. 8c

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 6c with adhesive layer on the folded and folded cover page;

  Fig. 8d

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 6d with adhesive layer on the folded and folded cover page;

  Fig. 9a

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 7c with opened cover side, the free end is cut off;

  Fig. 9b

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 7d with opened cover side, the free end is cut off;

  Fig. 9c

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 9a with folded in the form of a folded cover page;

  Fig. 9d

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 9b with folded in the form of a folded cover page;

  Fig. 10a

  a schematic representation of a stack of once folded and pre-glued in the back area signatures;

  Fig. 10b

  a schematic representation of a stack according to Fig. 10a with adhesive layer on the folded and folded cover page;

  Fig. 11

  a schematic representation of a stack of once folded and bonded together only by the adhesive layer on the cover page in the back area signatures;

  Fig. 12

  a schematic representation of a stack analogous to Fig. 8a with an adhesive tape as the adhesive layer on the cover side;

  Fig. 13

  a schematic representation of a stack analogous to Fig. 7c However, wherein the adhesive layer on the cover page is designed so that it provides only a lateral bonding after transfer;

  Fig. 14

  a schematic representation of a stack analogous to Fig. 7c However, wherein two separate adhesive layers on the cover page are designed so that they provide both a lateral gluing and a bonding in the back area after the folding.

In Fig. 1 a production line for printed products or softcover books according to the prior art is illustrated.

In a printer 1, which is optionally configured as a digital printer, a corresponding paper web is first printed. The paper web is then folded in a folding cross-cutting module 2 and separated into individual signatures 7. Instead of a combined folding cross-cutting module 2 but also a separate folding module 2a and a separate cross cutter 2b can be used.

In a stacking station 3 then the isolated signatures 7 are stacked. At the same time or staggered in a corresponding production module 4, the envelopes for the subsequent printed product or softcover book are printed or produced (ie typically as printed single sheets).

The finished envelopes 4a are combined in a further step with the signature stacks (which are also referred to as book blocks) from the stacking station 3. This is done regularly in a binding station 5. Following the binding station 5, the bound products are fed to a trimming station, i. usually a three-side cutter 6.

Fig. 2 illustrates a section of a printed paper web 10 with printing direction D from top to bottom. The correspondingly printed signatures a are folded once in the longitudinal direction, ie around the line 11, and then cross-cut along the lines 12 (ie, the cutting is carried out after folding) and then stacked thereon. Signatures produced in this way are basically known from the above-mentioned prior art; but they are also used in connection with the inventive method.

In Fig. 3 is a section of a printed paper web 10 'illustrates, with printing direction D turn from top to bottom. In this case, signature sheets a 'are provided, which are folded twice in the longitudinal direction, that is to say around the lines 11', and then cross-cut along the lines 12 '(ie here the cutting is carried out after the folding) and finally stacked one on the other. Individual sections of the signature sheets a 'can also be glued together during folding (ie approximately in the region of one of the fold lines 11' with a free end of the signature sheet a '). Signatures produced in this way are also basically of the above-mentioned prior art known; but they are also used in connection with the inventive method.

In Fig. 4 shows another example of a section of a printed paper web 10 '', with printing direction D in turn from top to bottom. Signature sheets a ", b are provided here, which are transversely cut along the lines 12" in the transverse direction and then crossfolded along the lines 11 "(ie, the cutting is carried out before folding) and subsequently stacked on top of each other. The signature sheets b have over the signature sheets a "on a supernatant X, which compensates for the subsequent transfer to a signature stack or book block in about the thickness of the back of the subsequent printed product (or the resulting gap L, see Fig. 8a and b below.

The Fig. 5 now includes a schematic representation of a production line for printed products or softcover books according to the inventive method. The individual process steps can be carried out directly behind each other, ie inline, but basically, as mentioned, there is also the possibility of processing individual process steps offline.

The basic procedure is as follows: First, in a printer 1, preferably a digital printer, the paper web is printed. Subsequently, the paper web is folded in a folding module 2a. Thereafter, the cross-cutting 2b of the paper web takes place in a cutting module, the individual signatures being produced (ie except in the case of Fig. 4 Where it is first cut and then folded). Then be the cut signatures stacked in a stacking station 3. The production of the envelope (ie the transfer of the top or bottom signature to the respective signature stack or book block) according to the inventive method then takes place in a special production module 4 *.

• In Fig. 6a wird zunächst ein Stapel 13 von einmal gefalzten und miteinander verklebten Signaturen 7 gezeigt. Die Signaturen 7 wurden beispielsweise aus einer Papierbahn 10 gemäss Fig. 2 hergestellt. Beim Aufeinanderstapeln der einzelnen Signaturen 7 wurde jeweils auf die Ober- bzw. Unterseite der nächst folgenden Signatur 7 ein Klebstoffauftrag 14 aufgebracht, um einen stabilen Zusammenhalt des Stapels 13 zu gewährleisten. Der Klebstoffauftrag 14 erfolgt dabei regelmässig in unmittelbarer Nähe des Stapelrückens beziehungsweise der Falzlinien 11 (aber nicht im Stapelrücken selbst).

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in detail:

• In Fig. 6a First, a stack 13 of once folded and glued together signatures 7 is shown. The signatures 7 were, for example, from a paper web 10 according to Fig. 2 produced. When stacking the individual signatures 7 an adhesive application 14 was applied in each case on the top or bottom of the next following signature 7, to ensure a stable cohesion of the stack 13. The adhesive application 14 is carried out regularly in the immediate vicinity of the pile back or the fold lines 11 (but not in the pile back itself).

In Fig. 6b is then a stack 13 'of double-folded and with each other and bonded together signatures 7' illustrates, which from about a paper web according to Fig. 3 was produced. Again, between the individual stacked signatures 7 'applied an adhesive application 14' on the top or bottom, again in each case in the vicinity of the pile back or in the vicinity of the located in the back fold lines 11 '(but not in the pile back itself).

In addition, here, however, a bonding of the respective uppermost signature sheet with the second uppermost signature sheet (ie within a signature 7 ') provided by means of an adhesive application 15', which in turn, similar to the adhesive application 14, in the vicinity of the pile back or in the vicinity of the To the back located fold lines 11 'was applied (ie the additional bonding takes place approximately when folding analogous to Fig. 3 ) . In this way, a particularly good stability of the stack 13 'is ensured, but this procedure is somewhat more complicated than that described above.

The Fig. 6c and 6d correspond to those described above Fig. 6a and 6b with the difference that the respective lowest signature 7x or 7 ' _{X has} a projection X with respect to the other signatures 7 or 7' of the stacks 13 or 13 '. The signature with the supernatant 7 _X or 7 ' _X can approximately according to the paper web according to Fig. 4 In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the extended signature sheet is produced in a modified process from longitudinally folded paper webs. The supernatant X over the other signatures 7 or 7 'should compensate later, ie after the transfer, approximately the thickness of the spine.

In Fig. 7a or 7b will now be the next process step of the inventive method over the above Fig. 6a and 6b illustrated. As can be seen, in the case of the signature stacks 13 and 13 ', respectively, the cover sheet 19 or 19' of the respectively lowest signature 7 or 7 'has been unfolded, so that it now approximately at right angles to the back of the stack 13 or 13 '.

In a further process step, which in each case on the basis of Fig. 7c 7d , an adhesive layer 16 or 16 'is then applied to the inside of the unfolded cover sheet 19 or 19'. Incidentally, the length of the adhesive layer 16 or 16 'and the thickness of the back of the stack 13 or 13' are otherwise not to be seen to scale (this applies in principle to all the figures).

In the Fig. 8a or 8b is now illustrated as the next process step of the inventive method, as each unfolded cover sheet 19 or 19 'with the adhesive layer 16 or 16' around the stack 13 or 13 '(around) is placed, and initially approximately around the lowermost adhesive application 14 or 15 'around and then around the uppermost signature 7 or 7' or else the uppermost adhesive application 14 or 15 '.

In this Umlegevorgang a first Umlegekante 17a and a second Umlegekante 17b are formed accordingly, between which the back 18 or 18 'of the printed product is formed. The adhesive layer 16 or 16 'in this case runs over the entire thickness of the back 18 or 18' and further preferably also forms a (smaller) lateral section 16a or 16a 'in order to be able to ensure optimum stability of the printed product.

Since in these embodiments in each case the lowest signature 7 or 7 'has no projection with respect to the other signatures, arises due to the thickness of the Rückens 18, 18 'a gap L against the other signatures 7 and 7' of the stack 13 and 13 '. In the case of disposable products which are inexpensive to produce, this is acceptable, since the favorable production more than outweighs the optical impairment which occurs at most (ie only with relatively thick printed products).

However, as in the Fig. 8c and 8d illustrated, this deficiency be remedied by the fact that the lowest signature 7 or 7 'in each case a signature 7 _X or 7'x is used, which has a corresponding projection X, with which the gap L can be closed, so to speak.

The printed products are regularly pressed in a final process step, in particular to press the envelope to the contents and thus to increase the overall composite stability (this of course applies to all embodiments shown).

Another embodiment of the inventive method is in the Fig. 9a to d illustrated. Compared to the Fig. 7c 7d , the free end 19a or 19a 'of the cover sheet 19 or 19' is cut off or cut off along the end of the adhesive layer 16 or 16 'pointing away from the stack 13 or 13'. Subsequently, the thus shortened cover sheet 19 or 19 'around the stack 13 or 13' folded (ie in principle analogous to the Fig. 8a to d ) and there is at the top of the stack 13 or 13 'a shortened envelope, which is referred to as Umfalz or Fälzel 20 and 20'.

In this way, a preliminary product for a more expensive end product is formed in the context of the present invention, wherein about the entire printed product, for example, in a hard cover envelope inserted and connected to this over the Fälzel 20 and 20 '(or the Umfalz).

In the 10a and 10b a further variant of the inventive method is illustrated. Here, the individual signatures 7 of the signature stack 13 were not glued together in their top or bottom, it was rather a (common) adhesive application 21 applied along the pile back, which preferably also something penetrates into the spaces between the individual signatures in the back area. The application of this adhesive application 21 is usually carried out with corresponding roles of a special application device in the form of parallel strips or over the entire surface along the back.

The gluing achieved in this way may be somewhat more flexible than, for example, in the case of the stack Fig. 6a (which may be desirable depending on the type of application), in addition, the adhesive application can be faster in time and less expensive. The further procedure then corresponds to the Fig. 7a, 7c and 8a That is, it is applied to the unfolded cover sheet 19, an adhesive layer 16, which covers the rear of the stack 13 and a smaller lateral area 16a after folding. Also in this embodiment, a gap L remains to the other signatures 7 of the stack 13, which, however, in turn can be avoided by the use of a signature 7x with a supernatant X. in principle This solution is also applicable for stack 13 'about after Fig. 6b ,

Another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in Fig. 11 illustrated. Here, a stack 13 of signatures 7, which were not glued together (a so-called. Loseblattstapel), held together only by means of the adhesive layer 22 of the cover sheet 19. The adhesive layer 22 basically corresponds to the adhesive layer 16 known from the previous examples, but it is preferably made slightly thicker than in those.

The adhesive layer 22 is used when folding the cover sheet 19 for the (sole) bonding of the signatures 7 of the stack 13. It is preferably pressed during the transfer in the spaces between the individual signatures in the back region of the stack to create a stable composite. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 22 also includes a lateral region 22a.

Again, there arises a gap L with respect to the other signatures 7 of the stack 13, which, however, can be compensated as above by the use of a lowermost signature 7 _X with a projection X.

In Fig. 12 a still further embodiment of the inventive method is shown. The starting point here is a stack 13 with singly folded signatures 7 glued together in the region of the top or bottom side (ie approximately according to FIG Fig. 6a However, although now the adhesive layer 16 (ie, about Fig. 7c ) is formed by a (prefabricated) double-sided tape or tape 23. The folded (bottom) signature 7 is so glued to the stack 13 by means of the double-sided adhesive tape or tapes. The double-sided adhesive tape 23 also includes a lateral portion 23a.

In this way, a special strengthening of the back 18 can be achieved. Again, the gap L can be compensated by using a lowermost signature 7 _x with a supernatant X again. Basically, this variant can also be used in connection with stacks 13 'according to approximately Fig. 6b or 7b.

Another variant of the inventive method is in Fig. 13 illustrated. The starting point, in turn, is a stack 13 of simply folded and glued-together signatures 7, although after the lowermost signature 7 has been moved, only a (relatively narrow) adhesive layer 24 for the side region of the stack 13 is applied to the inside of the cover sheet 19, which approximately the lateral region 16a of the adhesive layer 16 according to Fig. 8a equivalent.

In other words, the folded signature 7 or the folded envelope sheet 19 is glued only in the side region of the printed product or softcover book, but not in the back. In this way, damage to the spine during the opening of the finished printed product or the book can be avoided in any case, but at least reduced. The adhesive layer 24 can also be configured as a (prefabricated) double-sided adhesive tape or tape.

Again, the gap L can be compensated by using a signature 7x with a supernatant X. Furthermore, this variant can basically also in Connection with a signature stack 13 'according to Fig. 6b respectively. Fig. 7b be applied.

In yet another embodiment of the inventive method according to Fig. 14 For example, the inside of the cover sheet 19 of the lowermost signature 7 is provided with respectively different adhesive layers 24 and 25 (ie adhesive layers preferably made of different adhesives) for the back or side region of the printed product. The two adhesive layers 24 and 25 are preferably applied separately from each other, ie they do not regularly form a continuous or merging adhesive layer. The adhesive layers 24 and 25 can each also be designed as (prefabricated) double-sided adhesive tapes or tapes.

In this way, in the side region of the printed product, a stronger bonding (eg by the use of a slightly thicker adhesive layer and / or a stronger adhesive) can be achieved and in the back region 18 can for a higher elasticity (eg by using a slightly thinner adhesive layer and / or a less strong or more flexible adhesive).

Again, the gap L can be compensated by the use of a signature 7x with a supernatant X again. Furthermore, this variant can in principle also in connection with a signature stack 13 'according to Fig. 6b respectively. Fig. 7b be applied.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

printer

2

Fold / Cross Cutting Module

2a

folding module

2 B

Cross Cutting Module

3

Stacker or stacking station

4

Transhipment production (StdT)

4a

Envelope (StdT)

4 *

Envelope production (according to the invention)

5

Merge or binding station

6

Three-knife

7

Signature (simply folded)

7 '

Signature (double folded)

_7x

Signature (simply folded) with overhang

7 ' _x

Signature (double folded) with overhang

10

Paper web (folding once in the longitudinal direction)

10 '

Paper web (fold twice in the longitudinal direction)

11

fold line

11 '

fold lines

12

cutting lines

12 '

cutting lines

13

stack

13 '

stack

14

Adhesive application (between two signatures a)

14 '

Adhesive application (between two signatures a ')

15 '

Adhesive application (within a signature a ')

16

Adhesive layer (on the cover sheet 19)

16 '

Adhesive layer (on the cover sheet 19 ')

16a

lateral area adhesive layer

16a '

lateral area adhesive layer

17a

first fold over edge

17b

second fold over edge

18

move

18 '

move

19

unfolded cover sheet (signature 7)

19 '

unfolded cover sheet (signature 7 ')

19a

cut off free end cover sheet

19a '

cut off free end cover sheet

20

Slip-Fold

20 '

Slip-Fold

21

Adhesive application in the back

22

Adhesive layer for loose-leaf piles

22a

lateral area adhesive layer

23

Adhesive tape

23a

Side area tape

24

lateral adhesive application (separately)

25

Adhesive application for pile back (separately)

a

Signature sheet (once longitudinally folded)

a '

Signature sheet (folded twice)

a ''

Signature (once crossfolded)

b

Signature sheet with overhang (once crossfolded)

D

print direction

L

Gap after transfer

L '

Gap after transfer

X

Supernatant signature 7 _x

X '

Supernatant signature 7 ' _x

Claims (11)

Method for producing printed products, in particular softcover books, with an integrated envelope, the method comprising at least the following steps: (A) printing a paper web (10, 10 ', 10'') or individually supplied paper sheets, preferably by digital printing; (b) optionally applying an adhesive coating (15 ') to the paper web (10, 10', 10 '') or the paper sheets; (c) single or multiple folding and cutting of the paper web (10, 10 ', 10'') to signatures (7, 7') or one or more folds of the paper sheets to signatures (7, 7 '); (d) optionally applying an adhesive coating (14, 14 ') to the signatures (7, 7'); (e) stacking the signatures (7, 7 ') into a signature stack (13, 13') with at least one uppermost and one lowermost signature; (f) unfolding the uppermost sheet of the uppermost signature or of the lowermost sheet of the lowermost signature (19, 19 ')) and applying an adhesive layer (16, 16', 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) in at least the region of unfolded sheet, which at least the back (18, 18 ') and / or one adjacent to the back To include area of the signature stack (13, 13 '); (g) transferring the unfolded and adhesive coated sheet (19, 19 ') around the spine of the signature stack (13, 13') so as to form the envelope for the printed product; and (h) optional pressing of the envelope. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that before or during the stacking of the signatures (7, 7 ') of the adhesive application (14, 14') takes place on the top and / or bottom of the individual signatures. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that after the stacking of the signatures (7, 7 ') an adhesive application (21) takes place in the back region of the signature stack (13, 13'). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive layer (16, 16 ') in the form of an adhesive application or in the form of a double-sided adhesive tape (23) is configured. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive applications (14, 14 ', 15, 15', 16, 16 ', 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) are made of cold adhesives, hot adhesives or a combination of cold adhesives. and hot-melt adhesives are formed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the top or as the lowest signature provided paper web sections or paper sheets one or more grooves are introduced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paper web sections or paper sheets provided as the uppermost or the lowest signature are printed with a stability-increasing coating. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting according to step (c) is carried out before or after the folding. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that either the uppermost sheet of the uppermost signature or the lowest sheet of the lowermost signature (19, 19 ') is formed with a length substantially equal to the thickness of the back of the printed product is longer than the length of the other signature sheets. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the unfolded and with the adhesive layer (16, 16 ') provided sheet (19, 19') at its free end (19a, 19a ') along the adhesive layer (16, 16 ') is cut off. Printed product, in particular softcover book, produced by the process according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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