EP3290223B1 - Device and method for the alignment of a book block comprising individual sheets and/or signatures - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

As part of the further processing of book blocks consisting of individual sheets and / or signatures, especially in a processing machine designed as an adhesive binder line, also known as perfect binder, the importance of seamless production of several jobs in a row without the need for retooling operations increases. This importance is further accentuated if one assumes that in the future the editions, ie the respective number of books, will vary greatly, down to very short runs or to a single book per job. This is to be understood in the following as a definitional definition that under book block the accumulation of loose sheets and / or signatures is to be understood, while the book as the finished processing of such a book block is understood.

This development towards very small print runs will increase rapidly, especially in the digital environment. Obviously, job-oriented setup will have a big impact on the net production performance of a line, and will become a deciding factor in terms of cost-effectiveness.

It is also obvious, however, that no compromise should be made in terms of quality assurance, for example when it comes to ensuring, even for very short runs, that the book blocks processed into books always have to be perfectly processed.

In the technical field of the present invention according to the prior art features in the independent device claims and method is therefore about to suggest how in the processing of the book blocks over several processing stations a safe edge-oriented alignment of a book block consisting of merged individual sheets and / or signatures can be accomplished at the beginning.

As mentioned, as a processing machine is here an adhesive binder line in the foreground, this forms the usual design for bonded products, but is not exclusive.

State of the art

Out DE102012023370 A1 For example, an adhesive binder has been disclosed which serves for the production of books and which comprises a plurality of processing stations such as book block insertion station, spine processing station, glue application station, felter station, cover feeder, envelope press station, delivery station and drying station. Next, the perfect binder has at least two, but in particular three transport clamps for transporting book block and at least one closed guideway on which the transport clamps rotate and pass through the processing stations. A respective transport clamp is assigned in each case a drive with an endless, circulating traction means, wherein a respective transport clamp is connected to the traction means. The drives operate independently of each other and can be independently controlled by a machine control of the perfect binder. It is thus provided for each transport clamp traction means and each transport clamp can thus be moved at a predetermined speed, ie, there is a varying spacing between the transport brackets.

For this purpose, location-dependent and / or product-dependent speed profiles can be stored in the machine control for the control of the drives. There may also be product-dependent location-dependent velocity profiles and vice versa. In this case, location-dependent speed profiles mean that movement sections are defined along the closed guide track, which sections are delimited at least by the stop positions. For example, an associated downtime can be stored for a respective holding position. Also, a different speed can be stored for a respective movement section between the holding positions, for example, the speed in the spine processing station can be greater than in the drying station. Product-dependent speed profiles mean that these depend on the book to be produced, ie, for example, its format, the book block thickness, the glue thickness, the adhesive and its properties, the paper material, etc.

Undoubtedly, this perfect binder has the advantage that the performance of the perfect binder can be increased through adapted downtimes and different motion profiles in the movement sections. Also, the quality of the books to be produced can be increased because the speed profiles each allow transport speeds and downtime close to the process engineering optimum. For example, a longer downtime for Envelope press can help that a respective envelope better adheres to the book block, the book block back can be better formed and the book block can harden better. Another advantage results from the fact that the processing stations located in the holding positions are free along the guideway, ie. H. can be arranged in an optimal position. It is no longer necessary that the holding positions are arranged at a uniform distance from each other. The processing stations can be variably arranged according to customer requirements with a grid along the guideway. For example, the machine manufacturer can simply offer different machine configurations.

In particular, this adhesive binder has at least two holding positions for the transporting clips, including one for the book block introduction and one for pressing an envelope against a book block. Optionally, an additional holding position for the discharge of finished book block can be provided. In the respective Holding positions, the transport brackets are brought to a standstill by the drive associated with a respective transport clamp. It is also possible, for example for the production of open booklets, Swiss brochures and Otabind, the first circulation of the book block along the guideway adhesive and Fälzelstreifen and then apply a second circulation of the book block along the guideway adhesive and an envelope.

In contrast to the high-performance perfect binders, for example, to the "Alegro" adhesive binder of the company Muller Martini AG, Switzerland, in which perfect binder, the processing of the book blocks over several stations with a large number of circulating transport clamps is made, and so the perfect alignment of editing book block can be met over a longer distance, this possibility is in the underlying perfect binder (see DE102012023370 A1 ), ie the perfect alignment of the book block must be original at the beginning of the editing process resp. be created.

A perfect binder in the prior art typically includes the following processing stations: a spine processing station, a glue application station, a station as a cover feeder, a press station for attaching the envelope. In addition, complementary elements may be added, such as book block transport system, book block insertion station, intermediate drying, back reinforcement, and others. The listed processing stations are not to be understood as exhaustive.

While it is true that in such a perfect binder in principle could be avoided to a manually executed and aligned insertion operation. However, this is not the aim of an automated production according to 4.0 criteria (see homepage of the company Muller Martini AG, Switzerland about "Finishing 4.0"), so that an automatic book block feeding, ie the automatic continuous securing of a perfectly aligned book block of single sheets or signatures at the beginning of the Processing must be present.

Another similar perfect binder line goes out DE102012018828 A1 out.
Thus, this document is concerned with a bookbinding machine for producing printed products such as books, magazines, and booklets having a plurality of processing stations such as book block insertion station, spine processing station, glue application station, cover feeder and pressing station, and a book block transport system which transports the book blocks through the individual processing stations , The book block transport system includes a closed track having straight, circular arc and curved portions and clips for clamping the book blocks, the staples having guide carriages with guide rollers rolling on the track, and wherein the staples are commonly or individually driven by a drive.

The guide carriages here have three fixed guide rollers, which are fastened in the form of a triangle to the guide carriage, wherein two guide rollers run on a master track, which consist of rectilinear, arcuate and curved track-shaped sections, and wherein the third guide roller on a mathematically- resulting in linear laws resulting slave web, which also consists of rectilinear, circular arc and curve-shaped sections, the guide carriages are coupled to at least one drive which is arranged outside the track.

The substance of the two cited documents forms an integral part of the present description. the number of guide rollers, as in DE102012018828 A1 specified, means a restriction or extension in number.

DE202015102333 U1 relates to a good processing apparatus for applying and for separating flat goods, with a laying-top and a placement device and a feed deck and a separating device. A part of the application device is arranged under the deposit cover of the good processing device and the feed deck has an opening for a separating roller with a part of the separating device, which is arranged above the feed deck.

The aforementioned part and the separating roller form a main lock of the separating device for separating a stack of flat goods, wherein a control unit for controlling the application device and separating device is provided. The application device is equipped for the edge alignment of a stack (ST) of flat goods with different formats and has at least two transport elements (141 ... 14x) which automatically move the stack (ST) transversely to the transport direction x and apply the stack (ST). to an alignment wall (11) and a transport of the stack (ST) in the transport direction x to the feed deck (13, 21) of the separating device and a displacement of the stack (ST) allow against the transport direction x.

A movement means is provided for moving the part (265, 269 *) of the separating device in a direction opposite to the transport direction x and means are provided for controlling the alignment state of the transport elements of the application device of the good processing device (1) and for controlling the movement of the part of the separating device, wherein the aforesaid part allows displacement of the stack against the transport direction x.

Furthermore, the separating device according to DE202015102333 U1 based on the flat goods being transported lying on the side.

at EP2514604 A1 Is it about feeder, which in a bookbinding machine resp. Adhesive binder is used, the unbound book block are aligned here by a vibrator.

at DE19653424A It is about a device for separating sheet material from a stack.

Presentation of the invention

Here, the invention wants to enrich the state of the art. The invention, as characterized in the claims, has the object to produce adhesive books from previous book block with different dimensions and job sizes, either by a continuous automated supply, or even as needed by manual intervention, with minimized downtime between jobs to edit, as a starting point book block, which consist of merged single sheets and / or signatures, and must be aligned edge perfect before their further processing to books or printed products.

If the use of a perfect binder line according DE102012018828 A1 be provided, an inventive development is postulated to the effect that the number of guide rollers of the individual carriages is not limited to three, but the carriage may have on each side (master track / slave lane) a plurality of guide rollers.

When using an automated book block feeder, it is important, especially for perfect binder lines with a small number of transport clamps, that an initial perfect alignment of at least one book block edge be made before these book blocks are forwarded to the processing stations of the processing machine. This ensures that the downtime between the various successive jobs can not only be minimized, but completely eliminated.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of the independent claims relating to apparatus and method, wherein further preferred variants emerge from the remaining dependent claims.

The invention comprises a development of the perfect binder line, in which further development it is necessary to provide means immediately upstream of the first processing station of the perfect binder line, which have the final purpose, that in the loose or quasi-silent Condition delivered book block consistent edge consistent and perfect before they are forwarded to further processing.

In the case of the means according to the invention for achieving a perfect alignment of the book blocks, their continuous automatic delivery certainly stands in the foreground; However, these means for achieving a perfect alignment of the book block should also be available resp. be used when single or multiple book blocks are introduced by hand in the perfect binder line.

The means used for this purpose consist of technical features which are preferably used in combination or in operative connection with one another.

A first technical feature is that at the beginning of the perfect binder line there is a base plate which acts as a starting station for receiving the continuously or intermittently delivered book block and on which, in conjunction with other features, the basic orientation of the book blocks takes place.

First of all, this base plate is coupled to a vibrating mechanism, the function of which is to initiate the separation of the individual sheets and / or signatures as sustainably as possible and to implement an orientation tendency.

The minimum jogging time is about 1 second. Depending on the settings of the pressing time or the thickness settings to be made in the subsequent processing stations, the shaking time may also be higher.

However, it has been shown in practice that only by this shaking function no operational 100% certainty is achieved, so that compared to the loose incoming components of the book block an orderly alignment of at least one book block edge can be accomplished.

Therefore, the inventive perfect alignment of the book block is achieved in that operatively connected to a stop surface, which runs perpendicular or quasi-perpendicular and end of the base plate, a force acting on the book block movement is introduced, which ensures that a 100% ige defined alignment of the whole book block is achieved.

Thus, can not achieve 100% alignment only by the shaking, so not 100% perfectly aligned book block sections or single sheets could be detected by a pre-aligned on the stop surface photocell, which acts as presence control for the book block, whereupon according to this finding the light barrier immediately the further processing steps are initiated, in particular so that the transport clamp then comes into operation, whereupon the further transport of the book block is initiated to a first processing station. A correction of a deficient orientation of individual components of the book block can then no longer be cured.

A flawed existing orientation in particular of the rear edge of the book block after activation of the transport bracket, and the error is still so small, inevitably leads to a loss of quality of the finished book, in addition to the fact that the processing of such a not 100% aligned book block reason could form for the triggering of accidents within the individual processing stations.

According to the invention, however, the shaking function should not be dispensed with, since such proves to be advantageous for separating the individual sheets or signatures within the book block. However, then the light barrier their presence control against the book block should no longer be exercised alone and weichstellend in function of the Rüttelfunktion, but now intervene only after the alignment procedure, because the perfect alignment of the book block is only given when this photocell determines that the whole Book block integral coincides with the fixed stop surface. Only now does the transport clamp function.

The fulfillment of this condition is achieved by means of the invention, which are kinematically designed so that they lead to a perfect alignment of the book block, therefore these inventive provisions of the shaking function are superimposed when it comes to ensuring the required orientation of the book block.

This is achieved according to the invention by achieving the ultimate stop position of the book block by at least one additional movable means acting beyond the shaking function. If required, additional damping arrangements are then provided in the area of the fixedly positioned abutment surface which are capable of suppressing a movement-related "hopping" of the rear abutment edge of the book block relative to the fixedly positioned abutment surface.

In itself, however, the intended movement profiles of the movable means used in each case are designed such that, under normal circumstances, these damping arrangements can be dispensed with. Prophylactically but the book block side forming the stop surface body should be designed so that the installation of such damping arrangements is possible at any time.

This abutment surface is usually formed as a perfectly perpendicular wall to the base plate, so that the rear edge of the book block and thus the other book block edges form rectangular angles to each other.

The movement on the book block to achieve 100% registration of the rearmost edge of the book block relative to the fixedly positioned stop face end of the base is that the base plate is supplemented with means which implement at least one rearward movement of the book block relative to the fixedly positioned stop surface.

Preferably, these means engage in the execution of the movement on the lower edge of the book block, wherein the frictional connection between this lower edge and the adjacent surface of the used agent is injected primarily by the weight of the book block, wherein the movement of the book block is not necessarily completed When this first abuts the fixedly positioned abutment surface, but the desired perfect alignment can be maximized as needed, if the backward acting on the book block movement of the agent is continued briefly after contact with the stop surface. However, this implies that the book block has a certain persistence in operative connection with the surface of the lower-acting agent. This state of stagnation can then be advantageously converted to the orientation of the book block, if at the same time the shaking function remains in function. This is possible because the still open transport clamp still has a sufficiently large lateral clearance relative to the book block. Only after completion of this alignment does the photocell release the transport clamp.

It can also be provided that after a first contact between the rear book block edge and the stop surface, the rearward movement of the means performs a short, sweeping forward movement to then press said book block edge against the stop surface again by a backward movement. If this renewed precaution is combined with the shaking function, a perfect alignment of the loose individual sheets and / or signatures of the book block can also be achieved with certainty if, in the case of these individual sheets and / or signatures, an internally particularly strong surface tension resp. Friction prevails.

This backward displacement of the book block according to the invention against the fixedly positioned stop surface can also be used in the case of an automated book block feeder for perfect binder lines, in which rapidly changing jobs are processed.

If this is a fixed-position stop surface is mentioned, it means that the situation is indeed fixed in itself, but also that this stop surface can selectively occupy a new fixed position as needed, with a dynamic displacement of the stop surface in both horizontal directions is possible.

An embodiment of this means for backward or forward movements of the book block to the fixedly positioned stop surface end of the base plate according to the invention consists of retraction bodies or withdrawal units, which different versions resp. Operating modes have resp. fulfill.

A first embodiment of this means according to the invention comprises acting on the surface side of the base plate retraction bodies which directly carry the book block consisting of individual sheets or signatures, these retraction bodies releasing from the base plate performing an independent and substantially planar movement, for which purpose a stop surface side end of the retraction body is coupled to a drive which implements the movements coming to fruition. This drive can be both during the shaking or exclusively after completion of the same in function resp. to step.

Such a retraction body preferably consists of a withdrawal belt or a return plate, which in principle respectively the same kinematic processes. Perform movements.

If, as explained above, backward-related movements of the moving body used, namely retraction belt, retraction plate, are discussed, then this does not exclusively mean that only a certain fixed movement takes place in one direction: to achieve a perfect alignment of the Book blocks can be, as already briefly explained above, also provide intermittent short movements away from the stop surface, which is also a sweeping Movement may have to content, and which lead to a sustainable adjustment of the loose components within the book block, especially if in such operations also the shaking function is operational.

In principle, the withdrawal function exerted by the withdrawal belt or the return plate is terminated when it is reported that the perfect positioning of the rear stop edge of the book block with the stop surface is completed. The book block-side surface of said retraction body should preferably be provided with a grip structure, which serves to increase the grip against the lower-side book block edge, so that even with intermittent movements of the retraction body in one or the other direction a safe power transmission takes place on the book block.

Is the book block by thin single sheets with a tendency to unfold a mutual large surface tension resp. Friction formed, it can be provided that the retraction body, so retreating tape or retreat plate, intermittently performs short backwards and forwards reciprocal movements, this with the final purpose to ensure beyond the Rüttelfunktion beyond ensuring alignment of the components of the book block.

Sonach, it can also be provided a movement dynamics of the respective retraction body, in which the pre-accession of the book block to the stop surface for quality assurance considerations not after the first touch is considered complete, but at least again repeated by the retraction body performs a sweeping movement forward ,

By this repetition of the movement (s) of the retraction body so the rear abutment edge of the book block can perfectly and homogeneously align with the course of the stop surface of the base plate, before the book block is clamped by the transport clamp for further transport, wherein geometrically considered that the rear stop edge of the leading edge of the book block is opposite.

The further transport of the book block from the base plate towards processing station is first carried out with stationary aligned retraction body, wherein the lower edge of the book block, which forms a right angle with the rear edge, either slides on the surface of this retraction body, or the book block after the clamping operation for the further transport is lifted slightly from the surface of the retraction body. This dynamic provision is particularly advantageous if the surface of the retraction body has to be provided with a rather rough grip structure.

If an increase of the book block from the surface of the retraction body is provided for the machining-oriented transport, the latter immediately after the completed raising of the book block will immediately resume its original position for the next cycle by a drive-controlled opposite movement.

The above-described kinematics relating to the retraction body can also be achieved according to the invention if the retraction movement of the book block is accomplished by a continuously circulating conveyor belt which describes a flat guided path in the region of the base plate. Otherwise, the same considerations apply here as explained above in connection with withdrawal tape or retraction plate.

A further variant of the invention relating to ensuring the movement, in particular the return movement, of the book block is to provide the base plate at least partially with internally installed rollers which transmit directly or indirectly via a drive a rotating movement on the book block, said rollers only slightly over the surface of this base plate protrude.

It can then also provide that the drive of the rollers, after the successful impact of the book block on the fixedly positioned stop surface, temporarily except Operation is taken, so that the rollers can then rotate virtually freely freely, this so that the rollers no inhibitory effect on the book block during further transport can occur, and preferably also in those cases in which the book block is not raised for further transport.

Accordingly, after the impact of the book block on the fixedly positioned abutment surface, the rollers no longer have any momentary torque, or the rolling motion torque is designed so that the rollers initially rest after impact, and then freely rotate freely as the book block moves is transported further. The next cycle, the roles are initially driven until the impact of the book block.

Another embodiment is that the base plate integrally consists exclusively of sibling rollers which act transversely to the rear edge of the book block. These roles then form a coherent runway. Otherwise, the dynamic operation of such a runway with the roles already described above, which are integrated into the base plate, perform.

A further embodiment is that the stop surface already described in detail is no longer firmly positioned, but at least one directed to the book block and forward thrusting movement executes, the book block is either pushed between the clear width of the open transport clamp, or by the transport clamp the Movement of the abutment surface leading or gestaltungskongruent executes. In both cases, then the orientation of the book block is considered complete when the leading book block edge has reached a certain position mechanically or sensor controlled. The mechanical stop can be constructed so that it initially exerts a slight counterforce on the book block before it releases the further transport path by a tilting movement. Only when it reaches the perfect alignment of the book block, the transport clamp comes into operation, and the clamped book block is then fed to the first processing station.

In all described retraction movements or other movement characteristics, the transport clamps used adapts to the aligned plane of the rear book block edge by means of a built-in clamp driver in such a way that the registration of the then book block always takes place in a positionally stable and stable position.

Moreover, according to the invention, a method is also provided for operating at least one processing machine designed as an adhesive binder line, this adhesive binder line being in operative connection with the operation of a device described above for aligning a book block consisting of individual sheets and / or signatures, the book blocks preferably being characterized by an automatic Feeding done. But it is also possible to insert the book blocks by hand and then make their alignment with the aid of one of the described variant of the device for aligning a consisting of individual sheets and / or signatures book block, which is guaranteed by such a deposit guarantee that a perfect Alignment of the book block is ensured in all cases. Both types of feed, automatically or by hand, can be done at the same or a separate location.

The operation of this processing machine, ie the perfect binder line, can be carried out according to the following process steps, with adhesive binder lines with only a few processing stations and a strongly limited number of transport brackets on a temporary stoppage of the book block flow can often be dispensed with, because in such cases, the processing stations a sufficiently large Time span for the conversion.

The implementation of such production of various jobs is based on the use of barcode information, as known per se in the art, which are readably placed on both the book block and on the envelope, and have the final purpose of clearly identifying the job affiliation and play.

1. i) Bei einem Wechsel von einem fortlaufend produzierten ersten Job zu einem nachfolgenden zweiten Job werden die herangeführten Buchblocks des nachfolgenden Jobs über Barcode erfasst, und vor deren Einführen in die Verarbeitungsmaschine vor der Vorrichtung für die Ausrichtung des Buchblocks angehalten;
2. ii) Während die Buchblocks des nachfolgenden Jobs in Wartestellung vor der für die Ausrichtung betriebenen Vorrichtung verharren, werden die restlichen Buchblocks des vorangehenden Jobs über die einzelnen Bearbeitungsstationen der Verarbeitungsmaschine geführt und fertig verarbeitet;
3. iii) Nach Fertigstellung des letzten Buchblocks des vorangehenden Jobs wird ein Leerabziehen der zum nachfolgenden Job gehörenden in einem Umschlagableger abgelegten Umschläge eingeleitet bis festgestellt wird, dass diese Umschläge für die Buchblocks des nachfolgenden Jobs sicher zur Verfügung stehen;
4. iv) Sobald festgestellt ist, dass der abgezogene Umschlag sicher mit den Buchblocks des nachfolgenden Jobs übereinstimmt, gibt die Hauptsteuerung der Verarbeitungsmaschine die angehaltenen Buchblocks des nachfolgenden Jobs frei, welche dann in die Verarbeitungsmaschine eingeführt, und welche dann über die einzelnen Bearbeitungsstationen verarbeitet werden.

When processing certain jobs that require longer time intervals for the conversion of the processing stations, the following process steps are used:

1. i) In the case of a change from a continuously produced first job to a subsequent second job, the brought-up book blocks of the subsequent job are detected via bar code and stopped before the device for aligning the book block before being inserted into the processing machine;
2. ii) While the book blocks of the succeeding job are paused before the alignment device, the remaining book blocks of the previous job are passed over the individual processing stations of the processing machine and finished;
3. iii) after completion of the last book block of the preceding job, an unpacking of the envelopes stored in a turn-up folder belonging to the subsequent job is initiated until it is determined that these envelopes are safely available for the book blocks of the subsequent job;
4. iv) Once it is determined that the withdrawn envelope securely matches the book blocks of the subsequent job, the main controller of the processing engine releases the held book blocks of the subsequent job, which are then inserted into the processing machine and then processed through the individual processing stations.

Thus, it is obvious that even with perfect binder lines with a reduced number of processing stations and transport clamps the short stoppage of book block feed between two different jobs in itself has its legitimacy. After all, in most cases, such a short intermediate period of time already suffices to make the necessary changes in the processing stations and delivery functions (removal of the envelopes).

Since the idle cycles during the stopping of the book blocks correspond at most to the number of operatively acting processing stations of the perfect binder line, the production interruption, regardless of the size of the job and regardless of which time the conversion takes, always very limited.

An advantage of such a constellation is the fact that the ratio between the adjustment and processing section along the conveying path of the perfect binder line does not have to be varied, which contributes to the simplification and stability of the system. The time required on the occasion of compulsory blank cycles for the job change is also of minor importance for another consideration, as it will presumably rarely occur that such a conversion of the processing stations can not be made within the specified cycle of a perfect binder line with a reduced number of transport brackets.

In most of the cases above, at best, such a conversion will take place with a single empty cycle. Thus, the dimensions of the successive book blocks would have to be more variable until the conditions of job suspension are met, which, however, can not be ruled out due to the great variability of the printed products.

If, in the extreme case, the smallest job sizes or individual print products follow one another, it is proposed according to the invention to scan the envelopes externally beforehand and to transmit the resulting sequence electronically to the main controller of the perfect binder line. The bookblocks released for processing are then dependent upon the resulting order due to the scanned envelopes.

Book blocks with a different thickness within a certain band width can be continuously produced on adhesive binder lines with few processing stations and transport clamps without intervention, so that in such cases, the production of printed products with thickness differences far beyond the variability of ± 3.25 mm thickness differences, as in high-performance adhesives in the run is predetermined, can be done without having to provide for further intervention, before then if necessary to a higher resp. lower bandwidth for larger resp. smaller book block thicknesses is changed. The procedure always corresponds to the operating processes explained above.

Accordingly, with the same dimensioned printed products, in particular with regard to the thickness, with different envelopes, an inversion at the processing stations of the processing machine fails. In contrast, a change in the original thickness of the book block within different jobs over the predetermined by the type of perfect binder line minimum span an adjustment of at least one processing station of the machine is made.

Furthermore, a conversion of the processing stations of the perfect binder line is carried out when there are changed formats of the book block, such as width and height, or the thickness of which immediately has a difference which is greater than the minimum span. This can be with a minimum effort and large resp. process larger format differences of the book blocks.

The production of adhesive bound books can be advantageously designed by the use of digital printing. With such a high-performance system, in which digital printing and further processing are networked into an overall system, it is possible to offer fully automated production in a single operation, from the roll to the finished print product, with which even very short runs can be produced extremely quickly and economically.

The mentioned high-performance system is excellently suited to provide an industrial, fully integrated complete solution for digital book production, with which, as already mentioned, even in the case of very short runs, right down to individual books or brochures, it can be economically operated. The data generally controls and regulates prepress, digital printing and finishing of the printed products in a high-performance perfect binder line, until the completion of the books or brochures.

Assign the barcode electronically recorded characteristics of the initially waiting book block before the processing stations on a mandatory vorzunehmendes conversions resp. Adjustment of one or more processing stations of the perfect binder line, so these interventions can be initiated and implemented continuously, each time the last book block of a previous job has just left this processing station.

This ensures that processing for the subsequent job can be immediately released as soon as a message is sent to the main controller that the corresponding envelopes assigned to the new job are ready to be subtracted.

If the envelopes are previously scanned externally, as described above, so usually eliminates a previous assurance by removing the envelopes.

The values underlying these adjustments can be recalled immediately as long as the applicable control profiles are stored in the main control of the perfect binder line. If no stored control profiles are available for a particular book block, the electronically recorded properties, resp. Characteristics of the book block to be processed for the main controller to emit corresponding compliant control commands to the units and processing stations of the perfect binder line, the conversion of which then takes place automatically.

This requires, of course, that at least the processing stations are equipped with appropriate servomotors, which are able to control-store the commands to then implement them accurately. This storage then fulfills the condition of a stored control profile. The electronically recorded properties of the respective book block can be detected by sensors, or they are encrypted in a bar code. If the processing stations are equipped with corresponding servomotors, then a manual adjustment is completely unnecessary.

The stored control profiles can also be constructed in such a way that they can be correspondingly checked, adapted and / or directly corrected as a function of a feedback originating from a processing station.

In particular, in the case of different book block thicknesses, an adaptation of the geometric location for the attachment of the grooves on the envelopes should preferably take place. In the case of an envelope made of a material that is difficult to yield, a double-folding fold should be made beforehand in accordance with the book block thickness before its application.

When changing the dimensions of the book blocks, as already mentioned, at least the processing stations of the perfect binder line are redirected to the dimensions of the subsequent job, such conversion preferably being able to occur by activating the control profiles stored or calculated in the main control, with the ultimate reduction in downtime the conversion operations will be carried out continuously at each workstation as soon as the last book block of the previous job has left such a workstation.

In summary, the method can be described as follows: Prior to releasing the book blocks belonging to the subsequent job, it is ensured by at least one envelope that these same envelopes correspond to these subsequent book blocks. It is also possible that, in turn, the release of the book block belonging to the subsequent job is ensured in advance, that the envelope is detected for this subsequent job and is then immediately available without an empty deduction.

Furthermore, it is also possible that prior to releasing the book blocks of the succeeding job, it is ensured that any excess envelopes of the previous job are blanked out of the envelope until the matching envelope is detected with the book blocks associated with the subsequent job.

Brief description of the figures

Figur 1

einen Klebebinder in der Draufsicht;

Figur 2

den Klebebinder gemäss Figur 1 in einer Aufsicht;

Figur 3

eine erste Ausführung einer Vorrichtung für die Ausrichtung eines aus Einzellblättern und/ Signaturen bestehenden Buchblocks;

Figur 4

die Ausführung einer weiteren solchen Vorrichtung;

Figur 5

die Ausführung einer weiteren solchen Vorrichtung;

Figur 6

die Ausführung einer weiteren solchen Vorrichtung;

Figur 7

die Ausführung einer weiteren solchen Vorrichtung.

In the following, figures essential to the invention are listed and briefly titled. All elements not essential to the immediate understanding of the invention have been omitted. The same elements are provided in the various figures with the same reference numerals. Show it:

FIG. 1

an adhesive binder in plan view;

FIG. 2

according to the perfect binder FIG. 1 in a supervision;

FIG. 3

a first embodiment of an apparatus for aligning a book block consisting of Einzellblättern and / or signatures;

FIG. 4

the execution of another such device;

FIG. 5

the execution of another such device;

FIG. 6

the execution of another such device;

FIG. 7

the execution of another such device.

Embodiments of the invention

In FIG. 1 is an adhesive binder 1, also called perfect binder line, shown in a plan view. The perfect binder 1 has a book block transport system 2, which the transport clamps 11, 12, 13 along a guideway 3 (see FIG. 2 ) is moved through arranged along the guideway 3 processing stations 5 therethrough. Of the in Fig. 1 shown perfect binder 1 has three drives 41, 42, 43 (see FIG. 2 ), wherein the first drive 41 of the first transport clamp 11, the second drive 42 of the second transport clamp 12 and the third drive 42 of the third transport clamp 13 is associated. A respective drive 41, 42, 43 has a drive chain 21, 22, 23, to which the associated transport clamp 11, 12, 13 is fixed, and which is driven by a drive motor 31, 32, 33. Each drive chain 21, 22, 23 is each end with a sprocket 4 in operative connection. The drive motors 31, 32, 33 are controlled by a machine control 6 of the perfect binder 1. Velocity profiles are stored in the machine controller 6, so that a respective transport clamp 11, 12, 13 with its own speed profile along the guide track 3 (see FIG FIG. 2 ) can be moved. For example, different lengths of downtime can be stored in the machine control for a respective holding position 51, 52, 53. Thus, the downtime in the holding position 53 for the book export turn out to be significantly shorter than the downtime in the holding position 52 for the pressing of the envelope. A specific speed can also be provided for a respective processing station 5, for example, the speed in the drying station 5 can be particularly low in order to enable a long drying process or cooling process. Also, in the machine control 6, product-dependent speed profiles, that is, dependent on a respective book block 100 to be processed, can be stored.

In FIG. 2 is the perfect binder 1 according FIG. 1 shown in a view, so that the arrangement of the drive chains 21, 22, 23, which are part of a respective drive 41, 42, 43, can be clearly seen. The description of the other positions goes out FIG. 1 out.

In both FIGS. 1 and 2 is at holding position 51 in operative connection with the reaching there transport clamp 11, a device 200 schematically drawn, which serves to align a book block consisting of individual sheets and / or signatures. This device is designed so that it is able to ensure automatic feeding of the individual book blocks. Should be for a Hand to be made by hand supply of the individual book block, they are inserted at holding position 53 in transport bracket 13, these book blocks are then also aligned in holding position 51 of the device 200 acting there.

Such an adhesive binder 1 has the advantage that the performance of the perfect binder can be increased by adapted downtime and different motion profiles in the movement sections. In that regard, can be dispensed with an intermediate stopping the book block flow for converting the processing machines. Also, the quality of the books or printed products to be produced can be increased because the speed profiles each allow transport speeds and downtimes close to the process engineering optimum. For example, a longer downtime for Envelope press can help that a respective envelope better adheres to the book block, the book block back can be better formed and the book block can harden better. Another advantage results from the fact that the processing stations located in the holding positions are free along the guideway, d. H. can be arranged in an optimal position. It is no longer necessary that the holding positions are arranged at a uniform distance from each other. The processing stations can be variably arranged according to customer requirements with a grid along the guideway. So different machine configurations can be offered.

The perfect binder 1 has in particular at least two holding positions for the transport clamps, including one for the book block introduction and one for pressing an envelope to a book block. Optionally, an additional holding position for the discharge of finished book block can be provided. In the respective holding positions, the transport clamps are brought to a standstill by the drive assigned to a respective transport clamp. It is also possible for example for the production of open back brochures, Swiss brochures and "Otabind" bindings, adhesive and Fälzelstreifen during the first circulation of the book block along the guideway and a second round of the book block along the Guideway then apply glue and an envelope. In Swiss brochures, the book block is bordered on the back with a strip of paper or fabric. The outer 3-fold grooved cardboard cover, does not stick to the back of the book block, but with a narrow strip on the last page. In "Otabind", the envelope is only glued to the side of the book block. The back of the envelope is grooved 6 times. The book block is glued to the envelope between the first, second and fifth, sixth grooves. The back of the envelope is not glued to the book block.

For example, an associated downtime can be stored for a respective holding position. Also, in this perfect binder 1 for a respective movement section between the holding positions a different speed can be stored, for example, the speed in the spine processing station can be greater than in the drying station. Product-dependent speed profiles are understood to depend on the book to be produced. Printed product, d. H. For example, its format, the book block thickness, the glue thickness, the adhesive and its properties, the paper material, etc.

The preferred embodiments of such a device 200 are described in detail below Figures 3 ff. described.

FIG. 3 shows a device 300, which is designed for the alignment of a consisting of individual sheets and / or signatures book block 100. This device is therefore designed for use in a processing machine, an adhesive binder, as under record FIGS. 1 . 2 is shown and described for the production of books or printed products.

The apparatus 300 is upstream of a first processing station within the processing machine (see FIGS. 1 . 2 ), wherein the single book block 100 is fed automatically or directly or indirectly into the device 300 by hand. This device works as an alignment station, and it consists of at least a base plate 301, which has at least one vertically or quasi-vertically extending body 302 at the end, forms the book block side a stop surface 303.

The base plate is provided with at least one movement body 304, which executes at least one movement 305, 306, 307 relative to the abutment surface 303, these movements being functionally connected to the abutment surface 303 in such a way that thereby aligning the individual sheets and / or signatures the adjoining book block edge 308 is accomplished.

The moving body 304 is composed of a belt or a plate which performs the basic function of a withdrawal belt or retracting plate, as the marked movement 305 intends to express. In general, the movements 305, 306, 307 that are to be implemented are predetermined by a controlled drive 309. The on the book block 100, resp. acting on the position of the individual components 100a, acting backward movement 305 causes a 100% positional match of the individual components 100a between the rear abutment edge 308 of the book block 100 and the fixedly positioned abutment surface 303. Typical values for the speed of the backward movement are 50 mm / s. This speed can be varied depending on the case, and they qualitatively and / or quantitatively for the movements of the other embodiments according to the Figures 4-7 has its validity.

If necessary, it is provided that the abutment surface 303 on the body side 302 has additional damping arrangements 310 which are capable of suppressing a movement-related "hopping" of the rear abutment edge 308 of the book block 100 relative to the fixedly positioned abutment surface 303.

The base plate 301 is further coupled to a preferably arranged on the underside jogging mechanism 311, whose function is to initiate a separation of the individual sheets and / or signatures (see Item 100a) make.

The minimum jogging time is about 1 second. Depending on the settings of the pressing time or the thickness settings to be made at the individual processing stations of the perfect binder, it can also be higher or lower.

However, it has been found in practice that only by this shaking function no operational 100% certainty is achieved, so that thus the loosely arriving components (see Item 100a) of the book block 100, an orderly alignment of at least one book block edge 308 can be accomplished. The perfect alignment is achieved here rather by the approach of the book block to a standing with the base plate in operative connection stop surface 303 sustainably. Accordingly, the 100% defined orientation of the whole book block is achieved by the activation of said abutment surface.

Thus, if no 100% alignment can be achieved solely by a shaking motion, individual imperfectly aligned components of the book block 100 are detected prematurely by a light barrier, not shown in more detail, which functions as a presence check for the book block, after which statement immediately the further process steps are initiated within the perfect binder, in particular so that the transport clamp then comes into operation, and initiates the further transport of the book block to a first processing station. A correction of a deficient orientation of individual components of the book block can then no longer be cured.

A poor alignment, in particular the rear edge of the book block along the driving surface of the transport bracket, and the error is still so small, inevitably leads to a loss of quality of the finished book, in addition to the fact that the processing of such a not 100% aligned book block even too Can cause accidents within the individual processing stations.

However, the shaking function by mechanism 311 should not be dispensed with, because such a shaking function proves to be advantageous for separating the individual sheets or signatures within the book block. However, it should not Strictly shown light barrier exercise their presence strictly only in connection with the aligned stop surface side book block edge 308. Thus, the shaking mechanism 311 is intended to perform an important but subordinate function, subordinated in the sense that the perfect alignment of the book block components, particularly as regards the copy surface book block edge 308, is created by the moving body 304, retraction tape or retracting plate.

The embodiments herein regarding the vibrator mechanism 311 are also integral to the further embodiments of the apparatus Figures 4-7 Based on the fact that the installation of this vibrating mechanism has its full justification there, and therefore should not be waived the advantages of such a shaking function.

The book block-side surface of the retraction body 304 is preferably provided with a gripping structure 312 which serves to increase the grip against the lower-side book block edge 313, so that even with intermittent movements 306, 307 of the retraction body in one or the other direction, the book block can not slip. If the book block 100 formed by thin sheets with a tendency to unfold a mutual large surface tension, it is provided that the retraction body 304, so retreating tape or retreat plate, intermittent short backs 306 and 307 performs forward movements, this with the final purpose, one over To ensure the shaking function ensuring the alignment of the book block. The forward movement 307 has primarily the function of causing an intermediate relaxation on the abutment surface side book block edge 308, whereby this movement can be designed as often ausholend as needed.

Once the book block has been perfectly aligned, it is fed through at least one transport clamp (see FIGS. 1 . 2 ) and guided to the individual processing stations of the perfect binder.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a moving body, which is designed as a conveyor belt 402, and which is integrated in a base plate 401, wherein the basic kinematics of this retraction body is designed as a withdrawal movement 404 of the book block 100, as already described FIG. 3 is described in detail. The conveyor belt 402 extends at least in the region of the detected surface 408 of the base plate 401 slightly projecting from its base, so that no friction losses can occur. The rear-facing running direction 404 of the conveyor belt 402 acting on the book block to provide a perfect alignment is uniform. As already under FIG. 3 Also, intermittent motion in a 405 or other direction may be implemented. The running direction of the conveyor belt 402 can also be designed in a direction-changing manner 406. The directions of travel of the conveyor belt 402 and their characteristics are always associated with achieving a perfect alignment of the abutment surface side book block edge 308, as shown in FIG. 3 is described in detail. The book block side surface of the conveyor belt 402 is preferably provided with a gripping structure 403, which serves to increase the grip against the lower side Buchblocckante 409, so that the book block can not slip even with intermittent movements 405, 407 of the conveyor belt 402 in one or the other direction.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment, as the basic backward movement can be achieved. This retraction movement is to provide the base plate 501 at least partially with internally installed rollers 502, which are directly or indirectly via a drive not shown in operative connection, and which cause by their turns a linear motion to the book block 503, these rollers 502 just slightly above the surface of this base plate protrude, like this FIG. 5 clearly stated.

It can also be provided that the drive of the rollers 502 after the successful impact of the book block edge 308 to the fixedly positioned stop surface 303, briefly put out of operation, so that the rollers 502 then practically smoothly, freely rotate freely in both directions, this so through the roles no Inhibitory effect on the book block may occur during further transport, this preferably also in those cases in which the book block for further transport to the processing stations (see FIGS. 1 . 2 ) is not raised.

Accordingly, after the impact of the book block on the fixedly positioned abutment surface, the rollers no longer have any momentary torque, or the rolling motion torque is designed so that the rollers initially rest after impact, and then freely rotate freely as the book block moves is transported further. The next cycle, the roles are initially driven until the impact of the book block.

A short-term driven rotational movement of the rollers beyond the impact occurred is also possible. Such sustained contact pressure of the Buchblocckante on the stop surface can be found in all variants Figures 3-7 provide.

It is also possible to drive the rollers 502 in the opposite direction 504, this in those cases in which an intermediate relaxation on the stop surface side book block edge 308 is to be achieved, so this movement can be at least once also ausholend as needed.

Once the book block has been perfectly aligned, it will be replaced by at least one transport clamp (see FIGS. 1 . 2 ) and passed over the individual processing stations of the perfect binder.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment, which basically the same structure and operation as under FIG. 5 according to the fact that the movements acting on the book block 503, 504 (see also the description under FIG. 5 ) by a separate runway 602, this runway is covered by a frame 601, wherein such is not necessarily provided in taxiways. The roles of this runway 602 are either driven individually, or they are shared by a single drive not shown in detail, such as this is to express the indicated cross-link 603. Here, too, intermittent movements can be provided in one direction or the other, as has already been the case in previous ones Figures 3-5 is described in detail.

FIG. 7 shows a further variant of how the alignment of the components of the book block can take place. The device 700 shown here is in turn for use in a processing machine (see FIGS. 1 . 2 ), in which the production of books or printed products is carried out, wherein the device is arranged upstream of a first processing station within the processing machine. The book block 100 can also be fed automatically or by hand into the device. This device is formed from at least one alignment station, which consists of at least one base plate 701 or a runway not shown in detail (see Figures 5 . 6 ), wherein the base plate or the runway end has at least one perpendicular or quasi-perpendicular stop surface.

The abutment surface 303, ie, the entire body 302, moves toward the abutment surface side book block edge 308, and pushes the book block toward processing stations by the resulting abutting force. In the exercise of this movement 703 takes place, at the same time with the support of the already mentioned shaking function (see description FIG. 3 ) an alignment of the components of the book block instead. The forward movement of the book block is then terminated, thus the leading edge of the book block 100 has reached a demarcation point 702 on the base plate 701 consisting of at least one mechanical or electronic element. At this point, the corresponding transport clamp engages, which has advanced in value with the book block, and which then comes into operation at this position, and leads the book block to the processing stations.

Out FIG. 7 Then, the individual executive movements of the body 302 are shown schematically by arrows: Since on the one hand the forward movement 703 of the body 302 is shown, through which the shift of the book block 100 takes place. The intermittent movement 704 of the same body 302, which is possible for this purpose, should accordingly also be possible if required. In contrast, the FIG. 7 by the arrows 705, 706, toward the opposite movements of the body. All movements have the same final purpose as described in the previous figures 3-6, namely to achieve a perfect alignment of the book block before its processing.

Claims (21)

1. Device for aligning a book block composed of individual sheets and/or signatures, wherein the device (200, 300) is a constituent part of a fabrication machine (1) having at least one processing station by means of which the production of books or printed products is performable, wherein the device is arranged upstream of the first processing station (5) within the fabrication machine, wherein the book block (100) is feedable, upright, directly or indirectly into the device automatically or by hand, and said device is formed from at least one alignment station, which is composed of at least one base plate (301, 401) which, at an end side, has a fixed body (302) with at least one stop surface (303) running perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the base plate, wherein the base plate is equipped with at least one movable means (304, 402) which performs at least one movement (305, 306, 307; 404, 405, 406, 407) relative to the stop surface, wherein the movement of the means (304, 402) effects, in operative connection with the stop surface, an alignment of the individual sheets and/or signatures (100a) at at least one book block edge (308), and wherein the book block (100), after being aligned, is grippable by at least one transport clamp (11, 12, 13), which belongs to the fabrication machine, for the further processing.
2. Device for aligning a book block composed of individual sheets and/or signatures, wherein the device (500, 600) is a constituent part of a fabrication machine having at least one processing station by means of which the production of books or printed products is performable, and said device is arranged upstream of the first processing station (5) within the fabrication machine, wherein the book block is feedable, upright, directly or indirectly into the device automatically or by hand, and said device is formed from at least one alignment station, which is composed of a number of rollers (502) arranged side by side which are drivable selectively and displaceable into the freely rotatable state and which are operatively connected to a base plate (501), or form an integral roller track (602), on which rollers the book block is movable to at least one stop surface (303), arranged at an end side of a fixed body (302), such that the book block is, by means of at least one movement in operative connection with the stop surface, which runs perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly with respect to the base plate or with respect to the roller apparatus, subjected to an alignment of the individual sheets and/or signatures (100a) at at least one book block edge (308), and wherein the book block (100), after being aligned, is grippable by at least one transport clamp (11, 12, 13), which belongs to the fabrication machine, for the further processing.
3. Device for aligning a book block composed of individual sheets and/or signatures, wherein the device (700) is a constituent part of a fabrication machine having at least one processing station by means of which the production of books or printed products is performable, and said device is arranged upstream of the first processing station (5) within the fabrication machine, wherein the book block is feedable, upright, directly or indirectly into the device automatically or by hand, wherein the device is formed from at least one alignment station, which is composed of at least one base plate (701), a base plate (501) equipped with rollers or a roller track (602), wherein each of said elements (701, 501, 602) has, at an end side, at least one stop surface (303) of a movable body, which stop surface runs perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly, is movable toward the book block edge at the stop surface side and generates a movement (703, 704, 705, 706) which acts on the book block in the direction of the processing station, such that the book block is, by means of the movement, subjected to an alignment of the individual sheets and/or signatures (100a) at at least one book block edge (308), wherein the alignment of the book block is ended as soon as the leading book block edge coincides with a delimiting point (702) on the base plate (701, 501) or roller track (602), at which delimiting point the book block (100) is grippable by a transport clamp (11, 12, 13), which belongs to the fabrication machine, for the further processing.
4. Device according to any of Claims 1-3, characterized in that the fabrication machine is an adhesive binder line or an adhesive binder.
5. Device according to any of Claims 1-4, characterized in that the fabrication machine is composed substantially of a book spine processing station, a glue application station, a pressure-exerting station, a cover-applying means, wherein the fabrication machine has a number of transport clamps (11, 12, 13).
6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the number of transport clamps is equal to, greater than or less than the number of processing stations.
7. Device according to any of Claims 1-6, characterized in that the processes for producing adhesive-bound books or printed products are controllable by means of control profiles.
8. Device according to any of Claims 1-3, characterized in that the base plate (301, 401), the base plate (501/502) equipped with rollers, or the roller track (602) is coupled to a vibration mechanism (311).
9. Device according to Claims 1, 2, characterized in that the means is composed of at least one movement body which is arranged on the surface of the base plate or is configured to be autonomous and which, by means of at least one drive, effects at least a movement in at least one direction relative to the stop surface (303).
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the movement is configured to be uniform (305, ...), intermittent (306, 307, ...) or in alternate directions (404, ...) .
11. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the movement body is composed of a retraction belt or a retraction plate (304), which are coupled at least at one side to a drive (309).
12. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means is composed of a continuously circulating conveyor belt (402), which conveyor belt operates at least partially on the upper side of the base plate (401), and in that the running direction of the conveyor belt is variable.
13. Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the running direction of the conveyor belt is configured to be uniform (406), intermittent (405, 407) or in alternate directions (404).
14. Device according to any of Claims 1 and 4-13, characterized in that that surface of the movement body which is at the book block side is equipped with a grip structure (312, ...) in order to increase the grip thereof.
15. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the rollers (502) are arranged inside the base plate and are rotatable at least in one direction (503, 504), wherein the rollers project with a dimension out of the surface of the base plate, wherein the rollers form, on a top side, a movement plane of the book block, wherein the rollers are drivable directly or indirectly, and wherein the rollers are at least acted on with a torque until the rear book block edge (308) coincides, in a positionally stable manner, with the stop surface (303).
16. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the direction of rotation of at least one roller is configured to be uniform, intermittent or in alternate directions.
17. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the rollers form an integral roller track (602) which forms a movement plane of the book block, wherein the rollers of the roller track are drivable directly or indirectly, and wherein the rollers are at least acted on with a torque until the rear book block edge (308) coincides with the stop surface (303).
18. Device according to Claim 17, characterized in that the direction of rotation of at least one roller is configured to be uniform, intermittent or in alternate directions.
19. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the transport clamp (11, 12, 13) performs a forwardly directed movement simultaneously with the book block.
20. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vibration mechanism (311) is used before or during the use of the movement body or of the rollers or of the roller track.
21. Method for operating a device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the device, which is arranged upstream of a first processing station within the fabrication machine, effects the integral alignment of a book block composed of individual sheets and/or signatures, wherein the individual book block is feedable automatically or by hand into the device, and wherein the fabrication machine is operated for the production of adhesive-bound printed products, wherein the production of continuously different book blocks is performed continuously in automatic fashion using the device, and is performed in accordance with the following method steps:

    a) upon a change from a continuously produced first job to a subsequent second job, the approaching book blocks of the subsequent job are detected by means of a barcode, and these book blocks are stopped, before being introduced into the fabrication machine, upstream of the device for aligning the book block;

    b) whilst the book blocks of the subsequent job pause in a waiting position upstream of the device, the remaining book blocks of the previous jobs are led via the individual processing stations of the fabrication machine and are fully fabricated;

    c) after the completion of the final book block of the preceding job, idle drawing-off of the covers which belong to the subsequent job and which are stored in a cover store is initiated until it is detected that said covers for the book block of the subsequent job are reliably available;

    d) as soon as it is identified that the drawn-off cover reliably corresponds to the book block of the subsequent job, the main controller of the machine releases the stopped book blocks of the subsequent job, which book blocks are then introduced into the fabrication machine and fabricated by means of the individual processing stations.

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