EP4309911A1 - Thruster for a photo book - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a slipcase for a photo book, the slipcase (1) being rectangular, the slipcase (1) having an access opening (2) for inserting and removing the photo book and five pages, the five pages having a front ( 3), a back (4), a slipcase back (5) and two connecting sides (6, 7), which connect the front (3), the back (4) and the slipcase back (5) with each other, the slipcase ( 1) is made from at least two sheets folded and glued together, a first sheet forming the front (3) and a second sheet forming the back (4).

Description

The invention relates to a slipcase for a photo book and to a method and a device for producing the slipcase. The invention also relates to folding devices and gluing devices, which can be part of the device for producing the slipcase.

Photo books are very individual. As a rule, every photo book is unique, although different photo books can have different numbers of pages. The type of paper and therefore the paper thickness can also vary from photo book to photo book. Accordingly, the slipcases for the photo books should also be different. In particular, the thickness of the respective slipcase should correspond to the thickness of the respective photo book. Producing these individual slipcases in large quantities is relatively complex.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a slipcase for a photo book that can be manufactured individually, ie to fit the respective photo book, with relatively little effort, even if different slipcases for different photo books are to be produced in large quantities. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing of slipcases for photo books. In addition, folding devices and gluing devices, which can be part of the device for producing the slipcase, should be provided.

The task is solved by a slipcase for a photo book, the slipcase being rectangular, the slipcase having an access opening for inserting and removing the photo book and five pages, the five pages having a front, a back, a slipcase back and two connecting pages, which connect the front, the back and the slipcase back together, the slipcase being made from at least two sheets folded and glued together, a first sheet forming the front and a second sheet forming the back.

Producing the slipcase by folding and gluing two sheets together, with a first sheet forming the front of the slipcase and a second sheet forming the back of the slipcase, can be relatively easily adapted to the respective photo book, in particular to the thickness of the respective photo book. This therefore enables the production of individualized slipcases, which are adapted to a respective individual photo book, in large quantities with relatively little effort. In particular, it enables the production of the slipcases to be easily adapted to the thickness of the respective photo book in such a way that they are a precise fit for the respective photo book, so that they do not lie loosely in the slipcase and can still be easily removed.

Preferably, at least one of the pages has one or more photos of the photo book on its outer surface. In a preferred embodiment, at least two of the pages, in particular all pages, have one or more photos of the photo book on their outer surfaces. Of course, this does not affect the access opening, which is naturally open and therefore cannot show any photos. The sides of the slipcase, i.e. the front, the back, the back of the slipcase and the two connecting sides, could also be viewed as closed sides, in contrast to the open access opening.

Preferably, the front includes a head end and a foot end, with the access opening being on the left side when the slipcase is held so that the front of the slipcase is viewed with the head end up. In addition, it is preferred that the at least one photo on the outer surface of the slipcase is also shown on the outer surface of the photo book. It is also preferred that the photo book comprises a front, a back and a photo book spine, the slipcase is designed so that the front sides of the photo book and the slipcase show the same thing and / or the back sides of the photo book and the slipcase show the same thing and / or the photo book spine and the slipcase spine show the same thing.

It is preferred that the first sheet and the second sheet each have side flaps which are each glued together by means of a first adhesive arrangement, the side flaps glued together forming the back of the slipcase and the connecting sides of the slipcase. Gluing the two folded sheets together by gluing the side flaps also makes it possible to produce individualized slipcases that are adapted to the respective photo book in large quantities with relatively little effort. Preferably, one of the two side tabs, which together form a respective connection side, completely forms the inner surface of the respective connection side, with the other of the two side flaps preferably completely forming the outer surface of the respective connection side. In addition, one of the two side flaps, which together form the slipcase spine, preferably completely forms the inner surface of the slipcase spine, with the other of the two side flaps preferably completely forming the outer surface of the slipcase spine. If the respective inner surface is formed entirely, i.e. solely, by a side flap, the respective inner surface does not include a step or the like, but is flat or smooth. This further increases the quality of the slipcase as the likelihood of the slipcase damaging the photo book can be reduced.

It is further preferred that the respective first adhesive arrangement is an adhesive line. The side flaps are therefore preferably not glued using individual adhesive dots. The use of adhesive lines allows for longer-lasting bonding, so the resulting slipcase is very durable. In particular, the slipcase is also very stable with regard to temperature fluctuations. Applying an adhesive line is also easier to control than, for example, applying individual adhesive dots. Applying the adhesive line can also be viewed as a bead application.

It is further preferred that the respective first adhesive arrangement is a non-curved straight arrangement or a U-shaped arrangement of an adhesive. In particular, if the side tabs have a height that is less than a predefined threshold, the respective first adhesive arrangement is a non-curved arrangement, and if the side tabs have a height that is greater than the predefined threshold, the respective first adhesive arrangement is a U-shaped arrangement. If the side tabs have a height less than the predefined one Threshold value, the probability that adhesive will be forced out of the area between the side tabs increases if the adhesive arrangement is U-shaped. On the other hand, this probability is reduced if the height of the side flap is greater than the predefined threshold value. Therefore, a U-shaped adhesive arrangement is preferably selected for correspondingly higher side flaps. The predefined threshold value is preferably in a range of 10 to 30 mm, more preferably in a range between 20 and 25 mm, and in a further preferred embodiment the threshold value is 22 mm.

In one embodiment, the respective first adhesive arrangement between two side tabs at the beginning and the end has a diameter that is larger than the diameter between the beginning and the end. It is preferred that the width of the first adhesive assembly between the beginning and the end is in a range of 5 mm to 7 mm. In addition, it is preferred that the distance between a) an outer edge of the respective side flap, i.e. to one or all edges that do not adjoin a first section of the sheet, which forms the front or the back, and b) the respective first Adhesive arrangement is less than or equal to 2 mm and is more preferably in a range of 1 mm to 2 mm. It has been shown that these parameters lead to long-lasting bonds, while at the same time no adhesive is forced out of the area between the side flaps. The bonding is therefore not only very durable, but also very clean.

It is preferred that the first sheet and the second sheet are different, i.e. not identical.

It is further preferred that the side tabs of one of the sheets have a greater height than the side tabs of the other of the sheets. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the side flap of the first sheet forming the front is greater than the height of the second sheet forming the back. This means that the front of the slipcase essentially only has folded edges on its edges and therefore no end areas of surfaces glued to one another that are more vulnerable over a longer period of time. An exception may be a recess in the area of the access opening, which is described in more detail below.

It is also preferred that a) the front by folding two contiguous sections of the first sheet and gluing these sections to a second Adhesive arrangement has been formed, with a resulting folded fold edge between the two sections forming a front edge of the access opening, and / or b) the back has been formed by folding together two contiguous sections of the second sheet and gluing these sections with a third adhesive arrangement, wherein a resulting folded fold edge forms a rear edge of the access opening. By folding and gluing in this way, a stable front or a stable back can be produced with a relatively light sheet.

The third adhesive arrangement is preferably the same as the second adhesive arrangement. In addition, the second adhesive arrangement and/or the third adhesive arrangement preferably comprises adhesive lines. In particular, the second adhesive arrangement and/or the third adhesive arrangement comprises a non-curved straight sub-arrangement and a curved sub-arrangement of an adhesive. Thus, the second adhesive arrangement and/or the third adhesive arrangement can have three non-curved sub-arrangements, each of the three non-curved sub-arrangements running parallel to a respective side flap of the respective sheet. The distance between the respective non-curved sub-arrangement and the respective side flap of the respective sheet is preferably in a range between 4 mm and 8 mm and is preferably 6 mm. It is also preferred that there is an opening with a curved edge centrally between the two sections of the respective arch, the curved sub-arrangement running along the curved edge of the opening, the distance between the curved sub-arrangement and the curved edge of the opening in particular is in a range between 5 mm and 15 mm and more preferably in a range of 7 mm to 12 mm. These adhesive arrangements result in a very long-lasting front and back, whereby the bonding can be carried out very cleanly since no adhesive is forced out of an area that lies between two surfaces to be bonded.

The opening is preferably circular, so that the folded fold edge formed by folding and gluing the two sections has a semicircular interruption. In addition, a code containing information about the respective slipcase and/or the associated photo book is preferably arranged on the respective sheet. In particular, it is preferred that a code that contains information about the slipcase is arranged on an inner surface of the front in an edge region that adjoins the access opening.

In one embodiment, a photo is arranged on the outer surfaces of a) the front and/or back and b) the back of the slipcase, the photo being displayed in such a way that there is no optical break between a) the front and/or back and b ) has the slipcase spine.

The invention also relates to a photo book with a slipcase.

1. a) Bereitstellen von Fotobuch-Informationen, die die Dicke des jeweiligen Fotobuchs charakterisieren,
2. b) Bestimmen der Dicke des herzustellenden jeweiligen Schubers auf Basis der bereitgestellten Fotobuch-Informationen,
3. c) Bereitstellen eines ersten Bogens und eines zweiten Bogens,
4. d) Herstellen des Schubers unter Verwendung der Bögen derart, dass der Schuber die bestimmte Dicke aufweist, wobei das Herstellen ein Falten der Bögen und ein Zusammenkleben der gefalteten Bögen umfasst.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for producing slipcases for photo books, with slipcases of different thicknesses being produced for photo books of different thicknesses and the method comprising the following steps in order to produce a respective slipcase for a respective photo book:

1. a) Providing photo book information that characterizes the thickness of the respective photo book,
2. b) determining the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced based on the photo book information provided,
3. c) providing a first sheet and a second sheet,
4. d) producing the slipcase using the sheets such that the slipcase has the specific thickness, the manufacturing comprising folding the sheets and gluing the folded sheets together.

Steps a) and b) can also be replaced by a more general step of providing thickness information that characterizes the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced. It is therefore not absolutely necessary that photo book information that characterizes the thickness of the respective photo book is first provided, after which the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced is determined on the basis of the photo book information provided.

1. a) Bereitstellen einer Dickeninformation, die die Dicke des herzustellenden jeweiligen Schubers charakterisiert,
2. b) Bereitstellen eines ersten Bogens und eines zweiten Bogens,
3. c) Herstellen des Schubers unter Verwendung der Bögen derart, dass der Schuber die Dicke aufweist, wobei das Herstellen ein Falten der Bögen und ein Zusammenkleben der gefalteten Bögen umfasst.

That is, in one embodiment, a method for producing slipcases for photo books is provided, wherein slipcases of different thicknesses are produced for photo books of different thicknesses and the method comprises the following steps to produce a respective slipcase for a respective photo book:

1. a) providing thickness information that characterizes the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced,
2. b) providing a first sheet and a second sheet,
3. c) producing the slipcase using the sheets such that the slipcase has the thickness, the producing comprising folding the sheets and gluing the folded sheets together.

In one embodiment, the photo book information includes the number of pages of the photo book and/or information about the paper type of the paper of the pages of the photo book. In addition, the photo book information and a photo are preferably printed on the same side of a sheet. It is further preferred that the first sheet and/or the second sheet comprises a first section which is delimited by folding lines on which the sheet is to be folded, with a second section of the sheet adjoining a first folding line and being folded on the First fold line, the first section and the second section are folded together to form a front or back of the slipcase. Preferably, the first fold line is interrupted by an opening in the sheet, the opening preferably being circular.

It is further preferred that the folding is carried out by means of a first folding device, which comprises a first support surface for placing the first section of the sheet and a second support surface arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface for placing the second section, the first section resting on the first Support surface is placed, the second section is placed on the second support surface and the second support surface is moved relative to the first support surface so that the first section and the second section are folded onto one another. The folding can be carried out very precisely and repeatably in the same way using the first folding device, so that different slipcases are folded in the same high-quality manner. This ultimately leads to increased quality of the final slipcase produced.

It is preferred that at least one suction element is arranged on the first support surface in order to suck the sheet onto the first support surface. In particular, the at least one suction element is arranged in an edge region of the first support surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first support surface has at least one corner and at least one suction element is arranged in the corner. In particular, the first support surface includes a plurality of corners and a plurality of suction elements and in each A respective suction element is arranged in the corner. By using the suction elements in this way, the sheet can be prevented from shifting on the first support surface, which further improves the folding process and thus also increases the quality of the final slipcase produced.

It is further preferred that the first support surface has a stop against which an edge of the sheet is placed when the sheet is placed on the support surfaces. The stop may comprise a stop element which is designed in the shape of a circular section. It is also preferred that the second support surface has a recess which corresponds to the stop element of the first support surface in such a way that the stop element is arranged in the recess by folding the second support surface onto the first support surface. By using the stop, in particular the stop in the form of a circular section, and using the corresponding recess, the folding process can be carried out even more precisely and, in particular, in a repeatable manner. This enables a further improved quality of the slipcase to be produced.

The first section and the second section are preferably glued together, it being preferred that when the sheet lies on the support surfaces, adhesive is applied to the sheet. In particular, the adhesive is applied to the first section of the sheet to bond the first section and the second section together. The adhesive is preferably applied in adhesive lines to the first section of the sheet, the adhesive preferably being applied with a line thickness that lies in a region of a straight line between the start and the end, preferably in a range of 1 mm to 2 mm. The line thickness can also be greater than 2 mm at the beginning and/or end. In addition, the adhesive is preferably applied in edge regions of the first section, the adhesive having a distance from delimiting fold lines of the first section, which is preferably in a range of 4 mm to 8 mm and can be, for example, 6 mm. In addition, the adhesive is preferably not applied along the first fold line. However, the adhesive is preferably applied along the edge of the optional opening described above. By using the adhesive, a very durable front and back of the slipcase can be created. In addition, the adhesive does not get into undesirable areas, in particular the adhesive does not leave an intermediate area between two surfaces to be bonded, so that the bonding is carried out very precisely and very cleanly.

It is also preferred that the adhesive includes a hot melt adhesive, in particular a polyolefin hot melt adhesive is used. This is characterized by an optimally high and thermostable adhesive strength for the production of the slipcase, which at the same time offers an open time that is not too short for gluing. This means that the time until curing is sufficiently long so that gluing is possible without bulges forming on an outer surface of the slipcase. In addition, the adhesive is preferably applied at a temperature in a range of 180 ° C to 200 ° C, more preferably in a range of 185 ° C and 195 ° C and in particular at a temperature of 190 ° C. It has been shown that at these temperatures the adhesive can be pressed on well and does not harden too quickly. In addition, the temperature is not so high that the adhesive is destroyed.

It is further preferred that the adhesive is applied using an adhesive robot that has a robot arm and an adhesive nozzle. By using a gluing robot, the quality of the gluing process can be further improved. In particular, a consistently high adhesive quality can be guaranteed. This leads to a further improved quality of the slipcase to be produced.

It is also preferred that the photo book information be printed on the sheet. In particular, the photo book information is preferably printed in a first edge region of the second section of the sheet, which is arranged away from the first fold line and opposite the first fold line. It is also preferred that the photo book information is printed in a second edge area of the second section of the sheet, the second edge area adjoining the first fold line.

It is preferred that the two sheets are each designed in such a way that they each comprise a first section which is delimited by folding lines along which the respective sheet is to be folded, with a third section of the respective sheet adjoining a second folding line forms a first side flap, with a fourth section of the respective sheet adjoining a third fold line, which forms a second side flap, and with a fifth section of the respective sheet adjoining a fourth fold line, which forms a third side flap, wherein by folding on the second , third and fourth fold lines, the respective side flaps form a right angle to the first section, so that a bowl-like shape is created, which are glued together at the side flaps to form the slipcase, the glued together side flaps being the connecting sides of the slipcase, which are the front - Connect the back and back of the slipcase together and form the back of the slipcase. This making two bowl-like shapes or, in other words, two shells and then gluing these two shells together using the side flaps allows the slipcase to be produced to be relatively easily adapted to the thickness of the respective photo book. It is therefore possible to produce individually adapted slipcases for different photo books with relatively little effort.

It is further preferred that the height of the third, fourth and fifth sections and thus of the side tabs is adjusted depending on the specific thickness. In particular, the third, fourth and fifth sections and thus the side flaps are cut to a desired height, for example with a knife. Before folding the side flaps, the at least one sheet is preferably punched to create the individual sections. The adjustment, in particular the cutting, of the third, fourth and fifth sections and thus the side tabs depending on the specific thickness is preferably carried out after punching. This cutting of the side flaps to a desired height also enables the thickness of the slipcase to be adapted to the respective thickness of the photo book in large quantities.

It is also preferred that at least one of the third, fourth and fifth sections and thus at least one of the side flaps of at least one sheet is not completely printed. In addition, it is preferred that the fourth section is opposite the second section and the fourth section of at least one sheet has a code.

It is further preferred that the first folding device has third, fourth and fifth support surfaces for placing the third, fourth and fifth sections, the third, fourth and fifth support surfaces each being arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface, the respective third, fourth and fifth support surface is moved relative to the first support surface to pre-stretch the second, third and fourth fold lines before folding the sheet in a later step along these fold lines so that the third, fourth and fifth sections form a right angle with the first section. This pre-stretching allows this subsequent folding to be carried out more carefully in a subsequent folding step for folding the side flaps.

At least one of the sheets, i.e. the first sheet and/or the second sheet, can have a dust hole. It is preferred that, for at least one sheet, the third section has a fifth fold line and the fifth section has a sixth fold line, which is in Extension of the third fold line are arranged, with a sixth section of the sheet adjoining the fifth fold line, which forms a dust flap, and a seventh section of the sheet adjoining the sixth fold line, which forms a further dust flap.

In addition, it is preferred that the contact surfaces are metallic and/or plastic or consist only of metal and/or plastic. It has been shown that when using such materials, the surface of the slipcase is not affected, so that the quality of the slipcase to be produced can be further improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the support surfaces are arranged on a turntable.

It is further preferred that the folding of the side flaps is carried out using a second folding device. The second folding device preferably has a first support surface for receiving the first section of the first sheet and further support surfaces for receiving the third, fourth and fifth sections of the first sheet, the third, fourth and fifth support surfaces being arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface. The second folding device also preferably has a flap for folding onto the first support surface, wherein after the first sheet has been placed on the first support surface and the further support surfaces, the flap is folded onto the first section. The flap is preferably connected to a handle, with the flap being opened and closed manually using the handle. The handle is preferably connected to the flap via a U-shaped holder. It is also preferred that the flap has a first surface facing the first support surface and an opposite second surface facing away from the first support surface, a thickness compensation element being placed on the second surface. The thickness compensation element is preferably selected depending on the specific thickness of the slipcase to be produced. By using the thickness compensation element and the flap, the production of slipcases of different thicknesses, each of which is adapted to the thickness of the respective photo book, is further facilitated in large quantities.

It is also preferred that at least one depression is present on the second surface. The at least one depression is preferably elongated. In addition, the at least one depression is preferably open towards the edge of the second surface. In addition, it is preferably curved. The recess can enable easier removal of the thickness compensation element from the second surface of the flap, in particular as it can reduce or even prevent any negative pressure that may arise.

In one embodiment, the thickness compensation element is held magnetically on the flap. In this way, the accuracy of the folding can be further improved, since slipping of the thickness compensation element on the second surface can be prevented. These magnetic forces are used in particular when the thickness compensation element has a relatively low weight. With thick thickness compensation elements for relatively thick slipcases, the magnetic forces are not absolutely necessary due to the higher gravity.

The thickness compensation element preferably comprises metal and/or plastic, in particular the thickness compensation element preferably consists of metal and/or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, a thickness compensation element comprises a metal plate and a plastic plate, which are arranged one on top of the other.

It is also preferred that the second folding device has a stop and the thickness compensation element is aligned on the second surface with the aid of the stop. The stop is preferably made of plastic. In particular, the stop is shaped as part of a cylinder. This stop allows the thickness compensation element to be better aligned and also supported on the second surface, whereby the folding and gluing process and thus also the slipcase to be produced can be further improved.

It is further preferred that the first portion of the second sheet is placed on the thickness compensation member, with the side flaps of the second sheet being folded along side walls of the thickness compensation member and the flap at a right angle to the first portion of the second sheet. In particular, the folded side flaps of the second sheet are sucked onto the sides of the flap by means of suction elements of the flap. This folding and suction holding of the side flaps can also further improve the folding and gluing process and thus the slipcase to be produced.

It is preferred that the first section of the second sheet, after being placed on the thickness compensation element, is kept flat by means of a plate. In particular, the plate actively exerts pressure on the first section of the second sheet in order to to keep the first section flat on the thickness compensation element. By holding the first section of the second sheet flat on the thickness compensation element, the folding process can be further improved, whereby the quality of the slipcase to be produced can also be further improved.

It is further preferred that adhesive be applied to the side flaps of the first sheet after the first sheet has been placed on the support surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is applied in a U-shape to at least one side flap. However, it is also possible for the adhesive to be applied in a straight line on at least one side flap. The arrangement of the adhesive on the respective side flap is preferably determined depending on the height of the respective side flap. In particular, the arrangement is U-shaped when the height of the side flap is above a threshold, and the arrangement is a straight line when the height of the side flap is below a threshold.

It is preferred that the further support surfaces are folded up after the adhesive has been applied to the side flaps, so that the side flaps of the first sheet are at a right angle to the first section of the first sheet and are pressed onto the side flaps of the second sheet in order to Glue the side flaps of the first sheet and the side flaps of the second sheet together. Folding up is preferably done automatically. In particular, the automatic folding up preferably takes place after a predefined time after the application of the adhesive, which is in a range from 0.5 s to 1.0 s and in a preferred embodiment is 0.7 s. In addition, after folding up, it is preferred that the corresponding further support surface is folded down again after a predefined time, which is preferably in a range of 5 s to 15 s. In one embodiment, this time is 7 s. The above-mentioned time ranges enable long-lasting, firm bonding without pressure points forming on the outside of the slipcase, which could fundamentally arise due to the presence of voluminous, hardened adhesive. This also enables high-quality gluing and therefore a high-quality slipcase.

The first support surface and the further support surfaces are preferably arranged on a turntable. In particular, it is preferred that the first support surface and the further support surfaces are arranged on a turntable, with an adhesive position of a side tab to be provided with adhesive being defined and, before the adhesive is applied to the respective side tab, the turntable is rotated so that the respective side tab is in the adhesive position. This makes it possible to use the same gluing process for different side flaps. In particular, an adhesive robot can apply the adhesive to different side flaps using the same or similar robot movements. This simplifies the control of the gluing robot.

It is further preferred that after the side flaps have been glued, the plate is removed from the first section of the second sheet, the flap with the thickness compensation element is folded up and the resulting slipcase is pulled down from the flap with the thickness compensation element. This means that the slipcase produced can be removed from the device used without the slipcase being damaged. This also means that the slipcase is of high quality.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a folding device for use in the production of a slipcase, the folding device comprising a first support surface for placing a first section of a sheet and a second support surface which is articulated on the first support surface for placing a second section of the sheet, wherein the second support surface is movable relative to the first support surface such that the first section and the second section can be folded onto one another. This folding device is preferably the first folding device mentioned above.

In addition, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a folding device for use in the production of a slipcase, the folding device having a first support surface for placing a first section of a sheet and further support surfaces for placing further sections of the sheet to produce side flaps, the further Support surfaces are arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface, the further support surfaces being movable relative to the first support surface so that the further sections are folded at a right angle relative to the first section in order to produce the side tabs. This folding device is preferably the second folding device mentioned above.

In addition, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a gluing device for use in the production of the slipcase, the gluing device comprising a) the first folding device, b) the second folding device, and c) a gluing robot which is configured i) the two by means of to glue the first and second sections folded by the first folding device together and ii) to glue together folded side flaps of different sheets using the second folding device. The gluing robot can be a single gluing robot, so that actually only a single gluing robot does both the gluing the first folding device as well as the gluing in the second folding device, so that only a single gluing robot is required. The gluing robot can also be a robot system that includes two sub-gluing robots, with a sub-gluing robot carrying out the gluing on the first folding device and a second sub-gluing robot carrying out the gluing on the second folding device.

1. a) eine Bereitstellungseinheit zum Bereitstellen von Fotobuch-Informationen, die die Dicke des jeweiligen Fotobuchs charakterisieren,
2. b) eine Bestimmungseinheit zum Bestimmen der Dicke des herzustellenden jeweiligen Schubers auf Basis der bereitgestellten Fotobuch-Informationen,
3. c) eine Druckeinheit zum Bedrucken eines Druckbereichs eines bereitgestellten Bogens, insbesondere mit einem Foto aus dem Fotobuch,
4. d) eine Herstellungseinrichtung zum Herstellen des Schubers unter Verwendung des Bogens derart, dass der Schuber die bestimmte Dicke aufweist.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a device for producing slipcases for photo books, with slipcases of different thicknesses being produced for photo books of different thicknesses and the device for producing a respective slipcase for a respective photo book comprising:

1. a) a provision unit for providing photo book information that characterizes the thickness of the respective photo book,
2. b) a determination unit for determining the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced based on the photo book information provided,
3. c) a printing unit for printing a printing area of a sheet provided, in particular with a photo from the photo book,
4. d) a manufacturing device for producing the slipcase using the sheet such that the slipcase has the specific thickness.

The device can be used to produce slipcases of different thicknesses.

The provision unit and the determination unit can also be replaced by a more general provision unit which provides thickness information that characterizes the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced. It is therefore not absolutely necessary that photo book information that characterizes the thickness of the respective photo book is first provided, after which the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced is determined on the basis of the photo book information provided.

1. a) eine Bereitstellungseinheit zum Bereitstellen von Dickeninformationen, die die Dicke des jeweiligen Schubers charakterisieren,
2. b) eine Druckeinheit zum Bedrucken eines Druckbereichs eines bereitgestellten Bogens insbesondere mit einem Foto aus dem Fotobuch,
3. c) eine Herstellungseinrichtung zum Herstellen des Schubers unter Verwendung des Bogens derart, dass der Schuber die Dicke aufweist.

That is, in one embodiment, a device for producing slipcases for photo books is provided, with slipcases of different thicknesses being produced for photo books of different thicknesses and the device for producing a respective slipcase for a respective photo book comprising:

1. a) a provision unit for providing thickness information that characterizes the thickness of the respective slipcase,
2. b) a printing unit for printing a printing area of a sheet provided, in particular with a photo from the photo book,
3. c) a manufacturing device for producing the slipcase using the sheet such that the slipcase has the thickness.

It should be understood that the slipcase for a photo book according to claim 1, the method for making slipcases according to claim 5, the folding devices according to claims 12 and 13, the gluing device according to claim 14 and the apparatus for making slipcases according to claim 15 are similar and/or have identical preferred embodiments, as defined in particular in the dependent claims.

• Fig. 1 schematisch und exemplarisch eine Vorderseite eines Schubers für ein Fotobuch zeigt,
• Fig. 2 schematisch und exemplarisch eine Rückseite des Schubers für das Fotobuch zeigt,
• Fig. 3 schematisch und exemplarisch einen ersten Bogen zeigt, der unter anderem die Vorderseite des Schubers bildet,
• Fig. 4 schematisch und exemplarisch einen zweiten Bogen zeigt, der unter anderem die Rückseite des Schubers bildet,
• Fig. 5 schematisch und exemplarisch den ersten Bogen auf Auflageflächen einer ersten Falteinrichtung zeigt,
• Fig. 6 schematisch und exemplarisch eine Klebelinie auf einer Seitenlasche des ersten Bogens zeigt,
• Fig. 7 schematisch und exemplarisch Kodierungen auf dem ersten Bogen zeigen,
• Fig. 8 exemplarisch ein Flussdiagramm zeigt, das eine Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zum Herstellen von Schubern unterschiedlicher Dicke für Fotobücher unterschiedlicher Dicke illustriert,
• Fig. 9 schematisch und exemplarisch die erste Falteinrichtung zeigt,
• Fig. 10 schematisch und exemplarisch eine zweite Falteinrichtung zeigt,
• Fig. 11 schematisch und exemplarisch einen Satz an Dickenausgleichselementen zeigt,
• Fig. 12 schematisch und exemplarisch eines der Dickenausgleichselemente zeigt,
• Fig. 13 schematisch und exemplarisch eine Fläche einer Klappe der zweiten Faltmaschine zeigt, auf der ein Dickenausgleichselement anzuordnen ist,
• Fig. 14 schematisch und exemplarisch den ersten Bogen, nachdem er in der ersten Falteinrichtung gefaltet worden ist, in der zweiten Falteinrichtung zeigt,
• Fig. 15 schematisch und exemplarisch die zweite Falteinrichtung zeigt, nachdem der zweite Bogen auf das Dickenausgleichselement gelegt und die Seitenlaschen des zweiten Bogens gefaltet worden sind,
• Fig. 16 schematisch und exemplarisch die zweite Faltmaschine zeigt, nachdem eine Platte der zweiten Faltmaschine auf den zweiten Bogen angeordnet worden ist,
• Fig. 17 schematisch und exemplarisch das Aufbringen einer Klebelinie auf einer Seitenlasche des ersten Bogens mittels eines Kleberoboters zeigt,
• Fig. 18 schematisch und exemplarisch eine Klappeinheit der zweiten Falteinrichtung zeigt, die eine Auflagefläche der zweiten Faltmaschine hochklappt, um eine Seitenlasche des ersten Bogens mit einer Seitenlasche des zweiten Bogens zu verkleben,
• Fig. 19 schematisch und exemplarisch mehrere Komponenten der zweiten Falteinrichtung und den Kleberoboter zeigt,
• Fig. 20 schematisch und exemplarisch eine Klebevorrichtung zur Verwendung bei der Herstellung eines Schubers mit der ersten Falteinrichtung, der zweiten Falteinrichtung und dem Kleberoboter zeigt und
• Fig. 21 schematisch und exemplarisch eine Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Schubern für Fotobücher zeigt.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following figures, where:

• Fig. 1 shows schematically and as an example the front of a slipcase for a photo book,
• Fig. 2 shows schematically and as an example the back of the slipcase for the photo book,
• Fig. 3 shows schematically and as an example a first arch, which, among other things, forms the front of the slipcase,
• Fig. 4 shows schematically and as an example a second arch, which, among other things, forms the back of the slipcase,
• Fig. 5 shows schematically and as an example the first sheet on support surfaces of a first folding device,
• Fig. 6 shows schematically and as an example an adhesive line on a side flap of the first sheet,
• Fig. 7 show schematically and exemplary codes on the first sheet,
• Fig. 8 shows an example of a flowchart that illustrates an embodiment of a method for producing slipcases of different thicknesses for photo books of different thicknesses,
• Fig. 9 shows schematically and as an example the first folding device,
• Fig. 10 shows schematically and as an example a second folding device,
• Fig. 11 shows schematically and as an example a set of thickness compensation elements,
• Fig. 12 shows schematically and as an example one of the thickness compensation elements,
• Fig. 13 shows schematically and as an example a surface of a flap of the second folding machine on which a thickness compensation element is to be arranged,
• Fig. 14 shows schematically and by way of example the first sheet in the second folding device after it has been folded in the first folding device,
• Fig. 15 shows schematically and by way of example the second folding device after the second sheet has been placed on the thickness compensation element and the side flaps of the second sheet have been folded,
• Fig. 16 shows schematically and by way of example the second folding machine after a plate of the second folding machine has been arranged on the second sheet,
• Fig. 17 shows schematically and as an example the application of an adhesive line to a side flap of the first sheet using an adhesive robot,
• Fig. 18 shows schematically and by way of example a folding unit of the second folding device, which folds up a support surface of the second folding machine in order to glue a side flap of the first sheet to a side flap of the second sheet,
• Fig. 19 shows schematically and as an example several components of the second folding device and the gluing robot,
• Fig. 20 shows schematically and by way of example a gluing device for use in the production of a slipcase with the first folding device, the second folding device and the gluing robot and
• Fig. 21 shows schematically and by way of example an embodiment of a device for producing slipcases for photo books.

The Figures 1 and 2 show an example of an embodiment of a slipcase for a photo book, where Fig. 1 essentially a front 3 of the slipcase 1 and Fig. 2 essentially a back 4 of the slipcase 1 shows.

The slipcase 1 is rectangular and includes an access opening 2 for inserting and removing the photo book and five closed pages. The five closed sides are the front 3, the back 4, a slipcase spine 5 and two connecting sides 6, 7, which connect the front 3, the back 4 and the slipcase spine 5 with each other. The slipcase 1 is made from at least two folded and glued sheets 10, 11, with a first sheet 10 forming the front 3 and a second sheet 11 forming the back 4. The first sheet 10 is exemplary and schematic in Fig. 3 and the second sheet 11 is exemplary and schematic in Fig. 4 shown.

The slipcase 1 has a first photo 8 on its front and a second photo 9 on its back. In another embodiment, the other outer surfaces can also have a photo. It is also possible that none of the external surfaces or only one of the external surfaces has a photo. Preferably, one or more photos that are arranged on the outer surface of the slipcase are also shown on the inner pages of the photo book or on the outside of the photo book. The front 3, the in Fig. 1 can be seen, comprises a head end and a foot end, with the access opening 2 being on the left side when the slipcase 1 is held so that the front 3 of the slipcase 1 is viewed with the head end upwards. The first sheet 10, which is in Fig. 3 is shown, comprises a first section 19, which is delimited by fold lines 32...35, along which the first sheet 10 is to be folded. A second section 20 adjoins a first fold line 32, the first section 19 and the second section 20 of the first sheet 10 being folded onto one another by folding on this first fold line 32 in order to form the front 3 of the slipcase 1. In addition, the second sheet 11, which in Fig. 4 is shown, a first section 21, which is delimited by fold lines 36...39, along which the second sheet 11 is to be folded. A second section closes at a first fold line 36 22 of the second sheet 11, the first section 21 and the second section 22 having been folded onto one another by folding at the first fold line 36 to form the back 4 of the slipcase.

The two sheets 10, 11 each have a circular opening 29, 30, which, after this folding, forms a semicircular recess in the front 3 and in the back 4 of the slipcase 1. Folding at the first fold line 32, 36 results in a folded fold edge 27, 28 of the access opening 2, which is interrupted by the semicircular recess. A front edge 27 and a rear edge 28 of the access opening 2 are therefore formed.

Between the first section 19 and the second section 20 of the first sheet 10, which form the front 3 after folding, and between the first section 21 and the second section 22 of the second sheet 11, which form the back 4 of the slipcase 1 after folding form, there is an adhesive arrangement that includes adhesive lines. These adhesive lines are preferably equal to the adhesive lines between the first and second sections of the second sheet between the first and second sections of the first sheet. In Fig. 5 the adhesive lines 23...26 are shown schematically and by way of example on the first section 19 of the first sheet 10. The adhesive arrangement comprises three non-curved sub-arrangements 23, 24, 25, each of the three non-curved sub-arrangements 23, 24, 25 running parallel to a corresponding fold line 33, 34 and 35 and thus parallel to side flaps 12, 13, 14. The distance between the respective non-curved partial arrangement, that is to say the respective adhesive line 23, 24, 25, and the respective fold line 33, 34, 35 is in a range between 4 mm and 8 mm. In particular, this distance is 6 mm. However, other distances can also be used.

The opening 29 of the first sheet 10 is located centrally between the two sections 19, 20 of the first sheet 10 and accordingly the opening 30 of the second sheet 11 is located centrally between the two sections 21, 22 of the second sheet 11. The curved adhesive arrangement 26 runs along the edge of the opening 29. A corresponding adhesive line also runs along the edge of the opening 30 in the second sheet 11. Preferably, the distance between the adhesive line 26 and the edge of the opening 29 is in a range between 5 mm and 15 mm and more preferably in a range of 7 mm and 12 mm. The distance is preferably measured in a direction perpendicular to the tangent at a corresponding point on the edge of the opening 29. Like for example in Fig. 5 can be seen, a third section 12 of the first sheet 10 adjoins the second fold line 33, which forms a first side flap 12. A fourth section 13 of the first sheet 10 adjoins the third fold line 23 and forms a second side flap 13. A fifth section 14 of the first sheet 10 adjoins the fourth fold line 25 and forms a third side flap 14. By folding on the second, third and fourth fold lines 33, 34, 35, the respective side flap 12, 13, 14 of the first sheet 10 forms a right angle to the first section 19 of the second sheet 10, so that a first bowl-like shape is present.

The second arch is designed accordingly. The second fold line 37 of the second sheet 11 is therefore followed by a third section 15 of the second sheet 11, which forms a first side flap 15 of the second sheet 11, and the third fold line 38 is followed by a fourth section 16 of the second sheet 11, which a second side tab 16 forms. A fifth section 17 of the second sheet 11 adjoins the fourth fold line 39 and forms a third side flap 17 of the second sheet 11. By folding on the second, third and fourth fold lines 37, 38, 39, the respective side flap 15, 16, 17 of the second sheet 11 forms a right angle to the first section 21 of the second sheet 11, so that a second bowl-like shape is present. The two shell-like shapes formed by the first sheet 10 and the second sheet 11 are on the side tabs 12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17 glued together to form slipcase 1. The side flaps 12...17 glued together form the connecting sides 6, 7 of the slipcase 1, which connect the front and back 3, 4 of the slipcase 1 to one another and the back of the slipcase 5.

The respective side flaps of the different sheets 10, 11 are glued together by means of a respective adhesive arrangement 18, in this embodiment the adhesive arrangement 18 is an adhesive line, which is shown schematically and by way of example in Fig. 6 is shown. The side flaps 12...17 are therefore preferably not glued using individual adhesive dots. The adhesive arrangement 18 is preferably essentially U-shaped. But it can also have a different course. For example, it can form a straight arrangement that is not curved.

Preferably, the adhesive arrangement is a non-curved adhesive line if the side flaps to be glued together have a height that is smaller than a predefined threshold value, and if the side flaps to be glued together have a height that is greater than the predefined threshold value, the respective adhesive line is curved, especially curved in a U-shape. The height of a side flap is defined as the Dimension of the respective side flap perpendicular to the respective fold line to which the respective side flap or the respective section of the respective sheet adjoins. The width of the respective adhesive line 18 between the beginning of the adhesive line and the end of the adhesive line is preferably in a range of 5 mm to 7 mm.

In addition, the distance between an outer edge of the respective side tab 12...17 and the respective adhesive arrangement 18 is preferably in a range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

The adhesive arrangement between the two respective side flaps has a diameter at its beginning and end that is larger than the diameter between the beginning and the end.

In this embodiment, the height of the side flaps 12, 13, 14 of the first sheet 10 is greater than the height of the side flaps 15, 16, 17 of the second sheet 11. A fifth fold line 81 also adjoins the third section 15 of the second sheet 11 and A sixth fold line 82 adjoins the fifth section 17 of the second sheet 11, the fifth fold line 81 and the sixth fold line 82 being arranged as an extension of the third fold line 38. A sixth section 83 of the sheet, which forms a dust flap, adjoins the fifth fold line 81, and a seventh section 84 of the second sheet 11 adjoins the sixth fold line 82, which forms a further dust flap.

The slipcase 1 also contains information in various places about the slipcase itself and about the photo book that is to be inserted into the slipcase 1. This information is preferably encoded. Like in the Figures 3 and 4 can be seen, codes are preferably located in an edge region 99 of the respective second section 20, 22, the edge region 99 running along an outer line of the respective second section 20, 22, which faces away from the respective first fold line 32, 36 and is parallel to this first fold line 32, 36 runs. This edge region 99 is enlarged for the first sheet 10 by way of example and schematically Fig. 7 shown.

As in Fig. 7 can be seen, the edge area includes 99 different codes 85...89, 96, 97 and 31, which encode information about the photo book and the slipcase. The coding 81 is additionally arranged on the inner surface of the front side 3 in an edge area which adjoins the access opening 2. This is particularly in Fig. 2 to recognize.

The coding 31 is in Fig. 2 arranged in a corner area of the access opening 2 on the inner surface of the front 3. In addition, in the Figures 3 and 4 It can be seen that the coding 97 is arranged in a corner region of the second section 20, 22 of the respective sheet 10, 11. The coding 85 is also arranged on the respective fourth section 13, 16 of the respective sheet 10, 11, there in particular in a corner of the respective section, as also shown in FIG Figures 3 and 4 can be recognized.

The codes encode in particular photo book information that characterizes the thickness of the respective photo book and which is used to determine the thickness of the respective slipcase to be produced based on this provided photo book information. This photo book information may include, for example, the number of pages of the photo book and/or information about the type of paper of the pages of the photo book.

In this embodiment, the code 85 is a control code containing control information for controlling the cutting machine. In this embodiment, this coding 85 is a barcode. The control information may include an indication of a control program to be used by the cutting machine to cut the respective sheet. The number next to it (reference number 86) is the reference to the control program in readable form, i.e. here as a number. The control program can also be linked to the thickness compensation element to be used. For example, the number (reference number 86) can also indicate which thickness compensation element is to be used.

The codes 87 and 88 are batch numbers that can have 7 or 8 digits, for example. In this embodiment, the last two digits are thicker to improve readability. The number with reference number 89 indicates the position of the respective order in the batch. The coding 96 indicates the customer and order number.

The coding 97 is a reference code that indicates an assignment of this slipcase to the appropriate photo book. This coding also indicates whether the respective sheet is the part of the slipcase with the front or the part of the slipcase with the back.

The coding 31 is a product code that indicates various, in particular all, production-related information about the respective slipcase.

This information or coding is placed in the edge area of the second section of the respective sheet, so that it is no longer visible once the slipcase has been produced. Only the product code 31 is visible on the inside edge of the opening so that the slipcase can be invoiced.

In this embodiment of the slipcase, photos are arranged on the front 3 and the back 4 of the slipcase 1. As already stated above, it is also possible for additional pages to have a photo. It is also possible that only one side of the slipcase has a photo. It is also possible for a single photo to be arranged on at least two sides of the slipcase. A photo can therefore extend over at least two sides of the slipcase. In a preferred embodiment, a photo extends on the outer surfaces a) of the front and/or back 3, 4 and b) the back of the slipcase 5. The photo can extend over the at least two outer surfaces in such a way that there is no optical break between a) the front and/or back 3, 4 and b) the slipcase back 5.

The slipcase is preferably designed in the same way as the photo book, whereby the photo book can be designed by a user using known software tools. For example, if the user has selected a background color, in one embodiment this color is adopted for the three side tabs. If the user has not selected a background color, but has selected a full-surface photo for the front, this photo is also preferably placed over the entire front of the slipcase, with the three side flaps then remaining white, for example.

An embodiment of a method for producing slipcases is described below with reference to a flowchart shown in Fig. 8 is shown.

In step 101, a first sheet and a second sheet are provided. The sheets are preferably paper and/or cardboard sheets. In particular, they are chromosulfate boxes, which are preferably painted matt on both sides without wood. The thickness can be, for example, 350 g/m ² . In one embodiment, Invercote Creato 350g/m ² board is used for the sheets. Alternatively, sheets made of other materials can also be used. In step 102, photo book information is provided, which is printed in code on the sheets. This photo book information includes, in particular, information that characterizes the thickness of the respective photo book, such as the number of pages and/or the type of paper and thus the paper thickness of the pages of the photo book. This photo book information is received from a database in which it is stored are. Information about the slipcase is also provided, in particular received from a database. In addition, the thickness of the slipcase to be produced is determined based on the photo book information provided in step 103. The database is preferably a database that includes order or order information, this order or order information including information about the number of pages. This order or order information can also contain information about the type of paper and therefore the thickness of the paper. However, this paper information can also be default information and/or saved separately from the order or order information.

Step 104 determines what to print on the sheets. In particular, a computer determines codes that encode the provided photo book information and slipcase information, with the resulting codes being printed on the sheets. In addition, in step 104, additional elements are provided to be printed on the sheets. These are in particular one or more photos that are also shown in the respective photo book. Other design elements can also be printed on the slipcase, such as text or graphic elements. The layout, i.e. what, in addition to the codes, should be printed in what way on the outer surfaces of the slipcase and thus on the sheets, is also received from a database and can have been previously defined by a user.

In step 105 the two sheets are printed accordingly. A printing device is used to print the sheets, which is, for example, an HP printing device of the Digital Press type or a Fuji printing device of the inkjet type. However, another printing device can also be used.

In step 106, the sheets are punched to form the various first and second sheet sections described above. The fold lines are preferably formed at the same time as the punching process. In another embodiment, the punching and the formation of the fold lines can also take place independently of one another. It is also possible that in one embodiment fold lines are not formed. Forming the fold lines can also be referred to as creasing. In one embodiment, the Kama ProCut 76 machine is used for punching and creasing. However, another machine can also be used. For example, an XY cutting table can also be used with two different tools, a knife and a creasing tool. In step 107, the height of the third, fourth and fifth sections 12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17 of the respective sheet 10; 11 and thus the side flaps are adjusted depending on the specific thickness. In particular, the third, fourth and fifth sections 12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17 and thus the side tabs are cut to a desired height, this cutting preferably being done with a knife. For cutting the height of the side flaps 12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17 of the two sheets 10; 11, for example, the Duplo DC-645 cutting machine can be used. However, it is also possible to use another cutting device to cut the side tabs. It is noted here that until the side flaps are cut to a respective height in step 105, the manufacturing steps are independent of the thickness of the slipcase 1 to be produced. This enables very effective production of slipcases of different thicknesses for photo books of different thicknesses.

In step 108, the first sheet 10 is folded and glued so that the front of the slipcase 1 to be produced is formed, and the second sheet 11 is folded and glued so that the back of the slipcase 1 to be produced is formed. For this purpose, a first folding device and an adhesive robot are used. The first folding device is shown schematically and by way of example in Fig. 9 shown.

The first folding device 40 comprises a first support surface 41, onto which the first section 19 of the first sheet 10 is placed. The second section 20 of the first sheet 10 is placed on a second support surface 45, which is arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface 41. The first folding device 40 also includes third, fourth and fifth support surfaces 42, 43, 44, onto which the third, fourth and fifth sections 12, 13, 14 of the first sheet 10 are placed, the third, fourth and fifth support surfaces 42, 43 , 44 is each arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface 41. In this embodiment, the second support surface 45 is made of metal and the support surfaces 41, 42, 43, 44 are made of a plastic material. In another embodiment, other materials may also be used to form the various support surfaces.

Stops 47, 48 are used to align the first sheet 10 on the support surfaces of the first folding machine 40. In particular, the first support surface 41 includes a stop 47, against which an edge of the sheet 10 is placed when the sheet 10 is placed on the support surfaces. This stop 47 is formed by a stop element which has the shape of a circular section. The second support surface 45 includes a recess 49, which is connected to the stop element 47 of the first support surface 41 corresponds to the fact that the stop element 47 is arranged in the recess 49 by folding the second support surface 45 onto the first support surface 41. Further stop elements 48 are arranged on the edges of the third support surface 42 and the fifth support surface 44.

Suction elements 46 are also integrated into the first support surface 41 and are located in the four corners of the first support surface 41 in this embodiment. After the first sheet has been placed on the support surfaces of the first folding machine 40, the first section of the first sheet 10 is sucked onto the first support surface 41 in order to keep it stationary during a subsequent folding movement. The suction elements 46 are connected to a pump, not shown, which generates negative pressure in order to hold the first section 19 of the first sheet 10 on the first support 41. Alternatively, it is also possible for the negative pressure to be generated in another way, for example by using Venturi nozzles, especially in combination with compressed air.

After the first sheet 19 has been placed on the support surfaces of the first folding device 40, adhesive is applied to the first section 19 of the first sheet 10. During the application of the adhesive, the first section 19 is held by the suction elements 46.

In this embodiment, the adhesive is applied in adhesive lines 23...26, which are shown schematically and by way of example in Fig. 5 are shown. The adhesive is preferably applied with a line thickness that is in a range of 1 mm to 2 mm. In addition, the adhesive is preferably applied in edge regions of the first section 19, the adhesive being at a distance from the respective delimiting fold lines 32...35 of the first section 19, which is in a range of 4 mm to 8 mm. In addition, the adhesive is preferably not applied along the first fold line 32. However, the adhesive is preferably applied along an edge of the opening 29 in the first sheet 10. The adhesive is preferably a hot melt adhesive and is preferably applied at a temperature of 190 ° C. To apply the adhesive, an adhesive robot 80 is used, which has a robot arm and an adhesive nozzle.

After the adhesive lines 23...26 have been applied to the first section 19, the second support surface 45 is moved relative to the first support 41 so that the first section 19 and the second section 20 of the first sheet 10 are folded onto one another. This means that the second support surface 45 is folded onto the first support surface 41, so that the first section 19 and the second section 20 of the first sheet 10 are glued together and thus form the front 3 of the slipcase 1 to be produced.

In addition, the respective third, fourth and fifth support surfaces 42, 43, 44 are moved relative to the first support surface 41 in order to pre-stretch the second, third and fourth fold lines 33, 34, 35 before the first sheet 10 is moved along these fold lines 33 in a later step , 34, 35 is folded so that the third, fourth and fifth sections 12, 13, 14 form a right angle with the first section 19. This pre-stretching is preferably carried out while the second support surface 45 is still folded on the first support surface 41. During this pre-stretching, the respective third, fourth and fifth support surfaces 42, 43, 44 are preferably moved up and down relative to the first support surface 41. This movement can be done several times.

After the first sheet 10 has been folded and glued to form the front 3 of the slipcase 1 to be produced and to pre-stretch the second, third and fourth fold lines, the second sheet 11 is folded and glued in the same way to form the back 4 of the slipcase 1 to be produced form, and the second, third and fourth fold lines of the second sheet 11 are also pre-stretched accordingly.

In a preferred embodiment, the support surfaces of the first folding device 40 are arranged on a turntable 71. The turntable, for example, has the advantage that both right-handed and left-handed people can easily work with the first folding device.

In step 109, the side tabs 12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17 of the two sheets 10; 11 folded and glued together to form the slipcase 1. For this purpose, a second folding device 50 is used, which is shown by way of example and schematically in Fig. 10 is shown.

The second folding device 50 comprises a first support 51 on which the first section 19 of the first sheet 10 is placed. The second folding device 50 also includes third, fourth and fifth support surfaces 52, 53, 54, which are arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface 51 and on which the third, fourth and fifth sections 12, 13, 14 of the first sheet 10 are placed. In addition, a flap 55 of the second folding device 50 is provided with a thickness compensation element 56, which could also be referred to as a “dummy”. The thickness of the thickness compensation element 56 is selected so that the thickness of the thickness compensation element 56 together with the thickness of the plate is substantially the thickness of the corresponds to the slipcase to be manufactured. The thickness compensation element 56 is therefore selected depending on the specific thickness of the slipcase 1 to be produced. The flap 55 has a first surface 57, which faces the first support surface 51, and an opposite second surface 58, which faces away from the first support surface 51, the thickness compensation element 56 being placed on the second surface 58.

The thickness compensation element 56 and the flap 55 can be designed such that the thickness compensation element 56 is held magnetically on the flap 55. For this purpose, the thickness compensation element can have one or more metallic elements, which in particular consist of or have magnetic steel. For example, the thickness compensation elements can have screws and/or plates made of magnetic steel.

In particular, a set of thickness compensation elements is provided which have different thicknesses so that slipcases of different thicknesses can be produced.

Fig. 11 shows by way of example and schematically a set of different thickness compensation elements 56, which have different thicknesses. The thinnest thickness compensation elements are metal plates and the thickest thickness compensation elements are plastic plates, with medium thickness thickness compensation elements consisting of a combination of a plastic plate and a metal plate arranged one on top of the other. In a further embodiment, the thinnest thickness compensation elements, in particular up to a thickness of 4 mm, are pure metal plates and thicker thickness compensation elements can be pure plastic plates or combinations of plastic and metal plates, although the thickest thickness compensation elements do not necessarily have to be pure plastic plates. Even the thickest thickness compensation elements can be a combination of a plastic plate and a metal plate.

The metal is selected so that the respective thickness compensation element can be held magnetically on the plate 55. The plastic plate is preferably a PVC plate. The metal plate can be a galvanized steel sheet.

The second folding device 50 includes a stop 60, with the thickness compensation element 56 being aligned on the second surface 58 of the flap 55 using the stop 60. In this embodiment, the stop 60 is formed as part of a cylinder. This stop 60 is also preferably a plastic stop.

As in Fig. 12 is shown schematically and by way of example, the thickness compensation element 56 comprises a substantially semicircular recess 59, which corresponds to the stop 60, so that the alignment of the thickness compensation element 56 on the plate 55 takes place by means of the stop 60 and the recess 69. The thickness compensation element 56 also includes two tabs 79 which connect laterally to the recess 69 and form a flush extension of the lower surface of the thickness compensation element 56. The term "lower" refers to the orientation in use, that is, when the thickness compensating member 56 is disposed on the second surface 58 of the plate 55 and the flap 55 has been closed. The second folding device also includes openings 78 which are arranged on the left and right adjacent to the stop 60 and which correspond to the tabs 79. To use the thickness compensation element 56, it is arranged on the second surface 58 of the flap 55 so that the stop 60 is in the recess 69 and the tabs 79 are in the openings 78.

The second folding device 50 also includes a holding device 77, which is arranged above the openings 78 and which can be moved downwards and then also fixed in order to exert pressure on the tabs 79 from above and thereby hold them. This enables a very precise alignment of the thickness compensation element 56 on the second surface 58 of the plate 55 and also prevents the thickness compensation element 56 from subsequently slipping on the second surface 58 of the plate 55. The second surface 58 with the openings 78, the holding device 77 and the stop 60 is schematic and exemplary in Fig. 13 shown.

After the first sheet 10 has been placed on the support surfaces of the second folding device 50, the flap 55 with the thickness compensation element 56 is folded onto the first sheet 10. This folding down of the flap 55 with the thickness compensation element 56 onto the sheet 10, which is also in Fig. 14 is shown, can be carried out by means of a handle 76, which is preferably connected to the flap 55 via a U-shaped holder. Folding down is therefore preferably carried out manually. In another embodiment, it is also possible for this folding down to occur automatically.

After the flap 55 with the thickness compensation element 56 has been folded down onto the first sheet 10, the first section with the second section of the second sheet 11 glued thereon is placed on the thickness compensation element 56, after which the side tabs 15, 16, 17 of the second sheet 11 are moved along of side walls of the thickness compensation element 56 and the flap 55 at a right angle to the first section 21 be folded with the second section 22 of the second sheet 11 glued there. The folded side flaps 15, 16, 17 of the second sheet 11 are sucked onto the side surfaces of the flap 55 and thus also of the thickness compensation element 56 by means of suction elements 68 of the flap 55. The second sheet 11 with the folded side flaps on the thickness compensation element 56 and the plate 55 is shown schematically and by way of example in Fig. 15 shown. The suction elements 68 used for this are connected to a vacuum pump to generate the suction effect. In this embodiment, three suction elements 68 are integrated into each of the three side surfaces of the plate 55, which hold the side tabs in a suction manner. This is for example in Fig. 10 shown schematically and by way of example.

After the first section 21 with the glued second section 22 of the second sheet 11 has been placed on the thickness compensation element 56 and the side flaps have been folded, the first section 21 with the glued second section 22 of the second sheet 11 is kept flat by means of a plate 70 . The second folding device 50 is designed so that the plate 70 can be moved by means of an arm onto the first section 21 with the glued second section 22 of the second sheet 11, after which the plate 70 actively puts pressure on the first section 21 with the glued second section 22 of the second sheet 11 to hold the first section 21 with the glued second section, that is the back 4 of the slipcase 1 to be produced, flat on the thickness compensation element 56. For this purpose, the plate 70 can be pressurized with compressed air.

Fig. 16 shows schematically and by way of example the situation after the plate 70 has been moved on the first sheet 11 and the support surfaces of the second folding device 50 and thus the first and second sheets 10, 11 have been rotated by 180° by means of the turntable 67 of the second folding device 50 . By rotating the support surfaces by means of the turntable 67, a side flap to be provided with adhesive can be provided with adhesive at a gluing position by means of the gluing robot 80. In particular, different side tabs can be provided with adhesive by rotating to the gluing position using a same movement of the gluing robot 80.

The gluing robot applies the adhesive to the respective side flap 12, 13, 14 of the first sheet 10, which is currently in the gluing position. The adhesive robot 80 is preferably designed in such a way that it applies the adhesive either in a U-shape on the respective side tab 12, 13, 14 or in a straight line. The glue robot is preferred 80 is programmed so that it determines the arrangement of the adhesive on the respective side flap 12, 13, 14, which is currently in the adhesive position, depending on the height of the respective side flap 12, 13, 14. In particular, the adhesive arrangement is U-shaped when the height of the respective side tab 12, 13, 14, which is currently in the adhesive position, is above a threshold value, and the arrangement is a straight line when the height of the side tab 12, 13, 14, which is currently in the gluing position, is below a threshold value. An exemplary U-shaped adhesive line 18 is shown in FIG Fig. 16 shown.

After applying the adhesive to the respective side flap 12, 13, 14, the respective support surface 52, 53, 54, on which the respective side flap 12, 13, 14 lies, is folded up so that the respective side flap 12, 13, 14 of the first Sheet 10 is at a right angle to the first section 19 and thus to the second section 20 of the first sheet 10 which is glued to the section 19 and is pressed onto the respective side tab 15, 16, 17 of the second sheet 11 in order to move the respective side tab 12, 13, 14 of the first sheet 10 and the respective side tabs 15, 16, 17 of the second sheet 11 to be glued together. In this way, the respective side flaps of different sheets are glued together one after the other, with the side flaps that are in the gluing position at that point in time being glued together.

Folding up is automatic. In particular, the automatic folding up takes place after a predefined time after the adhesive has been applied to the respective side flap, which is in a range from 0.5 s to 1.0 s. In one embodiment, this time is 0.7 s. In addition, after folding up, the corresponding further support surface is preferably folded down again after a predefined time, which is in a range from 5 to 15.

The application of the adhesive 18 by means of the adhesive nozzle 81 of the robot 80 is shown schematically and by way of example in Fig. 17 shown, whereas the situation after the automatic folding up is shown in Fig. 18 is shown schematically and by way of example.

The automatic folding up takes place by means of a folding unit 82 which includes a movable stamp 83. To fold up the respective support surface, the stamp 83 of the folding unit 82 is moved forward in the direction of the respective support surface. The side of the support surface facing the stamp 83 preferably comprises a bevel This leads to the fact that by moving the stamp 83 forward in the direction of the support surface to be folded up, the latter is actually folded up. The folding unit 82 preferably uses compressed air to move the stamp 83. The folding up is therefore preferably carried out pneumatically.

After the side flaps have been glued, the plate 70 is removed from the first section 21 of the second sheet 11, that is to say from the back 4 of the slipcase 1, the flap 55 with the thickness compensation element 56 is folded up and the slipcase 1 is taken along by the flap 55 the thickness compensation element 56 pulled down. This is done in step 110.

In step 111, the thickness compensation element 56 is removed from the flap 55. This removal is made easier by the fact that there are elongated depressions 59 on the second surface 58, which are open towards the edge of the second surface 58. In this embodiment, these depressions 59 are curved. They prevent the thickness compensation element 56 from being difficult to remove from the flap 55 due to negative pressure. These depressions 59 are in Fig. 13 shown.

Like especially in the Figures 3 and 4 As can be seen, the side flaps are not completely printed in this embodiment. In particular, the outer ends of the corresponding sections 12, 14 are not printed. In addition, the side flap or the corresponding section 13 is only approximately half printed. The Figures 3 and 4 but show the bows before cutting the side flaps. After cutting, sections 12 and 14 are fully printed. When cutting, the unprinted parts of sections 12 and 14 are cut off.

Fig. 19 shows schematically and by way of example an overview of the entire second folding device 50 with the adhesive robot 80, which in this embodiment also operates the first folding device 40.

The described combination of the first folding device 40, the second folding device 50 and the gluing robot 80, which is configured to fold the two first and second sections 19, 20 of the first sheet 10 and first and second sections 21, 22 of the folded by means of the first folding device 40 second sheet 11 to be glued together and the side flaps 12, 13, 14; folded by means of the second folding device 50; 15, 16, 17 of the first and second sheets 10, 11 can also be glued together as one Gluing device 200 for use in the production of a slipcase. Such an adhesive device 200 is shown schematically and by way of example in Fig. 20 shown.

Below, a device for producing slipcases for photo books is shown schematically and by way of example with reference to Fig. 21 described, whereby slipcases of different thicknesses are produced for photo books of different thicknesses. The device 300 includes a printing unit 201 for printing sheets, which in turn are used to produce a slipcase. In this embodiment, at least one photo, which is also shown in a photo book, is printed on a sheet. Information about the photo book and the slipcase is also printed in code on the sheets. The printing unit 301 receives this information from a computer 302, which in particular determines the thickness of the slipcase to be produced based on the photo book information provided and generates corresponding codes. The device 300 also includes a punching unit 303, which produces the individual sections of the sheets described above and preferably also fold lines. The punched and printed sheets produced in this way are then fed to the cutting device 304, which cuts the side flaps or the corresponding sections of the sheets so that their height corresponds to the thickness of the slipcase to be produced. The sheets with the correspondingly adapted side flaps or sections are then fed to the gluing device 200, from which the slipcase produced can finally be removed.

The slipcase is preferably manufactured in such a way that a difference between a) the outer thickness of the photo book and b) the inner thickness or inner width of the slipcase is in a range of 1 mm and 3 mm. If this difference is within this range, it can be ensured that no negative pressure is formed when it is pulled out, which would make it excessively difficult to pull the photo book out of the slipcase. In addition, the photo book does not easily fall out of the slipcase. This area also enables the slipcases to be manufactured with relatively few thickness compensation elements, since photo books of different thicknesses can be produced with the same thickness compensation element. Although in an embodiment described above, a gluing robot operates the first folding device 40 and the second folding device 50, in another embodiment, a first gluing robot may operate the first folding device and a second gluing robot may operate the second folding device.

The suction elements, which are integrated in the side walls of the plate of the second folding device, can be arranged in a stationary or movable manner relative to the side walls. In the latter case, the suction elements can be moved, for example by motor or by means of compressed air, in a direction that runs perpendicular to the side walls of the plate. In particular, after gluing the side flaps and before pulling down the finished slipcase, the suction elements can be moved inwards into the plate, so that the finished slipcase can be pulled down more easily from the plate with the thickness compensation element. Before gluing the side flaps, the suction elements can be moved outwards so that their outer surfaces are arranged essentially flush with the outer surfaces of the panels, whereby after gluing the suction elements can be pulled inwards so that the finished slipcase can be removed more easily from the panel can be pulled down using the thickness compensation element.

Although in an embodiment described above, a gluing robot operates the first folding device 40 and the second folding device 50, in another embodiment, a first gluing robot may operate the first folding device and a second gluing robot may operate the second folding device.

In the claims, the words "comprising" and "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality.

A single unit or device can perform the functions of several elements listed in the claims. The fact that individual functions and elements are listed in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these functions or elements could not also be used advantageously.

The control, for example, of the gluing device or the entire device for producing the slipcases can be implemented as program code of a computer program or several computer programs and/or as corresponding hardware.

A computer program or parts of the computer program, such as the above-mentioned web application, may be stored and/or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state storage medium distributed together with or as part of other hardware. However, the computer program can also be distributed in other forms, for example via the Internet or other telecommunications systems.

The reference numerals in the claims should not be understood to mean that the subject matter and scope of the claims are limited by these reference numerals.

Claims (15)

Slipcase for a photo book, the slipcase (1) being rectangular, the slipcase (1) having an access opening (2) for inserting and removing the photo book and five pages, the five pages having a front (3), a back ( 4), a slipcase back (5) and two connecting sides (6, 7), which connect the front (3), the back (4) and the slipcase back (5) with each other, the slipcase (1) being made up of at least two folded ones and sheets (10; 11) glued together, a first sheet (10) forming the front (3) and a second sheet (11) forming the back (4). Slipcase according to claim 1, characterized in that - The front side (3) has been formed by folding together two contiguous sections (19, 20) of the first sheet (10) and gluing these sections (19, 20) with a second adhesive arrangement (23...26), with a resulting folded Folding edge between the two sections (19, 20) forms a front edge (27) of the access opening (2), and / or - the back (4) has been formed by folding together two contiguous sections (21, 22) of the second sheet (11) and gluing these sections (21, 22) with a third adhesive arrangement, a resulting folded fold edge forming a back edge (28) the access opening (2). Slipcase according to claim 2, characterized in that the second adhesive arrangement and/or the third adhesive arrangement comprises a non-curved straight sub-arrangement (23, 24, 25) and a curved sub-arrangement (26) of an adhesive. Slipcase according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a coding (31), which has information about the slipcase (1), is arranged on an inner surface of the front (3) in an edge region which adjoins the access opening (2). . Method for producing slipcases (1) for photo books according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein slipcases (1) of different thicknesses are produced for photo books of different thicknesses and the method comprises the following steps to produce a respective slipcase (1) for a respective photo book : a) providing thickness information that characterizes the thickness of the respective slipcase (1) to be produced, b) providing a first sheet (10) and a second sheet (11), c) producing the slipcase (1) using the sheets (10; 11) such that the slipcase (1) has the thickness, the production involving folding the sheets (10; 11) and gluing the folded sheets (10; 11) includes. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the first sheet (10) and/or the second sheet (11) comprises a first section (19; 21) which is formed by fold lines (32...35; 36...39). is limited to which the sheet (10; 11) is to be folded, with a second section (20; 22) of the sheet (10; 11) adjoining a first folding line (32; 36) and by folding on the first folding line ( 32; 36) the first section (19; 21) and the second section (20; 22) are folded onto each other to form a front (3) or back (4) of the slipcase (1). Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the folding is carried out by means of a first folding device (40) which has a first support surface (41) for placing the first section (19; 21) of the sheet (10; 11) and one on the first Support surface (41) comprises an articulated second support surface (45) for placing the second section (20; 22), the first section (19; 21) being placed on the first support surface (41), the second section (20; 22) is placed on the second support surface (45) and the second support surface (45) is moved relative to the first support surface (41) so that the first section (19; 21) and the second section (20; 22) are folded onto one another. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the two sheets (10; 11) are each designed in such a way that they each comprise a first section (19; 21) which is defined by fold lines (32...35; 36 ...39) is limited to which the respective sheet (10; 11) is to be folded, with a third section (12; 15) of the respective sheet (10; 11) adjoining a second folding line (33; 37), which forms a first side flap (12; 15), with a fourth section (13; 16) of the respective sheet (10; 11) adjoining a third fold line (23; 38), which forms a second side flap (13; 16), and wherein a fifth section (14; 17) of the respective sheet (10; 11) adjoins a fourth fold line (25; 39), which forms a third side flap (14; 17), by folding on the second, third and fourth Fold line (33, 34, 35; 37, 38, 39) the respective side flap (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) forms a right angle to the first section (19; 21), so that a bowl-like shape is created, which is glued together on the side flaps (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) to the To form a slipcase (1), the glued side flaps (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) forming the connecting sides (6, 7) of the slipcase (1), which form the front and back (3, 4) of the slipcase (1) connect together and form the slipcase spine (5). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the height of the third, fourth and fifth sections (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) and thus of the side tabs (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) depend is adjusted by the thickness. Method according to one of claims 8 and 9, if referred back to claim 7, characterized in that the first folding device (40) has third, fourth and fifth support surfaces (42, 43, 44) for placing the third, fourth and fifth sections (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17), the third, fourth and fifth support surfaces (42, 43, 44) each being arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface (41), the respective third, fourth and fifth support surfaces (42 , 43, 44) is moved relative to the first support surface (41) to pre-stretch the second, third and fourth fold lines (33, 34, 35; 37, 38, 39) before the sheet (10; 11) in a later step is folded along these fold lines (33, 34, 35; 37, 38, 39) so that the third, fourth and fifth sections (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) form a right angle with the first section (19 ; 21) forms. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the folding of the side flaps (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) is carried out by means of a second folding device (50). Folding device for use in producing a slipcase (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the folding device (40) has a first support surface (41) for placing a first section (19; 21) of a sheet (10; 11 ) and a second support surface (45) arranged in an articulated manner on the first support surface (41) for placing a second section (20; 22) of the sheet (10; 11), the second support surface (45) relative to the first support surface (41 ) is movable so that the first section (19; 21) and the second section (20; 22) can be folded onto one another. Folding device for use in the production of a slipcase (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the folding device (50) has a first support surface (51) for placing a first section (19) of a sheet and others Support surfaces (52, 53, 54) for placing further sections (12, 13, 14) of the sheet (10) to produce side tabs (12, 13, 14), the further support surfaces (52, 53, 54) being articulated are arranged on the first support surface (41), the further support surfaces (52, 53, 54) being movable relative to the first support surface (51) in such a way that the further sections (12, 13, 14) are at a right angle relative to the first section (19) are folded to create the side flaps (12, 13, 14). Gluing device for use in producing a slipcase (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gluing device comprises: - a first folding device according to claim 12, - a second folding device (50) according to claim 13, - an adhesive robot (80) which is configured to i) glue together the two first and second sections (19, 20; 21, 22) folded by means of the first folding device (40) and ii) produced by means of the second folding device (50). Glue side tabs (12, 13, 14; 15, 16, 17) of different sheets (10; 11) together. Device for producing slipcases (1) for photo books according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein slipcases (1) of different thicknesses are produced for photo books of different thicknesses and the device (90) comprises for producing a respective slipcase (1) for a respective photo book : a) a provision unit (302) for providing thickness information that characterizes the thickness of the respective slipcase, b) a printing unit (301) for printing a printing area of a sheet provided, in particular with a photo from the photo book, c) a manufacturing device (304, 200) for producing the slipcase (1) using the sheet such that the slipcase (1) has the thickness.

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