GB2291009A

GB2291009A - Method and apparatus for binding sheets

Info

Publication number: GB2291009A
Application number: GB9512213A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Markus Krieg; Peter Wasgien
Original assignee: Renz Chr & Co GmbH
Current assignee: Renz Chr & Co GmbH
Priority date: 1994-07-14
Filing date: 1995-06-15
Publication date: 1996-01-17
Also published as: DE4424798A1; IE950450A1; GB9512213D0; IT1275502B; ITMI951472A0; ITMI951472A1

Description

1 2291009 Method and apparatus for binding single sheets The invention

relates to a method for binding single sheets to form a prospectus, a brochure, a book or the like by means of binding elements, in particular by means of wire combs, the binding elements being inserted in cycles between jaw elements which close the binding element, whereupon the binding operation takes place. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method described, having jaw elements and having a feed device which operates in cycles for the binding elements.

A closing apparatus for binding combs or binding elements is known from DE-A 40 02 144. In the closing apparatus known from the publication mentioned. the binding combs are cut one after the other, are introduced between the bending tool, are positioned there and only afterwards can the binding operation take place".

These successive steps of preparing the binding operation have the disadvantage that the output of a corresponding apparatus is not particularly high, i.e. the nonproductive times are comparatively long and the apparatus thus operates relatively uneconomically.

2 In order to increase the capacity of such a known apparatus, it would have to be driven faster or operated with a shorter cycle time, but this is often not possible since otherwise certain components become worn or are destroyed very quickly due to the high accelerations occurring.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a method for binding single sheets, which does not have the disadvantages mentioned from the prior art, in particular with which shorter cycle times can be implemented. A further object of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for carrying out the method.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that, during one binding operation, a further binding element is made ready behind the jaws elements, and in that, on completion of the binding operation, the jaw elements are moved to a distance from one another which is greater than the greatest dimension of the next binding element to be introduced, whereupon the next binding element is inserted between the jaw elements from behind.

Owing to the positioning of a further binding element behind the jaw elements, the nonproductive time previously required for cutting the binding elements and a large part of the nonproductive time required for positioning the binding element can proceed in parallel with the productive time, i.e. the next binding element for the subsequent binding operation 3 is already prepared during the binding opration. When a binding operation has been completed, the jaw elements which squeeze the binding element together during the binding operation are moved to a distance from one another which is greater than the greatest dimension of the next binding element to be introduced, such that this binding element to be introduced can be inserted between the jaw elements without difficulty, specifically from the rear of the jaw elements in order thus not to impair the supply of paper from the front of the jaw elements.

However, alternatively the binding element to be introduced can, of course, also be introduced from any other side.

If the binding elements are supplied on a roll, i.e. the binding elements have not yet been cut off to the length required for binding, provision may be made for the binding elements to be cut off to the binding length during the time in which they lie in a waiting position behind the jaw elements.

The nonproductive time for preparing a binding operation can thus be shortened further or proceed in parallel with the productive time since the binding elements are cut off to the intended length during a binding operation proceeding in parallel therewith.

4 In a simple manner, the binding elements can be positioned during the time in which they lie in a waiting position behind the jaw elements.

This step of the method also contributes to the reduction of the nonproductive times since the binding elements are already in their correct position when they are introduced between the jaw elements.

An apparatus for carrying out the method described can advantageously be designed in such a way that the feed device is arranged behind the jaw elements, and that the feed device can be moved in the direction ot the jaw elements by means of actuating members.

Since, as already mentioned, the stack of paper to be bound is introduced between the jaw elements from the front, the feed device for the binding elements is arranged behind the jaw elements in order not to impair the introduction of the paper stack, the feed device with the binding element held in the feed device being pivotable or movable in the direction of the jaw elements. This movement takes place by means of suitably arranged actuating members, for example levers.

In an advantageous manner, centring members can be arranged ahead of the jaw elements, at least one of the centring members being designed to be movable.

By means of the said centring members, a stack of paper to be bound can be introduced into its intended position between the jaw elements easily and without difficulty. In this case, the centring members have the function of a guide which brings the paper into the binding position. The centring members can be designed, for example, as metal or plastic plates which taper to a point on one side.

However, provision may alternatively also be made for a feed table to be arranged ahead of the jaw elements, stop devices and/or a clamping device being provided on the feed table.

The stack of paper to be bound is placed on the feed table and aligned by means of the stop devices. By means of the clamping device, the paper stack is prevented from slipping out of its position provided for binding.

In an advantageous embodiment, the feed table can have a supporting member on its side facing the jaw elements.

By means of the supporting member, the stack of paper to be bound is prevented from being displaced during the binding operation. In this case, it is advantageous for the paper stack to be supported by the supporting member over as large a region as possible, that is to say right into the region of the paper stack on which the binding element is to be mounted during the binding operation.

6 Provision may therefore be made for the supporting element to be designed as a metal plate which has projections arranged spaced apart.

In this case, the individual turns or circular segments of the binding element which engage in the paper stack can be passed through between the gaps produced by the projections in the metal plate so that a very good support is provided for the paper stack during the binding operation.

In order to keep the assembly and production outlay for the apparatus as low as possible, the feed device can be designed as a positioning device at the same time.

Owing to this dual function of the feed device, no further positioning device is required within the apparatus, as a result of which the nonproductive times for binding single sheets can also be reduced at the same time since the binding elements do not have to be prepared for the binding operation in two separate devices, but this operation can take place in a single device.

This obviates the need for transporting devices between the two separate devices which are otherwise necessary, and the feeding and positioning of the binding elements can take place at the same time or be superimposed.

7 In a simple manner, the feed and positioning device can be designed in the form of a strip which has protruding positioning members corresponding to the division of the binding element.

By means of the design of the feed and positioning device in the form of a strip, this can be produced easily and without difficulty and, at the same time. it has a low weight, such that still relatively low forces occur when the strip is moved at correspondingly high accelerations.

By means of the protruding positioning members which are arranged on the strip and which correspond to the division of the binding element, the binding element can be positioned quickly and precisely in a simple manner.

In an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the strip can be designed as a magnetic strip.

owing to the design as a magnetic strip, the binding element can be connected to the strip or held on the latter sufficiently firmly without providing additional holding devices, which is important owing to the feed movement of the strip.

Of course, in this embodiment of the apparatus, only binding elements made of a ferromagnetic material can be processed.

8 However, alternatively any other holding device can also be provided on the strip.

In a simple manner, the positioning members can be designed as pins.

Since the design of the positioning members as pins is costeffective, this is used by preference in practice. However, the positioning members can alternatively also be designed in other ways.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, when the binding elements are fed from behind. the centring members can be designed as a stop edge for the binding element.

This obviates the need for additional stop devices, and the binding element is positioned sufficiently precisely for the binding operation, in that it strikes against the backs of the centring members during the feed operation.

In an advantageous manner, the feed and positioning can be controlled by means of cam discs.

By means of the design of the control as cam discs, the feed and positioning device can be controlled reliably and synchronously so that a high operational reliability and positioning accuracy of the binding elements and the entire 9 apparatus are guaranteed.

However, the feed and positioning device can alternatively also be controlled in other ways.

In order to be able to correctly position the paper to be introduced and bound, a stop apparatus can be provided for the paper to be introduced, the stop apparatus being mounted on one of the jaw elements.

Two exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in principle below with reference to the drawing, in which:- Figure 1 shows a side view of an apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a binding element inserted between the jaw elements; Figure 3 shows a view of a feed and positioning device; Figures 4 and 5 show diagrammatically the sequence of movement of the feed and positoning device; Figure 6 shows a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 shows a view along the line VII-VII of Figure 6.

Referring to Figure 1, a side view of an apparatus for binding single sheets is illustrated.

The apparatus has an upper jaw element 1 and a lower jaw element 2, at least one of the jaw elements 1, 2 being mounted so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction.

A pair of rollers 3, 4 is mounted in each case both on the upper jaw element 1 and on the lower jaw element 2, a binding element 5 being inserted between the pairs of rollers 3, 4. In this case, the binding element 5 is arranged in the pairs of rollers 3, 4 in such a way that paper 6 can be introduced into the opening in the C-shaped binding element 5. Provision may be made for at least one of the pairs of rollers 3, 4 to be rotatable, but provision may alternatively also be made for one or both of the pairs of rollers 3, 4 to be immobile.

Subsequently, at least one of the jaw elements 1, 2 is moved towards the respective other jaw element so that the binding element 5 is bent plastically into the position illustrated by a dashed line in Figure 1 and the paper 6 is thus bound.

In order to facilitate the introduction of the paper 6, centring members 7, 8 are provided on the outer side of the apparatus facing the open side of the binding element 5, which centring members bring the paper 6 to be introduced into a

11 previously determined position during or after its introduction into the apparatus. For this purpose, the centring members 7, 8 are prestressed by compression springs 9, 10, at least one of the two centring members being displaceable in the direction of the other centring member, i.e. perpendicular to the insertion direction of the paper 6. In this way, precise positioning of the paper 6 to be introduced is possible. Moreover, the centring members 7, 8 are designed to taper to a point in the direction of the paper 6, as a result of which the paper is fed into the binding apparatus during insertion. The paper 6 is introduced into the apparatus mainly perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the centring members 7, 8.

Alternatively, instead of the pairs of rollers 3, 4, correspondingly shaped surfaces may also be provided on the jaw elements 1, 2, a suitable rolling-off movement of the binding element 5 on these surfaces taking place when the jaw elements 1, 2 are moved totether.

When the jaw elements 1, 2 are moved together, the centring members 7, 8 bear against the paper 6, i.e. owing to the prestress of the centring member 7, 8 by means of the compression spring 9, 10, one of the centring members rests in each case on the upper side and the underside of the paper 6 and, in doing so, fixes it additionally, damage to the paper 6 being avoided in that, owing to a suitable selection of the spring rigidity of the pressure springs 9, 10, the centring 12 members 7, 8 do not press into the paper with an excessive force during the binding operation.

Figure 2 shows diagrammatically, in a three-dimensional view, the binding element 5, inserted between the pairs of rollers 3, 4, prior to the start of the binding operation.

In this case, the pairs of rollers 3, 4 extend over the entire length of the binding element in order to guarantee accurate and precise closing of the binding element 5. For reasons of clarity, an illustration of the centring members 7, 8 has been omitted.

Referring to Figure 3, a three-dimensional view of a feed and positioning device 11 is illustrated.

The feed and positioning device 11 has a strip 13 which can be pivoted about an axis of rotation 12, positioning members being mounted in the strip, which are designed as pins 14.

Moreover, the strip 13, together with the axis of rotation 12, can be displaced in the vertical direction by means of actuating members.

The binding element 5 is arranged below the strip 13 and is aligned with the pins 14.

13 In this case, the binding element 5 can be unwound as piece goods from a roll and threaded into a guide 15. The binding element 5 is transported in the guide 15 in the longitudinal direction of the guide 15 by a suitable device.

However, binding elements 5 which have already been cut to length can be removed from the guide 15 or from a transport container for the binding elements.

A binding operation is to be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

For this purpose, referring to Figure 2, the axis of rotation 12. together with the strip 13, is displaced in the direction of the arrow, i. e. vertically downwards, the pins 14 engaging in the openings between the indivdual members of the binding element 5 which is arranged in the guide 15 flush below the strip 13 so that precise positioning of the binding element takes place.

At the same time. the binding element 5 is cut to the desired length. This cutting operation is not illustrated here, but it can take place, for example, by mounting a suitable cutting device on the strip 13 synchronously with the vertical movement thereof. Designed as a magnetic strip. the strip 13 receives the binding element 5, made of a ferromagnetic material, and holds it firmly and thus carries it along during a vertical movement.

14 This vertical movement is illustrated in Figure 5.

Superimposed on the vertical movement of the strip 13, a pivoting movement of the strip 13 about the axis of rotation 12 takes place at the same time, so that the binding element 5 is brought into a position which allows insertion between the pairs of rollers 3, 4 (see Figure 1) of the apparatus.

Subsequently, the strip 13 is displaced in a horizontal movement such that the binding element 5 is located between the pairs of rollers 3, 4 (see Figures 1 and 2). Subsequently, the binding operation can take place in the manner described by moving the pairs of rollers 3, 4 or the jaw elements 1, 2 together.

In order to allow simple and precise insertion of the binding element 5 between the pairs of rollers 3, 4 in the known manner, it is necessary for at least one of the jaw elements 1, 2 to be displaceable to the extent that an opening is formed between the pairs of rollers 3, 4, which is greater than the greatest dimension of the binding element 5, so that it is possible to introduce the binding element 5 between the pairs of rollers 3, 4 easily and without difficulty.

The binding element 5 is separated from the magnetic strip 13 by the jaw elements 1, 2 moving together, as a result of which the binding element 5 is tensioned between the pairs of rollers 3, 4 and it is possible for the magnetic strip 13 to be pulled away from the binding element 5 and moved into the starting position illustrated in Figure 3.

The main advantage of the method described and of the apparatus provided to carry out the method lies in the fact that, during the binding operation, i.e. during the squeezing together of binding element 5 by means of the upper jaw element 1 and the lower jaw element 2, a further binding element is already prepared, i.e. is cut off to the intended length and is positioned by the pins 14. As a result, the cycle time of such an apparatus is shortened substantially since the nonproductive times for positioning the binding elements 5 and cutting them to length proceed in parallel with a binding operation, as a result of which the total nonproductive times during the binding of paper can be shortened substantially and the overall apparatus thus operates far more effectively.

In concrete terms, this means that, during the time in which they lie in a waiting position behind the jaw elements, the binding elements 5 are cut off to the intended binding length and positioning is undertaken at the same time. Subsequently, the binding element which has already been cut to length is inserted between the pairs of rollers 3, 4 of the apparatus, the binding element 5 striking against the sides of the centring members 7, 8 facing the pairs of rollers 3, 4 and thus being positioned precisely.

16 The paper 6 introduced into the apparatus can bear against a stop apparatus (not illustrated). such that precise positioning of the paper stack introduced is also possible.

This stop apparatus is preferably mounted on one of the jaw elements 1, 2.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a second exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for carrying out the method described is illustrated. The basic construction of the apparatus corresponds substantially to that which has already been described in conjunction with Figure 1, the same reference numerals also being used for the same components.

In contrast to the examplary embodiment according to Figure 1, in the examplary embodiment according to Figures 6 and 7, the use of centring members 7, 8 has been dispensed with.

The centring function for the paper stack 6 to be bound is carried out by a feed table 16 on which the paper stack 6 to be bound is placed. The feed table 16 has stop devices (not illustrated) at which the paper stack to be bound is aligned. In order to avoid unintended slipping of the paper stack during the binding operation, the paper stack 6 is squeezed together by a clamping device 17 which can be actuated, for example, mechanically or pneumatically.

17 Downward tilting of the free end of the paper stack 6, i.e. of the end of the paper stack 6 facing the jaw elements 1, 2, is avoided in that the paper stack 6 is supported in the region of the binding element 5 by a supporting member which is designed in the present exemplary embodiment as a metal plate 18.

In this case, the metal plate 18 is mounted on the feed table 16. In order not to impair the introduction of the binding elements 5 into the paper stack 6 to be bound, the metal plate 18 has projections 19. as illustrated in Figure 7, sufficient space remaining for introducing the binding element between the spaced apart projections 19.

During the binding operation, the paper stack 6 with its openings for receiving the binding element 5 thus rests on the metal plate 18, the gaps between the projections 19 of the metal plate 18 being substantially flush with the openings in the paper stack 6 for receiving the binding elements 5.

For clarification, the arrows in Figures 6 and 7 in each case show the feed direction of the paper stack 6.

18

Claims

1. A method of successively combining together sheets of successive stacks of sheets to form successive books, the method including the steps of locating a second sheet combining component adjacent an operating station while a first sheet combining component is being operated upon to combine sheets of a first stack of sheets to form a book and subsequently moving the second sheet combining component to the operating station when the book is removed from the operating station.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 including a further step of cutting to length the second sheet combining component when located adjacent the operating station.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 including a further step of orienting the second sheet combining component, prior to moving to the operating station, to a position so as to receive sheets of a second stack of 51 sheets, when the second sheet combining component is moved to the operating station.

19

4. Apparatus for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding Claims comprising a feed device adapted to be located adjacent an operating station for feeding successive sheet combining components to the station.

5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 including means for centering each stack of sheets at the operating station.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the centering means includes at least one movable member.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 6 including a support member for supporting each stack of sheets at the operating station.

8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the support member comprises a series of projections extending along an edge thereof.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 8 wherein the feed device comprises an elongate member having a series of projections extending longitudinally thereof.

10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the projections comprise a series of pins.

11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the elongate member is of magnetic material.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claim 4 to 11 wherein operation of the feed device is controlled by cam discs.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 12 wherein there is provided a stop device for restricting movement of each stack of sheets when located at the operating station.

14. A method of successively combining together sheets of successive stacks of sheets to form successive books substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. Apparatus for successively combining together sheets of successive stacks of sheets to form successive books substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.