JP3361748B2 - Bookbinding automation system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic bookbinding system for collating a plurality of types of signatures, attaching a cover sheet to the collated signatures to combine them, and then trimming the three sides to produce a book. Regarding the improvement of.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automatic bookbinding system is a collating machine for sequentially feeding a plurality of types of signatures using respective feeding means, stacking them while transporting them, and discharging them as a folded book. Mainly a bookbinding machine that attaches a prepared cover to a book and ejects it as a binding booklet, and a three-way cutting machine that cuts the binding booklet ejected from this binding machine and finishes it as a finish booklet of a specified size As a component.

In this system, the glue applied to combine the cover sheet with the binding booklet discharged from the bookbinding machine is dried, and a stacker for stacking a predetermined number of sheets and a predetermined number of finished bookbinding sheets are collectively packaged. A wrapping machine and a tying machine for tying the wrapped things together are provided, and the individual machines are connected by a transport path, and an automatic line is constructed from the signature to the product book, enabling automatic bookbinding. .

However, since the collating machine, the bookbinding machine and the like which compose this system are sometimes used as a single unit, the folding length and the folding thickness required for each machine can be determined. Data was input and measured on each machine. In particular, in the case of a bookbinding machine, the length of the folded book is used to attach the cover sheet to the predetermined position on the spine of the folded book.
Data such as the folded book thickness, cover length, and cover width is required.However, if you input these data manually, or if it is improved, when the folded book is conveyed to the binding machine, I was wondering if the binding machine should automatically measure these data.

However, when these data are manually input by the bookbinding machine, the automation line must be stopped during the input and during the automatic measurement. It was In addition, data such as book length, book thickness, cover length, cover width, etc.
Even in the three-way cutting machine, the packaging machine, and the binding machine, the data are indispensable for calculating the necessary control data, but these data have not been linked or shared.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to solve the above problems and is automated at the stage where a signature, which is the smallest part of bookbinding, is conveyed from the collator to the bookbinding machine as a booklet. The thickness and length of the folded book are automatically measured without stopping the flow of the line, and the automatically measured data is transmitted to the bookbinding machine or the three-sided cutting machine, which is the next process, and each It is an object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding automation system which can be used at a work station.

[0007]

An automatic bookbinding system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a collating machine for sequentially feeding a plurality of types of signatures using respective feeding means, stacking them while conveying them, and discharging them as a folded book. And the booklet ejected from this collating machine is pasted with the prepared cover, and the booklet is ejected as a binding booklet, and the binding booklet ejected from this binding machine is cut to a specified size. The three-way cutting machine for finishing as a finish binding of, at least, is configured in combination, the collating machine, each feeding means, with the signature thickness measurement sensor for measuring the thickness of the sandwiched signature, The folded book conveying path is configured to have an automatic folding station for measuring the thickness and length of the discharged folded book, where the measured thickness of the folded book is measured. , The folded book length data As data, the next step binding machine, sent to the control / transmission units, such as three-way cutting machine, characterized by automatically setting the control data in each of the work stations.

An automatic measuring station is provided in the collating machine, which is the first step of the bookbinding automation system, in which the thickness and length of the folded sheet are automatically measured, and the measured data is linked to the next step for use. The automation line is operated efficiently. Further, since the actual measurement data is sent to each work station by the time the object is sent, control can be performed without waste and the operating efficiency of the entire automation line can be improved. Further, it is not necessary to perform the measurement again with a bookbinding machine or the like, the time and effort of the measurement can be saved, the occurrence of defective products due to measurement errors can be prevented, and the actual measurement data can be effectively used.

The bookbinding automation system according to claim 2 is
In Claim 1, the bookbinding machine is provided with a cover feeding station for sequentially feeding out the prepared and accumulated cover sheets in order to combine them into a folded book.
At least a cover length measurement sensor that automatically measures the cover length and a cover width measurement sensor that automatically measures the cover width are provided, and the cover length and cover width data measured by these measurement sensors are included. It is characterized in that the measured data is sent to a control / transmission unit such as a bookbinding machine or a three-way cutting machine, and the control data at each work station is automatically set.

The cover is supplied by the bookbinding machine, but at the cover supply station, the actual measurement data including the cover length and the cover width data necessary for calculating the control data of the bookbinding machine and the three-sided cutting machine are automatically measured. Since it is transmitted to the necessary place,
With respect to these data, it is not necessary to individually measure again, the labor of measurement can be saved, and the actual measurement data can be effectively used.

The bookbinding automation system according to claim 3 is
Multiple types of signatures are sequentially fed out using the respective feeding means, piled up while being conveyed and discharged as a folded book, and a prepared cover is placed on the folded book discharged from this collator. An automatic bookbinding system that is configured by at least a combination of a bookbinding machine that combines the sheets and ejects them as bookbinding, and a three-side cutting machine that cuts the bookbinding ejected from the bookbinding machine and finishes it as a finished booklet of a specified size. In order to control the system in an integrated manner, an arithmetic processing circuit that performs the arithmetic necessary for controlling the system, a main controller equipped with a transmission controller, and setting data including order information necessary for the operation of the automation system in the main controller. The operation unit for inputting and the operation setting of the system and the control setting data set in each work station of the automation system are called and displayed. The display operation device provided in combination with the display unit, and the work stations provided in each of the collating machine, the bookbinding machine, and the three-way cutting machine, and the work stations provided in each of the collating machine, the bookbinding machine, and the three-way cutting machine are in order. A control / transmission unit having a sequencer for controlling and a transmission unit for transmitting and receiving data necessary for operating the automation system between the main controller and the main controller is provided. In the feeding means, a signature thickness measuring sensor for measuring the thickness of the folded signature is provided, and a measuring machine for automatically measuring the thickness and the length of the folded signature that is discharged in the folded-material conveying path. Is provided with an automatic measuring station for a folded book, and the folded thickness and folded length data measured by the automatic measuring station are used as actual measurement data from the transmission unit of the collator. Control data at each work station is automatically transmitted by transmitting it to the in-controller, performing the necessary calculations in the main controller, and then transmitting it to the control / transmission unit installed in the bookbinding machine, three-way cutting machine, etc. in the next process It can be set to.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an arithmetic processing circuit for performing arithmetic operations necessary for controlling the system and a main controller having a transmission controller are provided.
A transmission unit is provided, and this main controller manages the measured data of the folded length and folded thickness measured at the automatic measuring station of the collator in an integrated manner, and transmits it to the required process. Therefore, it is possible to use the measured data in a more integrated and effective manner.

The bookbinding automation system according to claim 4 is
In Claim 3, the bookbinding machine is provided with a cover feeding station that sequentially feeds the cover sheets prepared and accumulated in advance in order to combine them into a folded book.
At least a cover length measuring sensor for automatically measuring the cover length and a cover width measuring sensor for automatically measuring the cover width are provided. From the control / transmission unit provided in the bookbinding machine to the main controller, Measured data including the cover length data measured by the length measuring sensor and the cover width data measured by the cover width measuring sensor is transmitted, and further, from the main controller of each process such as the above bookbinding machine, three-way cutting machine, etc. It is transmitted to the control / transmission unit of the work station so that the control data of the work station can be automatically set.

In the system of claim 3, the cover length and the cover width are further measured at the cover supply station of the bookbinding machine, and the measured data are integratedly managed by the main controller. Can also be used in a more integrated and effective manner. The bookbinding automation system according to claim 5 is the bookbinding thickness measuring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the folding book thickness measuring machine of the folding book automatic measuring station has a reference roller whose reference position can be arbitrarily adjusted. A measurement roller that moves between the standby position and the measurement position with respect to the reference roller is arranged opposite to each other on both sides behind the folded paper conveyance path provided with a folded paper passage sensor for detecting the passage of a folded paper, and A folded-paper thickness measuring sensor for measuring the folded-paper thickness based on the displacement amount of the measuring roller obtained by passing the folded-paper book between the rollers is provided.

Here, the reference roller can have its reference position adjusted in advance so that the interval between the reference roller and the measurement roller becomes the signature thickness reference data based on the measured signature thickness data. , Is rotated according to the conveyance speed of the folded sheet, is given a biasing force in a direction away from the reference roller, and when the passage of the folded sheet is detected by the folded sheet passage sensor, a reference is made from the standby position to the measurement position. The folded book thickness is automatically measured by approaching the roller and pinching the folded book in cooperation with the reference roller, and measuring the displacement amount of the measuring roller at that time with respect to the measurement position by the folded book thickness measuring sensor. It is configured.

Since the folded document being conveyed is sandwiched between the measuring roller and the reference roller rotating at the same peripheral speed as the folded-book conveying speed, the conveyance is not stopped, that is, the automation line is stopped. Without, the thickness of the folded book can be measured. Further, during measurement, the measuring roller holds the measuring position for a predetermined time, so a certain measuring time can be secured, the measurement timing is easy to take, the measured value is stable, and a more effective folded thickness. Can be achieved.

Further, the measuring roller is normally in the standby position, and the folded-paper passing sensor approaches the reference roller to pinch the folded-paper only when the folded-paper is passing. It does not hinder the passage between the roller and the measuring roller. Also, since the distance that the measuring roller approaches the reference roller from the standby position to the measuring position is fixed for measurement, the measuring roll does not move excessively for measuring, and with higher accuracy. Can measure.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of the bookbinding automation system of the present invention. This bookbinding automation system A is composed of a main controller 1, a display operation device 2, a collator 3, a bookbinding machine 4, a stacker 5, a three-way cutting machine 6, a packaging machine 7, and a binding machine 8. , The gathering machine 3 to the binding machine 8 are connected by a transport path (not shown), and in terms of control and signal transmission, the main controller 1 and the control / transmission unit 31 provided in the gathering machine 3, etc. 41, ... Are connected by a transmission line L to form an automation line as a whole.

The main controller 1 is connected to the control / transmission units 31, 41, ... Of the collating machine 3 and the bookbinding machine 4 by a transmission line L, and measures data such as the length of a folded book and controls. A transmission controller 11 for controlling transmission of data and the like, and an arithmetic processing circuit 12 for performing arithmetic and processing necessary for system control in order to integrally control the bookbinding automation system A are provided. In addition, the main controller 1 is provided with an operation unit 21 for inputting order information necessary for the operation of the automation system A and setting data such as a finish binding format, and an operating state of the automation system A and settings for each work station. A display operation device 2 is provided in combination with a display unit 22 that calls and displays control setting data and the like.

The collator 3, a plurality of types of signature, in advance is placed in each feeding sequence using the feeding means which is configured by an arm with a grip portion to be described later (not shown) piece , # 1, and the like, and stacks the signatures while conveying them, and discharges them as a folded sheet to a folded sheet conveying path (not shown). In the collator 3, the pieces # 1, # 2, ...
Corresponds to the work station.

The collating machine 3 includes a piece serving as a work station.
A sequencer 31a for controlling the sequence of # 1, pieces # 2, ..., And a transmission unit 31b for transmitting and receiving data necessary for the operation of the automation system A to and from the main controller 1 are provided. Control / transmission unit 3
1 is provided, and a signature thickness measuring sensor 32 (1, 2, ... ) That measures the thickness of the signatures sandwiched between the feeding means (not shown) for each of the pieces # 1, # 2, ...・ ・)
A folded sheet thickness measuring machine 34 having a folded sheet thickness measuring sensor 34a for automatically measuring the thickness of a folded sheet discharged on a folded sheet conveying path (not shown), and automatically measuring the folded sheet length. The automatic measuring station 33 is provided with a folded length measuring machine 35 having a folded length measuring sensor 35a.

The bookbinding machine 4 includes a cover sheet supply station 43 for supplying a cover sheet to attach the cover sheet to the spine of the folded book conveyed from the collator 3 and a work station 4 such as a gluing station or a nipping station.
2 and a control / transmission unit 41 having a sequencer 41a and a transmission unit 41b similar to those of the collator 3, and the cover feeding station 43 has a cover length measuring sensor for automatically measuring the cover length. 44 and a cover width measuring sensor 45 for automatically measuring the cover width.

The stacker 5, the three-sided cutting machine 6, the packaging machine 7, and the bundling machine 8 each have a sequencer 51 similar to that of the gathering machine 3.
a, 61a, 71a, 81a, transmission units 51b, 6
Control / transmission unit 5 having 1b, 71b, 81b
1, 61, 71, 81 are provided, and although not shown,
Each has its own work station. In this bookbinding automation system A, when a signature is supplied to the collator 3, it is collated to form a booklet, and the bookbinding machine 4 attaches the cover to the booklet to form a booklet, and the stacker 5 to bind the booklet. The glue is dried, stacked a predetermined number of times, and sent to the three-way cutting machine 6,
In the three-sided cutting machine 6, the side-by-side bound bookbinding is three-sidedly cut into a finished book having a size of a set size, and then a predetermined number of side-by-side stacked sheets are packaged by the packaging machine 7.
The booklet is bound by the binding machine 8 and discharged as a book ready for shipping.

In this case, in the automatic bookbinding system A, the first signature of the binding lot is sandwiched by the collating machine 3 by the feeding means (not shown), and the signature thickness is measured by the signature thickness measuring sensor 32. Then, the signature thickness data is sent to the main controller 1 as actual measurement data, a predetermined calculation is performed by the arithmetic processing circuit 12, and the result is used as control setting data in the control / transmission unit of the collator 3. Sent to 31.

In the control / transmission unit 31, the folding thickness measuring machine 34 of the automatic measuring station 33 is set to a predetermined setting on the basis of the control setting data as described later, and the folding thickness measuring machine 34 is set. Then, it is collated and folded and conveyed (not shown)
Orimoto thickness measurement sensor the thickness of the first Orimoto conveyed the
The length of the folded-line length measuring machine 35
The folded length measuring sensor 35a measures the folded length . The actual measurement data of the folded thickness and the folded length measured in this way is sent to the main controller 1 via the transmission unit 31b, and in the main controller 1, the arithmetic processing circuit 12 performs necessary calculations, and then By transmitting the data to the control / transmission units 41 and 61 provided in the bookbinding machine 4 and the three-way cutting machine 6 in the process, the control data in each work station 42 can be automatically set.

Thus, before the first booklet is conveyed from the collator 3 and passes through each station 42 of the bookbinding machine 4, according to the data sent from the main controller 1,
It is possible to complete the setting of the control data using the folded book thickness and folded book length data. On the other hand, in the cover feeding station 43 of the bookbinding machine 4, since the cover is prepared and accumulated in advance, the collating machine 3 measures the folded thickness and the folded length at the same time or before the measurement. , As described below,
The cover length and the cover width are automatically measured by the cover length measuring sensor 44 and the cover width measuring sensor 45, and the actual measurement data is obtained through the main controller 1 through the main controller 1 as in the case of the collator 3. 4, stacker 5, three-way cutting machine 6, packing machine 7,
It is possible to set the control data sent to the binding machine 8 and using the cover length and cover width data in each work station 42 or the like before the first folded book, binding book, and the like pass.

Therefore, in this bookbinding automation system, the normal operation can be performed from the beginning of the lot without providing the automatic measurement mode for the required data, and the automation line can be efficiently operated. Further, since the actual measurement data is sent to each work station by the time the object is sent, control can be performed without waste and the operating efficiency of the entire automation line can be improved. Furthermore, there is no need to measure again with a bookbinding machine,
Not only the labor of measurement can be saved, but also the occurrence of defective products due to measurement error can be prevented in advance, and the measurement data can be mutually used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall construction of another example of the bookbinding automation system of the present invention. This bookbinding automation system A1 is the bookbinding automation system A described in FIG.
Compared with the above, there is no main controller 1 and display operation device 2 for controlling the whole, and a collator 3, a bookbinding machine 4, and a three-side cutting machine 6
In addition, since the display operation devices 36, 46, and 62 are different from each other, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

The bookbinding automation system A1 includes a collating machine 3, a bookbinding machine 4, and a bookbinding machine 4, each of which can be operated independently.
Consists of a three-way cutting machine 6, other stackers 5, a packaging machine 7, and a binding machine 8. In terms of the flow of goods, the gathering machine 3 to the binding machine 8 are connected by a transport path (not shown), and controlled. In terms of signal transmission, the control / transmission units 31, 41, ... Provided in the collating machine 3, the bookbinding machine 4, etc. are connected in a network by the transmission line L to form an automation line as a whole. ing.

The display operation devices 36, 46, 62 provided on the collator 3, the bookbinding machine 4, and the three-sided cutting machine 6 enable stand-alone use and each have a controller (not shown). The operation unit 36a, 46a, 6 similar to the operation unit and the display unit attached to the main controller
2a and display parts 36b, 46b and 62b. A feature of this system A1 is that data can be transmitted locally. That is, in the bookbinding automation system A of FIG. 1, the automatic measuring station 33 of the collator 3 and the bookbinding machine 4
The actual measurement data measured at the front cover feeding station 43 is once transmitted to the main controller 31 and then sent to the control / transmission units 31, 41, ... Provided in the bookbinding machine 4, the three-sided cutting machine 5, etc. However, in the bookbinding automation system A1, the data is directly sent to the control / transmission unit of the target device.

In this way, the same effect can be obtained by constructing a local network by connecting the individual control devices without providing the main controller. Next, measurement of necessary data, which is an important element of the present invention, will be described. In the bookbinding automation system, as described above, the signature O is gathered to form the folded book P, and the cover sheet Q is attached to the folded book P to form the bound booklet R and the bound booklet R as described above. Is cut into a set size and the finished bookbinding S is obtained. At this time, as the basic data necessary for calculating the control data at each work station, the signature thickness ti, the signature thickness Tp, the signature data of the signature length Lp, the cover thickness Tq, and the cover sheet. Length Lq,
There is cover data of cover width Bq.

First, the flow of automatic measurement of these data will be described. FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of automatic measurement of original data. First, the signature thickness ti (= t1, t2, ...) Is detected by the signature thickness measuring sensors 32 (see FIG. 1) provided on the pieces # 1, # 2 , ...・) Is measured.

Then, based on the signature thickness ti, the signature thickness reference data T0 is calculated by the equation (1). T0 = (Σti) −α −−− (1) In equation (1), (Σti) is the sum of the signature thickness ti, and α is for setting the folded book thickness reference data T0. Is a correction value.

Then, on the basis of this folding thickness reference data T0, a folding thickness measuring sensor 34a provided in the folding thickness measuring machine 34 of the automatic measuring station of the collator 3
The folded book thickness Tp is measured, and then the folded book length measurement sensor 35a provided in the folded book length measuring machine 35 measures the folded book length Lp. The measured data of the folded book thickness Tp and the folded book length Lp thus obtained are sent to a bookbinding machine, a stacker, a three-way cutting machine, a packaging machine, and a binding machine for use.

FIG. 3B is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of automatic measurement of cover data. First, the cover thickness Tq is measured. In this case, normally, instead of measuring, input is often made by separately provided information, but a cover thickness measuring machine (not shown) may be provided to perform automatic measurement.

Then, the cover length measurement sensor 44 of the cover supply station 43 measures the cover length Lq, and the cover width measurement sensor 45 measures the cover width Bq. The measured data of the cover thickness Tq, the cover length Lq, and the cover width Bq thus obtained are sent to a bookbinding machine, a stacker, a three-sided cutting machine, a packaging machine, and a binding machine for use. Folded book thickness Tp, folded book length L
A specific example of use of measured data of p, cover thickness Tq, cover length Lq, and cover width Bq in the next step will be described.

In the bookbinding machine, the cover sheet Q is attached to the folded sheet P. At this time, if the center of the folded sheet thickness Tp and the center of the cover sheet width Bq do not coincide with each other in principle, the spine of the cover sheet Q will be ,
Since it does not come to the center of the back of the folded book P, it is a defective product. If the position of the folded book length Lp and the position of the cover sheet length Lq do not have a predetermined relationship, the title character of the cover sheet Q does not come to a predetermined upper and lower position of the folded book P, resulting in a defective product.

In the stacker, the binding booklets R are properly stacked side by side. At this time, the length Lr and the width Br of the binding booklet R are required to set the position of the stacking guide. Also,
After stacking a predetermined number of the bookbinding R, pressure is applied from above so that the glue is dried in an ideal state. For that purpose, the thickness Tr of the bookbinding R is necessary. In principle, these are the folded sheet thickness Tp, the folded sheet length Lp, the cover sheet thickness Tq, and the cover sheet length L.
q, and the following relationship with the measured data of the cover width Bq. In addition,
In the following relational expressions, multiplication by “*” and division by “/” are shown to avoid confusion with other symbols.

Lr = Lp Br = (Bq-Tp) / 2 Tr = Tp + 2 * Tq In the three-sided cutting machine, the length Lr, the width Br, and the thickness Tr of a predetermined number of bound bookbinding R conveyed from the stacker are stacked. Is used, and based on this, the binding booklet R is cut into a size of a predetermined format according to the order information to obtain a finishing booklet S.

The packing machine and the binding machine use the length Ls and the width Bs of the finish bookbinding S obtained from a predetermined size and the thickness Ts of the finish bookbinding S. It is the same as the thickness Tr of the bookbinding R. In this way, in the automated bookbinding system of the present invention, necessary data is measured in the first measurable step, and it is used in the necessary place in the next step. Next, an example of automatic data measurement will be described.

FIG. 4 illustrates the method of measuring the signature thickness in the feeding means of the collator, and FIG. 4 (a) is a schematic conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the feeding means, FIG. 4 (b).
[Fig. 4] is a schematic conceptual diagram showing a method of measuring a signature thickness when a signature is sandwiched. The feeding means 37 is provided in the plurality of gathering machines 3.
Arms 37a, which are respectively provided on the pieces # 1, # 2, ... , and swing around a horizontal axis 3d extending in the transport direction of the signature O of the collator 3, are provided on the lower end of the arm 37a. The grip 37b and the opening / closing rod 37c for opening and closing the grip 37b are provided.

The signatures O are stacked on the signature table 32a of each piece. 3a is a chain for transporting the signature O, and the chain 3a has a transport guide 3 at predetermined intervals.
b is provided in a protruding manner, and the tip portion thereof protrudes from the signature conveying path 3c. The signature thickness sensor 32 is an arm 37a.
It is fixedly installed in the right place and is composed of a proximity sensor.
The detection plate 32 is positioned so as to face the sensor section.
a is fixedly installed on the opening / closing rod 37c. Therefore, the signature thickness sensor 32 can measure the position of the detection plate 32a, that is, the relative position of the arm 37a and the opening / closing rod 37c, that is, the degree of opening / closing of the grip portion 37b.

The feeding means 37 feeds the signatures O stacked at a predetermined timing from the signatures O, which are separated by the separating means (not shown), by sandwiching the grips 37b and dropping them into the signature conveying path 3c. . The signatures O that have fallen on the transport path 3c are transported by the transport guide 3b, and the next signature O is sequentially stacked on the next piece to form a collated signature.

By measuring the position of the detection plate 32a when the grip portion 37b sandwiches the signature O with the signature thickness sensor 32, the opening / closing degree of the grip portion 37b, that is, the sandwiched signature O. The signature thickness ti of can be automatically measured. The signature thickness sensor 32 is conventionally provided to detect whether the grip portion 37b sandwiches the signature O or whether two or more signatures are sandwiched. Since the means is used, there is no need to separately provide an extra measurement sensor, and the cost does not increase.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a folded thickness measuring machine of an automatic measuring station. FIG. 5A shows a standby position and FIG. 5B shows a measuring state. Using this figure,
The automatic measurement of the folded book thickness Tp will be described. The folded book thickness measuring machine 34 is provided in the folded book conveying path 33a where the folded book P discharged from the collating machine 3 is conveyed to the bookbinding machine 4, and the folded book P is passed to the upstream position thereof. Folded book passage sensor 33 for detection
b is provided. Conveyance guides (not shown) are provided at predetermined intervals in the folded conveyance path 33a, and the folded guide P is pushed by the conveyance guides for conveyance.

The folding thickness measuring machine 34 includes a reference roller 34b.
And a measuring roller 34c provided opposite thereto, and the measuring roller 34c is rotationally driven so that the outer peripheral speed thereof becomes equal to the conveying speed of the folded book P, and the reference roller 3c.
When the folded book P being conveyed is pinched in cooperation with 4b, the conveyance is not hindered. in this case,
The reference roller 34b may be free to rotate so that the reference roller 34b is regulated by the folding P conveyed with the measuring roller 34c and co-rotates with the folding roller P.
It may be rotationally driven so as not to hinder the conveyance of the.

The rotation axis C1 of the reference roller 34b is
The shaft position adjusting means 34k having a screw shaft is fixed, and the reference position of the shaft position adjusting means 34k can be adjusted by a motor M having a female screw threaded to the screw shaft. The rotation axis C2 of the measurement roller 34c is fixed to the slide holder 34d, and the rotation driving means (not shown) of the measurement roller 34c is installed in the slide holder 34d. This measuring roller 34
A cam 34e having a common rotating shaft C2 as a common rotating shaft is fixed to c, and the slide base 3 is fixed to the cam 34e.
The cam follower 34f fixedly supported by 4g is in rolling contact. The slide holder 34d and the cam follower 3 supporting the common rotation axis C2 of the measuring roller 34c and the cam 34e.
The slide bases 34g supporting 4f are urged by tension springs 34h so as to be close to each other, and the urging force keeps the cams 34e and the cam followers 34f in rolling contact with each other.

The cam 34e is centered on the rotation axis C2.
The standby arc portion 34 which is an arc portion having a radius r0 and a central angle θ0
e0 and a circular arc portion 34e1 having a radius r1 and a central angle θ1 are provided at opposing positions, and the outer peripheral shape is formed by connecting both circular arc portions with a straight line. Where radius r0
Is smaller than the radius r1 and its radius difference rΔ = r1
As can be seen from the figure, -r0 is the difference between the measurement position [Y] of the measurement roller 34c and the standby position [X], that is, the retract distance of the measurement roller 34c. Also, the central angles θ0, θ
1 is usually set between 40 and 90 degrees.

In such a mechanism, the reference roller 34
When there is nothing between b and the measuring roller 34c, the cam 3
When the measurement roller 34c and the cam 34e rotate together while the rolling contact between the 4e and the cam follower 34f is maintained,
Restricted to the shape of the cam 34e, the slide holder 34d
Is the cam follower 34 with respect to the slide base 34g.
While f is in rolling contact with the standby arc portion 34e0 of the measurement roller 34c for a predetermined time, the standby position [X] shown in FIG. 5A is maintained, the standby position moves from the standby position to the measurement position, and then the cam follower 34f moves. For a predetermined time of rolling contact with the measurement arc portion 34e1 of the measurement roller 34c, as shown in FIG.
The measurement position [Y] indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in (b) is maintained and returned to the original position, and accordingly, the measurement roller 34c also moves with respect to the reference roller 34b to the standby position [X] and the measurement position [Y]. ] To make a reciprocating motion.

The slide base 34g is provided with a stopper 34i.
It is biased by a compression spring 34j so as to come into contact with, and the position thereof is measured by a folded thickness measuring sensor 34a. In the state where there is nothing between the reference roller 34b and the measuring roller 34c, the slide base 34g is in contact with the stopper 34i, and the folded thickness measurement sensor 34a measures the position y0 of the slide base 34g at that time. . In the state in which the folded sheet P is sandwiched, if the folded sheet thickness reference data T0 shown in FIG. 5B is set to a value smaller than the expected folded sheet thickness Tp, the folded sheet thickness Tp is restricted. The measuring roll 34
c is pushed back, and slide base 3
4g is pushed back by the same amount, and when the position y1 of the slide base 34g at that time is measured by the folded thickness measurement sensor 34a, the displacement amount Δt = y0−y1 is obtained, and the folded thickness Tp is calculated from the following equation. Is obtained.

Tp = T0 + Δt = (Σti) −α + Δt −−− (2) When the folded thickness Tp is measured by the folded thickness measuring machine 34, the following procedure is performed. First, each piece # 1 and piece # of the collator 3
Based on the data of the signature thicknesses t1, t2, ... Measured in 2, ... , The signature thickness reference data T is calculated by the equation (1).
0 is calculated, and the reference position of the reference roller 34b is adjusted so that the distance between the reference roller 34b and the measurement roller 34c becomes the folded thickness reference data T0 when the measurement roll 34c is at the measurement position. . In this case, as mentioned above,
The correction value α of the equation (1) causes the repulsive force due to the folded thickness Tp to be generated in the measuring roller 34c when the folded book P is sandwiched between the reference roller 34b and the measuring roller 34c.

For example, in the equation (1), when (Σti) is 10 mm, α = 0.5 mm is set, and the folded thickness reference data T0 = 9.5 mm. This correction value α is
It is good to use a proper value that can be obtained empirically. Then, when the folded-paper passing sensor 33b detects that the collated folded-paper P has been conveyed along the folded-paper conveying path 33a, the detection signal is sent to the folded-paper thickness measuring machine 34, After the folded book P starts to pass both rolls 34b and 34c, the measurement roll 34
The measurement roll 34c is rotationally driven so that c comes to the measurement position [Y].

Thus, the reference roll 34b and the measuring roll 34c sandwich the folded book P so as not to hinder the conveyance of the folded book P. At this time, the measuring roll 34c is regulated to the folded book thickness Tp and pushed back. Then, by measuring the displacement amount Δt of the pushing back by the folded thickness measuring sensor 34a, the folded thickness Tp is automatically measured by the equation (2). For example, in the above example, the folded thickness reference data T0 = 9.5 m
and the displacement amount Δt = 0.3, the folded thickness T
It becomes p = T0 + Δt = 9.8 mm.

With this arrangement, the measurement roller and the reference roller, which rotate at the same peripheral speed as the folded sheet conveying speed, perform measurement while sandwiching the conveyed folded sheet. Without stopping the line
The folded thickness can be measured. Also, at the time of measurement,
Since the measuring roller holds the measuring position for a predetermined time, a certain measuring time can be secured, the measurement timing can be easily taken, the measured value is stable, and a more effective folded thickness can be achieved. .

Furthermore, the measuring roller is normally in the standby position, and the signal from the folded-paper passage sensor approaches the reference roller and pinches the folded paper only when the folded paper is passing. Does not hinder the passage between the reference roller and the measuring roller. In addition, the measuring roller for measurement
Since the distance from the standby position to the measurement position that approaches the reference roller is fixed, it is not necessary for the measurement roll to make an extra movement for the measurement.

In addition, the folded thickness measuring sensor is
Since it moves only at the time of measurement and the moving distance of the slide base having a small moving distance is measured, the moving distance can be measured accurately and inexpensively with a small measuring range. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a folded length measuring machine of the automatic measuring station. The automatic measurement of the folded-book length Lp will be described with reference to this figure.

The folded-paper length measuring machine 35 is provided on the downstream side of the folded-paper conveying path 33a in which the folded-paper length measuring machine 34 is installed. The folded-book length measuring machine 35 is provided with a folded-book length measuring sensor 35a composed of a photoelectric sensor, and when the folded book P passes, the folded book P blocks the light of the sensor 35a. Has become.

The folded conveyance path 33a is driven at a predetermined speed by a driving device (not shown) composed of a servo motor or the like, and its moving distance can be known from a timer or the rotation speed of the servo motor of the driving device. . Therefore, the folded-sheet length measuring sensor 35 is the folded-sheet P that is pushed by the transport guide 33c through the folded-sheet transport path 33a and is transported at a predetermined speed.
By counting the time during which a is blocked or the number of revolutions of the servo motor, the moving distance of the folded book P, that is, the folded length Lp, can be obtained.

Also in this case, the folded length Lp can be automatically measured without stopping the automation line. FIG. 7A is a schematic conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of measuring the cover sheet length in the cover sheet supply station, and FIG. 7B is a schematic conceptual diagram showing an example of the method of measuring the cover sheet width. Automatic measurement of the cover length Lq and the cover width Bq will be described with reference to these drawings.

In FIG. 7 (a), the cover sheets Q are piled up on the cover table 43a with the front guide 43f facing downward in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the cover supply direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. The cover 43a is screwed into the cover 43a by rotating the screw shaft 43d by the servomotor 43c, and the female screw 43e fixed to the lower part of the cover 43a moves up and down to move the cover 43a up and down. An upper guide 43g is provided at a position facing the cover 43a, and defines the upper end of the supply position of the cover Q.

Reference numeral 43b is a cover sheet supply roller, which is a cover sheet feeding means (not shown), which is used to cover the stacked cover sheets Q.
The front cover Q sent out one by one, the folded book P moving
First, the position is adjusted in the moving direction, that is, the folded length Lp and the cover length Lq are adjusted and supplied. This upper guide 4
On the side that does not contact the 3g cover Q, the limit switch 44
a is installed, the tip of the contactor 44b projects from the hole provided in the upper guide 43g, and the tip of the contactor 44b is pushed by the cover O, so that the cover O
It is detected that the tip of the contact with the upper guide 43g.

On the other hand, a measuring scale 44c is provided below the cover 43a, and the tip of the measuring scale 44c is
It is connected to the cover 43a, and when the cover 43a moves up and down, its moving distance can be measured by the measuring scale 44c. Therefore, the summit switch 44
When the contact of the cover O with the upper guide 43g is detected at a, the motor 43c is stopped, and the position of the cover 43a is measured by the measuring scale 44c, whereby the cover length Lq can be obtained. . Here, the limit switch 44a, the contactor 44b, the measurement scale 44c,
The cover length measuring sensor 44 is configured.

FIG. 7B is a front cover 43a of FIG. 7A.
The cover sheets Q piled up in the figure are shown from the right-hand rear side of the figure, and only those related to the cover sheet width measuring sensor 45 are taken up. Above the stacked cover sheets Q, side guides 43 for positioning both sides of the stacked cover sheets Q are provided.
Both screw shafts 43h for moving j and 43l to the left and right at equal distances are penetratingly installed. These screw shafts 43h have a left screw 43hL on the left side and a right screw 43hR on the right side at the center of their length. Are formed. Both screw shafts 43h
The left female screw 43h is screwed to the left female screw 43i, and the right female screw 43hR is screwed to the right female screw 43k. The side guides 43j and 43l are fixed to the left female screw 43i and the right female screw 43k.

Therefore, when both screw shafts 43h are rotated, the side guides 43j and 43l move left and right by equal distances, and the center positions of both guides 43j and 43l do not change. Since both screw shafts 43h are rotationally driven by a servo motor (not shown), the distance between both guides 43j, 43l can be known from the motor rotation speed obtained from the servo motor.

Each of the side guides 43j, 43
There is a limit switch 45 on the side not touching the cover Q.
a, 45c are installed, the tips of the contacts 45b, 45d project from the holes provided in the side guides 43j, 43l, and the tips of the contacts 45b, 45d are pushed by the cover sheet Q. Thus, it is detected that both ends of the cover sheet Q have come into contact with the side guides 43j and 43l.

Therefore, the side guides 43j, 43l
, The cover Q is stacked on the cover 43a, and the screw shafts 43h are rotated to rotate the side guides 43j,
43l towards the beginning and both limit switches 45
When the contact of the side guides 43j and 43l with the cover O is detected at a and 45c, the stop is stopped. By doing this, the cover Q is restricted by the side guides 43j and 43l.
Is just positioned at the center of the cover table 43a, and the cover width Bq can be calculated from the rotation number of the servo motor at that time.
Can be obtained. Here, the limit switch 45
A cover width measuring sensor 45 is constituted by a, 45c, and contacts 45b, 45d.

[0067]

According to the bookbinding automation system of the first aspect, the folding thickness and the folding length are automatically measured at the automatic measuring station of the collator, which is the first step of the bookbinding automation system. Since the measured data is used in the next process, the automation line can be operated efficiently. Further, since the actual measurement data is sent to each work station by the time the object is sent, control can be performed without waste and the operating efficiency of the entire automation line can be improved. Further, since it is not necessary to perform the measurement again with a bookbinding machine or the like, the labor of the measurement can be saved, and the skill of the operation is not required, so that even an inexperienced operator can perform the operation. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defective products due to measurement errors, and it is possible to realize an automated line with high yield and improved production efficiency.

According to the bookbinding automation system of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the bookbinding automation system of the first aspect, it is possible to calculate the control data of the bookbinding machine and the three-sided cutting machine at the cover feeding station of the bookbinding machine. Since the actual measurement data including the required cover length and cover width data are automatically measured and the measured data is linked to the next process, an automated line with higher production efficiency can be realized.

According to the bookbinding automation system of the third aspect, in the first aspect, the collation machine or the like is provided with the arithmetic processing circuit for performing the arithmetic necessary for controlling the system and the main controller having the transmission controller. Is equipped with a control / transmission unit, and this main controller manages the measured data of the folded length and folded thickness measured at the automatic measuring station of the collator in an integrated manner and transmits it to the required process. Since this is done, it is possible to achieve more integrated and effective use of the measured data.

According to the bookbinding automation system of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the bookbinding automation system of the third aspect, a cover length is further provided at the cover feeding station of the bookbinding machine,
Since the cover width is measured and the actual measurement data is integratedly managed by the main controller, it is possible to use the actual measurement data of the cover in a more integrated and effective manner. According to the bookbinding automation system of claim 5, the measurement roller and the reference roller, which are rotating at the same peripheral speed as the booklet conveying speed, perform measurement while sandwiching the conveyed booklet, so the conveyance is stopped. Without, i.e. without stopping the automation line, the folded thickness can be measured.

Further, at the time of measurement, since the measuring roller can secure a constant measuring time, it is easy to set the measuring timing, the measured value is stable, and the automatic measurement can be performed with higher accuracy. In addition, the measuring roller is normally in the standby position, and the folded-paper passing sensor approaches the reference roller and pinches the folded-paper only when the folded-paper is passing. It does not hinder the passage between the rollers. Further, since the distance for the measuring roller to approach the reference roller from the standby position to the measuring position is fixed for the measurement, it is not necessary for the measuring roll to make an extra movement for the measurement.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an example of a bookbinding automation system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of another example of the bookbinding automation system of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of automatic measurement of original data, and FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of automatic measurement of cover data.

4A and 4B are views for explaining a method of measuring a signature thickness in a feeding means of a collator, FIG. 4A is a schematic conceptual diagram illustrating an operation of the feeding means, and FIG. Schematic conceptual diagram showing how to measure the signature thickness when

5A and 5B are plan views showing a schematic configuration of a folded thickness measuring machine of an automatic measuring station, FIG.
Indicates the state at the time of measurement

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a folded-line length measuring machine of an automatic measuring station.

FIG. 7A is a schematic conceptual view showing an example of a cover length measuring method in a cover supply station, and FIG. 7B is a schematic conceptual view showing an example of a cover width measuring method.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Main controller 11 Transmission controller 12 Arithmetic processing circuit 2 Display operation device 21 Operation part 22 Display 3 collator 31, 41 ... Control / transmission unit 31a, 41a ... Sequencer 31b, 41b ... Transmission unit 32 signature thickness measurement sensor 33 Automatic measuring station 33a Orimoto transport path 33b Folded book passage sensor 34 Orimoto Thickness Measuring Machine 34a Folded book thickness measurement sensor 34b Reference roller 34c Measuring roller 35 Folded book length measuring machine 35a Folded book length measuring sensor 36, 46, ... Display operation device 37 feeding means 4 Binding machine 42 work station 43 Cover feeding station 44 Cover length measurement sensor 45 Cover width measurement sensor 5 stacker 6 three-way cutting machine 7 packaging machine 8 binding machine A, A1 Bookbinding automation system Bq Cover width Δt displacement Lp folded book length Lq Cover length O signature P Orimoto Q cover R binding S finish binding Tp folding book thickness Tq cover thickness t0, t1 ... signature thickness [X] Standby position [Y] Measurement position

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A collating machine for sequentially feeding out a plurality of types of signatures by using respective feeding means, stacking them while transporting them and discharging them as a folded book, and a folded book discharged from this collating machine in advance. Consists of at least a combination of a binding machine that combines the prepared cover sheets and discharges it as a binding booklet, and a three-sided cutting machine that cuts the binding booklet ejected from this binding machine and finishes it as a finished binding of a specified size In the bookbinding automation system described above, the collating machine is provided with a signature thickness measuring sensor for measuring the thickness of the sandwiched signatures in each feeding means, and is discharged to the signature conveying path. The automatic folding station is equipped with a measuring machine that automatically measures the thickness and length of the coming folding book.The folding thickness and folding length data measured here are used as actual measurement data. , The binding machine of the next process, An automatic bookbinding system characterized by sending to a control / transmission unit such as a three-sided cutting machine to automatically set control data at each work station. 2. The bookbinding machine according to claim 1, wherein the bookbinding machine is provided with a cover feeding station that sequentially feeds the prepared and accumulated cover sheets into a folded book, and at least the cover feeding station is provided in the cover feeding station. A cover length measurement sensor that automatically measures the length and a cover width measurement sensor that automatically measures the cover width are provided, and the measured data including the cover length and the cover width data measured by these measurement sensors is provided. An automatic bookbinding system characterized by sending the data to a control / transmission unit such as a bookbinding machine or a three-way cutting machine to automatically set control data at each work station. 3. A collating machine for sequentially feeding out a plurality of types of signatures using respective feeding means, stacking them while conveying and discharging them as a folded book, and a folded book discharged from this collating machine in advance. Consists of at least a combination of a binding machine that combines the prepared cover sheets and discharges it as a binding booklet, and a three-sided cutting machine that cuts the binding booklet ejected from this binding machine and finishes it as a finished binding of a specified size In this bookbinding automation system, in order to control the bookbinding automation system in an integrated manner, an arithmetic processing circuit that performs computations necessary for system control, a main controller equipped with a transmission controller, and this main controller An operation unit that inputs setting data including order information necessary for operation,
A display operation device provided in combination with a display unit that calls up and displays the system operation status and control setting data set in each work station of the automation system, and each of the above collator, bookbinding machine, and three-way cutting machine. In order to send and receive the data necessary for the operation of the automation system between the main controller and the sequencer, which is installed in each of the collating machine, the bookbinding machine, and the three-way cutting machine for sequentially controlling the work stations. And a control unit / transmission unit having a transmission unit, and the collating machine is provided with a signature thickness measuring sensor for measuring the thickness of a sandwiched signature in each feeding means, and a folding book. The transport path is configured with an automatic folding station for measuring the thickness and length of the discharged folded book. Folded thickness and folded length data measured by the application are transmitted from the transmission unit of the collating machine to the main controller as actual measurement data, and after the main controller performs the necessary calculation, the next step An automatic bookbinding system that enables automatic setting of control data at each work station by transmitting to a transmission unit provided in a bookbinding machine, three-way cutting machine, etc. 4. The bookbinding machine according to claim 3, wherein the bookbinding machine is provided with a cover feeding station that sequentially feeds the prepared and accumulated cover sheets into a folded book, and at least the cover feeding station is provided in the cover feeding station. A cover length measurement sensor that automatically measures the length and a cover width measurement sensor that automatically measures the cover width are provided. From the control / transmission unit provided in the bookbinding machine, the main controller measures the cover length. Measured data including cover length data measured by the sensor and cover width measured by the cover width measurement sensor is transmitted, and further, from the main controller, the work stations of each process such as the bookbinding machine and the three-sided cutting machine are transmitted. A bookbinding automation system that can automatically set the control data of the work station transmitted to the control / transmission unit. 5. The folding thickness measuring machine of an automatic folding station according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a reference roller whose reference position is arbitrarily adjustable, and a standby state for the reference roller. A measurement roller that moves between the position and the measurement position is disposed opposite to both sides behind the folded paper conveying path provided with a folded paper passage sensor that detects the passage of the folded paper,
The folded-roll thickness measuring sensor is provided to measure the folded-fold thickness based on the displacement amount of the measuring roller obtained by passing the folded-roll between both rollers. The reference position is adjusted in advance so that the distance between the roller and the roller becomes the standard thickness reference data based on the measured signature thickness data. When the passage of a folded sheet is detected by the folded sheet passage sensor, it is applied to the reference roller from the standby position to the measured position. As the configuration is such that the folded book is pinched in close proximity in cooperation with the reference roller and the displacement amount of the measuring roller with respect to the measurement position at that time is measured by the folded book thickness measuring sensor, the folded book thickness is automatically measured. Bookbinding automation system .