JPH11334244A - Automatized bookbinding method and automatic bookbinding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an unerring operation by any person and the shortening of a lot changing time by a method wherein the data of a fold section and of a cover necessary for binding a book are automatically measured and stored. SOLUTION: This method includes at least a process for measuring the thickness of the back part of a fold section under the state being held in a clamper 1 so as to store fold section thickness data, a storing process for measuring the length of the fold section during the moving of the fold section fixed to the clamper 1 along an orbit 2 so as to store as fold section length data, and a process for measuring the width and length of a cover prepared in advance so as to store as cover width data and cover length data. At the pasting of the cover to the fold section under the travelling on the orbit, the cover is registered to the back part of the fold section on the basis of the measured fold section thickness data and fold section length data and the measured cover width data and cover length data so as to paste together under pressure into an integral body.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bookbinding method for automatically attaching a cover to a collated folded book for bookbinding, and an improvement of an automatic bookbinding machine using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of bookbinding machines for automatically attaching a cover to a collated folded book and combining them are already known. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of such a conventional automatic bookbinding machine. The automatic bookbinding machine 100 installs a plurality of clampers 1 on a orbital track 2 configured by a roller chain or the like, and drives the roller chain of the orbital track 2 at a constant speed by a driving device 3 configured by a motor or the like. Each of the clampers 1 is conveyed on its orbit 2 and clamped on a linear portion of the orbit 2, a pre-gluing station 7, a gluing station 8, a cover supply station 9, a cover bonding unit 10 and a discharge station. 11 is provided,
Further, it has a control unit 4 for controlling these devices, and a display operation unit 5 for inputting and displaying data for control.

FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (g) are schematic conceptual views showing the steps of the automatic bookbinding machine. The procedure of automatic bookbinding in the automatic bookbinding machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Hereinafter, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 11A shows a procedure in the clamp station 6. In the clamp station 6, the folding book F
Is supplied from below from the lower left of the feed table 1i so as to enter the space between the clamp bar 1a and the clamper 1 of the clamper 1 so as to match the timing with the clamper 1 moving in the direction of the arrow. While being pressed by the head register pin 1k of the clamper 1, the feed table 1
The clamp bar 1a is pulled toward the clamper 1 while the back part Fa of the book F is placed on the feed table 1i while sliding on the sheet i, and the book F is fixedly held.

At this time, the feed table 1i can be moved up and down, and by moving the feed table 1i up and down, based on order information such as the purpose and type of bookbinding to be manufactured,
The fixed holding position of the folding book F with respect to the clamper 1 in the vertical direction is set according to the bookbinding method of the folding book F, such as musen, ajiro, kagari. Also, the folded book F for the clamper 1
Is fixed by the head register pin 1k.

FIG. 11B shows a procedure in the pre-gluing processing station 7. Here, the back of the folded book F is cut by a rotating cutter 7a provided in the station 7 while being fixedly held by the clamper 1 and moving in the direction of the arrow. In this manner, when the folding F is a wireless binding, the bag portion of the folding F is cut so that the back of all the sheets constituting the folding F can be glued. This is to prevent the sheets from falling off.

In the station 7, a gully blade is provided, and a lateral groove is formed in the back Fa of the folded book F.
In some cases, the glue may enter so as to further prevent the sheets forming the folded book F from falling off. In the case where the supplied folding F is a kagari, that is, a thread that has been ragged, there is the thread ragging, so that the sheets constituting the folding F do not fall off, and this pre-gluing process is performed. At the station 7, the back of the folded book F is not cut.

That is, in the clamp station 6, the amount of cut at this station 7 and the amount of cut at this station 7 are determined by the vertical position of the book F fixed and held on the clamper 1 in accordance with the bookbinding method of book F, such as musen, ajiro, kagari. It is decided whether to do it or not. FIG. 11C shows a procedure in the back gluing section 8B of the gluing station 8.

Here, a glue tank 8B for gluing is used.
a, a glue roll 8Bb for gluing the glue stored in the glue tank 8Ba to the folding book F, and a doctor roll 8Bc for scraping off excess glue attached to the glue roll 8Bb are provided. Is glued to the back Fa of the folded book F. FIG. 11D shows a procedure in the horizontal gluing section 8C of the gluing station 8. This figure is shown in FIG.
(C) as viewed from the X arrow direction.

Here, a glue receiving tank 8Ca for receiving excess glue, a set of horizontal glue rolls 8C which receive glue from a glue supply means (not shown) and glue the glue horizontally to the spine side Fb of the folding book F.
b is installed, and while moving the book F, the book F
Is glued laterally to the back lateral portion Fb. FIG. 11E shows a procedure in the cover supply station 9.

[0010] Here, the cover O is supplied in alignment with the back Fa of the folded book F, and the cover O is pressed by the press roll 9k.
And the cover O is temporarily attached to the folded book F. FIG. 11F shows a procedure in the cover bonding uniting station 10. Here, cover O is attached to Origami F
In the state where is temporarily attached, at the same time when the position corresponding to the back Fa of the folded book F is pressed from below by the back pressing plate 10a,
The cover O is completely pressed to the book F by pressing the position corresponding to the back horizontal part Fb of the book F by a pair of back and side pressure plates 10b sliding on the back pressure plate.

FIG. 11 (g) shows the folded book F in a state where the cover O is pasted and united and discharged from the automatic bookbinding machine 100. In this manner, the automatic bookbinding machine 100 can automatically and optimally perform bookbinding. For this bookbinding, it is necessary to provide the automatic bookbinding machine 100 with bookbinding data necessary for bookbinding. Met.

The bookbinding data mainly includes a book thickness A, a book length B, a cover width C, and a cover length D. The role of the bookbinding data will be described below. FIGS. 12A and 12B show the relationship between the folding thickness, the folding length, and the horizontal gluing in the horizontal gluing section of the gluing station. FIG. 12A is a conceptual diagram of a main part viewed from the front in the transport direction of the clamper, and FIG. It is the principal part conceptual diagram which looked at (a) from the Y arrow direction.

In the horizontal gluing section 8C of the gluing station 8, the back horizontal portion Fb of the moving folded book F is sandwiched between a pair of horizontal glue rolls 8Cb and glued. This horizontal glue roll 8
In order for Cb to glue well to the spine Fb of the folded book F,
As shown in FIG. 12A, a folded book thickness A is required.
In FIG. 12 (b), the horizontally glued portion is indicated by oblique lines, and the portion is not the full length of the folded book F but from the front end.
There is a portion that is not horizontally glued by the length G1 and the length G3 from the rear end, and only the portion of the other length G2 is horizontally glued. This horizontal gluing is for pasting the book F and the cover O also in the vicinity of the back Fa of the book F of the cover O. In this case, when gluing is performed over the entire length of the book F, the end portions This causes excess glue to stick out and hinders bookbinding. Therefore, according to experience, suitable length G1,
A portion that is not glued horizontally is provided only for G3, but a folding length B is required for that.

FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the alignment of the folded book and the cover at the cover feeding station.
Is a conceptual diagram of the main part seen from the front of the transport direction of the clamper,
(B) is a conceptual diagram of the main part of (a) viewed from the direction of the arrow Y. FIG. 13A shows a state in which the folding book thickness A of the folding book F and the cover width C of the cover sheet O are aligned.

In the automatic bookbinding machine 100, the clamper 1
Moves on the orbit 2 mechanically defined,
The surface of the clamper 1 becomes the origin of the folded book F in the thickness direction. Therefore, based on the surface of the clamper 1,
It is necessary to adjust the position in the direction of the cover width C of the cover O supplied to the folded book F fixed and held by the moving clamper 1. That is, as shown in FIG.
A cover width C is set at a half of the folded book thickness A, that is, at the position of A / 2.
The center must come. Otherwise, the spine printed on the cover will not be exactly in the middle of the back thickness of the book. Therefore, here
A folded book thickness A and a cover width C are required.

FIG. 13B shows a state in which the folding length B of the folding book F and the cover length D of the cover O are aligned. At the cover supply station 9, as shown in the figure, the cover O is attached to the book F glued at the gluing station 8, and the gluing of the book F is usually performed using the length D of the cover O.
However, in consideration of the case where the length is longer or shorter than the length B of the book F, it is applied to a slightly longer length than the finished dimension of the book F.

Therefore, in this work station,
A folded book length B and a cover length D are required. However,
In FIGS. 13A and 13B, there is a case where both centers do not always coincide with each other and are shifted by a predetermined dimension.
For example, if the print on the cover F is not necessarily printed at the center of the paper, it is necessary to adjust it accordingly. However, even in this case, it is needless to say that the folded book thickness A, the folded book length B, the cover width C, and the cover length D are indispensable.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual view showing the details of the pressurized state in the cover bonding and joining station as viewed from the front in the moving direction of the clamper. Here, as described with reference to FIG. 11F, in a state where the cover F is temporarily attached to the folded book F, pressure is applied from below by the back pressing plate 10a, and simultaneously, by the back lateral pressing plate 10b. The cover O is completely pressed against the folding book F by pressing from the side. In this case, in order to properly perform the pressing from the side, as shown in FIG. A cover thickness S is required. The cover thickness S is set in advance according to the paper quality of the cover O, and eventually becomes the bookbinding data requiring the folded thickness A again.

[0019]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional automatic bookbinding machine 100, in addition to the order information corresponding to the purpose and type of bookbinding to be manufactured, the operator also needs to know the thickness A of the booklet and the booklet thickness. The bookbinding data, such as the length B, the cover thickness S, and the cover width C, has been manually input one by one using the display operation device 5 every time the bookbinding lot is changed.

However, this requires a certain experience and education to input the bookbinding data, and it is not easy for anyone to operate. In addition, since the data is input by a person, an erroneous data input is inevitable, and an improvement in that point is required. Furthermore, today, the mainstream of multi-product, small-lot production is the mainstream, and it is desired to reduce the time required for lot change. However, manually inputting such binding data one by one requires time and is laborious. It has become.

Particularly, in an automatic bookbinding machine in which bookbinding of exactly the same bookbinding data is rarely repeated, solving this problem is an indispensable factor for labor saving and improvement of productivity. There is a strong demand in the industry. The present invention has been developed to meet the above-mentioned demands, and can be operated by any operator without any skill, so that the lot change time can be reduced, and the automation without reducing the yield due to an error in binding data entry can be achieved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding method and an automatic bookbinding machine using the same.

[0022]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems,
The present inventor has made extensive studies and arrived at the present invention, and proposes a bookbinding method and an automatic bookbinding machine having the following features. That is, in claims 1 to 3, the folding book and the cover to be bound are automatically measured, and the folding book and the cover are aligned based on the stored measurement data.
An automated bookbinding method that combines and discharges is proposed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bookbinding method for an automatic bookbinding machine, wherein a separately prepared cover is attached to a folded book which is fixed to a clamper with its back side down and conveyed on a predetermined orbit. In an automatic bookbinding machine that discharges
Measuring the thickness of the back of the folded book with the folded book held in the clamper, and storing the data as the book thickness data; and measuring the length of the folded book while the book fixed to the clamper moves on the orbit. Measuring the width of the cover, and measuring the width and length of the cover sheet prepared in advance, and storing the cover width and display length data. For a folding book that is fixed and moves on a circular orbit,
When pasting the cover, the measured folded thickness data, folded length data, and the measured cover width data,
Based on the display length data, the cover is positioned on the back of the folded book, and pressure is applied so as to be joined together.

According to this method, the thickness, the length, the cover width, and the cover length required for bookbinding are measured in the process of the automatic bookbinding machine, and the measured data is used for each process. Alignment for bookbinding required. Also, in this method, the binding data required in each work process is automatically measured in the previous process, so in the next work process, the necessary adjustments are made immediately using the measured data. I can do it.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bookbinding method for an automatic bookbinding machine, wherein a separately prepared cover is attached to a folded book which is fixed to a clamper with its back side down and is conveyed on a predetermined orbit. In an automatic bookbinding machine that discharges
Measuring the thickness of the back of the folded book with the folded book held in the clamper, and storing the data as the book thickness data; and measuring the length of the folded book while the book fixed to the clamper moves on the orbit. Measuring the width and length of the folded cover, and measuring the width and length of the cover sheet prepared in advance, and storing the cover width and cover length data. When attaching a cover to a folded book that moves on a circular orbit, the measured book thickness data, book length data, and the measured book cover width data and book cover length data Based on this, a fold line corresponding to the thickness of the book spine is formed on the cover, the cover is aligned with the book spine, and pressure is applied to bond the sheets together.

According to this method, a folding line corresponding to the thickness of the spine of the book is automatically formed. Since the folding line is automatically formed, the spine of the book bound after the cover is pasted and pressed. The corners are neatly formed. In the bookbinding method proposed in claims 1 and 2, after performing the lot change, the teaching mode is set, and the first folding and cover are required to be performed once at each work station at a relatively low speed for bookbinding work. After automatically measuring and storing accurate data, the operation mode may be switched to the operation mode, and the automatic bookbinding machine may be continuously operated at high speed based on the stored data.

However, in principle, it is needless to say that it is also possible to automatically measure and bind the first folded book and the front cover after the lot change without providing such a teaching mode. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic bookbinding machine according to any one of the first and second aspects, wherein the step of measuring the length of the book is performed by gluing the back or the side of the book fixed to the clamper. Is performed at a stage before or during the process of applying the glue, and the timing of gluing is automatically set based on the folding length data measured at the process.

The folding length is measured and used just before the data is used. In relation to other steps, providing at this position is the most reasonable in structure. Although the folding length may be measured anywhere on the orbit of the automatic bookbinding machine, the degree of freedom is large when measuring in the automatic measurement mode instead of directly entering the operation mode. Also,
Claims 4 to 6 propose an automatic bookbinding machine using the above-mentioned automated bookbinding method.

In the automatic bookbinding machine according to the present invention, a separately prepared cover is attached to a folded book which is fixed to a clamper with its back side down and conveyed on a predetermined orbit, and is discharged. An automatic bookbinding machine that has a book thickness measuring sensor that measures the thickness of the book back, and the folded book that has been collated and supplied is sandwiched by a clamper, It has a clamp station that automatically measures the thickness as folded thickness data, and a folded length measuring sensor that measures the length of the folded book. Has a folding length measuring station that automatically measures the length as the folding length data, and a cover width and cover length measuring sensor that measures the width and length of the cover. It has a function to automatically measure data and is prepared in advance. The stacked covers are aligned one by one on the basis of the measured folded thickness data, folded length data, cover width data, and cover length data, and are fixed to the clamper and transported. At least a cover supply station for supplying the back of the folded book, and a cover combining station for applying and applying pressure to the folded book with the cover aligned with the back of the folded book. It is characterized by having.

Here, the folding thickness measuring sensor, the folding length measuring sensor, the cover width and the cover length measuring sensor include not only the sensor itself but also auxiliary devices used for measuring the folding length and the like. When data is measured by these measurement sensors, the data is transmitted to the control unit through a communication line, and arithmetic processing and sequence control necessary for bookbinding are performed.

In the automatic bookbinding machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a separately prepared cover is attached to a folded book which is fixed to a clamper with its back side down and is conveyed on a predetermined orbit. In the automatic bookbinding machine that discharges the book, it has a book thickness measurement sensor that measures the thickness of the book back,
A clamp station that automatically measures the thickness of the back of the folded book as folded book thickness data with the supplied folded book sandwiched between clampers, and a folded book length that measures the length of the folded book A folding length measuring station that has a measuring sensor and automatically measures the length of the folding book during transporting as the folding length data by the length measuring sensor, and a cover that measures the width and length of the cover It has a width and cover length measurement sensor, and has a function of automatically measuring cover width and cover length data by using this measurement sensor. Data, folding length data,
Based on the cover width data and cover length data, it is aligned and supplied to the back of the folded book fixed and transported to the clamper, and forms a fold line on the cover according to the back of the folded book. For the cover supply station
At least a cover merging station for applying a pressure and attaching the cover in a state where the cover is aligned with the back of the folded book is provided.

This automatic bookbinding machine realizes the bookbinding method of the second aspect, and has the same effect as the second aspect. The automatic bookbinding machine according to claim 6, further comprising a gluing station, wherein the back gluing section for gluing the back of the book fixed to the clamper, and the book binding section fixed to the clamper. And a horizontal gluing section for horizontal gluing to the lateral side of the back. The folding length measuring station is provided before or at the inside of the gluing station, so that the timing of the horizontal gluing can be automatically set based on the measured folding length data. .

An automatic bookbinding machine for realizing the bookbinding method according to the third aspect has the same effect as the third aspect.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows the entire configuration of the automatic bookbinding machine of the present invention. The automatic bookbinding machine 20 includes a plurality of clampers 1 including a orbit 2 formed by a roller chain or the like.
The collapsible folded book is fixedly held on each of the clampers 1, and the roller chain of the orbital track 2 is driven at a constant speed by a driving device 3 composed of a servomotor or the like, so that a clamp station 6 is provided. By passing through each work station such as a pre-gluing processing station 7, a gluing station 8, a cover supply station 9, a cover laminating and combining station 10, and a discharging station 11, the prepared cover can be laminated and bound. It has become.

A control unit 4 provided with a display operation device 5 is disposed at the center. The display operation device 5 has operation switches and data input keys necessary for control, and the display unit has operation information. And a guide screen for data entry are displayed. The control unit 4 includes a sequencer for driving and controlling each work station of the automatic bookbinding machine in accordance with a control program prepared in advance, and work stations such as a clamp station 6, a gluing station 8, and a cover supply station 9, respectively. Book thickness measurement sensor 6A, book length measurement station 8A, cover length measurement sensor 9A, cover width measurement sensor 9
A measurement data storage unit 4A for temporarily storing the measurement data measured by B is provided.

The folding thickness measuring sensor 6A is provided in the clamp station 6 and measures the thickness of the back of the folding F held by the clamper 1, that is, the folding thickness A. The folding length measuring station 8A is provided at the gluing station 8, and the length of the folding while the folding fixed by the clamper 1 is transported between the back gluing portion 8B and the horizontal gluing portion 8C. Measure B.

One cover length measuring sensor 9A is
A cover stand (not shown) provided at the cover supply station 9
The cover length D of the cover O stacked on the cover O is measured, and the cover width measurement sensor 9B is, like the cover length measurement sensor 9A,
A cover stand (not shown) provided at the cover supply station 9
The cover width C of the cover O stacked on is measured. The data measured by each work station is transmitted by a communication line (not shown) or the like, and is temporarily stored in a measurement data storage unit provided in the control unit 4.

These measuring sensors 6A, 9A, 9B
The details of the measuring station 8A will be described later. When the folded book fixed and held by the clamper 1 makes a round of the orbit 2 and arrives at the display bonding uniting station 10, the cover is attached and combined here. The working process is the same as the method shown in the conventional example. In addition, the same reference numerals in the automatic bookbinding machine of the present invention as those of the conventional automatic bookbinding machine 100 are assigned the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

Next, the display operation device 5 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit. The menu screen 30 is displayed on a display unit 5A including a liquid crystal display device or a CRT, and is a touch panel type in which necessary data and instructions can be input by directly touching the screen.

The menu screen 30 forms a basic screen in the automatic bookbinding machine 20. An ordinary operator activates this screen to display various display screens necessary for operation and control of the automatic bookbinding machine as described later. Can be switched to For example, when a main panel key 31 is touched on the menu screen 30, a main screen for turning on / off a main control device of the entire bookbinding machine 20, for example, a main motor and a cutter, and knowing the number of bookbinding books, etc. When the exercise panel key 32 is touched, driving information is displayed, and the display can be switched to a driving screen for making more detailed settings.

Also, the glue computer 1, 2 keys 33, 3
When 4 is touched, the back gluing portion 8B and the horizontal gluing portion 8C
It is possible to switch to the glue control 1 and glue control 2 screens for making detailed settings (see FIG. 10). When the computer menu key 35 is touched, the screen is switched to the computer menu screen and the binding data is manually input as before. Can be entered.

Further, when the automatic measurement key 36 is touched,
The screen can be switched to an automatic measurement new screen for automatically measuring bookbinding data, which will be described later.
On the other hand, when a failure occurs in the automatic bookbinding machine 20 and a warning or the like is issued, an alarm new screen is activated by touching the alarm menu key 37, and failure information is displayed. Necessary actions can be taken.

When the help panel key 38 is touched, the bookbinding is switched to the help screen if the bookbinding cannot be performed well. The causes are specifically taught, and the necessary control axis numbers and control directions are automatically bound. What part of the device 20 is controlled and how is displayed as help information. Further, when the IN panel key 39 is touched,
The user can enter the IN panel screen where the status of input signals from the sensors, limit switches, and the like input to the control unit 4 can be viewed in a list format.
When 0 is touched, the user can enter an OUT panel screen in which the states of output signals to the drive device 3 output from the control unit 4 and the control servomotors of the respective stations can be viewed in a list format.

When the manufacturer panel key 41 is touched,
The user can enter a glue maker screen for setting a glue maker or the like, and can touch a fore glue set key 42 to enter a fore glue set screen for setting a fore glue or the like. When the automatic measurement key 36 is touched on such a menu screen 30, an automatic measurement menu screen 50 shown in FIG. 3 can be entered. Enter minimal data.

The plurality of format set keys 51 are bound,
The format of the finished book is input, and the numeric keypad 52 is used to input numerical data as needed. The plurality of cover thickness keys 53 are used to roughly enter the thickness of the cover sheet into thick, normal, and thin, and use the numeric keypad 52 as necessary.
You can enter the exact cover thickness.

The bookbinding method key 54 is used to input a discrimination between bookbinding methods, such as musen, ajiro, and kagari, which is one of the order information. As described above, this input causes the clamp station 6 (see FIG. 1)
Thus, the vertical position when the folded book is fixedly held on the clamper 1 is determined. The set key 55 is used for confirming the data input on the screen 50 and registering and storing the data in a storage means provided in the control unit 4 or the like. The computer menu key 56 is used for the computer menu screen described with reference to FIG. To jump to menu key 57
Is for returning to the menu screen 30 of FIG. 2, and the main key 58 is for jumping to the main screen described in FIG.

On the automatic measurement menu screen 50, the operator can enter three types of information of the book format, the cover thickness, and the above-described bookbinding method according to the bookbinding to be manufactured.
It only has to be input as so-called order information. Here, if the set key 55 is touched after inputting these bookbinding data, an automatic measurement screen shown in FIG. 4 is entered. Here, the book thickness A, book length B, cover length D, cover width are displayed. The measurement state and the like of C can be displayed, and a measure after the measurement can be input.

In the example of FIG. 4, “automatic measurement” indicates that automatic measurement is being performed, “A6 size” indicates the format, “NO.” Indicates the lot number, “cover 0.3” indicates the cover thickness, It indicates whether the clamper is stopped at a predetermined stop position at the "clamper stop position", that the clamper is moving at "move clamper", and that the measurement is being performed at "measurement".
In addition, the fact that the thickness of the folded book A is being measured is displayed together with the measurement dimensions in “Book thickness is being measured”, and the folded book length B and “Cover length” are shown in “Book length is being measured”. Similarly, the cover length D is indicated by "measuring" and the cover width C is indicated by "measuring cover width".

The measurement completion reset key 61 is operated after the measurement is completed, and the measurement completion alignment start key 62 is
This is for making various settings of each station using the measurement data. Further, the emergency stop key 63
A menu key for emergency stop of automatic measurement and a menu key for returning to the automatic measurement menu screen 50 of FIG.
6. The main key 67 has the same function as the corresponding key in FIG.

The operator looks at this screen 60,
The data values for automatically measuring the folding thickness A at the clamping station 6 in FIG. 1, the folding length B at the folding length measuring station 8A, the cover length D and the cover width C at the cover feeding station 9 are confirmed. Meanwhile, after the measurement is completed, the measurement completion alignment start key 62 is touched, and FIGS.
As described at 14, various settings can be made for each work station by using the measured bookbinding data. Thereafter, the user can touch the main key 67 to start the operation on the main screen.

As described above, in the automatic bookbinding machine 20 of the present invention, the thickness A of the folded book, the length B of the folded book, the width C of the cover, and the length D of the cover have conventionally been input manually. Since there is no need to input data such as data, it is possible to input the binding data at the minimum when changing lots, no experience or education is required to input the binding data, and anyone can operate it easily . In addition, since the measurement is automatically performed by a machine, an error in data input by human power can be avoided, and a lot change time can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the measurement of the thickness A, the length B, the cover width C, and the cover length D of the book to be measured is performed by fixing and holding the book F on the clamper 1. Since the measurement is performed at each work station while moving the orbit 2, extra equipment is not required as compared with the case where the folded book F or the cover O is separately taken out and measured by another measuring device. In addition, the labor of the measurement itself can be omitted.

Further, in the present invention, since the measurement is performed while moving the folded book F by the automatic bookbinding machine 20, in the next work station, control using the measured bookbinding data can be efficiently performed. Therefore, according to this method, in principle, it is also possible to enter the continuous operation mode from the first folded book without a separate teaching mode.

Next, the automatic measurement method executed in each work station and various types of measurement sensors will be described. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for measuring the thickness of a folded book at the clamp station. In FIG. 5A, a measurement plate 6Ab is installed on an opening / closing bridge 1c that opens and closes a clamp bar 1a of the clamper 1,
The thickness A of the folded book is measured by measuring the moving distance with the measurement sensor 6Aa. This measurement sensor 6Aa
Can be constituted by a distance sensor using a laser or a high frequency.

Here, a mounting plate 1h is installed on the back of the clamper 1, and the clamper 1 is fixed to the orbital track 2 composed of a roller chain or the like by the mounting plate 1h. Move around. Two clamp rods 1b supporting the clamp bar 1a at both ends are slidably fitted into the clamper 1, and the rear ends of the two clamp rods 1b are connected and fixed by an opening / closing bridge 1c. Have been. Therefore, when this opening / closing bridge 1c is moved back and forth, the clamp bar 1a
Can be moved back and forth in parallel with the clamper 1 to open and close the gap between the surface of the clamper 1 and the clamp bar 1a.

Reference numeral 1d denotes a spring inserted between the back of the clamper 1 of each of the two clamp rods 1b and the opening / closing bridge 1c.
The clamp bar 1a is constantly biased in the closing direction. 1e
Is an opening / closing cam for moving the opening / closing bridge 1c back and forth, and the opening / closing cam 1e is moved back and forth by a motor 1g and a screw shaft 1f. Therefore, when the opening / closing cam 1e is moved forward, the opening / closing bridge 1c moves forward to a position regulated by a stopper (not shown) or the like, and accordingly, the clamp bar 1a opens up to the maximum interval. The maximum distance between the clamper 1 and the clamp bar 1a is set stepwise with respect to the maximum thickness of the folded book F handled by the automatic bookbinding machine 20.

When the opening / closing cam 1e is retracted and reaches a position where the clamp bar 1a cannot move any more due to the restriction of the folding book thickness A, the opening / closing bridge 1c also stops moving, and the opening / closing cam 1e is stopped.
e and a gap is formed between the opening and closing bridge 1c and the folded book F is fixedly held by the clamper 1 as shown in the figure. The difference between the maximum interval at this time and the distance when the opening and closing bridge 1 stops moving is
Measurement plate 6Ab fixed to opening / closing bridge 1 and measurement sensor 6
When measured with Aa, the book thickness A can be obtained. Here, the measurement plate 6Ab and the measurement sensor 6Aa constitute a folded book thickness measurement sensor 6A.

FIG. 5B shows another measurement sensor. In this case, on the feed table 1i, a fixing plate 6Af is provided at a position corresponding to the back side of the folding book F so as to coincide with the surface of the clamper 1, and a pressure sensor 6Ag is provided so as to be in contact therewith. . On the other hand, on the front side of the folded book F, a measurement plate 6Ae that is moved back and forth by the servomotor 6Ac and the screw shaft 6Ad is installed.

The measuring plate 6Ae is moved back and forth while measuring the number of rotations, that is, the moving distance, by the servo motor 6Ac, and the measuring plate 6Ae comes into contact with the folding book F, and the pressure is measured by the pressure sensor 6Ag.
By measuring the moving distance at the time when is detected, the folded book thickness A can be obtained. Here, the servo motor 6Ac, the screw shaft 6Ad, the measuring plate 6Ae, the fixed plate 6
Af and the pressure sensor 6Ag constitute the folded book thickness measurement sensor 6A.

According to this sensor, the folding thickness A at the optimum position required for bookbinding, that is, the back Fa of the folding F
And the thickness A of the folded book can be obtained. Further, by adjusting the detection level of the pressure sensor 6Ag, the measurement timing of the book thickness A can be finely adjusted, and more suitable data of the book thickness A can be obtained. FIG.
(A), (b) is a schematic conceptual diagram which shows the other example of the measuring method of the book thickness in a clamp station.

FIG. 6A shows another measurement sensor. Here, as compared with FIG. 5B, there is no pressure sensor 6Ag, and the measurement plate 6Ah is compared with the measurement plate 6Ae.
The distal end extends to the lower part of the feed table 1i, and the surface position is measured by a measurement sensor 6Ai provided to face the lower part of the feed table 1i. This measurement sensor 6Ai is the measurement sensor 6Aa of FIG.
Is similar to

In this case, the servomotor 6Ac is provided with a relief mechanism (not shown) for stopping the rotation when a load exceeding a certain level is applied, and the measuring plate 6Ah comes into contact with the folding book F, and the servomotor is controlled by the relief mechanism. When the motor 6Ac is stopped, the position of the measurement plate 6Ah is measured by the measurement sensor 6Ai, whereby the folded book thickness A can be obtained. Here, the servo motor 6Ac, the screw shaft 6Ad, the measuring plate 6Ah, the fixed plate 6Af, and the measuring sensor 6Ai constitute a folded thickness measuring sensor 6A.

FIG. 6B shows still another measurement sensor. Here, the difference from FIG. 6A is that a measurement scale 6Aj is provided instead of the measurement sensor 6Ai and has a built-in measurement scale and measures the position by the amount of extension. The measurement scale 6Aj is provided below the feed table 1i, and the tip of the scale is
It is connected to the lower end of the measurement plate 6Ah.

In this case, similarly to FIG.
When Ah comes in contact with the folded book F and the servomotor 6Ac is stopped by the relief mechanism, the folded book thickness A can be obtained by measuring the position of the measuring plate 6Ah with the measuring scale 6Aj. Here, the servo motor 6Ac, the screw shaft 6Ad, the measuring plate 6Ah, the fixed plate 6Af, and the measuring scale 6Aj constitute a folded thickness measuring sensor 6A.

FIG. 7A is a schematic conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of measuring a cover length in a cover supply station, and FIG. 7B is a schematic conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of measuring a cover width. In FIG. 7A, the cover O is placed on the cover table 9a with the front guide 9f inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the cover supply direction indicated by the arrow in the figure.
, And the cover 9a is
When the screw shaft 9d is rotated by the servo motor 9c, the female screw 9e screwed to the screw shaft 9d and fixed to the lower portion of the cover stand 9a moves up and down, thereby moving the cover stand 9a up and down. Cover stand 9
An upper guide 9g is provided at a position opposing a, and defines the upper end of the cover O supply position.

Reference numeral 9b denotes a cover feeding roller, which is a cover feeding means (not shown) for positioning the cover O sent out one by one from the stacked cover O in the moving direction with respect to the moving folding F, that is, , Folded book length B and cover length D
Supply in alignment. Cover O of 9g of this upper guide
The limit switch 9Aa is installed on the side not in contact with the contact, and the tip of the contact 9Ab protrudes from a hole provided in the upper guide 9g, and the tip of the contact 9Ab is pressed against the cover O. This detects that the front end of the cover O has contacted the upper guide 9g.

On the other hand, a measurement scale 9Ac is provided below the cover stand 9a, and the tip of the scale is connected to the cover stand 9a.
The moving distance can be measured by the measurement scale 9Ac. Therefore, with the Smit switch 9Aa,
When it is detected that the cover O has come into contact with the upper guide 9g, the motor 9c is stopped, and the position of the cover stand 9a is measured by the measurement scale 9Ac, whereby the cover length D can be obtained. Here, the limit switch 9A
a, the contact 9Ab, and the measurement scale 9Ac constitute a cover length measurement sensor 9A.

FIG. 7 (b) shows the cover O stacked on the cover stand 9a of FIG. 7 (a) as viewed from the rear right side of the figure, and picks up only those related to the cover width measuring sensor 9B. ing. Above the stacked covers O, side guides 9j for positioning both sides of the stacked covers O,
The two screw shafts 9h for moving the 9l to the left and right at the same distance are provided through the left and right screw 9hR on the left side and the right screw 9hR on the right side. Have been. A left female screw 9i is screwed into the left screw 9h and a right female screw 9k is screwed into the right screw 9hR of the two screw shafts 9h, and the side guide 9 is inserted into the left female screw 9i and the right female screw 9k.
j, 9l are fixed.

Therefore, when the two screw shafts 9h are rotated, the side guides 9j and 9l move left and right by the same distance, respectively, and the center positions of the two guides 9j and 9l do not change. Since the two screw shafts 9h are driven to rotate by a servo motor (not shown), the distance between the two guides 9j and 9l can be known from the motor rotation speed obtained from the servo motor.

Each of the side guides 9j and 9l has limit switches 9Ba and 9
Bc is installed, and the tips of the contacts 9Bb and 9Bd protrude from the holes provided in the side guides 9j and 9l. The tips of the contacts 9Bb and 9Bd
The both ends of the cover O are pressed by the side guide 9
j, 9l is detected.

Therefore, with the side guides 9j and 9l fully opened, the cover O is stacked on the cover stand 9a, and the two screw shafts 9h are rotated to bring the side guides 9j and 9l closer to the beginning. At 9Ba and 9Bc, the side guides 9j and 9l are stopped at the point where they have come into contact with the cover O. By doing so, the side guide 9
j, 9l, the cover O is just the cover stand 9a
And the cover width C can be obtained from the rotation speed of the servomotor at that time. Here, limit switches 9Ba, 9Bc, contacts 9Bb,
9Bd constitutes the cover width measuring sensor 9B.

After that, using the measured cover width C and folded book thickness A, the two are aligned. In other words, the cover stand 9a, the stacked cover O, the two screw shafts 9h, the side guides 9j and 9l, etc. can be moved in the left and right direction in the figure by a cover supply center moving means (not shown) as a whole. It has become. Accordingly, the cover width C and the book thickness A can be aligned with the center of the cover table 9a in the left-right direction in accordance with the center of the book thickness A, as described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing an example of a method for measuring the length of a folded book at the folded book length measuring station.
Here, although not particularly shown, the folding length measuring station 8A is connected to the back gluing section 8 of the gluing station 8.
The description will be made assuming that it is provided between B and the horizontal gluing section 8C.

The photoelectric sensor 8Aa shown in the figure is conventionally provided between the back gluing section 8B and the horizontal gluing section 8C, and is used for determining the start timing of the horizontal gluing in the horizontal gluing section 8C. What was used is also diverted and used for the measurement of the folding book length B. The clamper 1 is driven by a driving device 3 constituted by a motor, and moves on the orbit 2 (see FIG. 1) at a constant speed. This moving distance can be known from the number of rotations of the servo motor of the driving device 3.

Therefore, by counting the number of rotations of the servo motor while the folded book F fixed and held by the clamper 1 is blocking the photoelectric sensor 8Aa, the moving distance of the folded book F, that is, the folded book F, is counted. Length B can be obtained. Here, the photoelectric sensor 8Aa constitutes a folded book length measuring sensor 8Aa. In this way, since the folding length B is measured by using a conventional sensor, there is no need to provide an extra sensor for measuring the folding length, and the cost can be reduced.

However, the folding length measuring station 8A
Measures the folding length B by the method described above.
Any position may be provided on the linear portion of the orbit 2 of the clamper 1, and the installation position is not limited. FIG. 9 (a),
(B) is an explanatory view of a folding line automatically formed in the cover feeding station.

In the automatic bookbinding machine 20 of the present invention, the book thickness A is calculated using the book thickness A measured and stored in the cover supply station 9 and the cover thickness S given in advance. In addition, a folding line can be easily formed on the cover O. FIG. 9A shows such a folded line H automatically formed on the cover O. The position of this broken line H is
Using the folded book thickness A and the cover sheet thickness S, in principle, the book is formed to be distributed from the center line of the cover sheet width C.

FIG. 9 (b) shows an example of a book in which a cover O on which a folding line H is automatically formed is attached to a folded book F and united. Here, the number A + 2 * S is shown as the position of the broken line, but in actuality, taking into account other conditions,
The broken line position is determined. In any case, when the folding line H is formed in this way, the corners of the spine of the bound book after the cover is attached and pressed are formed clearly.

[0079]

According to the automated bookbinding method of the present invention proposed in the first and second aspects of the present invention, the collated folded book supplied in advance from another collating machine or the like is fixed by a clamper. Then, it is automatically measured while traveling around the work station required for bookbinding, the folded book and the cover are aligned, merged, and automatically discharged.

Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to measure the bookbinding data one by one every time the bookbinding lot is changed, and to input the data to the automatic bookbinding machine. Therefore, the skill of the operator is not required, the yield is not reduced by erroneous data input, the lot change time is shortened, and the production efficiency can be remarkably improved. Furthermore, according to the method of the present invention proposed in claim 3, since the length measurement of the folded book is performed before or during the gluing station, automatic measurement is impossible while smoothly transporting the folded book. Since it can be eliminated, productivity can be further improved. Further, according to the automatic bookbinding machine of the present invention proposed in claims 4 and 5, since the data of the folding and the cover required for bookbinding are automatically measured, the operator is required to change the bookbinding lot. It is only necessary to input order information according to the purpose and type of bookbinding to be manufactured.

For this reason, no skill is required for the operator.
It is possible to efficiently and continuously operate the bookbinding machine with high accuracy without lowering the yield due to erroneous data input, thereby significantly improving productivity. Claim 6
According to the automatic bookbinding machine proposed in the above, since the length measurement of the folded book is performed in the stage before or in the middle of the gluing station, it is possible to smoothly carry out the folded book and to perform automatic measurement without difficulty. And productivity can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment showing an entire configuration of an automatic bookbinding machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen of the input / display device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic measurement menu screen of the input / display device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic measurement screen of the input / display device.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic conceptual views showing a method of automatically measuring the thickness of a folding book at a clamp station.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic conceptual diagrams showing another example of an automatic method for measuring the thickness of a folding book at a clamp station.

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

FIG. 8 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing an example of a method for measuring a book length at a book length measuring station.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory views of a folding line automatically formed in the cover feeding station.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of a conventional automatic bookbinding machine.

11 (a) to 11 (g) are schematic conceptual views showing steps of an automatic bookbinding machine.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a gluing station;
(A) is a conceptual view of a main part viewed from the front in the transport direction of the clamper.

13A and 13B show the relationship between the position of the folded book and the position of the cover in the cover supply station, wherein FIG. Conceptual diagram of main parts viewed from the direction of the arrow

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a main part of the details of a pressurized state in the cover bonding station, as viewed from the front in the moving direction of the clamper.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A Folding book thickness B Folding book length C Cover width D Cover book length F Fold book Fa Back Fb Back side H Folding line O Cover S S Cover thickness 1 Clamper 2 Orbital track 3 Drive unit 4 Control unit 4A Measurement data storage means Reference Signs List 5 Display operation device 5A Display unit 6 Clamp station 7 Pre-gluing station 8 Gluing station 8A Folding length measuring station 8Aa Folding length measuring sensor 8B Back gluing unit 8C Horizontal gluing unit 9 Cover feeding station 9A Cover length measuring sensor 9B Cover width measuring sensor 10 Cover laminating and combining station 11 Discharge station 20 Automatic bookbinding machine

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 12, 1999

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 7

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] FIG.

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 13

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] FIG.

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 14

Claims (6)

[Claims] An automatic bookbinding machine for attaching a separately prepared cover to a collated folded book which is fixed to a clamper with its back side down and conveyed on a predetermined orbit, discharges the combined booklet. Measuring the thickness of the back of the folded book with the folded book held in the clamper and storing it as folded book thickness data; and, while the folded book fixed to the clamper is moving on the orbit, Measuring the length and storing it as folded book length data, and measuring the width and length of the cover sheet prepared in advance and storing it as the cover width and display length data are fixed at least to the clamper , And for the folding book moving on the orbit,
When pasting the cover, the measured folded thickness data, folded length data, and the measured cover width data,
An automated bookbinding method comprising: positioning a cover on the back of a folded book based on display length data; 2. An automatic bookbinding machine, wherein a separately prepared cover is attached to a collated book which is fixed to a clamper with its back downward and conveyed on a predetermined orbit, and is combined and discharged. Measuring the thickness of the back of the folded book with the folded book held in the clamper and storing it as folded book thickness data; and, while the folded book fixed to the clamper is moving on the orbit, Measuring the length and storing it as folded book length data, and measuring the width and length of the cover sheet prepared in advance and storing the data as cover width and cover length data, and fixing the clamp to the clamper When the cover is attached to the folded book moving on the orbit, the measured book thickness data, book length data, and the measured book cover width data and book cover length data According to the thickness of the back of the book An automated bookbinding method comprising forming a folding line, aligning the cover with the back of the folding book, applying pressure, and bonding the sheets together. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of measuring the length of the book is performed before the glue is applied to the spine or the back of the book fixed to the clamper.
It is performed in the middle of the gluing process, and is automated so that the timing of gluing the spine and the spine of the spine is automatically adjusted based on the measured length of the spine. Binding method. 4. An automatic bookbinding machine for attaching a separately prepared cover to a collated folded book which is fixed to a clamper with its back side down and is conveyed on a predetermined orbit, and combines and discharges the combined book. With a folded thickness measurement sensor that measures the thickness of the folded back, and with the folded and collated folded book sandwiched between clampers,
A folding station that has a clamp station that automatically measures the thickness of the back of the book and a book length measuring sensor that measures the length of the book, and that automatically measures the length of the book during transport. A measuring station and a cover width and cover length measuring sensor for measuring the width and length of the cover. Book length data,
A cover feeding station that aligns the cover based on the cover width data and cover length data and supplies it to the back of the folded book that is fixed and transported to the clamper. And a cover combining station for applying and applying pressure while being aligned with the back of the bookbinding machine. 5. An automatic bookbinding machine for attaching a separately prepared cover to a collated folded book fixed on a clamper with its back downward and conveyed on a predetermined orbit, and combining and discharging the bound book. , A book thickness measuring sensor that measures the thickness of the book back, and a clamp that automatically measures the back thickness of the book folded with the book folded and sandwiched between clampers Station, a folding length measuring sensor for measuring the length of the folding book, a folding length measuring station for automatically measuring the length of the folding book during transport, and a cover for measuring the width and length of the cover Width and cover length measurement sensors, prepared in advance and stacked covers, one by one, the measured folded thickness data, folded length data,
Based on the cover width data and cover length data, align and supply to the back of the folded book that is fixed and transported to the clamper, and form a fold line on the cover according to the back of the folded book. An automatic bookbinding machine characterized by comprising at least a cover feeding station, and a cover combining station for applying and applying pressure to the folded book while applying the cover to the back of the folded book. 6. A back gluing portion for gluing a back portion of a book fixed to a clamper, and a horizontal gluing portion for horizontally gluing a back side portion of the folded book according to claim 4 or 5. A gluing station, wherein the folding length measuring station is provided in front of the gluing station or inside the gluing station, and based on the measured folding length data, Automatic binding machine that can automatically adjust the timing of gluing to the side and back.