Adhesive binder

The invention relates to an adhesive binder with a machine frame, a plurality of processing stations that are attached to the machine frame, at least two transport clamps for transporting book blocks, at least one closed guide track for the transport clamps, and at least one device for changing the overhang of the book blocks. To realize a technology-required change in the overhang in an easy and secure manner, the at least one device for changing the overhang of the book blocks is arranged in such a way as to operate jointly with a lower edge of at least one of the transport clamps, so that the lower edge can be positioned in several first planes of the adhesive binder, which extend parallel to the at least one closed guide track.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority is claimed to Swiss Application No. 00680/17, filed May 24, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an adhesive binder with a machine frame and a plurality of processing stations attached to the machine frame, with at least two transport clamps for transporting book blocks, at least one closed guide track for the clamps, and at least one device for changing the overhang of the book blocks.

Adhesive binders are used for the production of adhesive-bound or perfect-bound books (softcover) or book blocks for books with hard covers (hardcover), wherein signatures and/or individual sheets, gathered to form a book block, are joined by applying a general adhesive or glue onto the previously processed book block back and are subsequently provided with a cover (softcover) or with a lining strip (hardcover). The overhang is the part of the book block projecting from a transport clamp of the adhesive binder in the direction of the respective processing stations and on which the various processing steps are carried out in the adhesive binder. The amount of the overhang may have to be changed in dependence on these processing steps, for example when attaching an envelope or a lining strip to the book block. The possible binding methods and the product variants generally depend on the machine components of the adhesive binder. The latter essentially consists of the following functional units: block transporting system, block insertion station, back processing station (back milling), back adhesive application station, intermediate drying station, side adhesive application station, back-reinforcement station, stations for fitting on of an envelope and/or lining strip, pressing on an envelope and/or lining strip, delivery station, and drying station.

According to the prior art, roller chains with movably interlocking individual links are preferably used as conveying means in adhesive binders. The chains function to move the transport clamps forward. The transport clamps are guided by a guide track that is connected to the machine frame of the adhesive binder. Each transport clamp is provided for this with several rolls which roll off the guide surface of the guide track.

In addition to adhesive binders provided with a collating machine and thus automatic feeding, small adhesive binders with start-stop operation are also known, which are frequently equipped with a manual feed station. For this, the book blocks are inserted individually and manually by the machine operator into a stopped transport clamp. The transport clamp then moves the book block past various processing stations through the adhesive binder.

An adhesive binder with automatic feed-in is described, for example, in the EP 2738011 A2. This adhesive binder comprises several processing stations, for example a block inserting station, a back-processing station (back milling device), an adhesive application station, an adhesive application control unit, an envelope feeder and/or a lining station, an envelope and/or liner pressing station, a delivery station and a drying station. This adhesive binder is furthermore provided with at least two book block transport clamps, as well as at least one closed guide track on which the transport clamps circulate and pass the processing stations.

The option of producing individual copies of books or small numbers thereof is increasingly desired not only in the softcover range, but also for producing lined book blocks in the hardcover range. Producing these book blocks for hardcover books requires an adhesive binder provided with a lining station. When attaching the lining strips, it should be possible to adjust in dependence on the end product the excess lining material over a specific region of the book block back. On the one hand, a lining strip with the correct dimensions must be made available by the lining station while, on the other hand, the overhang of the book blocks for binding must exceed the desired excess length of the lining material.

According to page 307 of the technical manual “INDUSTRIELLE BUCH BINDEREI” [Industrial Bookbinding] by Liebau/Heinze, 2001 (ISBN 3-88013, 596-7), the overhang can be selected within specific ranges. In other words, a device for adapting the overhang to the technical requirements of small adhesive binders is basically known. Since the transport clamps of presently known adhesive binders are arranged so as to be fixedly attached to the frame, meaning they are connected immovably to the machine frame or a support structure during the adhesive binding operation, the position of a processing station embodied as resting/vibrating table must first be adjusted, relative to the transport clamps, for a change in the overhang. All other processing stations, such as the back milling, adhesive application, envelope-attachment or lining stations, the pressing and delivery stations, must also be adapted to this change, either manually or automated with the aid of a motor in the case of modern systems.

However, to realize the change in the book block overhang and to maintain the required position accuracy of approximately 0.1 mm requires a considerable expenditure in mechanical equipment, such as linear guides for actuators, adjusting axes with servomotors, as well as sensing equipment in the processing stations. Added to this are relatively complicated sequences in the software.

If we were to follow along the path of solutions known so far, this could result in particular in the development of a height-adjustable back milling device with massive and expensive linear guides. The types of adhesive units, such as the hotmelt roller adhesive application unit, the PUR (polyurethane) adhesive application unit, and the side adhesive application unit would have to be embodied height-adjustable, which could result in complicated structural solutions, especially for an option with “mobile, replaceable adhesive units.”

A further problem, specifically in the range of small adhesive binders, are the costs associated therewith, regardless of the existence of a lining station and thus the option of producing book blocks for hardcover books.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an adhesive binder which permits a technically easy and thus cost-effective and secure realization of a technologically required change in the overhang. This technical solution should furthermore be suitable for use in small adhesive binders, in an economically supportable manner. Finally, the solution should be suitable for producing softcover books as well as book blocks for hardcover books.

The above and other objects are accomplished by the provision of an adhesive binder, which in one embodiment includes a machine frame; a plurality of processing stations attached to the machine frame; at least one closed guide track; at least two transport clamps for transporting respective book blocks and being coupled to the at least one closed guide track; and at least one device arranged to change an overhang of one of the book blocks of one of the transport clamps, so that the device cooperates with a lower edge of the one transport clamp, wherein the lower edge is positionable in a plurality of first planes which extend parallel to the at least one closed guide track.

Thus, according to the invention, at least one device for changing the book block overhang is arranged so as to cooperate with the lower edge of at least one of the transport clamps, such that this lower edge can be positioned in several first planes of the adhesive binder which are arranged parallel to the at least one closed guide track of the transport clamps. Owing to this embodiment of the adhesive binder, the change in the overhang can be realized technically easy and thus cost-effective, secure and without having to adjust the processing stations. An easier machine guidance through the operating personnel is furthermore possible since only one parameter of the adhesive binder must be changed, as compared to the prior art.

One embodiment of the adhesive binder according to the invention provides that the at least one closed guide track of the adhesive binder can be positioned in several second planes which extend parallel to each other, wherein this makes possible a particularly easy and secure change in the guide track position and thus the overhang. In general, the first and the second planes extend horizontal, meaning parallel to the setup surface and/or to the machine frame of the adhesive binder. Of course, these planes can also extend optionally inclined.

According to a further embodiment of the inventive adhesive binder, the at least one device for changing the overhang of the book blocks is arranged between the at least one closed guide track for the transport clamps and the machine frame of the adhesive binder, thereby making it possible to realize an especially simple and space-saving solution.

Yet another embodiment of the adhesive binder according to the invention provides that the at least one closed guide track for the transport clamps is connected to a base plate. With this embodiment, the at least one device for changing the overhang of the book blocks is arranged between the base plate and the machine frame for the adhesive binder. On the one hand, the use of such a base plate results in a simple and cost-effective support of the at least one closed guide track. On the other hand, the at least one device for changing the overhang of the book blocks can be attached advantageously to the base plate or can be accommodated therein.

According to a different embodiment of the adhesive binder according to the invention, a resting/vibrating table for the overhang of the book block is attached to the machine frame of the adhesive binder. A resting/vibrating table of this type offers a simple and cost-effective solution for the temporary placement of the book block overhang during the adjustment operation. When using a resting/vibrating table, the still loose book block placed thereon is vibrated during a first phase, wherein the individual signatures and/or sheets can initially align themselves. The vibration is stopped during a second phase, so that the still unbound book block can come to rest before it is taken over by the respective transport clamp, and so that the signatures and/or sheets can assume a defined position while resting on the resting/vibrating table. The overhang of the book block can then be adjusted starting from this defined position.

According to another embodiment of the adhesive binder according to the invention, the lower edge of at least one of the transport clamps is arranged parallel and vertically adjustable, relative to the processing stations. On the one hand, such an adjustment can be realized relatively easily while, on the other hand, the book blocks to be processed always remain advantageously oriented in the same way, relative to the working position of the processing tools. The at least one closed guide track is also arranged in the same way.

According to a different embodiment of the inventive adhesive binder, a joint device is provided for all transport clamps for changing the overhang of the book blocks. As a result, the adhesive binder can be adapted quickly and easily to expected future production orders. Of course, the separate transport clamps can also be provided with separate devices for changing the overhang of the book blocks, which are connected to a machine control of the adhesive binder. With such a solution, the devices for changing the overhang of the book blocks can be activated either jointly or separately by the machine control.

For a different embodiment of the inventive adhesive binder, the device for changing the book block overhang is embodied for a continuous change, or a change relative to the final position, thus permitting an especially precise or an especially quick activation of this device.

According to yet another embodiment of the inventive adhesive binder, the device for changing the book block overhang is designed to be driven either hydraulically, via electric motor, pneumatically and/or mechanically, wherein this relates to a selection of especially advantageous solutions for the operation of such a device.

Another adhesive binder according to the invention is embodied as a small adhesive binder. This is designed to illustrate that the solution is suitable for use not only with industrial-type adhesive binders, but also with small adhesive binders to which the book blocks for binding are mostly supplied manually.

According to another embodiment of the inventive adhesive binder, at least one of its processing stations is designed as lining station.

In addition to the production of softcover books, the adhesive binder can accordingly also be used for producing hardcover books.

The invention further relates to a method of producing softcover books or book blocks for hardcover books which utilizes the adhesive binder as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows a view from the top of an adhesive binder1according to the invention which is suitable for producing softcover books or hardcover books. This adhesive binder1comprises a book block transporting system2with a closed guide track3and thereto attached three transport clamps11,12,13, which can be moved with the aid of a guide arrangement35past processing stations5that are attached immovably to a machine frame7(FIGS. 3, 4) of the adhesive binder1. A block inserting station, a back-processing station (back milling unit), an adhesive application station, an adhesive application control, an envelope feeder and/or a lining station, a delivery station and a drying station as examples for these processing stations5.

The adhesive binder1furthermore has three drives41,42,43(FIG. 2), wherein a first drive41is assigned to a first transport clamp11, a second drive42is assigned to a second transport clamp12, and a third drive43is assigned to a third transport clamp13. The drives respectively have one drive chain21,22,23to which the assigned transport clamp11,12,13is attached and which is operated via a drive motor31,32,33, with the aid of a separate chain wheel4(FIG. 1). The drive motors31,32,33are activated by a machine control6of the adhesive binder1. Speed profiles are stored in the machine control6, so that the transport clamps11,12,13can each be moved with a separate speed profile along the guide track3. Of course, a book block transporting system2can also be used which is provided with only two or with more than three transport clamps11,12,13and the corresponding number of operating devices.

The adhesive binder1comprises a number of stop positions51,52,53where a transport clamp11,12,13can be stopped, respectively by the associated drive41,42,43. For example, a first stop position51is intended for inserting loose book blocks, a second stop position52is for pressing a non-depicted envelope against a book block100, and a third stop position53is intended for discharging bound book blocks100. If a processing station5is provided, which is embodied as lining station for attaching a lining strip, another stop position is provided at that location. Differently long stop intervals can be stored in the machine control6for the stop positions51,52,53.

A view from the side of the same adhesive binder1is shown inFIG. 2, from the direction of the arrow II inFIG. 1, which clearly shows the arrangement of the drive chains21,22,23that form a part of the respective drive41,42,43. The book blocks100clamped into and thus conveyed with the transport clamps11,12,13respectively have a back portion, called overhang10, that projects from the transport clamps11,12,13in the direction of the processing station5. The various processing steps are realized in the adhesive binder1on this overhang10, which projects over at least one of the lower edges11a,12a,13aof the transport clamps11,12,13.FIG. 2schematically shows a device14, arranged on the adhesive binder1, which is designed for changing the overhang10of the book block100and thus the distance relative to the stationary processing stations5. The device14is shown in further detail inFIGS. 3 and/or 4.

FIG. 3illustrates a sectional view of an adhesive binder1according to the invention, as seen from the direction of arrow III inFIG. 1, wherein a machine frame7of the adhesive binder1is also shown. Between two successively arranged supports8of the machine frame7, one of several support elements17is shown which is fixedly attached to the adhesive binder1and serves to hold the device14for adjusting the overhang10. The support elements17are respectively provided with two vertically arranged recesses18, wherein a sliding guide element19is positioned in each of these recesses18. The individual support elements17are furthermore provided with another vertical recess20with therein arranged hydraulic cylinder15of a hydraulic lifting unit, which is not shown further herein. The hydraulic cylinders15, for example embodied as screw-in cylinders, can be moved continuously upward, thus vertically lifting a base plate24that supports the closed guide track3. The base plate24is fixedly connected to a respective upper end of the two guide elements19, e.g. with screws. Two cylinder-shaped support elements25are attached to the base plate24, which respectively rest with a bottom surface26on corresponding first surfaces27of a cylindrical eccentric cam29which is respectively arranged in a horizontal recess28of the support element17. The device14for adjusting the overhang10thus comprises the sliding guide elements19, the hydraulic cylinders15of the hydraulic lifting unit, the cylinder-shaped support elements25, and the cylinder-shaped eccentric cams29. Of course, the guide track3can also be embodied without such a base plate24or without a similar intermediate element. In that case, the device14directly engages in the guide track3for changing the overhang10of the book blocks100.

A resting/vibrating table30(FIG. 3) is arranged at one of the supports8of the machine frame7, in the region of the processing station5(FIG. 1) that is embodied as block inserting station. This resting/vibrating table30comprises a flat, horizontally arranged surface34for temporarily accommodating the back region of the book block100and thus for adjusting the overhang10. A single transport clamp11only is shown inFIG. 3. This transport clamp11holds the book block100in the standard manner, wherein the overhang10projects downward in the direction of a processing station5from the transport clamp11, so as to extend past the lower edge11athat is not shown herein and comes to rest on the surface34of the resting/vibrating table30.

To adjust the overhang10, the base plate24with the closed guide track3and the support elements25is first lifted up with the aid of the hydraulic lifting unit of the device14, meaning with the hydraulic cylinders15. The hydraulic cylinders15have a maximum lift of approximately 16 mm, for example, and are activated by the machine control6(FIG. 1) and a non-depicted, controllable hydraulic pump in the manner known per se, and are initially extended to the maximum lift. At the same time, the lower base surfaces26of the support elements25are also lifted off the respective corresponding first surfaces27on the eccentric cam29. The eccentric cams29are then adjusted manually or automatically to a desired position. The base plate24and thus also the guide track3are again lowered with the hydraulic cylinders15until the lower base surfaces26of the support elements25come to rest on a corresponding second surface27′ of the eccentric cam29, but this time on a different surface selected to correspond to the required adjustment of the overhang10. By correspondingly turning the eccentric cams29, at least three height levels can be selected and adjusted, namely a first height level that corresponds to the starting position, a second height level which, for example, results in an overhang10of the book block100of 11 mm, and a third height level that results in an overhang10of 15 mm. For this final-position related adjustment of the overhang10, the guide elements19ensure an optimally guided movement of the base plate24, so that the desired orientation of the closed guide track3is reliably maintained.

With the aid of the respective guide arrangement35, the positions in height of the transport clamps11,12,13and/or the respective lower edges11a,12a,13athereof is adjusted, relative to the immovable resting/vibrating table30. In this way, the lower edges11a,12a,13aof the transport clamps11,12,13can be positioned in several first planes38of the adhesive binder1which extend parallel to the closed guide track3. In the same way, the closed track3of the adhesive binder1can be positioned in several parallel extending second planes40. A book block100which is subsequently held in the respective transport clamp11,12,13is positioned with its back region on the surface34of the resting/vibrating table30and, following the closing of the respective transport clamp11,12,13, has an overhang10that meets requirement. The selected adjustment of the overhang10is realized with a clamping unit36that is effective between the support element17and the guide elements19.

FIG. 4schematically shows a view from the side of an alternative embodiment of the adhesive binder1, as seen from the direction of arrow IV inFIG. 1, wherein the machine frame7of the adhesive binder1is also shown and a single processing station5in the form of a back-milling unit is explicitly illustrated. InFIG. 4, the transport clamps11,12,13are represented only by the first transport clamp11. The book block100clamped in and conveyed with the transport clamp11has an overhang10that projects out of the transport clamp11in the direction of the processing station5, embodied as a back-milling device. The overhang10that projects over the lower edge11aof the transport clamp11is mechanically processed with the back-milling device and is roughed up in the process, so that this back region of the book block, which so far is still loose, can be provided with sufficient adhesive in a processing station5, arranged father downstream and embodied as adhesive-application station, in order to combine the signatures and/or individual sheets into a bound book block100. An envelope or a lining strip (not shown) is subsequently attached thereto. Finally, the machine frame7is provided with several hollow supports8with feet9.

The device14for changing the overhang10of the book block100in this case is also arranged between the machine frame7and the base plate24that supports the closed guide track3and essentially comprises at least one continuously adjustable control element37, but preferably several control elements37, as well as a number of linear guides16which can be arranged vertically adjustable inside the hollow supports8of the machine frame7and are respectively attached to the base plate24that supports the guide track3. Following an adjustment of the overhang10, the lower edges11a,12a,13aof the transport clamps11,12,13are respectively located in a different first plane38, and the guide track3is respectively located in a corresponding second plane40, meaning they are displaced parallel and perpendicular to the fixed plane of the processing stations5. This exemplary embodiment also comprises a resting/vibrating table30for changing the overhang10, which is not shown herein and is attached to the machine frame. The overhang10for the above-described embodiment varies progressively in the range of 11 to 15 mm. The device14for this embodiment only needs to make a central adjustment of the lower edges11a,12a,13aof the transport clamps11,12,13, along with a vertical adjustment of the guide track3. All processing stations5remain unchanged in their optimum position.

The adjustment of the closed guide track3for this embodiment also occurs via a hydraulic lifting unit which is not shown. The linear guides16ensure a precise, vertical adjustment of the lower edges11a,12a,13aof the transport clamps11,12,13and the guide track3, with the required precision of at least 0.1 mm. A standard displacement sensor39, for example arranged between the base plate and the machine frame, provides the machine control6(FIG. 1) and the machine operator with feedback on the respective current value for the realized overhang10.

Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange on each transport clamp11,12,13a device14for changing the overhang10of the book block100, which device is connected to a machine control6of the adhesive binder. With a non-depicted solution of this type, which is not shown herein, the devices14can be activated jointly or separately by the machine control6.

Of course, systems other than the previously described adhesive binder1can also be provided with such a device14for changing the overhang10the book block100.