Bookbinding: process and apparatus – Apparatus – Book working apparatus
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-22
2001-06-26
Fridie, Jr., Willmon (Department: 3722)
Bookbinding: process and apparatus
Apparatus
Book working apparatus
C412S009000, C412S013000, C412S902000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250868
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a book production line and, more particularly to a book production line having a transportation device receiving book blocks from an intake and conveying the book blocks to a plurality of processing stations.
2. Description of Related Art
In known book production lines of the stated type, coupled drives with a central motor and a main shaft as well as cams and linkages are used for transmitting movements. As a result of the mechanically connected drives, the movements of tools, material transportation and handling devices occur in a positively actuated fashion.
The mechanical coupling of the movements impedes a preliminary testing of individual processing stations during the setup and initial operation of the book production line, since the mechanical basic adjustment and testing is only possible following synchronization via the main shaft.
In order to adapt the book production line to different book formats or layouts, the stations can only be operated independently of one another following decoupling from the main shaft and after switching off the individual drives. Since the sequence of the processing and transportation functions is necessarily fixed, a flexible setting is only possible under certain conditions.
In addition, a plurality of mechanical components, requiring time-consuming assembly and adjustment, is necessary for the transmission and diversion of the drive output.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a book production line for processing variously sized and shaped books.
It is another object to provide a book production line which allows for a high degree of flexibility in respect of the sequence of the processing functions.
It is still another object to provide a book production line which rules out power-dependent influences upon the processing result.
It is a further object to provide a book production line which requires short inauguration times and is simple to operate.
The above and other objects are attained in one embodiment of the present invention includes a book production line which has a plurality of processing stations and a transportation device for receiving the book blocks from an intake and conveying the book blocks to the processing stations. The book production line comprises individual modules with processing stations including functions such as straightening and pre-shaping, rounding and pressing, gluing and fumigating, gluing, backing and heading and suspending of book blocks. Optionally, a processing station may be provided for pressing and shaping the books and the individual modules can be separately operated via independent operating panels.
Using the foregoing drive-control operation concept according to an embodiment of the invention advantageously provides high flexibility, short setup times, simple operation and modular construction with units which can be pre-tested resulting in short inauguration times. Individual modules can be combined by direct coupling to form a book production line which can be relatively easily dismantled.
The processing functions run as event-controlled step chains, i.e. the sequence of functions is predetermined by decentralized control of the modules. The decentralized control of the modules is attained through separate operation of the individual stations by providing a separate operating panel for each module. Only the functions of the respective module and a number of related functions can be connected to the operating panels. As a result of the flexible programming of function keys provided on the operating panels, the operating panels can be adapted to include all necessary functions. Direct access to the most important processing functions, aggregates and adjustment axes is provided via the function keys.
As a result of the separate individual drives in the respective modules, the inauguration of the book production line can be simplified and preliminary testing of individual modules during assembly is possible.
Since the steps in the individual modules can be triggered independently of one another, the conversion to another book format can be effected simultaneously by a plurality of operators. This contributes towards a reduction in setup time, since following modules can be prepared ahead of time. For the final fine adjustment, book blocks or book covers are then required from the previous processing stations. In addition, the setup can be facilitated by combining a plurality of individual steps to form processing sequences with defined start and stop points, by repeating a step or by omitting steps.
Depending on the layout or the required processing of the book, the function sequence can be predetermined in a flexible manner. In the case of simple books, the rounding and pressing, for example, can be dispensed with, while difficult products can be pressed numerous times and the gluing can be switched on and off. If a processing station is to be switched off or no book block or book cover is to be processed, e.g., during idling strokes, then no movement is triggered. In the event of a disturbance, the event-controlled step chain is interrupted during the disturbed step, so that a simple diagnosis and removal of the disturbance is possible. The modules which are not disturbed finish their processing, so that waste is reduced and subsequent stops can be avoided.
Since the functions of rounding, pressing or gluing always takes place at the same velocities even in the case of format changes, velocity-dependent influences upon the working result are avoided.
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patent: OS 20 16 425 (1971-10-01), None
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Alix Yale & Ristas, LLP
Fridie Jr. Willmon
Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
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