EP2292444A2 - Device for the paced processing of a printed product with a transfer device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has transfer device (10) that is coupled to book block feed device (60) for conveying book block (61) form transfer device to processing station. The transfer device has rotary or quasi-rotary translation device which operates in two spatial dimensions during transfer of book block. The center axis for translation device occupies an optional position in space, relative to processing station.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Out EP 1 645 434 A1 has become known a device for the intermittent processing of book blocks formed from printed sheets, which are often composed of individual sheets or folded signatures. In this publication, it is proposed that the feed member is assigned to a lifting device having the stop. By the lifting device, a supplied book block is pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and by means of an adjustable driven stop this book block is transferred to the adhesive tongs of the binder. With this procedure, horizontally supplied book blocks can be transferred in a targeted manner and unhindered into an adhesive binder station while avoiding further transfer movements. It is by the lifting device the book block up and introduced from below in an adhesive tweezers. This lifting movement is initiated before the arrival of a book block at the stop, wherein the adjustability of the stop can also be used to adjust the format of the supplied book block. However, it has been found in such a sequence that the cycle time, respectively. Cadmium is subject to a relatively strong limitation, so that an increase in the number of cycles is no longer achievable, because the underlying process is such that each first a return stroke has to be made before a new book block nachschoben, so can be accepted.

In principle, it has been found that feeding the book block along an deliverable plane is possible only over a plurality of processing cycles, but for which a longer feed path is required.

In order to remedy this, several proposals have become known, which, however, were not able to satisfy overall, because a partial improvement could only be paid for by additional constructive precautions, which in turn had a negative effect on the vulnerability of the system.

For example, against the one-sided possible tilting of the stop on the block Buckblocks the management level forming guide rails had to be assigned by far a guide, which supports the book block on the opposite side supporting and leading.

Although the book blocks can each be pivoted from the lying position on the feed organ into a position vertical to the book block back by a drive-connected countershaft with the stop, this can only be achieved if corresponding additional guide rails are provided.

Then, the different book block thicknesses against tilting require adjusting the distance between the guide plane formed by the guide rails and the guide element. However, this can be done kinematically only properly if a traction mechanism is provided.

Also, it must be considered that at the time of feeding the book block, ie in the starting position of said lifting device, the guide rails must be located below the slidably supported by support on the supports of the conveyor elements, so that friction of the book block can be avoided on the guide rails , which consequently leads to additional provisions.

On the basis of these selective considerations, it can be said that the previously disclosed embodiments were each associated with a relatively great effort, did not always bring what one had initially imagined, so that it now imposes itself, in a device for intermittent Processing of book block formed from at least one printed sheet to break new ground and make new proposals. It should be noted that the book block is preferably formed loosely, that is, that the sheets are not fixed together. Of course, pre-fixed book blocks can also be processed.

Presentation of the invention

Here, the invention aims to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art remedy and show advantageous new ways. The invention, as characterized in the claims, the object is to process the book block with a maximized clock frequency in a device of the type mentioned.

To achieve this object, a system and the necessary technical infrastructure is proposed in which the type of supply is such that the decisive speeds are uniform or uneven, include an acceleration or deceleration, behave both synchronously and asynchronously, with adaptive Accelerations or delays can occur. The final purpose of the provisions according to the invention is therefore to be seen in achieving a maximization of the cycle numbers with gentle handling of the print medium.

Another object of the invention is to propose provisions to remove the individual book blocks as quickly as possible from the book block feeder by the use of a transfer device, so that space for the next incoming book block is certainly created. This has a positive effect on the cycle times and allows a performance maximization.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to always secure the book blocks on their transport a gentle handover, for example, from the book block feeder to the transfer device and from this to the book channel.

The book blocks are preferably produced with a digital printing press, such a digital printing machine allowing a book block or book to be printed in a sequence. If a book block is printed sequentially, it means that the digital press starts with the first sheet, and the subsequent spreads, which complete the book or book block, are added immediately. Digital printing machines work without a fixed printing form, and therefore can operate in the stated manner. Following the printing process, the sheets can then be stacked either as a single sheet into a book block, or folded into signatures using a suitable folding machine and stacked into book blocks.

The book blocks which are transferred are preferably loose stacks of signatures and or folded signatures. But they can also be fixed in a way for safe transport, so that the individual sheets and / or signatures can not slip to each other. It may also be understood that such a named fixation is effected with respect to the position of the stacked printed sheets and / or signatures and / or temporarily, and that said fixations in the printed product finished to the final product, or that which is processed with the further processing device, have no system-relevant effect more unfolded. Thus, the compactness of the book block can be ensured during transport.

With regard to the transfer device, in the ordinary or adaptive acceleration or deceleration, it is important to influence the translational speeds of the transfer device within implemented motion profiles. The motion profiles can consist of various curve functions and also by dwell times or downtimes resp. be composed. In principle, it is therefore a matter of letting the movement speed follow a certain locomotion profile, which consists of one or more simple curve functions or superimposed one another, both in connection with the transfer process and with respect to the otherwise relevant speeds within the device, in particular also in terms of the movement speeds of the book block feeder and the book channel

The book block is not fed directly into the pliers, but handed over to an upstream book channel. Such a book channel is known per se to those skilled in the art and is used, for example, in connection with a collating machine. Such a book channel is also known as gathering channel in collating machines, which can convey signatures, bound books and loose or fixed book blocks by means of catch fingers or other auxiliary mechanisms in the channel.

The basic advantage of the invention, however, is to be seen here in that one basically distances from a purely linear or quasi-linear feeding of the book blocks from one station to the next, and now proposes that the book blocks be based on a rotary or quasi-rotary translation be forwarded to the book channel before they are forwarded to a processing station, whereby the clock numbers can be increased sustainably, and at the same time gentle handling of the loose book block.

In the present case, translation is understood to mean a movement in which all points of the moving body move in the same direction.

Under a quasi-rotary translation is basically understood a movement in which the book block is promoted under an arc-like movement. However, this movement can also be superimposed by at least one linear movement in one axis, or expand or superimpose the rotary movement at any point. Such movement can also be accomplished by an external engaging mechanism, such as a robotic arm. Accordingly, the linear motion sequence does not necessarily have to be implemented before or after the rotary movement, but it can also be done intermediately. Such combinations are always appropriate where the space or existing aggregates limit the spaces of freedom. It is also advantageous here that this linear movement can take place in a horizontal, vertical or even inclined position, which additionally ensures great flexibility of the device according to the invention.

It should be noted that the rotational or at least the quasi-rotary translation during the transfer process is not necessarily limited solely to a two-dimensional acting movement, but during the supply, the said translational movements can readily take the third dimension in space as needed, in Considering the fact that the layers of each Falzbogen are to be handled optimally at least during the entire transfer process so that, for example, they can not slip in themselves, so able to maintain their compactness throughout the process assets. With reference to the feed plane to the book channel, the rotary or quasi-rotary translations can assume any position per se, ie be horizontal or vertical or inclined, wherein intermediate combinations are also possible.

Another significant advantage of the invention is the fact that the system is such that both a continuous and an intermittent feeding of the book blocks is possible, which in turn expands the applicability and flexibility of the system resp. increased. This may be necessary, for example, if measurement / control stations are provided in the processing stream which trigger qualitatively induced interventions without the product-related current cadence being adversely affected thereby. However, this does not always apply to conventional linear delivery: quality-induced interventions have a negative effect on product-related cadence.

Another significant advantage of the invention is the fact that the system includes provisions whose geometry is chosen so that on the feeds an adjustment to the respective format of the book blocks basically unnecessary, which in turn has the advantage that even the smallest lots without the execution of large Umrichtungen can be processed.

As already mentioned above, with the system according to the invention, it is possible for the first time to achieve that comprehensive quality which, in the case of the systems belonging to the prior art, has often not been implemented consistently for reasons of compromise because of an excessive reduction of the cycle numbers.

However, since the system according to the invention behaves flexibly in relation to a strictly tact-related continuous feeding of the buck blocks to the transfer device belonging to the transfer process, it is possible to move in front of the rotary movements readily provide measuring / control stations, which are set to close tolerances, and which respond when exceeding a certain tolerance limit and activate appropriate Ausschleusungsmechanismen. Specifically, the mass controls that are set out herein relate to the format of the book blocks, and are preferably aligned with the height, width, and thickness of the particular block of buckets, and also include a book block-related identification feature.

The measurement / control stations can also forward measured data to the further processing station, for example, to obtain accurate settings of the subsequent processing machines. Thus, the measuring / control stations not only take over a mere static check of an actual state, but they pass on production-relevant information to the downstream processing machines.

Both rotary and quasi-rotary translation can be accelerated or decelerated uniformly or unevenly, for which reference is made here to the statements already made above, which include the contents of such a speed change.

Another significant advantage of the invention is the fact that the position of the book block along the book block feeder can be done both transversely and longitudinally, without the cycle numbers would be adversely affected, for example, by making the best possible alignment of the book block before the perfect binder affects the not specified by the translation clock number. This high flexibility is causally related to the broad design possibilities of the translations used in the area of the transfer device, ie, the movement of the translation can control the transfer of the book block the book channel so that the subsequent processing processes, such as the attachment of the binder under continuous optimal Conditions can take place.

Emphasized here is the fact that the various design with respect to the transfer devices used are all in a congruent finality and therefore are all objects that represent a unified concept of the invention.

Due to the high flexibility of the rotary translation, in addition to the transfer of the individual book block, further control mechanisms which are effective on the quality can be provided, which are focused, for example, on the position and the internal consistency of the book block.

Thus, it is advantageous if the transfer device belonging to takeover element, which can be used, for example in the form of a fork-like structure, during translation, the forwarding of the book block takes over, immediately before passing an inclination is subjected, which the book block in the takeover element a obliquely oblique position, so that the book block can slide targeted to a stop within this transfer element. Such an inclination causes, inter alia, a stabilizing effect on the mass of the book block, which effect is accompanied by an increase in the persistence of the body. However, this inclination can also be original and does not necessarily have to be created in the course of the process, ie especially in the course of the rotary or quasi-rotary movement, at a suitable location.

Another important advantage of the system-related invention is the fact that this also gives advantages to the peripheral systems, which are responsible for the product streams. In this way, printed products can be forwarded from a plurality of product streams or from divided product streams, ie several feed stations can converge to the rotary or quasi-rotary translation of the operating transfer device so that, if required, parallel-operated transfer devices can also be provided. The impact is here For example, increased production, which is causally related to increased productivity of the inventive device.

Advantageous and expedient developments and variants of the inventive task solution are characterized in the further dependent claims. In addition, reference is made to the description below of the various figures, where appropriate, the resulting advantages are also indicated, these advantages may not only be understood in connection with the examples described, but according to the invention they also fog those embodiments, which claimed in the Scope of protection.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

eine Zuführungseinrichtung für Buchblocks zu einer rotativ wirkenden Übergabevorrichtung, unter Einschluss einer Mess/Kontrollstation;

Fig. 2

eine stilisierte Darstellung der Zuführungseinrichtung nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

den gesamten Antrieb der rotativ wirkenden Übergabevorrichtung;

Fig. 4

die nähere Ausbildung eines Übernahmeelementes, worin die Schlitz- führung für den Mitnehmerfinger ersichtlich ist;

Fig. 5

die Übergabevorrichtung in einer bestimmte Umlaufposition, bei welcher sich die Übernahmeelemente in den Polen befinden;

Fig. 6

die Übergabevorrichtung in einer bestimmten Umlaufposition, bei wel- cher die eine Übergabegabel mit einer Kulisse in Wirkverbindung steht;

Fig. 7

eine weitere rotativ wirkende Übergabevorrichtung, deren Transportar- me senkrecht zu den Buchkanälen wirken, und die Übergabevorrich- tung selbst karussellartig dreht;

Fig. 8

eine weitere rotativ wirkende Übergabevorrichtung, welche waagrecht zu den Buchkanälen dreht, und mit Greifer ausgestattet ist;

Fig. 9

eine weitere Übergabevorrichtung, welche als schaufelradähnlicher Ein- laufstern ausgebildet ist;

Fig. 10

eine Transportstrecke zwischen Buchblockzuführung und Übergabe- element, wobei diese Strecke aus einem Transportband und einer nachgeschalteten Übergabeebene besteht, wobei letztere rollenange- trieben ist;

Fig. 11

eine detaillierte Ansicht der Mess/Kontrollstation, welche im Buchkanal vor der Übergabevorrichtung geschaltet ist und eine Ausschleusung be- inhaltet;

Fig. 12 und 13

einen Mechanismus, der die Dynamik einer Ausschleusung dar- stellt;

Fig. 14

eine einfach wirkende Übergabevorrichtung von Buchblocks zu einer Verarbeitungsstation, wobei die Übergabevorrichtung hier eingeschalt ist.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the figures. All elements not essential to the immediate understanding of the invention have been omitted. In the various figures, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. It shows:

Fig. 1

a book block feeder to a rotary transfer device, including a measurement / control station;

Fig. 2

a stylized representation of the feeder after Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

the entire drive of the rotary acting transfer device;

Fig. 4

the detailed design of a transfer element, wherein the slot guide for the driver finger is visible;

Fig. 5

the transfer device in a certain circulation position, in which the transfer elements are in the poles;

Fig. 6

the transfer device in a certain circulating position, in which the one transfer fork is in operative connection with a link;

Fig. 7

another rotary transfer device, the transport arms of which act perpendicular to the book channels, and which rotates the transfer device itself like a carousel;

Fig. 8

another rotary-acting transfer device, which rotates horizontally to the book channels, and is equipped with grippers;

Fig. 9

a further transfer device, which is designed as a scoop wheel-like Einsternstern;

Fig. 10

a transport path between book block feed and transfer element, this route consisting of a conveyor belt and a downstream transfer plane, the latter being roller-driven;

Fig. 11

a detailed view of the measuring / control station, which is connected in the book channel in front of the transfer device and includes a discharge;

FIGS. 12 and 13

a mechanism that represents the dynamics of a discharge;

Fig. 14

a single-acting transfer device of book blocks to a processing station, wherein the transfer device is turned on here.

Ways to carry out the invention

Fig. 1 shows a plant A, which consists essentially of a supply means 60 for book block 61, an intermediary switched control device 50, a transfer device 10, a conveyor line 70, which the book blocks to a processing station not shown here (see Fig. 7 ) leads.

To standardize the terms, the feeding device 60 will be referred to below as the "book block feeder" and the conveying path for the book blocks 70 after the transfer device as the "book channel".

This figure only represents the basic components of such a system A, wherein the individual components are shown and described in detail below in the following figures. Thus, the transfer device 10 among the Fig. 3-6 shown and described in detail. On the control station 50 is in the comments below Fig. 11 discussed in more detail.

Fig. 2 is a stylized representation of Fig. 1 and will show essentially only the main components of this Appendix A, namely the transfer device 10, the book block feeder 60, and the book channel 70. What emerges particularly well from this figure is the acquisition 62 of a book block 61 by a component of the transfer device 10.

Fig. 3 shows the detailed structure of the previously mentioned transfer device 10, which forms the central component, between the book block feeder 60 for the book block 61 and the book channel 70, which leads to the other processing stations.

The here in Fig. 3 This main center axis 12 is in operative connection with a known planetary gear 13 which drives along a circular motion a quadrangular star-shaped rotor 14, wherein the four vertices this rotor 14 each carry a standing with a peripheral gear 15 of the planetary gear 13 operatively connected shaft 14a-14d, each of which form the starting point for receiving a transfer element 16, which in turn is console-like, and has a fork-like support plane 17 which the Support surface for the further transport of the book block 61 forms, said support plane 17 is preferably designed for receiving a single book block 61. During the rotating movement of the rotor 14, each transfer element 16 together with the support plane 17 initially assumes a preferably quasi-horizontal position over a large part of the circumferential movement. In other words, the support planes 17 are not strictly in a horizontal position, but they already have an original inclination, which is in accordance with the inclination of the book channel 70. In itself, however, the support planes 17 can also have a parallel to the book block feed or horizontal position.
The respective underlying situation is directly related to an optimal recording and subsequent delivery of the book block 61, so with the course of the book block 60 and the book 70 on the other hand. The goal is therefore here that brought up on the book block feeder 60 book block both gently on the support plane 17 are pushed, and can be passed from the book channel 70 gently.

The support levels 17 initially retain their once assumed horizontal or quasi-horizontal position. Seen in this way, the circularly rotating transfer elements 16 have a sequence of movements which is similar to that of a ferris wheel equipped with free-floating cabins.

The book blocks 61 are transported further on the support plane 17 and in the final phase of a cycle they are transferred to the book channel 70. As already mentioned, this handover should be maximized, which is an essential aspect of quality assurance. For this purpose, the dynamics in this transfer can be designed so that the support plane 17 initially occupies an intermediate position above the book channel 70, then to initiate an acceleration in the direction of the book channel 70 from this intermediate position, then in the final phase of the course at decreasing and adapted speed approximates the book channel 70 quasi-symptomatically, thus ensuring the conditions for maximized smooth handover of the book block 61. Such an acceleration may e.g. be done gently when accelerating a lying on the intermediate plane driver fingers and conveys the book block in the book channel 70, wherein at product transfer to the book channel relative speed differences are kept low.

The support plane 17 is delimited by two adjacent walls 18, 19, which are preferably perpendicular to each other. This squareness corresponds to the circumferential geometry of the book block 61, wherein the corner formed by the adjacent walls 18, 19 forms an optimum end stop for the book block 61, as will be discussed in more detail later.

Fig. 4 shows the structure of a single transfer element 16. This has in the region of the wall 19 a slot 11, the width of which continues over the entire supporting plane 17. A driver finger (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ) is in operative connection with this slot 11, such that a gentle repulsion of the book block 61 from the said supporting plane 17 to the book channel 70 not shown here can take place.

Fig. 5 shows the transfer device 10 from Fig. 3 in a simplified representation, with the transfer elements 16, which are shown here in the poles. Again, it can be well established that the support plane 17 of each transfer element 16 assumes a quasi-horizontal position, as can be seen from the graphic representation. As further shown, takeover elements 16 rotate counterclockwise 20, and they are operatively connected to a lower side arranged Buchkanal 70, the running direction 12 is opposite to the direction of rotation 20 of the transfer device 10. In the direction of movement of the book channel 70 act fixedly spaced driver fingers 23, which take over the gentle repulsion of the respective book block of the supporting plane 7 of the transfer element 16 to the immediately underlying book channel 70. For this purpose, the transfer element 16 has a continuous slot 11 extending parallel to the running direction of the book channel 70 (see FIG Fig. 4 ), which is tuned to the thickness of the driving finger 23, and which is particularly good Fig. 4 evident.

The underlying horizontal position of the individual support levels 17 to the underlying book channel 70 undergoes per revolution a time-related change in position, which is initiated by a gate 24, which detects the respective transfer element 16 immediately before reaching the lowermost buchkanalseitigen position, and the vorbeidrehenden at this point takeover element 16 imposes an angularly changing part movement about the shaft 14c, as is apparent from Fig. 6 is apparent. A roller 25 connected to the transfer element 16 ensures that the link 24 is scanned faithfully. The introduction of the change in position with respect to the support plane 17 can also be done by a complementary drive element, for example by a motor or cam gear. Due to the fact that the transfer element 16 changes its original position relative to the book channel 70 in this described area, this creates space for the run of the driver finger 23a passing underneath not to collide with the incoming transfer element 16, ie not to the support plane 17 (see FIG 3 and 4 ) can burst. Only after completion of the predetermined by the gate 24 angular movement, the support plane 17 returns to its original horizontal or quasi-horizontal position, coinciding directly with the time at which the next driver finger 23b comes to his use, by the book block 61 located there on the carrying plane 17 being pushed onto the book channel 70 for further processing. Between the prevailing angular velocity of the rotational translation, ie the cadence of the individual transfer element 16, and the interval-related use of each driver finger 23a, 23b, a strict tact-related interdependence must prevail.
The gate 24 can also be designed so that the respective transfer element 16, in addition to the described angular movement, can additionally assume a movement in an oblique or oblique position, which forms a diagonal to the corner formed by the adjacent walls 18, 19, so that the book block 61 against the right-angled corner of the two walls 18, 19 (see 3 and 4 ) can possibly slip and is caught there position stable. The gate 24 may also have a toothed or undulating surface, such that the movement of the supporting plane 17, which is in operative connection with the link 24, is subjected to a vibrating motion. The scanned surface may also be configured to transmit vibrations to the support plane 17 during scanning. In both cases, this has a positive effect on the position of the book blocks to be taken. Meanwhile, this oblique stop position for the book block 61 can also be provided originally, so that this inclination does not have to be additionally introduced via a backdrop or by other auxiliary equipment. In any case, such an inclination triggers a stabilizing effect on the mass of the book block 61, which is associated with an increase in its persistence. This ensured compactness of the book block then has a later positive effect on the passage of the subsequent processing stations.

In this context, the purpose-related inclination of the transfer element 16 by the action of the gate 24 can be replaced by the strategy described above is pursued by the transfer element 16 above the book channel 70 so long holds the height until the respective location-catching driver fingers 23 critical Has passed through the zone.

The angle-related change in the position of the book block can also be done at any other place. Then another mechanism would be available, e.g. via a motor axis or a cam mechanism in the rotor, which can act superimposed over the ordinary translation of the transfer device.

The configuration and the rotation of the transfer device according to the preceding Figures 3-6 are exemplary. It is readily possible to provide a transfer device according to Annex B, which consists of FIG. 7 evident. This transfer device 30, which is functionally arranged to and above the book block feeder 60 and the book channel 70, preferably has a rotating rotor 31 in the poles, and in these poles, a vertically downward clamping device 32 is arranged, each of which a book block 61 of the book block feeder 60 summarizes and preferably brings by a 90 ° angular movement in the plane of the book channel 70. In this plane, the clamping action is then released, so that the book block 61 can be conveyed via the book channel 70 to a further processing station 90. The clamping device 32 preferably performs a downward movement 33 in the direction of the book channel 70 during rotation in order to gently place the book block 61 in the book channel 70, whereby here the rotary movement of the rotor 31 is coupled to a linear component.

In FIG. 7 the processing station 90 is only hinted at. The transfer device 30 shown here thus operates according to another principle with respect to the previously described transfer device 10 (FIG. Fig. 3-6 ) out. On the execution possibilities of such a clamping device 32 is not entered here. In addition, the behaves in Fig. 7 shown transfer device 30 in its rotational movement as a carousel, so at a certain point, a book block 61 is taken over, and after a certain angular movement of the same book block 61 is the book channel 70 for further transport to a processing station.

The located at the poles clamping devices 32 can maintain the position of the book block with a planetary gear, which in the Fig.1 has been described. But it is also conceivable that if necessary during the 90 ° rotation - which may of course also have a different angular amount, the ancestral position of the book block is additionally rotated by an angular amount, for example by 90 °. This couples two rotary rotations together.

The advantages of this system B can be seen in the fact that it is readily possible to vary the number of acting clamping devices 32 and the angular velocity so that they take into account the given circumstances. In most cases, it will be preferable to use a 90 ° clock, ie 90 ° rotation angle. However, a skewed disposition of the transfer device 30 is also possible, and in particular recommended if the pre-entry and / or forwarding of the book block 61 must be made via inclined planes. In all cases, the book block is transferred gently and undergoes no internal bending and the given compactness or shape is maintained.

As such, the linear translation of the clamping device 32 can act up or down. This also applies to the clamping device in Fig. 8 ,

Another plant C goes out Fig. 8 in which a further transfer device 40 is shown. In this device, it is important to make the supply of the book block 61 of the book block feeder 60 so that they are fed directly to a clamping device 41, said clamping device 41 at the Erstfassung the book block 61 has a corresponding plane with the book block feeder 60, which a direct feed of the book block 61 can be made to the transfer device 40. Basically, this transfer device 40 works in a similar manner to that according to Appendix A (see Fig. 3-6 ), ie, after the conditional by a clamping device 41 detection of the brought-book block 61 sets a rotary motion, which has the same technical characteristics, as already described in Appendix B ( Fig. 7 ) are. The transfer of the book block 61 the book channel 70 is here, however, a direct, because the opening of the clamping device 41 is sufficient to ensure the detection and further transport of the book block 61. According to Fig. 8 The rotary movement of the transfer device 40 ensures that the book block 61 is transferred from a higher infeed level to a lower transfer level. Of course, a diametrically opposite configuration is possible in which the book block is transferred from a lower level to a higher level.

In the Fig. 8 shown Appendix C can also be designed so that the lowest position of the arms which form the clamping device 41, is equal to the book channel 70. If the direction of rotation of the transfer element is then introduced clockwise, the book block can be deposited in the direction of movement of the driver finger. The advantage of such konkondarten movement is to be seen in the fact that the relative speed of the book block can be reduced to the driver finger or a stop bar to an optimum, such that the relative speed tends to zero, thus ensuring a safe smooth transfer of the book block is ensured.

Accordingly, can be in Fig. 8 See also the embodiment, according to which the transfer of the book block the book channel 70 not only at an angle of 90 ° with respect to the acquisition can take place, but is readily possible to provide this transfer even at 180 ° in relation to the transfer point, so diametrically opposed, that is, then, that the book channel 70 acts on the underside of the transfer device 40, which in turn can be operated with an optimized relative speed between the angular speed of the book block and the book speed of the book channel. On the concordant movements between the direction of rotation of the transfer device and direction of the book channel is discussed in more detail in the previous section.

Another transfer device goes out Fig. 9 in which this variant is marked as Appendix D. The transfer device 80 shown here consists of a scoop-wheel-like inlet star 80, which individually receives the brought-Buck blocks 61 between the space created therefrom 81 and further promotes rotation in the same rotary plane. After a rotation angle of about 90 °, the book block 61 is ejected from the blade wheel-like inlet star 80 and taken from a substantially perpendicular to the book block feeder 60 arranged book channel 70 and passed on for further processing. Another angle of rotation is also possible.
The structure of this system D is therefore designed so that the book block 61 already present vertically in the book channel 70, which has advantages for further processing, because the book block 61 must then, for example, in an adhesive binder station, no longer specifically transferred to a vertical position.

In connection with the transfer devices described, it should be emphasized that these are particularly well suited for providing the highest output cadences. By their extraordinary compactness, for example, two or more transfer devices can operate on the same book channel, which can be loaded at full capacity corresponding to book block, and by which the cadence of the expulsion can be multiplied in a subsequent common book channel.

With regard to the acknowledged transfer devices in the Fig. 3-6 . 7, 8 and 9 It should be emphasized that the various configurations all have a congruent finality and therefore they are objects which absolutely represent a unified concept of the invention.

Fig. 10 shows in a simplified representation the immediate area of a book block feeder 60 after a measuring / control station 50 (see Fig. 1 ), where it comes to a discharge of a book block 61 due to a detected shortage to accomplish. Basically, it is so that a discharge point 95 is provided, which works differently and can come into function.
According to Fig. 10 occurs this Ausschleusstelle 95 in action by the conveyor belt along the book block guide 60 acts telescopically, ie by a part 91 of the conveyor belt inwardly back, thus freeing the space for the discharge. For more details on the Fig. 11-13 directed.
After the discharge point 95, the book block feeder 60 consists of one of a rust-like plane 92, which may be variously constructed. Preferably, the elements of the rust-like plane 92 consist of cantilevered and driven, rotating rollers 94, which are arranged with a mutual spacing 93 in order to manage the transport of the book block 61 gently. Here is an adhesive surface coating of the rollers 94 offers to allow the friction between rollers and book block. With sufficient friction, the book block can be delayed shortly before the end position at the transfer position so that it does not rebound at the stop 18 respectively springs back and the consistency of the book block is not lost. Basically, there is also the possibility of individually designing the rotation of the tubes 94, which then act on the book blocks 61 different vector forces, which can also induce a targeted change in direction in their transport.

Based on Fig. 11 Other advantages of the invention will be apparent to those associated with the transfer devices and book channel embodiments set forth in the preceding figures. From this FIG. 11 First, the delivery of the book block 61 to an unspecified here transfer device emerges. Before this transfer device, the book blocks 61 now pass through a measuring / control station 50, in which various quality checks are carried out, in particular with regard to thickness, width, length, etc., of the tested buck block 61.

An identification of the book block 61 can also take place here, eg with barcode / data matrix code / transponder / RF ID or the like. This identification can but also after the measuring / control station 50 or before. If a book block 61 does not pass the qualitative examinations, it is logically rejected, as is the case for example FIGS. 12 and 13 is apparent, then what then arises a gap in the book block flow. However, this is not so bad, because the transfer devices operating according to a rotary translation are able to maintain the predetermined continuous cycle, which is not the case with a purely fixed supply.

Adaptive accelerations or decelerations, which can intervene within the rotary movement of a transfer device as well as in relation to the transport speeds within the book block feeders 60 or the book channels 70, which accelerations and decelerations in speed follow a certain curve function, can be interfered with Smooth the adoption or redirects of the book block 61 and affect the cadence in the transfer of the book block 61 to the next processing station. It is also easily possible that the curve function in one of the transfer devices described above can be influenced by a linear delivery in one direction, not shown in detail, especially if it is necessary to close a gap in the flow of the products, for example, if an accumulation of discharges should occur in connection with the measuring / control station 50, or if, upon acceptance or delivery of the book blocks, a slowing occurs within the speed of the acting curve function.

As far as the curve functions are concerned, it should be noted that the translation follows a motion profile consisting of different adaptive curve functions and / or dwell times. A characteristic of the proposed curve function according to the invention is that it can assume a uniform speed in its course as required. The discontinuities can be installed in such a way that the maintenance of the originally conceived cadence is ensured.

As already under Fig. 10 was executed, it is here FIGS. 12 and 13 therefore, to show how one out of the process according to Fig. 11 indexed excretion of a book block 61 may proceed from further processing. Basically corresponds Fig. 12 the components Fig. 10 , In front of the rust-like plane 92, a discharge point 95 is provided, which is shown here as a telescope-like conveyor belt. For a given command from the measurement / control station 50 (see Fig. 11 ) this Ausschleusstelle comes into operation, and so a faulty book block 61 is excluded from further transport. By Fig. 13 shown interruption with respect to the original cadence arises due to the resulting interruption time, which is symbolically represented as a route 96 in this figure.

Fig. 14 shows a single-acting book block feeder 60 of the book block 61 to a transfer device 10. For the processing station not shown here in the normal case book block 61 are present, which are supplied to the further processing steps. As can be seen from this figure, coming from the book channel 70 book block 61 a have already been placed in a vertical position, which coincides with the subsequent processing operation. Furthermore, the installation of a measuring / control station 50 can be seen in this figure.

The book block production machines may be formed of a digital printing press and a sheet stacker. These elements can also be preceded by a logistics system or a buffer system.

Claims (32)

Device for the cyclic processing of a book block formed from at least one printed sheet and / or at least one signature, wherein the device consists of at least one intermediately arranged transfer device as a link between feeding means for the book block to the transfer device and forwarding this book block from the transfer device to at least one further processing station in that the transfer device has means for transferring the book block, characterized in that the transfer device (10, 30, 40, 80) has at least one rotary or quasi-rotary translation, that the translation during the transfer of the book block (61) at least two-dimensional operates that the translation has a uniform or variable speed of movement, and that the central axis (12) of the translation with respect to the further processing station (90) occupies an arbitrary position in space. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the book blocks consist of printed sheets, which consist of single sheets or folded signatures, and are produced by means of a digital printing machine and sequentially printed. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the book blocks are formed as a stack and consist of printed sheets and / or folded signatures, which are loose, or Lageintermediär and / or temporarily fixed against slipping, stacked on each other. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signatures of a traditional printing press such as an offset printing press or gravure printing machine can be produced. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the digital printing machine is in a network of lines and which downstream has a suitable stacking device for stacking the signatures and / or signatures to a book block. Device according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the book blocks are subsequently conveyed directly or indirectly to the book block feeder (60) which feeds the book blocks to the transfer device. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement speed follows a movement profile, which consists of one or more easily running or mutually superimposed curve functions and or has residence times respectively downtime. Device according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the movement speeds of the translation and the book block (61) related transport paths are adaptively changeable. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central axis (12) of the translation in space is at right angles to the further processing station. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the center axis (12) of the translation with respect to the bird's eye view in space occupies a vertical or quasi-vertical position relative to book block feeders (60), book channels (70), processing stations (90). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central axis (12) of translation in the space at an angle to Buchblockzuführungen (60), book channels (70), processing stations (90), stands. Device according to claim 1 and / or one or more of claims 9-11, characterized in that the position of the central axis (12) in space fixed, movable or dynamically changeable. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing station (90) is an adhesive binder, a hanging machine or a plug-in machine. Device according to one or more of claims 1-13, characterized in that the transfer device (10) consists of at least one transfer element (16), that the transfer element (16) has at least one support plane (17), which at least one with the support plane (17) is provided in operative connection stop wall (18. 19), and that the transfer element (16) rotates about an axis preferably executes in the horizontal position translation relative to the planetary driven rotor (14). Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the transfer element (16) during a phase of its rotational translation in operative connection with a locally arranged link (24), that the link (24) is designed so that the transfer element (16) a simple or multiaxial inclination, and that the inclination induces at least one oblique position of the support plane (17) of the transfer element (16). Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the link has an undulating surface or a toothing, the scanning of a Vibrating movement or vibration induced on the supporting plane (17) and maximizes a targeted position stabilization of the Buck block. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that in concordant movement direction between the direction of rotation of the transfer device and the running direction of the book channel, the relative speed of the two movements in the transfer of the book block from the transfer device to the book channel tends to zero. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that in opposite direction of movement between the direction of rotation of the transfer device and the running direction of the book channel, the support plane (17) first passes the book block to an intermediate position above the book channel (70) that from this position from an acceleration along a sloping web towards the surface of the book channel (70) executes that the support plane in the final phase of the course with decreasing and adapted speed occupies a quasi-asymptotic position relative to the book channel 70. Device according to claim 1 and one or more of claims 14-18, characterized in that the support plane (17) forms a corner as a stop wall (18, 19) for the book block (61) and the lowest point at an inclined transfer element (16). Device according to claims 1 and 15, characterized in that on the position of the transfer element (16) acting gate (24) is arranged in the book block related final phase of the rotary translation, immediately before the further transport of the book block (61) to the further processing station ( 90). Device according to one of claims 1-20, characterized in that in the final phase of the one cycle of the rotary translation of the transfer element (16), the transfer of the book block (61) is supplemented to the book channel by the use of a driver finger (23) or a driver element , Device according to one or more of claims 1-21, characterized in that the transfer device (10) consists of several transfer elements (16), which transfer elements (16) rotate about a center, and that the rotation by a planetary gear (13) can be generated , Device according to one or more of claims 1-20, characterized in that the rotational speed of the transfer device (10, 80) and the linear cadence of the driving finger (23) or an ejection element are position-dependent. Device according to one or more of claims 1-23, characterized in that the quasi-rotary translation of the transfer device consists of a rotary and a linear movement (33), which is effective in space in any direction. Device according to Claim 24, characterized in that the linear movement is integrated before, as an intermediary or after the rotary translation of the transfer device (10, 30, 40, 80). Device according to one or more of claims 1-25, characterized in that the transfer device (10, 30, 40, 80) is preceded by a measuring / control station (50) that the measuring / control station (50) at least height, width and thickness of the book block (61). Device according to claim 26, characterized in that in the large-scale area of the measuring / control station (50) identification features are readable, which are mounted as barcode or data matrix or transponder or RF ID on the book block (61). Device according to claims 26 and / or 27, characterized in that the measuring / control station (50) is in operative connection with a downstream discharge point (95). Device according to one or more of claims 1-12, characterized in that the transfer device (30) is a substantially over the book block supply (60) and the book channel (70) superimposed and parallel rotating carousel-like rotor (31). Device according to claim 29, characterized in that the carousel-like rotor (31) has at least one clamping device (32) operating vertically downwards or vertically upwards for the takeover and transfer of the book block (61). Device according to one or more of claims 1-12, characterized in that the rotary translation is formed by a paddle wheel-like inlet star (80) that the inlet star (80) has spaces (81) for receiving and passing a book block (61). Device according to one of claims 1-31, characterized in that the transfer device is preceded by at least one buffer system as an intertemporal storage of the book blocks (61).

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