WO2012052957A1

WO2012052957A1 - A binding machine for binding blocks of sheet elements

Info

Publication number: WO2012052957A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/054694
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto Raccanello
Original assignee: K.G.S. S.R.L.
Priority date: 2010-10-20
Filing date: 2011-10-20
Publication date: 2012-04-26
Also published as: IT1403047B1; EP2629982A1; EP2629982B1; ITVI20100283A1

Abstract

A binding machine for binding blocks (B) of sheet elements (F) comprises a supporting base defining a horizontal plane (π), handling means (3) for handling one block (B) which have a lateral abutment suface (4) for a first side face (F₁ ) of the block (B), longitudinal guide means (5) for slidably guiding the handling means (3) between a first end position (6) for engaging the block (B) to be bound and a second end position (7) for releasing the bound block (B), a distribution head (8) for distributing an adhesive to the back (D) of the sheet elements (F). The lateral abutment surface (4) is inclined at a first angle (α) of predetermined value to the horizontal plane (π) at least at the second end position (7).

Description

A BINDING MACHINE FOR BINDING BLOCKS OF SHEET ELEMENTS

Field of the invention The present invention finds application in the field of bookbinding equipment and particularly relates to a binding machine for binding sheet elements in blocks, such as blocks of paper sheets for books, paperbacks and the like.

Background art

Bookbinding machines are known to stably join a block of adjacent sheet elements, which define a back and an outer cover.

Particularly, in the manufacture of books, catalogs or the like, the block may consist of paper sheets and the cover may be a rigid or semirigid cover, also made of paper, paperboard or the like or possibly of a polymeric material.

Bookbinding machines generally comprise a supporting base having a surface for feeding the block to be bound.

The latter is automatically or manually placed into a movable clamping device on the base to stand in a substantially vertical position, with the back substantially horizontal and facing downward. Then, the clamping device assists sliding thereof in a longitudinal direction, also horizontal, through the various workstations of the machine.

Typically, the block passes through at least one applicator head which applies an adhesive to its back and a subsequent cover application station, downstream from the head.

At the end of this step, the clamping device carries the bound block to a pick- up workstation in which it will relieve pressure to allow either the operator or automatic pick-up means to pick the block up.

The block will reach this workstation still in a vertical position and will be laid on a horizontal supporting plane.

In automatic machines, once the block has reached the supporting plane, it will overturn on a side face into a horizontal position, to be carried to a pickup area.

Nevertheless, this solution may cause damages to the binding. This is because the adhesive on the back is not sufficiently cured during pick-up, and the binding is not stable. As a result, as the block overturns on one of its sides, it may create dents on the back or crazes in the adhesive, which might affect the resistance of the binding and cause blemishes.

Also, instead of lying on a side face, the block may open at central sheet elements, thereby causing partial adhesive removal or crazing.

As a result, the bound block shall be picked up with particular care, to prevent it from abruptly falling on its side faces, and to avoid excessive opening of the sheet elements.

A further drawback is that, with the block in the vertical position, its weight might apply a pressure on the back, which might partially damage the back, particularly with blocks composed of a great number of sheet elements. These problems are at least partially obviated in machines in which the bound block is picked up manually. Nevertheless, these machines have a much lower throughput and require the constant presence of an operator.

Also, an additional drawback is that the operator might manually pick up the block at the same time as the clamping means come back to the starting work position.

This operating sequence involves apparent risks for the operator, due to possible impacts with moving parts of the machine.

Furthermore, since the clamping means must retain the bound block until the pick-up step is completed, they cannot be released for receiving a new block to be bound, which will affect the throughput of the machine. Disclosure of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks, by providing a binding machine for binding blocks of sheet elements that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.

A particular object is to provide a binding machine that allows accommodation of the bound block in a stable position, in which the back and the sheet elements are not exposed to impacts that might affect the integrity of the binding.

A particular object is to provide a binding machine that allows automatic positioning of the bound block in a stable and safe position, with no action by the operator.

A particular object is to provide a binding machine that allows the bound block to be picked up in high safety conditions. Another important object of the invention is to provide a binding machine that has a considerably increased throughput.

These and other objects, as better explained below, are fulfilled by a binding machine for binding blocks of sheet objects as defined in claim 1 , which comprises a supporting base defining a horizontal plane and a longitudinal direction and handling means for handling one block at a time with the back facing downward, said supporting means having a lateral abutment surface for a first side face of the block.

Furthermore, the machine comprises longitudinal guide means associated to said base for slidably guiding said handling means along said longitudinal direction between a first end position for engaging the block to be bound and a second end position for releasing the bound block and a distribution head for distributing an adhesive to the back of the sheet elements.

The machine is characterized in that said lateral abutment surface is inclined at a first angle of predetermined value with respect to said horizontal plane at least at said second end position to ensure that the bound block will keep a stable lying position on one of its side faces, before pick-up thereof by an operator and before return of the handling means toward said first end position.

With this particular configuration, the bound block will be prevented from overturning or opening, as it always lies and is held by gravity in a stable position, adapted for proper preservation of the binding, and is later picked up in totally safe conditions.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a binding machine for binding blocks of sheet elements of the invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a binding machine of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a detail of the machine of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the detail of Fig. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 2 in a first operating position;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the detail of Fig. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 2 in a second operating position;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the detail of Fig. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 2 in a third operating position;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the detail of Fig. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the detail of Fig. 2 in a fourth operating position.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Particularly referring to the accompanying figures, a binding machine for binding blocks B of sheet elements F, generally designated by numeral 1 , may be used for binding a block B of sheet elements F by application of a cover C.

Particularly, the block B may be composed of a plurality of paper sheets, either printed or blank, and the cover C may be also made of paper or the like, to form the binding of books, catalogues, and the like. Each block B has a binding back D and is delimited at its sides by two sheet elements defining substantially parallel side faces F _; F₂.

According to the invention, a binding machine 1 for binding blocks B of sheet elements F comprises a supporting base 2 defining a horizontal plane π and a longitudinal direction L.

Also, handling means 3 are provided for handling one block B at a time, which define a lateral abutment surface 4 for a first side face F of the block B.

Particularly, the handling means 3 are configured to support the block B with the back D facing downward and preferably lifted from the horizontal plane π. The handling means 3 are operatively connected to longitudinal guide means 5 associated with the base 2 and adapted to slidably guide the handling means 3 in a longitudinal direction L between two limit end positions.

Particularly, the handling means 3 are movable from a first end position at a loading workstation 6 in which the block B to be bound is loaded, and a second releasing end position 7 in which the bound block B is released.

Fig. 1 shows a machine 1 of the invention with two blocks B, B' placed therein, the first B of these blocks being accommodated at the first end position 6 and the second block B' being located in the second end position 7.

Nevertheless, this representation is provided by mere way of example and the machine 1 is preferably configured to accommodate one block B at a time.

The machine 1 also has a distribution head 8 for distributing an adhesive to the back D of the sheet elements F.

Preferably, the head 8 is located downstream from the loading workstation 6 and may be preceded by an edge trimming station 9.

The trimming station 9 may have any configuration as is typically provided in bookbinding machines 1 and comprise, for instance, a cutter, not shown, located below the horizontal plane π and designed to contact the back D of the block B to trim the lower edges of the sheet elements F.

A device 10 is finally provided downstream from the head 8 for applying a cover C to the back D of the block B.

The device 10 has a seat 1 1 for receiving the bound block B.

Advantageously, the seat 1 1 defines the second end position 7 for the handling means 3.

According to a peculiar feature of the invention, the lateral abutment surface 4 of the handling means 3 is inclined at a first angle a of predetermined value to the horizontal plane π at least at the second end position 7.

By this arrangement, as the bound block B' reaches the seat 1 1 , it will safely remain in a stable position therein, lying on one of its side faces F-i , F₂, ready to be picked up by an operator with no risk of overturning.

In the illustrated configuration, the lateral abutment surface 4 defined by the handling means 3 will be constantly inclined at the first angle a all along the path of the handling means 3 from the first 6 to the second 7 end positions.

In a variant embodiment, not shown, the lateral abutment surface 4 may be inclined a the seat 1 1 only and be substantially vertical in the path section upstream therefrom.

Preferably, but without limitation, the inclination angle a of the abutment surface 4 may range from 75° to 87°.

In a particular configuration, the handling means 3 may be configured to stably engage the blocks B to be bound at a portion 12 of the side faces to leave the back D substantially free. Particularly, the handling means 3 may be configured to be released from the bound block B only at the second end position 7 and prior to translation thereof towards the first end position 6.

Conveniently, the handling means 3 may include a pair of first clamping elements 13, 13', longitudinally sliding on the guide means 5.

The clamping elements 13, 13' are transversely spaced to define a housing 14 for the block B, whose transverse width is adjustable to fit the thickness of the block B placed from time to time on the machine 1 .

The clamping elements 13, 13' are configured to move relative to each other in a transverse direction between an open position for disengagement or release of the block B and a closed position for engagement of the block B. Preferably, each clamping element 13 may substantially have a plate shape, with an inner lateral surface 15 designed to contact one of the side faces F-i , F₂ of the block B.

In the configuration of the figures, the first clamping elements 13, 13' are constantly parallel to each other and inclined to the horizontal plane π.

Thus, the lateral inner surface 15 of one of the two first clamping elements 13, 13', i.e. the innermost side in the illustrated configuration, will define the lateral abutment surface 4 for the block B.

The first two elements 13, 13' are mutually restrained and one of them is designed to slide on the guide means 5. Conveniently, the latter may be of either mechanical or hydraulic type and may consist of low-friction coefficient elements.

For instance, as shown in the figures, the guide means 5 may include a longitudinal bar 16 extending from the first 6 to the second 7 end positions.

According to a further particularly advantageous aspect, the seat 1 1 for the bound block B may be configured to support the block B in an inclined position even after release thereof by the handling means 3 and with the latter back in the first end position 6.

Particularly, the seat 1 1 may include a first abutment surface 17 for supporting the bound block B at the back D.

The first abutment surface 17 is preferably inclined to the horizontal plane π with a second inclination angle β whose value is substantially complementary to that of the first angle a.

Furthermore, the seat 1 1 has a lateral shoulder 18 defining a second abutment surface 19 for the block B in an inclined position at one of its side faces F _; F₂.

Preferably, the first 17 and second 19 abutment surfaces are orthogonal to each other. Conveniently, as shown in the figures, the lateral shoulder 18 of the seat 1 1 may include a lower portion 20 integral with the base 2 and an upper portion 21 offset from the lower portion 18. Thus, the two portions 20, 21 of the shoulder 18 will delimit an intermediate space 22 for the guide bar 16 to extend therethrough, thereby allowing the handling means 3 to reach the seat 1 1 .

Furthermore, the upper portion 21 will allow accommodation of blocks B higher than the extension of the clamping elements 13, 13'.

The device 10 for application of the cover C may have holding means 23 designed to hold the block B in the abutment position, at least during translation of the handling means 3 from the second end position 7 to an intermediate position in which they are totally outside the seat 1 1 .

The holding means 23 may be thus designed to promote adhesion of the cover C to the back D in the processing step preceding engagement of the bound block B.

According to the preferred, non-limiting configuration as shown in the figures, the holding means 23 may include a pair of second substantially elongate clamping elements 24, 24'.

The second clamping elements 24, 24' are adapted to move relative to each other in a first substantially transverse direction T parallel to the first supporting plane π between an idle position for disengagement of the block B and an operating position for engagement and retention of the block B.

The second clamping elements 24, 24' have a substantially plate-like shape, inclined to the horizontal to be substantially parallel to the first abutment surface 4.

Furthermore, the clamping elements 24, 24' have mutually facing longitudinal edges 25, 25' which are designed to act upon the block B at respective edge portions 26, 26' of the side faces F-i , F₂ of the block B close to the back D and are longitudinally sized to act upon the entire longitudinal extent of the block B to be bound. Also, the application device 10 may have a pushing plate 27 which is designed to move in a second transverse direction T₂ orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L.

The plate 27 has a substantially plane upper surface 28 which is designed to support the cover C and to contact the back D, upon which the adhesive has been previously distributed, and to apply a sufficient pressure to promote adhesion of the cover C.

Advantageously, the plate 27 is also inclined and substantially parallel to the two second plate-like clamping elements 24, 24'.

Thus, the upper surface 28 of the pressure plate 27 will also define the first abutment surface 17 of the bound block B.

Suitably, the second clamping elements 24, 24' are located above the first abutment surface 17 to promote adhesion of the cover C also at the edges of the side faces 26, 26' close to the back D.

Thus, the head 8 must be designed to distribute the adhesive also along the edges 26, 26'.

Furthermore, to improve application of the cover C both to the edges 26, 26' of the side faces, the application device 10 may comprise synchronization means 29 of the second clamping elements 24, 24' with the plate 27. The synchronization means 29 are designed to move the second clamping elements 24, 24' to contact with the side faces F _; F₂ of the block B substantially at the same time as the contact of the plate 27 with the back D. Conveniently, the machine 1 may have control means, not shown, associated with sensors for detecting the block in the seat, also not shown. The control means may be designed to move the second clamping means 24, 24' from the operating position to the idle position, only when the handling means 3 are in the first end position 6 and the bound block B is removed from the seat 1 1 . For this purpose, the control means may comprise one or more position sensors, not shown, for detecting the position of the handling means 3 and their possible presence in the seat 1 1 .

The adhesive distribution head 8 may comprise a main frame 30 defining a passage 31 for the back D of the block B to move therethrough.

The passage 31 may be transversely delimited by two retaining slides 32, 32' and may include an adhesive delivery slot 33 substantially transverse to the passage 31 .

As is known per se, the slot 33 may be connected to adhesion distribution means, not shown, to distribute an adhesive, such as a hot-melt glue or the like, on the back D of the block B. The head 8 may be configured in any known manner, and shall not be described or illustrated in detail.

Advantageously, the slot 33 will be also inclined to the horizontal plane π at a third inclination angle γ, preferably substantially coinciding with the second inclination angle β to be orthogonal to the abutment surface 4.

The inclination of the slot 33 may be obtained by securing the whole head 8 to the base 2 in an inclined position.

Likewise, the trimming station 9 may also be of known type, and be inclined by accordingly securing it to the base 2 in an inclined position.

In operation, before receiving the block B to be bound, the handling means 3 will be open in the first end position 6 and the distribution head 8 will be in a non-delivery configuration. Manual or automatic insertion of the block B into the handling means 3 will allow the machine 1 to start the binding cycle, by closing the handling means 3 and thus engaging the block B to be bound.

Then, the handling means 3 will be translated in the longitudinal direction L on the guide means 5 through the trimming station 9 and the adhesive distribution head 8, to prepare the back D of the block to application of the cover C.

The translation of the handling means 3 will stop as soon as the latter reach the second operating position 7 within the seat 1 1 .

The next step will be application of the cover C, which has been previously applied to the plate 27 by manual or automatic means. If a machine 1 as described above is used, the block B will be inclined all along its path, with a side face Fi thereof lying on the lateral abutment surface 4 of the handling means 3.

As soon as the cover C is applied to the block B, the latter will be released in a bound state, and the handling means 3 will be removed from the seat 1 1 , and slide in an opposite direction from the second 7 to the first 6 end positions. At the same time, the holding means 23 will engage the block B at the back D, thereby holding it in a stable position as the handling means 3 are opened and translated towards the first end position 6.

As the handling means 3 are displaced from the housing seat 1 1 , the block B will gradually lie by one of its side faces F _; F₂ on the shoulder 18, thereby avoiding overturning or curves that might damage it. As soon as the handling means 3 are removed from the seat 1 1 , the bound block B will be still inclined, with its back D lying on the first abutment surface 17, and one of its side faces lying on the second abutment surface 19.

As the handling means 3 reach the first end position 6, the holding means 23 may be released, and the bound block B may be picked up from the seat 1 1 by manual or automatic means.

The above disclosure clearly shows that the binding machine for binding blocks of sheet elements fulfills the intended objects and particularly meets the requirement of binding a block of sheet elements and place it in a stable and safe position for pick-up.

The machine of the invention is susceptible of a number of changes and variants, within the inventive concept disclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention.

While the machine has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Claims

1 . A binding machine for binding blocks (B) of sheet elements (F), wherein each block (B) has a binding back (D) and a pair of substantially planar and parallel side faces (F-i , F₂), the machine comprising:

- a supporting base (2) defining an horizontal plane (π) and a longitudinal direction (L);

- handling means (3) of one block (B) at a time with the back (D) downwardly oriented, said handling means (3) having a lateral abutment surface (4) for a first side face (F-i , F₂) of the block (B);

- longitudinal guide means (5) associated to said base (2) for slidably guiding said handling means (3) along said longitudinal direction (L) between a first end position (6) for engaging the block (B) to be bound and a second end position (7) for releasing the bound block (B);

- a distribution head (8) for distributing an adhesive to the back (D) of the sheet elements (F);

characterized in that said lateral abutment surface (4) is inclined by a first inclination angle (a) of predetermined value with respect to said horizontal plane (π) at least in correspondence of said second end position (7) so as to stably bring the bound block (B) in an abutment position on one of its side faces (F-i , F₂) before the removal thereof by an operator and before the return of said handling means (3) toward said first end position (6).

2. Machine as claimed in claim 1 , characterized by comprising a device (10) for the application of a cover (C) on the back (D) of the block (B), said application device (10) having holding means (23) designed to hold the block (B) into said abutment position at least during the translation of said handling means (3) from said second end position (7).

3. Machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said application device (10) comprises a seat (1 1 ) with a first abutment surface (17) for the back (D) of a bound block (B) inclined with respect to said horizontal plane (π) by a second angle (β) substantially complementary to said first inclination angle (a).

4. Machine as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said seat (1 1 ) has a lateral shoulder (18) defining a second abutment surface (19) substantially orthogonal to said first abutment surface (17) for supporting the block (B) in an inclined position in correspondence of the first side face (F-i).

5. Machine as claimed in one or more preceding claims, characterized in that said handling means (3) comprise a pair of first clamping members (13, 13') slidably mounted on said guide means (5) and movable between an opened position for releasing the block (B) and a closed position for engaging the block (B).

6. Machine as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said holding means (23) comprise a pair of second clamping members (24, 24') extending longitudinally and reciprocally movable along a first substantially transverse direction (ΤΊ) parallel to said first supporting plane (17) between an inoperative position for releasing the block (B) and an operative position for clamping and holding the block (B).

7. Machine as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said second clamping members (24, 24') in said operative position are located above said first abutment surface (17) for acting on edge portions (26, 26') of the side faces (F_{1 ;} F₂) of the block (B).

8. Machine as claimed in any claims from 2 to 7, characterized in that said application device (10) comprises a pushing plate (27) movable along a second transverse direction (T₂) substantially orthogonal to said longitudinal direction (L).

9. Machine as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said pushing plate (27) has a substantially plane upper surface (28) designed to support a cover (C) and to bring it into contact with the back (D) of the block (B).

10. Machine as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said upper surface (28) of said pushing plate (27) comprises said first abutment surface (17).

1 1 . Machine as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said pushing plate (27) and said second clamping members (24, 24') are mutually synchronized to interact in a substantially simultaneous manner on the back (D) of the block (B) and to allow the adhesion of the cover (C) also on one edge portion (26, 26') of the side faces (F_{1 ;} F₂) of the block (B).

12. Machine as claimed in any claims from 6 to 1 1 , characterized by comprising control means provided with sensors for detecting the presence of the block (B) into said seat (1 1 ) and designed for moving said second clamping members (24, 24') from said operative position to said inoperative position only when said handling means (3) are into said first end position (6) and the bound block (B) is removed from said seat (1 1 ).

13. Machine as claimed in one or more preceding claims, characterized in that said distribution head (8) comprises a substantially transverse slot (33) for delivering the adhesive which is inclined with respect of said horizontal plane (π) with a predetermined third inclination angle (γ).