EP1816007B1 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing printing product - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for the production of printed products consisting of a printed product and an envelope printed products, with a processing device in which the printed products and the envelopes are each brought together on separate because of their connection in the back area. For this purpose, at least two envelopes for successively fed printed products are provided separately and supplied to the processing device, wherein the printed products are designed for recognition on the way into the processing device by a detectable identification feature.

By the EP 1 199 187 A1 a method of the type mentioned and a device for carrying out the method has become known. With this method or this device an individual book production is possible. The processing device is designed here as a turntable and has as processing stations, in particular a milling station, a glue station, a Umachlaganpressatation and a delivery station. The turntable are fed by means of a transport device, the book blocks in succession. Envelopes are fed at another station. The book blocks pass through the processing stations in succession, so that finally there is a complete printed product, in particular a book.

The US2004 / 0098665A1 relates to a bookbinding system with which, depending on the printed product produced, different envelopes are fed and bound to a printed product. For this purpose, both the printed products and the envelopes transported separately to the binding device are provided with identification information. This information is compared with each other and if it matches, ie if an envelope belonging to the printed product has been identified, the binding process is started.

By the EP0895872A1 There is known a bookbinding apparatus having a first computer defining printing information of a paper stack such as page number, paper type, sheet thickness, etc., and identification information for distinguishing the paper stack from other paper stacks. A first printing press prints the paper stack based on the printing information and also prints a print information in coded form, such as a bar code, on a cover sheet of the stack. This pressure information is read out and passed on to a bookbinding control. A second computer defines printing information of the paper used as the cover sheet, for example the nature and type of the paper, as well as identification information for distinguishing the cover sheet from other cover sheets. A second printing press prints the cover sheet and also prints a printed information in coded form. This printing information is read out and also forwarded to the bookbinding control. The bookbinding control generates a control signal for the corresponding setting of the bookbinding machine on the basis of the printing information. In this case, an adjustment of the printing information of the paper stack is performed with the printing information of the cover sheet and triggered in accordance with the binding process.

With the US6171044B1 a bookbinding apparatus for modular systems is known, with the likewise from a plurality of envelopes for the respective printed product matching envelope selected and fed to the binding device. For this purpose, at least one size parameter of the printed product is measured and a selection device selects an envelope associated with the measured size parameter.

The invention is based on the object to provide a method around a device of the type mentioned, which allow a higher production capacity. The production should be reliable and flexible.

The object is achieved in a generic method in that the identification feature is formed as a control code containing an information, by means of which the processing device is in each case supplied to the envelope associated with a printed product.

The printed products are produced with a digital printing machine. With such a machine, for example, book blocks can be produced sequentially. There are also small editions, for example. From 100 pieces, possible. It is also successively different printed products, for example. Different books in different and relatively small numbers, produced. A disadvantage of this method, or this arrangement that when switching from one print product to another, the working device must be stopped.

With the method according to the invention, different printed products can be produced in one uninterrupted stream. In a product change this is detected by the detection station and accordingly another envelope of the processing device is supplied. Two or more such envelopes are provided so that they can be produced without interruption. The envelopes can be stacked on top of each other and can be vacuumed away. The feeding of the envelopes can also be done with a drum feeder.

The printed products, for example book blocks or folded sheets, are pre-produced and fed from a warehouse to the processing apparatus.

This can be done for example with driven belts, which have drivers. The envelopes are preferably fed one after the other individually.

For recognizing the printed products, these are provided with identification marks, for example a barcode, a transponder or another suitable device. The printed products can be measured for identification with a suitable sensor. For example, the outside dimensions can be measured. However, an identification is also possible for example via a suitable image recognition. Suitable cameras and programs are known in the art.

For detection or for identification according to a development of the invention, the supplied printed products in the delayed first input station. In principle, the detection or identification of the printed products can take place in front of the input station.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that a detection device is arranged on the feed path of the printed products in the processing device, with the printed products are detected by a control code, and that a control device is arranged, which is connected to the recognition station and the second input station.

The processing device advantageously has a turntable on which the printed products pass through the intended processing stations. In one of these stations an envelope is connected to a bow or a book block on the back. Between the first input station and the second input station one or more processing stations can be interposed. Instead of a turntable but also another arrangement, for example, a linear arrangement is possible.

The processing stations can also be arranged one above the other.

Further advantageous features emerge from the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine räumliche Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Anordnung;

Fig. 2

schematisch eine Seitenansicht der Anordnung gemäss Fig.1;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung gemäss Fig. 1. 1.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematically a spatial view of an inventive arrangement;

Fig. 2

schematically a side view of the arrangement according to Fig.1 ;

Fig. 3

a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1. 1 ,

The arrangement 1 has a processing device 4, which are supplied with a first input station 5 successively printed products 2, such as signatures or book blocks 2. The transport of the printed products 2 can take place with a transport device, not shown here, for example with a belt transport device. The printed products 2 are preferably produced sequentially in a digital printing machine not shown here. With a second input station 6 of the processing device 4 envelopes 3 are supplied. The supply takes place with a transport device 10, for example, suitable conveyor belts with drivers. With this transport device, the envelopes 3 individually and clocked the processing device 4 are supplied.

The processing device 4 comprises, for example, a turntable, as in the above EP 1 199 187 A is disclosed. In the Fig. 3 is shown with the arrow 20, the direction of rotation of the table. The printed products 2 supplied to the processing device 4 are here milled in a first station at one edge by means of milling cutters 17, then glued in a further station 18 on the back and provided with an envelope 3 in a transfer printing station 16. After all the printed products 11 are discharged at a discharge station 7 and provided for shipping. Also possible is a further discharge station, not shown here, with which unused or faulty envelopes 3 can be removed prior to attachment to a book block spine. Such discharge stations are known to the person skilled in the art. It may also be provided a discharge station for defective printed products.

The first input station 5 is provided with a recognition device 19. With this, the printed products 2 to be inserted are identified, so that different printed products 2 can be distinguished or identified. In the Fig. 1 For example, the printed products 2 are different from the printed products 2 '. A distinction is possible, for example, with a suitable sensor in that the dimensions, for example the length, width or thickness of the printed products 2 and 2 'are measured. However, the printed products 2 and 2 'can also be provided, for example, with a barcode or transponder, not shown here, which can be identified in a manner known per se by reading the barcode. The identification is preferably carried out continuously, ie each printed product 2 and 2 'is identified.

In principle, however, it is also possible to identify only periodically, for example every second or every third printed product 2 and 2 '.

The printed product 2 requires a different envelope than the printed product 2 '. In order for the proposed envelope is used, a control device 12 is provided, which via a Signal line 13 is connected to the first input station and a signal line 14 to the second input station. This second input station 6 has a stack 8 with a plurality of storage locations 9, in which different envelopes 3 are provided. For example, envelopes 3 are provided in an upper storage location and envelopes 3 'are provided in a lower storage location. The envelopes 3 are provided, for example, for the printed products 2 and the envelopes 3 'for the printed products 2'. The filing points 9 can also be different investors, such as drum feeders. The envelopes 3 and 3 'are preferably printed in a digital printing press, not shown here, and fed to the depository 9.

Based on the data of the recognition device 19, the stack 8 is now controlled so that in each case the associated envelope 3 or 3 'withdrawn and fed via the transport device 10 of the processing device 4. If, for example, the recognition device 19 recognizes printed product 2 ', the control device 12 sends via the signal line 14 to the stack 8 a corresponding signal which causes the envelope 13' to be withdrawn. The removal can be done, for example, with vacuum cups or grippers, not shown here or the like.

The envelope 3 'is then fed clocked to the processing device 4, so that the envelope 3' arrives at the envelope pressing station 16 simultaneously with the corresponding printed product 2 '. In this station, the envelope 3 'is connected to the printed product 2', for example by gluing. In principle, however, other compounds, for example Wire resp. Staple stapling or the like possible. If the supply of a printed product 2 takes place in the first input station 5, this is recognized by the recognition device 19, and accordingly not an envelope 3 'but an envelope 3 is withdrawn and fed individually to the processing device 4. The production flow thus does not have to be interrupted when changing from one product to another. The performance of the digital press can thus be followed without restriction.

The feeding of the envelopes 3 or 3 'takes place via an ascending ramp 15 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) so that the envelopes 3 or 3 'immediately according to Fig. 3 the Umschlagpressstation 16 are supplied. In principle, however, another supply, for example from below or from above possible. Also possible is an arrangement which has a plurality of first input stations 5 and / or a plurality of second input stations 6. The first input station 5 and the second input station 6 are automatically fed by suitable means. In principle, however, a manual feed is also conceivable.

Of course, individual printed products 2, 2 'and / or individual envelopes 3, 3' can be delayed, accelerated or discharged to ensure correct assignment on the feed path to the processing device 4.

Claims (15)

1. Method for producing print products (11) consisting of a print material (2, 2') and a cover, using a processing device (4) in which the print materials (2, 2') and the covers (3, 3') are each brought together by separate routes for binding thereof in the spine region, wherein at least two covers (3, 3') are separately held ready for successively fed-in print materials (2, 2') and are fed to the processing device (4) and wherein the print materials (2, 2') are configured with a detectable identification feature for recognition thereof on the route into the processing device (4), characterised in that the identification feature is configured as a control code containing information, on the basis of which the respective cover (3, 3') associated with one print material (2, 2') is fed to the processing device (4).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that covers (3, 3') having different dimensions and properties are held ready.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the print materials (2, 2') are printed sequentially by a digital printing machine.
4. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the covers (3, 3') are stored at at least two storage sites (9), are conducted away therefrom and are fed individually to the processing device (4).
5. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that in the processing device (4), the covers (3, 3') are each firmly bound to an assembled print material (2, 2').
6. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the covers (3, 3') are each bound by adhesive binding to a print material (2, 2').
7. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that, on the feeding route to the processing device (4), the print materials (2, 2') or the covers (3, 3') are delayed, accelerated or are ejected from the processing procedure.
8. Device for carrying out the method according to one of the claims 1 to 7, comprising a processing device (4) in which a cover (3, 3') is fastened to the spine of a respective print material (2, 2'), and a first input station (5) by means of which the print materials (2, 2') can be fed to the processing device (4), and a second input station (6) by means of which the covers (3, 3') of the processing device (4) can be fed in, characterised in that an identification device (19) with which the print materials (2, 2') can be detected on the basis of the control code is arranged on the feeding route of the print materials (2, 2') into the processing device (4) and in that a control device (12) is provided, said control device being connected to the identification device (19) and the second input station (6).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the second input station (6) is configured to supply covers (3, 3') having different dimensions and/or properties.
10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that at least two storage sites (9) for the covers (3, 3') are associated with the second input station (6) for receiving covers (3, 3').
11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the storage sites (9) are connected to a digital printing machine for supplying covers (3, 3').
12. Device according to one of the claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the processing device (4) is configured as an adhesive binder with a rotary table driven about a vertical axis for receiving the print materials (2, 2') which are fed by the first input station (5) and guided past stationary processing stations.
13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that a processing station for binding print materials (2, 2') and a cover (3, 3') is connected in a conveying manner to the second input station (6).
14. Device according to claims 12 or 13, characterised in that the input stations (5, 6) and the rotary table are synchronously and drivingly connected.
15. Device according to one of the claims 8 to 14, characterised in that an ejecting device is arranged at the feeding route of the print materials (2, 2') from the identification device (19) to the processing device (4).

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