Sewing the book block with hooks without blind needle

Abstract

A scheme for sewing book blocks (155) is presented. A corresponding method comprises, for each book block (155 f ), forming one or more stitches (230, 235) with corresponding sewing threads (205) that terminate in corresponding free loops (305) on a last signature (115 f ) of the book block (155 N ). The sewing threads (205) are aligned with the corresponding free loops (305) so that a line of travel along the signatures (115) passes through the free loops (305). The sewing threads (205) are moved away from the free loops (305) by corresponding hooks (255) during which the sewing threads (205) slide relative to the hooks (255) so that each free loop (305) is pulled tight around the sewing thread (205). The sewing threads (205) are then cut. A corresponding bookbinding sewing machine (100) and bookbinding apparatus are also presented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of bookbinding. More specifically, this disclosure relates to blind stitching of book blocks. Background Technology

[0002] The background of this disclosure is introduced by discussing techniques relevant to its context. However, even when the discussion involves documents, actions, artifacts, etc., it does not imply or represent that the techniques discussed are part of the prior art or common general knowledge in the field related to this disclosure.

[0003] Typically, bookplates are sewn into the book block (in a binding sewing machine) to obtain the book block used to produce the corresponding book (stitched type). For this purpose, stitches are formed between multiple bookplates in each book block using one or more fine needles and hooks, with corresponding (sewing) thread. Specifically, the stitches consist of rows of straight stitches (formed by fine needles) and rows of circular stitches (formed by hooks), connected to each other. Once the last bookplate of the book block is sewn, the newly formed loop is released from the hook, and the sewing thread is cut, thus separating the book block. Therefore, in each book block, the stitches terminate at the free end of the (cut) sewing thread, with a corresponding free end on the first bookplate (at the beginning of the straight stitch) and a corresponding free loop on the last bookplate (where the circular stitch terminates).

[0004] However, the free loop may return to the last book block. When this happens, the corresponding stitch (whose strength is primarily provided by the loop needle) is loosened, thus compromising the compactness and integrity of the book block in the next processing step (the corresponding book block easily slides upwards relative to the rest of the book block, thus separating from it). Therefore, blind stitching without book blocks is usually performed only after the last book block has been sewn. In this way, each thread (before being cut) is inserted into the corresponding free loop, and the free loop around the thread is pulled taut to prevent it from returning to the last book block. However, blind stitching reduces the performance of the sewing machine because it requires an idle period at the end of each book block (i.e., an idle period during which no book blocks are sewn). This is particularly evident in the production of small books (e.g., children's books), where each book block is formed by a reduced number of book blocks, because the ratio between the idle period and the running period (where book blocks are sewn during the running period) is very high (e.g., the ratio of book blocks formed by 4 to 3 book blocks is 25% and 33%, respectively).

[0005] Over time, several techniques have been developed to avoid blind stitches in sewing.

[0006] For example, for this purpose, glue can be applied between the last two bookplates (on their scrap portions) of each book block, or glue-soaked thread can be used. However, using glue can soil the various parts of the sewing machine and may prevent the book from being fully opened. Alternatively, each free loop can be anchored to the rest of the book block or stitch by melting the corresponding thread to weld it to the book block. However, this requires the use of special (high in synthetic fibers) thread, which negatively impacts the operating costs of the sewing machine (and the books produced by it). The thread can also be prevented from returning to the last bookplate by using lateral widening of each sewing thread outside the last bookplate (e.g., by forming knots or using pre-knotted thread).

[0007] Conversely, patent application EP-A-1477322 proposes opening a movable saddle (for supplying bookplates that need to be continuously sewn) to receive the first bookplate of the next book block while tightening the free loop around the sewing thread; to do this, for each sewing thread, the hook rotates the free loop 90°, assists the hook in hooking the sewing thread near the fine needle, and pulls the sewing thread into the (rotating) free loop, and then cuts the sewing thread.

[0008] Patent application WO-A-2018 / 015916 discloses a different technique based on the use of a corresponding clamping device or thread clamp (capable of clamping and blocking the sewing thread). For this purpose, for each sewing thread, a shuttle (along the travel line of the bookplate during sewing) brings the thread to a middle position aligned with the corresponding free loop. The thread clamp pulls the thread through the free loop from the middle position. The thread clamp is activated to block the sewing thread and then cuts it. At this point, the thread clamp pulls the (cut) sewing thread in a direction transverse to the travel line, thereby tightening the free loop around the sewing thread. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to provide a basic understanding of this disclosure, a brief overview of this disclosure is provided herein; however, the sole purpose of this overview is to introduce some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description of this disclosure below, and it should not be construed as an identification of its key elements or as a description of its scope.

[0010] Generally speaking, this disclosure is based on the concept of using hooks.

[0011] Specifically, one aspect provides a method for sewing book blocks. The method includes, for each book block, forming one or more stitches using a corresponding sewing thread that terminates in a corresponding free loop located on the last label of the book block. The sewing thread is aligned with the corresponding free loop, thus passing through the free loop along the label's travel line. The sewing thread is removed from the free loop via a corresponding hook, during which the sewing thread slides relative to the hook, thereby tightening each free loop around the sewing thread. The sewing thread is then cut.

[0012] On the other hand, a corresponding binding sewing machine was provided.

[0013] On the other hand, a binding device is provided, which includes one or more such binding sewing machines.

[0014] More specifically, one or more aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the independent claims, and their advantageous features are set forth in the dependent claims, wherein the contents of all claims (with reference to any advantageous feature provided by any particular aspect, and with necessary modifications, applicable to each of the other aspects) are incorporated herein by reference.

[0015] Brief description of the attached figures

[0016] The embodiments of this disclosure and their further features and advantages are best understood in conjunction with the detailed description below, which is provided purely by non-limiting indication and will be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (whereby, for simplicity, corresponding elements are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, and the interpretations of these elements are not repeated, and the name of each entity is generally used to indicate its type and attributes, such as value, content, and representation). In this regard, it is explicitly intended that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale (with some details that may be exaggerated and / or simplified), and unless otherwise stated, they are used only to conceptually illustrate the structures and processes described herein. Specifically:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a binding sewing machine is shown, in which a scheme according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0018] Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a binding sewing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figures 3A to 3F The main steps for completing a book block without blind pins according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figure 1A schematic diagram of a (binding) sewing machine 100 is shown, in which a scheme according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0021] Sewing machine 100 is used to sew bookplates together to form book blocks for producing books of the corresponding stitch type in binding equipment (not shown); for example, each bookplate is formed from a printed sheet of paper, which is folded once or multiple times to define different book pages.

[0022] The sewing machine 100 includes a support frame 105 for its components, which is provided with a trolley for covering the components. Specifically, a hopper 110 is used to load a stack of book patches to be sewn, the book patches being indicated by reference numeral 115 (the book patches are ordered according to the book block to be formed). An extraction device 120 continuously extracts the book patches 115 from the bottom of the hopper 110 and provides them to an opening device 125; the opening device 125 sequentially opens each book patch 115 and straddles it onto a fixed saddle 130. The fixed saddle 130 conveys the book patches 115 to a sewing station 135. Specifically, the book patches 115 pass through a forming station 140 and then reach a launching wheel 145, which accelerates each book patch 115 to separate it from the previous book patch and individually throws it onto a movable saddle 150 of the sewing station 135 (in an open position aligned with the fixed saddle 130). Once the bookplate 115 has been straddled on the movable saddle 150, the movable saddle is raised to a closed position below the sewing head (not shown); the sewing head sews the bookplate 115 loaded on the movable saddle 150 with a continuous (sewing) thread. If the bookplate 115 is the first bookplate, a new book block is started; otherwise, the bookplate 115 is added to the book block being formed. Then, the movable saddle 150 returns to the open position (by sliding out the just-sewn bookplate 115) to continuously repeat the same operation. After each book block is completed, the sewing thread is cut to separate it from the book block. The resulting book blocks, indicated by reference numeral 155, are sequentially placed on the output conveyor belt 160 (to be supplied to another binding machine, not shown, for completing the corresponding books). The motor 165 drives the various (mechanical) components of the sewing machine 100 through a corresponding transmission system (not visible in the figure). The operation of the entire sewing machine 100 is managed by the control system 170 (e.g., based on an industrial computer).

[0023] Now for reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a sewing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Specifically, the sewing station 135 includes the following components. Reference numeral 205 indicates the sewing thread used to sew the book covers 115 of the book block 155, which is continuously supplied by corresponding spools 210 (e.g., 8-15). Each spool 210 includes a tapered roll on which the corresponding sewing thread 205 is wound, allowing the sewing thread 205 to be freely unwound from the tapered roll in a conventional manner. A device or thread lock 215 for locking the sewing thread selectively locks the unwinding of the sewing thread 205 from the spool 210. One or more needles 220 and one or more hooks 225 alternate with each other. Each needle 220 is formed by a bar with a tip at the end for inserting an eyelet of the corresponding sewing thread 205 supplied by the spool 210. Each hook 225 is formed from a similar bar with an upward-facing hook at its end for hooking the sewing thread 205 provided by the needle 220. Specifically, in conventional sewing techniques, each needle 220 always provides its sewing thread 205 to the corresponding adjacent hook 225 (e.g., from the head to the foot of the book block 105, towards the right side in the figure), while in staggered sewing techniques, each needle 220 alternately provides its sewing thread 205 to the preceding hook 225 and the following hook 225 (to the left and right in the figure, respectively), except for the first and last needles 220, which alternately skip this operation due to the absence of the preceding and following hooks, respectively. The needles 220 cooperate with the hooks 225 to pass the sewing thread 205 through each book block 115 mounted on a movable saddle (not shown in the figure), thereby forming one or more bridging stitches between the book blocks 115 of each book block 155. The stitch includes one or more plain stitches 230 formed by these needles 220 and one or more circular stitches 235 formed by these hooks 225; specifically, in ordinary sewing techniques, the plain stitches 230 formed by these needles 220 are connected to the circular stitches 235 formed by the corresponding hooks 225, while in staggered sewing techniques, the plain stitches 230 formed by these needles 220 are alternately connected to the circular stitches 235 formed by two adjacent hooks (if present). The needles 220 and hooks 225 are mounted on a support rod (not shown) positioned above a movable saddle in the closed position, which enables the up / down translation of the needles 220 and hooks 225 and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the hooks 225. A corresponding cutter 240 is connected to the needles 220 for cutting the sewing thread 205 of the needles 200. For example, each cutter 240 is an active cutter with a telescopic structure (having an internal rod that slides relative to the outer bushing). Each cutter 240 is positioned between a fine needle 220 and a corresponding hook 225 for sewing the last book block 115 of each book block 155 (e.g., toward the bottom of book block 105, to the right in the figure).The cutter 240 is mounted on a support rod (not shown) that enables its drive mechanism.

[0025] Sewing station 235 continues sewing the bookplates 115 as usual during the corresponding sewing cycle (each sewing cycle is defined by the operating cycle of the sewing machine, provided by the full rotation of the motor's drive shaft). In short, once each bookplate 115 (loaded on the movable saddle) is sewn onto the previous bookplate 115 of the corresponding book block 155, the needles 220 and hooks 225 rise above it. Each sewing thread 105 extends from spool 210 to the previously formed stitches 230, 235, passing through the corresponding needle 220 and other components of sewing station 135, not shown, such as the corresponding sewing head, whose free loops are held by the adjacent hooks 225. The movable saddle is opened to load the next bookplate 115 to be sewn, with the just-sewn bookplate 115 sliding out from the movable saddle. The movable saddle is then closed to bring the (next) bookplate 115 below the needle 220 and hook 225, all bookplates 115 having been sewn together and traveling along the line and direction of travel to the outside of the sewing machine during the sewing process (as indicated by the corresponding arrows in the figure). The needle 220 and hook 225 (with the hook of the hook 225 facing in the opposite direction of travel to the bookplate 115) are lowered so as to enter the bookplate 115 to be sewn (through the corresponding holes formed by the perforator provided in the movable saddle, not visible in the figure). Thus, each thread 205 is untied from the spool 210 (disabling the thread lock 215) and pushed into the bookplate 115 through the needle 205, while maintaining each loop on the hook 225 wrapped around the outside of the bookplate 115. Each sewing thread 205 within the booklet 115 is taken from the needle 220 to the corresponding hook 225 (a hook that holds a loop formed by the same sewing thread 205 in normal sewing techniques, or holds a loop formed by another sewing thread using another adjacent hook (if present) in cross-stitch techniques), so that the sewing thread is further unwound from the spool 210, for example, by the corresponding shuttle (not visible in the figure). Raise the fine needle 220 and hook 225 so that they leave the bookplate 115, then activate the thread lock 210 to prevent the sewing thread 205 from unwinding further from the spool 210; in this stage, each hook 225 hooks the sewing thread 205 brought onto it and pulls the sewing thread 205 out of the bookplate 115, thus forming a new loop connected to the previous loop released by the hook 205 (simultaneously pulling the sewing thread 205, tightening the previous loop around the new loop to close the corresponding loop needle 235). Repeat the same operation until a corresponding book block 155 is formed, with all its bookplates 115 sewn together. At this point, in the sewing cycle of the first bookplate 115 of the next book block 155, lower the hook 225 so that the hook 225 enters the book block with its hook facing the same direction as the direction of travel of the bookplate 115, thus releasing the corresponding loop.Subsequently, the cutter 240 is activated to cut the sewing threads 205, thereby separating the book block 155 from these sewing threads 205 (and thus from any next book block 155).

[0026] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, bookplates 115 are seamlessly sewn between book blocks 155 (i.e., all sewing cycles correspond to the processing of a batch of bookplates 115, each bookplate 115 involves sewing, and no blind stitches are formed at the end of the book block). For this purpose, the sewing station 135 further includes the following components.

[0027] A corresponding (auxiliary) shuttle 245 is connected to a fine needle 220; each shuttle 245 is used to bring sewing thread 205 (located outside the movable saddle) from the fine needle 220 to a corresponding hook 225, which holds a free loop formed by the same sewing thread 205 on the last tab 115 of each book block 155 (e.g., towards the bottom of tab 115, to the right in the figure). The shuttle 245 is mounted on a support rod 250, which is positioned above the movable saddle in the closed position (slightly below the fine needle 220 and hook 225) such that, in the stationary state, each shuttle 245 is located next to its fine needle 220 (transverse to the travel line of tab 115) on the opposite side of the corresponding hook 225 (on the left in the example discussed); the support rod 250 enables the shuttle 245 to translate horizontally and obliquely (in a straight line) relative to the travel line of tab 115. The corresponding hook 255 is connected to the crochet hook 225; each hook 255 is used to hook and pull (without obstructing) the corresponding sewing thread 205 through the free loop held by the crochet hook 225. The hook 255 has a body 260, which has a tapered shape (e.g., generally conical). Specifically, the body 260 widens in the direction of travel of the booklet 115, then narrows in the opposite direction and terminates at a tip (in front of the figure); a stop 265 is provided at the tip of the body 260 facing the direction of travel of the booklet 115. Hooks 255 are mounted on a support rod 270, which is positioned above (slightly below) the movable saddle in the closed position, such that, in the stationary state, each hook 255 is slightly downstream of the corresponding hook 225 along the travel direction of the bookplate 115 (in the rear of the figure), and laterally displaced on the opposite side of the corresponding needle 220 (in the example discussed, the right side); the support rod 270 serves as a mechanism for horizontal, parallel, and transverse translation with respect to the travel line of the bookplate 115. One or more blowers 275 are used to blow sewing thread 205 wound on the hooks 255 along the travel direction of the bookplate 115. The blowers 275 are implemented, for example, by corresponding nozzles connected to the hooks 255, which are connected to a common compressor for supplying the airflow jet; the nozzles are positioned upstream of the hooks 255 in the stationary position, along the travel direction of the bookplate 115 (in the front of the figure), near the hooks 255.

[0028] refer to Figures 3A to 3F This illustrates the main steps for completing a book block without blind pins according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] from Figure 3A The illustration begins by showing a situation in which, as indicated by reference numeral 155,... f The (current) book block used for differentiation is just marked with figure 115. NThe final bookplate is sewn together to form the distinction (in the example discussed, this bookplate is the third bookplate). In this case, the sewing ends at the (final) bookplate 115. N One or more free loops 305 on the book; specifically, each free loop 305 is held in place on the book patch 115 by a corresponding crochet hook 225. N Externally, sewing thread 205 re-enters the book patch 115. N The thread leaves the corresponding fine needle 220 (on the left in the example discussed) and passes through the needle eye until it reaches the corresponding spool 210. At this point, the support rod 270 translates the hook 255 from its rest position in a direction transverse to the travel line of the bookplate 115 to the corresponding hook 225 (to the left in the figure). In this way, each hook 255 is moved to the operating position, aligned with the hook 225 downstream of the hook 255 along the travel direction of the bookplate 115 (towards the rear in the figure). Thus, the sewing thread 205 (described below) previously wrapped around the bookplate 155 is unwound. The blower 275 is then activated to blow these sewing threads 205 toward the widest part of the body 260 of the hook 255, thereby keeping these sewing threads 205 taut on the body 260. This prevents the sewing thread 205 from being lost from the hook 255, especially in the case of a book block 155 formed by a small number of book blocks 115, wherein the sewing thread 205 (pulled along the direction of travel of the book blocks 115 during the formation of the book block 155 and thus toward the widest part of the body 260) is positioned relatively close to the free end of the body 260.

[0030] Go to Figure 3B The support rod 250 causes the shuttles 245 to translate linearly from their rest position in a direction inclined to the travel line of the bookplate 115, outside the corresponding hook 225 (to the right in the figure), for example, moving the shuttles 245 1-3 mm upstream of the bookplate 115 (at the front of the figure) in the travel direction. In this way, each shuttle 245 is positioned on the bookplate 115. N The corresponding sewing thread 205 is hooked between the needle 220 and the fine needle 220; then, the shuttle 245 pulls the sewing thread 205, pulling it out from the spool 210 (disabling the thread lock 215), so that the sewing thread 205 upstream (in front of the drawing) is brought along the travel direction of the bookplate 115 to the hook position aligned with the free loop 305, for example, at a distance of 1-3 mm; during the movement of the shuttle 245, the sewing thread 205 slides relative to the shuttle 245, thereby placing it on the bookplate 115. NThe lower part between the bobbin 245 and the upper part between the bobbin 245 and the needle 220 are tightened. The displacement of the sewing thread 205 from the needle 220 to the hook position extends in a straight line in a direction forming an angle greater than 90° (e.g., 95° to 125°, preferably 100° to 120°, more preferably 105° to 115°, e.g., 110°) with respect to the travel direction of the bookplate 115; for example, this result can be achieved by moving the bobbin 425 along an S-shaped path (i.e., perpendicular to the travel line, moving along the travel line in a direction opposite to the travel direction, and then again perpendicular to the travel line of the bookplate 115).

[0031] Go to Figure 3C The support rod 270 translates the hooks 255 in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the booklet 115. In this way, each hook 255 is driven through the free ring 305 to hook the sewing thread 205 (previously brought to another part of the free ring 305 by the shuttle 245, in front of it in the figure). Specifically, the hook 255 slides into the free ring 305 (facilitated by the tip of its body 260). When the hook 255 reaches the upper part of the sewing thread 205 (taut between the shuttle 245 and the needle 220), its chuck 265 raises the sewing thread 205 above it; once the chuck 265 has passed the sewing thread 205, the chuck 265 disengages from the sewing thread and elastically returns to its previous position by resting on the body 260 behind the chuck 265 (the hook 255 will still advance slightly, for example, 1-3 mm, to ensure this result is achieved under all operating conditions).

[0032] Go to Figure 3DThe support rod 270 translates the hooks 255 in the direction of travel of the bookplate 115. Simultaneously, once the hooks 255 have left their passage, the support rod 250 translates the shuttle 245 in the opposite direction to bring it back to its resting position (on the left in the figure), thus releasing the corresponding sewing thread 205 with each shuttle 245. In this way, each hook 255 is pulled out from the free ring 305 (behind it in the figure), for example, by moving the hook 255 1-3 mm. Therefore, the hook 265 of the hook 255 pulls the sewing thread 205 (pulling the sewing thread 205 from the spool 210 if the thread lock 215 fails), causing the sewing thread 205 to pass through the free ring 305. The double movement of the sewing thread 205 (first obliquely, then along the direction of travel of the bookplate 115) allows the sewing thread 205 to be inserted into the free ring 305, holding the sewing thread 205 in its normal position. At this point, for example, just before the hook 255 disengages from the free ring 305, the thread lock 215 is activated (to prevent the sewing thread 205 from unwinding further from the spool 210). Furthermore, the cutter 240 is configured to receive the sewing thread 205 to be cut later. For example, in the case discussed, an inner rod is pulled out from the outer sleeve of each cutter 240 and slid in the opposite direction to the travel direction of the booklet 115.

[0033] Go to Figure 3E The above-described operations (i.e., opening and closing) are performed while the movable saddle (not shown) moves, bringing the first book block, distinguished by reference numeral 1151, below the needle 220 and hook 225. Then, as described above, the formation of the next book block begins. Specifically, the needle 220 and hook 225 are lowered so that they enter the (first) book block 1151, thereby releasing the book block 115... NThe protruding free loop 305; therefore, each sewing thread 205 is pulled out from the spool 210 (in the event of a failure of the thread lock 215), while the sewing thread 205 rests on the (pulled out) inner rod of the cutter 240. At this point, the support rod 270 causes the hook 255 to translate laterally to the travel line of the booklet 115. In this way, each hook 255 pulls the sewing thread 205 (from the connected position to the closed position, the same as the stationary position in the example discussed) away from the free loop 305 (in this case, pulling the sewing thread 205 to the opposite side of the corresponding needle 220 for ease of operation); during the movement of the hook 255, the sewing thread 205 slides relative to the hook 255 (especially relative to the body 260 of the hook 255 near the stop 265). The above operation occurs when the thread lock 215 fails, therefore, the sewing thread 205 can be unwound from the spool 210. Therefore, the portions of the sewing thread 205 located upstream and downstream of the hook 255 (along the feed direction of the sewing thread 205 from the spool 210) provide corresponding resistance to the pulling of the sewing thread 205 (upstream resistance and downstream resistance, respectively). Specifically, for example, the upstream resistance (provided by the friction of the sewing thread 205 passing through the member between the spool 210 and the needle 220, and the friction of passing through the book patch 1151) is higher than the downstream resistance (provided by the friction of the sewing thread 205 passing through the book patch 1151). NThe friction generated provides the force, where the upstream resistance is 5 to 10 times that of the downstream resistance. Therefore, the hook 255 essentially only pulls the downstream portion of the sewing thread 205, thereby tightening the free loops around the thread 205 it passes through (avoiding the possibility of tearing the upstream portion of the thread 205 by sliding the thread 205 relative to the hook 255). The stroke of the hook 255 from the connected position to the closed position is set to ensure the closure of all free loops 305, while taking into account possible tolerances in the dimensions of these free loops 305, i.e., sufficient to close the largest possible free loop 305 (e.g., its distance is approximately equal to the distance between each pair of adjacent needles 220 and hook 225). Therefore, if some free loops 305 are smaller, each of these free loops 305 is closed before the corresponding hook 255 reaches the end of its stroke (in the middle position near the closed position). In this configuration, during the next (short) further movement of the hook 255 from the intermediate position to the closed position, the hook 255 now pulls a portion of the sewing thread 205 upstream, unwinding the thread 205 from the spool 210 (the sliding of the thread 205 relative to the hook 255 prevents the (taut) portion of the thread 205 downstream of the hook 255 from tearing). For example, the hook 255 reaches the end of its stroke just before the needle 220 and the hook 225 reach their (deepest) dead point in the book patch 1151; this provides a good trade-off between the relatively high upstream resistance required for the thread 205 (for closing the free loop 305 with less force) and the limited upstream resistance (for preventing tearing of the thread 205 after the free loop 305 has closed).

[0034] Go to Figure 3F As described above, the next book block is formed. Then the cutter 240 is run to cut the sewing thread 205, thereby separating the (previously formed) book block 155. fSeparated from the (forming) next book block. For example, in the case discussed, the inner rod of each cutter 240 retracts into its outer bushing and slides in the direction of travel of the book block 115, thereby cutting the sewing thread 205 remaining on the book block 115. This operation is performed after multiple book blocks 115 of the next book block are sewn together, which are sufficient to ensure the tightness of their stitches. For example, in the case of sewing using a conventional sewing technique, the sewing thread 205 is cut after sewing the second book block (distinguished by reference numeral 1152) and before sewing any next book block (not shown in the figure), which is the third book block of the same next book block or the first book block of another next book block; conversely, in the case of sewing using an interlaced sewing technique, the sewing thread 205 is cut after sewing the third book block of the next book block and before sewing any next book block (not shown in the figure), which is the fourth book block of the same next book block or the first book block of another next book block. The cutter 240 is positioned at a distance from the corresponding needle 220 to obtain an optimal length of the free end of the sewing thread 205 protruding from the book patch 1151 after cutting the sewing thread (at the beginning of the straight stitch). For example, each cutter 240 is positioned to cut the sewing thread 205 at the (cutting) position, thereby obtaining a free end of the (cut) sewing thread 205 protruding from the book patch 1151 with a length of 8-12 mm, preferably 9-11 mm, for example, 10 mm (this free end can be obtained by cutting the sewing thread 205 at a distance of 12-16 mm, preferably 13-15 mm, for example 12-14 mm, from the book patch 1151 (i.e., at the beginning of the corresponding straight stitch). N The other free ends of the protruding (cut) sewing thread 205 enter the free loop 305 respectively, forming loops wrapped around the hook 255, and return to the free loop 305 (the free loop 305 closes around the sewing thread 205). Book block 155 f As the next book block is formed, the book block 115 continues to move in its direction of travel. Therefore, each thread 205 wrapped around the hook 255 is pulled towards the widest part of the body 260. The loop at the free end of the thread 205 (wrapped around the hook 255) is widened by pulling the free end towards the free loop 305 until the free end completely slips out, significantly reducing the risk that the loop at the free end of the thread 205 might slip out of the free loop 305, and further improving the grip of the free loop 305 closed on the remaining portion of the free end of the thread 205. Therefore, the grip from the book block 115 is maintained... N The free end of the protruding sewing thread 205 can then be pulled out and cut off as usual (by means of a special component not shown in the figure).

[0035] The above solution avoids blind stitching after the last patch of each book block, thus significantly improving the performance of the sewing machine, especially in the case of smaller books (where each book block is formed by a small number of patches); at the same time, it provides good durability, allowing the free loop to tightly wrap around the free end of the cut sewing thread, thereby avoiding (or at least significantly reducing) the risk of the stitches loosening in the next stage of book block processing, which could compromise the compactness and integrity of the book block.

[0036] This result was obtained using a simple method. Specifically, the use of passive components (hooks) makes the solution cost-effective, reliable, and requires almost no maintenance, even if there is none (because the hooks essentially do not produce sewing thread fragments).

[0037] Furthermore, the above method is particularly effective. In fact, during the closure of the free loop, before cutting the sewing thread (without the risk of tearing the thread), the sliding operation of the sewing thread relative to the hook is allowed. In this way, the sewing thread can be cut at any desired location, thus forming a corresponding free end with an optimal length (and there is no problem with the corresponding free ends protruding from the last note of the newly formed book block, as these free ends can be pulled out and cut as usual); for example, the length of the free ends can be selected so that they may not return to the first note of the book block, may be sewn by the needle in the next book block, may enter between two notes of the book block, and / or have to be cut off.

[0038] Naturally, those skilled in the art can make numerous logical and / or physical modifications and changes to this disclosure to meet local and specific requirements. More specifically, although this disclosure has been described with a degree of specificity with reference to one or more embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in form and detail, as well as in other embodiments, are possible. Specifically, different embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced without the specific details (e.g., numerical values) set forth in the foregoing description to provide a more thorough understanding of this disclosure; conversely, well-known features may have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail. Furthermore, it is expressly intended that specific elements and / or method steps described in connection with any embodiment of this disclosure may be incorporated in any other embodiment as matters of general design choice. Moreover, entries presented in the same group and in different embodiments, examples, or alternatives should not be construed as being factually equivalent to each other (but they are independent and autonomous entities). In any case, each numerical value should be modified according to applicable tolerances; in particular, unless otherwise stated, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” etc., should be understood to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%. Furthermore, each numerical range should explicitly specify any possible numbers on the continuum within that range (including its endpoints). Ordinal numbers or other qualifiers serve only as labels to distinguish elements with the same name and do not in themselves imply any priority, precedence, or order. Terms such as include, contain, have, contain, and relate to should have an open, non-exhaustive meaning (i.e., not limited to the listed entries); terms such as based on, depend on, according to, and function should have a non-exclusive relationship (i.e., relating to possible other variables); the term "a" should refer to one or more entries (unless otherwise explicitly stated); and the term "apparatus for" (or any expression of apparatus plus function) means any structure suitable for or configured to perform the relevant function.

[0039] For example, one embodiment provides a method for sewing bookmarks into book blocks in a binding sewing machine. However, the method can be used in any type of binding sewing machine (see below) to sew any type of bookmarks (e.g., simple, overlapping bookmarks, etc.) into any type of book block (e.g., each book block includes any number of bookmarks, with or without other elements, such as inserts, etc.).

[0040] In one embodiment, the method includes the following steps for each book block.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method includes forming one or more stitches between bookplates of a book block having corresponding sewing thread using one or more needles and one or more crochet hooks. However, the needles and crochet hooks can be used to form any number of stitches with corresponding sewing thread of any type (e.g., synthetic, natural, etc.).

[0042] In one embodiment, the stitching comprises one or more rows of plain stitches formed by these needles and one or more rows of circular stitches formed by these hooks connected to each other (the row of circular stitches terminating at a corresponding free loop on the last side of the book block). However, the stitches may comprise any number (same or different) rows of plain and circular stitches, each row comprising any number (same or different) corresponding stitches, which may be formed in any manner (e.g., using conventional stitching techniques, cross stitching techniques, etc.).

[0043] In one embodiment, the method includes bringing each sewing thread (upstream of the corresponding plain needle, along the corresponding feed direction of the sewing thread from the corresponding spool) to the hook position. However, the sewing thread can be brought to the hook position in any manner (e.g., by pulling or pushing, by a shuttle, by air jets, etc.).

[0044] In one embodiment, during the stitching of the bookplate, the hook position is aligned with a corresponding free loop (formed by the sewing thread) along the bookplate's travel line. However, the free loop can be maintained by any hook adjacent to the corresponding hook (e.g., always towards the foot of the bookplate, always towards the head of the bookplate, or towards both the foot and head of the bookplate, etc.); furthermore, the sewing thread can be brought to any hook position aligned with the free loop in any way (e.g., along a non-linear or linear path, tilted in a straight line to form any angle other than 90° with the travel line, through any distance of the free loop until that distance drops to zero, and so on) along the travel line (e.g., at any distance from the free loop until that distance drops to zero, upstream or downstream of the free loop along the bookplate's travel direction, etc.).

[0045] In one embodiment, the method includes bringing each sewing thread from the hook position to the connection position by passing the sewing thread along the travel line through the corresponding free loop. However, the sewing thread can be brought to any connection position in any way (e.g., with or without the same hook, by pulling or pushing the sewing thread with a fork, air jet, etc.) (e.g., downstream or upstream of the free loop along the travel direction of the book, to any distance outside the free loop until that distance is reduced to zero, etc.).

[0046] In one embodiment, the method includes bringing each sewing thread from the connection position to a closed position away from the corresponding free loop (thus tightening the free loop around the sewing thread that has been passed through). However, the sewing thread can be brought to any closed position in any way (e.g., in any direction transverse to the travel line, further along the travel line, any combination thereof, etc.) (e.g., at any distance from the free loop that is the same or different relative to the corresponding rest position, etc.).

[0047] In one embodiment, the sewing thread is brought from the connected position to the closed position by one or more corresponding hooks. However, the hooks can be of any type (e.g., tapered, pointed, with a uniform cross-section, etc.).

[0048] In one embodiment, during the process of bringing the sewing thread from the connected position to the closed position, the sewing thread slides freely relative to the corresponding hook. However, the sewing thread can slide relative to the hook in any way (e.g., around its body, hooked, etc.).

[0049] In one embodiment, the method includes cutting the upstream portion of the sewing thread taut by a corresponding free loop along the feed direction. However, the sewing thread can be cut at any location in that upstream portion in any manner (e.g., using an active cutter, such as a telescopic or scissor cutter, using a passive cutter, such as a blade that tauts the sewing thread during book travel, using a cutter that receives the sewing thread statically or cuts the sewing thread mobilely, etc.).

[0050] In one embodiment, the sewing thread is cut after each thread has been brought from the connected position to the closed position. However, the sewing thread can be cut at any time after it has been brought to the closed position (e.g., once the closed position has been reached, under any non-zero delay).

[0051] Further embodiments provide additional advantageous features; however, these features may be omitted entirely in the basic implementation.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method includes cutting the sewing thread after sewing multiple bookplates for the next book block. However, the above operation can be performed after sewing any number of bookplates for the next book block, or even after completing any number of the next book blocks (e.g., when the book blocks are manually separated).

[0053] In one embodiment, the step of bringing each sewing thread from the hook position to the connection position includes moving each hook in a first direction along the travel line, such that the hook passes through the corresponding free loop to hook the corresponding sewing thread. However, the hook can pass through the free loop in any way (e.g., in the opposite direction to the book's travel direction or in the same direction as the book's travel direction, to any distance outside the sewing thread for hooking the upper or lower part of the sewing thread, etc.).

[0054] In one embodiment, the step of bringing each sewing thread from the hook position to the connection position includes moving each hook in a second direction in the direction of travel opposite to the first direction, thereby pulling the corresponding sewing thread through the corresponding free loop. However, for this purpose, the hook can be moved in any way (e.g., in the direction of travel or in the direction opposite to the direction of travel of the book cover, moving any distance outside the free loop, etc.).

[0055] In one embodiment, the first direction of the travel line is the direction in which the booklet travels during the sewing process. However, reversing the direction would raise two considerations.

[0056] In one embodiment, the step of bringing each sewing thread from the connecting position to the closing position includes moving the hooks in a direction transverse to the travel line. However, the hooks may be moved in any manner transverse to the travel line (e.g., horizontally, vertically up or down, vertically or inclined to the travel line, etc., on the side opposite or the same side as the corresponding needle).

[0057] In one embodiment, bookplates are seamlessly sewn between each pair of consecutive book blocks during continuous sewing cycles. However, the possibility of inserting brief (idle) pauses between the sewing of each pair of consecutive book blocks is not excluded (e.g., when the sewing machine is operating at a very high speed).

[0058] In one embodiment, the step of bringing each sewing thread to the hook position is performed between the sewing of the last signature of the book block and the sewing of the first signature in the next signature of the book block, as described above, the steps of bringing each sewing thread from the hook position to the connecting position and the steps of bringing each sewing thread from the connecting position to the closed position. However, these steps can be performed at any stage of sewing the first signature of the next book block or at other times (e.g., before starting to sew the second signature of the next book block, during the sewing of two or more signatures of the next book block, etc.).

[0059] In one embodiment, the step of bringing each sewing thread from the connected position to the closed position is performed with the sewing thread freely unwound from the corresponding spool. However, the possibility of performing the above operation with the sewing thread locked to the corresponding spool is not excluded (e.g., when there is no risk of tearing the sewing thread, such as when the travel of the hook is very precisely matched with the size of the free loop, and the sewing thread has sufficient elasticity, etc.).

[0060] In one embodiment, the steps described above, bringing each sewing thread from the joining position to the closing position, are performed using a fine needle and crochet hook within the first note of the next book block. However, the possibility of performing this operation at another time is not excluded (e.g., using a fine needle and crochet hook within another note of the next book block, outside any note, etc.).

[0061] In one embodiment, the steps described above, bringing each sewing thread from the joining position to the closing position, are performed before the needle and hook reach the dead point in the first note of the next book block. However, the above operations can be performed at any time before or even after the needle and hook reach the dead point.

[0062] In one embodiment, the corresponding upstream portion of the needle (upstream of the corresponding hook along the feed direction) passes between the corresponding spool and the needle of one or more components of the binding sewing machine. However, these components can be any number and any type of components (e.g., partial components relative to the aforementioned components, different components, and additional components).

[0063] In one embodiment, this causes the upstream portion to generate an upstream resistance that blocks the operation of bringing each sewing thread from the connected position to the closed position, said upstream resistance being greater than the downstream resistance, which blocks the operation of bringing each sewing thread from the connected position to the closed position via the corresponding downstream portion of the sewing thread along the feed direction, which is the downstream of the corresponding hook. However, the upstream and downstream resistances can have any values ​​(relative or absolute); in any case, the possibility of an upstream resistance having any other value (not zero, and in any case sufficient to allow the closure of the free loop, for example, by providing the next pull of the sewing thread to the spool, slightly lower than the downstream resistance).

[0064] In one embodiment, the method includes sliding the sewing thread out by pulling the free end of the sewing thread outside a corresponding free loop around which the sewing thread is taut. However, this operation can be performed in any way (e.g., passively, by adding an air jet or movement of the hook to facilitate the operation, actively, etc.), or even omitted entirely.

[0065] In one embodiment, the hook includes a corresponding body having a tapered shape that widens in the direction of travel of the bookplate during the sewing process. However, the body can have any tapered shape (e.g., any cross-section, widening in any way, such as uniform / non-uniform widening, linear / non-linear widening, etc.).

[0066] In one embodiment, as the book block moves along the body of the corresponding hook, the corresponding portion of the sewing thread wrapped around the body of the hook is pushed in the direction of travel, thereby causing it to slide out from the cut sewing thread. However, this result can be achieved in any way (e.g., after sewing any number of the next book blocks, when removing the book block from the sewing machine, using any type of hook, even a non-conical hook, etc.).

[0067] In one embodiment, the method includes blowing a portion of the sewing thread wrapped around the hook toward the wider end of the hook. However, this result can be achieved in any way (e.g., by providing any number of jets of any gas with any flow rate, such as air, deionized air, nitrogen, etc., in any direction, longitudinally or obliquely, at any location, depending on the orientation of the hook).

[0068] In one embodiment, the method includes cutting the sewing thread to obtain a corresponding free end protruding from the first book block of the next book block, the free end having a length of 8-12 mm. However, this result can be achieved by cutting the sewing thread at different locations (depending on the elasticity, tension, etc. of the sewing thread); in any case, the possibility of having a free end of any other length is not excluded (e.g., at the end of a circular needle, at the end of a straight needle, at the free end of both circular and straight needles, etc., with or without the circular needle and / or by cutting the free end).

[0069] In one embodiment, the method includes bringing the sewing thread to the hook position using one or more corresponding shuttles. However, the shuttle can be of any type (e.g., a pull or push shuttle, etc.).

[0070] In one embodiment, the shuttle moves in a straight line at an angle to the travel line. However, this movement can be of any type (e.g., dashed or straight, at any angle to the travel line, etc.).

[0071] Generally, similar considerations apply if the same scheme is implemented using equivalent methods (by using similar steps that have the same function as the more steps, removing some unnecessary steps or adding more optional steps); in addition, these steps can be performed simultaneously or in an interleaved manner (at least partially) in different orders.

[0072] One embodiment provides a binding sewing machine for sewing bookplates into book blocks. However, the sewing machine can be any type of sewing machine (e.g., one that opens pre-formed bookplates, folds paper to form bookplates, has both functions, is used in binding equipment based on offset or digital printing, etc.).

[0073] In one embodiment, the sewing machine includes one or more spools for providing corresponding sewing thread. However, the spools can be any number and any type (e.g., fixed, rotating, with or without a thread lock, with or without thread tension, etc.).

[0074] In one embodiment, the sewing machine includes one or more needles and one or more hooks for forming one or more corresponding stitches between each book block's signature, wherein the stitches include one or more rows of plain stitches formed by the needles and one or more rows of circular stitches formed by the hooks connected to each other, the circular stitches terminating at a corresponding free loop on the last signature of the book block's signature. However, the needles and hooks can have any number (same or different) and any shape / size.

[0075] In one embodiment, the sewing machine includes means for bringing the sewing thread upstream of the respective bobbin from the respective spool along the respective feed direction of the needle to a hook position, which is aligned with a corresponding free loop formed by the sewing thread along the travel line of the book during sewing. However, such a means can be implemented with any structure (e.g., mechanical, pneumatic, general-purpose, or individually controlled).

[0076] In one embodiment, the sewing machine includes means for bringing each sewing thread from a hook position to a connection position by passing the sewing thread along the travel line through the corresponding free loop. However, such a means can be implemented with any structure (e.g., mechanical, pneumatic, general-purpose, or individually controlled).

[0077] In one embodiment, the sewing machine includes one or more corresponding hooks for bringing the sewing thread from a connected position to a closed position away from the corresponding free loop, thereby tightening the free loop around the thread being passed through, during which the sewing thread slides freely relative to the corresponding hook. However, the hooks can be of any type (see above) and driven in any manner (e.g., using common or individual controls, etc.).

[0078] In one embodiment, the sewing machine includes a device for cutting the sewing thread, wherein the upstream portion of each sewing thread is tensioned by a corresponding free loop along the feed direction. However, such a device can be implemented with any structure (e.g., passive, active, universal, or individually controlled, etc.).

[0079] In one embodiment, the cutting device is configured to cut the sewing thread after each thread has been brought from the joined position to the closed position. However, this result can be achieved in any way (e.g., using a device implemented in any structure, such as an industrial computer, microcontroller, mechanical structure, etc., by which an active cutter is operated accordingly, or a passive cutter that automatically provides the same result, etc.).

[0080] In any case, the same precautions mentioned above regarding the steps of this method, after necessary modifications, apply to the corresponding parts of the binding sewing machine.

[0081] One embodiment provides a binding apparatus that includes one or more of the binding sewing machines described above. However, the binding apparatus may include any number of such binding machines and other binding machines of any type (e.g., offset printing machines and / or digital printers, stacking machines, perfect binding machines, three-blade cutters, etc.).

[0082] Generally, similar considerations apply if the sewing machine and binding equipment have different structures, include equivalent parts, or have other operating characteristics. In any case, each component of the sewing machine and binding equipment can be separated into more parts, or two or more components can be combined into a single element; furthermore, each component can be replicated to support the parallel execution of corresponding operations. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, any interaction between different components generally does not need to be continuous, and such interaction can be direct or indirect through one or more intermediaries.

Claims

1. A method for sewing multiple book patches into a book block in a binding sewing machine, wherein, For each of the aforementioned book blocks, the method includes: Using one or more fine needles and one or more crochet hooks, and with appropriate sewing thread, one or more stitches are formed between the book blocks. The stitches include one or more rows of plain stitches formed by the fine needles and one or more rows of circular stitches formed by connecting the crochet hooks. The circular stitches terminate at a corresponding free loop on the last book block of the plurality of book blocks. Each thread upstream of the corresponding straight stitch is brought from the corresponding spool to the hook position along its corresponding feed direction. During sewing, the hook position aligns with a corresponding free loop among the free loops formed by the sewing threads along the travel line of the book cover. By passing the sewing thread along the travel line through the corresponding free loop, each sewing thread is brought from the hook position to the connection position. Its features are, Each sewing thread is brought from the connecting position to a closed position away from the corresponding free loop by one or more corresponding hooks, thereby tightening the free loop around the thread being passed through. During the process of bringing the sewing thread from the connecting position to the closed position, the sewing thread slides freely relative to the corresponding hook. The sewing thread is cut, with the upstream portion of each sewing thread being tightened along the feed direction by the corresponding free loop, and the sewing thread is cut after each sewing thread has been brought from the connected position to the closed position.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes cutting the sewing thread after sewing together multiple bookplates of the next book block within the book block.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The step of bringing each of the sewing threads from the hook position to the connection position includes: Each hook is moved in a first direction of the travel line, such that the hook passes through the corresponding free loop to hook the corresponding sewing thread, and Each hook is moved along a second direction of the travel line opposite to the first direction, thereby pulling the corresponding sewing thread through the corresponding free loop.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The first direction of the travel line is the travel direction of the book sticker during the sewing process of the book sticker.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Bringing each of the sewing threads from the connection position to the closed position includes: The hook is moved laterally to the direction of travel.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bookplates are seamlessly sewn between each pair of consecutive book blocks in a continuous sewing cycle. Between the sewing of the last bookplate of the book block and the sewing of the first bookplate of the next book block, the operations of bringing each of the sewing threads to the hook position, bringing each of the sewing threads from the hook position to the connection position, and bringing each of the sewing threads from the connection position to the closed position are performed.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process of bringing each of the sewing threads from the connecting position to the closing position is performed when the sewing threads are freely unfurled from the corresponding spool and when the needle and the hook are located within the first book block of the next book block.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Before the fine needle and the hook reach the dead point in the first book block of the next book block, the operation of bringing each of the sewing threads from the connection position to the closed position is performed.

9. The method according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that, The sewing thread has a corresponding upstream portion located upstream of the corresponding hook along the feed direction, passing through one or more components of the binding sewing machine between the corresponding spool and the needle, such that the corresponding upstream portion generates upstream resistance that obstructs the operation of bringing each sewing thread from the connected position to the closed position, and wherein the sewing thread has a corresponding downstream portion located downstream of the corresponding hook along the feed direction, the corresponding downstream portion generating downstream resistance that obstructs the operation of bringing each sewing thread from the connected position to the closed position, the upstream resistance being greater than the downstream resistance.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes: By pulling the free end of the sewing thread to the outside of the corresponding free loop, the cut sewing thread slides out, and the free loop is tightened around the sewing thread.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The hook includes a corresponding body having a tapered shape that widens along the direction of travel of the bookplate during the sewing process of the bookplate. A corresponding portion of the sewing thread is wrapped around the body of the hook. During the travel of the bookplate in the book block, each sewing thread is pushed along the body of the corresponding hook in the direction of travel, thereby causing the cut sewing thread to slide out.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The method includes: Blow the corresponding portion of the sewing thread wrapped around the hook toward the wider end of the hook.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes: The sewing thread is cut to obtain a corresponding free end that protrudes from the first of the plurality of bookplates of the next book block, and the length of the corresponding free end is between 8 mm and 12 mm.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes: The sewing thread is brought to the hook position by one or more corresponding shuttles, the shuttles moving in a straight line at an angle to the direction of travel.

15. A binding sewing machine for sewing multiple bookplates into a book block, wherein, The sewing machine includes: One or more spools of thread, the spools being used to provide the corresponding sewing thread; One or more fine needles and one or more crochet hooks are used to form one or more corresponding stitches between the bookplates of each book block using the sewing thread. The stitches include one or more rows of plain stitches formed by the fine needles and one or more rows of circular stitches formed by connecting the crochet hooks to each other. The multiple rows of circular stitches terminate at a corresponding free loop on the last bookplate of the plurality of bookplates in the book block. A device for bringing the sewing thread upstream of the corresponding plain stitch from the corresponding spool along its corresponding feed direction to a hook position, the hook position being aligned with a corresponding free loop in a free loop formed by the sewing thread along the travel line of the book cover during sewing. Another device is used to bring each of the sewing threads from the hook position to the connection position by passing each of the sewing threads along the travel line through the corresponding free loop. One or more corresponding hooks, the hooks being used to bring each of the sewing threads from the connecting position to a closed position away from the corresponding free loop, thereby tightening the free loop around the thread through which it is passed, wherein the sewing thread slides freely relative to the corresponding hook during the process of bringing the sewing thread from the connecting position to the closed position, and For the cutting device for the sewing thread, the upstream portion of each sewing thread is tightened by the corresponding free ring along the feed direction, and the cutting device is configured to cut the sewing thread after bringing each sewing thread from the connected position to the closed position.

16. A binding apparatus comprising one or more binding sewing machines according to claim 15.

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