Binding machine with multiple ring conveyors arranged in a continuous, circular pattern.

Abstract

A binding machine (100) is proposed. The binding machine (100) includes processing stations (205a-205e) for processing book blocks (215a-215d) and transport elements (210a-210d) for transporting the book blocks (215a-215d) thereon. A plurality of annular conveyors (225a-225c) are arranged continuously in a circular manner, each of the annular conveyors (225a-225c) carrying one or more transport elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c). A drive system (235-240) drives annular conveyors (225a-225c) to sequentially engage transport elements (210a-210d) with each transport element (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) along a transport path (220) for the moving parts of the corresponding annular conveyors (225a-225c), and then separates the transport elements (210a-210d). A binding apparatus consisting of one or more of these binding machines (100) is also proposed. Furthermore, a corresponding method for operating the binding machine (100), a computer program, and a computer program product implementing the method are also proposed.

Description

[0001] manual Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of binding, and more particularly to the transport of book blocks in a binding machine. Background Technology

[0003] The background of this invention is described below, and related technologies are discussed. However, even when this discussion involves documents, actions, artifacts, etc., it is not implied or implied that the technologies discussed are part of the prior art or common knowledge in the field related to this invention.

[0004] Binding equipment typically uses different types of binding machines to produce industrial-grade books. For example, a hardcover binding machine has several processing stations for performing different operations on book blocks, such as feeding, clamping, milling, gluing, applying endpaper, applying lining, applying (soft) covers, and delivery. To achieve this, a transport system continuously transports book blocks between the various processing stations. Typically, the transport system includes several transport elements (such as clamps) for individually transporting book blocks, which are mounted on a circular conveyor that drives the clamps to move together. At some processing stations (e.g., feeding book blocks and applying covers), the processing of book blocks requires the clamps to stop for a corresponding processing time. However, in these binding machines (hereinafter referred to as binding machines), since the conveyor belt drives all the clamps together, whenever any clamp stops at a processing station, all the other clamps also stop.

[0005] To optimize the operation of each machining station, its processing time must be at least equal to its corresponding optimal value, which is generally different for each station. Therefore, because all fixtures are at their respective machining stations when the conveyor stops operating (to minimize downtime for the binding machine), the conveyor maintains the longest possible processing time at all these stations (e.g., the time required to supply book blocks). This reduces the yield rate of the binding machine.

[0006] Additionally, US-B-7,918,635 proposes dividing the conveyor into multiple sections with corresponding linear motors (based on traveling wave / field), each individually controlled by the binding machine's control unit. Furthermore, EP-B-2738011 proposes providing overlapping ring chains (one per fixture), with corresponding motors individually controlled by the hardcover binding machine's control unit. In both of these binding machines (hereinafter referred to as independent binding machines), the fixtures can be moved independently at will. However, linear motors or multiple chains (with their motors) are expensive. Moreover, the individual control of different linear motors or chains increases the complexity of the hardcover binding machine. This adversely affects the overall cost of the hardcover binding machine, and consequently, the production cost of the books. Furthermore, in the case of multiple chains, they are difficult to synchronize; the chains are coupled to the fixtures at different points (requiring constructive effort to compensate for the corresponding different leverage effects); the supply of any medium (such as compressed air) must be arranged at different levels; and manual feeding of book blocks is crucial (because when they are loaded into the fixtures of the fixed chains, other chains are typically moving for this purpose).

[0007] EP-A-0152208 proposes the use of a single chain that always moves at a constant speed; each fixture has a channel for receiving a corresponding stud integrated with the chain. At some processing stations, the chain performs an offset, causing each stud to disengage from its corresponding fixture, and then remains stationary for the time required to perform the corresponding operation (e.g., feeding book blocks and attaching covers). Meanwhile, other fixtures remain engaged with their corresponding studs and continue moving; specifically, other fixtures move between the remaining processing stations (e.g., for milling and gluing) and follow the stopped fixtures toward their respective processing stations. This binding machine (hereinafter referred to as the separator) increases the yield of the binding machine while reducing the corresponding downtime. However, nowadays, fixtures may only stop at certain processing stations (at the positions defined by the corresponding offset) or move at the same speed as the chain.

[0008] Furthermore, EP-A-0152158 describes a binding machine with a device for stopping clamping at a work station, which means including a sprocket for disengaging the drive chain from the clamp, performing offset, and re-engaging. Conversely, D2EP-A-3495156 describes a binding device in which a control unit calculates parameter settings for the fixture and processing unit based on the thickness information of the book to be bound, and initially sets up the fixture and processing unit according to said parameter settings. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To provide a basic understanding of the invention, a simplified description of the invention is presented herein; however, the sole purpose of this abstract is to introduce some concepts of the invention in a summary form as a prelude to a more detailed description thereof, and should not be construed as an identification of its key elements or a description of its scope.

[0010] Generally, the present invention is based on the concept of providing multiple annular conveyors arranged in a continuous ring.

[0011] Specifically, one aspect provides a binding machine. The binding machine includes a processing station for processing book blocks and transport elements for transporting the book blocks at the processing station. Multiple circular conveyor belts are arranged continuously in a loop, each carrying one or more transport elements. A drive system drives the circular conveyors such that each transport element sequentially engages with a transport element, transporting the transport elements along a transport path to corresponding active sections of the circular conveyors, and then separating the transport elements.

[0012] On the other hand, binding equipment consisting of one or more binding machines is provided.

[0013] On the other hand, it provides the corresponding methods for operating this binding machine.

[0014] On the other hand, a computer program is provided to implement this method.

[0015] On the other hand, it provides corresponding computer program products.

[0016] More specifically, one or more aspects of the invention are set forth in the independent claims, their advantageous features are set forth in the dependent claims, and the wording of all claims is quoted verbatim (and applied in accordance with any advantageous feature provided by any particular aspect to every other aspect).

[0017] Brief description of the attached figures

[0018] The solutions of the present invention, and their further features and advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description, which is given purely by way of non-limiting indication and is consistent with the appendix. Figure 1 The accompanying drawings are intended for reading purposes only (where, for simplicity, corresponding elements are represented by the same or similar references, and their interpretations are not repeated; 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 stated that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale (containing some details that may be enlarged and / or simplified), and unless otherwise stated, they are only used to conceptually illustrate the structure and procedures described herein. Furthermore, directional and related positional references (such as up, down, lateral, etc.) are to be understood according to the conditions of use of the corresponding entities. In particular:

[0019] Figure 1 A graphical representation of a binding machine is shown, in which solutions according to embodiments of the present invention can be applied;

[0020] Figure 2 A perspective view of a partial cut of a binding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 A partial cutting schematic diagram of a binding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a top view; and

[0022] Figures 4A-4D A qualitative time diagram of the operation of the binding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Special reference Figure 1 The figure shows a graphic representation of a binding machine 100, in which a scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0024] In particular, this is a hardcover binding machine 100; the hardcover binding machine 100 is used to produce books in a binding plant, especially to apply fixed linings and / or (soft) covers to the corresponding book blocks, which are not shown in the figure (each book block consists of stacks or blocks of pages, for example, sewn or glued together, or not).

[0025] The binding machine 100 consists of the following components: A housing 105 protects the internal components of the binding machine 100. The housing 105 has an inlet 110 for feeding book blocks to be processed, which can be automatic (from a binding machine that previously supplied the book blocks, such as a sewing machine, not shown in the figure) or manual (by the operator of the binding machine 100); additionally, the housing 105 has an outlet 115 for conveying processed book blocks (for subsequent binding machines to complete the production of the corresponding books, such as a box-sealing machine or a three-blade trimming machine, not shown in the figure). Multiple processing stations (not visible in the figure) are provided within the housing 105 for processing the book blocks. Specifically, the processing stations are for feeding, conveying, and arranging book blocks; such as pressing, milling, gluing, applying end paper, applying lining, applying cover, etc. A control unit 120 (e.g., an industrial PC) controls the operation of the binding machine 100. In particular, the control unit 120 has (not visible in the figure) a microprocessor or more (providing a logic control unit 120), non-volatile memory (such as a boot control unit 120 storing basic code in ROM), volatile memory (such as RAM used as working memory by the microprocessor), mass storage (such as an SSD storing programs and data), and drivers for peripheral units of the controller (e.g., input units, output units, removable storage units for reading and writing (such as USB keys), etc.). In this specific implementation, the peripheral units include a touchscreen 125 for displaying information and inputting commands / data.

[0026] Now refer to Figure 2 The image shows a perspective view of a partial cut of a binding machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In particular, the diagram shows the binding machine 100, whose processing stations are now visible and identified by reference numerals 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d, and 205e. Multiple processing stations (referred to as fixed processing stations), such as 205a, 205d, and 205e, are used while the book blocks are fixed in these stations. For example, processing station 205a is a manual loading station used to load the book blocks to be manually processed; processing station 205d is a cover station used to attach covers to the book blocks; and processing station 205e is a conveyor station used to deliver the processed book blocks. One or more other processing stations (referred to as moving processing stations), such as processing stations 205b and 205c, are used to process the book blocks as they move through these stations. For example, processing stations 205b and 205c are respectively milling station (milling book blocks), gluing station (applying book blocks), and lining station (applying fixed lining material to book blocks), etc.

[0028] Multiple transport elements transport book blocks individually; in this example, four transport elements 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d are shown, transporting corresponding book blocks 215a, 215b, 215c, and 215d, respectively. For example, these clamps 210a-210d hold vertically arranged book blocks 215a-215d. Specifically, each clamp 210a-210d includes an inner (larger) plate and an outer (smaller) plate that are horizontally movable relative to it (opening from the inner plate to receive / release book blocks 215a-215d and closing towards the inner plate to hold book blocks 215a-215d). Fixtures 210a-210d sequentially transport book blocks 215a-215d along the transport direction (counterclockwise in this example) from (manual) feeding station 205a to delivery station 205e, and transport book blocks 215a-215d through processing stations 205a-205e. Guide rails 220 guide fixtures 210a-210d along corresponding transport paths (denoted by the same reference numerals); these transport paths 220 have a closed shape (e.g., an ellipse in the figure) and pass through all processing stations 205a-205e.

[0029] In the solution according to an embodiment of the invention, multiple annular conveyors, for example, three (annular) chains 225a, 225b, and 225c, transport clamps 210a-210d along guide rail 220. The chains 225a-225c are arranged continuously in a loop, with chain 225b following chain 225a, chain 225c following chain 225b, and chain 225a following chain 225c (along the transport direction). Exchange zones 230ab, 230bc, and 230ca are then defined between each pair of adjacent chains 225a-225b, 225b-225c, and 225c-225a, respectively (wherein each clamp 210a-210d is exchanged between corresponding adjacent chains 225a-225c, as described in detail below). Each chain 225a, 225b, 225c is divided into active and passive segments by the corresponding exchange pairs 230ca-230ab, 230ab-230bc, 230bc-230ca. In the active sections of chains 225a, 225b, and 225c corresponding to transport path 220, from their (starting) exchange areas 230ca, 230ab, and 230bc to their (ending) exchange areas 230ab, 230bc, and 230ca, chains 225a-225c act on clamps 210a-210d, and then transmit synchronously at the corresponding speed. In the passive sections of chains 225a, 225b, and 225c away from transport path 220, from their end exchange areas 230ab, 230bc, and 230ca to their starting exchange areas 230ca, 230ab, and 230bc, in the transport direction, chains 225a-225c do not act on clamps 210a-210d. The drive system drives all chains 225a-225c. For example, the drive system includes a (common) motor 235 and a transmission system, such as a gearbox 240. The motor 235 rotates at a certain speed (which may be constant or variable over time in the module); the gearbox 240 transmits power from the motor 235 to each chain 225a-225c, with the corresponding gear ratio determining its (constant / variable) speed.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial cut view of the binding machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a top view.

[0031] Each chain 225a-225c carries one or more conveying elements integrally formed with the chain 225a-225c so as to always move at its own speed; for example, these hooks extend from the chain 225a-225c (e.g., downwards). When the chain 225a-225c has more than one hook, these hooks are evenly distributed along the chain. In particular, in the example shown in the figure, chain 225a carries two hooks 305a1 and 305a2 (on its opposite sides), chain 225b carries a single hook 305b, and chain 225c carries a single hook 305c.

[0032] Hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c are used to continuously transfer clamps 210a-210d by selectively engaging / disengaging them (each hook 305a1, 305a2, 305b, or 305c can continuously transfer all clamps 210a-210d or only its respective sub-part). For example, for this purpose, each clamp 210a-210d has slits 310a-310d for receiving hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c. When each hook 305a1, 305a2, 305b, or 305c is located within the slits 310a-310d that move laterally therewith, the clamp 210a-210d engages with each hook 305a1, 305a2, 305b, or 305c. In particular, when hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c move perpendicularly to slits 310a-310d, they are close to the downstream wall of slits 310a-310d (without any relative freedom of movement); clamps 210a-210d then move as a whole with hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c along guide rail 220 at their speed. When hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c move obliquely toward slits 310a-310d, the speed of hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c has a component perpendicular to slits 310a-310d (the overall moving clamps 210a-210d and hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c are as described above) and a component longitudinal to slits 310a-310d (which causes hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c to slide along this component). Conversely, when all hooks are not within the laterally moving slits 310a-310d, i.e., when hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c move longitudinally along slits 310a-310d and / or are outside slits 310a-310d, each clamp 210a-210d is separated from all hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c. Therefore, during their movement, hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c do not exert any force on clamps 210a-210d, and thus the clamps do not move.

[0033] Specifically, each clamp 210a-210d is engaged at its initial exchange zones 230ca, 230ab, 230bc by hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c of each chain 225a, 225b, 225c. The clamp 210a-210d is conveyed along the active sections of chains 225a, 225b, 225c from its initial exchange zones 230ca, 230ab, 230bc to its end exchange zones 230ab, 230bc, 230c. Then, clamps 210a-210d separate from hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c at the end exchange zones 230ab, 230bc, 230c (where hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c then return from their end exchange zones 230ab, 230bc, 230c to their starting exchange zones 230ca, 230ab, 230bc along the passive sections of chains 225a, 225b, 225c without any clamps 210a-210d). For example, consider clamp 210a located in the position shown in the figure (with similar considerations applicable to other clamps 210b, 210c), which is engaged by hook 305a2 that transports it from the starting exchange area 230ca to the end exchange area 230ab of chain 225a, where it disengages and is engaged by hook 305b that transports it from the starting exchange area 230ab to the end exchange area 230bc of chain 225b. It disengages and is caught by hook 305c, which transfers it from the starting exchange area 230bc to the end exchange area 230ca of chain 225c, and so on.

[0034] To ensure the continuous operation of the binding machine 100, its configuration must be repeated periodically. Specifically, during each movement period PM, in each chain with multiple hooks, each hook must reach the previous position of the hook preceding it, and in each chain with only one hook, the hook must return to the same position. In the example discussed, during each movement period PM, hook 305a1 reaches the position of hook 305a2, hook 305a2 reaches the position of hook 305a1 (in chain 225a), hook 305b returns to its position (in chain 225b), and hook 305c returns to its position (in chain 225c). Therefore, the speed of chains 225a-225c must be:

[0035]

[0036] In the formula v i For speed, L i n is the length. i f represents the number of hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c on the i-th chain 225a-225c. m=1 / PM is the (common) movement frequency. In the example discussed, chains 225b and 225c each carry a single common hook 305b, 305b, with a shorter (common) length of L, while chain 225a carries two common hooks 305a1 and 305a2, with a (longer) length equal to four times that of chains 225b and 225c, i.e., 4L; therefore, chain 225a has a (higher) speed. Each of the 225b and 225c chains has a (lower) speed. (Half of chain 225a).

[0037] The above solution allows for the use of shorter chains 225a-225c to transport clamps 210a-210d along transport path 220. Therefore, chains 225a-225c are more precise, subject to less mechanical stress, and more wear-resistant (especially with extended wear resistance).

[0038] In addition, the structure is highly flexible.

[0039] For example, this method can be used to configure a binding machine to reduce binding speed in critical areas. Specifically, this applies when the chain is away from the transport path 220, particularly in its curved sections; in fact, in this case, the chain exhibits a sharp turn (angle greater than 90°). Therefore, the chain deceleration can prevent (or at least significantly reduce) vibrations in the clamps 210a-210d caused by separation from the hook during the sharp turn. Consequently, more precise positioning of the clamps 210a-210d can be achieved at the corresponding processing station, thus having a beneficial effect on the quality of its operation on the book blocks 215a-215d. In the example discussed, this occurs in the (critical) exchange area 230bc of the left-hand curved section of the transport path 220, where the hook 305b of the chain 225b separates from the clamp at the delivery station 205e at a deceleration (Vl = Vh / 2).

[0040] Furthermore, or as an alternative, when chains 225a-225c stop periodically (each stop period PS is used to process the book block held by the clamp in cover station 205d, while other clamps separate at exchange zones 230ab, 230bc, 230ca, as described below), a hook can be placed in the gap of each separated clamp. For example, in the case shown, when clamp 210b is at cover station 205d, clamp 210c is at exchange zone 230ab with hook 305b in its slot 310c; clamp 210d is at exchange zone 230bc with hook 305c in its slot 310d; and clamp 210a is at exchange zone 230ca with hook 305a2 in its slot 310a. The hooks in the gaps of the separated clamps prevent (or at least greatly reduce) any movement of them (e.g., accidentally caused by the operator when the binding machine 100 is not operating). In this way, the detached fixtures can be held in place even without any dedicated securing devices; this is especially important when the detached fixtures are stopped at machining stations (e.g., in this example, fixtures 210d and 210a are stopped at machining stations 205e and 205a, respectively), because the fixed position of the fixtures ensures the correct machining of the corresponding book blocks. Furthermore, the hooks within the slits of the detached fixtures facilitate the restarting of the chain. In particular, this makes the engagement of the hooks with the fixture slits more precise and predictable, thereby reducing any wear on the sides of the slits (and preventing potential blockages).

[0041] Furthermore, or as an alternative, multiple chains 225a-225c help increase the (empty) exchange area 230ab, where each clamp 210a-210d remains stationary after the cover station 205d. This extends the dwell time of each book block 215a-215d in the binding machine 100 after the corresponding cover is sealed. This has a positive effect on the drying of the adhesive, especially when using polyurethane reactive (PUR) adhesive, as the adhesive has higher adhesion when the book blocks 215a-215d leave the binding machine 100, thus significantly improving the quality of the corresponding book. In another implementation (not shown in the figure), the exchange area 230ab can also be used to add a further fixing station. For example, this fixing station could be a secondary pressing station for improving cover adhesion, or a conveying station, while the fixing stations at the exchange areas 230bc and 230ca could now be a manual supply station and an automatic supply station, respectively.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, moving processing stations 205b-205c are arranged along the straight portion of transport path 220 (where fixtures 210a-210d are engaged by hooks on corresponding chains, i.e., hooks 305a1 and 305a2 of chain 225a in this example). Fixed processing stations (referred to as engagement processing stations) or more are located along the straight portion of transport path 220, where fixtures 210a-210d are engaged by hooks on corresponding chains; in the example discussed, this is also true for hooks 305a1 and 305a2 of chain 225a. In the specific example shown in the figure, this is cover station 205d. Cover station 205d is the most critical, having the greatest impact on the quality of the published book. In fact, correctly applying the appropriate cover to the book blocks 215a-215d (in terms of alignment or sturdiness) is crucial for the final book. For this purpose, cover station 205d may also have a sensor 315 (e.g., based on an LED array with corresponding photocells) for measuring the displacement (e.g., longitudinal) of each book block relative to the cover. Other fixed processing stations 205a and 205e (referred to as separation processing stations) are respectively located in corresponding exchange areas 230ca and 230bc, where fixtures 210a-210d are separated from corresponding hooks 305b and 305c, respectively.

[0043] Now combine Figure 3 refer to Figures 4A to 4D It shows a qualitative timeline of the operation of the binding machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The graph shows the relationship between the speed (i.e., its modules, expressed in arbitrary units on the vertical axis) and time (expressed in arbitrary units on the horizontal axis) of the different components of the aforementioned finishing machine 100.

[0045] from Figure 4AInitially, the drive system drives chains 225a-225c, and then drives their hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c, moving at the same low speed except for different speeds Vh and Vl defined by their gearboxes (hooks 305a1 and 30a2 of chain 225a are shown as solid lines with speed Vh; hooks 305b and 305c of chains 225b and 225ca are shown as dashed lines with speed Vl). Taking one hook of chain 225a as a reference, such as hook 305a2, consider the starting conditions at time T0, where hook 305a2 is located between exchange zone 230ca and moving processing station 205b. The drive system moves chain 225a at speed Vh and chains 225b-225c at speed Vl until hook 305a2 reaches (engages) the cover station 205d. At this point, the drive system decelerates, bringing chains 225a-225c to a stop at time TS. The drive system maintains this state until the time required to process the book block at cover station 205d is reached. Afterward, the drive system accelerates at time TM until chain 225a reaches the same speed Vh and chains 225b-225c reach the same speed Vl. Then, the drive system moves chain 225a at speed Vh and chains 225b-225c at speed Vl until time T1, at which point the other hook 305a1 of chain 225a reaches the position where hook 305a2 was at time T0.

[0046] Simultaneously, clamps 210a-210d move and engage with hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c; for simplicity, consider the case where chains 225a-225c overlap with transport path 220 in their active section, such that clamps 210a-210d and hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, and 305c move in transport path 220 at the same speeds Vh and Vl.

[0047] Specifically, considering the starting conditions, where clamp 210a is engaged by hook 305a2 at time T0. Therefore, clamp 210a follows the same motion law as hook 305a2, that is, it moves at speed Vh, decelerates to TS at the cover station 205d and stops, remains stationary at the cover station 205d, and accelerates back to Vh at TM.

[0048] At time T0, clamp 210b is engaged by hook 305a1 between cover station 205d and exchange zone 230ab. Therefore, clamp 210b moves at the same speed Vh as hook 305a2 until time TTa. Before time TS, hook 305a1 reaches the (empty) exchange zone 230ab and disengages from that zone (thus decelerating to a stop). When hook 305b of the next chain 225b engages with clamp 210b, clamp 210b remains stationary in exchange zone 230ab until time TEb, and subsequently until time TM, thereby causing clamp 210b to accelerate to its speed Vl.

[0049] At time T0, the clamp 210c is engaged by the hook 305b between the exchange zones 230ab and 230bc. Therefore, as the hook 305b reaches (separates) the exchange zone 230bc at delivery station 205e and separates (thus decelerating to a stop), the clamp 210c moves at the same speed Vl as the hook 305b until time TDb prior to time TS. When the hook 305c of the next chain 225c engages with the clamp 210c, the clamp 210c remains stationary at delivery station 205e until time TEc, and then until time TM, causing the clamp 210c to accelerate to its speed Vl.

[0050] At time T0, the clamp 210d is engaged by the hook 305c between the exchange zones 230bc and 230ca. Therefore, as the hook 305c reaches (separates) the exchange zone 230ca at the loading station 205a and separates from the loading station 205a (thus decelerating to a stop), the clamp 210d moves at the same speed Vl as the hook 305c until time TDc before time TS. When the hook 305a1 of the next chain 225a engages with the clamp 210d, the clamp 210d remains stationary in the loading station 205a until time TEa, and then until time TM, the clamp 210d accelerates to its speed Vh.

[0051] The drive system (repeatedly) stops for the corresponding stop period PS (from time TS to time TM). During each stop period PS, the fixture engages at the engagement machining station; simultaneously, other fixtures disengage in the exchange area (and then at the corresponding disengagement machining station, if present). For example, in... Figure 3In the illustrated case, clamp 210b is located at the (joining) cover station 205d where hook 305a1 engages, clamp 210c separates at the (empty) exchange area 230ab, clamp 210d separates at the (separation) delivery station 205e, and clamp 210a separates at the (separation) loading station 205a. As described in detail below, in this way, the clamps in the joining processing station can be arbitrarily controlled by the drive system without affecting the clamps in the separation processing station (rather than separating them from the joining processing station).

[0052] Reference Figure 4B The drive system continuously repeats the movement period PM (where chain 225a, and its hooks 305a1, 305a2 move at speed Vh and chains 225b-225c, and their hooks 305b, 305c move at speed Vl) and the stop period PS (where chains 225a-225c, and their hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c all stop). The movement period PM and the stop period PS alternate (hooks 305a1, 305a2 of chain 225a are shown in solid lines, and hooks 305b, 305c of chains 225b, 225c are shown in dashed lines). Each pair of consecutive movement periods PM and stop periods PS defines a corresponding movement / stop period PMS. In each work cycle Cw of the finishing machine 100, the number of repetitions of the move / stop period PMS is equal to the number of clamps 210a-210d continuously conveyed by hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c (4 in this example) so as to repeat the same behavior of the finishing machine 100 over a period of time (with corresponding number of stops, number of moves, stop period, move period and move / stop period, and distinguished by adding progressive numbers in the figure).

[0053] Specifically, the start-up conditions are considered at the beginning of the normal movement period PM1 (time TM0), where the clamp separates at exchange zone 230ca (e.g. Figure 3(The case of the fixture 210a and the hook 305a2 located within its slit 310a). The fixture 210a is engaged by the hook 305a2 at time TEa (after the stop period before passing through the non-zero delay TEa-TM0, not shown in the figure), so it accelerates to reach its speed Vh. The fixture 210a then moves with the hook 305a2. Specifically, the fixture 210a moves at speed Vh until the hook 305a2 reaches the (engaged) cover station 205d, where the fixture 210a decelerates to stop at time TS1, remains stationary for the corresponding stop period PS1, and then accelerates back to speed Vh at time TM1. The fixture moves at this speed Vh until it reaches the (empty) exchange area 230ab, where the hook 305a2 disengages from the fixture, so the fixture 210a decelerates to stop at time TDa (before the stop period PS2 after passing through the non-zero advance TS2-TDa). At time TEb (after the stop period PS2 before passing through non-zero delay TEb-TM2), clamp 210a is engaged by hook 305b, thus clamp 210a accelerates to reach its speed Vl. Clamp 210a then moves with hook 305b. Specifically, clamp 210a moves at speed Vl until clamp 305b reaches the (separation) delivery station 205e of exchange area 230bc, where clamp 305b separates from delivery station 205e, thus clamp 210a decelerates to stop at time TDb (before the stop period PS3 after passing through non-zero advance TS3-TDb). At time TEc (after the stop period PS3 before passing through non-zero delay TEc-TM3), clamp 210a is engaged by hook 305c, thus clamp 210a accelerates to reach its speed Vl. Clamp 210a then moves with hook 305c. Specifically, clamp 210a moves at a speed of Vl until clamp 305c reaches (separates from) the exchange area 230ca at the loading station 205a, where clamp 305c separates from the loading station 205a. Clamp 210a then decelerates to stop at time TDc (before the stop period PS4 after TS4-TDc, via a non-zero advance). Clamp 210a remains stationary during the corresponding stop period PS4, thus returning to the starting conditions.

[0054] Therefore, each clamp 210a-210d continuously repeats the engagement period PE (where clamps 210a-210d engage with hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) and the separation period PD (where clamps 210a-210d separate from any of hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305), with the engagement period PE and separation period PD alternating. Specifically, as shown in the figure, clamp 210a engages with hook 305a1 during engagement period PEa, separates from (empty) exchange area 230ab during engagement period PDab, engages with hook 305b during engagement period PEb, separates from (separated) delivery station 205e in exchange area 230bc during engagement period PDbc, and engages with hook 305c during engagement period PEc. During separation period PDca, it separates from (separated) loading station 205a in exchange area 230ca.

[0055] Therefore, the processing period during which each clamp 210a-210d remains stationary on the ring conveyor 205d is equal to the stop period PS. The corresponding processing periods for each clamp 210a-210d in the (empty) exchange area 230ab, loading station 205a, and delivery station 205e are respectively equal to their separation periods PDab, PDbc, and PDca, which are respectively equal to the stop period PS plus the time required for hooks 305b, 305c, and 305a1, 305a2 to pass through the passive sections of chains 225b, 225c, and 225a (based on the speeds Vl of chains 225b and 225c and the speed Vh of chain 225a). The engagement period PEa, including the processing at the cover station 205d, is longer than the movement / stop period PMS to ensure that when the drive system stops at any time (the fixture engages at the cover station via one of the hooks 305a1, 305a2 of chain 225), the other fixtures in the exchange area 230ab, delivery station 205e, and loading station 205a are all disengaged from the other hooks 305a1, 305a2, as well as hooks 305b and 305c of chain 225a.

[0056] This provides many additional benefits.

[0057] In particular, this allows for the (dynamic) adjustment of the stop time period PS, and then the adjustment of the processing time period for book blocks 215a-215d in the cover station 205d. For example, book production is typically carried out in (processing) jobs, each involving the processing of a certain number of book blocks of the same type. Before each processing job, the operator inputs the corresponding configuration information (such as the number and size of book blocks) via a touchscreen. Simultaneously, the operator can also input the processing time period instructions (such as their desired values) for book blocks 215a-215d in the cover station 205d. The control unit then sets the stop time period PS for all book blocks in the processing job to that processing time period. Alternatively, the control unit can automatically determine the stop time period PS based on the characteristics of the book blocks in the processing job, such as their geometric information (included in the configuration information of the processing job).

[0058] Therefore, the processing time of book blocks 215a-215d in cover station 205d can be optimized separately for different characteristics of the book blocks being processed; this greatly improves the quality of the corresponding books. This is advantageous compared to known separators. In fact, in the solution according to an embodiment of the invention, the processing time of cover station 205d is modified without changing the speeds Vh and Vl, and without affecting the processing of book blocks by moving processing stations 205b and 205c. The above not only greatly facilitates the control of moving processing stations 205b and 205c, but also allows them to be designed according to specific optimal processing speeds. Therefore, there is no need to compromise between optimal design (ensuring high quality) and the yield of the binding machine 100. Conversely, in known separators, the only possibility of changing the processing time of any processing station (where the fixture remains stationary because the separation drive system always moves at the same constant speed) is to change the speed accordingly; this may adversely affect the operational quality of the moving processing stations, and when the speed is reduced to increase the processing time, it will adversely affect the yield of the binding machine. Furthermore, in the technical solution according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the stop time PS is shortened, the work cycle Cw is also shortened, thereby correspondingly improving the yield of the finishing machine 100. This is advantageous for known stationary machines, where the stop time is always equal to the longest of all stationary processing stations.

[0059] Alternatively, the movement period PM can be dynamically adjusted, and the stopping positions of the hooks 305a1 and 3052 of chain 225a and the clamps 210a-210d in the sealing station 205d can be adjusted accordingly.

[0060] For example, the segments of chain 225a defined by hooks 305a1 and 305a2 may have (slightly) different lengths, for example, due to errors caused by tolerances, wear, etc.; therefore, hooks 305a1 and 305a2 and clamps 210a-210d conveyed by them can stop at their respective stop positions within the cover station 205d. In the test mode of the binding machine 100 (selected by the operator via a touchscreen) or in the production mode of the binding machine 100, the control unit (via sensor 315) measures the displacement between the book blocks 215a-215d clamped by each clamp 210a-210d and the corresponding cover in the cover station 205d (when the clamps 210a-210d are fixed therein). The control unit determines the displacement of each segment of chain 225a (e.g., equal to the average of its multiple values) based on the displacement of the clamps 210a-210d conveyed by hooks 305a1 and 305a2 at the end of chain 225a. The control unit calculates and adjusts the movement period PM for each segment of chain 225a to compensate for corresponding displacement. The control unit controls the drive system to move each segment of chain 225a. When its hooks 305a1 and 305a2 reach the cover station 205d, the control unit adjusts the movement period PM according to the corresponding time to ensure that hooks 305a1 and 305a2 and their conveying clamps 210-210d always stop at the correct stopping position. Therefore, any inaccuracies in chain 225a can be compensated for, ensuring that book blocks 215a-215d are always processed at the correct stopping position at the cover station 205d; this greatly improves the quality of the corresponding books.

[0061] As a further example, before each processing operation begins, the operator inputs the stop position indication for fixtures 210a-210d within the cover station 205d (e.g., the relative position of the corresponding fixtures 210a-210d between each pair of book blocks 215a-215d and the cover, such as in the middle of the cover, aligned with the longitudinal end of the cover, or at a certain distance, etc.). The control unit calculates the value of the movement time period PM required to stop the fixtures 210a-210d at this stop position in the cover station 205d. Then, the control unit controls the drive system to move within this movement time period. In this way, book blocks 215a-215d can be processed at the cover station 205d according to different processing requirements.

[0062] In both cases, modifications to the moving time period PM (whether to correct a stop position error caused by inaccuracy of chain 225a or to change the stop position to meet the requirements of the machining operation) have no effect on the stop positions of clamps 210a-210d in other fixed machining stations 205a and 205e; in fact, assuming that other hooks 305a2, 305b, and 305c are located in the passive sections of the corresponding chains 225a, 225b, and 225c, and their positions are at a distance from the active sections (behind and in front) greater than the maximum permissible stop position change caused by the adjustment of the moving time period PM (e.g., 0.1-1.0mm for correction and 1-20mm for change of stop position, respectively), the clamps of fixed machining stations 205a and 205e remain separated from hooks 305b and 305c.

[0063] This is impossible in known disengaged machines because the fixtures are separated from the drive system at all stationary machining stations. Furthermore, this is advantageous with respect to known stationary machines, where any modification to the movement time to correct the stopping position of the fixture at a particular stationary machining station will adversely affect the stopping positions of the fixtures at other stationary machining stations.

[0064] Alternatively, the stop position of each hook 305a1, 305a2 can be adjusted individually, and then the stop position of the clamps 210a-210d conveyed by them in the sealing station 205d can be adjusted.

[0065] For example, in the production process of the binding machine 100, when each hook 305a1, 305a2, and then the clamps 210a-210d conveyed by it stop at the cover station 205d, the control unit (via sensor 315) measures the displacement between the book block 215a-215d clamped by the clamps 210a-210d and the book block to be covered (before processing the book block 215a-215d). If book blocks 215a-215d are not aligned with the cover (i.e., the absolute value of the displacement exceeds the acceptable threshold), the control unit controls the drive system to adjust the stop positions of hooks 305a1 and 305a2 according to the displacement, and then adjusts the stop position of the conveying fixtures 210a-210d (thereby removing them, or at least lowering them below the acceptable threshold); specifically, when book blocks 215a-215d are in front of the cover, the drive system moves backward (a distance opposite to the displacement), and when book blocks 215a-215d are behind the cover, the drive system moves forward (a distance equal to the displacement). Book blocks 215a-215d are then processed at the cover station 205d in this (adjusted) stop position.

[0066] Therefore, any misalignment between book blocks 215a-215d and the cover can be compensated for (e.g., changes in the cover due to creases caused by mechanical inaccuracies), thus ensuring that book blocks 215a-215d are always processed in cover station 205d, correctly aligned with the cover (without needing to move the cover); this greatly improves the quality of the corresponding books. In this case, the adjustment of the stop position in cover station 205d has no effect on the stop position of the fixtures in other fixed processing stations 205a, 205e; in fact, as mentioned above, assuming that other hooks 305a1, 305b, 305c are located in the passive section of the corresponding chains 225a, 225b, 225c, and the distance between their positions and the active section exceeds the maximum permissible stop position adjustment (e.g., 0.1-1.0mm), then the fixtures in fixed processing stations 205a, 205e remain separated from hooks 305a1, 305b, 305c.

[0067] As mentioned above, this is impossible in known separable machines because the fixtures are separated from the drive system at all stationary machining stations. Furthermore, this is also advantageous with known stationary machines, where any modification to the stop position of the fixture at a particular stationary machining station will adversely affect the stop positions of the fixtures at other stationary machining stations.

[0068] More generally, due to the single drive system for all fixtures 210a-210d, the above-described embodiment provides a structure that can be controlled in a simple manner; this limits the cost 100 of the binding machine and has a beneficial impact on the production cost of books. The binding machine 100 has a compact design due to the passive portion of the chains 225a-225c. The downtime of the binding machine 100 is limited because the drive system only stops for a short processing period (at the cover station 205d). The binding machine 100 can freely adjust the processing of book blocks 215a-215d at the cover station 205d, thereby improving production quality accordingly.

[0069] Reference Figure 4CBook blocks 215a-215d pass through the moving processing stations 205b and 205c at a processing speed equal to speed Vh. In a particular embodiment, speeds Vh and Vl vary with time (always following their relationship, i.e., in this case, Vh = 2Vl). For example, in each movement period PM, the speeds Vh and Vl vary within a (variable) period PV, during which the hooks 305a1 and 305a2 of chain 225a move along their active sections through specific moving processing stations (e.g., substrate station 205c); specifically, the speed Vh varies to a (variable) speed Vh', which is equal to the required processing speed (different from speed Vh) for the book block to be processed through substrate station 205c (the speed Vl correspondingly varies to a (variable) speed Vl', in which case Vl' = Vh' / 2); for example, as shown, the varying speeds Vh' and Vl' are lower than speeds Vh and Vl (similar considerations also apply when the varying speeds Vh' and Vl' are higher than speeds Vh and Vl). The varying speeds Vh' and Vl' and the varying period PV can be statically predefined (depending on the characteristics of the binding machine 100), dynamically selected (by the operator via a touchscreen, globally or individually for each processing job), or automatically determined (based on the book block geometry information of the processing job). Each fixture 210a-210d is conveyed by hooks 305a1 and 305a2 of chain 225a, and moves through substrate station 205c (in this example, fixture 210a conveyed by hook 305a2) with the same motion law, so that its book block 215a passes through substrate station 205c at the required varying speed Vh'.

[0070] Therefore, the processing speed of book blocks 215a-215d (at the moving processing station) can be optimized based on the different characteristics of the moving processing station (global) and / or the book blocks (individual) in the processing operation; this further improves the quality of the corresponding books. Changes in speeds Vh and Vl have no effect on the processing of book blocks 215a-215d in other processing stations 205a-205b and 205d-205e. In fact, during the changing period PV, other fixtures are separated (e.g., in this embodiment, fixture 210d is fixed at the loading station 205a) and are all moved away from all processing stations 205a-205e (e.g., fixture 201b moves between the cover station 205d and the exchange area 230ab at a changing speed Vl', and fixture 210c moves between the exchange area 230ab and the delivery station 205e at a changing speed Vl').

[0071] Reference Figure 4DIt shows the motion pattern of the same drive system as described above at constant speeds Vh and Vl, and at the beginning of the first stop period PS1, the motion of hooks 305a1 and 305a2 (accelerating first and then decelerating) is added to adjust the stop position of the cover station 205d (in this case, it is forward; similar considerations apply when the stop position is adjusted backward and / or in other stop periods PS).

[0072] In a particular implementation, the active sections of chains 225a-225c may differ from the transport path 220. Specifically, in a factory view, chains 225a-225c have curved portions of their active sections that are away from the processing stations 205a-205e, extending into the corresponding curved portions of the transport path 220, where each chain 225a-225c coincides with the transport path 220 between a pair of common points. Since each curved portion of chains 225a-225c is shorter than the corresponding curved portion of the transport path 220 between the common points, in these areas, clamps 210a-210d need to move faster (by sliding and rotating relative to them) than the hooks 305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c that carry them. For example, chain 225a may move faster during a (fast) period PFa between the moving processing station 205c and the sealing station 205d. Figure 3 The right semicircle), chain 225b in a (fast) period PFb before reaching delivery station 205e. Figure 3 The arc at the top left), chain 225c in a (fast) period PFc before reaching the feed station 205a. Figure 3 (The arc in the lower left corner).

[0073] The aforementioned features allow for a reduction in the length of the curved portions of chains 225a-225c to achieve the same length as the corresponding curved portions of transport path 220 (with a sufficiently high radius of curvature to provide smoother movement of clamps 225a-225d). The resulting shortening of chains 225a-225c has a beneficial effect on the size and yield of the finishing machine 100.

[0074] Furthermore (not shown in the figure), chain 225a may have one or more (inclined) portions of its active section, each portion being inclined at one or more moving processing stations 205b-205c toward a corresponding straight portion of transport path 220 (e.g., forming an angle α = 5-70°). Each hook 305a1-305a2 of chain 225a moves at a tangential velocity in its inclined portion, having a component perpendicular to the slits 310a-310d of the clamps 210a-210d conveyed therefrom (which causes the clamps 210a-210d integral with the hooks 305a1-305a2 to move) and a component longitudinally along the slits 310a-310d (which causes the hooks 305a1-305a2 to slide along this component). Then, the clamps 210a-210d move along the guide rail 220 at a speed (Vh·cosα) lower than the speed Vh of the hooks 305a1-305a2. This feature allows for a reduction in the speed of the clamps 305a1-305a2 at any moving machining station 205b-205c (e.g., improving the quality of the corresponding machining). This result is achieved without changing the speed Vh of the chain 225a, and therefore without adversely affecting the yield of the finishing machine 100.

[0075] improve

[0076] Naturally, those skilled in the art can apply numerous logical and / or physical modifications and alterations to the invention to meet local and specific requirements. More specifically, although the invention has been described with a degree of particularity regarding one or more embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and variations in form and detail, as well as in other embodiments, are possible. In particular, different embodiments of the invention may even be implemented without the specific details (e.g., numerical values) described above, to provide a more thorough understanding of it; conversely, well-known features may be omitted or simplified to avoid obscuring the description with unnecessary detail. Furthermore, specific elements and / or method steps explicitly indicated to be relevant to any embodiment of the invention may be incorporated into any other embodiment as a matter of general design choice. Furthermore, items 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,” “about,” “approximately,” etc., should be understood as within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%. Furthermore, each range of numerical values ​​should explicitly specify any possible number on a continuum within the range (including its endpoints). Ordinal numbers or other qualifiers are used only as labels to distinguish elements with the same name, but they do not themselves imply any priority, precedence, or order. Terms including, containing, owning, relating to, etc., should have an open, non-exhaustive meaning (i.e., not limited to the stated item); terms based on, depending on, according to, functional, etc., should be intended to have a non-exclusive relationship (i.e., involving possible further variables); and the term one / a should be intended to refer to one or more items (unless explicitly stated otherwise). The term "used for" (or any expression "used for + function") should refer to any structure adapted or configured to perform the relevant function.

[0077] For example, one embodiment provides a binding machine. However, the binding machine can be of any type (e.g., hardcover binding machine, box sealing machine, etc.).

[0078] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes multiple processing stations for processing book blocks. However, the processing stations can be any number, any location, and any type (e.g., only fixed stations, fixed stations, and moving stations, etc.), and they can be used to process any book block (e.g., stacked pages, flat pages, with or without inserts, sewn, glued, stapled, or collected in any other way, etc.).

[0079] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes multiple transport elements for individually transporting book blocks. However, the transport elements can be of any number and any type (e.g., clamps, belts, supports, grippers, etc.).

[0080] In one embodiment, the transport element is adapted to transport book blocks between processing stations along a closed transport path in the transport direction. However, the book blocks can be transported along any transport path (e.g., elliptical, circular, irregular, etc.) in any direction (e.g., counterclockwise, clockwise, etc.).

[0081] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes multiple ring conveyors. However, the ring conveyors can be any number and any type (e.g., chains, belts, etc.).

[0082] In one embodiment, the ring conveyor has corresponding exchange areas on the transport path between adjacent pairs of the ring conveyor. However, the ring conveyor can be arranged in any way (e.g., the portion corresponding to it in the transport path coincides with it, is slightly spaced from it, any combination thereof, etc.).

[0083] In one embodiment, each annular conveyor carries one or more conveying elements (when there are multiple, they are evenly distributed along the annular conveyor). However, each annular conveyor can have any number of any type of conveying elements (e.g., hooks, studs, hooks, brackets, etc.); in any case, the conveying elements can also achieve the same function, being able to engage and disengage from each (uniform) annular conveyor according to command (the corresponding part of the annular conveyor is engaged by the conveying elements that realize its conveying elements).

[0084] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes a drive system for driving the ring conveyor. However, the drive system can be of any type (e.g., mechanical, magnetic, with or without guide transport elements, etc.).

[0085] In one embodiment, the drive system is used to continuously engage one of the transport elements at the beginning of one of the exchange zones of the ring conveyor. However, the transport element may engage the transport element in any manner (e.g., the transport element enters a slit in the transport element, the transport element hooks onto the transport element, the transport element hooks onto the ring conveyor, etc.).

[0086] In one embodiment, the drive system is also used to cause the conveying element to transport the transport element along the transport path from the starting exchange area to the other end of one of its exchange areas for the active section of the ring conveyor. However, the conveying element can transport the transport element in any manner (e.g., transporting at the same speed when integrally formed with the conveying element, transporting at a different speed when moving relative to the conveying element, the conveying element pushing or pulling the transport element, etc.).

[0087] In one embodiment, the drive system is used to further separate the conveying element from the transport element at the end exchange zone of the annular conveyor. However, the conveying element may be separated from the transport element in any way (e.g., the conveying element remains in contact with the transport element but does not apply any force, or is separated from the transport element, etc.).

[0088] In one embodiment, the drive system is also used to cause the conveying element to return unconstrained along the transport direction from the end exchange area to the start exchange area away from the transport path, for the passive section of the corresponding loop conveyor. However, the passive section can be of any type (e.g., at any distance from the transport path, directly from the end exchange area to the start exchange area, or with any offset, etc.).

[0089] In one embodiment, the drive system drives the annular conveyor at corresponding speeds according to a common movement frequency, each speed being proportional to the ratio between the length of the corresponding annular conveyor and the number of corresponding conveying elements. However, the drive system can drive the annular conveyor at corresponding speeds in any manner (e.g., by a common motor, with or without a drive system) based on any movement frequency (e.g., fixed, variable, etc.).

[0090] Further embodiments provide additional advantageous features; however, these features may be omitted entirely in the basic embodiments.

[0091] In particular, in one embodiment, the drive system is configured to drive the annular conveyors at at least partially different corresponding speeds. However, the speeds may vary in any way according to the corresponding relationship (e.g., all annular conveyors are different, one or more groups of annular conveyors are the same, etc.); in any case, a basic implementation with a common speed for all annular conveyors is within the scope of the invention (e.g., when the proposed solution is only used to stop the conveying element within the slit of the transport element).

[0092] In one embodiment, the drive system includes a common motor. However, the common motor can be of any type (e.g., a servo motor, a stepper motor, etc.).

[0093] In one embodiment, the drive system includes a transmission mechanism for driving the annular conveyor by a motor at a corresponding speed. However, the transmission system can be of any type (e.g., based on toothed belts, gears, chains, etc.); in any case, implementations of multiple motors with different speeds are within the scope of this invention (even if less efficient).

[0094] In one embodiment, the processing station includes at least one joining processing station and one or more separating processing stations for processing book blocks while stationary. However, the joining processing stations can be of any number and any type (e.g., cover station, endpaper station, etc.); similarly, the separating processing stations can be of any number and any type (e.g., automatic feeding station, manual feeding station, delivery station, pressing station, etc.).

[0095] In one embodiment, the joining station is arranged along an active section of one of the annular conveyors. However, the joining station can be arranged at any location along an active section of either annular conveyor.

[0096] In one embodiment, the separation processing station is located at the corresponding processing station in the exchange area. However, the separation processing station can be arranged in any exchange area (e.g., all exchange areas, leaving one or more exchange areas empty, etc.).

[0097] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes a control unit. However, the control unit can be of any type (e.g., a computer, a microcontroller, a mechanical system, etc.).

[0098] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to repeatedly stop the drive system during corresponding stop periods that alternate with the movement periods. However, the drive system can stop any stop period (e.g., with any deceleration, for each machining operation, any value equal to the machining period of a single engaged machining station or equal to the longest machining period of multiple engaged machining stations, fixed, globally variable, or individual, etc.) in any manner (e.g., any value for each machining operation, fixed, globally variable, or individual, etc.).

[0099] In one embodiment, during each stop period, one transport element is engaged at the engagement processing station, while the corresponding other transport element is separated in the exchange area during the corresponding separation period. However, this behavior can be achieved in any way (e.g., transport elements separated in the exchange area before or at the start of the stop period, transport elements engaged in the exchange area after or at the end of the stop period, any combination thereof, etc.).

[0100] In one embodiment, each separation period begins with a non-zero advance preceding the corresponding stop period. However, the advance can be any value (decreasing to zero, for example, when the moving period cannot be reduced and / or the stop position cannot be moved backward).

[0101] In one embodiment, each separation period ends after the corresponding stop period with a non-zero delay. However, the delay can be any value (decreasing to zero, for example, when the moving period may not increase and / or the stop position may not move forward).

[0102] In one embodiment, the drive system is configured to drive an annular conveyor located in the transport direction ahead of the exchange area of ​​at least one separation processing station at a speed lower than one or more of the other speeds. However, the drive system can drive any number of annular conveyors located ahead of the separation processing station at any lower speed at any location along the transport path (e.g., only conveyors arranged on the curved sections of the transport path, all conveyors, etc.).

[0103] In one embodiment, the transport element includes a corresponding slit for continuously receiving one of the transport elements. However, the slit can be of any type (e.g., having any length, extending radially, tangentially, horizontally, vertically, etc.).

[0104] In one embodiment, each transport element is engaged when one of the conveying elements moves laterally within its respective slit to act on the transport element. However, the conveying element can engage the transport element by moving laterally to its slit in any manner (e.g., vertically, obliquely, etc.).

[0105] In one embodiment, the transport element is detached in other ways. However, the conveying element can be detached from the transport element in any way (e.g., moving along the slit and then leaving the transport element, leaving the transport element immediately, etc.).

[0106] In one embodiment, during each stop period, each of the transport elements separated in the exchange zone has one of the transport elements stopped within its slit. However, the transport elements may stop at any position along the slit; in any case, a basic embodiment having at least a portion of the transport elements stop outside the slit of the transport element (e.g., in the straight section of the transport path) is within the scope of the invention (e.g., when the proposed solution is only used to drive the annular conveyor at different speeds).

[0107] In one embodiment, the joining processing station is a cover station for applying the corresponding cover to the book block. However, the cover can be of any type (e.g., soft, hard, etc.).

[0108] In one embodiment, the end exchange area of ​​the annular conveyor corresponding to the sealing station does not contain a processing station. However, the possibility of providing any processing station (e.g., delivery / pressing station, pressing station, etc.) in this end exchange area is not excluded.

[0109] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the stop period. However, the stop period can be adjusted in any way (e.g., manually or automatically, for example, based on one or more characteristics of the processed book blocks measured by corresponding sensors, globally or individually for the processing job, etc.).

[0110] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes an input unit. However, the input unit can be implemented using any type of means (e.g., a touchscreen, a keyboard, a reader of any code such as barcodes, QR codes, etc., an OCR device, a network interface card, etc.).

[0111] In one embodiment, the input unit is used to input an indication of the processing time period in the engagement processing station. However, the processing time period can be represented in any way (e.g., by its value, an increment relative to a default value, for a processing job or in general, etc.).

[0112] In one embodiment, the indication of a processing time slot is for one or more book blocks in a processing job. However, a processing job can contain any number of book blocks, and its processing time slots can be provided in any manner (e.g., manually entered, read from book blocks, received via a network, etc.).

[0113] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to set the stop period of the book block in the processing job as the processing period. However, the stop period can be set in any way (e.g., retaining the new value until the next change, automatically returning to the default value when the processing job ends, etc.).

[0114] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the movement period. However, the movement period can be adjusted in any way (e.g., manually or automatically, for example, based on one or more characteristics of the processed book blocks measured by corresponding sensors, globally or individually for the processing job, etc.).

[0115] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes an input unit for inputting an indication of a stop position in the joining process station. However, the stop position can be represented in any way (e.g., by its value, an increment relative to a default value, for a processing job or in general, etc.).

[0116] In one embodiment, the indication of the stop position is one or more book blocks for further processing. However, the processing operation can be of any type (see above), and its stop position can be provided in any way (e.g., the same or different in terms of processing time).

[0117] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the movement period of the book block for further processing based on the stop position. However, the movement period can be adjusted in any way (e.g., retaining the new value until the next change, automatically returning to the default value at the end of the processing operation, etc.).

[0118] In one embodiment, the reservation machine includes means for measuring the corresponding displacement of the book block at the joining processing station during a stop period. However, these means can be implemented using any sensor (e.g., optical, mechanical, etc.) for measuring any displacement (e.g., between the book block and the cover, endpaper, fastening lining, quantitative or qualitative, etc.). The sensor can be arranged in any location (e.g., directly measuring the displacement of the book block before, during, or after processing at the joining processing station, indirectly measuring the displacement on the processed book block at the delivery station, etc.).

[0119] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to calculate the corresponding time adjustment of the conveying element of each annular conveyor corresponding to the engagement processing station based on the displacement of the respective book block. However, the time adjustment can be calculated in any way (e.g., equal to any central statistical parameter, such as the average, median, pattern, etc. of any number of displacements, equal to a single displacement, etc.).

[0120] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the movement period of each conveying element arriving at the engagement processing station according to a corresponding time. However, the movement period can be adjusted in any way based on the time adjustment (e.g., the exact opposite time adjustment, an increase of a percentage, etc.). This operation can be performed at any time (e.g., during test mode for any maintenance of the installation and / or binding machine, periodically in production mode, or after any number of processing jobs, etc.).

[0121] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes a device located at the joining processing station for measuring (during each stop period) the displacement of a corresponding book block at the joining processing station in its stopped position before processing. However, these devices can be implemented using any type of sensor for measuring any displacement (e.g., the same sensor as described above, another sensor of the same or different type, etc.). The displacement can be measured at any time before processing the book block (e.g., at the stop time, a time with a certain delay from it, the time when another sensor detects that the book block is stationary, etc.).

[0122] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the drive system (during each stop period) to adjust the stop position of the book block in the joining processing station according to the displacement generated by the book block, for its processing. However, the stop position can be adjusted in any way (e.g., in open-loop technology, by correcting the position entirely based on the displacement; in closed-loop technology, by continuously modifying the position until it is correct, etc.). In particular, the displacement can be measured, the movement required to compensate for the displacement can be calculated, and then the conveying element can be moved accordingly. Alternatively, the direction of displacement can be determined (e.g., the book block is too far forward or too far back), and the conveying element can be moved a predetermined distance in the opposite direction (backward if too far forward, or forward if too far back) until the position is correct.

[0123] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes a device located at the joining station for measuring the displacement between the book block and the corresponding cover of each transport element located at the joining station. However, the displacement can be measured in any way (e.g., by detecting the positions of the book block and the cover, by detecting the position of the book block and comparing it with a known cover position, etc.).

[0124] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the drive system to drive the ring conveyor at a corresponding speed that varies over time. However, the speed can vary in any way (e.g., at a constant speed of lower and / or higher over a period of time, under any acceleration / deceleration or more general conditions, under any other motion law, globally or individually for each processing job, etc.). In any case, the possibility of maintaining a constant speed at all times is not excluded (e.g., fixed, customizable, adaptive, etc.).

[0125] In one embodiment, the binding machine includes a guide rail for guiding the transport elements along the transport path. However, the guide rail can be of any type (e.g., guide rail, track, etc.).

[0126] In one embodiment, the conveying element includes a corresponding hook integrated with the annular conveyor. However, the hooks can be of any type (e.g., having any cross-section, length, etc.) and can be incorporated into the conveyor in any manner (e.g., downward, upward, laterally extended, etc.).

[0127] In one embodiment, the transport path bends between at least a pair of common points, wherein the transport path coincides with one of the corresponding loop conveyors. However, the bends can be of any number and any type (e.g., having a constant or varying radius of curvature, having or not having straight sections between the common points, etc.).

[0128] In one embodiment, between a pair of common points, the annular conveyor includes an inner portion of its active section that extends into a corresponding outer portion of the transport path (whereby each hook of the annular conveyor slides along a slit of the transport element engaged by the hook, causing the transport element to move faster than the hook). However, the inner and outer portions may be at any distance (e.g., uniformly increasing / decreasing, exhibiting an irregular trend, etc.) to achieve any speed difference (e.g., constant or varying along the curved portion of the transport path, etc.).

[0129] In one embodiment, the processing station includes one or more movable processing stations for processing the book block while it is in motion. However, the movable processing stations can be any number (or even none) and of any type (e.g., lining station, milling station, gluing station, etc.).

[0130] In one embodiment, the mobile processing stations are arranged along at least one straight section of the transport path for the active section of at least one of the circular conveyors. However, the mobile processing stations can be arranged in any manner (e.g., one or two or more consecutive mobile processing stations are arranged on each straight section, all mobile processing stations are located together on the same straight section or two or more are distributed therein, etc.); in any case, the possibility of having some mobile processing stations on curved sections of the transport path is not excluded.

[0131] In one embodiment, at least one of the annular conveyors includes an inclined portion at one of the respective moving processing stations that extends obliquely to the corresponding straight portion of the transport path (whereby each hook moves obliquely toward the slit of the transport element engaged by the hook, causing the transport element to move slower than the hook). However, the inclined portion can extend at any angle (e.g., moving away and then approaching uniformly at the same or different speeds, with an irregular trend, such as moving away, parallel and then approaching, etc.) to achieve any speed difference (e.g., constant or varying along the corresponding straight portion, etc.).

[0132] In one embodiment, the machining station is suitable for being driven individually. However, the possibility of driving one or more sets (two or more) of machining stations together is not excluded (all).

[0133] In one embodiment, the binding machine is a hardcover binding machine. However, the hardcover binding machine can be of any type (e.g., automatic / manual type, for applying with or without backing paper / lining, etc.).

[0134] Another embodiment provides a binding apparatus that includes one or more instances of the binding machine described above. However, the binding apparatus can be of any type (e.g., any number of such binding machines and any number and type of other binding machines, such as box binding machines, sewing machines, box sealing machines, trimming machines, etc.).

[0135] Generally, similar considerations apply if binding machines and binding equipment each have different structures or consist of equivalent components, or have other operational characteristics. In any case, each component can be separated into multiple parts, or two or more components can be combined into a single component; 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 can be carried out directly or indirectly through one or more media.

[0136] Another embodiment provides a method for operating a binding machine. In one embodiment, the method includes processing book blocks in multiple processing stations. In one embodiment, the method includes individually transporting book blocks between processing stations along a transport path enclosed by multiple transport elements in a transport direction. In one embodiment, the method includes driving a plurality of annular conveyors arranged in a continuous, circular pattern (each annular conveyor carrying one or more transport elements evenly distributed along the annular conveyor when there are multiple annular conveyors), with corresponding exchange areas at the transport path between pairs of adjacent annular conveyors in the annular conveyors. The method involves a drive system that causes each conveying element of each circular conveyor to continuously engage one of the conveying elements at the beginning of an exchange zone in the circular conveyor's exchange zone, conveying the conveying element along the transport path in the transport direction from the initial exchange zone of the circular conveyor to the exchange zone at the other end of the exchange zone for the active section of the circular conveyor, separating the conveying element at the end exchange zone of the circular conveyor, and allowing the conveying element to freely return along the transport path from the end exchange zone to the initial exchange zone of the circular conveyor for the passive section of the circular conveyor; in one embodiment, the method includes driving the circular conveyor at corresponding speeds via the drive system according to a common speed factor, each speed being proportional to the ratio between the length of the corresponding circular conveyor and the number of corresponding conveying elements. However, the above considerations regarding the characteristics of the binding machine also apply to the corresponding steps of the method.

[0137] Generally speaking, if the same solution is implemented using the same method, similar problems need to be considered (by using similar steps, using the same function with more or some steps, removing some unnecessary steps or adding further optional steps); moreover, these steps can be performed in different orders, concurrently or in an interleaved manner (at least partially).

[0138] Another embodiment provides a computer program configured to cause the control unit of the binding machine to perform the methods described above when the computer program is executed on the control unit. Another embodiment provides a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium containing the computer program, which can be loaded into the working memory of the control unit of the binding machine, thereby configuring the control unit to perform the same methods. However, the program can take any form suitable for use by any control unit (see above), for example, as external or local software, firmware, or microcode (in the form of object code or source code, e.g., to be compiled or interpreted). Furthermore, the program can be provided on any tangible type of computer-readable storage medium, rather than the transient signal itself (which can retain and store instructions for use by the control unit, such as electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor types, such as fixed disks, memory keys, etc.). In any case, the solution according to embodiments of the invention can even be implemented by a hardware structure (e.g., by electronic circuitry integrated in one or more semiconductor material chips) or by a combination of software and hardware appropriately programmed or otherwise configured.

Claims

1. A binding machine (100) comprising a plurality of processing stations (205a-205e) for processing book blocks (215a-215d) and a plurality of transport elements (210a-210d) for transporting the book blocks (215a-215d) between the processing stations (205a-205e) along a closed transport path (220) in a transport direction, characterized in that: Multiple annular conveyors (225a-225c) are arranged in a continuous, ring-shaped configuration. Each annular conveyor (225a-225c) has a corresponding exchange area (230ab, 230bc, 230ca) at the transport path (220) between pairs of adjacent annular conveyors. Each annular conveyor (225a, 225b, 225c) carries one or more conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c). When the one or more conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b) are... When the number of conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) is greater than one, they are uniformly distributed along the annular conveyors (225a, 225b, 225c); and a drive system (235-240) for driving the annular conveyors (225a-225c) such that each conveying element (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) of each annular conveyor (225a-225c) continuously engages one of the transport elements (210a-210d) at the starting exchange zone in the exchange zone (230ab, 230bc, 230ca) of the annular conveyor (225a-225c). One, along the transport path (220), in the transport direction, transports the transport elements (210a-210d) from the starting exchange area of ​​the annular conveyor (225a-225c) to the end exchange area in the exchange area (230ca; 230ab; 230bc) ​​for the active section of the annular conveyor (225a-225c), to separate the transport elements (210a-210d) at the end exchange area of ​​the annular conveyor (225a-225c), and to move away from the transport path (220), such that the transport elements (210a-210d) are separated from the transport elements (210a-210d) at the end exchange area of ​​the annular conveyor (225a-225c). -210d) Free return from the end exchange area to the start exchange area of ​​the annular conveyor (225a-225c) in the transport direction for the passive section of the annular conveyor (225a-225c); wherein the drive system (235-240) drives the annular conveyor (225a-225c) at corresponding speeds according to a common movement frequency, each speed being proportional to the ratio between the length of the corresponding annular conveyor (225a, 225b, 225c) and the number of the corresponding conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c).

2. The binding machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The drive system (235-240) is configured to drive the annular conveyor (225a-225c) at at least partially different corresponding speeds.

3. The binding machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The drive system (235-240) includes a common motor (235) and a transmission mechanism (240) for driving the annular conveyor (225a-225cs) by the motor (235) at the corresponding speed.

4. The binding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processing stations (205a-205e) include at least one joining processing station (205d) and one or more separating processing stations (205a, 205e), the one or more separating processing stations (205a, 205e) being used to process the book block (215a-215d) while the book block (215a-215d) is fixed in the one or more separating processing stations (205a, 205e). The joining processing station (205d) is arranged along the active section of one of the annular conveyors (225a), and the separating processing stations (205a; 205e) are arranged in the intersection... The binding machine (100) includes a control unit (120) configured to repeatedly stop the drive system (235-240) at corresponding stop periods that alternate with the movement periods; during each stop period, one of the transport elements (210a-210d) engages at the joining processing station (205d), while the corresponding other transport elements (210a-210d) separate at the exchange areas (230ab, 230bc, 230ca) during a corresponding separation period.

5. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the separation periods begins with a non-zero advance time before the corresponding stop period.

6. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the separation periods ends with a non-zero delay after the corresponding stop period.

7. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The drive system (235-240) is configured to drive the annular conveyor (225b) before the exchange zone (230bc) ​​of at least one of the separation processing stations (205e) at a speed lower than one or more of the other speeds in the transport direction.

8. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The transport elements (210a-210d) include corresponding slits (310a-310d) for continuously receiving one of the transport elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c), wherein, when one of the transport elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) moves laterally within the corresponding slit (310a-310d) and thus acts on the transport element (210a-210d), each The transport elements (210a-210d) engage or disengage; during each stop period, the transport elements (210a-210d) disengage at the exchange zones (230ab, 230bc, 230ca), each of the exchange zones (230ab, 230bc, 230ca) having one of the conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) stopped within the slits (310a-310d) of the transport elements (210a-210d).

9. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The joining processing station is a cover station (205d) for applying the corresponding cover to the book blocks (215a-215d), and the end exchange area (230ab) of the annular conveyor (225a) corresponding to the cover station (205d) is separated from the processing station (205a-205e).

10. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit (120) is configured to adjust the stop time period. The binding machine (100) includes a device (125) for inputting a processing time period instruction for one or more book blocks (215a-215d) in the joining processing station (205d) for the processing operation, and the control unit (120) configured to set the stop time period of the book blocks (215a-215d) in the processing operation as the processing time period.

11. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit (120) is configured to adjust the movement period; the binding machine (100) includes a device (125) for inputting a stop position indication for one or more book blocks (215a-215d) for further processing operations in the joining processing station (205e) and the control unit (120) configured to adjust the movement period of the book blocks (215a-215c) for further processing operations according to the stop position.

12. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The binding machine (100) includes a device (315) for measuring the corresponding displacement of the book block (215b) at the joining station (205d) during the stop period and a control unit (120), the control unit (120) being configured to calculate a corresponding time adjustment of the conveying elements (305a1, 305a1) of the annular conveyor (225a) corresponding to the joining station (205d) based on the displacement of the corresponding book block (215a-215d), and being configured to adjust the movement period of each of the conveying elements (305a1, 305a1) arriving at the joining station (205d) based on the corresponding time adjustment.

13. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The binding machine (100) includes a device (315) located at the joining processing station (205d), the device (315) being used to measure the displacement of the book block (215b) at a stop position of the joining processing station (205d) before the book block (215b) is processed during each stop period, and the control unit (120) is configured to control the drive system (235-240) during each stop period to adjust the stop position of the book block (215b) in the joining processing station (205d) according to the displacement of the book block (215b) so as to process the book block (215b).

14. The binding machine (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The joining processing station is a cover station (205d) for applying the corresponding cover to the book blocks (215a-215d), the end exchange area (230ab) of the annular conveyor (225a) corresponding to the cover station (205d) is separated from the processing station (205a-205e), and wherein the binding machine (100) includes a device (315) located at the joining processing station (205d) for measuring the displacement between the book blocks (215a-215d) and the corresponding cover of each of the transport elements (210a-210d) located at the joining processing station (205d).

15. The binding machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The binding machine (100) includes a control unit (120) configured to control the drive system (235-240) to drive the annular conveyor (225a-225c) at a corresponding speed that varies over time.

16. The binding machine (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The binding machine (100) includes a guide rail (220) for guiding the transport elements (210a-210d) along the transport path (220), wherein the transport elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) include corresponding hooks (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) integral with the annular conveyors (225a-225c), and wherein the transport path (220) bends between at least a pair of common points, in which the transport path (220) coincides with a corresponding one of the annular conveyors (225a-225c), and between the pair of common points, the annular conveyor... The annular conveyor (225a-225c) includes an inner portion of its active section that extends into a corresponding outer portion of the transport path (220), wherein each of the hooks (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) of the annular conveyor (225a-225c) slides along the slit (310a-310d) of the transport element (210a-210d) engaged by the hooks (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c), thereby causing the transport element (210a-210d) to move faster than the hooks (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c).

17. The binding machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The processing station (205a-205e) includes one or more movable processing stations (205a, 205b) for processing the book block (215a-215d) while it moves between the one or more movable processing stations (205a, 205b). The movable processing stations (205a, 205b) are arranged along at least one straight section of the transport path (220) for the active section of at least one of the annular conveyors (225a-225c).

18. The binding machine (100) according to claim 17, wherein, The transport elements (210a-210d) include corresponding slits (310a-310d) for continuously receiving one of the transport elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c), and the transport elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) include corresponding hooks (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) integral with the annular conveyor (225a-225c). c) wherein, when one of the conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) moves laterally within the corresponding slit (310a-310d) to act on the transport element (210a-210d), each of the transport elements (210a-210d) engages, otherwise disengages; during each stop period, the transport elements (210a-210d) disengage at the exchange area (230ab, 230bc, 230ca), each The exchange zones (230ab, 230bc, 230ca) have one of the conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) that stop within the slits (310a-310d) of the conveying elements (210a-210d), and at least one of the annular conveyors (225a-225c) includes an inclined portion at a corresponding location of the moving processing station (205a, 205b), the inclined portion extending obliquely to the conveying element. The corresponding straight section of the path (220); wherein each hook (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) moves obliquely to the slit (310a-310d) of the transport element (210a-210d) engaged by the hook (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c), thereby causing the transport element (210a-210d) to move more slowly than the hook (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c).

19. The binding machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The processing stations (205a-205e) are suitable for individual driving.

20. The binding machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The binding machine (100) is a hardcover binding machine (100).

21. A binding apparatus comprising a binding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A method of operating a binding machine (100), the method comprising: Book blocks (215a-215d) are processed in multiple processing stations (205a-205e); The book blocks (215a-215d) are transported individually between the processing stations (205a-205e) along the transport direction via a transport path (220) enclosed by multiple transport elements (210a-210d). A plurality of annular conveyors (225a-225c) are driven, the plurality of annular conveyors (225a-225c) being arranged continuously in a ring-like manner, with corresponding exchange areas (230ab, 230bc, 230ca) at the transport path (220) between pairs of adjacent annular conveyors (225a-225c). Each annular conveyor (225a, 225b, 225c) carries one or more conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c), which are evenly distributed along the annular conveyors (225a, 225b, 225c) when there is more than one conveying element (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c); driven by a drive system (235-2 40) Each of the conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c) of each of the annular conveyors (225a-225c) continuously engages one of the transport elements (210a-210d) at the starting exchange zone in the exchange zone (230ab, 230bc, 230ca) of the annular conveyor (225a-225c) to transport the transport elements (210a-210d) from the starting exchange zone to the end exchange zone (230ca, 230ab, 230bc) ​​in the transport direction along the transport path (220) for the active section of the annular conveyor (225a-225c); The transport elements (210a-210d) are separated at the end exchange area of ​​the annular conveyor (225a-225c) and are allowed to return freely from the end exchange area to the start exchange area of ​​the annular conveyor (225a-225c) in the transport direction away from the transport path (220) for use in the passive section of the annular conveyor (225a-225c); as well as The drive system (235-240) drives the annular conveyors (225a-225c) at corresponding speeds according to a common movement frequency, with each speed being proportional to the ratio between the length of the corresponding annular conveyor (225a, 225b, 225c) and the number of the corresponding conveying elements (305a1, 305a2, 305b, 305c).

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