Sorting device for sorting book blocks

Abstract

A singling device (10) for singling book blocks (50) is described, the singling device comprising a filling station (1) for singling one or more book blocks into receptacles (51.1, 51.2, 51.3), a first input conveyor (1.1) configured to feed book blocks to the filling station (1), a second input conveyor (1.2) configured to feed empty receptacles (51.1) to the filling station, a first output conveyor (1.3) configured to convey full receptacles (51.3) away from the filling station, the filling station comprising a plurality of insertion devices (14) configured to insert one or more book blocks into a receptacle, wherein the singling device further comprises a control device (20) configured to receive singling information of one or more book blocks and to control the insertion devices to use the singling information for singling one or more book blocks into a receptacle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting device for sorting book blocks, a method for operating the sorting device, and a control device for controlling the sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] Book blocks, consisting of stacks of printed sheets, are typically manufactured on a book production line where various processing steps, such as printing, cutting, folding, gluing, stacking, and aligning, can be performed. At the end of the production line, pre-glued book blocks are delivered to a conveyor, where operators typically manually retrieve them for further processing, such as transferring them to a binding machine for applying covers. Operators can perform several manual tasks, including, for example, sorting the arriving book blocks according to the type of cover to be applied, different paper types, weight, layout, etc.

[0003] For example, books are manufactured in a book production line where digital printing takes place on a continuous paper tape. This production line includes unwinding and printing stations, as well as other moving parts, such as perforation and cutting stations, dynamic signature forming stations, and collection and pre-assembly stations. At the end of the book production line, a conveyor belt is typically provided from which an operator can extract a stable book block for manual handling, or approach a binding machine to bind the book block onto the cover. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In optimizing book production, there is a desire to increase the number of automated steps. However, despite the inefficiency and inaccuracy of manual operations in the production process, certain steps often still require manual execution. As mentioned above, for example, the sorting of book blocks at the end of the book production line is usually carried out manually because automating this step is not straightforward, given the diversity of book blocks produced for different orders and categories in further processing, such as, for example, applying the correct cover to the corresponding book block.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a sorting device for sorting book blocks, a method for operating the sorting device, and a control device for the sorting device, said control device improving upon the prior art in at least part and avoiding at least a portion of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved through the features of the independent claim. Furthermore, other advantageous embodiments can be derived from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved in particular by a sorting device for sorting book blocks, the sorting device comprising a filling station for sorting one or more book blocks into receivers, a first input conveyor configured to feed book blocks into the filling station, a second input conveyor configured to feed empty receivers into the filling station, and a first output conveyor configured to convey full receivers with one or more sorted book blocks out of the filling station, the filling station comprising a plurality of insertion devices configured to insert one or more book blocks into receivers, wherein the sorting device further comprises a control device configured to receive sorting information for one or more book blocks and control the insertion devices to use the sorting information to sort one or more book blocks into receivers.

[0008] The control device can receive sorting information for each book block to be sorted. Therefore, the sorting information can be book block-specific. Since the control device is configured to receive sorting information and control the insertion device to sort one or more book blocks into the receiver, the sorting process can be automated and manual sorting of book blocks can be avoided. Specifically, the control device can use the sorting information to determine which insertion device to control, so that the corresponding book block to which the sorting information belongs can be inserted into the correct target receiver. Therefore, the sorting device can perform the following steps for each unsorted book block delivered by the first input conveyor: receiving sorting information by the control device; determining which insertion device and / or target receiver to control based on the sorting information of the corresponding book block; and controlling the selected insertion device to insert the corresponding book block into the target receiver.

[0009] Preferably, the sorting device includes at least one book block reader configured to read sorting information from at least one identification tag on the book block, wherein the control device is configured to receive sorting information from at least one book block reader.

[0010] At least one book block reader is preferably located at the first input conveyor and can read sorting information of unsorted book blocks that have passed through the at least one book block reader via the first input conveyor. The at least one book block reader can be, for example, a data matrix code reader, a QR code reader, a barcode reader, an RFID reader, etc. Therefore, at least one identification tag for the book block can be, for example, a data matrix code, a QR code, a barcode, an RFID tag, etc. The at least one book block reader can be connected to a control device via a wired or wireless connection.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, sorting information may be received by the control device from upstream processing (e.g., from an upstream printing system).

[0012] Using at least one book block reader, the sorting device can therefore perform the following steps on each unsorted book block delivered by the first input conveyor: reading sorting information by the book block reader; and transmitting the sorting information from at least one book block reader to a control device; the control device determining which insertion device and / or target receiver to control based on the sorting information of the corresponding book block; and controlling the selected insertion device to insert the corresponding book block into the target receiver using the insertion device.

[0013] At least one book block reader is preferably configured to read additional information, particularly book block identification information, from at least one identification tag on the book block, and to transmit the book block identification information to a control device. Reading book block identification information from at least one identification tag advantageously allows for the identification and tracking of individual book blocks during sorting processes.

[0014] The control device may specifically include a computer configured to receive sorting information from at least one book block reader and control the insertion device. The control device can be connected to the insertion device via a wired or wireless connection.

[0015] Although the sorting apparatus according to this disclosure is currently described for sorting book blocks, those skilled in the art will recognize that the sorting apparatus according to this disclosure can also be used for sorting book covers.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control device includes a memory storing sorting category tables, wherein each sorting category table defines matching sorting information, wherein each of the insertion devices is assigned at least one sorting category, and wherein the control device is configured to select an insertion device and control the selected insertion device to sort the book block into the receiver, the insertion device being assigned a sorting category that matches the sorting information of the book block.

[0017] Sorting categories may include one or more book cover sorting categories (e.g., hard / soft, matte / glossy, etc.), one or more paper type categories, one or more weight categories, one or more layout categories, and / or other categories. The control device may assign at least one sorting category to each insertion device, such that a receiver filled by a particular insertion device can be filled with one or more book blocks corresponding to the sorting category. For example, a receiver at an insertion device with the assigned sorting category "hard cover" can be filled with a book block that requires a hard cover. This can be achieved by defining sorting categories that match sorting information that can be read from an identification tag by a book block reader. The matching sorting information may be, for example, an entry in a specific field of an identification tag (e.g., a data matrix code, QR code, barcode, etc.).

[0018] For example, the sorting category “hardcover (deluxe)” assigned to a specific sorting device can be matched by a field entry with the sorting information defined as the number “3”, where “3” indicates a book block to be fitted with a hardcover. If the book block reader reads the identification tag of the book block delivered by the first input conveyor and transmits the sorting information that the identification tag’s field entry is “3” to the control device, the control device can check the sorting category table to find the sorting category “hardcover” that matches the sorting information with the entry “3”. The control device can then select the insertion device assigned to the sorting category “hardcover” and control the insertion device such that the corresponding book block is inserted into the receiver being filled by the insertion device.

[0019] Sorting based on other categories (such as paper type category, weight category, layout category, etc.) can be performed accordingly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sorting category table includes preferably two, particularly preferably four, book cover sorting categories for sorting one or more book blocks based on the book cover for one or more book blocks.

[0021] The insertion device can be assigned according to more than one sorting category, such as book cover sorting category. For example, the insertion device can be assigned the book cover categories "glossy" and "hardcover". Therefore, if the book block reader reads a book block with matching sorting information for "glossy" and "hardcover", the control device can select the insertion device and control the insertion device to insert the book block into the corresponding receiver.

[0022] Insertion devices can be assigned different combinations of sorting categories. For example, a sorting category table with four book cover sorting categories (such as, for example: hard, soft, matte, glossy) can produce four different insertion device assignments: hard / matte; hard / gloss; soft / matte; soft / gloss. Alternatively, if only sorting of the book block according to the hard or soft cover to be applied is required, the sorting category table can produce only two different insertion device assignments. Other combinations, such as book cover sorting categories and paper type categories, are also possible.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first input conveyor, the second input conveyor, and the first output conveyor are arranged in parallel.

[0024] The parallel arrangement of the first input conveyor, the second input conveyor, and the first output conveyor provides the advantage of being able to design the sorting device in a compact manner.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least two of the first input conveyor, the second input conveyor, and the first output conveyor are arranged perpendicular to each other. For example, the first input conveyor and the first output conveyor may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0026] A vertical arrangement can be advantageous depending on the installation space requirements of the sorting device and / or the book production system including the sorting device. Furthermore, by arranging at least two of the first input conveyor, the second input conveyor, and the first output conveyor perpendicular to each other, particularly the first input conveyor and the first output conveyor, one or more book blocks can be sorted into the receiver with the spine facing forward without the need for a rotating device.

[0027] In some embodiments, one or more of the first input conveyor, the second input conveyor, and the first output conveyor include belt conveyors and / or roller conveyors and / or gripper conveyors.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first input conveyor includes a roller conveyor and a belt conveyor. The roller conveyor may be arranged downstream of the belt conveyor relative to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first input conveyor includes a first roller conveyor and a second roller conveyor. The first roller conveyor may be arranged downstream of the second roller conveyor relative to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor. The second roller conveyor may include a plurality of inclined cylindrical rollers. The cylindrical rollers may be inclined in such a way that the book block conveyed on the second roller conveyor may be conveyed toward the rotating device, and in particular toward the guide plate of the rotating device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the book block reader is configured to read pre-sorting information from at least one identification tag on the book block. Therefore, sorting information may include pre-sorting information. Pre-sorting information may include identification information for high-quality or test book blocks used for quality inspection. Pre-sorting information may alternatively or additionally include identification information for incomplete book blocks.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first output tray is disposed on a first side of the first input conveyor, particularly on the first side of the roller conveyor of the first input conveyor or the first roller conveyor of the first input conveyor. The first input conveyor may be configured to convey high-quality book blocks and / or test book blocks to the first output tray.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second output tray is disposed on a second side of the first input conveyor, particularly on the second side of the roller conveyor or the first roller conveyor of the first input conveyor. The first input conveyor may be configured to convey incomplete book blocks to the second output tray.

[0033] The first input conveyor can be controlled by a control device configured to receive pre-sorting information from a book block reader, and to control the first input conveyor to transport book blocks according to the received pre-sorting information. Specifically, the control device can control the first input conveyor to transport book blocks to a filling station, a first output tray, or a second output tray based on the received pre-sorting information.

[0034] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control the first input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor and / or the second input conveyor such that the time for book blocks fed from the first input conveyor to be sorted into receivers is longer than the time for full receivers to be moved away from the filling station by the first output conveyor and for full receivers to be replaced with empty receivers.

[0035] The control device controls the time it takes for the book block fed from the first input conveyor to be sorted into the receiver by controlling the conveying speed of the first input conveyor and / or the insertion speed of one or more of the insertion devices. The control device controls the time it takes for the first output conveyor to transfer a full receiver from the filling station and to replace the full receiver with an empty receiver by controlling the timing of the full receiver being output from the filling station to the first output conveyor and / or the conveying speed of the first output conveyor and / or the conveying speed of the second input conveyor.

[0036] By controlling the time for sorting book blocks fed from the first input conveyor into the receiver to be longer than the time for moving a full receiver away from the filling station via the first output conveyor and replacing the full receiver with an empty receiver, the receiver is prevented from being crowded by incoming book blocks, especially during receiver replacement, where a full receiver is replaced by an empty receiver.

[0037] In some embodiments, the filling station includes a plurality of filling positions, which are preferably arranged in a row, particularly preferably along the conveying direction of the first input conveyor, wherein each of the filling positions is arranged at an insertion device and configured to position a receiver at the filling position, such that one or more book blocks can be inserted into the receiver located at the filling position via the respective insertion device.

[0038] Therefore, unsorted book blocks can be conveyed along the transport direction of the first input conveyor until they reach the insertion device, for which sorting information matches the sorting category assigned to the insertion device. The insertion device can then insert the book block into a receiver located at the filling position of the insertion device. Thus, arranging the filling position along the transport direction of the first input conveyor allows for optimal use of available space and reduces the complexity of using multiple insertion devices to sort one or more book blocks into receivers.

[0039] In some embodiments, the filling station includes a plurality of waiting positions, which are preferably arranged in a row, particularly preferably along the conveying direction of the second input conveyor, the waiting positions being configured to position each empty receiver received from the second input conveyor, wherein each of the plurality of waiting positions is arranged upstream of the filling position such that if the filling position is not occupied, the empty receiver can be moved from the waiting position to the filling position.

[0040] The advantage of multiple waiting positions is that empty receivers can be readily available to efficiently replace full receivers transported by the first output conveyor. Therefore, multiple waiting positions can serve as damping positions to absorb the impact of empty receivers arriving by the second input conveyor. The waiting positions and filling positions can be advantageously used to optimize the synchronization of receiver transport and book block transport by adjusting the waiting time at the waiting positions and / or the movement of the receiver from the waiting position to the filling position and / or the output time of the receiver from the filling position to the first output conveyor.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second input conveyor includes a plurality of pre-waiting positions arranged upstream of the waiting positions at the filling station. The pre-waiting positions can advantageously be used to maintain a gapless supply of empty receivers. One or more sensors may be arranged at the pre-waiting positions and configured to notify an operator or control device if one or more of the pre-waiting positions are unoccupied.

[0042] In some embodiments, the filling station includes a plurality of first receiver drivers configured to independently deliver empty receivers from each of the waiting bits to the filling bits.

[0043] The first receiver driver is preferably configured to transport an empty receiver from the waiting position to the filling position along a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first input conveyor and / or the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor.

[0044] In some embodiments, the filling station includes a plurality of second receiver drivers configured to independently deliver full receivers from each of the filling positions to a first output conveyor.

[0045] The second receiver driver is preferably configured to transport the full receiver from the filling position to the first output conveyor along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and / or the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor.

[0046] The first receiver driver and / or the second receiver driver may include a tape driver configured to drive one or more tapes at wait bits and / or fill bits, the tapes being configured to deliver empty receivers and / or full receivers.

[0047] The waiting position and / or filling position may include one or more height-changing devices configured to raise the receiver at the waiting position and / or filling position, particularly above the level of the conveyor plane of the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor. By raising the receiver at the waiting position and / or filling position, particularly above the level of the conveyor plane of the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor, the receiver at the waiting position can be conveyed to the filling position and / or the receiver can be conveyed from the filling position to the first output conveyor. While one or more book blocks are inserted into the receiver, the one or more height-changing devices may lower the receiver to the level of the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor. In some embodiments, the one or more height-changing devices may raise and lower one or more receiver drivers. For example, the one or more height-changing devices may raise and lower one or more belt drivers such that one or more belts can be raised above the level of the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor and lowered to or below the level of the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more height-changing devices may raise the receiver above the level of the conveying plane of the second input conveyor and / or the first output conveyor for positioning the receiver in a waiting position and / or a filling position and / or for inserting one or more book blocks into the receiver. Transferring the receiver from the waiting position to the filling position and / or from the filling position to the first output conveyor may also occur at the raised level. Then, one or more receiver drivers may be stopped for inserting one or more book blocks into the receiver and driven for conveying the receiver.

[0049] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control a first receiver driver and a second receiver driver such that the conveying of a full receiver from a fill position to a first output conveyor and the conveying of an empty receiver from a waiting position to a fill position are performed synchronously.

[0050] Specifically, the transfer of a full receiver from the fill position to the first output conveyor and the transfer of an empty receiver from the wait position to the fill position can occur simultaneously.

[0051] In some embodiments, the filling station includes multiple combinations of receiver drivers for each of the waiting bits and / or filling bits, the receiver drivers being configured to deliver empty receivers from each of the waiting bits to the corresponding downstream filling bit and to deliver full receivers from each of the filling bits to a first output conveyor.

[0052] The combined receiver driver can specifically simultaneously feed a full receiver from the fill bit to the first output conveyor and an empty receiver from the wait bit to the fill bit.

[0053] Therefore, the combined receiver driver can combine the functions of the first receiver driver and the second receiver driver.

[0054] In some embodiments, the filling station includes a plurality of pivotable lifting plates, each of which is arranged at a filling position and configured to pivot to form a ramp for positioning a receiver at the corresponding filling position.

[0055] The ramp formed by the pivoting lifting plate guides the book blocks stored in the receiver to align with and advantageously abut against the front wall of the receiver at the filling position. The lifting plate can be pivoted using a drive with an eccentric wheel. In particular, at high storage rates, book blocks may tend to bounce back from the front wall of the receiver. By using the lifting plate, the effect of bounce can be mitigated, ensuring proper alignment of the book blocks in the receiver even at high storage rates. After filling the receiver, the lifting plate can pivot back, and the receiver can be conveyed from the filling position to the first output conveyor using a combined receiver drive.

[0056] In some embodiments, each insertion device includes a deflector controlled by a control device and configured to deflect one or more book blocks from the conveying direction of the first input conveyor to the corresponding insertion device, wherein the deflector is preferably arranged along the feed section of a filling station located downstream of the first input conveyor.

[0057] Therefore, the control device can select a deflector for the insertion device that has an assigned sorting category that matches the sorting information of the book block and control the deflector to deflect the book block from the conveying direction of the first input conveyor to the insertion device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the feed section may include a feed conveyor adjacent to a first input conveyor and configured to convey one or more undeflected book blocks along a main feed direction parallel to the feed direction of the first input conveyor. Deflectors may be arranged on or at the feed conveyor.

[0059] In some embodiments, the feed section includes one or more book block waiting positions. The one or more book block waiting positions can be used to temporarily buffer one or more book blocks delivered from the first input conveyor. The one or more book blocks can be arranged at the feed conveyor.

[0060] In some embodiments, the deflector includes a plurality of rollers controlled by a control device, each of which can rotate about a first axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor for conveying book blocks along the conveying direction, and each of these rollers can rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor for deflecting one or more book blocks from the conveying direction.

[0061] Therefore, multiple rollers can be used as gates to deflect the book block from the transport direction. Other embodiments of the deflector (e.g., switchable gates) are also conceivable.

[0062] Multiple rollers offer the advantages of high adaptability and flexibility because the position of the book block deflection can be changed along the feed section by controlling each roller at the desired position for deflecting the book block.

[0063] Multiple rollers also offer the following advantages: multiple rollers can perform both book block transport and deflection functions.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fill position is arranged between the deflector and the first output conveyor, and a portion of the second input conveyor is preferably arranged below the feed section.

[0065] Specifically, the waiting position can be at least partially located below the feed section. A compact design of the filling station can be achieved by arranging a portion of the second input conveyor and / or the waiting position at least partially below the feed section. The filling position can be located at a level corresponding to the level of the first output conveyor. Therefore, the filling position can be located between the deflector and the first output conveyor, but at a different level from the deflector, allowing one or more book blocks to be sorted downwards from the deflector to the receiver positioned at the filling position.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a light barrier arranged at a deflector and configured to occupy signal transmission to a control device if a book block is present at the corresponding deflector.

[0067] Because of the occupancy signal from the light barrier, it is possible to prevent the deflector from being erroneously activated when there is no book block.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, one or more light barriers may be arranged at different sections of the sorting device, such as downstream of the first input conveyor, downstream of the second input conveyor, at the input of the filling station for the book block and / or receiver, in the feed section, at one or more insertion devices, and / or upstream of the first output conveyor. One or more light barriers may be configured to occupy signal transmission to the control device if the book block and / or receiver are present at the corresponding light barrier.

[0069] In some embodiments, each insertion device includes a conveying device, which preferably includes a slider configured to convey one or more deflected book blocks from a deflector to a corresponding receiver.

[0070] The conveying device can be advantageously used to bridge the gap between the deflector and the receiver. Therefore, the conveying device allows for increased flexibility in the filling station design, such as the flexibility in the arrangement of the filling positions and feed sections relative to each other. In embodiments where the filling positions are arranged at a lower level than the feed conveyor and / or deflector, one or more book blocks can be inserted into the receiver via a slider. In some embodiments, the slider includes a sliding surface on which one or more book blocks can slide. In some embodiments, the slider includes a roller or one or more belts through which one or more book blocks can be conveyed.

[0071] In some embodiments, each of the transmitting devices includes an end portion that can be placed at least partially within the internal space of the receiver and can be retracted from the internal space of the receiver.

[0072] By placing at least part of the end portion of the delivery device within the internal space of the receiver, one or more book blocks can be smoothly inserted into the receiver, thereby reducing the possibility of damaging one or more book blocks.

[0073] The end portion of the transmitting device may be pivotable and / or retractable so that it can be placed in and retracted from the interior space of the receiver.

[0074] In some embodiments, the final height of the end portion of the transmitting device when it is placed inside the receiver can be changed.

[0075] By changing the final height of the end portion when placed in the internal space of the receiver, the height of one or more book blocks already present in the receiver can be taken into account when inserting one or more book blocks into the receiver.

[0076] In some embodiments, the filling station includes a plurality of discharge devices, preferably in the form of one or more receiver drivers, the discharge devices being controlled by a control device and configured to deliver full receivers to a first output conveyor.

[0077] In particular, the discharge device may include the second receiver driver or a combination of receiver drivers described above.

[0078] In some embodiments, the control device includes a memory storing at least one maximum criterion for one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver, wherein the control device is configured to determine that the receiver is a full receiver and control the discharge device to deliver the receiver to a first output conveyor if one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver meet one or more of the at least one maximum criterion.

[0079] Therefore, at least one maximum standard can provide a definition for a full receiver. In particular, a full receiver does not necessarily have to be spatially filled by the book block up to the top edge of the receiver. Depending on the maximum standard used, a receiver with one or two equal book blocks can also be a full receiver.

[0080] Overfilling of the receiver can be prevented by using at least one maximum criterion. Since the control device controls the receiver's fill state using at least one maximum criterion, manual monitoring of the receiver's fill state is advantageously eliminated. The at least one maximum criterion can be determined in a flexible and modifiable manner and stored in the control device's memory. Furthermore, several maximum criteria can be combined with each other, for example, in an cumulative, alternative, or specific hierarchical manner.

[0081] At least one maximum criterion may specifically include one or more of the following: the maximum number of one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver; the maximum height of the stack of book blocks formed by one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver, as measured by a height sensor of the sorting device; the maximum height of the stack of one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver, as determined by the sum of the number of pages of the sorted book blocks in the receiver, wherein the control device is configured to receive the number of pages of the book blocks from a printing system arranged upstream of the sorting device and to receive a standard page thickness stored in memory; the maximum height of the stack of one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver, as determined by the height of one or more book blocks encoded in at least one identification label; the longest time elapsed since the first book block was inserted into the receiver; the last book block of a predetermined job stored in memory being inserted into the receiver; and a book block larger than the size of the topmost book block in the receiver being delivered from the first input conveyor.

[0082] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a rotating device arranged at a first input conveyor and configured to rotate the book cores on the first input conveyor about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor by a certain angle, preferably 90°.

[0083] By using a rotating device, if the insertion device is configured such that the book block is inserted into the receiver in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor, the book block can be rotated so that it is inserted into the receiver with its spine facing forward. Inserting the book block with its spine facing forward has the advantage of reducing the probability of damaging the book block. Therefore, the rotating device can be used to change the orientation of the book block to align with the orientation of either the insertion device or the receiver. In some embodiments, the rotating device can therefore be configured to rotate the book block by another angle, depending on the orientation of either the insertion device or the receiver.

[0084] In some embodiments, the rotating device may be configured to rotate the book block 180°.

[0085] In some embodiments, the rotating device includes a first guide plate and a second guide plate disposed downstream of the first guide plate. The first and second guide plates are abutted to each other by forming a stop portion configured to stop a corner of the book block, wherein the edge is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction and parallel to the transport plane. In some embodiments, the first and second guide plates may not be abutted to each other. The second guide plate may include an edge forming a stop portion configured to stop a corner of the book block. This edge may be oriented perpendicular to the transport direction or may have a curved orientation.

[0086] By stopping the corners of the book block, the book block can be forced to rotate as the first input conveyor continues to drive it along the conveying direction. The rotating device is equipped with a first guide plate and a second guide plate to rotate the book block, which represents a simple book block rotating mechanism that is particularly suitable for book blocks with small planar dimensions.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first input conveyor is configured to preferably align the book block with a first and / or second guide plate via a plurality of rollers, the plurality of rollers being controlled by a control device and each of the rollers being rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor, and each of the rollers being rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor.

[0088] By using multiple individually controllable rollers, the orientation and / or position of the book block on the first input conveyor can be adjusted in a flexible manner.

[0089] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a transport device, wherein a control device is configured to control the transport device to preferably transport the receiver identification of the receiver to a book block further processing system disposed downstream of the first output conveyor.

[0090] The transmission device can transmit information to the book block for further processing via wired or wireless connection.

[0091] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes at least one receiver reader configured to read receiver identification from a receiver identification tag on a receiver and send the receiver identification to a control device.

[0092] The receiver tag can be, for example, a data matrix code, barcode, QR code, RFID tag, etc. At least one receiver reader can correspondingly include a data matrix code reader, barcode reader, QR code reader, RFID reader, etc. At least one receiver reader can transmit receiver identification data to the control device via a wired or wireless connection.

[0093] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to store book block identification information read from at least one identification tag of the book block filled into the corresponding receiver in each receiver, and if the corresponding receiver is full, the control device controls the transmission device to preferably transmit the book block identification information of one or more book blocks of the corresponding receiver to a book block further processing system arranged downstream of the first output conveyor.

[0094] In particular, the transmission device can transmit book block identification information and receiver identification, which advantageously allows for improved tracking of sorted book blocks. Using receiver identification and book block identification information to track sorted book blocks improves the connectivity between the sorting device and the book block further processing system in the book production system, as well as the integrability of the sorting device.

[0095] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control the transmission device to further transmit one or more of the following information preferably to a book block further processing system arranged downstream of the first output conveyor: sorting information, a maximum criterion for determining that the receiver is full, the number of book blocks in the receiver derived from the maximum criterion for determining that the receiver is full, the order or sequence of filling one or more book blocks into the receiver, a timestamp of filling one or more book blocks into a corresponding full receiver, book block size, and job identification.

[0096] By providing additional information, the tracking of book blocks during sorting can be further improved.

[0097] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a second output conveyor configured to sort one or more non-productive book blocks from a filling station, wherein the control device includes a memory thereon storing a sorting table and is configured to control an insertion device, and preferably to control a deflector of the insertion device, to sort one or more book blocks having sorting information matching the sorting table to the second output conveyor.

[0098] By sorting non-productive book blocks onto a second output conveyor, it is possible to prevent non-productive book blocks from being inserted into the receiver.

[0099] The sorting table can, for example, define entries in specific fields of the identification tags as matching sorting information for sorting book blocks to a second output conveyor. For instance, field entries starting with "0" can be defined in the sorting table as matching sorting information for sorting out non-productive book blocks.

[0100] Non-production book blocks can be, for example, test book blocks. Test book blocks can be produced to test book production lines.

[0101] Another example of non-productive book blocks can be high-quality book blocks used for quality assurance, particularly for book block further processing systems located downstream of sorting devices.

[0102] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to control the insertion device, and preferably to control the deflector of the insertion device, to sort erroneous book blocks to a second output conveyor. For example, erroneous book blocks may originate from blockages in the filling station or from books with quality defects. In other examples, due to printing interruptions, erroneous book blocks may not carry an identification tag on the top page. Therefore, at least one book block reader may fail to read the sorting information and / or book block identification information, and the control device may identify the book block as an erroneous book block. Even if the top page may carry an identification tag, the control device may also identify incomplete book blocks as erroneous book blocks using additional tracking and / or sequence control or page counting from upstream printing processes, for example, in cases where signatures are missing from the book block stack.

[0103] In some embodiments, at least one book block reader is configured to read book block size information from at least one identification tag, wherein the control device is configured to use the book block size information to control the conveying speed of the first input conveyor and / or the insertion device, and preferably to control the conveying speed of the deflector of the insertion device.

[0104] By controlling the speed of the first input conveyor and / or insertion device according to the size of the book block being transported, overload of the sorting device can be reduced or prevented.

[0105] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method of operating a sorting device for sorting book blocks according to the present disclosure, the method comprising the steps of: feeding unsorted book blocks to a filling station of the sorting device via a first input conveyor; feeding empty receivers to the filling station via a second input conveyor; receiving sorting information for one or more book blocks via a control device; and using the sorting information to control a plurality of insertion devices to sort one or more book blocks into receivers via the control device.

[0106] In some embodiments, the method includes the step of: a control device reading sorting information from at least one identification tag on a book block via at least one book block reader.

[0107] According to other aspects, the present invention also relates to a control device for controlling a sorting apparatus for sorting book blocks according to the present disclosure, wherein the control device includes a computer configured to: receive sorting information of book blocks; compare the sorting information with a sorting category that matches the sorting information; assign at least one sorting category to each insertion device; select an insertion device having an assigned sorting category that matches the sorting information of the book blocks; and control the selected insertion device to sort the book blocks into a receiver.

[0108] In some embodiments, the control device is configured to receive sorting information read from at least one identification tag on the book block by at least one book block reader.

[0109] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a computer program product including computer program code configured to control a computer according to a control device of the present disclosure, such that the computer performs the following steps: receiving sorting information of book blocks; comparing the sorting information with a sorting category that matches the sorting information; assigning at least one sorting category to each insertion device; selecting an insertion device having an assigned sorting category that matches the sorting information of the book blocks; and controlling the selected insertion device to sort the book blocks into a receiver.

[0110] In some embodiments, computer program code is configured to control a computer of the control device, such that the computer receives sorting information read from at least one identification tag of a book block by at least one book block reader.

[0111] According to other aspects, the present invention also relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium having thereon stored a computer program product according to the present disclosure.

[0112] According to other aspects, the present invention also relates to a book production system including a sorting device according to the present disclosure.

[0113] In some embodiments, the book production system includes a book block further processing system disposed downstream of a sorting device, wherein the sorting device is configured to output a full receiver having one or more sorted book blocks to the book block further processing system. Attached Figure Description

[0114] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the schematic diagrams through exemplary embodiments, wherein:

[0115] Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the sorting device is shown;

[0116] Figure 2 It shows that there is no conveyor device. Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the sorting device;

[0117] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side sectional view of the filling station of the sorting device taken along line AA;

[0118] Figure 4 A top view of the rotating device is shown;

[0119] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a sorting device with a cover;

[0120] Figure 6 A top view of an embodiment of the sorting device is shown;

[0121] Figure 7 A top view of an embodiment of the sorting device is shown;

[0122] Figure 8 As shown in Figure 6 A close-up view of the roller conveyor of the first input conveyor shown in an embodiment of the sorting device;

[0123] Figure 9 As shown Figure 7 A close-up view of the second roller conveyor in an embodiment of the sorting device shown;

[0124] Figure 10 It shows Figure 6 A side sectional view taken along line AA of the filling station of the sorting device;

[0125] Figure 11 It shows Figure 6 A perspective view of a sorting device with a cover;

[0126] Figure 12 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of a sorting device with a cover. Detailed Implementation

[0127] Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the sorting device 10 is shown, which includes a filling station 1 for sorting book blocks 50 into a receiver 51.2. Figure 1 The interior of the sorting device 10 is shown in the diagram, because the sorting device 10 typically includes a cover that covers the interior (see [reference]). Figure 5The book block 50 is fed to the filling station 1 on the first input conveyor 1.1. The first input conveyor 1.1 is designed as a roller conveyor comprising a plurality of rollers 1.11, each of which is rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the first input conveyor 1.1 and parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor 1.1. A rotating device 2 is arranged at the first input conveyor 1.1 and configured to rotate the book block 50 by 90°. (Refer to below) Figure 4 The rotating device 2 is described in further detail. At the first input conveyor 1.1, two book block readers 3 are arranged, which are configured to read sorting information and / or book block identification information from at least one identification tag on the book block 50.

[0128] Filling station 1 includes a feed section 11 disposed downstream of the first input conveyor 1.1. The feed section 11 includes a feed conveyor 111 adjacent to the end portion 1.12 of the first input conveyor 1.1. The end portion 1.12 of the first input conveyor 1.1 is designed as a belt conveyor that bridges the roller conveyor portion of the first input conveyor 1.1 with the feed conveyor 111.

[0129] The second input conveyor 1.2 is arranged parallel to the first input conveyor 1.1 and feeds empty receivers 51.1 to the filling station 1 along direction F2. The end portion of the second input conveyor 1.2 is partially arranged below the feed conveyor 111, and feeds empty receivers 51.1 to a waiting position 12 partially arranged below the feed conveyor 111. Downstream of the waiting position 12, a filling position 13 is arranged, at which receivers 51.2 are filled with book blocks 50. Full receivers 51.3 are conveyed from the filling position 13 to the first output conveyor 1.3 and are conveyed out of the filling station 1 along direction F3. A receiver reader 4 is arranged at the second input conveyor 1.2, configured to read receiver identification information from receiver identification tags on receivers 51.1 supplied to the filling station 1 by the second input conveyor 1.2.

[0130] Four insertion devices 14 are arranged along the feed conveyor 111. Each insertion device 14 includes a deflector 141 arranged on the feed conveyor 111 and configured to deflect the book block 50 from direction F1 to the corresponding insertion device 14. Each insertion device 14 also includes a conveying device 142, which includes a slider configured to convey the deflected book block 50 from the deflector 141 to a corresponding receiver 51.2. The deflector 141 includes a plurality of rollers 1411 controlled by a control device 20, and each of the rollers is rotatable about a first axis A1 perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the first input conveyor 1.1 and parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor 1.1. The control device 20 may also be a remotely arranged control device. The rollers 1411 may also each rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 and the conveying plane of the first input conveyor 1.1. Therefore, the second axis points towards Figure 1 Outside the drawing plane. By rotating roller 1411 about the first axis A1, the book block 50 can be conveyed along the conveying direction F1. By rotating roller 1411 about the second axis, the book block 50 positioned on the rotating roller 1411 can be deflected from the conveying direction F1. In the illustrated embodiment, roller 1411 can be rotated up to 90° about the second axis. By rotating roller 1411 about the second axis by 90°, the first axis A1 rotates to a new first axis A1', such that the book block 50, lying flat on roller 1411 rotating about the second axis, can be deflected from the conveying direction F1 and conveyed towards the direction of conveyor 142.

[0131] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A top view of the sorting device 10, but without the conveying device, is provided to better see the waiting positions 12 and filling positions 13 of the filling station 1. The waiting positions 12 are configured to locate each empty receiver 51.1 received from the second input conveyor 1.2. Each waiting position 12 is arranged upstream of the filling position 13 such that an empty receiver 51.1 can move from the waiting position 12 to the filling position 13 if the filling position 13 is not occupied. When an empty receiver 51.1 moves to the filling position 13, the resulting unoccupied waiting position 12 can again be occupied by an empty receiver 51.1 from an adjacent waiting position 12 or from the second input conveyor 1.2. Therefore, it can be advantageously ensured that the waiting position 12 is always supplied with empty receivers 51.1 as needed. At the filling position 13, one or more book blocks 50 are filled to the receivers 51.2 by the conveying device. Full receivers 51.3 or receivers that meet the maximum criteria are then moved from the filling position 13 to the first output conveyor 1.3 and can be conveyed out of the filling station 1. The second input conveyor 1.2 includes a pre-waiting position 1.21 for queuing empty receivers 51.1. One or more sensors 1.22 are arranged at the pre-waiting position 1.21, which is configured to notify the operator or control device 20 if one or more of the pre-waiting positions 1.21 are not occupied.

[0132] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A side sectional view taken along line AA of filling station 1 is shown. An insertion device 14 with a deflector 141 on the feed conveyor 111 of feed section 11 is shown. The conveying device 142 of insertion device 14 includes a slider 1421 having a retractable end portion 1422. Additionally, slider 1421 is pivotable about pivot point D. By pivoting slider 1421 and causing end portion 1422 to extend or retract, end portion 1422 can be at least partially inserted into the interior of receiver 51.2 for inserting one or more book blocks 50 into receiver 51.2 and retracting from receiver, such that one or more book blocks 50 are stored therein. Conveying device 142 also includes a rake device 1423 arranged above slider 1421 and pivotable together with slider 1421. Rake device 1423 includes two fingers 1423 that circulate via belt 1425. The finger 1423 is used to block the book block 50 at the slider 1421 and control the sliding movement of the book block 50 along the slider 1421. At the end portion 1422 of the slider 1421, the finger 1423 flips, so that the book block 50 is released and can slide into the receiver 51.2. The end portion 1422 and the slider 1421 are configured to hold the book block 50, wherein the spine of the book block is oriented toward the front wall 51.21 of the receiver 51.2 relative to the receiver conveying direction F4. Preferably, the conveying device 142 holds one or more book blocks 50 such that the one or more book blocks 50 are aligned and abut against the front wall 51.21 of the receiver 51.2. The retraction of the end portion 1422 from the receiver 51.2 also allows the receiver 51.2 to be conveyed from the filling position 13 to the first output conveyor 1.3 and an empty receiver 51.1 to the filling position 13 from the waiting position 12.

[0133] Figure 3 An empty receiver 51.1 positioned at waiting position 12 is also shown, having been conveyed to the waiting position by roller 1.23 of the second input conveyor 1.2. The filling station 1 includes a combined receiver driver 1.4 configured to convey receiver 51.2 from filling position 13 to the first output conveyor 1.3 if receiver 51.2 is full, and to convey empty receiver 51.1 from waiting position 12 to filling position 13. The combined receiver driver 1.4 includes two parallel belts 1.41 (…). Figure 3Only one belt is visible in the conveyor, through which receivers 51.1 and 51.2 are conveyed in the conveying direction F4. Each belt 1.41 of the receiver driver 1.4 is arranged between rollers 1.23 and 1.31 of the second input conveyor 1.2 and the first output conveyor 1.3. The receiver driver 1.4 is configured such that belt 1.41 can be raised above the top level of rollers 1.23 and 1.31 and lowered to or slightly below the top level of rollers 1.23 and 1.31, as indicated by the double arrows at belt 1.41. By raising belt 1.41 above the top level of rollers 1.23 and 1.31, receivers 51.1 and 51.2 are also raised and can then be conveyed in the conveying direction F4. By lowering belt 1.41 above or below the top level of rollers 1.23 and 1.31, receivers 51.1 and 51.2 are fixedly positioned in waiting position 12 or filling position 13, respectively. Furthermore, the full receiver (as shown by the dashed receiver 51.3) delivered from the filling station 13 can then be conveyed away from the filling station 1 by the first output conveyor 1.3.

[0134] Figure 4 A top view of a rotating device 2 arranged at a first input conveyor 1.1 is shown. The rotating device 2 is configured to rotate the book block 50 on the first input conveyor 1.1 by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor 1.1. The rotating device 2 includes a first guide plate 21 and a second guide plate 22 arranged downstream of the first guide plate 21. The first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 are adjacent to each other by forming a stop portion 23 having an edge 231 oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the first input conveyor 1.1 and parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor.

[0135] Figure 4 The book block 50 is shown at different stages (i.e., at different points in time) during rotation. As shown in the rightmost position, the book block 50 is conveyed along the conveying direction F1 on the first input conveyor 1.1. The book block 50 is aligned with the first guide plate 21 by using a plurality of rollers 1.11, each of which can rotate about a first axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the first input conveyor 1.1 and parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor, and each of which can also rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the first input conveyor 1.1 and perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor 1.1. To illustrate the rotatability of the rollers 1.11, an exemplary roller 1.11a after rotating about the second axis by an angle α is shown.

[0136] The stop 23 is arranged to stop the corner of the book block 50. As the first input conveyor 1.1 continues to drive the book block 50 along the conveying direction F1, the book block 50 rotates about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane. After rotating 90°, the book block 50 aligns with the second guide plate 22. Before rotation, the book block 50 is conveyed along the conveying direction F1 with its spine 501 facing forward, so that the spine 501 forms the front edge of the book block 50. After rotation, the spine 501 is aligned parallel to the second guide plate 22, so that the book block 50 can be deflected to the conveying device with its spine 501 facing forward, and inserted into the receiver by the conveying device with its spine 501 facing forward.

[0137] Figure 4 A book block identification tag 502 is also shown disposed at the book block 50, from which one or more book block readers can read sorting information and / or book block identification information.

[0138] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the sorting device 10, wherein multiple covers 5 cover the interior of the sorting device 10. Each cover 5 includes a handle 51, which can be opened to access the interior of the sorting device 10. It will be appreciated that the filling station 1 is constructed in a modular manner with filling station modules 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, each of which includes an insertion device, a waiting position, and a filling position. Each filling station module 1a-1d is covered by three covers 5. The bridging roller conveyor portion of the first input conveyor 1.1 and the end portion 1.12 of the feed conveyor can be pivoted apart, as indicated by the double arrows. By pivoting the end portion 1.12, space is created, allowing the filling station modules 1a-1d to move along arrow W. This allows one or more of the filling station modules 1a-1d to move along direction W to enter between the filling station modules 1a-1d for holding the filling station 1 and the filling station modules 1a-1d respectively. Figure 5 The left side shows a second input conveyor 1.2, configured to supply empty receivers to filling station 1 along direction F2. For better observation, in... Figure 5 The first output conveyor, which is configured to transport the full receiver away from the filling station along direction F3, has been omitted.

[0139] Figure 6 A top view of an embodiment of the sorting device 10' is shown, which includes a filling station 1' for sorting book blocks 50 into a receiver. The sorting device 10' largely corresponds to... Figure 1 The sorting device 10 shown is an embodiment. However, compared with... Figure 1Compared to the sorting device 10 shown, the sorting device 10' includes, for example, a first input conveyor 1.1' having a roller conveyor 1.1'a and a belt conveyor 1.1'b. The book core 50 is not delivered from the de-stacker in an orientation that is rotated 90° relative to the orientation required by the filling station 1', but is delivered as a single book core with the orientation required by the filling station 1'.

[0140] A book block reader 3' is positioned at the belt conveyor 1.1'b and configured to read pre-sorting information from at least one identification tag on the book block 50. The pre-sorting information includes, for example, identification information of a high-quality book block 50.1 or a test book block 50.1 used for quality inspection. The pre-sorting information may also include identification information regarding incomplete book blocks 50.2.

[0141] A roller conveyor 1.1'a is arranged downstream of the belt conveyor 1.1'b and includes a plurality of rollers 1.11', each of which is rotatable about a first axis A1 perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the roller conveyor 1.1'a and parallel to the conveying plane of the roller conveyor. Each roller 1.11' is also rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the roller conveyor 1.1'a and the conveying plane of the roller conveyor. The second axis points towards... Figure 6 Outside the drawing plane. By rotating roller 1.11' about the first axis A1, the book block 50 can be conveyed along the conveying direction F1. By rotating roller 1.11' about the second axis, the book block 50 positioned on the rotating roller 1.11' can be deflected from the conveying direction F1. In the illustrated embodiment, roller 1.11' can be rotated up to 90° about the second axis. By rotating roller 1.11' about the second axis by 90°, the first axis A1 rotates to a new first axis A1', such that the book block 50, lying flat on roller 1.11' rotating about the second axis, can be deflected from the conveying direction F1.

[0142] Roller 1.11' is controlled by control device 20', which receives pre-sorting information from book block reader 3' and specifically controls the rotation of roller 1.11' based on the received pre-sorting information.

[0143] Roller 1.11' can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the first axis A1 or a new first axis A1' respectively, so that the book block 50 can be deflected and conveyed to both sides of roller conveyor 1.1'a after roller 1.11' rotates around the second axis.

[0144] For example, a high-quality book block and / or a test book block 50.1 can be deflected to the left of the roller conveyor 1.1'a relative to the conveying direction F1. The high-quality book block and / or test book block 50.1 can then be conveyed to the first output tray 1.13' with the spine facing forward. An incomplete book block 50.2 can be deflected relative to the conveying direction F1 and conveyed to the right of the roller conveyor 1.1'a, as will be referred to below. Figure 8 Further detailed description.

[0145] The end portion 1.12' of the first input conveyor 1.11' is designed as a belt conveyor bridging the roller conveyor 1.1'a and the feed conveyor 111'. Four insertion devices 14' are arranged along the feed conveyor 111'. Each insertion device 14' includes a deflector 141', which is arranged on the feed conveyor 111' and configured to deflect the book block 50 from direction F1 to the corresponding insertion device 14'. The deflector 141' includes... Figure 1 The embodiments show a plurality of rollers 1411' corresponding to roller 1411. A roller conveyor 1111' including a cylindrical roller 1111'a is arranged at the downstream end of each deflector 141' for conveying the book block 50 from one insertion device 14' to the next insertion device 14' along the conveying direction F1.

[0146] The second input conveyor 1.2' is arranged parallel to the first input conveyor 1.1' and feeds empty receivers in direction F2 to filling station 1'. The end portion of the second input conveyor 1.2' is partially arranged below the feed conveyor 111' and feeds empty receivers to a waiting position partially arranged below the feed conveyor 111'. Full receivers 51.3 are conveyed away from filling station 1' by the first output conveyor 1.3' in direction F3. A cover 1.31' is arranged downstream of the first output conveyor 1.3', i.e., where the first output conveyor 1.3' exits from filling station 1', to reduce the risk of injury from reaching into filling station 1'.

[0147] Figure 7 A top view of an embodiment of the sorting device 10” is shown, which includes a filling station 1” for sorting book blocks 50 into a receiver. The sorting device 10” mainly corresponds to, Figure 6 The embodiment of the sorting device 10' shown. However, compared with... Figure 6 Compared to the sorting device 10' shown, the sorting device 10” includes, for example, a first input conveyor 1.1” with a first roller conveyor 1.1”a and a second roller conveyor 1.1”b. When the book core 50 arrives from the unloader, its orientation is rotated 90° relative to the required orientation of the filling station 1”. A rotating device 2” is arranged at the second roller conveyor 1.1”b. See below for reference. Figure 9The rotating device 2 is described in more detail.

[0148] The first roller conveyor 1.1”a includes a plurality of rollers 1.11”, each of which can rotate about a first axis A1 perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 of the roller conveyor 1.1”a and parallel to the conveying plane of the roller conveyor, and each can also rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction F1 and the conveying plane of the roller conveyor 1.1”a. Therefore, the first roller conveyor 1.1”a is designed to be as follows: Figure 6 This corresponds to the first roller conveyor 1.1'a shown. In particular, the first roller conveyor 1.1"a is configured such that the book block 50 can be deflected and conveyed to the left and / or right of the first roller conveyor 1.1"a relative to the conveying direction F1.

[0149] The second roller conveyor 1.1”b includes a plurality of inclined cylindrical rollers 1.11”b. Due to the inclined cylindrical rollers 1.11”b, the book block 50 arriving at the first input conveyor 1.1” is deflected toward the rotating device 2” until it comes into contact with the rotating device 2” and is rotated by the rotating device.

[0150] Figure 8 As shown Figure 6 A close-up of the roller conveyor 1.1'a of an embodiment of the sorting device 10' shown. By causing each of the plurality of rollers 1.11' to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying plane of the roller conveyor 1.1'a, the book block 50 can be deflected from the conveying direction F1. In the figure, to illustrate the rotatability of the rollers 1.11', the case after one of the rollers 1.11' has been rotated by a certain angle is shown.

[0151] After rotating multiple rollers 1.11' 90° around the second axis, the book block can be transported perpendicular to the transport direction F1 by further rotating the multiple rollers 1.11' that have rotated 90° around the second axis around the first axis parallel to the transport direction F1.

[0152] like Figure 8 As shown, high-quality book blocks and / or test book blocks 50.1 are conveyed to the left side of roller conveyor 1.1'a relative to the conveying direction F1 and received by the first output tray 1.13'. Incomplete book blocks 50.2 are then conveyed to the right side of roller conveyor 1.1'a relative to the conveying direction F1 and received by the second output tray 1.14'. The description of roller conveyor 1.1'a can be correspondingly applied to... Figure 7 The sorting device 1” shown is an embodiment of the first roller conveyor 1.1”a.

[0153] Figure 9 As shown Figure 7A close-up of the second roller conveyor 1.1”b of an embodiment of the sorting device 10” shown, wherein a rotating device 2” is arranged at the second roller conveyor 1.1”b. The rotating device 2” is configured to rotate the book block 50 on the second roller conveyor 1.1”b by 90° about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane of the second roller conveyor 1.1”b. The rotating device 2” includes a first guide plate 21” and a second guide plate 22 disposed downstream of the first guide plate 21”. The second guide plate 22” includes a stop 23 having a curved edge 231”.

[0154] Figure 9 The image shows the book block 50 at different stages (i.e., at different points in time) during rotation. As shown in the rightmost position, the book block 50 is conveyed along the conveying direction F1 on the second roller conveyor 1.1”b. Due to the inclined cylindrical roller 1.11”b, the book block 50 arriving at the first input conveyor 1.1” is deflected toward the rotating device 2” until it comes into contact with the rotating device 2” and is rotated by the rotating device. In particular, the inclined cylindrical roller 1.11”b drives the book block 50 toward the first guide plate 21”, aligning the book block 50 with the first guide plate 21”.

[0155] The stop 23” is arranged to stop the corner of the book block 50. As the second roller conveyor 1.1”b continues to drive the book block 50 in the conveying direction F1, the book block 50 rotates about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane. After rotating 90°, the book block 50 is aligned with the second guide plate 22”. Before rotation, the book block 50 is conveyed in the conveying direction F1 with the spine 501 facing forward, so that the spine 501 forms the front edge of the book block 50. After rotation, the spine 501 is aligned parallel to the second guide plate 22”, so that the book block 50 can be deflected to the conveyor in the spine 501 facing forward state, and inserted into the receiver by the conveyor in the spine 501 facing forward state.

[0156] Figure 10 It shows Figure 6 A side sectional view taken along line AA of the filling station 1'. Similar to... Figure 1 The embodiment of the sorting device 10 shown illustrates an insertion device 14' having a deflector 141' on the feed conveyor 111' of the feed section 11'. The conveying device 142' of the insertion device 14' corresponds to... Figure 3 The conveying device 142 shown also includes, for example, a pivotable slider 1421' having a retractable end portion for inserting one or more book blocks 50 into the receiver 51.2. The book blocks 50 are stored such that their spines face the front wall 51.21 of the receiver 51.2 relative to the receiver conveying direction F4.

[0157] and Figure 3Compared to the illustrated embodiment, the filling station 1' includes multiple pivotable lifting plates 1.5', each positioned at the filling position 13'. The lifting plates 1.5' are configured to pivot, forming a ramp for the receiver 51.2. Due to the ramp formed by the lifting plates 1.5', the book blocks 50 stored in the receiver 51.2 can be guided to align and abut against the front wall 51.21 of the receiver 51.2. Particularly at high storage rates, book blocks tend to bounce back from the front wall 51.21 of the receiver 51.2. By using the lifting plates 1.5', the effect of bounce can be mitigated, allowing for proper alignment of the book blocks in the receiver 51.2 even at high storage rates.

[0158] After filling receiver 51.2, the lifting plate 1.5' can pivot back or lower, and the receiver 51.2 is conveyed from filling position 13' to the first output conveyor 1.3' using the combined receiver driver 1.4' and belt 1.41'. Another empty receiver is conveyed from waiting position 12' to filling position 13' via the combined receiver driver 1.4' and belt 1.41', in conjunction with the combined... Figure 3 The descriptions are similar.

[0159] Figure 11 It shows Figure 6 A perspective view of the sorting device 10', wherein the cover 5' covers the interior of the sorting device 10'. Figure 5 Compared to the embodiment of the sorting device 10 shown, it can be seen that the two rows of covers 5' on the sides have the same slope. Therefore, compared to the sorting device 10, the variety of cover shapes can be reduced.

[0160] It can also be recognized that the belt conveyor 1.1'b presents a slope toward the roller conveyor 1.1'a. (As mentioned above...) Figure 6 and Figure 8 The first output tray 1.13' is arranged on the left side of the roller conveyor 1.1'a relative to the conveying direction F1. On the right side of the roller conveyor 1.1'a relative to the conveying direction F1, a second output tray 1.14' for incomplete book blocks is arranged. Incomplete book blocks received by the second output tray 1.14' fall into the replaceable receiver 1.141'. Based on the pre-sorting information read by the book block reader 3', the book blocks are conveyed to the filling station 1', the first output tray 1.13', or the second output tray 1.14'.

[0161] Figure 12 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of the sorting device 10”, wherein a cover 5” covers the interior of the sorting device 10”. A first roller conveyor 1.1”a and a second roller conveyor 1.1”b with inclined cylindrical rollers 1.11”b can be identified.

Claims

1. A sorting device for sorting a book block (50), the sorting device comprising: For sorting one or more book blocks into filling stations (1, 1', 1”) in receivers (51.1, 51.2, 51.3); a first input conveyor (1.1, 1.1', 1.1”), the first input conveyor being configured to feed book blocks into the filling stations (1, 1', 1”); a second input conveyor (1.2, 1.2'), the second input conveyor being configured to feed empty receivers into the filling stations; A first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3') is configured to transport a full receiver away from the filling station, the filling station including a plurality of insertion devices (14, 14') configured to insert one or more book blocks into the receiver, wherein the sorting device further includes a control device (20, 20') configured to receive sorting information of the one or more book blocks and control the insertion devices to sort the one or more book blocks into the receiver using the sorting information.

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting device includes at least one book block reader (3, 3', 3"), the book block reader being configured to read sorting information from at least one identification tag (502) of the book block (50), wherein the control device (20, 20') is configured to receive the sorting information from the at least one book block reader.

3. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') includes a memory storing a sorting category table with sorting categories, each sorting category defining matching sorting information, wherein each of the insertion devices (14, 14') is assigned at least one sorting category, and wherein the control device is configured to select an insertion device having an assigned sorting category that matches the sorting information of the book block (50) and control the selected insertion device to sort the book block into the receiver (51.1, 51.2, 51.3).

4. The sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sorting category table includes book cover sorting categories for sorting the one or more book blocks (50) according to the book covers used for the one or more book blocks.

5. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first input conveyor (1.1, 1.1', 1.1"), the second input conveyor (1.2, 1.2'), and the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3') are arranged in parallel.

6. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') is configured to control the first input conveyor ( 1.1, 1.1', 1.1") and / or the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3') and / or the second input conveyor (1.2, 1.2') such that the time for sorting the book blocks (50) fed from the first input conveyor to the receivers (51.1, 51.2, 51.3) is longer than the time for conveying full receivers from the filling station (1, 1', 1") via the first output conveyor and replacing the full receivers with empty receivers.

7. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling station (1, 1', 1") includes a plurality of filling positions (13, 13'), each of which is arranged at an insertion device (14, 14') and configured to position a receiver (51.1, 51.2, 51.3) at the filling position, such that one or more book blocks (50) can be inserted by the corresponding insertion device into the receiver positioned at the filling position.

8. The sorting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filling station (1, 1', 1") includes a plurality of waiting positions (12, 12', 12"), which are configured to position each empty receiver received from the second input conveyor, wherein each of the plurality of waiting positions is arranged upstream of the filling position (13, 13') such that if the filling position is not occupied, the empty receiver can move from the waiting position to the filling position.

9. The sorting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The filling station includes a plurality of first receiver drivers configured to deliver empty receivers from each of the waiting bits (12) to the filling bit.

10. The sorting device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The filling station includes a plurality of second receiver drivers configured to deliver full receivers from each of the filling positions to the first output conveyor.

11. The sorting device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control device is configured to control the first receiver driver and the second receiver driver such that the transport of a full receiver from the fill position to the first output conveyor and the transport of an empty receiver from the waiting position to the fill position are performed synchronously.

12. The sorting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The filling station (1, 1', 1) includes multiple combinations of receiver drivers (1.4, 1.4') for each of the waiting positions (12, 12') and / or the filling positions (13, 13'), configured to deliver empty receivers from each of the waiting positions to the corresponding downstream filling position and to deliver full receivers from each of the filling positions to the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3').

13. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The filling station (1') includes a plurality of pivotable lifting plates (1.5'), each of which is arranged at the filling position (13') and configured to pivot to form a ramp for positioning a receiver at the corresponding filling position (13').

14. The sorting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the insertion devices (14, 14') includes a deflector (141, 141'), which is controlled by the control device (20, 20') and configured to deflect one or more book blocks (50) from the conveying direction (F1) of the first input conveyor (1.1, 1.1', 1.1") to the corresponding insertion device (14, 14').

15. The sorting device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The deflector (141, 141') includes a plurality of rollers (1411, 1411'), which are controlled by the control device (20, 20') and each is capable of rotating around a direction perpendicular to the first input conveyor. The plurality of rollers are rotatable about a first axis (A1, A1') parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor in the conveying direction for conveying the book block (50) along the conveying direction, and each of the plurality of rollers is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor for deflecting one or more book blocks from the conveying direction.

16. The sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that, The filling position (13, 13') is arranged between the deflector (141, 141') and the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3').

17. The sorting device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The sorting device includes a light barrier arranged at the deflector (141) and configured to transmit an occupation signal to the control device (20) if a book block (50) is present at the corresponding deflector.

18. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the insertion devices (14, 14') includes a conveying device (142, 142').

19. The sorting device according to claim 18, characterized in that, Each of the transmitting devices (142, 142') includes an end portion (1422) that can be placed at least partially in the internal space of the receiver and can be retracted from the receiver.

20. The sorting device according to claim 19, characterized in that, When the end portion of the transmitting device is placed in the internal space of the receiver, the final height of the end portion (1422) of the transmitting device (142, 142') is changeable.

21. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The filling station (1, 1', 1) includes multiple discharge devices.

22. The sorting device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') includes a memory storing at least one maximum criterion for sorted book blocks in the receiver, wherein the control device is configured to determine that the receiver is a full receiver and control the discharge device to convey the receiver to the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3') if one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver meet one or more of the at least one maximum criterion.

23. The sorting device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The at least one maximum criterion includes one or more of the following: the maximum number of one or more sorted book blocks (50) in the receiver; the maximum height of the stack formed by the one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver, as measured by the height sensor of the sorting device; The maximum height of the stack formed by the one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver, determined by the sum of the page numbers of the sorted book blocks in the receiver, wherein the control device (20, 20') is configured to receive the page numbers of the book blocks from a printing system arranged upstream of the sorting device and a standard paper thickness stored in the memory; the maximum height of the stack formed by the one or more sorted book blocks in the receiver, determined by the height of the one or more book blocks encoded in the at least one identification tag; and the longest time elapsed since the first book block was inserted into the receiver. The last book block of the predetermined job stored in the memory is inserted into the receiver; the size of the book block arriving from the first input conveyor is larger than the size of the topmost book block in the receiver.

24. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sorting device includes a rotating device (2, 2") arranged at the first input conveyor (1.1, 1.1") and configured such that the book block (50) rotates by an angle (α) on the first input conveyor about an axis perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor.

25. The sorting device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The rotating device (2, 2) includes a first guide plate (21, 21) and a second guide plate (22, 22) disposed downstream of the first guide plate, wherein the second guide plate (22, 22) includes an edge (231, 231) forming a stop portion (23, 23) configured to stop the corner of the book block (50), wherein the edge is perpendicular to the transport direction (F1) and oriented parallel to the transport plane or has a curved orientation.

26. The sorting device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The rotating device (2) includes a first guide plate (21) and a second guide plate (22) arranged downstream of the first guide plate. The first guide plate and the second guide plate are adjacent to each other by forming a stop (23), which is configured to stop the corner of the book block (50), wherein the edge (231) is perpendicular to the transport direction (F1) and oriented parallel to the transport plane.

27. The sorting device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The first input conveyor (1.1) is configured such that the book block (50) is aligned with the first guide plate and / or the second guide plate (21, 22).

28. The sorting device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The first input conveyor (1.1) includes a first roller conveyor (1.1”a) and a second roller conveyor (1.1”b), wherein the first roller conveyor is arranged downstream of the second roller conveyor.

29. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first input conveyor (1.1') includes a roller conveyor (1.1'a) and a belt conveyor (1.1'b), wherein the roller conveyor is arranged downstream of the belt conveyor.

30. The sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first output tray (1.13', 1.13") is arranged on the first side of the first input conveyor (1.1', 1.1").

31. The sorting device according to claim 30, characterized in that, The second output tray (1.14') is located on the second side of the first input conveyor (1.1', 1.1").

32. The sorting device according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, The control device (20') is configured to receive pre-sorting information from the book block reader (3, 3') and control the first input conveyor ( 1.1', 1.1"), to deliver book blocks (50, 50.1, 50.2) to the filling station (1, 1', 1"), the first output tray (1.13'), or the second output tray (1.14') depending on the received pre-sorting information.

33. The sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sorting device includes a conveying device, wherein the control device (20, 20') is configured to control the conveying device to transmit receiver identification of the receivers (51.1, 51.2, 51.3) to a book block further processing system arranged downstream of the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3').

34. The sorting device according to claim 33, characterized in that, The sorting device includes at least one receiver reader (4) configured to read receiver identification from receiver identification tags of receivers (51.1, 51.2, 51.3) and send the receiver identification to the control device (20, 20').

35. The sorting device according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') is configured to store for each receiver book block identification information read from at least one identification tag (502) of the book block (50) filled into the corresponding receiver (51.1, 51.2, 51.3), and if the corresponding receiver is full, control the transmission device to transmit the book block identification information of one or more book blocks of the corresponding receiver to a book block further processing system arranged downstream of the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3').

36. The sorting device according to claim 35, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') is configured to control the transmission device to further transmit one or more of the following information to a book block further processing system arranged downstream of the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3'), the one or more of the following information being: sorting information, a maximum criterion for determining that the receiver is full, the number of book blocks (50) in the receiver derived from the maximum criterion for determining that the receiver is full, the order or sequence of filling the one or more book blocks into the receiver, the timestamp of filling the one or more book blocks into the corresponding full receiver, book block size, and job identification.

37. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sorting device includes a second output conveyor configured to sort one or more non-productive book blocks from the filling station, wherein the control device (20, 20') includes a memory thereon storing a sorting table and is configured to control the insertion device to sort one or more book blocks having sorting information matching the sorting table to the second output conveyor.

38. The sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one book block reader (3, 3') is configured to read book block size information from the at least one identification tag (502), wherein the control device (20, 20') is configured to use the book block size information to control the conveying speed of the first input conveyor (1.1, 1.1', 1.1") and / or the insertion device (14, 14').

39. The sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sorting category table includes two book cover sorting categories.

40. The sorting device according to claim 39, characterized in that, The sorting category table includes four book cover sorting categories.

41. The sorting device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plurality of fill positions (13, 13') are arranged in a row.

42. The sorting device according to claim 41, characterized in that, The plurality of fill positions (13, 13') are along the first input conveyor ( The conveying directions (F1) of 1.1, 1.1', 1.1") are arranged in rows.

43. The sorting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of waiting positions (12, 12', 12") are arranged in a row.

44. The sorting device according to claim 43, characterized in that, The plurality of waiting positions (12, 12', 12") are arranged in rows along the conveying direction (F2) of the second input conveyor (1.2, 1.2').

45. The sorting device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The deflector is arranged along the feed section (11, 11') of the filling station (1, 1', 1") located downstream of the first input conveyor.

46. ​​The sorting device according to claim 16, characterized in that, A portion of the second input conveyor (1.2, 1.2') is arranged below the feed section (11, 11').

47. The sorting device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The conveying device (142, 142') includes sliders (1421, 1421') configured to convey one or more deflected book blocks (50) from the deflector (141, 141') to the corresponding receiver.

48. The sorting device according to claim 21, characterized in that, Multiple discharge devices take the form of one or more receiver drivers (1.4, 1.4'), which are controlled by the control device (20, 20') and configured to deliver full receivers to the first output conveyor (1.3, 1.3').

49. The sorting device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The angle (α) is 90°.

50. The sorting device according to claim 27, characterized in that, The first input conveyor (1.1) is configured to align the book block (50) with the first guide plate and / or the second guide plate (21, 22) via a plurality of rollers (1.11), the plurality of rollers being controlled by the control device (20) and each of the plurality of rollers being rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and parallel to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor, and each of the plurality of rollers being rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first input conveyor and perpendicular to the conveying plane of the first input conveyor.

51. The sorting device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The second roller conveyor includes multiple inclined cylindrical rollers.

52. The sorting device according to claim 37, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') is configured to control the deflector of the insertion device.

53. The sorting device according to claim 38, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') is configured to control the conveying speed of the deflector (141, 141') of the insertion device using the book block size information.

54. A method of operating a sorting apparatus for sorting book blocks (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: Unsorted book blocks are fed to the filling station (1, 1', 1") of the sorting device by the first input conveyor (1.1, 1.1', 1.1"); empty receivers are fed to the filling station (1, 1', 1") by the second input conveyor (1.2, 1.2'); the sorting information of the one or more book blocks is received by the control device (20, 20'); and the control device controls a plurality of insertion devices (14, 14') to sort the one or more book blocks into the receivers (51.1, 51.2, 51.3) using the sorting information.

55. A control device (20, 20') for controlling a sorting apparatus for sorting book blocks (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 53, characterized in that, The control device (20, 20') includes a computer configured to: receive sorting information of book blocks; compare the sorting information with a sorting category that matches the sorting information; assign at least one sorting category to each of the insertion devices (14, 14'); select an insertion device having an assigned sorting category that matches the sorting information of the book block; and control the selected insertion device to sort the book block into receivers (51.1, 51.2, 51.3).

56. A computer program product comprising computer program code configured to control a computer of a control device (20, 20') according to claim 55, such that the computer performs the following steps: receiving sorting information of a book block (50); comparing the sorting information with a sorting category that matches the sorting information; assigning at least one sorting category to each of the insertion devices (14, 14'); selecting an insertion device having an assigned sorting category that matches the sorting information of the book block; and controlling the selected insertion device to sort the book block into a receiver (51.1, 51.2, 51.3).

57. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which a computer program product according to claim 56 is stored.

58. A book production system comprising a sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 53.

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