Bookbinding machine with means for feeding book blocks upward from inclined position

Abstract

A bookbinding machine (100) for processing book blocks is presented. The bookbinding machine (100) comprises a feeding device (200) for feeding a book block (210) to a loading station (105a). The feeding device (200) comprises an inclined support (205) for supporting the front or back of each book block (210) at a temporary storage position below the loading station (105a). The lifting system (225) lifts the book block (210) from the temporary storage position to a loading position in the loading station (105a); this includes moving the book block (210) transversely to the spine (210s) of the book block (210), causing the book block (210) to be in a vertical position. A feeding device (200) for a bookbinding machine (100) and a binding production line comprising one or more such bookbinding machines (100) are also presented. Furthermore, a corresponding method for feeding a bookbinding machine, a computer program and a computer program product for implementing the method are proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of bookbinding, and more particularly to feeding of book blocks in a bookbinding machine. Background Art

[0002] The following will introduce the background of the present disclosure and discuss the technology related to its context. However, even if certain documents, acts, items, etc. are mentioned in the discussion, it does not suggest or represent that the technology discussed is prior art or common knowledge in the field related to the present disclosure.

[0003] Different types of bookbinding machines are commonly used in bookbinding lines to produce books at an industrial level. For example, perfect binders are used to apply soft covers and / or reinforcing linings to the respective book blocks. In particular, small perfect binders have become very popular for the production of digitally printed books. In fact, these perfect binders are able to continuously produce books of different formats (i.e. width, height and / or thickness). Books can thus be produced on demand (e.g. in the case of personal photo books, self-published books, small series, etc.), thus eliminating the need for warehousing.

[0004] Generally, each perfect binder has several processing stations for performing different operations on the book blocks. To this end, a transport system continuously transports the book blocks through these processing stations. Usually, the transport system drives the clamps that transport the book blocks individually; in particular, each clamp contains two jaws that clamp near the spine of the corresponding vertical book block.

[0005] The book blocks to be processed are usually fed manually to the binder by the operator of the binder. To this end, the operator picks up each book block and inserts it into a clamp that is stopped and opened at the corresponding loading (processing) station; the book block is inserted vertically into the clamp from above, with the spine facing downwards, resting on a support plate below the clamp. Alternatively, the operator inserts each book block (also vertically and with the spine facing downwards) into a feed channel, which feeds the book block (in the direction of the spine) to the loading station. For example, the feed channel transports each book block (vertically extending) horizontally below the loading station, where it is lifted vertically into the clamp that is stopped here and opened. Alternatively, each book block (vertically extending) is lifted obliquely into a clamp that passes through the loading station without stopping (opening). For example, EP-A-1688269 describes an inclined ramp on which the book block and its spine rest.

[0006] However, manual feeding of book blocks is physically demanding, monotonous, skill-dependent and error-prone, especially for large and / or heavy book blocks. Moreover, this operation is relatively slow, thus becoming a bottleneck in the operation of the perfect binder, significantly limiting its output. This is further exacerbated by the safety measures that are usually implemented to reduce the risk of operator injury (e.g., light curtains that prevent access to the clamps until they are fully opened).

[0007] It is also possible to use a feeder device for automatically feeding book blocks to the perfect binder. Each feeder device receives book blocks placed horizontally on a conveyor belt and feeds them continuously to the clamp.

[0008] For example, the feed device can make each book block fall into a clamp or a feed channel, thereby changing from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. However, the feed device is located in the same position that would be used for manually feeding the book blocks. Therefore, some book blocks cannot be fed manually (for example, to meet last-minute needs) without a time-consuming switch.

[0009] As another example, the feeding device may include a robot with a gripper that grasps each book block from the side, turns it vertically and inserts the book block into the fixture from above. However, the robot is relatively complex and expensive. The sequence of movements to be applied to the book blocks is relatively slow (especially in the case of large and / or heavy book blocks), so that in most practical cases, the increase in the output of the binder obtained is negligible. In addition, the book blocks should arrive on the conveyor with their front side facing down. This requirement is to allow the gripper to turn each book block and load it into the fixture with its front side facing out of the binder, so that the (processed) book blocks conveyed by the binder are facing up with their front side (displaying the name of the corresponding book) to allow visual inspection of them. However, this prevents visual inspection of the book blocks provided to the binder and may result in damage / contamination of the front side of the book blocks by the conveyor.

[0010] As another example, the feed device may include a turning channel whose walls gradually change from horizontal to vertical to rotate each book block accordingly (as it moves horizontally along its spine) for its next insertion into the feed channel. However, the turning channel significantly increases the size of the perfect binder. In particular, this makes the turning channel unsuitable for small perfect binders.

[0011] In any case, the use of a feed channel prevents the fully automatic continuous operation of the perfect binder when the format of the book blocks changes. In fact, every time the thickness of the book blocks changes, the feed channel must be emptied before it can be adjusted accordingly. This involves a corresponding stoppage of the perfect binder, which has a negative impact on its output. Summary of the invention

[0012] A simplified overview of the disclosure is given here to provide a basic understanding thereof; however, the sole purpose of this overview is to introduce some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to its subsequent more detailed description, and should not be construed as an identification of its key elements or a description of its scope.

[0013] Generally speaking, the present disclosure is based on the idea of ​​feeding the book block upwards from an inclined position.

[0014] In particular, one aspect provides a bookbinding machine for processing book blocks. The bookbinding machine includes a feed device for feeding book blocks to a loading station. The feed device includes an inclined support for supporting the front or back of each book block in a temporary storage (stage) position below the loading station. A lifting system lifts the book block from the temporary storage position to a loading position in the loading station; this includes moving the book block transversely to the spine of the book block so that the book block is in a vertical position.

[0015] Another aspect provides a feeding device for a bookbinding machine.

[0016] Another aspect provides a bookbinding line comprising one or more bookbinding machines.

[0017] Another aspect provides a corresponding method for feeding a bookbinding machine.

[0018] Another aspect provides a computer program for controlling a bookbinding machine to implement the method.

[0019] Another aspect provides a corresponding computer program product.

[0020] More specifically, one or more aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the independent claims, with advantageous features set out in the dependent claims, the wording of all claims being incorporated herein verbatim by reference (with any advantageous features provided with reference to any particular aspect applying mutatis mutandis to all other aspects). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The solution disclosed herein and its further features and advantages will be well understood by reading the following detailed description, which is given purely as a non-limiting indication, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (where, for simplicity, corresponding elements are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals and their description is not repeated, and the name of each entity is generally used to indicate its type and its attributes, such as value, content and manifestation). In this regard, it is expressly pointed out that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale (some details may be exaggerated and / or simplified) and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are only used to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. In addition, directions and related position references (such as top, bottom, side, etc.) should be understood according to the use status of the corresponding entity. In particular:

[0022] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a bookbinding machine, in which the solution according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied,

[0023] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C A general principle of a feeding device of a bookbinding machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 3A schematic diagram of an implementation of a feeding device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] 4A to 4F The operation of a portion of a feeding device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Special References Figure 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of a bookbinding machine 100 to which the solution according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0027] In particular, this is a (binding) perfect binder 100; the perfect binder 100 is used to produce books in a book binding production line, in particular for applying (soft) covers and / or reinforcing linings to corresponding book blocks (not shown in the figure). Each book block consists of a stack of signature sheets or sheets stacked together, which can be bound together (for example sewn or dot-glued) or unbound. The layers of the book block define the corresponding pages of the book, arranged in reading order from the first page to the back cover. The first page usually provides identification information of the book, for example in the form of text (title, author, etc.) and / or in the form of a barcode (indicating its format, processing operation, cover type, etc.). The book block has two main sides, namely the front and back sides corresponding to the first and back covers respectively. Four secondary sides of the book block are arranged between the front and back sides. In particular, the side to which the cover is applied defines the spine, and the side opposite to it defines the lip; the sides connecting the lip and the spine define the head and the foot of the book, which are located at the upper and lower sides in the reading state, respectively. The format of a book block is defined by its width (the distance between the flap and the spine), height (the distance between the top and the bottom) and thickness (the distance between the front and the back).

[0028] The binder 100 includes the following components. A plurality of processing stations (four in the example discussed, indicated by reference numerals 105a, 105b, 105c and 105d, respectively) are distributed along a closed path in the binder 100 for processing book blocks. At least some of the processing stations 105a-105d process the book blocks while they are stationary therein; for example, these (stationary) processing stations include a loading station 105a (for continuously loading the book blocks to be processed), a cover application station 105c (for applying the cover to the book blocks) and a conveying station 105d (for conveying the processed book blocks). Optionally, one or more of the processing stations 105a-105e (processing station 105b in the example shown in the figure) processes the book blocks as they pass through; for example, the (moving) processing station 105b mills and glues the book blocks. A plurality of fixtures are used to transport a single book block in the binder 100. The relatively small size of the perfect binder 100 is determined by a correspondingly small number of (e.g., 1-4) clamps, which makes it particularly suitable for on-demand production of (different formats) digitally printed books. In the example shown in the figure, the book binding machine 100 has three clamps, represented by reference numerals 110a, 110b and 110c. In general, each clamp 110a-110c is a device that can firmly clamp each book block using two jaws formed by corresponding elements that can move relative to each other. In the example discussed, each clamp 110a, 110b and 110c includes a (larger) jaw 115a, 115b and 115c, and a (smaller) jaw 120a, 120b and 120c, which are horizontally opposite to each other at the lower part of the jaw 115a-115c. In each clamp 110a-110c, the jaw 120a-120c can be horizontally moved relative to the jaw 115a-115c (e.g., driven by a pneumatic actuator) between an open state of the clamp 110a-110c (the jaw 120a-120c moves away from the jaw 115a-115c) and a closed state of the clamp 110a-110c (the jaw 120a-120c moves toward the jaw 115a-115c). The clamp 110a-110c vertically clamps each book block slightly above the spine (by a retaining element located above the jaw 120a-120c, not shown in the figure, which prevents the book block from tilting).

[0029] A transport system 125 (only partially visible in the figure) driven by a motor 130 transports the grippers 110a-110c and the corresponding book blocks through the processing stations 105a-105d on an annular guide (oval in the example in question), passing through them successively in the order from the loading station 105a to the delivery station 105d. The transport system 125 works intermittently (in a start-stop mode) so that the grippers 110a-110c stop in the stationary processing stations 105a, 105c, 105d for the time required to perform the corresponding operation (for example as described in WO-A-2021 / 130363 or WO-A-2022 / 268734).

[0030] The control unit 135 (e.g., an industrial PC) controls the operation of the perfect binder 100. In particular, the control unit 135 includes (not shown in the figure) one or more microprocessors (providing the logic capabilities of the control unit 135), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, for storing the basic code of the boot program of the control unit 135), volatile memory (e.g., RAM, used as the working memory of the microprocessor), large-capacity storage (e.g., SSD, for storing programs and data), and controllers of peripheral units of the bookbinding machine (in addition to the above components, such as a touch screen for inputting commands / data and displaying information, a drive for reading / writing a removable storage unit such as a USB disk, etc.).

[0031] When the perfect binder 100 is in operation, the following operations are performed continuously for each clamp 110a-110c in a series of operation cycles of the bookbinding machine 100 (if necessary, different operations are performed simultaneously for all clamps 110a-110c at their respective positions in the perfect binder 100). These operations are performed under the control of a control program running on the control unit 135, which is stored in a mass storage device and (at least partially) loaded into the working memory of the control unit 135 when the control program is run.

[0032] In a certain operating cycle, the (current) clamp 110a-110c stops at the loading station 105a and opens. In the next operating cycle, the (current) book block to be processed is loaded into the clamp 110a-110c with its spine facing downwards, at the processing height required for processing the book block in the other processing stations 105b-105d. The clamp 110a-110c is then closed (thereby clamping the book block). In the corresponding subsequent operating cycle, the clamp 110a-110c is transported with its book block through the subsequent processing stations 105b-105c (stopping at the cover application station 105c for the time required to apply the corresponding cover to the book block) to perform the corresponding operations, if necessary (these operations may vary from book block to book block). In the next operating cycle, the clamp 110a-110c stops at the conveying station 105d. The book block being processed is clamped near its spine, the clamps 110a-110c are opened, the book block is pulled down and transported to the outside of the perfect binder 100 (for completing the subsequent bookbinding machine of the corresponding book production, such as a case-in machine or a three-sided trimmer, not shown in the figure). In the next operation cycle, the clamps 110a-110c are closed and then transported to the loading station 105a to continue to repeat the same operation.

[0033] Reference now FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , showing the general principle of a feeding device of a bookbinding machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] from Figure 2A Initially, a feed device (indicated by reference numeral 200) is used to continuously and automatically feed book blocks to the loading station 105a (from a previous bookbinding machine, such as a lock-stitching machine, not shown in the figure, which provided the book blocks). To this end, an inclined support 205 (e.g., a plate) is used to support each (current) book block to be fed to the loading station 105a (indicated by reference numeral 210). The inclined support 205 extends below the loading station 105a along an inclined direction Di relative to the vertical direction Dv. This means that the inclined direction Di is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv; for example, the inclined direction Di and the vertical direction Dv form a (downward) angle α, which is 25-55°, preferably 30-50°, more preferably 35-45°, for example 40°. The inclined support 205 supports the book block 210 in a temporary storage position, where one main side of the book block 210 (i.e., its front side or its back side, respectively indicated by reference numerals 210f and 210r, in particular, the back side 210r in the example shown in the figure) rests on the inclined support 205. The book block 210 rests on the inclined support 205 by gravity, regardless of its format.

[0035] Go to Figure 2BThe lifting system 225 (eg, including one or more push rods) is used to lift the book block 210 toward the loading station 105a. This includes moving the book block 210 from the temporary storage position (see Figure 2A ) to a vertical position in which the front side 210f and the back side 210r of the book block 210 extend in the vertical direction Dv. To this end, the book block 210 is moved transversely to the longitudinal axis As of the spine (indicated by reference numeral 210s) (e.g., by lifting it along the inclined support 205 toward the vertical support 230).

[0036] Go to Figure 2C Finally, the book block 210 reaches a loading position in which it is inserted into a clamp (generally indicated by reference numeral 110) which is (currently) opened in the loading station 105a, i.e. its jaws (generally indicated by reference numerals 115 and 120) are spaced apart. The book block 210 (again extending vertically) is now ready to be gripped by the clamp 110 when it is closed (jaw 120 moves towards jaw 115).

[0037] The above solution works independently of the format of the book block in a relatively simple and fast manner.

[0038] This solution then allows for a seamless and continuous feeding of book blocks of different formats. The maximum speed of the perfect binder can therefore be exploited, with a beneficial effect on its output (making it particularly suitable for the production of books on demand).

[0039] Reference now Figure 3 , showing a schematic diagram of an implementation of a feeding device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The feeding device (identified by reference numeral 300 ) includes the following components.

[0041] The entry conveying system, or simply the entry conveyor 303, extends horizontally in a plane. The entry conveyor 303 includes an accumulation section 303a and a conveying section 303d along its conveying direction (forward in the figure). The accumulation section 303a receives and accumulates book blocks 210 from a previous bookbinding machine (not shown in the figure); for this purpose, the accumulation section 303a can be coupled with a corresponding conveyor (not shown in the figure) at its input end along the conveying direction of the entry conveyor 303, and the corresponding conveyor automatically transfers the book blocks 210 from the previous bookbinding machine to the feeding device 300. The accumulation section 303a has a width greater than the maximum height of the book block 210 and a length greater than the maximum width of the book block 210 (for example, 2-4 times thereof). For example, the accumulation section 303a is realized by a row of friction rollers 306. Therefore, any obstacle on the accumulation section 303a will stop the book block 210 (friction rollers 306 idling). The conveying section 303d separates and individually conveys the book blocks 210 from the accumulating section 303a. The width of the conveying section 303d is the same as that of the accumulating section 303a, and the length is greater than the maximum width of the book blocks 210. For example, the conveying section 303d is realized by a series of conveyor belts 309 arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other (four in the example shown in the figure). A blocking device, such as a baffle 312, separates the accumulating section 303a and the conveying section 303d, extending transversely to the transport direction of the inlet conveyor belt 303. The baffle 312 can be moved (for example, driven by a pneumatic actuator, not shown in the figure) between an active position (where it extends above the conveying section 303d to block the input end along the transport direction of the inlet conveyor belt 303) and a passive position (where it retracts below the conveying section 303d to clear its input end). A presence detector 315 (for example, based on a photoelectric cell) is arranged at the input end of the conveying section 303d for detecting the presence of any book blocks 210.

[0042] The descending conveying system, or simply referred to as the descending conveyor belt 318, is arranged to overlap and immediately follow the entrance conveyor belt 303 along its conveying direction. The width of the descending conveyor belt 318 is the same as that of the entrance conveyor belt 303. The descending conveyor belt 318 includes a horizontal section 318h extending horizontally and an inclined section 318i extending downwardly, for conveying the book blocks 210 along the conveying direction of the descending conveyor belt 318 (forward and downward, respectively, in the figure). The horizontal section 318h is interwoven with the output portion of the conveying section 303d of the entrance conveyor belt 303 slightly below it (extending backward from its output end along the conveying direction of the entrance conveyor belt 303). The inclined section 318i extends downwardly from the horizontal section 318h along the same inclined direction of the inclined support member (described in detail below). For example, the descending conveyor 318 comprises a descending support (for supporting the book block 210) realized by a series of (loop-shaped) chains 321 (arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, interlaced with the conveyor 309) and a series of idler roller lines 324 (arranged between the chains 321, starting from the entrance conveyor 303, aligned with the corresponding conveyor 309 and slightly above the chains 321, to a position along the inclined section 318i, where they are flush with the chains 321). Each chain 321 carries a plurality of paddles (six in the example in question), which are evenly distributed along the chain; the corresponding paddles of the chain 321 are aligned transversely to the conveyor 318, thereby defining corresponding drivers 327. The drivers 327 are distributed along the descending conveyor 318, with a spacing greater than the maximum width of the book block 210, and ensuring that whenever a driver 327 has just passed the inclined section 318i, another driver 327 is in the horizontal section 318h corresponding to the entrance conveyor 303. A width measuring device 330 is arranged along the descending conveyor belt 318 for measuring the width of each book block 210. For example, the width measuring device 330 is implemented by a presence detector (e.g., a photoelectric tube) arranged at the horizontal section 318h to provide higher accuracy (or, the same function is performed by the presence detector 315). A blocking element, such as a fence 333, protrudes vertically above the inclined section 318i at the lower end of the inclined section 318i to block each book block 210 transported by the descending conveyor belt 318. For example, the fence 333 is implemented by a series of pins arranged between the chains 321 (so as not to interfere with the passage of the driver 327).

[0043] The horizontal transport system, or simply the horizontal conveyor 336, is arranged to cover and be located on one side of the descending conveyor 318 (arranged transversely thereto). The width of the horizontal conveyor 336 is greater than the maximum width of the book block 210. The horizontal conveyor 336 includes a horizontal support (for supporting the book block 210), which extends horizontally and is transversely inclined in the same inclination direction of the inclined support (aligned therewith). For example, the horizontal support is realized by the lower part of the inclined section 318i (extending backward from the fence 333 in the transport direction of the descending conveyor 318) and the plate 339 extending flush therewith. A retaining element, such as a fence 342, protrudes vertically above the plate 339 at the lower end of the plate 339, aligned with the fence 333. For example, the fence 342 is realized by a series of pins extending the fence 333. The fences 333 and 342 define retaining elements for retaining the book block 210 during the transport of the book block 210 along the horizontal supports 318i, 339. A plurality of (horizontal) pushers, three in the example in question, indicated by reference numerals 345a, 345b and 345c, are used to push the individual book blocks 210 away from the descending conveyor 318 (towards the right in the figure) in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor 336. The pushers 345a-345c are supported by a rod 348, which is mounted on and parallel to a (linear) shaft 351. The shaft 351 extends horizontally along the horizontal supports 318i, 339 and is located above them at a distance greater than the maximum thickness of the book block 210. The pushers 345a-345c are evenly distributed along the rod 348, with a spacing greater than the maximum height of the book block 210; the rod 348 is shorter than the shaft 351, and their difference corresponds to the spacing of the pushers 345a-345c. The rod 348 can be moved relative to the shaft 351 (for example, by a mechanism driven by a motor of the bookbinding machine, not shown in the figure). In particular, the rod 348 can rotate about the axis 351 between an active position (where the rod 348 faces the horizontal supports 318i, 339 and the push rods 345a-345c extend toward them, a distance at most equal to the minimum thickness of the book block 210) and a passive position (where the rod 348 and the push rods 345a-345c face away from the horizontal supports 318i, 339). In addition, the rod 348 can translate along the axis 351 between a retracted position (where the rod 348 extends from the input end of the horizontal supports 318i, 339 in the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor belt 336, located on the far left in the figure) and an advanced position (where the rod 348 extends along the transport direction of the horizontal conveyor belt 336 to the output end of the horizontal supports 318i, 339, located on the far right in the figure). The push rods 345a-345c define its first section 336a (the lower part of the inclined section 318i), the second section 336b (the starting part of the plate 339 close to the inclined section 318i) and the third section 336c (the end of the plate 339 away from the inclined section 318i) along the transmission direction of the horizontal conveyor belt 336, and these sections 336a-336c correspond to the stop positions of the book block 210 in the horizontal conveyor belt 336.The (second) section 336b is equipped with a height measuring device 354 for measuring the height of each book block 210. For example, the height measuring device 354 is implemented by a presence detector (such as a photoelectric tube), which is arranged at the starting part of the section 336b along the transmission direction of the horizontal conveyor belt 336 (on the far left in the figure). The (third) section 336c is equipped with a thickness measuring device 357 for measuring the thickness of each book block 210. For example, the thickness measuring device 357 is implemented by a position sensor, which is located above the plate 339 (at a distance greater than the maximum thickness of the book block 210). In addition, the section 336c is also equipped with a barcode reader 360 for reading the barcode (possibly) printed on the front side of each book block 210. For example, the barcode reader 360 is implemented by a camera, which is located above the plate 339 (at a distance greater than the maximum thickness of the book block 210).

[0044] The loading system, or simply loader 363, is disposed on the side of the horizontal conveyor 336 opposite to the descending conveyor 318 (and disposed transversely thereto). The loader 363 implements the above-mentioned inclined support and lifting system. For example, to this end, the loader 363 includes the following components. The width of the plate 366 is greater than the maximum height of the book block 210. The plate 366 is curved to form an inclined section (defining the above-mentioned inclined support member, and therefore represented by the same reference numeral 205), an arc section 366r, and a vertical section (defining the above-mentioned vertical support member, and therefore represented by the same reference numeral 230) from bottom to top. The inclined section 205 (extending in the inclined direction) is flush with the plate 339 and has a length equal to its width. The length of the vertical section 230 (extending vertically below the loading station 105a) is greater than the maximum width of the book block 210; when the clamps 110 are parked at the loading station 105a, the vertical section 230 is aligned with the jaws 115 of each clamp 110 (the concave side of the plate 366 faces the jaws 120 of the clamps 110). The vertical section 230 is also provided with a horizontal reference element, such as a flap 366h. The flap 366h protrudes vertically from the vertical section 230 toward the concave side of the plate 366 and is vertically aligned with the push rod 345c when the rod 348 is in the advanced position. The arc section 366r connects the inclined section 205 and the vertical section 230 (its radius of curvature and length achieve this result in a relatively smooth manner). A retaining element, such as a fence 369, protrudes vertically above the inclined section 205 at the lower end of the inclined section 205, aligned with the fence 342, for retaining each book block 210 leaning thereon (in a temporary storage position). For example, the fence 369 is realized by a series of pins extending the fence 342. A guide support, or simply a guide 372, faces the vertical section 230 on the concave side of the plate 366 (for guiding each book block 210 when it is extended vertically). The guide 372 can be moved horizontally (for example, by a mechanism driven by a motor of the book binding machine, not shown in the figure) to adjust its distance from the vertical section 230, at least between the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness of the book block 210. For example, the guide 372 is realized by a series of vertical flaps (parallel to each other), the shape of which defines the lower guide profile of each book block 210.

[0045] The lifting system is implemented by a (first lifting) push rod and a (second lifting) push rod, the latter only partially visible in the figure, distinguished by reference numerals 225d and 225u, respectively. The push rods 225d, 225u are used to push each book block 210 upwards along the transport direction of the loader 363. In particular, the push rod 225d operates on the inclined section 205 and the arc section 366r (on the concave side of the plate 366), moving in the inclined direction, and the stroke is between a low position at the fence 369 (corresponding to the temporary storage position of the book block 210) and a high position at the lower end of the vertical section 230 (corresponding to the vertical position of the book block 210). The push rod 225u passes through the arc segment 366r and operates on the vertical segment 230 (on the concave side of the plate 366), moving in the vertical direction, with a stroke between a low position below the vertical segment 230 (corresponding to the vertical position of the book block 210) and a high position at the processing height of the book block 210 (corresponding to the loading position of the book block 210). The push rod 225d is realized by a rack staggered with the fence 369, and the push rod 225u is realized by a similar rack staggered with the push rod 225d (so as to avoid mutual interference between each pair of them), and the arc segment 366r has corresponding grooves for the push rods 225d and 225u to pass. The push rod 225u is also equipped with a jogger (not shown in the figure) for each book block 210, and the working direction is toward the flap 336h (to the left in the figure).

[0046] The above structure is relatively compact, thus also allowing its use in small perfect binders.

[0047] In operation, a book block 210 from a previous bookbinding machine is placed on the accumulation section 303a of the inlet conveyor 303 with its back side against it, its spine facing forward and its top facing away from the loader 363 (towards the left in the figure). The front side of the book block 210 is thus facing upwards for visual inspection when it is provided to the feed device 300; moreover, this avoids the risk of the front side of the book block 210 being damaged / contaminated by the conveyor 303. Normally, the stopper 312 is in an active position (extending above the conveying section 303d). Therefore, any book block 210 that reaches the stopper 312 is blocked and its spine is aligned perpendicularly to the transport direction of the inlet conveyor 303. Further book blocks that reach this (blocked / aligned) book block, not shown in the figure, are blocked and aligned by it in the same way, and so on, so that the book blocks 210 are accumulated on the accumulation section 303a in front of the conveying section 303d. Thus, the perfect binder can be seamlessly coupled to a previous bookbinding machine; furthermore, the book blocks 210 can be provided from the previous bookbinding machine in any alignment and spacing.

[0048] In a series of operation cycles of the bookbinding machine, the feeding device 300 continuously performs the following operations for each book block 210 that has reached it and is blocked behind the stopper 312 (different operations are performed simultaneously for any book block 210 in the corresponding position in the feeding device 300). These operations are also performed under the control of the control program running on the control unit (not shown in the figure) of the bookbinding machine.

[0049] In one corresponding operation cycle, the baffle 312 is lowered to the passive position (retracted under the conveying section 303d). As a result, the accumulating section 303a transfers the book block 210 toward the conveying section 303d. The conveying section 303d runs at a speed slightly higher than that of the accumulating section 303a. Therefore, when the conveying section 303d receives the book block 210, the book block 210 is separated from any subsequent book block 210 that stops behind it on the accumulating section 303a. The presence detector 315 detects the presence of the book block 210 on the conveying section 303d. Once the presence detector 315 no longer detects the book block 210, meaning that it has completely left the accumulating section 303a (or in the case where there is no book block on the accumulating section 303a, after a predefined time has passed after the baffle 312 has moved to the passive position), the baffle 312 is raised to the active position to block any subsequent book block 210.

[0050] In the next operating cycle, the conveying section 303d of the inlet conveyor 303 transfers the book block 210 to the drive 327 at the horizontal section 318h of the descending conveyor 318, which is usually in a blocking state. As soon as the book block 210 reaches this drive 327 (e.g., detected by the corresponding pressure applied to the chain 321), the descending conveyor 318 is started at the same speed as the conveying section 303d. The conveying section 303d continues to transport the book block 210 along the horizontal section 318h, and the drive 327 moves synchronously in front of it. When the book block 210 reaches the inclined section 318i, it falls under the action of gravity onto the drive 327, which guides the book block 210 downward along the inclined section 318i. The book block 210 passes the width measuring device 330 to measure its width. To this end, the width measuring device 330 determines the arrival time and the departure time of the book block 210 (from absence to presence, from presence to absence, respectively). The passage time of the book block 210 is calculated from the arrival time to the departure time, and the width of the book block 210 is calculated by multiplying the passage time by the known speed of the descending conveyor 318 (minus the known width of the drive 327). The width of the book block 210 is used for the subsequent optimization of its feeding to the loading station 105a (as described below). The same information can also be used to optimize the operation of the perfect binder. For example, the time required for the book block 210 to leave the clamp when it is pulled down from the corresponding clamp 110 in the conveying station (not shown in the figure) and to close the clamp after leaving can be calculated. Therefore, the corresponding jaws of the clamp can be moved more slowly (in the same available time) to reduce mechanical stress, and / or the operation can be performed faster for the same speed of the jaws. At the same time, another drive 327 arrives at the horizontal section 318h. In the next operating cycle, the book block 210 reaches the lower end of the inclined section 318i (where the rod 348 is in the active position, the push rods 345a-345c extend toward the horizontal supports 318i, 339, and in the retracted position, the push rod 345a is located at the (leftmost) input end of the horizontal supports 318i, 339); therefore, the book block 210 is blocked by the fence 333 (while the driver 327 passes through it). Then the descending conveyor 318 stops. At the same time, another driver 327 reaches the horizontal section 318h.

[0051] In the next operating cycle, the rod 348 (in the active position) is translated along the axis 351 from the retracted position to the advanced position (to the right in the figure). As a result, the push rod 345a transfers the book block 210 along the horizontal conveyor 336 from the segment 336a (at the lower end of the inclined segment 318i) to the segment 336b (at the beginning of the plate 339). The book block 210 passes the height measuring device 354, and its height is measured. To this end, the height measuring device 354 determines the arrival time and the departure time of the book block 210 (from absence to presence and from presence to absence, respectively), as described above. The passage time of the book block 210 from the arrival time to the departure time is calculated, and the height of the book block 210 is calculated by multiplying the passage time by the known speed of the rod 348 (minus the known width of the push rod 345a). The height of the book block 210 is used to configure the perfect binder (for example, to control the application of glue, the cutting of the reinforcement lining, etc.). The rod 348 then rotates to the passive position (the push rods 345a-345c face away from the horizontal supports 318i, 339), translates backward (to the left) to the retracted position (without interfering with any book block 210 on the horizontal supports 318i, 339), and then rotates again to the active position. In the next operating cycle, the rod 348 (in the active position) translates again along the axis 351 from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the push rod 345b transfers the book block 210 from the section 336b to the section 336c (at the end of the plate 339). Afterwards, the thickness measuring device 357 measures the thickness of the book block 210 stopped at the section 336c. The thickness of the book block 210 is subsequently used to configure the loader 363 (described below) and the perfect binder (e.g., for controlling flattening, cutting (mill), gluing, end-papering, fastening lining, cover, conveying, etc.). At the same time, the barcode reader 360 reads the (possible) barcode of the book block 210 at the stop section 336c. The barcode of the book block 210 is subsequently used to configure the perfect binder (for example, in order to selectively enable processing stations, verify the correctness of the applied cover, etc.). These operations are carried out when the book block 210 is stationary, which significantly simplifies the operation and thus reduces the cost of the thickness measuring device 357 and the barcode reader 360. The rod 348 is then rotated to the passive position, translated backwards to the retracted position, and then rotated again to the active position. In the next operating cycle, the rod 348 (in the active position) is translated again along the axis 351 from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the push rod 345c transfers the book block 210 from the section 336c of the horizontal conveyor 336 to the inclined section 205 of the loader 363 (where both push rods 225d, 225u are in their low position). As a result, the book block 210 is fully aligned on the loader 363. In particular, the spine of the book block 210 is in a vertical reference defined by the fence 369 (by gravity); the vertical reference ensures that the spine of the book block 210 is brought to its processing height (according to its stroke) by the push rods 225d, 225u.At the same time, the top of the book block 210 is at the horizontal reference defined by the push rod 345c; the horizontal reference corresponds to the processing alignment defined by the horizontal position required when the book block 210 is loaded into the clamp 110 for processing in the bookbinding machine, for example, so that its top is aligned with the corresponding edge of the clamp 110 (to the left in the figure). This result is achieved independently of the format of the book block 210 (width and height, respectively).

[0052] In the next operating cycle, the guide 372 is adjusted to a distance from the vertical section 230 that is slightly greater than the thickness of the book block 210 (previously measured by the thickness measuring device 357). For example, the distance exceeds the thickness of the book block 210 by a fixed amount (e.g. 15 mm) or by an amount that varies according to the thickness of the book block 210, in particular increasing as the thickness increases (e.g. equal to a fixed value, such as 10 mm, plus a percentage of the thickness, such as 10%). This operation can be performed after the preceding book block has been loaded into the clamp 110 (not shown in the figure), for example, after the clamp 110 is closed.

[0053] Then the push rod 225d is raised from the low position (at the fence 369) to the high position (at the lower end of the vertical section 230), thereby bringing the book block 210 from the temporary storage position to the vertical position (inserting it between the vertical section 230 and the guide 372). At the same time, the clamp 110 (whose jaws 115 and 120 are closed close to each other) arrives at the loading station 105a and stops. The clamp 110 is then opened; for this purpose, the jaw 120 moves away from the jaw 115, and the distance between the jaw 115 and the jaw 115 is slightly greater than the thickness of the book block 210. At the same time, the push rod 225u is raised from the low position (below the vertical section 230) to the high position (at the processing height of the book block 210), thereby receiving the book block 210 and bringing it from the vertical position to the loading position; at this stage, the jogger pushes the book block 210 towards the flap 366h to ensure that it is fully aligned with the horizontal reference (corresponding to the processing alignment of the book block 210) in any case, even when the book block 210 is brought slightly beyond it by the push rod 345c. The push rod 225d then returns to its low position.

[0054] Thus, the book block 210 is inserted into the clamp 110 (with the spine at the machined height just below the clamp 110 and the top of the book at the machined alignment of the leftmost edge of the clamp 110). At this point, the clamp 110 is closed by the jaws 120 moving towards the jaws 115 until they abut against the book block 210 (thus clamping it). The push rod 225u then returns to its lower position.

[0055] The above-described structure allows feeding the book blocks 210 to the loading station 105a in a fully automatic manner. In particular, the book blocks 210 are transferred to the loader 363 independently of their format. Thus, book blocks 210 of different formats can be present simultaneously in the feeding device 300 (as shown in the figure), with a beneficial effect on its yield. In the loader 363, the guides 372 are adjusted only according to the thickness of the corresponding book blocks 210 (if necessary). In fact, the vertical section 230 of the plate 366 is aligned with the reference plane of the clamp 110, which is defined by the position of the jaws 115 when the clamp 110 is parked in the loading station 105a. Therefore, the reference plane of each book block 210 resting on the plate 366 and lifted along it defines the zero plane of its thickness (in particular, its back side when the book block 210 rests on the plate 366 with its front side facing outwards), which is always aligned with the reference plane of the clamp 110. This allows the perfect binder 100 to be fully automated and operate continuously as the book block format changes.

[0056] If necessary, the book block 210 can also be fed manually to the perfect binder.

[0057] In particular, the operator of the bookbinding machine can manually place the book block 210 on the accumulation section 303a of the inlet conveyor 303, as described above. The feeding device 300 then works in the same way, thus also playing all its advantages in this case. For example, when the book block from the previous bookbinding machine is offline (i.e., not coupled to the feeding device 300), the book block 210 can be manually fed to the accumulation section 303a.

[0058] Alternatively, the book block 210 can also be fed manually to the perfect binder as usual. To this end, the operator sets the feeding device 300 to manual mode (by entering the corresponding command on the touch screen of the perfect binder). In response, the push rod 225u is raised to the support position, stopping the feeding device 300 at the processing height of the book block 210. In this case, the operator can load the book block 210 from above into each clamp 110 parked in the loading station 105a and opened, with its spine resting on the push rod 225u. For example, when the perfect binder is offline (i.e., not connected to any previous book binder), the book block 210 can be fed manually to the loading station 105a.

[0059] In both cases, the feed of the perfect binder can be switched very simply and quickly between automatic mode and manual mode.

[0060] Reference now FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E , showing the operation of part of the feeding device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] In this specific implementation, the push rod 225d includes the following components. A driving element, such as a slider 405d driven by a chain (not shown in the figure), moves along the inclined direction Di (its corresponding stroke is between a low position and a high position). A movable element, such as a rack 410d, is driven by the slider 405d and is used to act on each book block 210 (the spine 210s). The rack 410d can pivot around the slider 405d. The rack 410d is biased to different (angular) positions to change its direction of action on the book block 210. To this end, in a specific implementation, the rack 410d is equipped with one (or more) followers 415d (for example, a lateral rod with an idler wheel at the end). In the state shown in the figure, when the slider 405d is in the low position at the fence 369 (corresponding to the temporary storage position of the book block 210), the follower 415d is biased (for example, by gravity) so that the rack 410d acts on the book block 210 in the inclined direction Di (that is, the rack 410d is perpendicular to it). In addition, the push rod 225u includes the following components. A driving element, such as another slider 405u driven by a chain (not shown in the figure), moves in the vertical direction Dv (its corresponding stroke is between the low position and the high position). An active element, such as another rack 410u, is driven by the slider 405u and is used to act on the book block 210 (the spine 210s) in the vertical direction Dv. A biasing element, such as one (or more) cams 415u in the example discussed, is also driven by the slider 405u to bias the follower 415d in different ways. The rack 410u is also equipped with a paper bumper, which is indicated by the reference numeral 420.

[0062] Once the book block 210 has been provided to the inclined section 205 (in the temporary storage position), and the distance between the guide 372 and the vertical section 230 has been adjusted according to the thickness of the book block 210, the slider 405d begins to move upward from the low position (at the fence 369) to the high position (at the lower end of the vertical section 230) along the inclined direction Di, thereby lifting the book block 210 from the temporary storage position to the vertical position. In the initial part of the stroke of the slider 405d, the rack 410d acts on the book block 210 (i.e., acts on the spine 210s inclined perpendicularly thereto) along the inclined direction Di, thereby pushing it at the inclined section 205, then at the arc section 366r, and then at the vertical section 230; therefore, the book block 210 bends accordingly and begins to be inserted between the vertical section 230 and the guide 372. Once the slider 405d reaches the position corresponding to the low position of the slider 405u (at the lower end of the vertical section 230), the follower 415d is slightly higher than the cam 415u, and the slider 405u also starts to move along the vertical direction Dv from the low position (below the vertical section 230) to the high position (at the processing height of the book block 210) at the same speed (module) as the slider 405d. The full speed of the rack 410u along the vertical direction Dv is higher than the speed component of the slider 405d along the vertical direction Dv; therefore, the cam 415u moves upward relative to the follower 415d. In addition, the speed of the slider 405d has a horizontal component (toward the slider 405u, to the left in the figure), while the speed of the slider 405u does not have this horizontal component; therefore, the follower 415d moves sideways relative to the cam 415u (toward it).

[0063] Go to Figure 4B , as a result, the cam 415u reaches the follower 415d and engages with it. The cam 415u then lifts the follower 415d vertically relative to the slider 405d; at the same time, the follower 415d slides horizontally along the cam 415u away from the slider 405d. This causes the follower 415d to rotate relative to the slider 405d (clockwise in the figure), thereby correspondingly rotating the rack 410d (integral therewith). Therefore, the direction of action of the rack 410d on the book block 210 reduces its inclination (relative to the vertical direction Dv), thereby correspondingly reducing the inclination of the spine 210s.

[0064] Go to Figure 4C, with the result that the book block 210 is bent accordingly until it reaches its vertical position (restoring a straight line, with the spine 210s extending horizontally, inserted between the vertical section 230 and the guide 372). At this point, the direction of action of the rack 410d on the book block 210 has reduced its inclination to zero, and the follower 415d now extends horizontally and has reached the (leftmost) end of the cam 415u. Therefore, in the last part of the stroke of the slider 405d, the direction of action of the rack 410d on the book block 210 gradually changes from the inclined direction Di to the vertical direction Dv. At this point, the rack 410u receives the book block 210 by acting on the spine 210s of the book block 210 along the vertical direction Dv. The above structure achieves a smooth transition from the rack 410d to the rack 410u, thereby avoiding (or at least significantly reducing) any recoil on the book block 210.

[0065] Go to Figure 4D , the follower 415d passes over the cam 415u, thereby disengaging from it. As a result, the follower 415d and the rack 410d integrated therewith fall down (by gravity). This causes the follower 415d and the rack 410d to rotate relative to the slider 405d (counterclockwise in the figure), thereby returning to their initial position (perpendicular to the tilting direction Di), and then leaving the book block 210.

[0066] Go to Figure 4E , the slider 405d moves downwards in the oblique direction Di towards its lower position. In contrast, the slider 405u continues to move upwards in the vertical direction Dv; the rack 410u then pushes the book block 210 upwards until it reaches a waiting position, where the flap of the book block 210 (reference numeral 210p) corresponds to the lower end of the clamp 110 in the loading station 105a (e.g., 5-20 mm below it). The corresponding height of the slider 405u is determined according to the width of the book block 210. The slider 405u now stops. At this stage, the jogger 420 is activated to jog the book block 210 towards its top (against the flap of the vertical section, not shown in the figure). The fact that the top of the book block 210 is already substantially correctly aligned significantly simplifies the operation, since the jogger 420 only needs to realign individual sheets / paper that may have shifted during the transport of the book block 210. Furthermore, the fact that the book block 210 is flushed during its lifting allows saving the corresponding time of loading the book block 210 into the clamp 110; thus, the push rod 225u can move slower to reduce mechanical stress (very important for heavy book blocks) and / or for the same speed of the push rods 225d, 225u, loading can be carried out faster.

[0067] Go to Figure 4F, once the clamp 110 has been opened, the slide 405u resumes moving upwards in the vertical direction Dv (at the same or different speed) to its high position, thereby lifting the book block 210 from the waiting position to the loading position, where the book block 210 is inserted into the clamp 110 (at its processing height). This operation is optimized because the flap 210p of the book block 210 is already located directly below the clamp 110 (regardless of the width of the book block 210). For example, for book blocks of smaller width, the push rod 225u can be moved slower (in the same available time) to reduce mechanical stress (very important for heavy book blocks), and / or for the same speed of the push rod 225u, this operation can be performed faster. At this point, the clamp 110 is closed by moving the jaws 120 towards the jaws 115 until they abut the book block 210 (thereby clamping it). Restarting the clamp 110 (together with the book block 210), the slide 405u moves downwards in the vertical direction Dv to its low position, thereby returning to Figure 4A status.

[0068] Variations

[0069] In order to meet local and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art may make many logical and / or physical modifications and changes to the present disclosure, as long as they do not exceed the scope of the claims. More specifically, although the present disclosure has been described to a certain extent with specific reference to one or more embodiments, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in form and details and in other embodiments are possible. In particular, different embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced even without the specific details (such as numerical values) set forth in the preceding description in order to provide a more thorough understanding thereof; on the contrary, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the description with unnecessary details. In addition, it is expressly intended that specific elements and / or method steps associated with any embodiment of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other embodiment as a general design choice. In addition, items listed in the same group and different embodiments, examples or alternatives should not be regarded as actually equivalent to each other (but they are independent and autonomous entities). In any case, each numerical value should be regarded as modified according to the applicable tolerance; in particular,

[0070] Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "substantially", "approximately", and "approximately" should be understood to be within 10%, preferably 5%, and more preferably within 1%. In addition, each numerical range should be deemed to explicitly specify any possible numerical values ​​(including its endpoints) that are continuously distributed along the range. Ordinal numbers or other modifiers are used only as labels to distinguish elements with the same name, but do not imply any priority, order, or relationship. The terms "include", "comprising", "having", "containing", "involving", etc. should be regarded as open, non-exhaustive meanings (i.e., not limited to the listed items), the terms "based on", "depending on", "according to", "as a function of...", etc. should be regarded as non-exclusive relationships (i.e., other variables may be involved), the term "one / a" should be regarded as one or more items (unless explicitly stated), and the term "device for..." (or any function plus structure expression) should be regarded as any structure that is applicable to or configured to perform the relevant function.

[0071] For example, one embodiment provides a bookbinding machine. However, the bookbinding machine can be of any type (e.g., perfect binder, hardcover machine, etc.).

[0072] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine is used to process book blocks. However, the book blocks can be of any type (e.g., composed of printed sheets, flat sheets, with or without inserts, bound together in any manner, such as perfect binding, sewing, stapling, etc., free stacking, etc.) and can be processed in any manner (e.g., loaded, flattened, cut, glued, flyleaved, lined, covered, transported, etc.).

[0073] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine includes one or more clamps for transporting a single book block in the bookbinding machine. However, the clamps can be of any number and type (e.g., pneumatically / hydraulically controlled, with one fixed jaw and one movable jaw, with two movable jaws, with jaws that can translate and / or rotate, etc.).

[0074] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises a loading station for loading each current book block into each current clamp therein. However, the loading station can be of any type (e.g., only for automatic loading, but also for manual loading, with or without stopping the current clamp in the loading station for this purpose, etc.).

[0075] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises a feeding device for continuously feeding book blocks to the loading station. However, the feeding device can be of any type (e.g., for online and / or offline work, with the book blocks being provided to the feeding device in any manner, such as from the side, from above, etc., via a horizontal transport system and possibly a descending transport system).

[0076] In one embodiment, the feed device includes an inclined support for supporting the current book block in the temporary storage position. However, the inclined support can be of any size and type (e.g., a section of the feed support, a separate support, based on a plate, a roller bed, etc.).

[0077] In one embodiment, the inclined support extends in an inclined direction (relative to the vertical direction) below the loading station in the use state. However, the inclined direction can form any angle with the vertical direction, and the inclined support can be located at any distance below the loading station.

[0078] In one embodiment, the inclined support is used to support the current book block in a temporary storage position, where the current book block rests on the inclined support with a main side (front or back). However, the book block can rest on the inclined support in any manner (e.g., all with back, all with front, part with back, part with front, etc.).

[0079] In one embodiment, the feeding device includes a lifting system for lifting the current book block from the temporary storage position to the loading position. However, the lifting system can be of any type (for example, based on one or more push rods, clamps, lifting the book block from the temporary storage position to the waiting position or directly to the loading position, etc.).

[0080] In one embodiment, the current book block in the loading position is inserted into the current clamp opened in the loading station. However, the clamp can be opened in any way (e.g., in the loading station or before at least partially reaching the loading station, at any speed, according to the thickness of the current book block, or at a fixed degree, etc.).

[0081] In one embodiment, lifting the current book block includes moving the current book block transverse to the longitudinal axis of its spine from the temporary storage position to a vertical position, in which the front and back sides of the current book block extend along the vertical direction Dv. However, the vertical position can be of any type (e.g., below the loading position, aligned or vertically offset, at the same height as the loading position, coincident with the loading position, etc.) and can be reached in any way (e.g., by lifting the current book block along the inclined support, by rotating the inclined support, etc.).

[0082] Further embodiments provide additional advantageous features, but these features may be omitted entirely from the basic embodiment.

[0083] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine is configured to stop the current fixture in the loading station to load the current book block. However, the possibility of loading the current book block into the current fixture when passing through the loading station is not excluded (for example, the current book block is moved upward in an oblique direction, etc.).

[0084] In one embodiment, the lifting system is configured to lift the current book block from the temporary storage position to the vertical position (by moving in an inclined direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spine), and to lift the current book block from the vertical position to the loading position (by moving in a vertical direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spine). However, the current book block can be lifted from the temporary storage position to the vertical position and then to the loading position in any manner (e.g., successively by corresponding elements, by a single element, etc.).

[0085] In one embodiment, the feed device includes a vertical support for supporting the current book block during the lifting of the current book block from the vertical position to the loading position. However, the vertical support can be of any size and type (e.g., a section of the feed support, a separate support, based on a plate, a roller bed, etc.), or can also be absent (e.g., when the vertical position is the same as the loading position).

[0086] In one embodiment, the vertical section is aligned with the stop position of the fixed jaw of the current clamp in the loading station. However, the vertical support can be aligned with the current clamp in any way (e.g., aligned with the inner / outer jaw of the clamp, located at any distance below it, etc.).

[0087] In one embodiment, the feed device includes a feed support for supporting the current book block at its concave side. However, the feed support can be of any size and type (e.g., with any width, profile, uniform / non-uniform, based on a board, roller bed, etc.).

[0088] In one embodiment, the feed support includes an inclined segment defining an inclined support, a vertical segment defining a vertical support, and an arc segment connecting the inclined segment and the vertical segment. However, these segments can be of any type (e.g., having any length, the arc segment having any radius of curvature, or even without an arc segment in the case where the vertical segment and the inclined segment are directly connected or separated from each other).

[0089] In one embodiment, the feeding device includes one or more lifting push rods for pushing the current book block from the temporary storage position to the loading position. However, the push rods can be any number and any type (for example, each is realized by a rack, a plate, etc.).

[0090] In one embodiment, the lifting push rod includes a first lifting push rod for pushing the current book block from the temporary storage position to the vertical position; and a second lifting push rod for pushing the current book block from the vertical position to the loading position. However, the two lifting push rods can work in any way (for example, cooperate with each other to transfer the current book block from the first lifting push rod to the second lifting push rod, bring the current book block to the vertical position by the first lifting push rod, and receive it by the second lifting push rod, etc.).

[0091] In one embodiment, the first lifting push rod comprises a drive element movable in the tilting direction. However, the drive element may be of any type (eg, a slide, a plate, a piston, etc.).

[0092] In one embodiment, the first lifting push rod comprises a movable element driven by a driving element for acting on the spine of the current book block. However, the movable element can be of any type (eg, a rack, a plate, etc.).

[0093] In one embodiment, the movable element can pivot around the drive element. However, this result can be achieved in any way (e.g., by hinges, joints, etc.).

[0094] In one embodiment, the movable element is pivoted to act on the spine of the current book block along an inclined direction corresponding to moving the current book block from the temporary storage position to the vertical position and gradually changing from the inclined direction to the vertical direction corresponding to the vertical position of the current book block. However, the movable element can be pivoted in any way (e.g., biased by gravity, springs, etc. to act in an inclined direction, biased by one or more biasing elements that move with the second lifting push rod or are in a fixed position to change from an inclined direction to a vertical direction, acting on one or both sides of the first lifting push rod, etc.), thereby changing its direction of action in any way (at any part of the first lifting push rod's stroke corresponding to the vertical position, whether or not reaching the corresponding stroke end, by any movement law, with any uniform / non-uniform speed, etc.).

[0095] In one embodiment, the second lifting push rod includes a biasing element for gradually biasing the movable element from the inclined direction to the vertical direction corresponding to the vertical position of the current book block. However, the biasing element can be of any type for biasing the movable element in any manner (e.g., a cam of a follower, a slot of a pin, etc.).

[0096] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises an input unit for setting the feeding device to manual mode. However, the input unit can be of any type (e.g., local / remote, touch screen, keyboard, network card, etc.).

[0097] In one embodiment, in manual mode, one of the lifting push rods is held in a supporting position below the loading station for supporting each book block that is manually inserted from above into the current clamp opened at the loading station. However, this result can be achieved in any way (e.g., by any push rod, dedicated element, etc.).

[0098] In one embodiment, the feeding device comprises a horizontal transport system for continuously transporting the book blocks horizontally to the inclined support in the use state. However, the horizontal transport system can be of any type (e.g., intermittent / continuous operation in any transport direction, based on one or more push rods, roller conveyors, belt conveyors, etc.).

[0099] In one embodiment, the horizontal transport system comprises a horizontal support aligned with an inclined support for supporting one or more book blocks, with the book blocks resting thereon with their main sides. However, the horizontal support can be of any type (e.g., of any length, movable or fixed, such as a plate, a roller bed, a belt, etc., including or not including part of a possible descending transport system, etc.).

[0100] In one embodiment, the horizontal transport system includes one or more horizontal push rods for pushing a single book block along the horizontal support toward the inclined support. However, the horizontal push rods can be of any number and type (e.g., mounted on a sliding rod, an endless chain, etc.).

[0101] In one embodiment, the current book block in the temporary storage position is aligned with the horizontal reference of the loading station in use by the last horizontal push rod of the horizontal transport system in the transport direction. However, the book block can be aligned in any way (e.g., only by the last push rod, by reverse biasing the book block on the inclined support, such as by additional push rods, friction rollers, etc.) relative to any horizontal reference (e.g., corresponding to any edge of the current clamp parked in the loading station, etc.).

[0102] In one embodiment, the horizontal push rod is configured to push a single book block through one or more stop positions along the horizontal support. However, the stop positions can be any number (same or different than the number of horizontal push rods) and can be of any type (e.g., size, stop time, etc.).

[0103] In one embodiment, the lifting system includes a jogger for aligning the current book block relative to the horizontal reference. However, the jogger can be of any type (e.g., arranged in any one of the lifting push rods, in the tilting support, or as an independent element, working in any direction, etc.).

[0104] In one embodiment, the jogger is used to jog the current book block during the process of lifting it from the temporary storage position to the loading position. However, the book block can be jogged at any stage of its lifting (e.g., when lifting from the temporary storage position to the waiting position, when in the waiting position, when lifting from the waiting position to the loading position, etc.).

[0105] In one embodiment, the feeding device includes a descending transport system for continuously transporting the book blocks downward to the horizontal transport system in the use state. However, the descending transport system can be of any type (e.g., intermittent / continuous operation, based on a drive, plow, fork, shovel, etc., free fall type, etc.).

[0106] In one embodiment, the descending transport system comprises a descending support which, in the use state, at least partially extends downwards for supporting one or more book blocks, with the book blocks resting on the main side thereof. However, the descending support may be of any type (e.g., of any length, movable or fixed, such as one or more chains, one or more belts, plates, etc.), and may extend downwards in any manner (e.g., with horizontal sections and inclined sections, with only inclined sections, with the slope of the inclined sections being uniform or increasing with downward movement, etc.).

[0107] In one embodiment, the descending transport system includes one or more actuators movable in the transport direction of the descending transport system for holding the spines of individual book blocks during downward transport of the book blocks. However, the actuators may be of any number, have any spacing, and may be of any type (e.g., each implemented by any number of paddles, rods, etc.).

[0108] In one embodiment, the feeding system comprises a holding element, which in the use state protrudes above the inclined support, for holding the spine of the current book block in the temporary storage position. However, the holding element can be of any type (e.g., a fence, a plate, a fence, etc., protruding above the inclined support in any direction, at any height, etc.); in any case, it is not excluded that the current book block can be held in the temporary storage position using a lifting system (e.g., its lifting push rod).

[0109] In one embodiment, the feed system comprises an additional holding element, which in the use state protrudes above the horizontal support, for stopping each book block at the lower end of the descending support and for holding the book block during the horizontal transport of the book block, wherein the additional holding element is aligned with the holding element. However, the additional holding element can be of any type (e.g., the same as or different from the holding element, formed by a single component or by separate components, for stopping and holding the book block); in any case, it is not excluded that each drive can be used to stop the corresponding book block at the lower end of the descending support.

[0110] In one embodiment, the feeding device includes one or more measuring devices for measuring the corresponding characteristics of each book block. However, the measuring devices can be any number, located in any position, and used to measure any characteristics of the book block (e.g., width, length, thickness, barcode, NFC tag, text, etc.); in any case, each measuring device (up to all measuring devices) can also be missing (e.g., when the corresponding information is received from the previous bookbinding machine that provides the book block, manually entered by the operator, retrieved from the code read on the book block, not used, etc.).

[0111] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises a control unit. However, the control unit may be of any type (eg, a computer, a microcontroller, etc.).

[0112] In one embodiment, the control unit is used to control the bookbinding machine according to the characteristics of the book block. However, the bookbinding machine can be controlled in any way according to the characteristics of the book block (for example, controlling its processing stations and / or feeding devices, configuring and / or optimizing them in a partial, different and additional way to the above-mentioned ways, etc.).

[0113] In one embodiment, the measuring device comprises a thickness measuring device for measuring the thickness of each book block. However, the thickness measuring device can be of any type (e.g., based on a position sensor, laser, etc.) and located at any position (e.g., in a horizontal transport system, a descending transport system, a loading system, etc.).

[0114] In one embodiment, the measuring device comprises a height measuring device for measuring the height of each book block. However, the height measuring device can be of any type (e.g., based on a presence detector, a gauge, etc.) and located at any position (e.g., in a horizontal transport system, a descending transport system, a loading system, etc.).

[0115] In one embodiment, the measuring device comprises a width measuring device for measuring the width of each book block. However, the width measuring device can be of any type (e.g., based on a presence detector, a gauge, etc.) and located at any position (e.g., in a descending transport system, a horizontal transport system, a loading system, etc.).

[0116] In one embodiment, the lifting system comprises a guide element for guiding the current book block during lifting from the vertical position to the loading position. However, the guide element can be of any type (e.g. consisting of a vertical support and a guide support, a dedicated structure, based on a tooth rake, a plate, with or without a lower guide profile, etc.), or can also be absent (e.g. when the vertical position is the same as the loading position).

[0117] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to set the width of the guide structure according to the current thickness of the book block. However, the width of the guide structure can be set in any way (e.g., any degree exceeding the thickness of the book block, fixed or dependent on the current book block thickness, according to any linear / non-linear rule, before the book block is inserted therein, etc.).

[0118] In one embodiment, the height measuring device is arranged along the horizontal transport system. However, the height measuring device can be arranged along the horizontal transport system in any manner (eg, in any section, on one side, above, below, etc.).

[0119] In one embodiment, the thickness measuring device is arranged along the horizontal transport system. However, the thickness measuring device can be arranged along the horizontal transport system in any manner (eg, at any section, above, on one side, etc.).

[0120] In one embodiment, the thickness measuring device is used to measure the thickness of each book block stopped at one of the stop positions. However, the thickness measuring device can measure the thickness in any manner (e.g., when the book block is stopped at any position, when moving, etc.).

[0121] In one embodiment, the width measuring device is arranged along the descending conveyor system. However, the width measuring device can be arranged along the descending conveyor system in any manner (e.g., in a horizontal section, an inclined section, on one side, above, below, etc.).

[0122] In one embodiment, the lifting system is configured to lift the current book block from the temporary storage position to a waiting position, in which the front and back sides of the current book block extend in the vertical direction, and its flap corresponds to the lower end of the current clamp in the loading station in the use state. However, the waiting position can be of any type (e.g., its flap is any distance from the current clamp, as low as zero, fixed or variable with the width of the book block, the waiting position is located above or below the vertical position, etc.), and the book block can be lifted to the waiting position by any means (e.g., continuously by two or more lifting push rods, by a single lifting push rod, etc.).

[0123] In one embodiment, the lifting system is configured to lift the current book block from the waiting position to the loading position in response to the current clamp opening in the loading station. However, this operation can be triggered in any way (e.g., by detecting the opening of the clamp by a corresponding sensor, estimating the opening of the clamp based on its control, etc.), and the book block can be lifted to the loading position in any way (e.g., by the same lifting push rod used to bring the book block to the waiting position, by one or more other lifting push rods, with or without a vertical position, etc.).

[0124] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to set the waiting position according to the width of the current book block. However, the waiting position can be set in any way (e.g., bringing the flap of the current book block to any distance from the fixed current clamp, according to the width of the current book block, etc.).

[0125] In one embodiment, the bookbinding machine is a perfect binder. However, the perfect binder can be of any type (e.g., used for adding covers in soft cover book production, adding reinforcement linings in hard cover book production, etc.).

[0126] One embodiment provides a feed device for the above-mentioned bookbinding machine, the feed device comprising an inclined support and a lifting system. However, the feed device can be directly integrated in a (new) bookbinding machine, sold as a stand-alone product for use with an existing bookbinding machine, or applied to an existing bookbinding machine as a retrofit (aftermarket) kit.

[0127] A further embodiment provides a bookbinding production line comprising one or more of the above-described bookbinding machines. However, the bookbinding production line may be of any type (e.g., comprising any number of these bookbinding machines, as well as any number and type of other preceding and / or subsequent bookbinding machines, such as collating machines, sewing machines, hardcover machines, trimming machines, etc., the bookbinding machines may be online and / or offline, etc.).

[0128] In general, similar considerations apply if the bookbinding machine, the feeding device, and the binding production line each have a different structure or include equivalent components, or have other operating characteristics, as long as they are within the scope of the claims. In any case, each of its components can be divided into more elements, or two or more components can be combined into one element; in addition, each component can be repeated to support the parallel execution of corresponding operations. In addition, unless otherwise specified, any interaction between different components generally does not need to be continuous, it can be direct or indirectly through one or more middleware.

[0129] A further embodiment provides a method for processing a book block in a bookbinding machine. In one embodiment, the method comprises transporting a single book block in the bookbinding machine via one or more fixtures. In one embodiment, the method comprises loading each current book block into each current fixture in a loading station. In one embodiment, the method comprises feeding the book blocks continuously to the loading station. In one embodiment, the step of feeding the book blocks comprises supporting the current book block in a temporary storage position (by means of an inclined support extending below the loading station in an inclined direction relative to the vertical direction). In one embodiment, the current book block in the loading station rests on the inclined support with a main side (front or back). In one embodiment, the step of feeding the book block comprises lifting the current book block from the temporary storage position to the loading position (where the current book block is inserted into the current fixture opened in the loading station). In one embodiment, the step of lifting the current book block comprises moving the current book block transverse to the longitudinal axis of its spine from the temporary storage position to a vertical position (where the front and back of the current book block extend in the vertical direction). However, the same considerations as described above with respect to the characteristics of the bookbinding machine also apply to the corresponding steps of the method.

[0130] Generally speaking, similar considerations apply if the same solution is implemented in an equivalent way (by using more steps or similar steps of parts thereof having the same functionality, removing some non-essential steps or adding other optional steps), as long as it is within the scope of the claims; moreover, the steps may be performed in a different order, in parallel or (at least partially) in an interleaved manner.

[0131] A further embodiment provides a computer program configured to cause the control unit of the bookbinding machine to control the bookbinding machine to perform the above method when the computer program is executed on the control unit. A further embodiment provides a computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program that can be loaded into the working memory of the control unit of the bookbinding machine, thereby configuring the control unit to perform the same method. However, the program can take any form suitable for use by any control unit (see above), for example, in the form of external or resident software, firmware or microcode (whether object code or source code, for example, for compilation or interpretation). In addition, the program can be provided on any tangible type of computer-readable storage medium other than the transient signal itself (which can retain and store instructions for use by the control unit, for example, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor type, such as fixed disk, memory stick, etc.). In any case, the solution according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is even suitable for implementation with a hardware structure (for example, by an electronic circuit integrated in one or more chips of semiconductor material) or with a combination of software and hardware that can be appropriately programmed or otherwise configured.

Claims

1. A book binding machine (100) for processing a book block (210), wherein the book binding machine (100) comprises: One or more clamps (110a-110c) for transporting a single book block (210) in a bookbinding machine (100); a loading station (105a) for loading each current book block (210) into each current clamp (110) therein; and a feeding device (200) for continuously feeding the book blocks (210) to the loading station (105a), wherein the feeding device (200) comprises: an inclined support member (205) which, in a use state, extends below the loading station (105a) along an inclined direction (Di) relative to a vertical direction (Dv), and is used to support a current book block (210) in a temporary storage position, wherein a main side of the current book block (210) rests on the inclined support member (205), and the main side is a front side (210f) or a back side (210r) of the current book block (210); A lifting system (225) is used to lift the current book block (210) from a temporary storage position to a loading position, wherein the current book block (210) is inserted into a current clamp (110) opened in a loading station (105a), including a longitudinal axis (As) transverse to the spine (210s) of the current book block (210) to move the current book block (210) from the temporary storage position to a vertical position, in which the front side (210f) and the back side (210r) of the current book block (210) extend along a vertical direction (Dv).

2. The book binding machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the book binding machine (100) is configured to stop the current clamp (110) at the loading station (105a) to stop loading the current book block (210), and wherein the lifting system (225) is configured to lift the current book block (210) from the temporary storage position to the vertical position by moving along the inclined direction (Di) transverse to the longitudinal axis (As) of the spine (210s), and to lift the current book block (210) from the vertical position to the loading position by moving along the vertical direction (Dv) transverse to the longitudinal axis (As) of the spine (210s).

3. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein the feeding device (200) comprises: A vertical support member (230) is used to support the current book block (210) during the lifting of the current book block (210) from the vertical position to the loading position, and the vertical support member (230) is aligned with the stop position of the fixed jaws (115) of the current clamp (110) in the loading station (105a).

4. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 3, wherein the feeding device (200) comprises: A feed support member (366) is used to support the current book block (210) on its concave side, comprising an inclined section (205) defining an inclined support member (205), a vertical section (230) defining a vertical support member (230), and an arc section (366r) connecting the inclined section (205) and the vertical section (230).

5. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lifting system (225) comprises one or more lifting push rods (225d, 225u) for pushing the current book block (210) from the temporary storage position to the loading position.

6. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 5, wherein the lifting push rod (225d, 225u) comprises: A first lifting push rod (225d) is used to push the current book block (210) from the temporary storage position to the vertical position; and a second lifting push rod (225u) for pushing the current book block (210) from the vertical position to the loading position.

7. The book binding machine (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first lifting push rod (225d) includes a driving element (405d) movable along an inclined direction (Di) and an active element (410d) driven by the driving element (405d), for acting on the spine (210s) of the current book block (210), and the active element (410d) can pivot around the driving element (405d), for corresponding to moving the current book block (210) from a temporary storage position to a vertical position, along the inclined direction (Di) and gradually transitioning from the inclined direction (Di) to a vertical direction (Dv) corresponding to the vertical position of the current book block (210), and acting on the spine (210s) of the current book block (210).

8. The book binding machine (100) according to claim 7, wherein the second lifting push rod (225u) includes a biasing element (415u) for gradually biasing the movable element (410d) from the inclined direction (Di) to a vertical direction (Dv) corresponding to the vertical position of the current book block (210).

9. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the bookbinding machine (100) comprises: An input unit (135) is used to set the feeding device (300) to a manual mode, in which one of the lifting push rods (225u) is maintained in a supporting position below the loading station (105a) in a state for supporting each book block (210) manually inserted from above into the current clamp (110) opened at the loading station (105a).

10. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the feeding device (300) comprises: A horizontal transport system (336) is used to continuously transport book blocks (210) horizontally to the inclined support (205) when in use. The horizontal transport system (336) includes: horizontal supports (318i, 339) aligned with the inclined support (205) and used to support one or more book blocks (210) with the main side (210r) leaning thereon; and one or more horizontal push rods (345a-345c) used to push a single book block (210) toward the inclined support (205) along the horizontal supports (318i, 339). The current book block (210) at the temporary storage position is aligned with the horizontal reference of the loading station (105a) by the last one (345c) of the horizontal push rods (345a-345c) along the transport direction of the horizontal transport system (336) when in use.

11. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal push rods (345a-345c) are configured to push a single book block (210) through one or more stop positions along the horizontal support (318i, 339).

12. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the lifting system (265) comprises: The bumper (420) is used to bump the current book block (210) into alignment with respect to a horizontal reference during the process of lifting the current book block (210) from a temporary storage position to a loading position.

13. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the feeding device (300) comprises: A descending transport system (318) is used to continuously transport book blocks (210) downward to a horizontal transport system (336) when in use, wherein the descending transport system (318) includes: a descending support member (321) extending at least partially downward in the use state, for supporting one or more book blocks (210) with the main side (210r) resting thereon; and one or more drives (327) movable along the transport direction of the descending transport system (318), for maintaining the spine (210s) of a single book block (210) during the downward transport of the book block (210).

14. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 13, wherein the feeding system (300) comprises: A retaining element (369) protruding above the inclined support (205) in the use state is used to hold the spine (210s) of the current book block (210) in a temporary storage position; and an additional retaining element (333, 342) protruding above the horizontal support (318i, 339) in the use state is used to stop each book block (210) at the lower end of the descending retaining member (321) and hold the book block (210) during the horizontal transmission of the book block (210), and the additional retaining element (333, 342) is aligned with the retaining element (369).

15. A bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the feeding device (300) comprises one or more measuring devices (330, 354, 357, 360) for measuring corresponding characteristics of each book block (210), and wherein the bookbinding machine (100) comprises a control unit (135) for controlling the bookbinding machine (100) according to the characteristics of the book block (210).

16. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 15, wherein the measuring device (330, 354, 357, 360) comprises: A thickness measuring device (357) is used to measure the thickness of each book block (210); a height measuring device (354) is used to measure the height of each book block (210); and / or a width measuring device (330) is used to measure the width of each book block (210).

17. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 16, when directly or indirectly referring to claim 2, wherein the lifting system (225) includes a guide element (230, 372) for guiding the current book block (210) during lifting of the current book block (210) from a vertical position to a loading position, and the control unit (135) is configured to set the width of the guide element (230, 372) according to the thickness of the current book block (210).

18. Bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 16 or 17, when directly or indirectly referring to claim 10, wherein the height measuring device (354) and / or the thickness measuring device (357) are arranged along the horizontal transport system (336).

19. Bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 18, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 11, wherein the thickness measuring device (357) is arranged for measuring the thickness of each book block (210) stopped in one of the stop positions.

20. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 13, wherein the width measuring device (330) is arranged along the descending transport system (318).

21. A book binding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the lifting system (225) is configured to, in use, lift the current book block (210) from a temporary storage position to a waiting position, in which the current book block (210) is extended with its front and back sides in a vertical direction (Dv) and its turn-over (210p) corresponding to the lower end of the current clamp (110), and in response to the current clamp (110) being opened in the loading station (105a), lift the current book block (210) from the waiting position to the loading position.

22. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 21, when directly or indirectly referring to claim 16, wherein the control unit (135) is configured to set the waiting position according to the width of the current book block (210).

23. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the bookbinding machine is a perfect binder (100).

24. A feeding device (200) for a bookbinding machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the feeding device (200) comprises the inclined support (205) and the lifting system (225).

25. A bookbinding production line comprising one or more bookbinding machines (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. A method for processing a book block (210) in a bookbinding machine (100), wherein the method comprises: Transporting a single book block (210) through one or more clamps (110a-110c) in a bookbinding machine (100); Loading each current book block (210) into each current fixture (110) in the loading station (105a); Continuously feeding a book block (210) to a loading station (105a), wherein feeding the book block comprises: The current book block (210) is supported at a temporary storage position by an inclined support member (205), wherein the inclined support member (205) extends below the loading station (105a) along an inclined direction (Di) relative to a vertical direction (Dv), and at the temporary storage position, a main side of the current book block (210) rests on the inclined support member (205), wherein the main side is the front side (210f) or the back side (210r) of the current book block (210); The current book block (210) is lifted from the temporary storage position to the loading position, in which the current book block (210) is inserted into the current clamp (110) opened in the loading station (105a), including a longitudinal axis (As) transverse to the spine (210s) of the current book block (210) to move the current book block (210) from the temporary storage position to a vertical position, in which the front side (210f) and the back side (210r) of the current book block (210) extend along the vertical direction (Dv).

27. A computer program configured to cause the control unit (135) of a bookbinding machine (100) to control the bookbinding machine (100) to perform the method according to claim 26 when the computer program is executed on the control unit (135).

28. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium containing a computer program loadable into a working memory of a control unit of a bookbinding machine so as to configure the control unit to perform the method according to claim 26.

Images