Bookbinding machine gluing device capable of adjusting distance between roller and book block

Abstract

The invention proposes a solution for covering a book block with a cover. A corresponding book binding and encapsulating machine (100) is provided with determining means (235a, 235b, 110, 165) for determining the thickness corresponding to each portion (215a, 215b) of each book block (215) spanning the support blade (210) and conveyed between two rollers (225a, 225b) for applying at least one glue layer to the front and back of the book block (215). The adjusting system (240) adjusts the corresponding distance from the gluing rollers (225a, 225b) to the passing position (Pp) of the supporting blade (210) between the two rollers (225a, 225b) according to the thickness of each part (215a, 215b) of the book block (215). The invention also proposes a book binding apparatus comprising one or more such book binding enveloping machines (100). The invention further relates to a corresponding method for covering a book block with a cover, to a computer program for carrying out the method, and to a corresponding computer program product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bookbinding. More specifically, this invention relates to bookbinding and sealing machines. Background Technology

[0002] The background of this invention will be described below in conjunction with relevant technical background. However, it should be noted that even though this section discusses relevant literature, technical means, and products, it does not mean that these technologies belong to the prior art, nor does it mean that they constitute common knowledge in the technical field to which this disclosure pertains. In particular, it should be emphasized that any defects that may exist in the related technologies mentioned herein should not be considered as having been discovered or known in the prior art.

[0003] Various binding machines are widely used in the industrialized production of books in binding factories. Among them, bookbinding and sealing machines are specifically used to attach covers (usually hard covers) to book blocks, which are made up of book blocks / pages that have been bound (such as sewn binding) and stacked together.

[0004] Therefore, each bookbinding and sealing machine is equipped with multiple processing stations, each performing different processing operations on the book block. Specifically, the book block, which is horizontally conveyed by the feeding conveyor belt, is flipped to a vertical position (spine facing up) and then conveyed to the bonding station. This bonding station is equipped with a closed-loop conveying system (such as a chain vertical conveying system), which drives the book block support blades to circulate. Each book block is placed across the corresponding support blade and is moved through the bonding station by the support blades. The bonding station first applies an adhesive layer of appropriate thickness to the front cover and back cover of the book block, then takes the cover from the cover material pile and glues it to the front cover and back cover of the book block.

[0005] Typically, the adhesive layer on the front cover and back cover of a book block is applied by a pair of opposing glue-applying rollers, with the glue supply being handled by another pair of corresponding glue-supplying rollers. Support blades pull the book block, which straddles them, through the space between the two glue-applying rollers, which then apply the corresponding adhesive layer to the front cover and back cover of the book block. The distance between the two glue-applying rollers is adjustable, taking into account the thickness of the book block, the thickness of the support blades, and the preset thickness of the adhesive layer to be applied, in order to match different book block sizes.

[0006] Specifically, grooves extending along the length of the roller body can be formed on the glue-applying rollers. The grooves are positioned such that when the book block passes between the two glue-applying rollers, the shoulders formed by the grooves can be embedded in the folds on both sides of the spine of the book block, thereby applying an appropriate amount of glue to that area as well.

[0007] Against this technical background, US Patent Application Publication No. US-A-2007 / 0092356 proposes a technical solution that employs independent drive devices connected to the conveying system and the glue-applying rollers, respectively, to adjust the relative position of the support blades and the shoulder of the glue-applying rollers during rotation. At least the drive device for the glue-applying rollers is equipped with a controllable drive element, allowing adjustment of the roller speed via manual or program control. Furthermore, four sets of glue-applying rollers and glue-supplying rollers are all mounted on a slide block, which can translate laterally along the glue-applying rollers and glue-supplying rollers to remove the roller assembly from the frame of the bookbinding and sealing machine. Each set of glue-applying rollers and glue-supplying rollers is mounted on a corresponding mounting plate, and each mounting plate can move laterally along the slide block to adjust the roller spacing and accommodate book blocks of different thicknesses.

[0008] Regardless of the method used, applying an adhesive layer to the book block is a critical process that requires extremely high precision. The quality of this process directly affects the bonding effect between the cover and the book block, and thus determines the quality of the finished book.

[0009] Specifically, the thickness of the adhesive coating on the book block surface needs to be precisely controlled. If the adhesive is too thin, the cover will not adhere firmly to the book block, posing a risk of the cover falling off. Conversely, if the adhesive is too thick, glue overflow will occur during the cover pasting process, potentially damaging the book and requiring cleaning of the bookbinding and sealing machine. Furthermore, if the adhesive thickness is inconsistent between the front of the book block cover and the back of the book block, it will affect the normal operation of the gluing station and also negatively impact the quality of the finished book. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention is defined in the appended claims.

[0011] A simplified overview of the invention is given herein to provide a basic understanding thereof; however, the sole purpose of this overview is to introduce some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to its more detailed description thereafter, and it should not be construed as an identification of its key elements or a description of its scope.

[0012] In general, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​adjusting the distance between the rollers and the passing position of each book block between the rollers.

[0013] Specifically, one aspect of the present invention provides a bookbinding and sealing machine for binding covers to book blocks. The bookbinding and sealing machine includes means for determining the corresponding thickness of each portion of each book block, the book blocks being conveyed across support blades between two rollers for applying at least one layer of adhesive to the front and back of each book block. An adjustment system adjusts the corresponding distance between the rollers and the support blades at their respective passing positions between the rollers according to the thickness of each portion of the book block.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a binding plant comprising one or more such bookbinding and sealing machines.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a corresponding method of use.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a (software) computer program for implementing the method.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention provides a corresponding software program product.

[0018] More specifically, one or more aspects of the invention are set forth in the independent claims, and their advantageous features are set forth in the dependent claims, the text of which is incorporated herein by reference (any advantageous features set forth with respect to each particular aspect, with necessary modifications, are applicable to any other aspect).

[0019] Brief description of the attached figures The invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of the invention, its further features and respective advantages, provided only as a non-limiting example and to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (for brevity, corresponding elements are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, the explanations of which are not repeated, and the name of each entity is generally used to refer to its type and attributes, such as value, content, and representation). In this regard, it is clearly understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale (some details may be exaggerated and / or simplified), and unless otherwise stated, they are only used to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. Furthermore, directional and related positional references (e.g., front, back, top, bottom, side, etc.) are intended to relate to the conditions of use of the corresponding entities. Specifically: Figure 1 A block diagram of a bookbinding and sealing machine is shown, which can implement the scheme described in the embodiments of the present invention; Figures 2A to 2D The general principle of the solution according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cover coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the joining station according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Now for reference Figure 1 The diagram shows a block diagram of a bookbinding and sealing machine 100, in which the scheme described in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented.

[0021] (Bookbinding) The binding machine 100 is used for the industrial production of books in binding plants, particularly for processing book blocks by binding corresponding covers (not shown). Each book block comprises book signatures or pages bound together (e.g., sewn binding). Typically, corresponding endpapers (each endpaper formed by folding a sheet of paper in half to create a fold the same size as the book block) are pasted at the beginning and end of the book block, and a reinforcing strip is pasted to cover the binding of the book block. The book block has a front defined by its first page, a back defined by its last page, a spine located between the front and back corresponding to the binding, and an edge opposite the spine. Each cover covers the corresponding book block from the outside, allowing it to be opened. Specifically, for hardcover covers, it includes a top plate, a spine, and a bottom plate, covering the front, spine, and back of the book block, respectively. Corresponding hinges connect the top and bottom plates to the spine, allowing the top / bottom plates to rotate relative to the spine, thereby opening the book. In particular, the following will refer to the case of making square-spine books, where the spine of the cover is flat and extends perpendicular to the top and bottom plates (similar considerations also apply to round-spine books).

[0022] For example, a bookbinding and sealing machine 100 includes the following components: a feed belt 105 sequentially receives book blocks to be processed, specifically, the book blocks are placed horizontally on the feed belt 105 with their front faces facing forward (e.g., manually placed by the operator of the bookbinding and sealing machine 100, or automatically placed by a conveyor belt provided by one or more pre-binding machines, such as thread sewing machines, not shown in the figure). A thickness gauge 110 measures the thickness of each book block (between the back and front sides), specifically, the thickness gauge 110 is arranged above the feed belt 105 to measure the thickness of each book block passing beneath it. A hopper 115 is used to load a stack of covers to be bound onto the corresponding book blocks (e.g., manually loaded by the operator of the bookbinding and sealing machine 100). A book block feeding station 120 vertically flips each book block (so that its spine is facing upward), and the book block's forehead rests on a plate (not shown in the figure), which is vertically adjustable to hold the spine of the book block at a fixed height (regardless of its format). A conveyor system (not shown) conveys the book block, for example by a pair of belts that clamp the book block near the spine, through a spine-square station 125 (which processes the spine of the book block into a square spine); additionally, the conveyor system conveys the book block through a hinge gluing station 130 (which applies corresponding adhesive strips to the front and back of the book block near the spine for the corresponding hinges of the cover). A joining station 135 joins the corresponding cover to the book block; specifically, the joining station 135 includes (not shown) a chain bucket type conveyor system in which a series of book block support blades (e.g., three, arranged at regular intervals) are continuously conveyed along a vertically extending closed loop. A joining station 140 places the book block (received from the conveyor systems of stations 125 and 130) across a support blade of the joining station 135, which passes through the joining station 140 (described in detail below). Simultaneously, the cover loading station 145 sequentially removes each cover from the hopper 115, forming the cover's hinge, and horizontally conveys the (formed) cover to the joining station 135, synchronized with the corresponding book block. In the joining station 135, the support blades that have received the book block convey it through a cover gluing device (not shown), which applies a corresponding adhesive layer to the front and / or back of the book block (described in detail below). Subsequently, the support blades convey the book block to the corresponding cover (which horizontally and stably awaits the book block); the book block is inserted into the cover, with its upper and lower plates folded downwards and pressed against the front and back of the book block, respectively. The unloading station 150 removes the book block with the coated cover from the support blades of the joining station 135. The unloading station 150 conveys the book block to the pressing station 155, which presses the cover onto the book block to complete the bonding between the cover and the book block. The resulting books are sequentially output from the bookbinding and sealing machine 100 by being placed horizontally on the output belt 160 (e.g., for transport to the corresponding customer). A control system, such as a computer 165 (e.g., an industrial PC), controls the operation of the bookbinding and sealing machine 100.Computer 165 includes (not shown) one or more processors that provide its logical capabilities, volatile working memory (RAM), non-volatile mass storage (e.g., Flash E²PROM for storing programs and data), and multiple input / output units (e.g., touch screens for inputting data / commands and displaying information, drivers for components of a bookbinding and sealing machine, USB ports for reading and writing removable storage devices, such as Memory Stick, etc.).

[0023] Now for reference Figures 2A to 2D This illustrates the general principles of a scheme according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] from Figure 2A The figure begins with a schematic partial view of the joining station 135. Specifically, a portion of the conveying system 205 (circular in this embodiment) and one of its current support blades 210 are shown. A book block 215 straddles the support blade 210; in this manner, a first portion 215a and a second portion 215b of the book block 215 (i.e., its pages and possibly endpapers) are arranged on a first and second side of the support blade 210, respectively, with the binding portion (with possible reinforcing strips) between the first portion 215a and the second portion 215b supported on and thus carried by the horizontal upper edge of the support blade 210. Furthermore, a portion of the cover gluing apparatus, indicated by reference numeral 220, is also shown, comprising a first roller 225a and a second roller 225b for applying glue. The glue rollers 225a and 225b are opposite each other in the transverse direction, and their axes of rotation 230a and 230b are parallel to each other (e.g., arranged horizontally at the same height). The conveying system 205 sequentially conveys each support blade 210 and its attached book block 215 between rollers 225a and 225b (vertically upward in this embodiment). Specifically, the support blade 210 passes between rollers 225a and 225b at a passing position Pp defined by the conveying system 205, parallel to the rotation axes 230a and 230b, respectively. Rollers 225a and 225b are spaced apart from each other according to the thickness of the book block 215 (in the horizontal direction, perpendicular to their rotation axes 230a and 230b), taking into account both the thickness of the support blade 210 and the thickness of the adhesive layer to be applied to the book block 215.

[0025] Ideally, the book block 215 is bisected by the supporting blades 210, making its portions 215a and 215b equal to each other. Therefore, rollers 225a and 225b are symmetrical with respect to the passing position Pp, i.e., they are respectively equidistant from this passing position by a first distance Da and a second distance Db (where...). The distances Da and Db are equal to half the total thickness Ft of the book block plus a preset value (e.g., obtained from a configuration variable). This preset value is given by the sum of half the thickness Fs of the support blade 210 and the adhesive layer thickness Fg, i.e. In this manner, as the book block passes between rollers 225a and 225b, the rollers apply an adhesive layer (not shown) to the corresponding end faces (front / back) of the book block 215. However, the inventors have found that in practice, the book block 215 is rarely precisely bisected by the support blades 210. In fact, the support blades 210 often divide the book block 215 into portions 215a and 215b of varying sizes. Therefore, portions 215a and 215b have thicknesses Fa and Fb that differ from each other. For example, as shown in a magnified view in the figure, the thickness Fb of portion 215b is greater than the thickness Fa of portion 215a (and vice versa).

[0026] In the embodiment of the invention, the thickness Fa of the book block portion 215a and the thickness Fb of the book block portion 215b are detected. For this purpose, for example, a first thickness gauge 235a and a second thickness gauge 235b are used to measure the thickness Fa of portion 215a and the thickness Fb of portion 215b of each book block 215 (e.g., at the joining station, not shown in the figure). The cover gluing apparatus 220 also includes an adjustment system 240, which adjusts the distances Da and Db of rollers 225a and 225b to the passing position Pp (achieved through their relative movement) based on the thicknesses Fa and Fb of portions 215a and 215b of each book block 215 conveyed by the support blades 210 and passing between rollers 225a and 225b.

[0027] The above solution can more effectively coat the book block 215 with adhesive, which has a positive effect on the adhesion of the cover and the finished quality of the corresponding books.

[0028] This method allows for relatively precise control of the adhesive layer thickness applied to each book block 215. This significantly improves the adhesion of the corresponding cover and reduces the risk of the cover falling off. At the same time, this solution fundamentally avoids adhesive overflow during cover bonding, reducing the risk of damaging books and contaminating the bookbinding and sealing machine.

[0029] For example, such as Figure 2BAs shown, the book block 215 can be centered between rollers 225a and 225b, so that the two rollers are equidistant from the corresponding end faces (front / back) of the book block 215 (at this time, the passing position Pp of the support blade 210 and the conveying system 205 are eccentrically set relative to rollers 225a and 225b). For this purpose, the thickness gauges 235a and 235b transmit the measured thicknesses Fa and Fb to the computer (not shown in the figure) of the bookbinding and sealing machine, respectively. After the previous book block (not shown in the figure) leaves rollers 225a and 225b, the computer immediately controls the adjustment system 240 to adjust the distances of rollers 225a and 225b to the passing position Pp to distances Da' and Db' corresponding to the thicknesses Fa and Fb, respectively (for example, moving the two rollers according to the distance corresponding to the previous book block or the ideal distance recovered in between).

[0030] For example, the computer calculates the common displacement ΔD, which is equal to half the absolute value of the difference between thickness Fa and thickness Fb. Specifically, in the case shown in the figure, the thickness Fb of the book block portion 215b is greater than the thickness Fa of the book block portion 215a. The computer-controlled adjustment system 240 adjusts the distance from roller 225b to the passing position Pp to... (Away from this position), and adjust the distance from roller 225a to the passing position Pp to... (Near this location).

[0031] In this way, regardless of how the book block 215 is placed on the support blade 210, a relatively uniform adhesive layer can be applied to the front and back of each book block 215. This improves the operation of the joining station 135 and has a positive effect on the quality of the finished book.

[0032] Advantageously, a book block thickness gauge (e.g., positioned above the feed belt of a bookbinding and sealing machine, not shown in the figure) measures the total thickness Ft of each book block 215 and transmits it to a computer. After receiving the thicknesses Fa and Fb of portions 215a and 215b of each book block 215, the computer calculates the theoretical distance based on the thickness Ft of the book block 215, the thickness Fs of the support blade 210, and the adhesive layer thickness Fg. Increase or decrease displacement based on The distances Da' and Db' from rollers 225a and 225b to the passing position Pp are calculated respectively. Specifically, in the case shown in the figure, the distances are obtained. ,distance .

[0033] In this way, the bookbinding and sealing machine can dynamically adapt to different thicknesses of the book block 215, which is especially suitable for small-batch production of the book block 215 (such as on-demand production).

[0034] As a further improvement, the bookbinding and sealing machine also receives adhesive thickness information to be applied to each book block 215. This information can be shared for both the front and back sides, or it can be set separately for each side. This information can typically be provided in a general manner (e.g., via a computer touchscreen) or individually for each book block 215 (e.g., via a barcode reader (not shown) positioned above the bookbinding and sealing machine feed belt, which reads the barcode on each book block 215 and transmits it to the computer, from which the computer extracts the adhesive thickness, or extracts an identification code and accesses the corresponding description file based on the identification code to obtain the adhesive thickness).

[0035] This further enhances the operational flexibility of the bookbinding and sealing machine.

[0036] In one specific embodiment of the invention, the adjustment system 240 is configured to move the rollers 225a, 225b relative to the passing position Pp of the support blade 210, and thus relative to the conveying system 205 (while maintaining a fixed position relative to the frame of the bookbinding and sealing machine, not shown in the figure). This embodiment achieves the desired effect (i.e., relative movement between the rollers 225a, 225b and the passing position Pp) with a simpler structure from a mechanical point of view.

[0037] refer to Figure 2C The adjustment system preferably includes a first adjustment element 240a and a second adjustment element 240b, for moving the rollers 225a and 225b at their respective passing positions Pp relative to the support blades 210, and thus independently relative to the conveying system 205.

[0038] This allows for more precise control of the distance between rollers 225a and 225b and each book block 215, further improving the operational efficiency of the joining station 135 and thus enhancing the quality of the finished book.

[0039] Specifically, in this case, the computer calculates the distances from rollers 225a and 225b to the passing position Pp based on the corresponding thicknesses Fa and Fb (rather than half the thickness of the book block 215). and For example, distance and This can be achieved by adding half the thickness Fs of the supporting blade 210 and the adhesive layer thickness Fg to the thicknesses Fa and Fb, respectively. , In reality, the thicknesses Fa and Fb may differ from half the book block thickness Ft, therefore their sum may not equal the total book block thickness. This is because the thicknesses Fa and Fb are not strictly linearly related to the number of sheets (for example, there may be air between the pages, or the pages themselves may be elastic).

[0040] refer to Figure 2D In this manner, one of rollers 225a or 225b can be moved to a position where the distance between it and the passing position Pp is strictly greater than the thickness Fa of the corresponding portion 215a of the book block 215 or the thickness Fb of the corresponding portion 215b. The distance between the selected rollers 225a and 225b and the passing position Pp should ensure that the selected roller does not contact the book block 215 when the book block passes between rollers 225a and 225b (while also taking into account the thickness of the support blade 210 and the adhesive layer). For example, the distance between the selected roller and the passing position Pp exceeds the corresponding thickness Fa or Fb by a value Mp, where Mp is half the thickness of the support blade 210. The multiple of the sum of the adhesive layer thickness Fg, i.e. Where k = 2~5; typically this value Mp is 1~10 mm, preferably 3~8 mm, more preferably 4~9 mm, for example 5 mm. In this way, any adhesive layer can be avoided on the corresponding end faces (front / back) of the book block 215. For example, in the case shown in the figure, the roller 225a is adjusted to be a distance from the passing position Pp. Meanwhile, roller 225b is still adjusted to be a distance from the passing position Pp. .

[0041] This further enhances the operational flexibility of the bookbinding and sealing machine. For example, it can be used to produce Swiss-style paperback books, in which the cover is glued only to the spine of the book block 215, while the corresponding page of the cover is not glued to the front of the book block 215, thus allowing the book to open almost completely flat.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 3 The diagram shows a cover adhesive applicator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The cover gluing device 220 includes gluing rollers 225a and 225b for applying a corresponding glue layer (not shown) to the book block passing through it; the gluing rollers 225a and 225b are mounted on a rotating shaft, whose axes of rotation are indicated by the same reference numerals 230a and 230b, respectively. The cover gluing device 220 also includes the following components: a first roller 303a and a second roller 303b, for supplying glue to the gluing rollers 225a and 225b, respectively; the glue supply rollers 303a and 303b are mounted on a rotating shaft, whose axes of rotation are indicated by reference numerals 306a and 306b, respectively. The rotation axes 306a and 306b of each glue supply roller 303a and 303b are parallel to the rotation axes 230a and 230b of the corresponding glue application rollers 225a and 225b (e.g., horizontally arranged and at the same height), and the distance between them is approximately equal to the sum of the radii of the two rollers, so that the glue supply rollers 303a and 303b are approximately tangent to the glue application rollers 225a and 225b along their corresponding horizontal contact lines. The first glue feeder 309a and the second glue feeder 309b respectively supply glue to the corresponding glue supply areas above the contact lines of the paired roller groups 225a~303a and 225b~303b.

[0044] The glue tank 312 contains the glue to be applied to the book block, such as cold PVA glue continuously stirred by a stirrer (not shown). A pump 315 pumps the glue from the glue tank 312 to glue feeders 309a and 309b via a glue supply circuit 318. The glue supply circuit 318 includes a conduit 321 extending from the glue tank 312 to a tee connector 324, and two conduits 327a and 327b, each equipped with a shut-off valve 330a and 330b, extending from the tee connector 324 to the glue feeders 309a and 309b, respectively.

[0045] The water tank 333 contains water for rinsing the paired roller sets 225a~303a and 225b~303b. The pump 336 pressurizes water from the water tank 333 to the glue feeders 309a and 309b via the water supply circuit 339. The water supply circuit 339 includes: a pipe 342 extending from the water tank 333 to the tee joint 345, and two pipes 348a and 348b respectively equipped with shut-off valves 351a and 351b, extending from the tee joint 345 to the glue feeders 309a and 309b respectively.

[0046] (First) (collection tray) 354a and (second) (collection tray) 354b are respectively disposed below the paired roller groups 225a~303a and 225b~303b, for collecting glue and water discharged from the roller groups. Collection box 357 is used to collect the discharged water. Glue / water collection circuit 360 selectively transports the discharged glue or water from collection trays 354a and 354b to glue tank 312 or collection box 357, respectively. Collection circuit 360 includes: two pipes 363a and 363b extending from collection trays 354a and 354b to tee connector 366, respectively; a pipe 369 extending from tee connector 366 to another tee connector 372; and two pipes 375g and 375w respectively equipped with shut-off valves 378g and 378w, extending from tee connector 372 to glue tank 312 and collection box 357, respectively.

[0047] During operation, shut-off valves 330a, 330b, and 378g open, and pump 315 starts; while shut-off valves 351a, 351b, and 378w close, and pump 336 stops. Pump 315 delivers adhesive from the adhesive tank 312 through the adhesive supply circuit 318 to the adhesive feeders 309a and 309b, which then supply adhesive to the adhesive supply area above the paired roller sets 225a~303a and 225b~303b. The adhesive application rollers 225a and 225b and the adhesive supply rollers 303a and 303b rotate in opposite directions from above toward the adhesive supply area; specifically, the adhesive application roller 225a rotates counterclockwise, and the adhesive supply roller 303a rotates clockwise; the adhesive application roller 225b rotates clockwise, and the adhesive supply roller 303b rotates counterclockwise. In this manner, glue supply rollers 303a and 303b apply a preset amount of glue (for coating the book block passing between them) to glue application rollers 225a and 225b, respectively. Excess glue supplied by glue feeders 309a and 309b falls into collection trays 354a and 354b, respectively. Collection circuit 360 returns the glue from collection trays 354a and 354b to glue tank 312, where it is filtered and collected for reuse.

[0048] When necessary (e.g., during bookbinding and sealing shutdown, periodic maintenance, etc.), the cover gluing device 220 is rinsed. For this purpose, shut-off valves 330a, 330b, and 378g are closed, and pump 315 stops; while shut-off valves 351a, 351b, and 378w are opened, and pump 336 starts. Pump 336 delivers water from the water tank 333 through the water supply circuit 339 to the glue feeders 309a and 309b, which then supply water to the glue supply area above the paired roller groups 225a~303a and 225b~303b. The water washes the glue off the gluing rollers 225a and 225b and the glue supply rollers 303a and 303b, and the wastewater containing glue falls into the collection trays 354a and 354b, respectively. The collection circuit 360 transports the wastewater from the collection trays 354a and 354b to the collection box 357 (which is then discharged).

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first component consisting of a rotating shaft 230a (with a glue-applying roller 225a), a rotating shaft 306a (with a glue-supplying roller 303a), a glue feeder 309a, and a collecting tray 354a is mounted on a first slide block 381a; a second component consisting of a rotating shaft 230b (with a glue-applying roller 225b), a rotating shaft 306b (with a glue-supplying roller 303b), a glue feeder 309b, and a collecting tray 354b is mounted on a second slide block 381b. Slide blocks 381a and 381b can slide horizontally along a first guide rail 384a and a second guide rail 384b, respectively (e.g., each is achieved by a pair of guide rails). A first servo motor 387a and a second servo motor 387b drive slide blocks 381a and 381b (and thus the corresponding components) to move along guide rails 384a and 384b, respectively. For this purpose, at least a portion of the glue supply circuit 318, at least a portion of the water supply circuit 339, and at least a portion of the collection circuit 360 adopt a flexible structure to allow the glue dispensers 309a, 309b and the collection trays 354a, 354b to move relative to the glue tank 312, the water tank 333, and the collection box 357, respectively.

[0050] In this way, the positions of the glue-applying rollers 225a and 225b can be adjusted with high precision using a relatively simple structure.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic of a joining station 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The joining station 140 includes the following components. A corresponding conveying system is used to convey book blocks 215 received sequentially from the upstream conveying system (not shown) of the bookbinding and sealing machine. Specifically, in one embodiment of the invention, a gripper consisting of a first gripper 405a and a second gripper 405b is used to grip each book block 215 at the spine (the book block is placed vertically with the spine facing upwards). Grippers 405a and 405b are respectively mounted on a first slide 410a and a second slide 410b. Slides 410a and 410b can slide along the first guide rail 415a and the second guide rail 415b (horizontal) in the conveying direction of the book block 215. Grippers 405a and 405b can also move relative to slides 410a and 410b, laterally to the guide rails 410a and 410b (horizontal), to achieve the closing and opening of the grippers 405a~405b. As an alternative (not shown in the figure), each book block 215 (still placed vertically with the spine facing up) can be accommodated in a slot whose width can be adjusted according to the thickness of the book block; the book blocks 215 are pushed by a chain with push pins in the same transport direction.

[0053] A spreader 420, used to spread each book block 215 approximately in half, is centrally positioned between (parallel to) guide rails 415a and 415b. The spreader 420 includes a first plate 420a and a second plate 420b extending vertically and parallel to each other. The spacing between the plates 420a and 420b is slightly greater than the thickness of the support blades 210 (only one shown in the figure), thus forming a channel 425 between them for the support blades to pass vertically through. The upper entrance edges of the plates 420a and 420b (along the transport direction of the book block 215) are cut to form a rear guide surface for each book block 215 to enter. A wedge 420i connects the plates 420a and 420b at this rear guide surface to at least partially close the channel 425.

[0054] During operation, for each book block 215 supplied by the upstream conveyor system, the grippers 405a and 405b (with an initial opening distance strictly greater than the thickness of the book block 215) approach each other to close the grippers 405a~405b and clamp the book block 215 (the book block is then released from the upstream conveyor system). The slides 410a and 410b (which drive the grippers 405a and 405b respectively) slide along the guide rails 410a and 410b toward the expansion 420. Thus, the book block 215 is fitted onto the expansion member 420, first contacting the wedge block 420i, and then engaging with the plates 420a and 420b inserted inside the book block. In this way, the expansion member 420 roughly splits the book block 215 in half, so that part 215a abuts against plate 420a and part 215b abuts against plate 420b (located outside the channel 425). In one embodiment of the present invention, the grippers 405a-405b firmly clamp the book block 215 during the above-described operation, thereby improving operational accuracy. At this time, the grippers 405a and 405b move away from each other to open the grippers 405a-405b and release the book block 215; the slides 410a and 410b (driving the grippers 405a and 405b) slide in the opposite direction along the guide rails 410a and 410b, causing the grippers 405a-405b to return to the upstream conveying system position. Simultaneously, the conveying system 205 repeatedly and sequentially sends each support blade 210 vertically upward through the channel 425; in this way, the support blades 210 pass through the inside of the book block 215, which is opened by the spreader 420, and reach the spine of the book block (so that the book block 215 straddles the support blades 210), and lift the book block 215 away from the spreader 420.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness gauges 235a and 235b are mechanical. In this case, the thickness of the book block 215 is measured by pressing the portions 215a and 215b between two relatively movable mechanical elements. This improves the measurement accuracy of the thickness of the portions 215a and 215b of the book block 215 because it avoids measurement distortion caused by the pages of the book block 215 being open in a free state. For example, the thickness gauges 235a and 235b are respectively mounted on slides 410a and 410b. Thickness gauges 235a and 235b are equipped with movable elements 430a and 430b (e.g., pistons), which can move laterally to the guide rails 415a and 415b respectively. The movable elements 430a and 430b press the corresponding end faces (front / back) of the book block 215 against the plates 420a and 420b respectively to measure the thickness of portions 215a and 215b of the book block 215. In this way, the plates 420a and 420b already in the bookbinding and sealing machine can be used; in addition, since the measurement is based on the plates 420a and 420b as fixed stops, this further improves the measurement accuracy of the thickness of portions 215a and 215b of the book block 215.

[0056] Variant Implementation To meet local and specific needs, those skilled in the art can make various logical and / or physical modifications to this invention, as long as they still fall within the scope of the claims. Specifically, the invention can be practiced to obtain a more comprehensive understanding even without the specific details (e.g., numerical values) listed in the foregoing description; conversely, some well-known features may be omitted or simplified to avoid unnecessary detail that obscures the specification. Furthermore, it is explicitly stated that specific elements and / or method steps described in conjunction with any embodiment of the invention can be incorporated into any other embodiment as a conventional design choice. Moreover, items presented in the same group and in different embodiments, examples, or alternatives should not be considered equivalent to each other (but rather as independent entities). In any case, each numerical value should be understood as being adjusted according to applicable tolerances; specifically, unless otherwise stated, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “nearly,” etc., should be understood as within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%. Furthermore, each numerical range should be understood as explicitly defining all possible values ​​(including endpoints) on a continuous interval within that range. Ordinal numbers or other qualifiers are used only as labels to distinguish elements with the same name and do not themselves indicate any priority, order, or sequence. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” etc., should be understood as open-ended and non-exhaustive (i.e., not limited to the listed items); the terms “based on,” “dependent on,” “according to,” “conforming to,” “for the function of,” etc., should be understood as non-exclusive (i.e., involving other variables); the terms “a” or “an” should be understood as one or more items (unless the opposite is explicitly stated); and the term “apparatus for…” (or any apparatus plus a functional description) should be understood as any structure suitable for or constructed to perform the relevant function. More specifically, the following variations may be applied individually or in combination to all the corresponding features mentioned above (generally, the features described in each complete statement may be implemented independently of the features described in other statements, except for features that are strictly necessary for function).

[0057] For example, one embodiment provides a bookbinding and sealing machine for applying a cover to a book block. However, this bookbinding and sealing machine can be used to apply any type of cover (e.g., hardcover, softcover, etc.) to any type of book block (e.g., sewn binding, perfect binding, saddle stitching / pages, etc.).

[0058] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes one or more support blades for placing the book block across the support blades, such that a first portion and a second portion of the book block are located on a first side and a second side of the current support blade, respectively. However, the support blades can be of any number and any shape / size.

[0059] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes a cover gluing device having a first gluing roller and a second gluing roller opposite to each other. However, the cover gluing device can be of any type (e.g., the gluing rollers can be of any size and orientation, have uniform sides or longitudinal grooves, gluing is supplied by a corresponding glue supply roller or directly taken from a glue tank, glue is supplied by a corresponding glue dispenser or directly from a pipeline to the glue supply area of ​​the gluing / gluing roller pair, a glue collection tray may or may not be provided, a rinsing system may or may not be provided, etc.).

[0060] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes a conveying system for conveying support blades to a passage position between a first glue-applying roller and a second glue-applying roller. However, the conveying system can be of any type (e.g., based on belts, chains, etc., operating at any fixed or variable speed).

[0061] In one embodiment, the support blades are conveyed to a passage position between the first and second glue-applying rollers to apply a first glue layer to the front of the book block and / or a second glue layer to the back. However, the glue layer can be of any type (e.g., material, thickness, temperature, etc.) and applied in any manner (e.g., applied to both the front and back, applied to only one side, applied to the corresponding endpapers of the book block, the first and last pages / sheets of the book block, etc.).

[0062] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes a detection mechanism for detecting a first thickness of a first portion of the book block and a second thickness of a second portion. However, the detection mechanism can be implemented using any structure (e.g., two thickness gauges measuring corresponding thicknesses respectively, a single thickness gauge measuring one thickness and determining another thickness based on the total thickness of the book block, etc.).

[0063] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes an adjustment system for adjusting a first distance and a second distance from the first glue-applying roller and the second glue-applying roller to the passing position of the support blade, based on a first thickness and a second thickness of the book block. However, the adjustment system can be of any type (e.g., one or more motors, mechanical / hydraulic actuators, etc., capable of moving the glue-applying roller and / or the support blade, etc.), and the distance from the glue-applying roller to the passing position can be adjusted in any manner (e.g., making the distance from the glue-applying roller to the book block equal, avoiding glue application on the front or back of the book block, calculating only the displacement of the glue-applying roller relative to the theoretical common distance to the passing position, or directly calculating the distance from the glue-applying roller to the passing position, etc.).

[0064] Additional embodiments provide extra advantageous features, however, these features may be completely omitted in the basic implementation. In this regard, it is explicitly stated that features of any of the following embodiments may be used alone or in combination with any number of features of the other embodiments described above.

[0065] For example, in one embodiment, the adjustment system is configured to move the first and second coating rollers relative to the passing position of the support blades. However, the coating rollers can move in any manner (e.g., move synchronously with each other, move independently of each other, move alone, or move together with other corresponding components of the cover coating device, etc.).

[0066] In one embodiment, the adjustment system includes a first adjustment element and a second adjustment element for independently moving the first and second glue-applying rollers relative to the passing position of the support blades. However, the adjustment elements can be of any type (e.g., independent motors / actuators, single motors / actuators with independent drive systems, etc.).

[0067] In one embodiment, the adjustment system is adapted to move one of the first roller and the second roller to a position at a distance from the current support leaf's passing position that is greater than either the first thickness or the second thickness of the current book block, to avoid applying the first adhesive layer to the front of the current book block or the second adhesive layer to the back. However, the aforementioned selected roller can be of any type (e.g., fixed or adjustable, corresponding to the front or back of the book block, etc.) and can be moved to any distance that avoids adhesive application (e.g., set to a fixed value based on the thickness of the support leaf and the thickness of the adhesive layer, etc.).

[0068] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes an input unit for receiving indication information of the thickness of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. However, the input unit can be of any type (e.g., a touch screen, keyboard, barcode reader for reading barcodes in each book block, process sheet, or book block processing batch tray, etc.) and can receive adhesive layer thickness indications in any manner (e.g., manually or automatically, by processing batch or individual book blocks, directly obtained or extracted from a description file, etc.).

[0069] In one embodiment, the adjustment system is adapted to further adjust the first distance and the second distance from the first adhesive roller and the second adhesive roller to the position where the support blade passes, respectively, based on the thickness of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. However, the distance can be adjusted in any way (e.g., using a common adhesive layer thickness, independent adhesive layer thickness, etc.).

[0070] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a first thickness gauge and a second thickness gauge, which respectively measure the first thickness of the first part of the book block and the second thickness of the second part. However, the thickness gauge can be of any type (e.g., mechanical, optical, etc.) and can be set in any position (e.g., joining station, bonding station, etc.).

[0071] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a mechanism for providing an indication of the total thickness of the book block. However, these mechanisms can be implemented in any manner (e.g., providing the total thickness manually or automatically, by processing batch or individual book blocks, directly obtained or extracted from a description file, etc.); specifically, any type of thickness gauge can be used to measure the total thickness of each book block, such as mechanical, optical, etc.; a barcode reader can be used to read the barcode in each book block, process sheet, or book block processing batch tray; the total thickness can be manually entered for each book block processing batch using the input unit of a bookbinding and sealing machine, etc.

[0072] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes one of a first thickness gauge and a second thickness gauge, used to measure the measured thickness of a first thickness of a first portion of the book block and a second thickness of a second portion. However, the thickness gauge can be any type of thickness gauge described above (any type and located in any position).

[0073] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism includes a mechanism for determining another thickness, either a first thickness of the first portion or a second thickness of the second portion, based on the total thickness and the measured thickness. However, these mechanisms can be implemented using any structure (e.g., a control unit of a bookbinding and sealing machine, specialized equipment, etc.).

[0074] In one embodiment, the first thickness gauge and the second thickness gauge are mechanical. However, the mechanical thickness gauge can be of any type (e.g., spring-loaded, pressure-loaded, based on a single movable element or two opposing movable elements, etc.).

[0075] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes a joining station having a support member with a first plate and a second plate facing each other to form a channel through which support blades pass. However, the plates can be of any shape and size, and the spacing between them can be arbitrarily set. In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes a feeding mechanism for placing the current book block across the support member, such that a first portion and a second portion of the current book block abut against the first plate and the second plate, respectively, outside the channel. However, the feeding mechanism can be of any type (e.g., having a device for clamping the book block and a system for moving the device, a slot in which the book block is inserted and pushed by a component, etc.).

[0076] In one embodiment, the transport system is adapted to pass the support blades through the channel, thereby placing the book block across the support blades. However, the support blades can pass through the channel in any manner (e.g., with any gap, speed, etc.).

[0077] In one embodiment, the first thickness gauge and the second thickness gauge include a first movable element and a second movable element. However, the movable element can be of any type (e.g., a piston, a roller, etc.).

[0078] In one embodiment, the first movable element and the second movable element are used to press the first and second portions of the book block, which are positioned across the spreader, against the first and second plates, respectively, to measure their first and second thicknesses. However, the movable elements can act on the spreader in any manner (e.g., mounted on a slide of the gripper or fixed relative to the frame, acting with any force at any position, etc.). In any case, the first and second movable elements can also act on other types of corresponding fixed stops (e.g., functional components of a bookbinding and sealing machine, dedicated components of a thickness gauge, etc.).

[0079] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism includes a holding device for holding the current book block upright with its spine facing upwards in the use state. However, the holding device can be of any type (e.g., a clamp, a pair of straps, etc.).

[0080] In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism includes a moving device for moving the holding device relative to the spreading member. However, the moving device can be of any type (e.g., a corresponding guide rail / slide, conveyor chain, etc.).

[0081] Regardless, the aforementioned joining station (with a support member and a feeding mechanism including a holding device and a moving device) can be applied to bookbinding and sealing machines even without thickness detection and adjustment of the glue application roller spacing accordingly. Specifically, one embodiment provides a bookbinding and sealing machine for applying a cover to a book block. In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes one or more support blades for placing the book block across the support blades, such that a first portion and a second portion of the book block are located on a first side and a second side of the current support blade, respectively. In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine includes a joining station. In one embodiment, the joining station has a support member with a first plate and a second plate facing each other to form a channel through which the support blade passes. In one embodiment, the joining station includes a feeding mechanism for placing the book block across the support member, such that the first portion and the second portion of the book block abut against the first plate and the second plate, respectively, outside the channel. In one embodiment, the conveying system is adapted to pass the support blade through the channel, thereby placing the book block across the support blade. In one embodiment, the feeding mechanism includes a holding device for holding the book block vertically with its spine facing upward in the use state. In another embodiment, the feeding mechanism includes a moving device for moving the holding device relative to the spreading member. However, the description of the aforementioned embodiments of the bookbinding and sealing machine also applies to this other embodiment.

[0082] In one embodiment, the bookbinding and sealing machine is used to coat the hard cover onto the book block. However, the hard cover can be of any type (e.g., square spine, round spine, etc.).

[0083] One embodiment provides a binding apparatus including one or more of the above-described bookbinding and sealing machines. However, the binding apparatus may include any number of bookbinding and sealing machines, as well as any number and type of other binding apparatus, and may not even include other apparatus (e.g., one or more apparatuses for providing book blocks, such as sewing machines, folding and opening linkage machines, perfect binding machines, etc.; one or more apparatuses for completing the post-cover bonding process, such as three-sided book trimmers, etc.).

[0084] Generally, if a bookbinding and sealing machine and binding equipment have different structures, include equivalent components, or have other operational characteristics, similar descriptions may apply as long as they still fall within the scope of the claims. In any case, each component may be divided into more elements, or two or more components may be combined into a single element; furthermore, each component may be replicated to support parallel execution of corresponding operations. Moreover, unless otherwise stated, any interaction between different components generally does not need to be continuous and may be direct or indirectly achieved through one or more intermediaries.

[0085] One embodiment provides a method for coating a cover onto a book block in a bookbinding and sealing machine. In one embodiment, the method includes: placing the book block across a support leaf of one or more support leaves, such that a first portion and a second portion of the book block are located on a first side and a second side of the support leaf, respectively. In one embodiment, the method includes: conveying the support leaf to a passing position between opposing first and second glue rollers of a cover gluing apparatus to coat a first glue layer on the front side of the book block and / or coat a second glue layer on the back side, respectively. In one embodiment, the method includes: detecting a first thickness of the first portion of the book block and a second thickness of the second portion. In one embodiment, the method includes: adjusting a first distance and a second distance between the first and second glue rollers and the passing position of the support leaf, based on the first and second thicknesses of the book block. However, the above description of the features of the bookbinding and sealing machine also applies to the corresponding steps of this method.

[0086] One embodiment provides a method for coating a cover onto a book block in a bookbinding and sealing machine. In one embodiment, the method includes: placing the book block across a support having first and second plates opposite each other to form a channel, such that a first portion and a second portion of the book block abut against the first and second plates, respectively, outside the channel. In one embodiment, the method includes: passing a support blade from one or more support blades through the channel, thereby placing the book block across the support blades, such that the first and second portions of the book block are located on a first side and a second side of the support blades, respectively. In one embodiment, the step of loading the book block includes: holding the vertically positioned book block with its spine facing upward by a holding device. In one embodiment, the step of loading the book block includes: moving the holding device relative to the support. However, the above description of the features of the bookbinding and sealing machine also applies to the corresponding steps of this method.

[0087] Generally speaking, if an equivalent method is used to achieve the same solution, as long as it still falls within the scope of protection of the claims (using similar steps or some of the steps with the same function, deleting unnecessary steps or adding optional steps), similar descriptions can be applied; in addition, the steps can be performed in different orders, simultaneously or alternately (at least partially).

[0088] One embodiment provides a corresponding computer program that, when executed on the control system of a bookbinding and sealing machine, is configured to cause the bookbinding and sealing machine to perform the steps of the methods described above. Another embodiment provides a corresponding computer program product comprising one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media having program instructions commonly stored thereon, which can be read by the control system to cause the bookbinding and sealing machine to perform the steps of the same methods described above. However, each (computer) program can be of any type (e.g., software, firmware, etc.) and can be used on any control system (e.g., computer, microcontroller, etc.).

Claims

1. A bookbinding and sealing machine (100) for binding the cover onto the book block (215), characterized in that, The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) includes: One or more support blades (210) are used to support the book block (215) across one of the support blades (210), with a first portion (215a) and a second portion (215b) of the book block (215) located on a first side and a second side of the support blade (210), respectively. The cover coating device (220) has a first roller (225a) and a second roller (225b) arranged opposite to each other. A conveying system (205) is used to convey the support blade (210) to a passing position (Pp) between the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) to apply a first adhesive layer to the front side of the book block (215) and / or apply a second adhesive layer to the back side. Determining devices (235a, 235b; 110; 165) are used to determine the first thickness of the first portion (215a) and the second thickness of the second portion (215b) of the book block (215); and An adjustment system (240) is used to adjust the first distance and the second distance between the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) and the passing position (Pp) of the support blade (210) according to the first thickness and the second thickness of the book block (215).

2. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment system (240) is configured to move the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) relative to the passing position (Pp) of the support blade (210).

3. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment system (240) includes a first adjustment member (240a) and a second adjustment member (240b) for independently driving the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) to move relative to the passing position (Pp) of the support blade (210).

4. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjustment system (240a, 240b) is adapted to select one of the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) and move it to a position where the distance between the passing position (Pp) of the support blade (210) is greater than the first thickness or the second thickness corresponding to the book block (215), so as to avoid applying the first adhesive layer to the front side or the second adhesive layer to the back side of the book block (215), respectively.

5. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) includes an input unit (165) for receiving indications of the thickness of the first adhesive layer and the thickness of the second adhesive layer; The adjustment system (240) is also adapted to further adjust the first distance and the second distance between the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) and the passing position (Pp) of the support blade (210) according to the thickness of the first adhesive layer and the thickness of the second adhesive layer, respectively.

6. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The determining device (235a, 235b) includes a first thickness gauge (235a) and a second thickness gauge (235b), which are used to measure the first thickness of the first part (215a) and the second thickness of the second part (215b) of the book block (215), respectively.

7. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The determining device (235a, 235b, 110, 165) includes: Total thickness indicator (110; 165) for providing total thickness indication information of the book block (215); A thickness gauge, one of the first thickness gauge (235a) and the second thickness gauge (235b), is used to measure the measured thickness of the first thickness of the first portion (215a) and the second thickness of the second portion (215b) of the book block (215); and A determining device (165) is used to determine, based on the total thickness and the measured thickness, another thickness of the first thickness of the first portion (215a) and the second thickness of the second portion (215b) of the book block (215).

8. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first thickness gauge (235a) and the second thickness gauge (235b) are mechanical thickness gauges.

9. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) includes a joining station (140), which includes: A support member (420) comprising a first plate (420a) and a second plate (420b) disposed opposite to each other, wherein a channel (425) is formed between the first plate (420a) and the second plate (420b) for the support blade (210) to pass through; and, The feeding mechanism (410a-415a, 410b-415b) is used to place the book block (215) across the support member (420), so that the first part and the second part of the book block (215) are arranged along the outside of the channel (425) along the first plate (420a) and the second plate (420b), respectively. The conveying system (205) is adapted to convey the support blade (210) through the channel (425), thereby placing the book block (215) across the support blade (210); The first thickness gauge (235a) and the second thickness gauge (235b) respectively include a first movable member (430a) and a second movable member (430b). The first movable member (430a) and the second movable member (430b) are used to abut against the first plate (420a) and the second plate (420b) respectively to measure the first thickness of the first part (215a) and the second thickness of the second part (215b) of the book block (215) spanning the support members (420a, 420b).

10. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) includes the joining station (140), which has: The expansion member (420) includes a first plate (420a) and a second plate (420b) disposed opposite to each other, and a channel (425) is formed between the first plate (420a) and the second plate (420b) for the support blade (210) to pass through; and The feeding mechanism (410a~415a, 410b~415b) is used to place the book block (215) across the support member (420), so that the first part and the second part of the book block (215) are arranged along the first plate (420a) and the second plate (420b) respectively outside the channel (425); The conveying system (205) is adapted to convey the support blade (210) through the channel (425), thereby placing the book block (215) across the support blade (210); The feeding mechanism (410a-415a, 410b-415b) includes: Holding devices (410a, 410b) are used to hold the book block (215) vertically with its spine facing upwards in the use state; and, The moving system (415a, 415b) is used to move the holding device (410a, 410b) relative to the spreading member (420).

11. The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The bookbinding and sealing machine (100) is used to bind hard covers onto the book block (215).

12. A bookbinding device, characterized in that, Includes one or more bookbinding and sealing machines (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for binding a cover onto a book block (215) in a bookbinding and sealing machine (100), characterized in that, The method includes: The book block (215) is straddled and supported on one of the support blades (210), such that the first part (215a) and the second part (215b) of the book block (215) are located on the first side and the second side of the support blade (210), respectively. The support blade (210) is conveyed to the passage position (Pp) between the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) of the cover gluing device (220) which are arranged opposite to each other, so as to apply a first glue layer to the front side of the book block (215) and / or apply a second glue layer to the back side. Determine the first thickness of the first portion (215a) and the second thickness of the second portion (215b) of the book block (215); and Based on the first thickness and the second thickness of the book block (215), adjust the first distance and the second distance between the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) and the passing position (Pp) of the support blade (210), respectively.

14. A computer program, characterized in that, The computer program is configured to run on the control system (165) of the bookbinding and sealing machine (100), and the computer program causes the bookbinding and sealing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to perform a method of binding the cover to the book block (215), wherein the method includes: The book block (215) receives an indication of the first thickness of the first portion (215a) and the second thickness of the second portion (215b) of the book block (215); and Based on the first thickness and the second thickness of the book block (215), adjust the first distance and the second distance between the first roller (225a) and the second roller (225b) and the passing position (Pp) of the support blade (210), respectively.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, The system includes one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, on which program instructions are commonly stored, the program instructions being readable by a control system of a bookbinding and sealing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, to cause the bookbinding and sealing machine to perform a method of binding a cover onto a book block, wherein the method includes: Receives an indication of the first thickness of the first portion and the second thickness of the second portion of the book block; and Based on the first and second thicknesses of the book block, adjust the first and second distances between the first and second rollers and the passing positions of the support blades.

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