Device and method for performing at least one cut process

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for performing at least one cutting operation for the purpose of producing a book (20), a brochure, or the like, in particular a book-like identification document such as a passport book, which comprises book pages bound to a spine (22). The device includes a first receiving element (40) for receiving the book (20) in a first plane (46), and an edge-cutting element which is designed and arranged to perform an edge trim of the book (20) in an edge-cutting section with a cutting force substantially in a cutting plane perpendicular to the first plane (46). Furthermore, the device includes at least one spine-cutting element (50) which is arranged and configured to also perform a spine trim of the book (20) in the cutting plane in a spine-cutting section (30) adjoining the edge-cutting section.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for carrying out at least one cutting operation for the purpose of producing a book, a brochure or the like, in particular a book-like identification document such as a passport book.

[0002] A book consists of pages bound together at a spine. In addition to the pages, a book may have a cover. In one of the final production steps, the book is brought to its final format. This involves trimming the unbound edges of the book. This trimming is necessary to compensate for inaccuracies in the cutting of a printed sheet and to ensure uniform edges on the book.

[0003] According to current technology, books, especially passport books, are fixed in a suitable device for trimming before being cut. This is achieved in particular by pressing or clamping the book between two clamps. The book is thus held in a fixed position.

[0004] The spine is formed by a molded element. It connects the covers, which are essentially parallel to each other. Covers refer to the first and last pages of the book. Typically, such a spine has a convex shape running between these covers. Consequently, it is not held in position by pressing the book. When the book is trimmed, the spine can become deformed, resulting in damage, particularly in the form of small tears along the spine's lateral edges. This damage occurs especially where the spine's lateral edge meets the edge of an attached cover. The lateral edges of the spine are the areas that define the spine on opposite sides along its length.Damage occurs with various trimming techniques, including cutting and milling. It detracts from the book's visual appeal and should be avoided. In other words, current techniques for trimming a book do not damage the spine, particularly along the side edges, thereby diminishing the book's overall appearance.

[0005] Conventional cutting devices and methods are included, for example, in DD218309-A1, US2013 / 280016-A1, EP2345517-A1, DE1216240-B, DE3413609-A1, DE2426599-A1 and DE1120423-B, with DD218309-A1 disclosing all features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a corresponding method for carrying out a cutting process for the purpose of producing a book, which enable a high-quality cutting process on a book in a simple manner.

[0007] This problem is solved by the device for performing at least one cutting operation according to claim 1 and the method for performing at least one cutting operation according to claim 7. Advantageous embodiments of the device are specified in dependent claims 2 to 6. Advantageous embodiments of the method are specified in dependent claims 8 to 13. These and further embodiments are described below.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for carrying out at least one cutting operation for the purpose of producing a book, a brochure, or the like, in particular a book-like identification document such as a passport book, which comprises book pages bound at a spine. The device comprises a first receiving element for receiving the book in a first plane and an edge-cutting element, which is designed and arranged such that it performs an edge trimming of the book in an edge-cutting section with a cutting force substantially in a cutting plane perpendicular to the first plane.Furthermore, the device comprises at least one spine-cutting element which is arranged and configured to also perform a spine trimming of the book in the cutting plane in a spine-cutting section adjoining the edge-cutting section, wherein the device has two spine-cutting elements arranged in two planes positioned parallel to each other, so that both spine-cutting elements are set up and arranged or can be arranged for cutting operations at the opposite end regions of the spine along its longitudinal extent, and wherein the device further comprises a connecting element on which the two spine-cutting elements are mechanically attached, which is pneumatically or motorically, in particular servomotorically, driven or powered, so that simultaneous movement of both spine-cutting elements is enabled.

[0009] This means that both cutting elements can exert their respective effects in the same plane at the edge of the book in adjacent areas. In this way, a seamless trim can be achieved at one edge of the book, both in the area of ​​the pages within the block and in the area of ​​the adjacent spine. The spine trimming section is a relatively short section compared to the edge trimming section, extending essentially only along the front end of the spine. That is, the spine trimming section is defined where the book covers are not parallel to each other, but rather curve into one another in the spine area.

[0010] Therefore, spine trimming refers to a cutting operation that is essentially only performed on the end face of the book spine.

[0011] Accordingly, in this cutting operation only a relatively small part of the book's side boundary is pre-cut, and the significantly longer part of the side boundary is cut in the edge trimming.

[0012] A receiving element is, for example, a matrix for pressing and thus fixing the book during the cutting process.

[0013] The device according to the invention is advantageous because the spine trimming is carried out separately from the trimming of the pages in the block by the edge trimming element in a relatively small area on the front edge of the book spine. This prevents deformation of the spine and damage to the lateral edges of the spine. Since the spine trimming is performed by a separate spine trimming element, such damage is not a concern. The cutting elements for the spine and edge trimming are designed and arranged, and the cutting processes are carried out in such a way that a complete trim of the book is possible. This ensures a visually flawless trimming result.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the back cutting element and / or the edge cutting element is or are pneumatically or motor-driven, in particular servo-motor-driven.

[0015] The pneumatic drive of this embodiment according to the invention is advantageous because, in pneumatically operated systems, exhaust air can be released into the environment. The device therefore does not need to include return lines. This simplifies maintenance. Furthermore, no contamination is a concern due to the pneumatic system. In addition, the pneumatic drive allows for very precise adjustment of the distance the back-cutting element is to be moved.

[0016] The invention is not limited to a pneumatic drive for the back-cutting element and / or the edge-cutting element. In particular, a further embodiment of the invention provides for a motorized drive, optionally a servomotor drive, for the back-cutting element and / or the edge-cutting element.

[0017] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the device includes a guide device which is designed to mechanically guide the back cutting element in the cutting plane.

[0018] A guide device can, for example, include a guide arm along which the back cutting element can be moved.

[0019] The advantage of this embodiment is that the guide device prevents the back cutting element from being moved out of the cutting plane, thus ensuring that the edge cutting element and the back cutting element exert their effects in one plane.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the device is designed in such a way that it includes a second receiving element which is arranged parallel to the first receiving element, wherein the first and the second receiving element are arranged in such a way that a book can be clamped or pressed between them.

[0021] This design ensures that the book is held in a stable position using the receiving elements.

[0022] The invention comprises a guide device with at least two guide elements, one of which is arranged on the first receiving element and the other on the second receiving element. A back-cutting element is guided along both guide elements. This arrangement increases the likelihood that the back-cutting element moves within the cutting plane, thus ensuring that the edge-cutting element and the back-cutting element perform their functions in the same plane.

[0023] According to the invention, the device has two back cutting elements arranged in two planes positioned parallel to each other, so that both back cutting elements are set up and arranged or can be arranged for cutting operations on the opposite end regions of the back along its longitudinal extent.

[0024] One advantage of the invention is that, according to the invention, both end areas of the spine can be trimmed without having to move or reposition the book.

[0025] According to the invention, the device is designed such that it further comprises a connecting element on which the two back cutting elements are mechanically attached, which can be pneumatically or motor-driven, in particular servomotor-driven, so that simultaneous movement of both back cutting elements is possible.

[0026] In particular, the connecting element can be moved perpendicular to the first plane. This embodiment allows both back cutting elements to be moved simultaneously in a simple manner, enabling simultaneous trimming of both end areas of the back in a single operation.

[0027] The pneumatic drive offers advantages. Maintenance of the device is simplified because exhaust air can be vented to the environment, eliminating the need for return lines. Furthermore, the pneumatic system prevents contamination. Additionally, the movement of the connecting element, and consequently the two attached back-cutting elements, can be precisely controlled.

[0028] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the connecting element can be driven by a motor, in particular a servomotor.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the back cutting element comprises a knife.

[0030] The shape of the knife and the cutting edge it encompasses is not limited to a single form. The knife can be designed as a circular knife with a circular cutting edge. Also according to the invention are a knife comprising a blade with a straight cutting edge, and a knife whose cutting edge, starting from the tip, initially has a circular profile and then a straight profile. These embodiments of the knife are to be considered merely as examples and not as limitations. In the case where the device for carrying out at least one cutting operation has two back-cutting elements, the invention provides that both back-cutting elements comprise identically designed knives. Alternatively, according to the invention, the two back-cutting elements can comprise knives that are designed differently, i.e., that they differ, for example, in size or in the shape of the cutting edge.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the device is designed in such a way that the back cutting element can be translationally displaced to carry out a cutting operation.

[0032] Even though the back-trimming element includes a circular blade, this blade is moved translationally for back trimming. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous. According to the invention, a circular blade is attached to the connecting element and mechanically fixed in such a way that it cannot rotate. The fixation can be achieved, for example, by means of a screw connection. For back trimming, it is moved translationally. Only a limited area of ​​the circular blade's edge is used for trimming. If this area becomes worn due to use, the mechanical fixation of the circular blade can be released, and the blade can be rotated by an angle so that a sharp area of ​​the circular blade is again positioned to cut the back. The circular blade is then fixed again and can be used for further cutting operations.In this way, the circular blade can be used for a long time before it needs to be replaced.

[0033] According to the invention, a knife can also comprise a straight cutting edge. The cutting edge is particularly designed and arranged such that it runs parallel or at an acute angle to an imaginary tangent applied to the area of ​​the book spine, at which point a cutting process is initiated by means of the knife.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for carrying out at least one cutting operation for the purpose of producing a book, a brochure or the like, in particular a book-like identification document such as a passport book, comprising book pages bound to a spine, according to claim 7.

[0035] The invention is not limited to the aforementioned sequence of cutting operations by the back cutting element and the edge cutting element. Also according to the invention are a method in which the trimming by the edge cutting element takes place before the trimming using the back cutting element, and a method in which the trimming by the edge cutting element and the back cutting element takes place simultaneously.

[0036] An advantage of this method according to the invention is that the back trimming is not performed simultaneously with the edge trimming by the edge trimming element. Otherwise, this would cause deformation and damage to the back at the lateral boundaries. By using the back trimming element, the back is cut without such damage. Since the cutting elements for the back and edge trimming operate in the same plane and the cutting sections are at least adjacent to each other, a clean cut is achieved.

[0037] In another embodiment of the method, the spine cutting element is moved towards the book in a first direction to apply the cutting force of the spine cutting element, and the spine cutting element is moved in the opposite direction to the first direction after the spine trimming has been carried out.

[0038] This involves moving the spine trimming element after the spine trim and before the edge trim is complete so that it is outside the area where the edge trimming element can operate. This easily prevents the edge and spine trimming elements from touching while still allowing them to operate in the same plane. This enables the use of different spine and edge trimming elements without having to replace and / or reposition the other element to prevent collisions and ensure a seamless trim of the book.

[0039] Another embodiment of the method provides that the back cutting section and the edge cutting section overlap in certain areas.

[0040] This makes it advantageously easy to achieve a seamless trimming of the book.

[0041] The extent to which the spine cutting section and the edge cutting section overlap in certain areas can be regulated, for example, by the positioning of the spine cutting element in relation to the book, the shape and size of the spine cutting element, and the distance by which it is moved translationally.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the method, at least the back cutting element is moved pneumatically or by motor, in particular by servomotor.

[0043] This allows precise adjustment of the distance the back cutting element should move perpendicular to the first plane. Thanks to the pneumatic drive, no contamination is to be expected.

[0044] The invention is not limited to a pneumatic drive. Another embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that at least the back cutting element is moved by a motor, optionally by a servomotor.

[0045] Another embodiment of the method provides that the cutting process of the edge cutting element is realized by a translational movement of an edge cutting element designed as a knife or by a rotational movement of an edge cutting element designed as a milling cutter.

[0046] Milling and cutting are common techniques for trimming a book. Both techniques can cause damage to the spine. The device and method according to the invention can be used with both techniques and prevent damage to the spine, thus improving the visual appearance of the book after trimming.

[0047] Another embodiment of the method provides that the cutting process of the back cutting element is realized by a translational movement of a back cutting element designed as a knife.

[0048] The knife is moved perpendicular to the first plane.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the method, a three-sided trim is performed using the cutting device.

[0050] This means that all three unbound pages of the book can be trimmed in the cutting device without having to change the book's position between cuts. This reduces the workload.

[0051] The device and method according to the invention are versatile and industrially applicable. They can be used for trimming various types of books, brochures, or the like. In particular, they can be used for trimming book-like identification documents such as passport books.

[0052] Further aspects of the invention are described below with reference to figures, from which further embodiments and advantages can be derived. Figure 1 shows a perspective, partially cut-away view of a device for carrying out at least one cutting operation, in which the back cutting element comprises a knife with a straight cutting edge. Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the Figure 1 illustrated device. Figure 3shows a perspective, partially cut-away view of a cutting device in which the back cutting element includes a circular blade. Figure 4 shows another perspective of the in Figure 3 illustrated device.

[0053] To describe the figures and explain the process, the figures and applications are described using a book as an example. However, the invention also relates to the production of a brochure or the like, so the descriptions do not limit the process to book production but apply equally to the production of a brochure or the like. Furthermore, the invention is described solely by way of the sequence in which the spine trimming is carried out without prior edge trimming. This, too, does not limit the process to this specific sequence of cutting operations.

[0054] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective, partially cutaway view of a cutting device 10 in which the spine cutting element 50 includes a knife with a straight cutting edge 52. The device 10 includes a housing 1. The book 20 is pressed into the cutting device 10 in a positionally precise manner by being clamped between the first receiving element 40 and the second receiving element 42. The covers 26 of the book 20 rest against the receiving elements 40 and 42 and are positioned such that the spine 22 lies within an area accessible to a spine cutting element 50, in particular a knife with a straight cutting edge 52. Furthermore, the book 20 is positioned so that the edge cutting elements can access the unbound bound pages 24 of the book 20.

[0055] To press the book 20, the movable second receiving element 42 was pneumatically moved vertically upwards. The piston of the receiving element 74 was extended from the cylinder of the receiving element 76. In a next step, the spine trimming is carried out. For this purpose, the connecting element 60, on which the spine trimming element 50 is attached, was pneumatically or servomotorically moved vertically upwards. The piston 70 was moved out of the cylinder 72. Figures 2 to 4 show different representations and embodiments of the cutting device 10 with a pressed book 20 in such a position.

[0056] In Figure 2Figure 1 shows an enlarged section of a perspective view of a cutting device 10, in which the spine-cutting element 50 includes a knife with a straight cutting edge 52. The positioning of the knife with the straight cutting edge 52 in relation to the book 20, the first receiving element 40, and the second receiving element 42 is illustrated in particular. The knife with the straight cutting edge 52 is positioned such that it performs a spine trimming operation perpendicular to the first plane 46. The book 20 is held in the first receiving element 40 within the first plane 46, so that the underside of the first receiving element 40, against which the book 20 rests, forms the first plane 46.The shape of the knife with its straight cutting edge 52 and the distance by which the connecting element 60, and consequently the spine-cutting element 50, was moved vertically upwards, result in the spine-cutting section 30 not being limited to the spine 22, but extending into the area of ​​the book 20 that will be trimmed by the edge-cutting element; that is, the spine-cutting section 30 and the edge-cutting section overlap in certain areas. This ensures that a complete trim is achieved. Fig. 2 It is also illustrated that in the area of ​​a receiving element 40,42, which borders the back 22 and the cutting plane, the receiving elements 40,42 have recesses 44.

[0057] In Figure 3A perspective, partially cutaway view of a cutting device 10 is shown, in which a back cutting element 50 comprises a circular blade 54. A circular blade 54 has a circular cutting edge. The cutting device 10 has two back cutting elements 50, both of which comprise circular blades 54. The perspective is chosen such that the two back cutting elements 50 are at least partially shown. The back cutting elements 50 are arranged on the connecting element 60 such that the two circular blades 54 can perform cutting operations perpendicular to the first plane 46 on the opposite end regions of the back 22. This refers to the end regions of the back 22 that are opposite each other along its longitudinal extent. The two circular blades 54 are arranged in planes parallel to each other, so that parallel back trimming is made possible by the two circular blades 54.The device has stroke limiters 80, each comprising a threaded rod 82 and a nut 84. The stroke limiters 80 allow adjustment of how far the circular knives 54 are moved vertically upwards and, consequently, the area in which the back cutting section 30 and the edge cutting section overlap.

[0058] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cutting device 10, in which the back cutting element 50 includes a circular blade 54. A different perspective is chosen than for the representation in Figure 2. Fig. 3 .

[0059] The positioning of the rotary blade 54 in relation to the book 20, the first receiving element 40, and the second receiving element 42 is shown in particular. The rotary blade 54 is positioned such that it performs a spine trim perpendicular to the first plane 46, in which the book 20 is received in the first receiving element 40. Due to the shape and the distance by which the connecting element 60, and consequently the rotary blade 54, is moved vertically upwards, the spine trimming section 30 is not limited to the spine 22, but extends into the area of ​​the book 20 that is trimmed by the edge trimming element. This means that the spine trimming section 30 and the edge trimming section overlap in certain areas, thus achieving a seamless trim of the unbound boundary pages 24 in a simple manner.Furthermore, it is illustrated that in the area of ​​a receiving element 40,42, which borders the back 22 and the cutting plane, the receiving elements 40,42 can have recesses 44.

[0060] The circular blade 54 is mechanically fixed by a screw 56, preventing it from rotating. For back trimming, it is moved translationally. Only a limited area of ​​the cutting edge of the circular blade 54 is used for trimming. If this area becomes worn, the screw 56 can be loosened and the circular blade 54 moved at an angle so that a sharp portion of the cutting edge is positioned to perform the back trimming. The screw 56 is then tightened again, fixing the circular blade 54 in place and preventing any rotation. Reference symbol list

[0061] 1 Housing 10 Device 20 Book 22 Back 24 Unbound boundary side 26 Cover 30 Back cutting section 40 First mounting element 42 Second mounting element 44 Recess 46 First level 50 Back cutting element 52 Blade with straight cutting edge 54 Circular blade 56 Screw 60 Connecting element 70 Piston 72 Cylinder 74 Piston of the mounting element 76 Cylinder of the mounting element 80 Stroke limiter 82 Threaded rod 84 Nut

Claims

1. A device for performing at least one cut process (10) for the purpose of producing a book (20), a brochure or the like, in particular a book-like identification document such as a passport, which comprises book pages bound to a spine (22), wherein the device comprises a first receiving element (40) for receiving the book (20) in a first plane (46) and an edge cutting element which is designed and arranged to perform an edge cutting of the book (20) in an edge cutting section with a cutting force substantially in a cutting plane perpendicular to the first plane (46), wherein the device further comprises at least one spine cutting element (50) which is arranged and adapted to perform a spine cutting of the book (20) also in the cutting plane in a spine cutting section (30) adjoining the edge cutting section, wherein the device has two spine cutting elements (50) arranged in two planes positioned parallel to one another, so that both spine cutting elements (50) are adapted and arranged or arrangeable for cut processes at the end regions of the spine (22) opposite one another along its longitudinal extent, characterized in that the device further comprises a connecting element (60) on which the two spine cutting elements (50) are mechanically fastened, which can be driven or is driven pneumatically or by a motor, in particular a servomotor, so that simultaneous movement of both spine cutting elements (50) is possible.

2. The device for performing at least one cut process (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spine cutting element (50) and / or the edge cutting element is or are driven pneumatically or by a motor, in particular a servomotor.

3. The device for performing at least one cut process (10) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the device comprises a guide device which is set up for mechanically guiding the spine cutting element (50) in the cutting plane.

4. The device for performing at least one cut process (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device comprises a second receiving element (42) which is arranged parallel to the first receiving element (40), the first receiving element (40) and the second receiving element (42) being set up in such a way that a book (20) can be clamped or pressed between them.

5. The device for performing at least one cut process (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spine cutting element (50) comprises a knife (52, 54).

6. The device for performing at least one cut process (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the spine cutting element (50) is translationally displaceable for performing a cut process.

7. A method for performing at least one cut process for the purpose of producing a book (20), a brochure or the like, in particular a book-like identification document such as a passport, which comprises book pages which are bound to a spine (22), wherein - a device (10) according to at least one of claims 1-6 is provided, - a book (20) is fed to this device (10), - the book (20) is received in or on the first receiving element (40) in a first plane (46), - with at least one spine cutting element (50) with a cutting force in a cutting plane perpendicular to the first plane (46), a spine cutting of the book (20) is carried out in a spine cutting section (30), - an edge cutting of the book (20) is also performed in the cutting plane with an edge cutting element in an edge cutting section adjoining the spine cutting section (30).

8. The method for performing at least one cut process according to claim 7, characterized in that the spine cutting element (50) is moved towards the book (20) in a first direction for the purpose of applying the cutting force of the spine cutting element (50), and in that the spine cutting element (50) is moved in the opposite direction to the first direction after the spine cut has been performed.

9. The method for performing at least one cut process according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the spine cutting section (30) and the edge cutting section overlap in certain areas.

10. The method for performing at least one cut process according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least the spine cutting element (50) is driven pneumatically or by a motor, in particular by a servomotor.

11. The method for performing at least one cut process according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the cut process of the edge cutting element is realized by a translatory movement of an edge cutting element designed as a knife or by a rotatory movement of an edge cutting element designed as a cutter.

12. The method for performing at least one cut process according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the cut process of the spine cutting element (50) is realized by a translatory movement of a spine cutting element (50) designed as a knife (52, 54).

13. The method for performing at least one cut process according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that a three-sided cut is performed with the cutting device.

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