Bookbinding machine with swinging abutment elements for covers

Abstract

A solution for aligning corresponding covers (215) to be applied to book blocks (205) is proposed. A corresponding bookbinding machine (100) comprises an abutment device (230) for acting as an abutment for each cover (215) in correspondence with the respective book block (205). The abutment device (230) comprises one or more abutment elements (250a,250b) that are rotated in a direction by the cover (215) passing through them and rotate automatically in opposite direction in response to the cover (215) going beyond the abutment elements (250a,250b); blocking means (415) prevent the abutment elements (250a,250b) from being rotated in this opposite direction beyond an active position by the cover (215) returning towards them, thereby blocking the cover (215) in abutment against the abutment elements (250a,250b).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the bookbinding field. More specifically, this invention relates to the application of covers to book blocks in bookbinding machines.Background

[0002] The background of the present invention is introduced hereinafter with the discussion of techniques relating to its context. However, even when this discussion refers to documents, acts, artifacts and the like, it does not suggest or represent that the discussed techniques are part of the prior art or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure. Particularly, any corresponding drawback mentioned herein should not be considered to have been previously recognized in the prior art.

[0003] Bookbinding machines of different types are commonly used in bookbinding plants for producing books at industrial level. For example, a (bookbinding) perfect-binding machine is used to apply corresponding covers, particularly, soft covers, to book blocks. For this purpose, a transport system (for example, based on grippers that hold the book blocks individually in vertical) transports the book blocks in succession through different processing stations that perform corresponding operations thereon (such as feeding, pressing, milling, glue application, end-papers application, fastening linings application, covers application and delivery). For example (especially in the case of perfect-binding machines of small size, typically used to produce books being printed digitally), the transport system stops each gripper (with the corresponding book block) whenever it reaches the cover application station. At the same time, a feeding system feeds the covers in succession to the cover application station. A coupling device, or cover nipping, lifts the cover against the book block so that it is glued thereto.

[0004] The book block and the cover are aligned with each other in the cover application station, in order to obtain a correct application of the cover to the book block. For this purpose, the cover application station is provided with two lateral guides (adjustable according to a width of the cover) that guide the cover along an advance direction thereof, so as to center the cover transversely to the book block. Furthermore, the cover application station is provided with an abutment device for acting as an abutment for the cover along its advance direction, so as to align it longitudinally to the book block.

[0005] For example, the abutment device acts on a front edge of the cover along its advance direction. In this case, the abutment device comprises a (stationary) mechanical stop, against which the front edge of the cover abuts. However, this requires reducing a feeding speed of the covers to prevent them from bouncing back after reaching the mechanical stop (thereby reducing a yield of the perfect-binding machine) or adding levers that level the covers against the mechanical stop (thereby increasing a complexity of the perfect-binding machine). Furthermore, each change of format of the covers requires moving the mechanical stop manually accordingly (resulting in relatively long machine downtimes).

[0006] Alternatively, the abutment device acts on a rear edge of the cover along its advance direction. In this case, the abutment device comprises two levers driven by corresponding pneumatic cylinders. Each lever and its pneumatic cylinder are mounted on a corresponding lateral guide. The cylinders drive the levers so as to rotate them for lifting horizontally, thus allowing the passage of the cover along its advance direction. Once the cover has passed the (lifted) levers, the cylinders drive the levers to rotate them in the opposite direction to lower them vertically, so as not to allow the passage of the cover any longer. The cover is then fed in the opposite direction until corresponding lateral ends of the cover abut against the (lowered) levers. This allows blocking the covers precisely, regardless of the feeding speed of the covers and of the format of the covers (with a positive effect on the yield of the perfect-binding machine).

[0007] However, this requires the cylinders to be relatively precise (and therefore expensive), in order to drive the levers substantially in equal manner. In fact, any misalignment of the cylinders would cause a corresponding misalignment of the levers when lowered. Consequently, the levers would block the side ends of the cover in different positions along its advance direction, thereby causing a corresponding rotation of the cover which would then be applied in askew manner to the book block.Summary

[0008] The present invention is defined in the appended claims.

[0009] A simplified summary of the present invention is herein presented in order to provide a basic understanding thereof; however, the sole purpose of this summary is to introduce some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to its following more detailed description, and it is not to be interpreted as an identification of its key elements nor as a delineation of its scope.

[0010] In general terms, the present invention is based on the idea of using swinging abutment elements of passive type.

[0011] Particularly, an aspect provides a bookbinding machine for applying corresponding covers to book blocks. The bookbinding machine comprises an abutment device for acting as an abutment for each cover in correspondence with the respective book block. The abutment device comprises one or more abutment elements that are rotated in a direction by the cover passing through them and rotate automatically in opposite direction in response to the cover going beyond the abutment elements; blocking means prevent the abutment elements from being rotated in this opposite direction beyond an active position by the cover returning towards them, thereby blocking the cover in abutment against the abutment elements.

[0012] A further aspect provides a bookbinding plant comprising one or more instances of the bookbinding machine.

[0013] A further aspect provides a corresponding method for applying corresponding covers to book blocks.

[0014] More specifically, one or more aspects of the present invention are set forth in the independent claims and advantageous features thereof are set forth in the dependent claims, with the text of all the claims being incorporated herein by reference (with any advantageous features provided with respect to any specific aspect that apply mutatis mutandis to any other aspect).Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The solution of the present invention, as well as further features and the respective advantages, will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description thereof, provided purely by way of a non-restrictive indication, to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (wherein, for the sake of simplicity, corresponding elements are denoted with equal or similar references and their explanation is not repeated, and the name of each entity is generally used to denote both its type and its attributes, like value, content and representation). In this respect, it is expressly understood that the drawings are not necessary drawn to scale (with some details that may be exaggerated and / or simplified) and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely used to illustrate the structures and procedures described herein conceptually. In addition, orientations and related position references (such as front, rear, upper, lower, lateral and so on) are to be intended in relation to a condition of use of the corresponding entities. Particularly: FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a bookbinding machine wherein the solution according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied, FIG.2 shows a schematic representation of a detail of the bookbinding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.3 shows a schematic representation of an enlarged detail of the bookbinding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.4A-FIG-4D show the principles of operation of the solution according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.5 shows an illustrative representation of an abutment element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0016] With reference in particular to FIG. 1, a schematic representation is shown of a bookbinding machine 100 wherein the solution according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied.

[0017] Particularly, this is a (bookbinding) perfect-binding machine 100; the perfect-binding machine 100 is used for the production of books in bookbinding plants, and in particular for applying corresponding covers (for example, soft covers) to book blocks, not shown in the figure. Each book block is formed by a block of signatures or sheets that are stacked on top of each other, being either bound together (such as sewn or glued at points) or not.

[0018] The perfect-binding machine 100 comprises the following components. A plurality of processing stations, four in the example at issue indicated by the references 105a, 105b, 105c and 105d, are distributed along a closed path inside the perfect-binding machine 100 for processing the book blocks. At least part of the processing stations 105a-105d process the book blocks while they are stopped therein; for example, these (stationary) processing stations comprise a loading station 105a (for loading the book blocks to be processed in succession), a cover application station 105c (for applying the covers to the book blocks) and a delivery station 105d (for delivering the book blocks that have been processed). One or more of the processing stations 105a-105e (the processing station 105b in the example shown in the figure) instead process the book blocks while they are in motion; for example, the (motion) processing station 105b mills the book blocks and applies glue thereto.

[0019] A transport system 110 transports the book blocks individually in the perfect-binding machine 100 (for example, in vertical with spines thereof facing downwards). For example, the transport system 110 comprises a plurality of grippers, three in the example at issue indicated by the references 115a, 115b and 115c, each comprising two jaws movable horizontally relative to each other (for example, operated by a pneumatic actuator not shown in the figure). Each gripper 115a-115c is opened (by moving its jaws apart) in the loading station 105a for receiving a new book block to be processed and in the delivery station 105d for releasing the book block that has been processed. The gripper 115a-115c is closed (by moving its jaws closer) so as to hold the book block in vertical (for example, slightly above its spine) for its processing. Furthermore, the transport system 110 comprises a moving mechanism 120 only partially visible in the figure (for example, driven by a motor not shown in the figure), which moves the grippers 115a-115c, and therefore also the corresponding book blocks, through the processing stations 105a-105d along a continuous guide (with an oval shape in the example at issue), crossing them continuously from the loading station 105a to the delivery station 105d. The transport system 110 operates intermittently (in start-stop mode), so as to stop the grippers 115a-115c in the stationary processing stations 105a,105c,105d for the time necessary to perform the corresponding operations (for example, as described in WO-A-2021 / 130363 or in WO-A-2022 / 268734). The operation of the perfect-binding machine 100 is managed by a control unit (for example, an industrial PC) not shown in the figure.

[0020] With reference now to FIG.2, a schematic representation is shown of a detail of the bookbinding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Particularly, the figure shows the transport system 110 in partial way with a gripper, generally indicated with the reference 115, and a corresponding part of the moving mechanism 120. The gripper 115 is closed so as to hold a (current) book block, indicated with the reference 205. The gripper 115 is stationary in the cover application station 105c, so that the book block 205 is in a coupling position (for example, defined by a position of a rear edge of the book block 205 along a transport directions thereof, i.e., foot or head, on the left in the figure).

[0022] Furthermore, the figure shows the cover application station 105c comprising the following components. A hopper 210 is used to load a stack of covers, indicated with the reference 215. An extraction device (not visible in the figure) extracts the covers 215 in succession from the hopper 210 (from the bottom or the top of the corresponding stack). A creasing device (not visible in the figure) creases each (current) cover 215 according to the book block 205 to which it is to be applied. A feeding system 220 (described in detail in the following) feeds the cover 215 to a (further) coupling position corresponding to the coupling position of the book block 205 (for example, underneath it when the book block 205 is arranged in vertical with the spine facing downwards). For this purpose, as described in detail in the following, the feeding system 220 is configured to feed the cover 215 both along an advance direction and along a return direction, opposite the advance direction (for example, horizontally rightwards and leftwards, respectively, in the figure). A (first) lateral guide 225a and a (second) lateral guide 225b guide the cover 215 so as to center it transversely to the book block 205. A distance between the lateral guides 225a and 225b is adjustable (for example, by means of an electric motor not shown in the figure) according to a width of the cover 215. An abutment device 230 acts as an abutment for the cover 215 so as to align it longitudinally to the book block 205 (i.e., so that its feet and head are at a predetermined distance horizontally, even zero, such as to ensure the correct alignment of a graphic content of the cover 215 with the book block 205). A coupling device (cover nipping) 235 couples the cover 215 to the book block 205 (for example, by lifting it thereagainst).

[0023] For example, the feeding system 220 comprises a feeding plate 240 being arranged horizontally, on which the cover 215 rests. The feeding plate 240 is provided with a feeding mechanism 245 based on one or more chains with push pins (two in the example shown in the figure), which feeding mechanism 245 pushes the cover 215 along its advance direction (horizontally, rightwards in the figure). Furthermore, the feeding system 220 comprises an additional feeding mechanism being integrated in the lateral guides 225a,225b (described in the following), which pulls the cover 215 back and forth along the advance direction and along the return direction, respectively (horizontally, rightwards and leftwards, respectively, in the figure). The abutment device 230 comprises one or more abutment elements of swinging type (or levers), two in the example at issue indicated with the references 250a and 250b. Particularly, the abutment elements 250a,250b are rotatable around a rotation axis perpendicular to the advance / return direction of the cover 215 (horizontally). Preferably, the abutment elements 250a and 250b are mounted on the lateral guides 225a and 225b, respectively (for example, in front of the feeding plate 240).

[0024] In operation, the moving mechanism 120 transports each gripper 115 (with the corresponding book block 205) to the cover application station 105c in succession. The moving mechanism 120 stops the gripper 115 so that the book block 205 is in its coupling position. At the same time, the feeding system 220 (particularly, the feeding plate 240 in the example at issue) receives each cover 215 in succession being extracted from the hopper 210 (by the extraction device) and then creased (by the creasing device). The feeding system 220 feeds the cover 215 along the advance direction (horizontally rightwards in the figure) to an intermediate position beyond the abutment device 230 and then along the return direction (horizontally leftwards in the figure) from the intermediate position against the abutment device 230 (to its coupling position aligned with book block 205). At this point, the coupling device 235 lifts the cover 215 against the book block 205 and then presses the spine of the cover 215 against the spine of book block 205 so as to bond it thereto.

[0025] With reference now to FIG.3, a schematic representation is shown of an enlarged detail of the bookbinding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Particularly, the figure shows one of the lateral guides, generically indicated with the reference 225, and the corresponding abutment element, generically indicated with the reference 250. Furthermore, the figure shows a corresponding part of the feeding mechanism integrated in the lateral guide 225, indicated with the reference 305 (with the same structure being replicated in the other lateral guide, not shown in the figure).

[0027] For example, the feeding mechanism 305 comprises a belt 310 and a series of balls 315 (two visible in the figure), which are housed in a channel 320. The belt 310 and the channel 320 extend in parallel along the lateral guide 225 one above the other, with the channel 320 open in front of the belt 310. For example, the belt 310 is arranged above the coupling device 235 (such as slightly raised therefrom) and in turn the channel 320 is arranged above the belt 310. The balls 315 are inserted partly into corresponding circular holes 325 of smaller radius than that of the balls 315, which circular holes 325 are distributed (for example, uniformly) along a wall of the channel 320 opposite the belt 310 (upper wall in the example at issue); in this way, the balls 315 are free to rotate but not to translate. The cover 215 is inserted with a corresponding lateral edge between the belt 310 and the balls 315. In the example at issue, the cover 215 is then slightly raised from the coupling device 235, according to a thickness of the belt 310 (for example, by 1-3 mm) and to the possible distance of the belt 310 from the coupling device 235 (for example, by further 0-4 mm). The belt 310 is made of a relatively rough material (for example, rubber) and the balls are made of a relatively heavy material (for example, steel). In this way, the belt 310 grips the side edge of the cover 215 pressed against it by the balls 315. Consequently, when the belt 310 is rotated (for example, by a motor not shown in the figure), the side edge of the cover 215 is pulled by the belt 310 in the same direction (with the two parts of the feeding mechanism 305 pulling the cover 215 accordingly).

[0028] Preferably, the abutment element 250 is cantilevered on the lateral guide 225. In this way, the lateral guide 225 leaves a zone free between the cover 215 and the book block 205 corresponding to the abutment element 250 along the advance direction. For example, the lateral guide 225 has a projection 330 that extends (from the channel 320) towards the other lateral guide (inwards). The abutment element 250 is mounted on an abutment block 335. For example, the abutment block 335 comprises a plate 340. The abutment element 250 is fitted onto a (tap) screw 345, which is screwed into a corresponding threaded hole 350 of the plate 340, so that the abutment element 250 remains constrained transversely (with clearance) between the plate 340 and a head of the screw 345 (around a smooth portion of a shank of the screw 345). In turn, the abutment block 335 is mounted on the projection 330, so that the abutment element 250 is aligned with the projection 330 along the advance / return direction of the cover 215. For example, the plate 340 is provided with a slot 355 that extends longitudinally. Two (tap) screws 360a and 360b (or more), with shanks mating the slot 355 and heads wider than the slot 355, are inserted into the slot 355 and screwed slightly into corresponding threaded holes of the projection 330 (not visible in the figure). The position of the abutment block 335 is adjusted horizontally (by sliding the slot 355 relative to the screws 360a,360b) and the screws 360a,360b are then tightened into the corresponding threaded holes. In this way, the stop block 335 may be preassembled on a workbench and then mounted on the side guide 225 (adjusting its position precisely) in a quick and easy way.

[0029] With reference now to FIG.4A-FIG-4D, the principles of operation are shown of the solution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Starting from FIG.4A, with reference again to a generic abutment element 250, it is rotatable around its rotation axis (perpendicular to the figure). For example, for this purpose the abutment element 250 is provided with a (through) hole 405, which is fitted (without interference) on a pin 410 that extends along the rotation axis (integral with the guide 225 in the example at issue, particularly in this case with the pin 410 that consists of the screw 345 in FIG.3 used to mount the abutment element 250 on the abutment block 335). The hole 405 and the pin 410 are matching, with a clearance chosen as a compromise between the opposing needs of high precision (lower value) and reduced risk of seizure (higher value). Additionally, a blocking element 415 is provided for preventing a certain rotation of the abutment element 250, as described in the following (for example, defined by the projection of the lateral guide 225 on which the abutment block 335 is mounted).

[0031] The abutment element 250 is a passive element. This means that the abutment element 250 is not controlled by any actuator for performing its function (i.e., rotating); conversely, for this purpose the abutment element 250 responds automatically to the passage of the cover 215. Preferably, the abutment element 250 is freely rotatable in correspondence with the passage of the cover 215. This means that there is nothing to facilitate / hinder the rotation of the abutment element 250 for this purpose (except for the corresponding friction); conversely, under the action of the cover 215 the abutment element 250 rotates only in opposition to its weight (in addition to the friction) and in the absence of the cover 215 the abutment element 250 rotates only by gravity (in opposition to the friction). Preferably, the rotation axis of the abutment element 250 is arranged above a feeding zone of the cover 215 (between a lower surface thereof and an upper surface thereof). For example, the rotation axis is arranged above a (lower) feeding plane of the cover 215 (defined by an upper surface of the belt 310 in the case at issue), at a distance higher than a maximum allowable thickness of the cover 215 (for example, 2-4 mm from the upper surface of the belt 310).

[0032] At rest, when the cover 215 does not act on the abutment element 250, the latter automatically moves into a rest position. For example, when the abutment element 250 is freely rotatable (in correspondence with the passage of the cover 215), it reaches this position by gravity. Preferably, in the rest position, the abutment element 250 abuts against the blocking element 415. For example, when the abutment element 250 is freely rotatable (in correspondence with the passage of the cover), in the rest position the abutment element 250 is not arranged vertically, i.e., its center of gravity is misaligned vertically with respect to the axis of rotation so as to generate a torque that pushes the abutment element 250 against the blocking element 415. Preferably, in the rest position, the abutment element 250 passes transversely through the feeding zone of the cover 215. For example, when the rotation axis is arranged above the feeding zone of the cover 215, the abutment element 250 in the rest position extends below the feeding zone of the cover 215. Particularly, when the cover 215 rests on the belt 310 so as to be lifted from the coupling device 235, a free end (or tip) of the abutment element 250 extends towards the coupling device 235 (such as at 2-3 mm therefrom).

[0033] In operation, the feeding mechanism 305 receives the cover 215 from the feeding mechanism of the feeding plate (not shown in the figure). The feeding mechanism 305 feeds the cover in the advance direction towards the abutment element 250 (from left to right in the figure). Particularly, in the example at issue the corresponding side edge of the cover 215 is inserted between the belt 310 and the balls (not visible in the figure) of the lateral guide 225; the belt 310 rotates (clockwise in the figure) so as to pull the side edge of the cover 215 (squeezed between it and the balls) in the same direction (rightwards in the figure).

[0034] Moving to FIG.4B, when the cover 215 reaches the abutment element 250, the latter is rotated by the cover 215 in a (first) direction (counterclockwise in the figure) so as to pass from the rest position to a passive position. Preferably, the abutment element 250 has a front surface along the advance direction (facing the cover 215 when fed along it) that is rounded (for example, with a convex profile at its free end), so as to define a front lead-in face 230f that facilitates the rotation of the abutment element 250 by the cover 215. In the passive position, the abutment element 250 no longer crosses the feeding zone of the cover 215 (being lifted from the belt 310 in the example at issued); in this way, the abutment element 250 allows the passage of the cover 215 without substantially interfering with it (apart for the corresponding friction). Preferably, when the abutment element 250 is freely rotatable between the rest position and the passive position, the cover 215 lifts the abutment element 250 only in opposition to its weight (in addition to the friction).

[0035] Moving to FIG.4C, as soon as the cover 215 has passed the abutment element 250, the latter is cleared by the cover 215. Consequently, the abutment element 250 automatically rotates in a (second) direction opposite the first direction (clockwise in the figure), so as to return from the passive position to the rest position. Preferably, when the abutment element 250 is freely rotatable between the rest position and the passive position, it lowers only by gravity (in opposition to the friction). Particularly, in the example at issue the abutment element 250 abuts against the blocking element 415.

[0036] Moving to FIG.4D, at this point the feeding mechanism 305 reverses its operation (for example, in response to the cover 215 reaching its intermediate position beyond the abutment element 250 as detected by a corresponding sensor, not shown in the figure), so as to now feed the cover 215 in the return direction towards the abutment element 250 (from right to left in the figure). Particularly, in the example at issue the belt 310 rotates (counterclockwise in the figure) so as to pull the side edge of the cover 215 (squeezed between it and the balls, not shown in the figure, of the side guide 225) in the same direction (leftwards in the figure). As a result, the cover 215 reaches the abutment element 250 (with a delay from the crossing of the abutment element 250 by the cover 215 such as to ensure this, and particularly that the abutment element 250 has already returned to its rest position). At this point, the abutment element 250 is pushed by the cover 215 towards the blocking element 415. As a result, the abutment element 250 abuts against the blocking element 415. Therefore, the abutment element 250 is blocked in an active position (between the cover 215 and the blocking element 415). As a result, a corresponding portion of the cover 215 abuts against the abutment element 250 (with the two abutment elements thus blocking the cover 215 in its coupling position). In case the active position coincides with the rest position of the abutment element 250, when the cover 215 reaches the abutment element 250 it is already in the active position against the blocking element 415. Therefore, the cover 215 is directly blocked by the abutment element 250 (in turn already blocked by the blocking element 415). This improves the precision of the position at which the cover 215 is stopped, and hence the precision of its alignment with the book block (not shown in the figure). Preferably, the abutment element 250 has a rear surface along the feeding direction (facing the cover 215 when fed along the return direction) that is straight, so as to define a rear stop face 250r that extends vertically in the active position of the abutment element 250, thereby facilitating the stopping of the cover 215 in the correct position.

[0037] The above-described solution is extremely simple (and therefore economic), thanks to the absence of any actuator and the related control software for rotating the abutment elements actively. Furthermore, the mounting of the abutment elements is relatively easy, and then it may be performed quickly without requiring particular expertise (with a further positive effect on costs).

[0038] The abutment elements, due to their simplicity, provide a relatively high reliability (for example, limited risk of jamming) and require relatively simple maintenance. In any case, even if necessary (for example, due to wear or breakage), the abutment elements may be replaced in a quick and easy way.

[0039] At the same time, this solution offers relatively high precision. In fact, the active position of the abutment elements (and therefore the position at which the cover is blocked) may be adjusted in a relatively precise way with simple mechanical operations.

[0040] Furthermore, again thanks to the absence of any actuator, the abutment elements are relatively compact. For example, referring again to FIG.3, when each abutment element 250 is cantilevered on the corresponding lateral guide 225 (leaving free the zone between the cover 215 and the book block 205 corresponding to the abutment element 250 along the advance direction) this provides an easier exit of the cover 215 from the feeding mechanism 305 (when carried by the coupling device 235 towards the book block 205). In this way, there is reduced a corresponding gull-wing movement of the cover 215 and then possible risks of detachment of the cover 215 from the book block 205 (to which it has just been applied).

[0041] With reference now to FIG.5, an illustrative representation is shown of an abutment element 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Preferably, the abutment element 250 has a composite structure. For example, the abutment element 250 comprises a (first) component 505 for rotating around the rotation axis and a (second) component 510 for interacting with the cover (not shown in the figure). For example, the component 505 defines a hub of the abutment element 250 (wherein the through hole 405 is made to be mounted on the corresponding pin, not shown in the figure). The component 510 instead defines a nail of the abutment element 250 (with a relatively long and thin structure). The component 505 and the component 510 are made of a (first) material and a (second) material, respectively, different from each other. Particularly, the material of the component 505 (for example, bronze) is chosen so as to optimize the rotation of the abutment element 250 (for example, for limiting the wear caused by it). The material of the component 510 (for example, stainless steel) is chosen so as to optimize the interaction with the cover 215 (for example, for limiting the risk of its damage). Furthermore, the materials of the components 505,510 and their shape are chosen so that the center of gravity of the abutment element 250 is a compromise between the opposed requirements of low moment of resistance of the abutment element 250 for its rotation from the rest position to the passive position (so as to facilitate such rotation by the cover 215 according to its characteristics, such as size, weight and so on) and high applied torque of the abutment element 250 for its automatic rotation from the passive position to the rest position (so as to facilitate such automatic rotation).

[0043] Furthermore, preferably the abutment element 250 also has a modular structure. For example, the component 505 and the component 510 are coupled to each other in a releasable manner. This means that the components 505,510 may be coupled / uncoupled in a relatively easy and quick way (for example, by an end user as well). For this purpose, the abutment element 250 is provided with a corresponding removable connecting member. For example, a (tap) screw 515 is provided for mounting the component 505 on the component 510; particularly, the screw 515 is threaded into a smooth hole of the component 505 matching a shank thereof and then it is screwed into a threaded hole of the component 510 aligned with this smooth hole (not visible in the figure).

[0044] This makes the above-described solution particularly flexible. In fact, it is possible to disassemble the abutment element 250 (by unscrewing the screw 515) and to replace the component 510 (or the component 505) in order to adapt its shape / density (and then the center of gravity of the abutment element 250 that defines its moment of resistance and applied torque) to different types of covers in a simple and fast way (even in the field directly in the perfect-binding machine, not shown in the figure).Modifications

[0045] In order to satisfy local and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply many logical and / or physical modifications to the present invention, provided that it remains within the scope of the claims. Particularly, the present invention may be practiced even without the specific details (such as the numerical values) set forth in the preceding description to provide a more thorough understanding thereof; conversely, well-known features may have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the description with unnecessary particulars. Moreover, it is expressly understood that specific elements and / or method steps described in connection with any embodiment of the present disclosure may be incorporated in any other embodiment as a matter of general design choice. Moreover, items presented in a same group and different embodiments, examples or alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalent to each other (but they are separate and autonomous entities). In any case, each numerical value should be read as modified according to the applicable tolerances; particularly, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "substantially", "about", "approximately" and the like should be intended as within 10%, preferably 5% and still more preferably 1%. Moreover, each range of numerical values should be intended as expressly specifying any possible number along the continuum within the range (comprising its end points). Ordinal or other qualifiers are merely used as labels to distinguish elements with the same name but do not by themselves connote any priority, precedence or order. The terms include, comprise, have, contain, involve and the like should be intended with an open, non-exhaustive meaning (i.e., not limited to the recited items), the terms based on, dependent on, in agreement with, according to, function of and the like should be intended as a non-exclusive relationship (i.e., with possible further variables involved), the term a / an should be intended as one or more items (unless expressly indicated otherwise), and the term means for (or any means-plus-function formulation) should be intended as any structure adapted or configured for carrying out the relevant function. More specifically, each of the following modifications may be applied (alone or in combination with any other modification) to all the features described above (wherein, in general, the features described in each complete sentence may be implemented independently of the features described in the other sentences, except for those strictly necessary functionally).

[0046] For example, an embodiment provides a bookbinding machine. However, the bookbinding machine may be of any type (for example, a perfect-binding machine of any size, operating speed and so on).

[0047] In an embodiment, the bookbinding machine is for applying corresponding covers to book blocks. However, the book blocks and the covers may be of any type (for example, book blocks made of signatures / sheets being sewn, glued, stapled and the like, soft covers, hard covers, and so on).

[0048] In an embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises a transport system for transporting each current one of the book blocks to a coupling position. However, the transport system may be of any type (for example, based on one or more conveyors such as chains, belts and the like, with or without passive sections, with any number of transport elements of any type, such as jaws-based, gripper-based and so on) and for transporting the current book block to any coupling position (for example, defined by its front / back edge, its head / foot and so on).

[0049] In an embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises an abutment device for acting as an abutment for each current one of the covers in correspondence with the coupling position. However, the abutment device may be arranged in any way in correspondence with the coupling position (for example, at any vertical distance, with a corresponding edge of the cover at any distance, even zero, horizontally from a front / rear edge of the book block, and so on).

[0050] In an embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises a feeding system for feeding the current cover. However, the feeding system may be of any type (for example, formed by one or more parts, based on push pins, belts and balls, conveyor belts, and so on).

[0051] In an embodiment, the feeding system is for feeding the current cover along an advance direction to an intermediate position beyond the abutment device. However, the advance direction may be of any type (for example, horizontal, inclined and horizontal, and so on) and the intermediate position may be of any type (for example, at any distance beyond the abutment device, detected by a sensor or determined automatically after a time from the passing of the abutment device dependent on a feeding speed, and so on).

[0052] In an embodiment, the feeding system is for feeding the current cover along a return direction, opposite the advance direction, from the intermediate position against the abutment device. However, the return direction may be of any type (for example, horizontal, inclined and horizontal, and so on) and the current cover may be fed along it in any way (for example, at a speed lower or equal with respect to the feeding along the advance direction, and so on).

[0053] In an embodiment, the abutment device comprises one or more abutment elements. However, the abutment elements may be in any number, of any type (for example, shape, size, material, with monolithic, composite or modular structure, and so on) and in any position (for example, lateral, central and so on).

[0054] In an embodiment, the abutment elements are rotatable around a rotation axis perpendicular to the advance direction. However, the abutment elements may be rotatable in any way (for example, via a bushing, rolling bearings, and so on).

[0055] In an embodiment, the abutment elements are rotatable around the rotation axis in a first direction from a rest position to a passive position by the current cover fed along the advance direction that passes through the abutment elements. However, the abutment elements may be rotated for this purpose in any way (for example, in any direction, by any angle, lifted / lowered, freely and / or not, and so on) between any rest position (for example, wherein the abutment elements extend obliquely by any angle, vertically, and so on) and any passive position (for example, lowered / lifted by any distance, and so on).

[0056] In an embodiment, the abutment elements are rotatable around the rotation axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for returning automatically from the passive position to the rest position in response to the current cover fed along the advance direction going beyond the abutment elements. However, the abutment elements may be rotated for this purpose in any way (for example, in any direction, at any speed, lowering / lifting, only by gravity or not, and so on).

[0057] In an embodiment, the abutment device comprises blocking means for preventing a rotation in the second direction of the abutment elements beyond an active position by the current cover fed along the return direction, thereby blocking the current cover in abutment against the abutment elements in the active position. However, the blocking means may be implemented in any way (for example, with corresponding blocking elements for the abutment elements, a single blocking element for all the abutment elements, in any form, such as of mechanical stop, ratchet and the like, in any position, such as on the coupling device, on the lateral guides, and so on) for blocking the abutment elements in any active position (for example, either the same or different with respect to the rest position, wherein the abutment elements extend obliquely at any angle, vertically, and so on).

[0058] Further embodiments provide additional advantageous features, which may however be omitted at all in a basic implementation. In this respect, it is expressly understood that the features of each of the following embodiments may be combined with the above features either alone or in combination with the features of any number of the other following embodiments.

[0059] In an embodiment, the abutment elements are freely rotatable between the rest position and the passive position. However, the possibility is not excluded of having the abutment elements also rotatable in opposition to biasing means (for example, elastic means such as corresponding springs, and so on).

[0060] In an embodiment, the abutment elements return from the passive position to the rest position only by gravity. However, the possibility is not excluded of having the abutment elements also returning by the effect of previously loaded biasing means (for example, by springback, and so on).

[0061] In an embodiment, the active position coincides with the rest position. However, the possibility is not excluded of having the active position distinct from the rest position (for example, with the abutment elements in the active position rotated in the second direction by any angle beyond the rest position).

[0062] In an embodiment, the abutment elements in the rest position abut against the blocking means. However, this result may be achieved in any way (for example, with the abutment elements being biased against the blocking means by gravity, by the biasing means and the like, with the blocking means keeping the abutment elements rotated from their vertical position in the first direction or in the second direction by any angle, and so on). In any case, the possibility is not excluded of having the abutment elements in the rest position being separated from the blocking means at any distance therefrom (for example, because freely extending in vertical and so on).

[0063] In an embodiment, the abutment elements in the rest position and in the active position extend transversely through a corresponding feeding zone of the current cover. However, the feeding zone may be of any type (for example, above the coupling device at any distance therefrom, at the same level as the coupling device, and so on), and the abutment elements may extend through the feeding zone in any way (for example, with their free ends below or above the feeding zone at any distance therefrom, and so on).

[0064] In an embodiment, each abutment element comprises a front wall and a rear wall along the advance direction. However, the front / rear walls may be of any type (for example, different, the same and so on).

[0065] In an embodiment, the front wall is rounded. However, the front wall may be rounded in any way (for example, for any extent from its free end, with any fixed / variable curvature, and so on).

[0066] In an embodiment, the rear wall extends vertically in the active position. However, the rear wall may be of any type (for example, with a straight portion for extending vertically or even slightly oblique with any extent, and so on).

[0067] In an embodiment, each of the abutment elements comprises a first component and a second component. However, the abutment element may comprise any number of components (even just one).

[0068] In an embodiment, the first component is for rotating around the rotation axis. However, the first component may be of any type (for example, shape, size, material and so on).

[0069] In an embodiment, the second component is for interacting with the current cover. However, the second component may be of any type (for example, shape, size, material and so on).

[0070] In an embodiment, the first component is made of at least one first material. However, the first material may be of any type (for example, single / multiple, such as bronze, tin, tin / lead, tin / zinc and so on).

[0071] In an embodiment, the second component is made of at least one second material different from the first material. However, the second material may be of any type (for example, single / multiple, such as stainless steel, tool steel, aluminum and so on).

[0072] In an embodiment, the first material is bronze. However, any type of bronze may be used (for example, with any percentage of copper and tin, with or without the addition of phosphorus, lead, zinc, beryllium and so on).

[0073] In an embodiment, the second material is stainless steel. However, any type of stainless steel may be used (for example, with any percentage of iron, carbon and chromium, of austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, biphasic, precipitation hardened type, and so on).

[0074] In an embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises a coupling device for coupling the current cover to the current book block by carrying the current cover against the current book block. However, the coupling device may be of any type (for example, with two lateral plates and a central plate independent of each other, with a central plate and two lateral rollers, and so on).

[0075] In an embodiment, the bookbinding machine comprises a first lateral guide and a second lateral guide for guiding the current cover fed along the advance direction and the return direction laterally so as to center the current cover transversely to the current book block. However, the lateral guides may be of any type (for example, shape and size, with the corresponding feeding mechanism integrated or not therein, adjustable automatically / manually, and so on).

[0076] In an embodiment, the abutment elements comprise a first abutment element and a second abutment element cantilevered on the first lateral guide and the second lateral guide, respectively. However, the abutment elements may be cantilevered on the lateral guides in any way (for example, on corresponding projections, directly on their main bodies, and so on).

[0077] In an embodiment, in this way the first lateral guide and the second lateral guide do not interfere with a passage of the current cover carried towards the current book block by the coupling device in a zone corresponding to the first abutment element and the second abutment element along the advance direction. However, the current cover and the lateral guides may interfere in any way during this operation (for example, only in correspondence with the feeding mechanism integrated therein, in no way, and so on).

[0078] An embodiment provides a bookbinding plant comprising one or more instances of such bookbinding machine. However, the bookbinding plant may comprise any number of such bookbinding machines, together with any number and type of other bookbinding machines, down to none (for example, one or more machines for providing the book blocks, such as printers, sewing machines, combined machines for folding flat sheets and opening signatures, and the like, one or more machines for performing operations following the application of the covers, such as three-knife trimming machines and the like, and so on).

[0079] Generally, similar considerations apply if the bookbinding machine and the bookbinding plant each one has a different structure, comprises equivalent components (for example, of different materials) or has other operative characteristics, provided that it remains within the scope of the claims. In any case, every component thereof may be separated into more elements, or two or more components may be combined together into a single element; moreover, each component may be replicated to support the execution of the corresponding operations in parallel. It is expressly understood that, unless specified otherwise, any interaction between different components (including their mutual arrangement) generally does not need to be continuous, and it may be either direct or indirect through one or more intermediaries.

[0080] An embodiment provides a method of applying corresponding covers to book blocks in a bookbinding machine. In an embodiment, the method comprises transporting each current one of the book blocks to a coupling position. In an embodiment, the method comprises acting as an abutment for each current one of the covers in correspondence with the coupling position by an abutment device. In an embodiment, the method comprises feeding the current cover along an advance direction to an intermediate position beyond the abutment device and along a return direction, opposite the advance direction, from the intermediate position against the abutment device. In an embodiment, the method comprises rotating one or more abutment elements of the abutment device around a rotation axis perpendicular to the advance direction in a first direction from a rest position to a passive position by the current cover fed along the advance direction that passes through the abutment elements and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for returning automatically from the passive position to the rest position in response to the current cover fed along the advance direction going beyond the abutment elements. In an embodiment, the method comprises preventing a rotation in the second direction of the abutment elements beyond an active position by the current cover fed along the return direction thereby blocking the current cover in abutment against the abutment elements in the active position.

[0081] Generally, similar considerations apply if the same solution is implemented with an equivalent method, provided that it remains within the scope of the claims (by using similar steps with the same functions of more steps or portions thereof, removing some non-essential steps or adding further optional steps); moreover, the steps may be performed in a different order, concurrently or in an interleaved way (at least in part).

Claims

1. A bookbinding machine (100) for applying corresponding covers (215) to book blocks (205), wherein the bookbinding machine (100) comprises: a transport system (110) for transporting each current one of the book blocks (205) to a coupling position, an abutment device (230) for acting as an abutment for each current one of the covers (215) in correspondence with the coupling position, a feeding system (220) for feeding the current cover (215) along an advance direction to an intermediate position beyond the abutment device (230) and along a return direction, opposite the advance direction, from the intermediate position against the abutment device, characterized in that the abutment device (230) comprises: one or more abutment elements (250a,250b) being rotatable around a rotation axis perpendicular to the advance direction in a first direction from a rest position to a passive position by the current cover (215) fed along the advance direction that passes through the abutment elements (250a,250b) and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for returning automatically from the passive position to the rest position in response to the current cover (215) fed along the advance direction going beyond the abutment elements (250a,250b), and blocking means (415) for preventing a rotation in the second direction of the abutment elements (250a,250b) beyond an active position by the current cover (215) fed along the return direction thereby blocking the current cover (215) in abutment against the abutment elements (250a,250b) in the active position.

2. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the abutment elements (250a,250b) are freely rotatable between the rest position and the passive position, the abutment elements (250a,250b) returning from the passive position to the rest position only by gravity.

3. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the active position coincides with the rest position.

4. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 3, wherein the abutment elements (250a, 250b) in the rest position abut against the blocking means (415).

5. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any claim from 1 to 4, wherein the abutment elements (250a,250b) in the rest position and in the active position extend transversely through a corresponding feeding zone of the current cover (215).

6. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any claim from 1 to 5, wherein each abutment element (250a,250b) comprises a front wall (250f) and a rear wall (250r) along the advance direction, the front wall (250f) being rounded and the rear wall (250r) being straight.

7. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any claim from 1 to 6, wherein each of the abutment elements (250a,250b) comprises a first component (505) for rotating around the rotation axis and a second component (510) for interacting with the current cover (215), the first component (505) being made of at least one first material and the second component (510) being made of at least one second material different from the first material.

8. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first material is bronze and the second material is stainless steel.

9. The bookbinding machine (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the abutment elements (250a,250b) comprises coupling means (515) for coupling the first component and the second component in a removable manner.

10. The bookbinding machine (100) according to any claim from 1 to 9, wherein the bookbinding machine (100) comprises a coupling device (235) for coupling the current cover (215) to the current book block (205) by carrying the current cover (215) against the current book block (205), and a first lateral guide (225a) and a second lateral guide (225b) for guiding the current cover (215) fed along the advance direction and the return direction laterally so as to center the current cover (215) transversely to the current book block (205), and wherein the abutment elements (250a,250b) comprise a first abutment element (250a) and a second abutment element (250b) cantilevered on the first lateral guide (225a) and the second lateral guide (225b), respectively, so that the first lateral guide (225a) and the second lateral guide (225b) do not interfere with a passage of the current cover (215) carried towards the current book block (205) by the coupling device (235) in a zone corresponding to the first abutment element (250a) and the second element of abutment (250b) along the advance direction.

11. A bookbinding plant comprising one or more bookbinding machines (100) according to any claim from 1 to 10.

12. A method of applying corresponding covers (215) to book blocks (205) in a bookbinding machine (100), wherein the method comprises: transporting each current one of the book blocks (205) to a coupling position, acting as an abutment for each current one of the covers (215) in correspondence with the coupling position by an abutment device (230), feeding the current cover (215) along an advance direction to an intermediate position beyond the abutment device (230) and along a return direction, opposite the advance direction, from the intermediate position against the abutment device, rotating one or more abutment elements (250a,250b) of the abutment device (230) around a rotation axis perpendicular to the advance direction in a first direction from a rest position to a passive position by the current cover (215) fed along the advance direction that passes through the abutment elements (250a,250b) and in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for returning automatically from the passive position to the rest position in response to the current cover (215) fed along the advance direction going beyond the abutment elements (250a,250b), and preventing a rotation in the second direction of the abutment elements (250a,250b) beyond an active position by the current cover (215) fed along the return direction thereby blocking the current cover (215) in abutment against the abutment elements (250a,250b) in the active position.

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