Sheet processing device

Abstract

To improve a sheet processing device.SOLUTION: A sheet processing device 10 for manufacturing a block from printed cut sheets S, S', S". The sheet processing device 10 includes: a conveying section 1 for transporting printed cut sheets S, S', S" along the conveying direction C; an input section 11 configured to receive the printed cut sheet S; and a control system 2 designed to generate a workflow command that includes one or more instructions for processing the printed cut sheets S, S', S"; a sheet sensor 13 configured to detect at least one of the position and size parameters of the printed cut sheets S, S'; and a sheet rotation section 14, 14.1, 14.2 that is configured to stop and rotate the printed cut sheets S, S' according to a rotation command of the workflow instruction or to transport the printed cut sheets S, S' without rotation; a perforating machine 17 intended to perforate the printed cut sheet S'; and a folding device 18 intended to fold the printed cut sheets S', S".SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus for a sheet for manufacturing a block from printed cut paper, a block manufacturing apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus, a method for manufacturing a block from printed cut paper using the block manufacturing apparatus, and a method for processing printed cut paper for manufacturing a block from cut paper using the sheet processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A block consisting of a stack of printed sheets is typically manufactured on a block production line where different processing steps such as printing, cutting, folding, gluing, stacking, alignment, etc. can be performed. The block is manufactured, for example, by digital printing on a continuous paper web, and the block production line includes a unwind and printing station and other kinematic components such as, for example, a punching and cutting station, a dynamic signature formation station, and a collecting and pre-assembly station.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (European Patent No. 2159070) describes an apparatus for manufacturing a stack for forming a block, which has, for example, an unwind station where a material web to be processed is unwound from a reel, and a digital printing station where the material web is printed on both sides. A punching station is connected behind the digital printing station, and this punching station has a punching unit by which one or two punching lines or weakening lines can be provided on the printed material web. After the punching station, a cross-cutting station follows where individual printed sheets are separated from the material web by cross-cutting. After the cross-cutting station, a longitudinal folding station follows where the sheet is folded one or two times. A stacking station is arranged behind the longitudinal folding station where the folded sheets are stacked on top of each other to form a stack. The stacking station has an adhesive application device, whereby the sheets are provided with an adhesive application or a layer of adhesive before being arranged on top of each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When manufacturing this block, it may be desirable to process printed cut paper. Printed cut paper can have different sizes, paper types, basis weights, printed surfaces, printed areas, etc. Therefore, it is desirable that the block manufacturing line can handle different characteristics of printed cut paper when manufacturing the block from printed cut paper.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing device for manufacturing this block from printed cut paper, a block manufacturing device including the sheet processing device, a method for manufacturing this block from printed cut paper using the block manufacturing device, and a method for processing printed cut paper for manufacturing this block using the sheet processing device, which at least partially improve the prior art and avoid at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments can be obtained from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved, in particular, in a sheet processing apparatus for manufacturing a sheet book block that is pre - adhered or loose from printed cut sheets. The sheet processing apparatus includes a conveying unit for conveying the printed cut sheet along a conveying direction, an input unit configured to receive the printed cut sheet from a digital printer or a feeder, a control system configured to generate a workflow instruction having one or more commands for processing the printed cut sheet, a sheet sensor disposed at the input unit and configured to detect sheet parameters including at least one of the position and size of the printed cut sheet, a sheet rotating unit disposed downstream of the sheet sensor and configured to stop the printed cut sheet and rotate it within the plane of the cut sheet or convey it without rotating the printed cut sheet according to a rotation instruction of the workflow instruction, a punching machine disposed downstream of the sheet rotating unit and configured to punch the printed cut sheet along the conveying direction, and a folding device disposed downstream of the punching machine and configured to fold the printed cut sheet along the perforations formed by the punching machine. This is realized by the sheet processing apparatus.

[0009] The sheet processing apparatus provides the advantage that by controlling the processing of individual printed sheets using workflow instructions, it is not necessary to arrange or input separate jobs for each block production. A plurality of workflows can be stored in the workflow storage device. The control system that generates the workflow instruction can access the workflow storage device and select a workflow in order to generate the workflow instruction. The workflow instruction can be generated by the control system when an operator receives a manufacturing order. Thus, generating a workflow instruction upon receiving a manufacturing order may include selecting a workflow from the workflow storage device. A specific workflow instruction may depend on the identification of the printed cut sheet received at the input unit, which can be detected by the sheet sensor. Therefore, in this block manufacturing, it may not be necessary to individually specify the identification of the printed cut sheet.

[0010] Compared with the conventional in-line production line of this block, where each production usually requires the arrangement or input of separate jobs with the display or specifications of sheet parameters and / or printing and cutting paper information such as its identification and position, the in-line production of this block can be controlled by workflow instructions that use as input the sheet parameters and / or printing and cutting paper information provided by the sheet sensor and / or code reader and / or printer signal, thus facilitating the automation of the in-line production of this block.

[0011] The sheet rotating unit can unconditionally stop and rotate the printed and cut paper for each command in the workflow instructions. Also, the sheet rotating device can conditionally stop and rotate the printed and cut paper according to the identification and / or orientation of the printed and cut paper as detected by the sheet sensor. The rotation command can also include a command that the printed and cut paper cannot be rotated. Therefore, selective rotation of the printed and cut paper can be achieved using the sheet rotating device.

[0012] By combining the sheet rotating device, the punching device, and the folding device, the sheet processing device can flexibly handle different identifications of the printed and cut paper. For example, A3-sized printed and cut paper received at the input section in a horizontal orientation where the long side of the printed and cut paper is parallel to the conveying direction (also called "short-side paper feeding") can be rotated 90° at the sheet rotating section and folded by the folding device to obtain folded A4-sized sheets.

[0013] Using the folding device, folded sheets (also known as "signatures") can be obtained to form this block from the folded sheets.

[0014] The conveying section can extend along the sheet processing device such that at least one of the sheet rotating body, the punching machine, and the folding device is arranged in the conveying section. Also, the input section can be part of the conveying section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sheet processing apparatus includes a cutter disposed downstream of the sheet rotating unit, the cutter being configured to cut the printed cut sheet in a direction transverse to the conveying direction in response to a cutting command of a workflow instruction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sheet processing apparatus includes a cutter disposed upstream of the sheet rotating unit, the cutter being configured to cut the printed cut sheet in a direction transverse to the conveying direction in response to a cutting command of a workflow instruction.

[0017] Using the cutter, large-sized cut sheets can be cut. After cutting, the printed cut sheet can be folded to obtain a folded sheet having a desired size for this block. Also, the cutting command may include a command to prevent the printed cut sheet from being cut. The cutting command may be unconditional or conditional depending on the size and / or orientation of the printed cut sheet detected by the sheet sensor.

[0018] By disposing the cutter downstream of the sheet rotating unit, the printed cut sheet can be rotated to a desired orientation for cutting. However, by disposing the cutter upstream of the sheet rotating unit, the printed cut sheet can be cut before rotation instead.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sheet processing apparatus includes an aligner disposed downstream of the sheet rotating unit and upstream of the perforator, the aligner being configured to align the printed cut sheet along the conveying direction.

[0020] Using the aligner, the printed cut sheet can be aligned to have an edge parallel to the conveying direction, preferably its short side, in order to enable the formation of appropriate perforations parallel to the edge of the printed cut sheet, preferably the short side. In particular, the aligner can be disposed at the alignment part of the sheet processing apparatus. The aligner may include an alignment ruler disposed at a side part of the alignment part and oriented parallel to the conveying direction such that the edge of the printed cut sheet is aligned by the alignment ruler and conveyed along the conveying direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, the folding device is configured to fold the printed cut paper only once.

[0022] In particular, the sheet processing device provides the advantage that the sheet rotating part and / or the cutter can process the printed cut paper so that the desired format of this block can be achieved by folding the printed cut paper only once to obtain the required booklet.

[0023] In some embodiments, the folding device has a bent portion bent in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and includes a horizontally disposed tube that emerges from the inclined portion from the conveying surface of the sheet processing device, whereby the first half portion of the printed cut paper is lifted by sliding on the inclined portion and slides under the bent portion to be folded onto the second half portion of the printed cut paper.

[0024] The conveying surface can be the surface of a conveying part provided with a lower driving roller on which the printed cut paper is placed while being conveyed. The folding device can include one or more vacuum belts that travel below the printed cut paper and convey the printed cut paper through the folding device. Using the bent tube can provide an efficient folding of the printed cut paper with a folding portion parallel to the conveying direction without the need to stop the printed cut paper for the folding operation. In particular, the bent tube is arranged so that the conveying operation can be utilized to fold the printed cut paper. Further, since the bent tube is the main additional component capable of performing the folding, the complexity of the folding device can be reduced. Due to the bent tube, the operator's insight into the folding process can also be improved compared to the prior art solutions involving a folding channel covering the printed sheet during folding and a bent metal plate.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sheet sensor is configured to determine the size of the printed cut sheet, and the control system is configured to compare the size determined by the sheet sensor with the target size of the printed cut sheet in the workflow instruction and determine a size deviation. The sheet rotation unit and / or the aligner are configured to use the determined size deviation to center the printed cut sheet in the transverse direction with respect to the punching machine.

[0026] In particular, the sheet sensor can be configured to determine the length and / or width of the printed cut sheet. Therefore, using the sheet sensor and the control system, a target-to-actual comparison can be performed to obtain a size deviation. By performing a target-to-actual comparison, a change in the tolerance of the sheet or a permanent change in the sheet can be determined. Furthermore, the target-to-actual comparison and the size deviation can each be used to determine the shrinkage of the printed cut sheet that may occur due to ink and the drying process during printing. The size deviation can cause the printed cut sheet to be misaligned with respect to a printed cut sheet without a size deviation, resulting in a misaligned fold line in the folding device. Using the sheet rotation device and / or the aligner, the size deviation determined by the sheet sensor and the control system can thus be corrected so that a central fold in the folding device can be provided. In particular, the sheet sensor and the control system can provide options for correcting the shrinkage effect on the printed cut sheet.

[0027] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to generate a workflow instruction comprising one or more commands for processing the printed cut sheet using the sheet parameters and / or printer signals detected by the sheet sensor, and the workflow instruction is generated by loading a workflow that is adapted to the sheet parameters and / or printer signals from a workflow storage device.

[0028] Accordingly, the control system can receive the sheet parameters and / or printer signals detected by the sheet sensor from the printer, access a workflow storage device storing a plurality of workflows, select an applicable workflow based on the sheet parameters and / or printer signals, and generate a workflow instruction therefrom.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to generate a workflow instruction comprising at least one of a rotation instruction, a cutting instruction, and a folding instruction.

[0030] The workflow instruction may comprise one or more additional instructions such as an input instruction, a punching instruction, and a collecting instruction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sheet processing apparatus comprises a code reader disposed in the input unit and configured to read sheet information from an identification tag of the printed cut sheet, and the control system is configured to receive the sheet information from the code reader.

[0032] Using the sheet information, the control system can generate a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing the printed cut sheet. The sheet information may comprise information regarding one or more of color, type, basis weight, strength, etc. In some embodiments, the code reader may be part of the sheet sensor.

[0033] In some embodiments, the code reader is a barcode reader or a data matrix code reader.

[0034] Accordingly, the identification tag of the printed cut sheet may include a barcode or a data matrix code that can be read by the code reader.

[0035] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to generate a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing the printed cut paper using the sheet information detected by the code reader, and the workflow instruction is generated by loading a workflow adapted to the sheet information from a workflow storage device.

[0036] Accordingly, the control system can receive the sheet information detected by the code reader, access a workflow storage device that stores a plurality of workflows to select an applicable workflow based on the sheet information, and generate a workflow instruction therefrom.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sheet processing apparatus is an adhesive application apparatus disposed downstream of the folding apparatus and configured to apply an adhesive to the printed cut paper at one or more edges of the printed cut paper or to the folded sheet at one or more edges of the folded sheet.

[0038] Using the adhesive application apparatus, a pre - adhered block of the printed cut paper or the folded sheet can be manufactured. Pre - adhering the block provides the advantage that the conveyance and / or transfer of the block to subsequent modules can be improved compared to a block of printed cut paper or folded sheets stacked loosely. Further, a block production line using the pre - adhered block provides the advantage of increased flexibility or adaptability, respectively, compared to a book production line where complete books with covers are produced from loose cut paper.

[0039] Preferably, the adhesive application apparatus is configured to apply an adhesive to an edge of the printed cut paper or the folded sheet, preferably an edge disposed at the back of the block.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sheet processing apparatus is a stacking apparatus disposed downstream of the folding apparatus, and includes a stacking apparatus configured to stack printed cut paper or folded sheets together with an applied adhesive on a pre - adhered book block, and the adhesive application apparatus is disposed upstream of the stacking apparatus or within the stacking apparatus.

[0041] In some embodiments, the sheet processing apparatus includes two or more sheet rotating portions, each configured to stop the printed cut paper and rotate it within the plane of the printed cut paper or to convey the printed cut paper without rotating in response to a rotation command of a workflow instruction.

[0042] Using two or more sheet rotating portions can be particularly advantageous for processing large printed cut paper that may require a series of processing steps such as several consecutive rotations of the printed cut paper.

[0043] In particular, the sheet processing apparatus may include two or more cutters respectively disposed downstream or upstream of the sheet rotating portion in response to a cutting command of a workflow instruction, and configured to cut the printed cut paper in a direction transverse to the conveying direction.

[0044] Thus, the plurality of sheet rotating portions and cutters can be arranged continuously and alternately. By arranging some of the sheet rotating portions and cutters continuously, large printed cut paper can travel through a series of rotation and cutting steps until the desired size for folding is obtained.

[0045] Further, according to a further aspect, the present invention is a book block manufacturing apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention and a digital printer, and the digital printer is disposed upstream of the input portion of the sheet processing apparatus.

[0046] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a block manufacturing apparatus comprising a sheet processing apparatus according to the present disclosure and a feeder configured to feed printed cut paper, the feeder being disposed upstream of the input section of the sheet processing apparatus.

[0047] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a block from printed cut paper using the block manufacturing apparatus according to the present disclosure, the method comprising the steps of: generating, by a control system, a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing the printed cut paper; receiving the printed cut paper at an input section of a sheet processing apparatus; detecting, by a sheet sensor, sheet parameters comprising at least one of the position and size of the printed cut paper; stopping and rotating the printed cut paper within its plane or conveying the printed cut paper without rotation in response to a rotation instruction of the workflow instruction; perforating the printed cut paper along a conveying direction by a perforator; and folding the printed cut paper along perforations formed by the perforator by a folding apparatus.

[0048] In some embodiments, the printed cut paper is printed by a digital printer.

[0049] In some embodiments, the printed cut paper is fed to the input section by a feeder.

[0050] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a method of processing cut paper for manufacturing the present block using the sheet processing apparatus according to the present disclosure. The method includes generating, by a control system, a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing printed cut paper; receiving the printed cut paper at an input section of the sheet processing apparatus; detecting, by a sheet sensor, sheet parameters including at least one of the position and size of the printed cut paper; stopping and rotating the printed cut paper within its plane or conveying the printed cut paper without rotation in response to a rotation instruction of the workflow instruction; perforating the printed cut paper by a perforator along a conveying direction; and folding the printed cut paper along the perforations formed by the perforator by a folding apparatus.

[0051] In some embodiments, the perforated printed cut paper has a bent portion bent in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and appears from an inclined portion from the conveying surface of the sheet processing apparatus. It is folded by a horizontally disposed tube of the folding apparatus. The first half portion of the printed cut paper is lifted by sliding on the inclined portion and folded onto the second half portion of the printed cut paper by sliding under the bent portion.

[0052] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sheet processing apparatus 10 for manufacturing a book block pre - adhered from printed cut paper according to an embodiment. The sheet processing apparatus 10 includes a conveying unit 1 that conveys printed cut paper along a conveying direction. The conveying unit 1 includes, at its upstream end, an input unit 11 for receiving printed cut paper from a digital printer or a feeder that can be connected to the upstream end of the input unit 11. The sheet processing apparatus 10 includes a control system 2 configured to generate a workflow instruction including one or more commands for processing the printed cut paper. The control system 2 is disposed within a control cabinet arranged on the back side of the sheet processing apparatus 10. The control system 2 further includes a control panel 21 for an operator. The operator can input or select a manufacturing order using the control panel 21. In some embodiments, the control system 2 can be remotely located and connected to the sheet processing apparatus 10. The conveying unit 1 includes a hood 12 that closes during the operation of the sheet processing apparatus 10.

[0055] At the downstream end of the conveying unit 1, an adhesive application device 3 is arranged, where an adhesive is applied to one or more edges of the printed cut paper or the folded sheet. The adhesive application device 3 is arranged downstream of the inclined portion, and below it, a tank 31 for storing the adhesive is arranged. The tank 31 includes a door for accessing the adhesive supply unit.

[0056] Downstream of the adhesive application device 3, a stacking device 4 is arranged, which is configured to stack printed cut paper or folded sheets on the pre - adhered book block output from the output unit 5.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a part of a sheet processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. The input unit 11 receives printed cut sheets S. The printed cut sheets S, S', S'' are conveyed in the conveyance direction C of the conveyance unit 1. The printed cut sheet S received by the input unit 11 passes through a sheet sensor 13 disposed in the input unit. The sheet sensor 13 determines sheet parameters including the position and / or size of the printed cut sheet S without stopping the printed cut sheet S. According to the determined position and / or size of the printed cut sheet S and the rotation command of each workflow instruction, the sheet rotation unit 14 can stop and rotate the printed cut sheet S or convey the printed cut sheet S without rotation. In the illustrated example, the printed cut sheet S that has reached the sheet rotation unit 14 with its long side parallel to the conveyance direction C (i.e., short-side feeding) is stopped and rotated by 90° by the sheet rotation unit 14. The rotated printed cut sheet is indicated by S', and its short side is parallel to the conveyance direction C.

[0058] The rotated printed cut sheet S' is further conveyed in the conveyance direction C, passes through a cutter 15, and here, the printed cut sheet S' is cut according to the cutting instruction of the workflow instruction. Downstream of the cutter 15, an aligner 16 is disposed where the short side of the printed cut sheet S' is aligned with an alignment ruler 161. The aligner 16 includes a vacuum belt 162. This vacuum belt 162 imparts a cross-conveyance operation to the printed cut sheet S' in addition to the conveyance operation in the conveyance direction C, and has an inclined direction toward the alignment ruler 161 so as to push toward the alignment ruler 161.

[0059] After the printed cut sheet S’ is aligned by the aligner 16, it passes through the perforator 17, where the printed cut sheet S’ is perforated along the conveying direction C. A folding device 18 is arranged on the downstream side toward the perforator, where the perforated printed cut sheet S’ is folded along the perforations formed by the perforator. The folding device 18 includes a tube 181 that is bent essentially in the plane of the conveying surface in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the sheet processing device 10. The folded sheet S” further passes under the tube 181 and is conveyed.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of the sheet processing device 10 of an embodiment of FIG. 2. The input unit 11 includes an inclined portion for receiving the printed cut sheet S. The sheet sensor 13 determines the position and / or size of the printed cut sheet S passing through the sheet sensor 13. To explain the detection of the sheet sensor 13, a light curtain L is shown in FIG. 3. A code reader 131 for reading sheet information from the printed identification tag of the printed cut sheet S is arranged in the input unit. The code reader 131 can be integrated with the sheet sensor 13 in a modified embodiment. The control system can use the sheet information determined by the code reader 131 to generate a workflow command in addition to the position and / or size of the printed cut sheet S determined by the sheet sensor 13.

[0061] The sheet rotating unit 14 includes a plurality of pairs of rollers 141 arranged continuously that hold the printed cut sheet S on the driving roller below the conveying surface CS and convey and stop the printed cut sheet S. The lower rollers are arranged on the conveying surface CS and below the printed cut sheet. The printed cut sheet S is stopped and rotated by rotating a pair of lower driving rollers in opposite directions to each other. When rotating the printed cut sheet, a plurality of rollers 142 arranged above the lower driving rollers used to rotate the printed cut sheet can be lifted to rotate the printed cut sheet. The rotated printed cut sheet is exemplified by the printed cut sheet S’ (this does not mean that it is a further printed cut sheet S’ arranged below the printed cut sheet S as shown in FIG. 3).

[0062] The punching machine 17 arranged downstream of the aligner 16 forms a punch hole along the longitudinal central axis of the printed cut sheet S’ by the punching roller 171 as recognized in FIG. 3.

[0063] The horizontally arranged tube 181 of the folding device 18 emerges from the conveying surface CS of the folding device 18 at the inclined portion 1811. Further, the inclined portion 1811 is arranged adjacent to the longitudinal central axis of the printed cut sheet S’ such that the first half portion S’1 of the printed cut sheet S’ is lifted by sliding on the inclined portion 1811 and then folded onto the second half portion S’2 of the printed cut sheet S’ by sliding under the folding portion 1812 when being further conveyed in the conveying direction C. On the conveying surface CS of the folding device 18, the printed cut sheet S’ and particularly its second half portion S’2 are conveyed and held by one or more vacuum belts (not shown in FIG. 3). The folded sheet S” is further conveyed through below the folding portion 1812 of the tube 181. At the output portion of the folding device 18, the fold of the sheet S” folded so as to obtain an accurate fold is pressed by the pressing roller 182.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of the folding device 18 of the embodiment of FIG. 3. In the folding process in which the printed cut paper S’ arrives from a punching machine (not shown in FIG. 4), the first half portion S’1 is lifted by sliding on the inclined portion 1811 of the tube 181, and is folded onto the second half portion S’2 by sliding under the folding portion 1812, and it can be recognized that the folded sheet S” is obtained. The folded sheet S” is further conveyed by passing under the folding portion 1812 of the tube 181, whereby the press roller 182 compresses the fold of the folded sheet S”, and a clean fold is obtained.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of a sheet processing apparatus 10' according to an embodiment. The structure of the sheet processing apparatus essentially corresponds to that of the sheet processing apparatus 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. However, compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the sheet processing apparatus 10' includes two continuously arranged sheet rotating parts 14.1 and 14.2. The rotation steps are symbolized by the double-sided printed cut sheets S and S' for each of the sheet rotating parts 14.1 and 14.2, as in FIG. 3. The sheet processing apparatus 10' further includes two cutters 15.1 and 15.2, which are respectively arranged downstream of the sheet rotating parts 14.1 and 14.2. Using the sheet processing apparatus 10', a series of rotation steps and cutting steps can be executed on the printed cut sheet S. This can be particularly advantageous for large printed cut sheets. For example, a B2-sized printed cut sheet fed in the short-side feeding direction can pass through the first sheet rotating part 14.1 without rotating. Next, the first cutter 15.1 can cut the B2-sized printed cut sheet in a direction transverse to the conveying direction so that two consecutive A3-sized printed cut sheets are obtained, which are fed in the long-side feeding direction and conveyed to the second sheet rotating device 14.2. Next, the A3-sized printed cut sheet can be rotated by the second sheet rotating device 14.2 and conveyed in the short-side feeding direction toward the second cutter 15.2. Next, the second cutter 15.2 can cut the A3-sized printed cut sheet so that an A4-sized printed cut sheet is obtained. The A4-sized printed cut sheet is further conveyed to a folding device in the long-side feeding direction in which the A4-sized printed cut sheet is folded to obtain an A5-sized folded sheet.

Claims

1. In a sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') for manufacturing a sheet book block that is pre - adhered or loose from printed cut sheets (S, S', S"), the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') comprises: a conveying unit (1) for conveying the printed cut sheets (S, S', S") along a conveying direction (C); an input unit (11) configured to receive the printed cut sheet (S) from a digital printer or a feeder; a control system (2) configured to generate a workflow instruction comprising one or more commands for processing the printed cut sheets (S, S', S"); a sheet sensor (13) disposed at the input unit (11), the sheet sensor (13) being configured to detect sheet parameters including at least one of the position and size of the printed cut sheet (S); a sheet rotating unit (14, 14.1, 14.2) disposed downstream of the sheet sensor (13), the sheet rotating unit (14, 14.1, 14.2) being configured to stop the printed cut sheets (S, S') and rotate the printed cut sheets (S, S') within the plane of the printed cut sheets (S, S') or convey the printed cut sheets (S, S') without rotation in response to a rotation instruction of the workflow instruction; a perforator (17) disposed downstream of the sheet rotating unit (14, 14.1, 14.2), the perforator (17) being configured to perforate the printed cut sheet (S') along the conveying direction (C); a folding device (18) disposed downstream of the perforator (17), the folding device (18) being configured to fold the printed cut sheets (S', S") along the perforations formed by the perforator (17). The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') comprises the above components.

2. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') further comprises a cutter (15, 15.1, 15.2) disposed downstream of the sheet rotating unit (14, 14.1, 14.2), the cutter (15, 15.1, 15.2) being configured to cut the printed cut sheets (S, S') across the conveying direction (C) in response to a cutting instruction of the workflow instruction. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to Claim 1 comprises the cutter (15, 15.1, 15.2).

3. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') is a cutter (15, 15.1, 15.2) disposed upstream of the sheet rotating unit (14, 14.1, 14.2), and is configured to cut the printed cut paper (S, S') that crosses the conveying direction (C) in response to a cutting command of the workflow instruction. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to claim 1 includes a cutter (15, 15.1, 15.2).

4. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') is an aligner (16) disposed downstream of the sheet rotating unit (14, 14.1, 14.2) and upstream of the perforator (17), and includes an aligner (16) that aligns the printed cut paper (S, S') along the conveying direction (C). The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 3 includes an aligner (16).

5. The folding device (18) is configured to fold the printed cut paper (S', S") only once. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 4 includes a folding device (18).

6. The folding device (18) has a bent portion (1812) bent in a direction crossing the conveying direction (C), and includes a horizontally disposed tube (181) that appears from an inclined portion (1811) from the conveying surface (CS) of the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10'). The first half portion (S'1) of the printed cut paper (S') is lifted by sliding on the inclined portion (1811) and folded onto the second half portion (S'2) of the printed cut paper (S') by sliding under the bent portion (1812). The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 5 includes a folding device (18).

7. The sheet sensor (13) is configured to determine the size of the printed cut paper (S), and the control system (2) is configured to compare the size determined by the sheet sensor (13) with the target size of the printed cut paper (S) of the workflow instruction to determine a size deviation. The sheet rotating unit (14) and / or the aligner (16) are configured to center the printed cut paper (S, S') in a transverse direction with respect to the perforator (17) using the determined size deviation. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 6 includes a sheet sensor (13) and a control system (2).

8. The control system (2) is configured to generate a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing the printed cut sheet (S, S', S") using the sheet parameters detected by the sheet sensor (13) and / or using a printer signal, the workflow instruction being generated by loading a workflow adapted to the sheet parameters and / or the printer signal from a workflow storage device, the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control system (2) is configured to generate a workflow instruction comprising at least one of a rotation instruction and a cutting instruction.

10. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') comprises a code reader (131) disposed in the input unit (11), the code reader (131) being configured to read sheet information from an identification tag of the printed cut sheet (S), and the control system (2) being configured to receive the sheet information from the code reader (131), the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The code reader (131) according to claim 10 is a barcode reader or a data matrix code reader, the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10').

12. The control system (2) is configured to generate a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing the printed cut sheet (S, S', S") using the sheet information detected by the code reader (131), the workflow instruction being generated by loading a workflow adapted to the sheet information from a workflow storage device, the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') is an adhesive application apparatus (3) disposed on the downstream side of the folding apparatus (18), which is configured to apply an adhesive to the printed cut sheet (S, S', S") at one or more edges thereof, or to apply an adhesive to the folded sheet at one or more edges of the folded sheet. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 12 includes the adhesive application apparatus (3).

14. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') is a stacking apparatus (4) disposed on the downstream side of the folding apparatus (18), which is configured to stack the printed cut sheet (S, S', S") or the folded sheet on a block that has been pre-adhered with the applied adhesive. The adhesive application apparatus (3) is disposed on the upstream side of the stacking apparatus (4). The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to claim 13 includes the stacking apparatus (4).

15. The sheet processing apparatus (10') includes two or more sheet rotating parts (14.1, 14.2). Each of the two or more sheet rotating parts (14.1, 14.2) is configured to stop and rotate the printed cut sheet (S, S') within the plane of the printed cut sheet (S, S') or to convey the printed cut sheet (S, S') without rotation in response to a rotation command. The sheet processing apparatus (10') according to any one of claims 1 to 14 includes the two or more sheet rotating parts (14.1, 14.2).

16. The sheet processing apparatus (10') includes two or more cutters (15.1, 15.2). Each of the two or more cutters (15.1, 15.2) is disposed on the downstream side or the upstream side of the sheet rotating part (14.1, 14.2), respectively, and is configured to cut the printed cut sheet (S, S') in a direction transverse to the conveying direction (C) in response to a cutting command of the workflow instruction. The sheet processing apparatus (10') according to claim 15 includes the two or more cutters (15.1, 15.2).

17. A block manufacturing apparatus comprising the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and a digital printer disposed on the upstream side of the input part (11) of the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10').

18. The sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and A feeder configured to feed printed cut sheets (S, S', S"), the feeder being disposed upstream of the input section (11) of the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10'), and a block manufacturing apparatus comprising the feeder.

19. In a method of manufacturing a block from printed cut sheets (S, S', S") using the block manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, The method comprises: generating, by the control system (2), a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing the printed cut sheets (S, S', S"); receiving the printed cut sheet (S) at the input section (11) of the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10'); detecting, by the sheet sensor (13), sheet parameters comprising at least one of the position and size of the printed cut sheet (S); stopping the printed cut sheets (S, S') and rotating them in the plane of the printed cut sheets (S, S') in response to a rotation instruction of the workflow instruction, or conveying the printed cut sheets (S, S') without rotation; generating perforations in the printed cut sheets (S, S') by a perforator (17) along the conveying direction (C); and folding the printed cut sheets (S', S") by a folding device (18) along the perforations formed by the perforator (17).

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the printed cut sheets (S, S', S") are printed by a digital printer.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the printed cut sheets (S, S', S") are fed to the input section (11) by a feeder.

22. In a method of processing printed cut sheets (S, S', S") for manufacturing a block using the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The method comprises: generating, by a control system (2), a workflow instruction comprising one or more instructions for processing the printed cut sheets (S, S', S"); receiving the printed cut sheet (S) at the input section (11) of the sheet processing apparatus (10, 10'); detecting, by the sheet sensor (13), sheet parameters comprising at least one of the position and size of the printed cut sheet (S); In response to the rotation command of the workflow command, stopping the printed cut paper (S, S') and rotating it within the plane of the printed cut paper (S, S'), or conveying the printed cut paper (S, S') without rotating it; Generating a perforation in the printed cut paper (S, S') by a perforator (17) along the conveying direction (C); A method comprising the step of folding the printed cut paper (S', S") by a folding device (18) along the perforation generated by the perforator (17).

23. The perforated printed cut paper (S', S") has a bent portion (1812) bent in a direction transverse to the conveying direction (C) and emerges from the conveying surface (CS) of the sheet processing device (10, 10') at an inclined portion (1811), and is folded by a horizontally arranged tube (181) of the folding device (18). The first half portion (S'1) of the printed cut paper (S') is lifted by sliding on the inclined portion (1811) and slides under the bent portion (1812) to be folded onto the second half portion (S'2) of the printed cut paper (S'). The method according to claim 22.

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