DE60211113T2 - Punching device for a bookbinding sewing machine - Google Patents

Description

The The present invention relates to a punching device for a bookbinding sewing machine.

sewing machines are commonly used in bookbinding systems for making stapled books. A stapled book consists of a block of printed sheets that sewn together using continuous threads. Typically, the signatures are fed in succession to a moving saddle, which then moves towards a fixed construction is closed, the one row of needles and corresponding hook needles (crochet hooks) carries.

Everyone Press sheet must be before sewing be punched so as not to damage the needles and the hook needles. To this purpose is common a punching device inside the movable saddle available. The punching device consists of a rod, which is a series of Carries punching elements that each associated with a corresponding needle or hook needle; the rod is moving in a reciprocating motion Driven on the sheet, the astride on the moving saddle (and under a holding element arranged) is to pierce the sheet in this way.

Of the same sewing machine are typically printed sheets fed different format. In In this case it is possible that some of the in the printed sheets trained openings while the sewing process not used, as the corresponding needles or hook needles are not in pairs and therefore must be omitted. A every resulting free opening allows the penetration of the for the completion of the book used glue between each other adjacent pages so that they stick together.

A known in the art solution for this Problem is to remove the unnecessary punching elements. This process is usually done Disassembling the movable saddle and loosening a screw, the Lock used any punching element to be removed becomes. The punching element is lowered to a rest position and then again locked under tightening the appropriate screw. The process described above, however, is very time consuming; the result resulting downtime of the sewing machine causes a strong Reduction of the yield of this.

A another solution is proposed in Italian Patent Application No. BG2000A000008, the on January 17, 2000. This document discloses a punching device that configures at a remote location can be. In particular, one or more pneumatic pistons are in the rod for corresponding Housed punching elements. The pistons are through respective valves controlled to lower and lift the punching elements; the punching elements then become by means of a runner in the desired Locked position.

One Disadvantage of the solution described above is that the resulting punching device is quite unreliable. In fact, moving the rod together with the movable saddle to the needles and the crochet hooks to and from these (in addition to being within the mobile Saddle moves up and down). The very fast movement The rod can easily lead to damage to the small hoses that for feeding Compressed air from the valves to the pistons are necessary. Further the machined area of the bar has a row of Weaknesses leading to fatigue failure lead in the construction can. The for moving the punching elements required pistons and valves are relatively expensive, so their mounting on the pole is difficult. For this reason is disclosed in the patent application mentioned above solution a single tube for controlling two adjacent ones Piston used. As a result, both of the corresponding Punching elements are removed simultaneously. However, this restriction excludes the use of a flatter stitch sewing technique, where the possibility must be given to take out each punching element individually.

Furthermore, only a few pistons and valves can be attached to the rod; the pistons and the valves are then placed at opposite ends of the rod for controlling the respective punches. Thus, this construction does not allow the use of multiple signatures in which two or more pages are printed on each sheet of signatures. In fact, the multiple signatures may require the removal of one or more of the more central punching elements (the non-paired needles or hook needles between them neighboring pages are assigned).

A Object of the present invention is in overcoming the disadvantages described above. This task is solved by a device as specified in claim 1.

Short said, the present invention provides a punching device for one Book binding sewing machine, comprising: a support structure comprising a plurality of Carries punching elements, and means for locking each punching element in a working position or in a rest position, each punching element punches a sheet when it is in the working position and does not act on the sheet when it is in the rest position located when the support structure during operation of the bookbinding sewing machine to the signature is moved, as well as a first biasing device and a second biasing means, each punching element during the Configuration of the bookbinding machine bias into the working position or the rest position, wherein at least one of the first and second biasing means during the Operating the bookbinding machine is to be decoupled from the support structure.

The The present invention further provides a bookbinding sewing machine, which includes the punching device. Furthermore, the invention provides a software implemented method for controlling the punching device Program to run of the procedure and a product storing the program.

Further Features and advantages of the solution according to the invention become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment from this, by way of non-limiting example only on the attached Drawings explained becomes; show in it:

1 a representation of a sewing machine, in which the punching device according to the invention can be used;

2 a partially cutaway view of a movable saddle of the sewing machine;

3a and 3b Representations of details of the punching device in a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively;

4 a schematic block diagram of a PLC control process of the sewing machine; and

5a to 5c Representations of a flowchart for describing the logic of a method that is used to control the punching device.

With particular reference to 1 is a sewing machine 100 presented for bookbinding applications. The machine 100 is used for sewing together blocks of printed sheets 105 used to make corresponding books. Every sheet 105 consists of a large printed sheet which is folded once or several times (to form the pages of the book). At the print sheet 105 it can either be a single sheet (with only one side printed on each sheet or surface thereof) or a multiple sheet (with two or more pages printed on each surface layer); The multiple sheet is commonly referred to as double sheet, triple sheet, etc. (depending on the number of pages printed on the surface layer).

The sewing machine 100 includes a support frame 110 , A funnel device 115 is used to feed the signatures 105 one after the other to an opening station 120 used (for example, including four upper opening heads and four lower opening heads along a feeding direction of the signatures). The printed sheets 105 are opened in the middle, astride a fixed saddle 125 to be arranged, which the printed sheets 105 to a sewing station 130 promoted.

The sewing station 130 includes a movable saddle 135 in the open state (in a lowered position) with the fixed saddle 125 is aligned. Every sheet 105 is accelerated to separate from the subsequent signatures as well as on the moving saddle 135 to be thrown. The moving saddle 135 is then closed (in a raised position). The one on the moving saddle 135 loaded sheets 105 is punched so that a series of needles and corresponding hook needles (not shown in the drawing) the signatures 105 a block can sew together by means of continuous threads. The sewing machine 100 can be either a standard stitch sewing technique (where each needle only interacts with the adjacent hook needle on its right side) or a flutter use stitch sewing technique (where each needle alternately interacts with the adjacent hook needle on its right side and left side).

Once a final sheet 105 of the block is sewn, the threads are cut off and the block of signatures 105 becomes a holder 140 transported (to be fed to other machines that complete the book). The operation of the sewing machine 100 is operated remotely using a programmable logic controller (PLC) 145 handled.

Similar considerations apply when the sewing machine has a different construction or contains other units (for For example, see a series of pre-loading prerequisites spreads or a different number of opening heads), if each needle with the adjacent hook needle on its left side in the standard stitch sewing technique works together when the PLC through an equivalent data processing system (for example, a personal computer or PC) is replaced and the like.

With reference to 2 becomes a pair of drive arms 205 (only one of which is shown in the drawing) actuated by a cam means to the movable saddle 135 to open and close. A square alignment device 210 stops everyone on the moving saddle 135 Thrown sheet to the sheet in a desired position along a saddle plate 215 to arrange. The square alignment device 210 is at a guided tour 220 attached to along a longitudinal axis of the fifth wheel plate 215 to be shifted in accordance with the dimensions of the sheet. A photocell 225 checks the position of the guide 220 along the saddle plate 215 ,

A punching device 230 It is used for punching each signature on the movable saddle 135 (when closed) is loaded. The punching device 230 includes a pole 235 inside the movable saddle 135 (under the saddle plate 215 ) is attached. The pole 235 carries a series of stamping elements 240 that protrude upwards; the even-numbered punching elements 240 (starting from 0) are assigned to a corresponding needle, while the odd-numbered punching elements 240 be associated with a corresponding hook needle. A connecting rod mechanism 245 is used to raise and lower the rod 235 in relation to the fifth wheel 215 used.

In a box housing 250 is a pneumatic piston 255 for every punching element 240 housed; the box 250 is on the support frame 110 set the sewing machine so that it's the pole 235 does not follow their movement. A pressure reducing device 260 ensures the supply of air at low pressure (for example, 1 bar), which is used to all of the pistons 255 to keep in a lowered position. A set of single-acting valves 265 is under the box 250 appropriate. Every valve 265 (in the open state) provides for the provision of air and high pressure (for example, 6 bar), thereby forming a corresponding piston 255 towards the pole 235 to raise; in the lead 220 is formed an opening through which a corresponding piston 255 let pass through. A pair of photocells 270 (Transmitter and receiver) checks that all of the pistons 255 are lowered.

Similar considerations are valid, if the movable saddle has a different construction, if the replaced the punching elements carrying rod by an equivalent support structure when the pistons are controlled using other pressures when the pistons are placed elsewhere (However, in any case, such that during the operation of the sewing machine can be uncoupled from the punching elements carrying rod), if the square alignment device and the photocells by equivalent Facilities are replaced, and so on.

With reference to 3a the pole exists 235 from an assembly formed from a lower portion 305 a slider 310 , a bar 315 and an upper section 320 , These elements are through a pair of clamping devices 325 attached to each other (only one being shown in the drawing), which by means of screws at opposite ends of both the lower portion 305 as well as the upper section 320 are attached. The clamping devices 325 are coupled to the connecting rod mechanism so that the arrangement described above can be driven to move up and down.

Each stamping element 240 is partially in two coaxial through holes 330 and 335 recorded in the lower section 305 or the upper section 320 are formed. A slotted through hole 340 is in the slider 310 for every punching element 240 educated; the slotted hole 340 has a left narrow section and a right section. A valve 345 moves the slider 310 along its longitudinal axis. If the slider 310 moved to the left (release position) can, can any punching element 240 an axial sliding movement along the large portion of the corresponding slotted hole 340 To run; if, conversely, the slider 310 is moved to the right (locking position), the narrow portion of each slotted hole acts 340 with the corresponding punching element 240 together. Another through hole 350 is in the bar 315 for every punching element 240 educated; the hole 350 has such an inhibiting effect on the punching element 240 in that a dropping of the punching element 240 is prevented, if not by the slider 310 is locked.

As in 3b shown has the hole 335 a lower large area and an upper narrow area forming a shoulder. A plastic sleeve 355 is in the narrow area of the hole 335 fit; the sleeve 355 is by means of a pin 360 locked into a corresponding horizontal hole of the upper section 320 is inserted and engaged with a complementary groove, which is around the sleeve 355 is formed around.

The punching element 240 is through a needle 365 formed with a lower disc 370 ends (which runs transversely to a longitudinal axis of this). The disc 370 is closed in a non-releasable base by an upper sleeve 375 and a lower cover 380 is formed. The sleeve 375 extends from the hole 335 up to the hole 330 and is with a collar 385 provided in the large area of the hole 335 is included; the collar 385 has a larger diameter than the hole 330 , An upper groove 390h and a lower groove 390l are around the sleeve 375 trained around; the sleeve 375 has a diameter corresponding to the hole 330 and the large section of the slotted hole 340 (in the slider 310 is formed) while each groove 390h . 390l a diameter corresponding to the narrow portion of the slotted hole 340 having. A lower end of the sleeve 375 is provided with an external thread for a corresponding internal thread in the cover 380 is trained. The cover 380 is in the hole 330 added; the cover 380 has a hex head (for a corresponding hex or allen screw) at its bottom of the section 305 is formed downwardly projecting bottom. A feather 395 is (inside the hole 335 ) between the sleeve 355 and the collar 385 recorded.

The construction described above is mounted by the sleeve 355 is attached and then the spring 395 from below into the hole 335 is inserted. Subsequently, the sleeve 375 added, and the bar 315 will be at the top section 320 (by means of a set of screws) attached, thereby the collar 385 in the hole 335 include. The slider 310 and the lower section 305 be on the sleeve 375 fit. The lower section 305 and the top section 320 are then attached to each other. The needle 365 gets through the sleeves 375 and 355 pushed through until the disc 370 on the sleeve 375 comes into abutment (with a tip of the needle 365 from the upper section 320 protrudes). Subsequently, the cover 380 in the hole 330 used and on the sleeve 375 screwed.

Every needle 365 Can be removed individually by simply removing the cover 380 is unscrewed. The one from the lower section 305 protruding area of the cover 380 is seized and deducted. The needle 365 can then from the bottom of the pole 235 be pushed out.

If the slider 310 is in the release position, the sleeve is 375 along the large section of the slotted hole 340 moved until the collar 385 under the spring 395 applied pressure on the bar 315 is applied. The needle 365 (which is integral with the base 375 . 380 is formed) is then lowered and into the interior of the rod 235 (retired). The required punching elements 240 corresponding pistons are lifted (so that the respective valves are opened). Each raised piston 255 pushes the base 380 in the hole 330 in; the one from the collar 385 exerted, resulting pressure causes the spring 395 for elastic yielding, until the collar 385 at the through the narrow area of the hole 335 defined shoulder rests. As a result, the needle becomes 365 lifted and off the rack 235 extended (into a working position). The slider 310 is then moved to the locking position, so that the narrow portion of each slotted hole 340 with the upper groove 390h engages (when the punching element in question 240 is lowered) or with the lower groove 390l engages (when the punching element in question 240 is raised). In this way, the slider locks 310 all punching elements 240 in the desired position; the pistons 255 are then lowered (so that the valves in question are closed).

Every time the arrangement of the punching elements 240 must be changed, all the punching elements 240 associated piston 255 raised in the working position. Each raised piston 255 pushes the base 380 upwards, thereby pushing the slider 310 reduce applied pressure; the slider 310 is then moved to the release position, and the above-described operations are repeated to achieve the new desired configuration of the punching device.

If the rod 235 is moved in the direction of the sheet (placed astride the movable saddle), reach the punching elements 240 in the working position the printing sheet; the signature is then punctured by a respective needle or hook needle. Conversely, reach the located in the rest position punching elements 240 Do not bend the sheet so that it does not move the rod 235 being affected.

Similar considerations apply if the rod has a different construction (for example without any plastic sleeve is formed), if the slider in a different way with the punching elements engages or by an equivalent Locking device is replaced when the respective punching element another construction has if the detachable base by an equivalent Retaining device is replaced if another resilient Device is provided instead of the spring; alternatively this will the construction is assembled using other processes, and each one Needle is removed in a different way individually or the Punching elements are locked and released in another process.

With reference to 4 owns the PLC 145 a control unit (CU) 405 which is integrated into a chip of semiconductor material. A working memory 410 (typically a RAM) and a read-only memory (typically an EEPROM) 415 are the control unit 405 assigned. Further, the control unit 405 conventionally with a keyboard (KP) 420 and one ad (DIS) 425 connected.

During operation of the PLC 145 is in the EEPROM 415 stored information (programs and data) (at least partially) in the memory 410 loaded. More specifically, the memory includes 410 a program (PGM) 430 for controlling the operation of the punching device.

The control program 430 accesses two predefined tables 435 and 437 in which configuration information is stored for most of the formats of the signatures supported by the sewing machine. The table 435 is formed by a series of records for different types of signatures, generally defined according to the number of convolutions as well as the mutual direction (parallel or transverse) of the convolutions (if more than one of them is present). The entries include a flag (from Oh ₁ to Oh ₄ ) for each upper opening head and a flag (from Ol ₁ to Ol ₄ ) for each lower opening head; the flag Oh ₁ -Ol ₄ is set to indicate that the corresponding opening head must be operated to open the signatures.

The table 437 is formed by a series of datasets for different heights of the signatures measured from an upper edge from which the reading of the pages begins (head) and an opposite lower edge (foot). The data sets include a plurality of fields, each of which stores a preferred position of the square register means and thus the signatures on the saddle plate (the position being measured in a predetermined position designated DP, starting from zero to the left for a first punching element) , Each field is assigned a different combination (number of sides of the printed sheets) (sewing technique of the machine); For example, the records contain ten fields from POSn ₁ and POSs ₁ (for individual data sheets processed with a normal stitch sewing technique) to POSn ₅ and POSs ₅ (for five-fold signatures that are normal-stitched). Sewing technique or a flutter stitch sewing technique are processed). The preferred position is defined such that the signatures are centered along the punching device (and thus also along the needles and the hook needles). At the same time, the preferred position ensures a minimum edge (for example 10 mm) between the punching elements acting on the signatures and the free ends thereof; Furthermore, the signatures are positioned so as to be associated with an even number of punching elements (if the normal stitch sewing technique is used) or associated with an odd number of punching elements (if the flatter stitch sewing technique is used) in both cases from a punching element associated with a needle.

It also manages the control program 430 a data area (CONF) 440 in which a current configuration of the punching device is stored. More specifically, the configuration data area includes 440 a flag for each punching element; the flag is set when the punch is raised while it is deactivated when the punch is lowered. A variable (CUR_POS) is used to store a current position of the square register on the fifth wheel.

Similar considerations apply if the PLC has a different design or different Units includes (for example, if the keyboard and the display into a touch screen integrated), if the programs and the data in another Way are structured when other configuration information for each Format of the signatures is saved if the preferred position in a different way is set (for example, without considering any minimum Rands), if the configuration arrangement replaced by equivalent information becomes (for example, from a list only with the numbers of the raised punching elements exists) and so on.

As in the 5a to 5c is shown, the PLC loads the control program from its EEPROM when the sewing machine is turned on. Each time you change the format of the signatures, the program performs a procedure 500 out. The procedure starts at a block 502 and then drive with a block 504 in which an operator of the sewing machine sets a set of configuration parameters for the new task; For example, the operator selects the operation mode of the control program (automatic or manual), the number of sheets forming each book, the possible use of a blind stitch (for improving the completion of the sewing operation), and the like. When continuing with a block 506 The operator selects the sewing technique used by the machine (normal stitch or flutter stitch). In a block 508 The operator is then asked to enter the number of pages (from 1 to 5) printed on each sheet of signatures.

In a decision block 510 then a test is made to determine the operating mode of the control program. When the control program is set to the automatic operating mode, the blocks become 512 to 518 while executing the control program to the manual operating mode, the blocks 519 to 520 be executed; in both cases, the procedure then moves to a block 521 continued (described below).

With reference to the block 512 (automatic mode of operation), the PLC displays a graphic representation of the various types of signatures supported by the sewing machine to allow the operator to select the desired type. A signature processing process involving setting a number of operating parameters for the sewing machine is done in one block 514 started. During this process, a first signature is removed from the feeder and its length (measured transverse to a spine of the signature) is determined; the signature is then opened, placed astride the fixed saddle and conveyed towards the sewing station (stopping before reaching the movable saddle near the end of the stationary saddle); As the signature moves along the stationary saddle, its height (H) becomes one block 560 detected. In a subsequent block 518 then the preferred position of the square alignment device on the saddle plate is read from the dataset associated with the height of the signature (depending on the number of pages and sewing technique); the position determined in this way is stored in the relevant variable (CUR_POS).

With reference to a block 519 (manual mode), the operator selects the heads to be operated to open the signatures. The operator is then in a block 520 to enter the length and height of the signatures as well as the position of the square alignment device on the saddle plate.

After that, in a block 521 a loop through the blocks 521 to 538 is defined a number of times, corresponding to the number of pages PG printed on each sheet of sheets (where PG = 1, if they are simple sheets). More specifically, the j ^th loop (where j = 1 ... PG) starts the calculation of the number of the first punch element to be lifted (Pf _j ); designating the distance between two adjacent punching elements (for example 19 mm) with PTH, the number of the first punching element Pf _{j is given} by the following formula:

The procedure verifies in a block 522 Whether the first punch is associated with a needle (that is, whether Pf _j is even). If this is not the case, the number of the first punch element Pf _j in a block 524 incremented (Pf _j = Pf _j + 1); the process then moves to a block 526 continued. When around swept to the first punching element is correct, the method moves directly with a block 526 continued.

The number of a final punch element (Pl _j ) associated with the current page is added to the block 526 equally calculated using the following formula:

The procedure verifies in a block 528 whether the number of the last punching element Pl _{j is} odd (for normal stitch sewing technique) or even (for the flatter stitch sewing technique). If this is not the case, the number of the last punch element Pl _j at the block 530 decreases (Pl _j = Pl _j - 1); the process then moves to a block 532 continued. Conversely, if the last punch is correct, the process moves directly to the block 532 continued.

With reference to the block 532 the configuration data area is updated accordingly (after creating a copy); In particular, the flags are set from the one flag associated with the first punching element to the one flag associated with the last punching element.

ergibt). Ist dies nicht der Fall, werden die Flags in dem Konfigurations-Datenbereich, die den ersten beiden Stanzelementen und/oder den letzten beiden Stanzelementen zugeordnet sind, in einem Block 536 deaktiviert; das Verfahren fährt dann mit einem Block 538 fort. Im umgekehrten Fall fährt das Verfahren direkt mit dem Block 538 fort.In a block 534 verifies the process, whether the first punching element and the last punching element ensure a minimum edge (for example, 5 mm) from the respective free ends of the page (this edge is based on the formulas

results). If this is not the case, the flags in the configuration data area associated with the first two punch elements and / or the last two punch elements are in one block 536 disabled; the process then moves to a block 538 continued. In the opposite case, the procedure goes directly to the block 538 continued.

In a decision block 538 then a test is made to determine if the last page of the signatures has been processed. If this is not the case, the method returns to the block 521 to perform the above-described operations for a subsequent page.

In the opposite case, the method moves with one block 544 in which the moving saddle is opened. The square alignment device is in a block 546 moved to a position where there is no interference with any piston (if necessary). The procedure then moves to a block 548 in which those pistons are associated which are associated with the raised punching elements (corresponding to the respective set flags in the copy of the configuration data area). The slider is in a block 550 moved to the release position. In a subsequent block 552 the pistons associated with the punching elements to be lifted are actuated (corresponding to the respective set flags in the configuration record). The slider is in a block 554 moved to the locking position, so as to achieve the desired configuration of the punching device. In a subsequent block 556 all the pistons are lowered. The procedure occurs in a block 557 in an idle loop, waiting for the completion of the movement of the pistons. Once the pistons are uncoupled from the rod, the square aligner is attached to a block 558 again placed in the position stored in the corresponding variable.

With reference to a block 560 the first sheet is placed on the movable saddle; the movable saddle is then raised and approaches the closed position, whereby the operator can check the position of the signature with respect to the needles and the hook needles.

In a subsequent block 574 a test is carried out to determine whether the operator has the Configuration of the punching device confirmed. If this is not the case, the method travels with one block 576 in which the operator can update the position of the square aligner and / or select one or more of the punch members to be moved (raise or lower). For example, the configuration of the punching device is changed to account for print residue on the signatures; alternatively, the position of the signatures on the saddle plate is moved toward the stationary saddle to facilitate the application of them to the moving saddle (for example, when the signatures have a large number of open plies or are made of very light paper). The new configuration of the punching device is in one block 578 pressed (with repetition of referring to the blocks 544 to 558 described operations). The process then returns to the block 574 back. Once the operator has completed the configuration of the punching device (block 574 ), the process ends at the last block 580 ,

Similar Considerations apply when an equivalent Procedure performed is called (for example, using error routines called when the number of each page of the sheets is assigned Punching elements falls below a threshold), if the configuration the punching device is manufactured in a different way, if the control program supports different formats of signatures when the sewing machine only works in automatic mode when the sewing machine various sewing techniques used if the configuration of the punching device is not from the operator can be updated when the first punching element and the last punching element are fixedly mounted (and not can be excluded). Alternatively, the number of intervening members to exclude Punching elements (for Multiple signatures) specified and saved in another table or the configuration the punching device is calculated using an algorithm and the same.

in the More generally, the present invention provides a punching device for one Book binding sewing machine. A support structure becomes for supporting a plurality of punching elements used. The punching device includes means for Locking each punching element in a working position or in a routine position; every punching element punches a printed sheet, when it is in the working position and does not work the signature when it is in the rest position when the supporting structure during the operation of the bookbinding machine is moved towards the sheet. A first pretensioner and a second biasing means are used during the configuration of Bookbinding sewing machine for Biasing each punching element in the working position or the rest position used. In the punching device according to the invention is at least one of the first and second biasing means while the operation of the bookbinding machine decoupled from the support structure.

The proposed punching device is very reliable, since the number of the supporting structure carried elements, which together with the movable saddle quickly to the needles and the hook needles out as well away from them (as well as inside the movable saddle and down), is greatly diminished.

Further allows the solution of the invention a Control of the position of all punching elements in individual Way (even if a combined control of sets of Punching elements or the control of a reduced number of punching elements is not excluded). In this way, the punching device in a simple way also for configured for use with a flutter stitch sewing technique and / or multiple signatures become.

The above-described preferred embodiment of the invention offers further advantages.

Especially is another support structure for the pretensioner uncoupled from the rod (the is called, the box for the pistons) on the support frame of the sewing machine attached.

These Configuration is very simple and robust.

at a special embodiment The invention provides a series of springs housed in the pole are to retire used the needles.

The proposed feature leads to a very compact construction of the rod, the punching elements wearing.

Advantageously, a number of pistons will correspond to the lifting of the punching elements de, used in the rod holes through.

These solution allows the configuration of the punching device in a very simple manner.

Further The pistons are made by means of corresponding single-acting valves actuated.

The Use of these valves leads greatly reducing the cost of the punching device as a whole.

In Alternatively, the box for the pistons is not attached to the support frame, and there will be other valves for the pistons are used or the springs and / or the pistons are replaced by other pretensioners (even both of this while the operation of the sewing machine can be decoupled from the rod); For example, every punching element becomes It is biased into its resting position by its own weight the pistons do not end around air pistons or pistons with a magnet for lowering the respective punching element.

Preferably The needles of the punching elements can be individually from the bottom remove the rod.

On this way you can Maintenance work on the punching device (for example, to replace a faulty needle) without removing the saddle plate.

When Further improvement involves each cover (holding a needle) downwardly projecting gripping end.

This Feature allows easier access and easier removal of the cover (for Replacing the needle).

advantageously, the pistons are raised to the rod before the slider in the Release position is moved.

On this way, the respective springs are relieved, so that the movement of the slider supports becomes.

Preferably is the square alignment device during the configuration of sewing machine moved so that it does not interfere with the Butt comes.

The proposed feature prevents any risk of damage to the Sewing machine.

Furthermore becomes the operation of the sewing machine disabled until all of the pistons are lowered.

This guaranteed that the movable saddle is actuated only when all the pistons disconnected from the pole.

The Punching device according to the present However, the invention is also suitable for an embodiment in which the needles in held in a different way (for example with respective ones) Screws), in which the needles are not removed one by one from the rod where the covers do not protrude from the pole, in which no raising of the piston towards the rod takes place before the slide is moved to the release position at which the square alignment device only after completion of the configuration process in their position is moved or even without a check to see if the pistons are lowered.

advantageously, the punching device is controlled by a program that is stored in the EEPROM of the PLC.

alternative this is the program on a floppy disk provided on one other readable by a data processing system medium or more generally provided in any other form, in it's directly into a working memory of a data processing system load. The proposed method for controlling the punching device is suitable but also for execution with a hardware construction (for example, integrated into one Chip of semiconductor material).

at a preferred embodiment According to the invention, the configuration of the punching device becomes automatic in accordance with the format of the signatures Are defined.

This Feature simplifies the operation of the sewing machine by interfering the operator greatly reduced.

When Further improvement will be the configuration of the punching device both in dependence from the dimensions of the signatures as well as depending on Defines the number of pages printed on each sheet of spreads are.

The suggested solution allows both the use of single signatures and multiple signatures in for the operator transparent way.

Furthermore the configuration of the punching device is dependent updated by the sewing technique used by the machine.

On this way you can different sewing techniques automatically supported become.

alternative For this purpose, the configuration of the punching device takes place in manual Way, with multiple-signatures excluded or to be removed punching elements are by the operator selected, the sewing machine supports only single sheets or multiple sheets (of a given type) or it becomes a single sewing technique used and the like.

To the Fulfill however, a skilled person can meet local and special requirements Of course, many in the solution described above Modifications and changes but all are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims (17)

Punching device ( 230 ) for a bookbinding sewing machine ( 100 ), which includes: a supporting structure ( 235 ) comprising a plurality of punching elements ( 240 ), and a facility ( 310 . 340 . 345 ) which locks each punching element in a working position or in a rest position, each punching element comprising a printing sheet ( 105 ) punches, if in the working position, and does not act on the printing sheet, if it is in the rest position, if the support structure is moved towards the printing sheet during operation of the bookbinding sewing machine, and a first pretensioner ( 255 . 265 ) and a second pretensioner ( 395 ), which bias each punching element during the configuration of the bookbinding sewing machine in the working position or the rest position, characterized in that at least one of the first and second biasing means during operation of the bookbinding sewing machine can be decoupled from the support structure. Contraption ( 230 ) according to claim 1, which further comprises a further support structure ( 250 ) for the at least one ( 255 . 265 ) of the first and second pretensioner means, the further support structure being attached to a support framework ( 110 ) of the bookbinding sewing machine ( 100 ) is attached. Contraption ( 230 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support structure ( 235 ) a plurality of through holes ( 330 . 335 . 350 ), each of which has an associated punching element ( 240 ) partially receiving, wherein the through hole between a first and a second surface of the support structure extends and the punching element a needle ( 365 ) projecting from the first surface, and the second biasing means comprises spring means (14) 395 ) housed in each through hole to retract the associated needle. Contraption ( 230 ) according to claim 3, in which the first pretensioning device ( 255 . 265 ) a plurality of pistons ( 255 ), each of which passes through an associated through-hole ( 330 . 335 . 350 ) through to pull out the needle ( 365 ) acts. Contraption ( 230 ) according to claim 4, in which the first pretensioning device ( 255 . 265 ) a plurality of single-acting valves ( 265 ), each of which is used to move an associated piston ( 255 ) against the support structure ( 235 ) serves. Contraption ( 230 ) according to one of claims 3 to 5, in which each punching element ( 240 ) continue one Facility ( 375 . 380 ) which contains the needle ( 365 ) in the associated through hole ( 330 . 335 . 350 ), the means for holding ( 375 . 380 ) from the second surface of the support structure 235 accessible to remove the needle. Contraption ( 230 ) according to claim 6, wherein the means for holding ( 375 . 380 ) a grasping ( 380 ) extending from the second surface of the support structure ( 235 ). Contraption ( 230 ) according to one of claims 4 to 7, in which the locking device ( 310 . 340 . 345 ) includes: a slider ( 310 ), which has a plurality of slotted holes ( 340 ), each having a first portion and a second portion narrower than the first portion, and means ( 345 ), which the slider between a release position in which a respective punching element ( 240 ) is slidably displaced by the first portion of an associated slot hole, and moves to a locking position in which the second portion of each slot hole has a first groove (Fig. 390h ) or a second groove ( 390l ), which is formed around the associated punching element around, each piston ( 255 ) associated with a punching element in the rest position is moved against the support structure before the slider is moved to the release position. Contraption ( 230 ) according to one of claims 4 to 8, which further comprises: a stop device ( 210 ), which during operation of the bookbinding machine, the printing sheet on a movable saddle ( 135 ), and a facility ( 220 ), which moves the stop device so that it does not interfere with the pistons during the configuration of the bookbinding sewing machine (FIG. 255 ) comes into conflict. Contraption ( 230 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which further comprises: a device ( 270 ), which checks whether the at least one ( 255 . 265 ) of the first and second biasing means is decoupled from the support structure, and means ( 430 ), which prevents operation of the bookbinding sewing machine when the result of the check is negative. Bookbinding sewing machine ( 100 ), which the punching device ( 230 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Software implemented procedure ( 500 ) for controlling a punching device of a bookbinding sewing machine which includes a support structure carrying a plurality of punching elements, the method including, during the configuration of the bookbinding sewing machine, the steps of: releasing ( 550 ) of the punching elements, preloading ( 552 ) of each punching element into a working position by means of a first pretensioning device or in a rest position by means of a second pretensioning device, wherein the punching element punches a printing sheet, if it is in the working position, and does not act on the printing sheet, if it is in the rest position, when the support structure is moved toward the signature during operation of the bookbinding machine, and locking (FIG. 554 ) of the punching elements, characterized by the step: uncoupling ( 556 ) at least one of the first and second biasing means of the support structure during operation of the bookbinding sewing machine. Procedure ( 500 ) according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: providing ( 508 . 516 ) an indication of a format of the print sheet, and automatic definition ( 518 . 521 - 538 ) of configuration information indicating the position of each punching element as a function of the format of the printing sheet, each punching element being biased into the working position or the rest position according to the configuration information ( 552 ). Procedure ( 500 ) according to claim 13, wherein the signature includes at least one page printed on each layer, the step of providing an indication of the format of the signature ( 508 . 516 ), providing ( 516 ) a dimension of the printed sheet and the provision ( 508 ) contains the number of pages. Procedure ( 500 ) according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of providing an indication of a sewing method used by the bookbinding sewing machine ( 506 ), wherein the configuration information is further defined as a function of the sewing method ( 518 . 521 - 538 ). Program ( 430 ), which is directly in a working memory ( 410 ) of a data processing system ( 145 ) to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 15 when the program is executed on the data processing system. Program product ( 415 ) containing a readable by a data processing medium on which the program ( 430 ) is stored according to claim 16.