BOOK BINDING APPARATUS FOR PERFECT BOOK BINDING

Abstract

While a book block (P) is nipped between a pair of clamping plates (1a, 1b) and passes through processing Units (B to D) in succession, perfect book bind processing is carried out. Two or more of the processing units (B to D) have pairs of members (2b, 2c; 3c, 3d; 4a, 4b) which engage or come into contact with both sides of a back surface of the book block A thickness of the book block is measured by a measuring unit (6) before the book binding processing is started. When a thickness of next book block is measured by a measuring unit during the book bind processing of a previous book block, a control section (7) stores a measured value of the thickness of the next book block in a memory (8). When the previous book block reaches a predetermined position on a conveying path, a gap between the pair of members of the processing unit located upstream of a position of the previous book block is adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory. Thereafter, a gap between the pair of members of the processing unit located downstream of the predetermined position is adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory when the previous book block passes through the processing unit. After the book bind processing of the previous book block is completed, a gap between the pair of clamping plates is adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a book binding apparatus for perfect book binding. The book binding apparatus for perfect book binding comprises a conveying path, a series of processing units carrying out perfect book bind processing, a clamp unit provided with a pair of clamping plates and arranged for reciprocal movement along the conveying path, and a clamp unit driving mechanism reciprocating the clamp unit. The perfect-binding book binding processing is carried out while a book block is clamped between the pair of clamping plates and passes through the series of processing units in succession.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is known a conventional book binding apparatus continuously receiving book blocks of one book from a printer and a copying machine, and carrying out perfect book bind processing of book blocks one by one.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a structure of one example of such a conventional book binding apparatus. Referring to FIG. 4, the conventional book binding apparatus for perfect book binding comprises a conveying path F, a series of processing units (milling unit B, glue application unit C and cover application unit D) which are arranged along the conveying path F for carrying out the perfect book bind processing, a clamp unit provided with a pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b and arranged for reciprocal movement along the conveying path F (only clamping plates 1a and 1b are shown in FIG. 4), and a clamp unit driving mechanism (not shown) reciprocating the clamp unit.

A book block P is subjected to the perfect-binding book binding processing while the book block P passes through the series of processing units in succession after the book block P is nipped by the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b which is on standby at a book block inserting position A.

The pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is composed of a stationary clamping plate 1a and a movable clamping plate 1b. The clamp unit comprises gap adjustment means (not shown) moving the movable clamping plate 1b in directions toward and away from the stationary clamping plate 1a. Before the book binding processing is started, the clamp unit is on standby in the book block inserting position A, and a gap between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is previously adjusted according to the thickness of the book block P. When the book binding processing is started, in the book block inserting position A, the book block P is placed on an aligning plate 1c arranged in the book block inserting position A in such a manner that a back surface of the book block P faces downward, the book block P is inserted between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b of the clamp unit, and the book block P is nipped therebetween. Thereafter, the book block P is conveyed to the milling unit B by the clamp unit along the conveying path F.

The milling unit B comprises a milling cutter 2a and a pair of guide plates 2b and 2c. The pair of guide plates 2b and 2c is composed of a stationary guide plate 2b and a movable guide plate 2c. The movable guide plate 2c is moved by the gap adjustment means (not shown) in directions toward and away from the stationary guide plate 2b. A gap between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c may be adjusted. Before the book binding processing is started, the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c is in a standby state where the gap therebetween is previously adjusted according to the thickness of the book block P. While the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b passes above the milling cutter 2a, both sides of a back surface portion of the book block P protruding from the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b are inserted between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c. The both sides of the back surface portion of the book block P are thereby supported by the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c and the back surface of the book block P is grinded, and preprocessing for uniform application of glue on the entire back surface of the book block P is carried out. Then, the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is conveyed to the glue application unit C.

The glue application unit C comprises a glue tank 3a filled with glue, a gluing roller 3b, and a roller 3c for wiping excessive glue off The glue application unit C applies an appropriate thickness of glue on the back surface of the book block P. When the gluing operation is completed, the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is conveyed to the cover application unit D.

The cover application unit D comprises a bottom plate 4c and a pair of nip plates 4a and 4b. The pair of nip plates 4a and 4b is composed of a stationary nip plate 4b and a movable nip plate 4a. A gap between the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b can be adjusted by moving the movable nip plate 4a by the gap adjustment means (not shown) in directions toward and away from the stationary nip plate 4b. Before the book binding processing is started, the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b is in a standby state where the gap therebetween is previously adjusted according to the thickness of the book block P. When the book binding processing is started, a printed cover Q is supplied onto the bottom plate 4c and the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b in a direction of an arrow S by appropriate conveying means such as a conveyer from a cover collecting section (not shown). Thereafter, the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b stops at a position where the back surface of the book block P is opposed to a spine of the cover Q. Then, the bottom plate 4c and the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b rise, the cover Q is pressed against the spine of the book block P by the rising bottom plate 4c and at the same time, the movable nip plate 4a is moved toward the stationary nip plate 4b, and thereby the cover Q is pressed against both sides of the back surface of the book block P, the cover Q is glued on the book block P and a bound matter is completed. Thereafter, the clamp unit returns to the book block inserting position A, where the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is fully opened, the bound matter is discharged.

In the book binding apparatus for perfect book binding, it is often necessary to change the thickness of the book block P to be bound. In such a case, the gap between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b of the clamp unit on standby, the gap between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c on standby of the milling unit B, and the gap between the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b on standby of the cover application unit D need to be adjusted.

Therefore, the conventional book binding apparatus for perfect book binding comprises a measuring unit for measurement of the thickness of the book block P so that the gap between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b on standby, the gap between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c on standby of the milling unit B, and the gap between the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b on standby of the cover application unit D can be adjusted at once based on the measured value.

According to this structure, however, it is not possible to carry out the measuring operation of the thickness of the book block P, and the adjusting operation of the gap between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c on standby and the gap between the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b on standby until the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b returns to the book block inserting position A. When the thickness of the book block P is frequently changed, there is a problem that a rate of operation of the book binding apparatus for perfect book binding is significantly deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a book binding apparatus for perfect book binding in which a rate of operation is not deteriorated even if a thickness of a book block to be bound is frequently changed.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a book binding apparatus for perfect book binding comprising: a conveying path; a series of processing units arranged along the conveying path for carrying out perfect book bind processing; and a clamp unit provided with a pair of clamping plates and arranged for reciprocal movement along the conveying path; a clamp unit driving mechanism reciprocating the clamp unit. The perfect book bind processing is carried out while a book block is nipped between the pair of clamping plates and the book block passes through the series of processing units in succession The book binding apparatus further comprises two or more of the processing units comprising pairs of members which engage or come into contact with both sides of a back surface portion of the book block protruding from between the pair of clamping plates, and gap adjustment means moving the pairs of members in directions toward and away from each other; a control section controlling the clamp unit and the gap adjustment means; and a measuring unit for measuring a thickness of the book block. The thickness of the book block is measured by the measuring unit before the book binding processing of the book block is started. A gap between the pair of clamping plates before nipping the book block, and gaps between the pairs of members of the processing units are previously adjusted in correspondence with the thickness of the book block based on the obtained measured value. When a thickness of a next book block is measured by the measuring unit during execution of the perfect-binding book binding processing of a previous book block, the control section stores the measured value of the thickness of the next book block in a memory. Then when the previous book block nipped between the pair of clamping plates reaches a predetermined position on the conveying path, the gaps between the pairs of members of the processing units located upstream of a position of the previous book block are adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory. Thereafter, when the previous book block passes through the processing units, the gaps between the pairs of members of the processing units located downstream of the predetermined position are adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory, and after the perfect book bind processing of the previous book block is completed, the gap between the pair of clamping plates is adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit comprises: a base; a pair of support members fixed to the base with a distance therebetween; a guide rail extending between the pair of support members and supported by the support member; a slide body slidably guided by the guide rail, the slide body having a flat measuring surface; and a stationary body fixed to the base. The slide body slides in directions toward and away from the stationary body, and the stationary body has a reference surface opposed to the measuring surface of the slide body, so that the measuring surface abuts against the reference surface. The measuring unit farther comprises a moving distance measuring means for measurement of a moving distance of the measuring surface from the reference surface while setting, as a zero point, a position where the measuring surface of the slide body abuts against the reference surface of the stationary body. The thickness of the book block is measured by nipping the book block between the reference surface and the measuring surface.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the moving distance measuring means comprises: a pair of pulleys arranged on the base with a distance therebetween in an axial direction of the guide rail; an endless belt extending between the pair of pulleys for rotation, the slide body being connected to a portion of the endless belt; and means connected to a rotating shaft of one of the pulleys for measuring a rotation amount of the pulley, converting the rotation amount into a moving distance of the measuring surface of the slide body, and outputting the moving distance.

According to further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit comprises: a display for indicating the measured value; and a numeric value changing section for changing a numeric value indicated on the display, zero point correction being made is such a manner that a numeric value zero is indicated on the display, when the slide body is abutted against the stationary body before the measurement of the thickness.

According to further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the series of processing units comprise at least a milling unit, a glue application unit and a cover application unit, and the milling unit has a pair of guide plates as the pair of members, the pair of guide plates supporting both sides of a back surface portion of the book block protruding from the pair of clamping plates during grinding processing of the back surface of the book block, and the cover application unit has a pair of nip plates as the pair of members, the pair of nip plates pressing a cover against the both sides of the back surface portion of the book block when the cover is attached to the back surface of the book block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a book binding apparatus for perfect book binding according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the book binding apparatus for perfect book binding shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a plan view of a measuring unit provided in the book binding apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is an elevational view of the measuring unit shown in FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a structure of a conventional book binding apparatus for perfect book binding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a structure of a book binding apparatus for perfect book binding according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the book binding apparatus for perfect book binding shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the book binding apparatus for perfect book binding of the present invention comprises a conveying path F, a series of processing units (milling unit B, glue application unit C and cover application unit D) arranged along the conveying path F for carrying out the perfect book bind processing, a clamp unit 1 provided with a pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b and arranged for reciprocal movement along the conveying path F, and a clamp unit driving mechanism reciprocating the clamp unit 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a symbol A represents a book block inserting position A where a book block P is inserted and nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b. An aligning plate 1c for supporting a back surface of the book block P when the book block P is nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is arranged at the book block inserting position A. A symbol E represents a cover supply unit E for supplying a cover Q to the cover application unit D.

The clamp unit driving mechanism comprises a guide rail 10 arranged at a distance above the processing units B to D and extending along the conveying path F. The guide rail 10 is provided with an endless chain (not shown) which extends along the guide rail 10 and can be reciprocally rotated.

The clamp unit 1 is mounted on the guide rail 10 for slide movement. The clamp unit 1 is also connected to a portion of the endless chain, and reciprocates along the conveying path F as the endless chain is reciprocally rotated.

The guide rail 10 is pivotally attached to a turning shaft, which is fixed to a frame 12 of the book binding apparatus, at its one end 10a located on the side of the cover application unit D. A motor 13 is arranged on the side of the other end 10b of the guide rail 10 and fixed to the frame 12. A rotating disc 14 is mounted on a drive shaft of the motor 13. A rod 15 is pivotally attached to an outer periphery of the rotating disc 14 at its one end through a pin 16a, and pivotally attached to the other end 10b of the guide rail 10 at its other end through a pin 16b.

The rod 15 is vertically moved by drive of the motor 13. Accordingly, the guide rail 10 can be turned around the turning shaft 11 between a first position at which it extends horizontally along the conveying path F and a second position at which it inclines around the turning shaft 11 so as to escape upward from the processing units B to D.

The pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b of the clamp unit 1 is composed of a stationary clamping plate 1a and a movable clamping plate 1b. The movable clamping plate 1b is moved in directions toward and away from the stationary clamping plate 1a by drive of a motor M1 provided in the clamp unit 1.

The guide rail 10 is located in the first position. In the book block inserting position A, the book block P is placed on the aligning plate 1c in such a manner that a back surface of the book block P faces downward, and the book block P is nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b. In this case, the book block P is arranged with respect to the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b in such a manner that both sides of the back surface portion protrudes downward from the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b. While the book block P is conveyed by the clamp unit 1 and made to pass through the series of processing units B to D in succession, the perfect-binding book bind processing is carried out. When the processing by the cover application unit D is completed, the guide rail 10 is turned from the first position to the second position, the clamp unit 1 is returned to the book block inserting position A along the guide rail 10, and the book block P with the cover Q is glued is discharged from the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b.

The milling unit B comprises a milling cutter 2a and a pair of parallel guide plates 2b and 2c. The pair of guide plates 2b and 2c is composed of a stationary guide plate 2b and a movable guide plate 2c. The movable guide plate 2c is moved in directions toward and away from the stationary guide plate 2b by drive of a motor M2 provided in the milling unit B. Then a gap between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c can be adjusted. Before the book binding processing is started, the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c is in a standby state where the gap therebetween is previously adjusted according to the thickness of the book block P. After the book binding processing is started, while the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b passes above the milling cutter 2a, both sides of the back surface of the book block P protruding downward from the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b are inserted between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c. Thus the both sides of the back surface of the book block P is supported by the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c and the back surface of the book block P is grinded, and pre-processing for uniform application of glue on the entire back surface of the book block P is carried out. Then, the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is conveyed to the glue application unit C.

The glue application unit C comprises a glue tank 3a filled with glue, a gluing roller 3b for gluing on the back surface of the book block P, a pair of second gluing rollers 3c and 3d for gluing on both sides of the back surface of the book block P, and a roller 3e for wiping excessive glue off. The pair of second gluing rollers 3c and 3d is composed of a stationary gluing roller 3c and a movable gluing roller 3d. The movable gluing roller 3d is moved in directions toward and away from the stationary gluing roller 3c by drive of a motor M. Before the book binding processing is started, the pair of second gluing rollers 3c and 3d is in a standby state where the gap therebetween is previously adjusted according to the thickness of the book block P. While the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b passes above the glue tank 3a, the pair of second gluing rollers 3c and 3d is engaged with the both sides of the back surface of the book block P, and glue is applied on both sides of the back surface of the book block P.

When the gluing operation is completed, the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is conveyed to the cover application unit D.

The cover application unit D comprises a bottom plate 4c and a pair of nip plates 4a and 4b. The pair of nip plates 4a and 4b is composed of a stationary nip plate 4b and a movable nip plate 4a. The movable nip plate 4a is moved in directions toward and away from the stationary nip plate 4b by drive of a motor M4 provided in the cover application unit D. Thus a gap between the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b may be adjusted. Before the book binding processing is started, the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b is in a standby state where the gap therebetween is previously adjusted according to the thickness of the book block P.

The cover supply unit E comprises a tray on which the cover Q is placed, and a cover supply mechanism for supplying the cover Q from the tray on the bottom plate 4c and the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b of the cover application unit D. The cover supply mechanism comprises a pair of folding rollers 5a and 5b for forming fold lines at a predetermined position of the cover Q. The pair of folding rollers 5a and 5b is composed of a stationary folding roller 5a and a movable folding roller 5b. The movable folding roller 5b is moved in directions toward and away from the stationary folding roller 5a by drive of a motor M5. Thus a gap between the pair of folding rollers 5a and 5b is previously adjusted according to the thickness of the book block P. In this state, the folding rollers 5a and 5b are on standby.

When the book binding processing is started, the cover Q is supplied on the bottom plate 4c and the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b of the cover application unit D from the cover supply unit E by the cover supply mechanism. While the cover Q is conveyed, two parallel fold lines are formed at predetermined positions of the cover Q by the pair of folding rollers 5a and 5b.

Thereafter, the book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is stopped at a position where the back surface of the book block P is opposed to a spine of the cover Q (a portion of the cover Q between the parallel fold lines). The bottom plate 4c and the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b rise, the cover Q is pressed against the spine of the book block P by the bottom plate 4c and at the same time, the movable nip plate 4a is moved toward the stationary nip plate 4b. Accordingly, the cover Q is pressed against both sides of the back surface of the book block P, the cover Q is attached to the book block P, and the bound matter is completed.

According to the present invention, the book binding apparatus comprises a measuring unit 6 for measurement of the thickness of the book block P. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the measuring unit provided in the book binding apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3B is an elevational view of the measuring unit shown in FIG. 3A.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the measuring unit 6 comprises a base 6a, pair of support members 6b fixed to the base 6a with a distance therebetween, and a horizontal straight guide rail 6c extending between the support members 6b and supported by the support members 6b.

The measuring unit 6 also comprises a slide body 6d slidably guided by the guide rail 6c. The slide body 6d has a through hole, and the slide body 6d is fitted into the guide rail 6c through the through hole. The slide body 6d comprises a flat measuring surface 6e extending perpendicularly to the guide rail 6c.

The measuring unit 6 further comprises a stationary body 6f fixed on the base 6a. The slide body 6d slides in directions toward and away from the stationary body 6f. The stationary body 6f comprises a flat reference surface 6g opposed to the measuring surface 6e of the slide body 6d. The measuring surface 6e can abut against the reference surface 6g. In this embodiment, the stationary body 6f is integrally formed on one of the support members 6b.

The measuring unit 6 further comprises moving distance measuring means. The moving distance measuring means measures a moving distance of the measuring surface 6e from the reference surface 6g while setting, as a zero point, a position where the measuring surface 6e of the slide body 6d abuts against the reference surface 6g of the stationary body 6f The moving distance measuring means comprises a pair of pulleys 6h and 6i arranged on both ends of the guide rail 6c and mounted on the base 6a. The moving distance measuring means also comprises an endless belt 6j extending between the pulleys 6h and 6i for reciprocal rotation. The pair of pulleys 6h and 6i is arranged for rotation around axes perpendicular to the guide rail 6c at right angles. A slide body 2 is connected to the endless belt 6j. The moving distance measuring means also comprises a device, e.g., a rotary encoder 6k, which is connected to a rotating shaft of the pulley 6h to measure a rotation amount of the pulley 6h. The rotary encoder 6k also converts the rotation amount into a moving distance of the measuring surface 6e of the slide body 6d, and outputs the moving distance.

The measuring unit 6 further comprises a display 6p for indication of a measured value, and a numeric value input switch 6q for confirming or changing a numeric value (measured value) indicated on the display 6p.

The measuring unit 6 is arranged adjacent to a table 9. The table 9 is disposed adjacent to the book block inserting position A of the book binding apparatus and used for neatly aligning the book block P. In this case, the measuring unit 6 comprises an auxiliary table portion 6m connected to the table 9 at the same level. The auxiliary table portion 6m is provided with a slot 6n extending along the guide rail 6c. The base 6a is fixed to a lower surface of the auxiliary table portion 6m, and at least the reference surface 6g of the stationary body 6f and measuring surface 6e of the slide body 6d project upward from an upper surface of the auxiliary table portion 6m through the slot 6n. The measuring surface 6e is slidably arranged.

After sheets composing the book block P are aligned on the table 9 prior to the book binding processing in this manner, the book block P is made to slide on the table in this state, and the book block P is inserted between the reference surface 6g and the measuring surface 6e. At this time, since the portion of the book block P lying outside either side of the reference surface 6g and the measuring surface 6e are supported by the auxiliary table portion 6m at its back face, the thickness thereof can be easily and precisely measured.

To prevent erroneous measurement which may occur due to expansion and contraction of the endless belt 6j, and to obtain a precise measured value, the measuring surface 6e of the slide body 6d is abutted against the reference surface 6g of the stationary body 6f before measurement of the thickness of the book block P, and zero point correction is made such that numeric value zero is indicated on the display 6p at the time.

The thickness of the book block P is measured in the following manner. After the zero point correction of the measuring unit 6, one side surface of the book block P is abutted on the reference surface 6g of the stationary body 6f, the slide body 6d is made to slide along the guide rail 6c, and the measuring surface 6e of the slide body 6d is abutted on the other side surface of the book block P. The obtained measured value is indicated on the display 6p.

Referring again to FIG. 1, according to the present invention, the book binding apparatus comprises a memory 8 and a control section 7 which controls the motor M1 of the clamp unit 1, the motor M2 of the milling unit B, the motor M3 of the glue application unit C, the motor M4 of the cover application unit D and the motor M5 of the cover supply unit E.

The thickness of the book block P is measured by the measuring unit 6 before the book binding processing of the book block P is started, and the control section 7 previously adjusts the gap between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b, the gap between the pair of guide plates 2b and 2c of the milling unit B, the gap between the pair of second gluing rollers 3c and 3d of the glue application unit C, the gap between the pair of nip plates 4a and 4b of the cover application unit D, and the gap between the pair of folding rollers 5a and 5b of the cover supply unit E before the book block P is nipped based on the obtained measured value according to the thickness of the book block P.

When a thickness of next book block P is measured by the measuring unit 6 during the book bind processing of a previous book block P, the control section 7 stores the measured value of the thickness of the next book block P in the memory 8. When the previous book block P nipped between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b reaches a predetermined position on the conveying path F, the gaps between the pair of members 2b and 2c; 3c and 3d; 4a and 4b; and 5a and 5b of the processing units B to E located upstream of the position of the previous book block P are adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory 8. Thereafter, the gaps between the pair of members 2b and 2c; 3c and 3d; 4a and 4b; and 5a and 5b of the processing units B to E located downstream of the predetermined position are adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory 8 when the previous book block passes through the processing units B to E. Then, after the book binding processing of the previous book block P is completed, the gap between the pair of clamping plates 1a and 1b is adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory 8.

In this case, a rotary encoder is mounted on one of a pair of sprockets which turns the endless chain of the clamp unit driving mechanism. After the clamp unit 1 nips the book block P at the book block inserting position A, a convey start signal is output from the clamp unit 1 or a sensor disposed at the book block inserting position A when the book block P leaves the book block inserting position. At the same time when the convey start signal is received, the control section 7 starts an counting operation of the number of pulses outputted from the rotary encoder, thereby measuring the conveying distance of the book block P. When the conveying distance reaches a predetermined conveying distance, it is detected that the book block P has reached a predetermined position. In this embodiment, when the book block P reaches the cover application unit D, it is determined that the book block P has reached the predetermined position.

According to the present invention, even during execution of the book binding processing of the previous book block P, concerning the processing unit through which the previous book block P passed, it is possible to adjust the gap between the related pair of members according to a thickness of next book block. Therefore, it is possible to carry out the adjustment for the next book block P without waiting until the book binding processing of the previous book block P is completed and the clamp unit 1 returns to the book block inserting position A as in the conventional technique. Therefore, even when a thickness of book blocks to be bound is frequently changed, the rate of operation of the book binding apparatus is not deteriorated.

Claims

1. A book binding apparatus for perfect book binding comprising: a conveying path (F);a series of processing units (B to D) arranged along the conveying path (F) for carrying out perfect book bind processing;a clamp unit (1) provided with a pair of clamping plates (1a and 1b) and arranged for reciprocal movement along the conveying path (F);a clamp unit driving mechanism reciprocating the clamp unit (1),the perfect book bind processing being carried out while a book block (P) is nipped between the pair of clamping plates (1a, 1b) and the book block (P) passes through the series of processing units (B to D) in succession;two or more of the processing units (B to D) comprising pairs of members (2b, 2c; 3c, 3d; 4a, 4b) which engage or come into contact with both sides of a back surface portion of the book block (P) protruding from between the pair of clamping plates (1a, 1b), and gap adjustment means (M2 to M4) moving the pairs of members (2b, 2c; 3c, 3d; 4a, 4b) in directions toward and away from each other;a control section (7) controlling the clamp unit (1) and the gap adjustment means (M2 to M4); anda measuring unit (6) for measuring a thickness of the book block (P),the thickness of the book block (P) being measured by the measuring unit (6) before the book binding processing of the book block (P) is started,a gap between the pair of clamping plates (1a, 1b) before nipping the book block (P), and gaps between the pairs of members (2b, 2c; 3c, 3d; 4a, 4b) of the processing units (B to D) being previously adjusted in correspondence with the thickness of the book block (P) based on the obtained measured value,when a thickness of a next book block (P) is measured by the measuring unit (6) during execution of the perfect-binding book binding processing of a previous book block (P), the control section (7) storing the measured value of the thickness of the next book block (P) in a memory (8),when the previous book block (P) nipped between the pair of clamping plates (1a, 1b) reaches a predetermined position on the conveying path (F), the gaps between the pairs of members (2b, 2c; 3c, 3d; 4a, 4b) of the processing units (B to D) located upstream of a position of the previous book block (P) being adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory (8),thereafter, when the previous book block (P) passes through the processing units (B to D), the gaps between the pairs of members (2b, 2c; 3c, 3d; 4a, 4b) of the processing units (B to D) located downstream of the predetermined position being adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory (8), andthereafter, after the perfect book bind processing of the previous book block (P) is completed the gap between the pair of clamping plates (1a, 1b) being adjusted based on the measured value stored in the memory (8).

2. The book binding apparatus for perfect book binding according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit (6) comprises: a base (6a);a pair of support members (6b) fixed to the base (6a) with a distance therebetween;a guide rail (6c) extending between the pair of support members (6b) and supported by the support member (6b);a slide body (6d) slidably guided by the guide rail (6c), the slide body (6d) having a flat measuring surface (6e);a stationary body (6f) fixed to the base (6a),the slide body (6d) sliding in directions toward and away from the stationary body (6f), the stationary body (6f) having a reference surface (6g) opposed to the measuring surface (6e) of the slide body (6d), the measuring surface (6e) abutting against the reference surface (6g); anda moving distance measuring means for measurement of a moving distance of the measuring surface (6e) from the reference surface (6g) while setting, as a zero point, a position where the measuring surface (6e) of the slide body (6d) abuts against the reference surface (6g) of the stationary body (6f),the thickness of the book block (P) being measured by nipping the book block (P) between the reference surface (6g) and the measuring surface (6e).

3. The book binding apparatus for perfect book binding according to claim 2, wherein the moving distance measuring means comprises:a pair of pulleys (6h, 6i) arranged on the base (6a) with a distance therebetween in an axial direction of the guide rail (6c);an endless belt (6j) extending between the pair of pulleys (6h, 6i) for rotation, the slide body (6d) being connected to a portion of the endless belt (6j); andmeans (6k) connected to a rotating shaft of one of the pulleys (6h) for measuring a rotation amount of the pulley (6h), converting the rotation amount into a moving distance of the measuring surface (6e) of the slide body (6d), and outputting the moving distance.

4. The book binding apparatus for perfect book binding according to claim 3, wherein the measuring unit (6) comprises:a display (6p) for indicating the measured value; anda numeric value changing section (6q) for changing a numeric value indicated on the display (6p),zero point correction being made is such a manner that a numeric value zero is indicated on the display (6p), when the slide body (6d) is abutted against the stationary body (6f) before the measurement of the thickness.

5. The book binding apparatus for perfect book binding according to of claim 1, wherein the series of processing units comprise at least a milling unit (B), a glue application unit (C) and a cover application unit (D), and the milling unit (B) has a pair of guide plates (2b, 2c) as the pair of members, the pair of guide plates (2b, 2c) supporting both sides of a back surface portion of the book block (P) protruding from the pair of clamping plates (1a, 1b) during grinding processing of the back surface of the book block (P), and the cover application unit (D) has a pair of nip plates (4a and 4b) as the pair of members, the pair of nip plates (4a, 4b) pressing a cover (Q) against the both sides of the back surface portion of the book block (P) when the cover (Q) is attached to the back surface of the book block (P).