MACHINE FOR COVERING BOOKS AND THE LIKE |
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申请号 | EP13700527.8 | 申请日 | 2013-01-09 | 公开(公告)号 | EP2804766B1 | 公开(公告)日 | 2016-03-23 |
申请人 | RI. Plast S.r.l. Dei F. LLI Rioli; | 发明人 | RIOLI, Angelo; TORRI, Matteo; | ||||
摘要 | |||||||
权利要求 | |||||||
说明书全文 | The present invention concerns a machine for covering paper articles. In particular, the present invention concerns a machine for covering books, exercise books and similar with a sheet of flexible thermoplastic material. The application of a cover, or outer cover, to articles made mainly of paper material, such as books, exercise books and similar by the user-owner of said articles is a very widespread and effective practice to protect them from wear. Various types of covers are known for books, exercise books, albums and similar. The simplest consists of a sheet, made of various materials according to requirements, which is folded and cut to adapt to the size and thickness of the article to be covered. A further type is a ready-to-use sheet which only has to be applied to the article as it is already produced with the size suitable for the article to be covered. In the case of a cover obtained from a sheet of paper or flexible plastic material, the user has to cut, fold and glue said sheet to manually create the cover in the size suitable for the book. In this case the main drawback is the considerable waste of time in manual application of the cover by the user, in addition to the fact that the latter must have good manual ability. The application of covers or outer covers on paper material such as books, exercise books, albums and similar directly by the stationer or bookseller has therefore become a widespread practice, especially in the case of school textbooks. In this case, the number of books to be covered at the beginning of the school year is considerable, and therefore the purchaser of the book is willing to pay a reasonable surcharge in order to receive the books already covered and ready for use. This widespread demand to purchase books already covered by the stationer/bookseller has led to the need for a machine that automates wholly or partly the application of the cover to the books, thus speeding up the work of the stationer. The international patent application The main drawback of said machine is the need for manual operation of the blade, which does not allow automation of the application of said covers. In fact, said equipment does not comprise electro-mechanical actuators but the simple use of levers and elastic elements which bring the blade and counter-blade into contact, thus obtaining cutting. The The main drawback of said equipment is that it is impossible to accurately determine the heating temperature of the blade. The blade undergoes a thermal cycle for the administration of heat which is interrupted when a set time has elapsed, regardless of the temperature reached. Therefore a need is felt for a machine for covering books and the like, which eliminates or reduces the drawbacks of the known equipment, and in particular which reduces the extent of the manual intervention of an operator in the application of covers or outer covers to books, and the like. It is desirable for said machine to allow heat-sealing and cutting of any type of flexible thermoplastic material in any thermal conditions. It is furthermore desirable for said machine to allow effective long-lasting heat sealing to be obtained. Lastly, it is desirable for said machine to be inexpensive and quick to produce, using the least number of components. In particular, it is desirable for the components used in production of the machine to minimise wear of the same. The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a machine for covering paper articles by means of a sheet of flexible thermoplastic material which minimises the drawbacks of the known equipment, as previously described. In the context of the above-mentioned aim, one object of the present invention is to provide a machine for covering paper articles by means of a sheet of flexible thermoplastic material offering the maximum automation possible for the operations necessary to obtain said cover. A further object of the present invention is to provide a machine for covering paper articles which allows accurate regulation of the temperature of the cutting tool for obtaining the heat sealing of any flexible thermoplastic material and in any thermal conditions. A further object of the present invention is to provide a machine for covering paper articles able to minimise movement of the sheet in the operational phase, limiting the movements and the creation of air bubbles in the heat-sealed portion. The above-mentioned objects are achieved by a machine for covering paper articles with a sheet of flexible thermoplastic material, comprising:
the machine being characterised in that it comprises means for controlling the cutting tool temperature, operatively connected with the control means for defining the operating position when a set temperature threshold is reached by the cutting tool. In this way practically total automation of the heat sealing and cutting operations is obtained, effectively controlling the temperature of the cutting tool. Preferably the temperature control means comprise at least one temperature sensor applied and/or operatively connected to the cutting tool. Even more preferably, the temperature control means comprise at least one thermocouple applied on the cutting tool. In this way accuracy and minimisation of systematic errors in detection of the above-mentioned temperature are guaranteed. Preferably the machine furthermore comprises means for adjustment of the temperature threshold by the user, operatively connected with the control means. In this way the temperature of the cutting tool can be regulated in relation to the different materials that can be used for the heat sealing. This possibility allows different temperatures to be set for heating of the cutting tool, allowing heat sealing to be obtained on any type of flexible thermoplastic material, increasing the possibilities of use of said machine. Furthermore the possibility of accurately determining the heating temperature allows use of the machine in very different ambient conditions while maintaining the same optimal heat sealing characteristics. Preferably the machine furthermore comprises timing means, operatively connected with the control means, for determining the time the cutting tool is maintained in the operating position, said time being determined by the pre-defined temperature threshold and/or by the type of thermoplastic material to be used. In this way automation of the necessary operations is furthermore optimised, as the time is determined by the variables relative to the type of heat-sealable material used and, therefore, by the temperature to which the cutting tool is heated. Preferably the cutting tool is a blade which extends, at least partially, along the extent of the bar. In this way the cutting and heat sealing obtained are uniform and accurate. Preferably the cutting means comprise means for partially covering at least one side of the cutting tool, to allow detachment of the heat-sealed sheet when the tool returns to the non-operating position. Even more preferably, the covering means are integrally connected with and partially cover both sides of the cutting tool. In this way the heat-sealed sheet is easily detached from the cutting tool, without the use of further manual operations and without leaving residues on the cover produced. Preferably the cutting means comprise pressure means provided on at least one side of the cutting tool to contact and/or block the sheet. In this way blocking of the sheet is guaranteed in the operating condition, guaranteeing effective and long-lasting heat sealing. Preferably the pressure means follow the movement of the cutting tool. In this way the movement of the cutting tool is exploited for movement of the pressure means, minimising the number of components required. Alternatively the pressure means are mobile with respect to the cutting tool. In this way the sheet can be blocked before the cutting tool contacts the same, avoiding the introduction of air bubbles into the heat sealing portion. Preferably the pressure means are provided on both sides of the cutting tool. In this way the sheet is effectively blocked and it is impossible to introduce foreign elements and air bubbles into the heat sealing portion. Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be evident from the description of the preferred embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, in which:
The machine 10 comprises cutting means 110 located in the region of the distal upper surface with respect to the operator. The cutting means 110, in the embodiment described, comprise a bar 110', preferably metallic, provided with a heatable cutting tool 112, located in the lower portion of the bar 110' at the level of the supporting surface of the base 11. The bar 110' consists of a rectangular frame, preferably made of metallic material, in which the cutting tool 110 is inserted, in a position above the supporting surface of the base 11 for the sheet 2 to be cut, and a supporting frame (not illustrated) which connects it to the base 11. The vertical sides of the supporting frame are inserted in appropriate vertical guides (not illustrated) adapted to maintain the vertical position and avoid misalignments of the bar 110' during the translation movement. The bar 110', and consequently the blade 112, can be translated in a vertical direction, i.e. perpendicular to the surface of the base 11, by means of an electromechanical actuator (not illustrated) positioned inside the machine 10. The electromechanical actuator is preferably of the screw - nut screw coupling type. A worm is operated by an electric motor. The worm is coupled to a nut screw fastened in a cylindrical hole of the lower side of the bar 110' of the blade 112. The rotation of the worm therefore determines the linear translation of the nut screw and the supporting frame. The direction of the rotation is reversible so that the blade 112 can be raised to a position outside contact with the work surface, or lowered to bring it into contact with the work surface and the sheet 2 to be cut. Many types of electromechanical actuators are commercially available which differ from the screw - nut screw type previously described but can equally be used for translation of the blade 112 of the present invention. The control means 120, illustrated in The cutting tool 112 is produced by means of a blade which extends throughout the extent of the bar 110'. Alternatively, said blade can extend even only partially along the extent of said bar 110'. The blade 112 is made of conducting material such as metal or appropriate metal alloy, for example Ni-Cr steel, such as to ensure adequate mechanical resistance and at the same time good thermal conductivity which allows rapid heating to obtain the heat sealing. If the bar is made of metallic material, the groove in which the blade 112 is inserted is coated in a layer of insulating material. Alternatively, as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, the entire support of the blade 112 can be made of insulating material. The same blade 112 is connected by means of cables to an electrical board comprising a programmable integrated circuit, part of the control means 120, and a transformer. The electrical components of the machine 10 are powered at low voltage (24V). Furthermore, the machine 10 comprises means for controlling the temperature of the cutting tool 112. Said means, in the embodiment described here, are provided by a thermocouple 112' applied on the blade 112 providing the cutting tool. Said thermocouple is operatively connected to the control means to define the operating position when a pre-set temperature threshold is reached, heating the blade 112. Alternatively, different temperature sensors could equally be used even not directly in contact with the cutting tool but operatively connected with it, such as optical sensors. The temperature threshold is set by means 130 for adjustment of the temperature threshold by the user. The means 130 are operatively connected with the control means 120. In the embodiment described here, these are provided by means of an analogical manual step selector command, located at the side of the bar 110'. Alternatively, said control can be of continuous type or furthermore can be digitalised and can entail the use of a display. The temperature values set and detected during the operating period are used by the timer means, operatively connected with the control means 120, for determination of the time the cutting tool 112 is maintained in the operating position. In the embodiment described, these are provided directly by the control means 120 by software programming of the integrated circuit. As illustrated in The machine 10 is furthermore provided with a cavity 150 on the base 11 in the vicinity of the blade 112. This allows the insertion of a soft deformable element 170, made of silicone in the present invention, to absorb part of the load produced by the blade 112 during the vertical translation. Above the element 170, a layer 160 of non-stick material is positioned. In this way, therefore, the blade 112 is free to translate also beyond the work surface of the base 11, causing deformation of the element 170 and the layer 160 without adhering to the same due to the non-stick properties of said layer 160. The operations necessary for covering the book 1 are described below. The book 1 is placed on the sheet 2, positioned on the base 11, by an operator located in the vicinity of said base 11. The size of the sheet 2 usually exceed that of the book 1, hence the sheet 2 has to be appropriately folded so as to envelop the cover of the book 1 and the part of the sheet 2 exceeding the required size must be cut. Preferably the sheet 2 is formed with at least one edge folded to form a pocket in which to insert the cover of the book 1. Cutting of the excess part of the sheet 2 and trimming of the edges are operations performed automatically by the machine 10 according to the invention. In the same way, the book 1 could be covered by means of a portion of roll (not illustrated) made of thermoplastic material provided and detached, once the covering operation has been completed, by the machine 10, according to the present invention. To facilitate winding of the same around the cover, said roll could advantageously be provided with one or more overlapped portions adapted to facilitate and speed up insertion of the cover of the book 1 to be covered. In this case the operations for folding the sheet on the cover are not necessary, thus speeding up the subsequent operations, as described below. In relation to the thermoplastic material of the sheet 2 to be used for the cover, the operator determines the temperature threshold to which the blade 112 must be heated, adjusting the latter via the analogical selector 130 previously described. The sheet 2 is cut by switching on the machine 10 via a control button (not illustrated), which starts the heating of the blade 112 and subsequent vertical translation of the bar 110' and, simultaneously, of the blade 112 according to procedures and times programmed via the integrated circuit of the control means. Starting of the cycle determines heating of the blade 112 up to the set temperature which is measured by means of the thermocouple applied on the blade 112, sending the values detected to the control means 120. Once the temperature has been reached, the control means 120 command the downward translation of the cutting means and, therefore, of the blade 112 and the covering means 114', 114" integrally connected to it. The time the heated blade 112 remains in contact, in the operating position, is determined by the pre-defined temperature threshold and by the type of thermoplastic material used. The thermoplastic material can be identified either by programming the control means 120 or by means of a selector (not illustrated) if provided. Typically, after approximately 1.5 seconds of contact between the hot blade 112 and the sheet 2 of thermoplastic material, cutting of the same is completed. As specified previously, said period of contact can be shorter or longer in relation to the characteristics of the thermoplastic material. An optical and acoustic warning device is therefore activated which signals to the operator that the operation has been completed. Detachment of the cover, provided with outer cover, from the rest of the sheet 2 is an operation which is advantageously performed automatically by the machine 10 by translating upwards, in the non-operating position, the cutting means with relative blade 112 and relative covering means 114', 114". To allow detachment of the heat-sealed sheet 2, when the tool 112 returns to the non-operating position, outside contact with the same, the means 114', 114" allow the sheet 2 to be folded, on both sides, if it is still in contact with the blade 112. The upward translation of the bar 110' allows detachment of the sealed sheet 2, and the remaining free part of the same, when the latter, coming into contact with the means 114', 114", does not adhere to the supporting portions provided. Cutting of the sheet 2 is performed as described previously for the machine 10. Also in this case a control button (not illustrated) starts the heating of the blade 212 and the subsequent vertical translation of the bar 210' and, simultaneously, of the blade 212 according to modes and times programmed via the integrated circuit of the control means. Starting of the cycle determines heating of the blade 212 up to the set temperature, measuring the same by means of the thermocouple, applied on the blade 212, and sending the values recorded to the control means (not illustrated). Once the temperature has been reached, the control means command the downward translation of the cutting means and, at the same time, of the blade 212 and the pressure means 216 integrally connected with it. Said pressure means, by contacting the sheet 2, guarantee blocking thereof during the heat-sealing, thus avoiding possible movements of the sheet 2 or the introduction of air bubbles along the heat-sealed portion. The time the heated blade 212 remains in contact, in the operating position, is determined by the pre-defined temperature threshold and by the type of thermoplastic material used. The thermoplastic material can be identified either by programming the control means or by means of a selector (not illustrated) if provided. Typically, after approximately 1.5 seconds of contact between the hot blade 212 and the sheet 2 of thermoplastic material, the cutting of the same is completed. As specified previously, said period of contact can be shorter or longer in relation to the characteristics of the thermoplastic material. An optical and acoustic warning device is therefore activated which signals to the operator that the operation has been completed. Detachment of the cover, provided with outer cover, from the rest of the sheet is an operation which is advantageously performed automatically by the machine 20 by translating upwards, in the non-operating position, the cutting means 210 with the relative blade 112 and relative pressure means 216. Cutting of the sheet 2 is performed as described previously, activating a control button (not illustrated) which starts, firstly, heating of the blade 312 and then vertical translation of the bar 310' and, simultaneously, of the blade 312 according to modes and times programmed via the integrated circuit of the control means. Starting of the cycle determines heating of the blade 312 up to the set temperature, measuring the same by means of the thermocouple applied on the blade 312, and sending the values recorded to the control means. Once the temperature has been reached, the control means command the downward translation of the cutting means and, at the same time, of the blade 312 and the pressure means 316', 316" integrally connected with it. Said pressure means, by contacting the sheet 2, guarantee blocking thereof during the heat-sealing, avoiding possible movements of the sheet 2 or the introduction of air bubbles along the heat-sealed portion. The time the heated blade 312 remains in contact, in the operating position, is determined by the pre-defined temperature threshold and by the type of thermoplastic material used. The thermoplastic material can be identified either by programming the control means or by means of a selector (not illustrated) if provided. Typically, after approximately 1.5 seconds of contact between the hot blade 312 and the sheet 2 of thermoplastic material, cutting of the same is completed. As specified previously, said period of contact can be shorter or longer in relation to the characteristics of the thermoplastic material. An optical and acoustic warning device is therefore activated which signals to the operator that the operation has been completed. Detachment of the cover, provided with outer cover, from the rest of the sheet is an operation which is advantageously performed automatically by the machine 30 by translating upwards, in the non-operating position, the cutting means 310 with the relative blade 312 and relative pressure means 316', 316". In this way the heat seal obtained is optimal and resistant even if subjected to high shear stress. A further embodiment is illustrated in Cutting of the sheet 2 is performed as described previously for the preceding embodiments. Also in this case a control button (not illustrated) starts heating of the blade 412 and simultaneously causes the vertical translation of the pressure means 416', 416" until contact is made with the sheet 2 (as illustrated in In this way the heat seal obtained is optimal and resistant even if subjected to high shear stress. The machine for covering paper articles, according to the present invention, provides a high level of automation of the operations necessary for applying the cover. Manual activation of the cutting means and the manual exercise of an adequate pressure of the same against the sheet to be cut are eliminated. This type of activation is performed automatically by the programmable heating/translation sequences of the cutting means, in relation to the material used and, therefore, the heating temperature of the cutting tool. In any case the manual activity of the operator is limited to a correct positioning of the sheet with respect to the cutting tool and positioning of the book on the sheet, in order to obtain the desired cutting lines. The advantage with respect to the known equipment is therefore very significant. Furthermore the possibility of setting different temperatures for heating of the cutting tool allows heat sealing to be obtained on any type of flexible thermoplastic material, increasing the possibilities of use of the machine. In addition, the possibility of accurately determining the heating temperature allows use of the machine in very different ambient conditions while constantly ensuring the same optimal heat sealing characteristics. The machine for covering paper articles according to the present invention provides an effective long lasting seal, better than the machines in the known art and resistant to shear stress. Blocking of the sheet to be sealed, on one or both sides, allows the same to be positioned correctly, without movements during the sealing operations and avoiding the introduction of air bubbles, or foreign materials, into the heat sealed portion. |